Last fall I booked the Norwegian Epic for a spring break cruise from San Juan. Normally, I would never book a cruise during spring break UNLESS it involves grandkids. Yes, I’m joining my DIL, C, and grandson A.
We took advantage of the half off airfare offer from Norwegian. Even though this is my third trip on this ship, there are a few reasons I’m excited to sail her again.
Travel Companions
We’re flying separately from our respective homes for the trip but otherwise I’m going with them and will with the flow most of the time for activities and meals. It may result in more buffet and less main dining room but so be it. I had a cruise last month and another next month for the other experience.
My philosphy is kids grow up way to fast and to enjoy them while they’re willing to vacation with you.
Cabin
The first time I sailed Epic it was in a balcony cabin. The second time (transatlantic) it was in an inside cabin. This time it’s a studio cabin.
I’m looking forward to the coffee machine in the studio lounge and having my own space so I won’t be worried about bothering others with my early to bed early to rise routine. It also won’t be awkward with the infamous bathroom design on the Epic!
Ports
Since we’re leaivng from San Juan we have five port stops in a seven day sailing. The ports are Aruba, Curaçao, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Grenada. I’ve been to the first three but the last two are new to me. We’re doing a mix of excursions together and separately with private and NCL vendors.
Aruba
I’ve been here several times and am going on Kukoo Kunuku bus for an inexpensive tour (after $50 NCL shore excursion credit). C and A have another activity, diving, planned that was too much for me!
Curacao
I’ve been to this port more than any of the others we’re stopping. We’re all going on an NCL tour of the Hato Caves and Ostrich farm. It was $31 after discounts (I also get 10% off due to loyalty status).
St. Kitts
This will be my second visit to the island. I took the photo above there where you can see the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Caribbean sea on the other.
All three of us are taking a tour to Nevis with beach time and lunch included after touring the island. This was of interest largely because of Alexander Hamilton. We booked it via Get Your Guide.
St. Lucia
C and A are ziplining today and I took a hard pass on that. Instead I’ll be taking a four hour tour named “Island Splendor”. We’ll get to see a variety of sights and all at an activity level of 1.
Grenada
It’s my first visit to the spice island as Grenada is known. Originally we were supposed to go to Bonaire instead of “Grenada” which I was looking forward to but it was changed by NCL. Someday I’ll get to Bonaire!
We booked the Seven Sisters Waterfalls Trek excursion via Norwegian. I’m looking forward to checking out why it’s called the Spice Island seeing some of the natural sights.
San Juan
I’m adding San Juan to the list because there’s a long time between disembarkation and my 7 pm flight. So I’m taking the ship’s transfer with rainforest visit. I’ve thought about going to the rainforest each time we have a port stop here but haven’t made it yet.
No matter what we do I know this will be a great vacation because of who I’ll be with.
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