Jason

So bummed to heart this news!  Have always LOVED every issue and CruiseCrazies had been featured in the magazine numerous times over the years.
Glad I still have some copies to hold onto for the future.

Thank you so much I appreciate it! Symphony is definitely Royal's push to create the "perfect" cruise ship! 

As a fan of the large ships, Yes I do! I think Royal bringing the amazing features of the large ships to some of the small ships is an incredible idea so people who enjoy the smaller ships can enjoy those features too! 

Thank you, Shari!? Seawalk, fortunately, had enough solid floor surrounding the glass to make it less obvious that there was nothing between us and the ocean.?

Loving hearing about this Jan.  That Seawalk does sound a bit scary to me.

Southwest is big out of the Phoenix area. But whenever I go on a cruise—-I fly 1st class. Next month I’m on American 1st class round trip & is also N/S.

We like to be pampered! I wish Southwest would debut a first class I would be there in 2 seconds! 

I did spend a little too much on souvenirs in the past.  Had to pay more for my luggage on the plane on the way home.  And except for my shot glasses to show in the case,  I rarely used anything.  Did buy the T-shirts for the kids& grandkids.
Did leave behind, once on the ship, a jacket that I really liked and had just bought. 
The worst I can remember was not getting a flu shot.  Everyone at work was sick and I was about to cruise on my vacation to Hawaii.  I had dreamed of going to Hawaii all my life.  So the very first day we board the ship, after spending two days in Oahu, I start coughing so bad that I thought I had pneumonia...sure enough it was the flu...stayed in my room for a couple of days to not spread it around, but when the coughing quit we did take some tours and I took medicine and tried hard to not get too close to anyone...didn't want to spoil their time in Hawaii.  We had two days back in Oahu when we got off the ship...I was better by then, raring to go, but then Marc got sick and spent those two days in bed at the hotel...after that I always got the flu shot.

I can TOTALLY relate to the T-shirt regrets, Jan!  In fact, I just put a bunch of them in the Salvation Army pile, lol.

Hi Joe...what a wonderful blog, and review of "The Norwegian Escape."  It sounds like a wonderful ship.  Love the pictures!  I have only been on Norwegian once, and that was a few years back.  I was on the older ship, "The Norway."  I believe it used to be "The France."  It was a very interesting ship. I really liked it.  The entertainment was excellent, but we seemed to be on it at the wrong time.  Some protesting with the help and all caused Norwegian to hire some new help.  We did still really enjoy it.  Would love to try the newer Norwegian ships, especially now after seeing your review.  Thanks for the great post, great review, and great pictures!  So glad that you, and family, had a great time...except for the Disembarkation.

Joe, thanks for sharing your first cruise with NCL. Being a diehard Princess fan, Norwegian’s Freestyle cruising was a hard sell for my husband and I, but after recently returning from our 8th NCL cruise, I guess I can say the line grew on us - we love them! We are also New Englanders born and bread, and I agree - cruising out of New York is so easy, and Boston, even better! 

Never would have thought about leaving the glove box open .. Awesome!  Thanks @Jan115 ?

Great ideas, Jan!

Forgot to say WELCOME Joe...love your blog and the great pictures! We were on the "Holiday" back in the '80s and it was pretty bad, but decided to go with a group of friends on the "Liberty" in 2009.  I was amazed at how much better the ships looked, and the food and entertainment was very good.  Although I would love to try other ships, I wouldn't hesitate to sail on the newer Carnival ships again.  Loved the melting chocolate cake with a little ice cream on top.  Had that almost every night, even though the crème Brule is usually my favorite.

Thanks for posting Joe. I've got to say the photo's make the ship look very "vanilla" which may be better than the older ships and their garish colors. Still too many people in too small of an area for me though.

@Shari2 I could not agree more Carnival has come a very long way in a short amount of time! If you enjoyed the Carnival Liberty you would definitely enjoy the Horizon! 

Cruise more; cruise more; cruise more. Love it!  Always enjoy your blogs and information Jan...have a wonderful time on the Epic and come back and tell us more.

Thanks, Shari! ?

Looks like a beautiful ship!  Carnival has come a long ways from years back.   My last cruise on Carnival was in 2009 on the "Liberty." Although Celebrity is my favorite, I really enjoyed the Carnival Liberty.

Good one

I agree - the ribs were great, and I'm not a huge fan of hand-held sticky food.? 

Awesome post and video Danny!  How many sailings have you cruised so far?  And your passport must be stamps galore - Have you needed to get the second booklet to make room for stamps yet??

Love your blogs Danny...loved your video...what a wonderful way to see the world...on cruise ships to everywhere...and so wonderful to meet so many great people...and so nice that you met the love of your life.  Marriage coming this coming January?  Congratulations!!  Will you be traveling together, on and off the ships?

Hi Danny...loved your video and all the food.  Yum!  Definitely makes me want to cruise.  The last one, eating sea food by the sea...love that!  My favorite desert on cruises is the crème Brule.  

Glad to have you back, Danny! I’m glad to see you’ve graduated from the leftovers served below decks.? Loved your video, and I agree, no matter how full I am, I can never pass on dessert!?