SASA13

Thank you for taking the time to write this review. We were on the same sailing, and had no issue with smoke in the dining room or on our balcony. The only specialty restaurant we went to was Moderno, and I thought the food was great, and the salad bar had some interesting stuff. As far as Legends go, STEVE TYLER was fantastic, and you can keep the other two performers. Elvis had a decent voice, but he had NO moves at all ( dissapointing), and I don't know why Katie Perry is considered a LEGEND ??? We love the Epic, and have sailed her 3 times already, and are looking forward to her Western Caribbean itinerary next year.

Just back from our first Epic cruise this past Saturday and we really enjoyed the cruise. We had an aft facing cabin. Was the cabin layout to my taste? No, but it did not really effect our enjoyment of the cruise. Was there some vibration in the aft? Yep! But again, it did not really bother us. That view and the sound of the wake was well worth it! The design of the ship in general? I thought it was well designed and easy to navigate. We barely went on the pool deck, but when we did, I saw lots of chairs.

 

The two or three biggest complaints I remember reading before the cruise had to do with poor, slow service, smoke in the midship areas and overcrowding, especially the elevators and the buffet. Also, the fact that seating in specialties was not to be had without a reservation well in advance conflicting with a freestyle atmosphere.

 

I have to wonder what ship these people were on. We only ate in the MDR the first night. We had a very short wait for a table with a glass of free champagne. Service was prompt and efficient. It was noisy, yes. The duo singing was great. Other nights we ate at specialties with no reservations, most of the time as walk ups around 7:00 or 8:00. Once we waited about 15 minutes. Once we were told they had a big influx of reservations on the books and to check back in 30 minutes. Must have been a lot of no shows cause we were then seated immediately. Our fav is usually Le Bistro and no complaints there, but this time Cagneys blew us away! Our first time with the new menu. My steak was huge and tender. And the salad bar at Moderno alone is worth the cover charge. Service was good everywhere we went. Buffet, crowded yes. But walk outside for lots of tables. I thought easy to navigate, no real lines except for an omlet, and loved the variety. Carving stations, even at lunch. That roasted chicken was really good.

 

The midship I would describe as very lively. No rolling up of the sidewalks here! Lots of people in the bars and lounges. Spent a lot of time in the casino. I know some will not believe this, and maybe we were just lucky as we are non smokers and smoke sets off my allergic rhinitis, but I had to wonder if they had suddenly gone nonsmoking. I saw very few the entire week. No smell, no haze in the air.

 

Elevators. I sometimes marveled that we were the only ones waiting and we often were the only ones on. Full elevators near the buffet and when everyone wanting to get off or on in ports. To be expected and had zero impact on our vacation.

 

I thought the entertainment was by far the best on any cruise ship we have ever been on. Really enjoyed Cirque. The guy doing Steven Tyler in Legends was fantastic. Elvis, pretty good. Katie, meh. And excuse me, but she has a way to go before she is a legend. Second City Overboard was good for a few laughs. Wished we could have spent more time in Howl. The audience was as entertaining as the piano players. Jim Capik(?) acoustic guitar at Maltings was a favorite spot before and after dinner. Only disappointment was the Jazz Club. Every time we stuck our heads in it was bingo or a cabaret singer.

 

Lots of enjoyment to be had on the Epic. Just go with an open mind.

I was on the same cruise and agree with everything you said 100%. I love the Epic, and am looking forward to the Western Caribbean next year.

I will be sailing on Epic Dec 21st with my wife and two children who are 19 and 21. I have to admit the negative reviews have made me a little nervous. This will be my 8th cruise and second on NCL. After thinking about the reviews for a few days I decided to dismiss most of the complaints I read and here is why...

 

1) The Norwegian Epic is a huge ship with over 4000 passengers. As the the old saying goes "You can't please everybody." So, there are always going to be a few unhappy campers for whatever reason. And of course those are the ones who are more likely to write a review. I am in the travel business myself and have first hand experience in not being able to please everyone. Recently a client who recently returned back from Morocco wrote us a complaint letter stating that she was upset because she could not find anyone in Morocco that spoke English.

 

2) I am certainly not going to let the design of the bathrooms or the room ruin my vacation. Really how ridiculous is that? I booked a Large Balcony Stateroom B6. Also, made sure ahead of time that my bed is close to the balcony. I really think planning ahead makes a big difference in enjoying the cruise.

 

3) I had to wait to be seated at the restaurants. Really? Is this something to complain about? Often when I go out to eat at some of my favorite local restaurants there is often a line. Plus, the cruise ship restaurants often serve multiple courses which takes more time to serve.

 

4) There wasn't anything to do? LOL I couldn't believe this one when I read it. I am not even on the ship yet and I am overwhelmed by the choices the Epic has to offer. I have already booked all my show times online. Blueman Group, Cirque, Legends, 2nd City Comedy, Presumed Murdered. That is just for starters, there is so much more to do on the ship.

 

5) Most of the unfriendly staff complaints have been recent. I really do believe this could be because of the Typhoon in the Philippines. I heard a majority of the crew is from there and I am sure it has effected their mood. I also believe that saying please and thank you goes a long way. I have watched people on cruise ships treat the staff like slaves demanding things. I am sure if you treat them nicely and smile they will do the same back.

 

6) As far as the Nickel and Dime thing.... Unfortunately it is not just an NCL thing, all cruise lines are starting to offer extras for extra pay. It is a trend in the industry. It's just like anything else in life. As long as people continue to go to the paid restaurants they will stay. They would not be there if people did not pay to go there. I am planning on not eating at any of the pay to eat restaurants. I will stick with the complimentary dinning options.

 

As you can see I am now planning to have a great trip!!! Don't pay much attention to the reviews....go and have your own experience and don't sweat the small stuff! I will try to write a review when I return.

GREAT ATTITUDE. I got off the Epic last Saturday, and I still LOVE IT.

This was our third cruise on the Epic and we still have a blast. Entertainment is over the top. The Casino is always jumpin, the deck parties are always high energy. The staff is still great, and the food is still delicious ( especially in the spec. restaurants). I think the staff does a great job. Nothing is 100%, and if you don't expect 100% you will never be dissapointed. Have a wonderful cruise, you and your family will love it.

Have a Blast. The Breeze was AWESOME........

I could have sworn when we did laundry on the Breeze, you just swiped your S&S card. This was for detergent, softener, the washer, and dryer. Irons were free:D

Yes, we had that on the Breeze. I LOVED IT. Not having to worry about getting change etc.

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

Thanks for the review. We sail in 9 days, and can't wait. Do you remember what drinks were available at the buffet station during the day ? There has been talk of "flavored water", something like Crystal Light ??

Great pic. Thanks

yes the flavored waters are sugar free, similar to crystal light

Thanks Julie. I will pack fewer Crystal Lights this trip.

Flavored water ? Is it something like Crystal Light ?

Thank you :) Last year all they had was the lemonade & ice tea.

Something new to check out.:D

They are in this thread :

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1805546

Coffee, tea (hot and iced) water and flavored water.

And at breakfast juice drink or real juice for a fee.

Flavored water ? Is it something like Crystal Light ?

In two weeks we will be back on the Epic for the 3rd time. We saw the show twice already and will see it again this cruise. The show is fantastic. The show is worth the price of admission alone. The food isn't bad, but DH left hungry, so we had to stop for a snack later that evening.

Great pics and review. Thank you for taking the time to post.

We always sail with a Wad of Singles, and always tip in cash.

Yes, it is still available. I am booked for December. Here is the info:

British Colonial Hilton Day Pass

Transportation- walking distance from cruise terminal

$60 per person online via Island Marketing (www.bahamascruiseexcursions.com); $5 more upon arrival.

Congrats on the wedding, and thank you for the review :)

Here is a post with Dailies from March of this year.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1918021

Same holds true for my DH and I - For the past couple of years we have been comped PH Suites with haven access! We both love to gamble - same as you- Vegas, AC, and especially cruises in the winter months. We, too, bring money to have fun- if we have any left at end of vacation we consider ourselves winners and will usually plan another weekend in AC.

 

Last year the slots on Epic were Hot- especially to one gentleman (I was fairly lucky But he hit a jackpot (over 1200) at least 8 times in the one week.)

 

Only difference I see with us is- I think i talked my DH into taking the hawaii cruise- told him we could stop in vegas on the way home!

 

Enjoy your cruise and may the luck be with you!

***EXCELLENT PLAN, stopping in Vegas after a Hawaiian cruise. I LOVE IT. Thanks for the suggestion ;)

Thanks for the review. I too, enjoyed the shows with the new songs and the lighting effects. There are a lot of folks who don't like the "new style", but I did. Thanks again.

Give CCL a try. You will find they are more similar than different. I am comparing to NCL which is the other line we cruise. Food is subjective, but IMHO I feel that CCL has better food in the MDR, and NCL has better food on the buffet. I feel that Carnival is more FUN than NCL, but NCL has better entertainment. CCL's steak house is better then NCL's steakhouse. We love to cruise, and we cruise NCL & CCL as they both "fit the bill" for us. Give CCL a try, you will be glad you did.

Read my post above for an explanation as to why the upgrade is so expensive.

 

 

 

What games do you play?

 

Do you realize that you are likely playing at significantly worse odds in their casino than you would in Vegas or basically anywhere else? (This is true for their machines -- not sure about table games.)

 

Just curious, how much do they charge you per person to upgrade to balcony? And how much is the balcony at that time if you just buy it outright?

Hi Pokerpro5, We play 80% slots, and 20% roulette. We do realize that the odds are worse than Vegas/Atlantic City, but we do not gamble on a ship to win. We gamble to have fun. We always go cruising with a certain amount of cash, and we expect to lose it all. If we come home with any cash, we are WINNERS.

We upgraded to a Family balcony for $600 more, which was a total savings of $800 at that time.

We love to cruise, we love to gamble ( on ships and in Vegas and Atlantic City) , but our main objective is to have a good time. NOTE: DH will not go on a cruise if there is no gambling--so that leaves Hawaii out. OH WELL. Can't wait to board the Epic next month

The filters are the Round type. They are the small ones, the package should say 4 cup on it. Hope this helps :)

We have gone on "free cruises" for the past 3 years now. We are only offered a free inside, so we always upgrade to a balcony. When I asked CAS why an upgrade is more than I figure it should be ( according to the going rates for the cabin catagories on line), I was told that they figure the upcharge out by the REGULAR PRICE of the cruise. Which to me means, they can charge you whatever they want.

Needless to say, we still upgrade to balcony, we have a blast in the casino....The Epic has an outrageous casino, and even though we have never won anything more than a few hundred bucks, we wait every year to get the "free cruise" postcard in the mail and we book it immediately.

We don't expect to win in the casino, all we expect is to have a good time, and we do.

In all the balcony and mini suite rooms we've ever been in, there has been a 4 cup Mr. Coffee type coffee maker (if the room doesn't have one, ask for one). We bring our own brand of coffee and yes, 4 cup filters are necessary also.

Yes, that is exactly what we had on the Epic. We brought our Dunkin Donuts coffee, and the 4 cup filters. PURE HEAVEN :)