ksbear

I'm curious, too! I don't think the shower setup would be a big deal for most couples, though not ideal IMO. At this point, after twenty years, the toilet isn't either for us :p

For a newlywed or dating couple, it's not exactly a romantic setup! You hear everything!

As other folks have pointed out, this is not a black and white issue. These are all simply opinions, not facts, and I appreciate the kind words of folks who get this, whether or not they share my POV. As I stated before several times, this is for people who do care about this issue or who want to decide whether or not to sail the Epic. It certainly made our life easier and avoided potential embarrassment for pubescent teen siblings.

I've read that people have avoided the Epic because of the bathroom setup, and personally I don't think its necessary to avoid the ship when there is such a simple fix. So many times I read posts where so and so complains about an issue and I think "this wouldn't bother me" so I move on. Why waste time and harsh words on something that doesn't affect you?

I do think it was important to post photos as I was genuinely trying to help folks who DO care and was having a hard time finding good data. I wish I had had this information before boarding, as I would have been reassured that it's very easy to solve the privacy issue. If you look, you will notice my family member is fully clothed in the photos.

The frosted glass is better than clear, for sure, but it's not enough for us. Again, this is our opinion and not a fact. We recently stayed with a friend in a bedroom that had an open floor plan, a clear shower door within full view of the bed. We hated it as we couldn't use the shower until the bedroom was clear. Again, our opinion and we just quietly made sure the outside door was locked when we bathed. It was a hassle, but we dealt with it. I know this is becoming a trend in some developments, one I personally don't like, so I wouldn't buy a house with this floor plan. simple.

Europeans do have different cultural norms regarding privacy and nudity - as evidenced by the topless sunbathing in Nice- so I think it was wise to move the Epic to Europe. I also think NCl is wise to not repeat this design (unless they can make the doors opaque, which would make it an ideal situation for us, irt multitasking).

So, you have two active thread about Epic bathrooms on the first page and you are updating both of them? Oh, wait...you started a third thread to say you updated the other threads. Awesome.

 

 

I laughed. :D

Wow... I'm glad I made your day. I was unable to edit my original thread to indicate there was an update - since some people had asked for it. And yes, originally I had accidentally started a duplicate post. I don't know how that happened. I'm sure you've never made a mistake in your entire life. I am just astonished at some of the rudeness I've encountered on this board

What do you mean the provided curtain wasn't enough? You wanted double-layer in case someone was trying extra hard to peek through it? I don't get it.

I really didn't Want to get into this again, but if you read through the thread you might understand. We used the curtain on the glass shower door, which is see through, so we could truly multitask and not have to worry about other people walking by or any potential embarrassment. Keep in mind I have a teenager and preteen Who care deeply about this issue.

If the original set up doesn't bother you, then good for you!

There is a curtain that pulls a cross the area where the toilet and shower compartment are. No need to have bring towels or sheets[emoji1]

I disagree.. It wasn't enough for us so I am glad we took a shower curtain! I know this issue is controversial for some reason that I will never understand, but please understand that for some of us this is an issue and I'm so glad we were able to work around it to make it an enjoyable stay for all of us. This update is for people like us :)

I couldn't edit my initial posting to indicate an update, so FYI.. I updated my threads with photos since I know this is an issue for some. It works out fine with an opaque/fabric shower curtain!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2175511

Update! We had a wonderful time on our cruise, and I am SO THANKFUL that we took precautions to make this a good stay. I ended up taking a fabric shower curtain and suction hooks, but given the position of the existing hooks, I didn't really need to use mine.

I simply put the shower curtain up using both of the NCL hooks, and since I had brought some, I added one extra hook in the middle to double up the curtain. I was still able to used their hooks to hang clothes, towels, toiletry bag, swimsuits..

I've posted pictures to make this clearer.

There is a red curtain that separates the shower and toilet from the sink and sleeping area, but this way we could truly multitask and use the toilet or go in and out of the room when someone was in the shower, without worrying about telling them. My teen dd didn't even want us to walk by WITH the curtain, but since it was opaque she was unaware that we were doing it anyway :) we did announce when we were using the toilet, if someone was in the shower. The shower is big for cruise ship standards, but we chose to dress outside it. That was the only time we had to announce for others to stay out, but it was a relatively short time. The existing shower door is see through. I've posted pics so you can see, but with a fabric curtain we couldn't see a thing. Such an easy fix! We also used the red curtain.

While it was nice to multitask, I think they could have avoided some problems by making an opaque shower door and making the toilet door airtight. Let's just say it's kind of embarrassing to hear each others' noises, especially combined with all you can eat buffets. What WERE they thinking?? We joke around a lot so we just made light of it, but for some people this could be highly embarrassing. The flush is very loud but brief.

Also, when we closed the red curtain, there was hardly any light in the sink area, even with the sink light on. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but for those who do it may be an issue.

I wouldn't skip the epic for this bathroom design, but I would definitely take a shower curtain so you don't have to think too much. Other than this and the fact that we had to walk through the casino a lot, it was a great experience.

Without curtain:

With curtain:

Hook on left and our suction cup hook (not essential for a thick fabric curtain):

Hook on right (notice we can still use them to hang other stuff):

Update! We had a wonderful time on our cruise, and I am SO THANKFUL that we took precautions to make this a good stay. I ended up taking a fabric shower curtain and suction hooks, but given the position of the existing hooks, I didn't really need to use mine.

I simply put the shower curtain up using both of the NCL hooks, and since I had brought some, I added one extra hook in the middle to double up the curtain. I was still able to used their hooks to hang clothes, towels, toiletry bag, swimsuits..

I've posted pictures to make this clearer.

There is a red curtain that separates the shower and toilet from the sink and sleeping area, but this way we could truly multitask and use the toilet or go in and out of the room when someone was in the shower, without worrying about telling them. My teen dd didn't even want us to walk by WITH the curtain, but since it was opaque she was unaware that we were doing it anyway :) we did announce when we were using the toilet, if someone was in the shower. The shower is big for cruise ship standards, but we chose to dress outside it. That was the only time we had to announce for others to stay out, but it was a relatively short time. The existing shower door is see through. I've posted pics so you can see, but with a fabric curtain we couldn't see a thing. Such an easy fix! We also used the red curtain.

While it was nice to multitask, I think they could have avoided some problems by making an opaque shower door and making the toilet door airtight. Let's just say it's kind of embarrassing to hear each others' noises, especially combined with all you can eat buffets. What WERE they thinking?? We joke around a lot so we just made light of it, but for some people this could be highly embarrassing. The flush is very loud but brief.

Also, when we closed the red curtain, there was hardly any light in the sink area, even with the sink light on. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but for those who do it may be an issue.

I wouldn't skip the epic for this bathroom design, but I would definitely take a shower curtain so you don't have to think too much. Other than this and the fact that we had to walk through the casino a lot, it was a great experience.

Without curtain:

With curtain:

Hook on left and our suction cup hook (not essential for a thick fabric curtain):

Hook on right (notice we can still use them to hang other stuff):

OK, we have just come off the Epic.

There is a curtain that separates the shower and toilet from the main cabin so you can shut it for privacy. My tween daughter used to that for dressing (I am too old to care and would have probably used the balcony given the chance, LOL). When the curtain is closed you cannot see the toilet area at all.

In regards to the shower, there are two hooks on the exposed side that is not behind the curtain, we had our fleeces and other bits hung up on there so you could not see into the shower when someone was in there. The bottom of the shower is hidden behind the sink cupboard.

Thanks. Good to know about the hooks! I bought a set of suction cup hooks from costco (they are supposedly very sturdy but come off fairly easily when needed) and I'll probably get a couple of shower liners.

I wouldn't care so much if it was just me and my hubby, though I still wouldn't like the idea and I would definitely use the curtain! However, with four people in a tight space, and two of them being extra sensitive and easily embarrassed and finally having the freedom to come and go by themselves, I really wish we didn't have to think about this. I think if we somehow cover it, we should be able to forget about it and not worry about coordinating or giving warnings if we are walking by, etc... Good idea to hang a do not disturb sign (if we remember to do it) but I can't lock it since others will be coming and going.

Clearly NCL has learned their lesson on this ridiculous design.

Good reminder for us to not wear shorts and cover our shoulders as we enter churches. I had forgotten about that. I will take lightweight shawls.. good idea.. and I think dh and ds will have to wear convertible pants/shorts because they will complain about wearing pants in the summer!

so my thinking is that if a extra privacy barrier makes your daughter feel more comfortable and secure then isn't too bad an idea at all 

the suction hook thing along with a cheap thin polyester shower curtain could do the job nicely i reckon or you could try large plastic pegs and attach to top rail 

in the UK I'd find these easy in a pound store (i think in the US this would be dollar tree ?) perhaps would you could find something cheaply in here ?

I wonder what the stewards will think lol I can't be the first one to do something, since I did see someone else post this idea.

I will definitely post a review and pictures!

It's not just my teen daughter, but I also have an 11 year old son. They would scream if they accidentally saw each other in either situation lol

I will certainly post pics and give an honest review from the perspective of someone who WAS concerned about it initially! :) I hope it won't be an issue and this was all for nothing.

My engineer husband is going to get a big kick out of this - I can see it now.

We've been on two NCL cruises and have an Epic cruise planned. Other than that, I've only sailed Carnival once (it was a three day "party" cruise to Mexico - ugh).

Based on our experience, we love NCL!

1. I too have concerns about the darn bathrooms, but we like NCL enough to make it work (maybe with some adjustments).

2. If you don't want kids, you'll have to sail off season and avoid vacation times :)

3. We chose NCL to avoid the formal nights! My dh and ds would hate it lol We like that there is an optional formal night on the sea days, and we do take that opportunity to dress up a little and take pictures, but we're talking a nice dress or dress shirt, not a tux! You could wear a ball gown and tux if you want, though, but perhaps not to the buffet :) That flexibility, and the freestyle dining, are huge draws for our family.

4. I don't remember having to reserve anything, but that might be a new thing. I would show up early to get a good seat.

Somehow, I opened two identical threads, so there is more information on the other one.

Here is the video that started it all for me:

Look, it's not bad enough to prevent me from going on the ship, but I think it was a terrible idea and I plan to try to cover it up if I can, for peace of mind, plus I don't want to hear incessant complaints from my teenager :)

It's a different ballgame when you have a teen in the picture. My kids are fairly paranoid about privacy. It just seems much easier to put something up and forget it, compared to having to be vigilant about who is doing what. IME, we tend to be in and out at all times, and this time the kids will be allowed to do their own thing, too. I'm amused that this is such a controversy because it is such a personal thing - while it might not bother one person, it can be a problem for someone else, and I don't see why this is so hard to understand. I appreciate the ideas! I'm not sure how this happened, but I accidentally started a duplicate thread, where someone suggested contact paper. Lots of great ideas! The contact paper might be the easiest, as I've actually heard of people using that as a temporary window covering! hmmm...

Another person said it's not an issue if the light is on in the cabin AND the toilet/shower, which is reassuring, but I think I will take some sort of device just in case.

From past experience, there are four of us and we will need to walk by to get in and out or multitask. Isn't that the purpose of separating the areas? One person can use the toilet or brush while other takes a shower.

I just booked an inside family cabin for a mediterranean cruise! I read a lot of posts about the bathrooms. I like that they are separated, but I hate that they are see through. What the heck? Anyway, we are ncl fans, so this wasn't going to stop us from picking the epic for this dream itinerary.

I remember reading about someone who was going to use suction cup hooks and a shower curtain liner, but I can't find that post anywhere. I was wondering if it worked or if anyone has thought of any other ideas that will allow for some privacy. It will definitely bother us, esp. My teen daughter, even if others can see an outline. I have seen pictures and even a video so I am aware of how it looks and really don't want to argue about whether or not we need to cover it :) How about draping a large towel over the shower/toilet doors? I could take two cheap lightweight beach towels and just leave them there.

Eta: in some photos, it appears there is a gap over the door, but not in others. Hmm..

I just booked an inside family cabin for a mediterranean cruise! I read a lot of posts about the bathrooms. I like that they are separated, but I hate that they are see through. What the heck? Anyway, we are ncl fans, so this wasn't going to stop us from picking the epic for this dream itinerary.

I remember reading about someone who was going to use suction cup hooks and a shower curtain liner, but I can't find that post anywhere. I was wondering if it worked or if anyone has thought of any other ideas that will allow for some privacy. It will definitely bother us, esp. My very modest teen daughter, even if others can see an outline. I have seen pictures and even a video so I am aware of how it looks and really don't want to argue about whether or not we need to cover it :) How about draping a large towel over the shower/toilet doors? I could take two cheap lightweight beach towels and just leave them there.

We had a great experience with palladium travel. They did a custom itinerary for our group of seven and were patient answering questions in advance. The driver and tour guide were good. I just posted a more detailed review in the "St. Petersburg with kids, independent or tour" thread.