Trynity

One of the reasons that I really appreciate this forum is that it does give everyone the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions (good, bad and indifferent). I too, booked a cruise on the Epic (1st time on both the ship and doing a Mediterranean cruise) and therefore have been reading the various threads pertaining to the EPIC quite diligently. I have to say, as big as the ship is, the negative reviews seem very few and far between. (and I recall seeing one particular bed-bug review from a person who seemed more interested in soliciting compensation, than actually reporting evidence).

This cruise is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, so even if the layout is awkward, or she comes out of dry dock smelling of paint fumes and with a few less entertaining acts, I am going to relish the experience. I will be celebrating a "cancer free" diagnosis, with my family, so I am thinking that any 'unfortunate or unpleasant' change encounters will merely be "water under the ship" for me.

I hope you are able to focus on some of the positive reviews (many with some amazing details and wonderful photos).

I am not familiar with Cagney's, therefore I am not certain whether it will affect my upcoming cruise, so please pardon the question if it has already been addresses, but if you get the UDP as a bonus for a booking (in our case we were able to get the UDP and the UBP) does the elimination of one signature restaurant greatly affect your dining choice options (this will be our second cruise on NCL, so I am still trying to learn about which places are "must trys" and which are just "so-so" )

I do not have much to offer in regards to having an alternate, but I wanted to say I do hope that your friend gets good news on her test results, not simply for the purpose of enjoying a wonderful cruise, but for the sake of her overall health..

I'd love to see any inside shots of a family balcony layout as well, our 3rd and 4th pax are 2 petite semi adults (19 & 21) ...

I too am going on the epic for the 1st time (sailing from Barcelona in October), so I have been keeping a keen on on the posts regarding this ship.

I did catch the Bed Bugs thread and was of course appalled and read thru the entire post. I have to say, in my opinion, the way the original poster communicated his experiences, it seemed more like he was attempting to extort money out of NCL, by providing back feedback on a site specifically intended to discuss all facets of cruises/cruising. I think if I had encountered any type of issue, I would have provided FACTs, substantiated with evidence (photos of the bites, the soiled attire, the "blacklight" inspection), and then sent a letter directly to NCL, indicating that if they did not provide proper recourse (in his case recompense) then I would feel obliged to share my experiences publicly via social media channels.

I trust in the NCL brand. That is why they have gained my loyalty as a customer. I am not a seasoned cruiser (YET), but the experiences I have had on their cruise line have been enough to satiate my expectations. I do my homework and I also appreciate deeply those posters who so kindly take the time to share their reviews and experiences as well. So as another poster said, the Epic is a huge ship, with a plethora of passengers, many of whom continue to share their experiences here, and other than that one particular thread, I think the worst complaint I have read so far is "beware the bathroom layout"

:):):):):) Congratulations on both endeavors...

hope you have an amazing cruise and lifetime of happiness

Thanks for the comments re flights. My concern may be valid that the flights could cost more than the cruise.

we got a rather good deal on flights from JFK to Barcelona for $787.00 (USD) per person.

PHL is a closer airport for us, but the flight was $400 more (car service to JFK i only $125 each way), so we are still saving a bundle

Mega-Cruiser,

Once again, I want to echo the sentiment of many of the posters before me, when I say thank you so very much for the amazing review of this cruise.

I truly appreciated all of your efforts to share your experiences. And I know I will certainly be referencing this thread in the coming months, while counting down the days until my own departure.

Could you please let me know if you happen to recall which terminal this departed from Barcelona ? We are looking to arrange a hotel close to port and I was under the impression that there are several options depending on the Cruise terminal.

How did you come to chose the company in Barcelona you had used for your transport ? Any additional insight would be most sincerely appreciated and welcome. My email is Nikki.Dugan@aol.com if you'd prefer to message privately.

Again, my sincerest gratitude for your gracious reviews

your TA gets a commission on your booking, so they should be willing to correct their "lackluster" service -(at least get you some OBC or the UDP)

this is alarming and I truly hope that NCL will provide more than an explanation for those affected. We just booked our airfare for the 10/25 Epic cruise, but if the ship is due to be in dock, what happens if the repairs take longer than necessary.

I was due to write a few articles for this particular cruise, but it seems as though I may need to have an alternate plan in the event our departure date is also cancelled.

I will be keeping a close eye on my emails, but also this thread. Again, I hope anyone who has been affected is able to get full refunds and I am truly sorry for the frustration you have (and possibly will) incur

eagerly following and I do so truly appreciate your photos, reviews and sharing your experiences.

I was very grateful for your previous review on the Epic (as we will be sailing on her soon) and your travel insight will surely be an invaluable asset

Megacruiser,

I want to convey my deepest gratitude for the time you spent compiling and communicating your thoughts, experiences and opinions.

This, by far has been the most informative and insightful review I have had the pleasure to read.

I will be following all of your future threads with great interest and appreciation

looking forward to reading more about your experience as this will be our 1st time on the EPIC (and 1st European Cruise).

Would you by chance remember what class Balcony room you had ?

We just booked our 2nd NCL cruise, and it happens to be the EPIC, so I am really looking forward to your review and photos.

Thanks so much for sharing with us !

sorry and thanks!

 

wow just what i have been searching the internet for... a relatively neutral (non-biased) opinion of NCL's EPIC.

thanks for sharing