used to Celebrity, considering Epic TA inaugural

[galba]

Hi,

 

I'm considering doing the Epic inaugural transatlantic on july 24.

 

Being used to Celebrity, do you think I will like it?

 

How do these two lines compare generally?

[SuiteTraveler]

I think that the Epic is going to be a drastically different experience than any of the current NCL ships. My expectation is that is will be more like the RCCL Oasis of the Seas. There is a lot of focus on entertainment and specialty dining from reading the promotional materials about this ship.

 

While Celebrity ships have understated and tasteful decor, NCL ships tend to be more contemporary and over the top in decor and colors. NCL uses lots of art glass and even the staterooms are in vivid colors. I was on the Celebrity Galaxy, which was very elegant and the shops were very expensive and upscale. NCL's shops are not fancy at all - in fact, this is one area that it would behoove NCL to work on extensively. The shop on the Jade looked more like a Target than a cruise ship shop and was drastically under merchandized when we were on the ship last May - but then, there was literally nothing of interest to buy anyway and the displays were quite uninspiring.

 

That said, I have traveled on the NCL Jade in a Courtyard Villa and in about a week, I'm going back, this time in an Owner's Suite. It is the Suites and above that make NCL a great line to cruise on, IMO. The bathrooms for AB Penthouse, Courtyard Villa and above are better than any others we've seen at sea! Huge walk-in shower and separate tub, two sinks, toilet in separate room. I've been on Celebrity and liked it very much - we had a balcony for a little less than we paid for a Courtyard Villa. IMO, the suites on the NCL ships are the main attraction of these ships. The Epic will be "Freestyle" dining - eat where and when you want which we liked - the tables are setup for smaller groups and you generally don't share tables with strangers unless you specifically request to do that. People also do not dress up on NCL cruises as much as on other cruiselines - less than 20% dressed up for formal night - we actually liked that feature when in Europe - we were too tired to dress up after back to back all day touring.

 

The food in the Main Dining Rooms is not as good as on Celebrity. Le Bistro and Cagney's are terrific. We never went to the Teppanyaki Room - but it was 100% booked up every night, so it must be good! Suite breakfast and lunch in Cagneys was terrific.

 

What I like best about NCL is the way that Suite Guests are treated. It really is wonderful and sets NCL apart from other cruiselines. The Courtyard was a wonderful oasis at sea - so wonderful, we rarely left that area to go to other parts of the ship. I do not think I would go on NCL in anything less than a suite. I am planning on trying the Epic - preferably in Europe and, of course, in a suite.

[SeaShark]

Hi,

 

I'm considering doing the Epic inaugural transatlantic on july 24.

 

Being used to Celebrity, do you think I will like it?

 

How do these two lines compare generally?

 

How could I...or anyone else for that matter...possibly answer that question without knowing what your likes and dislikes are?

 

What one person likes may not be what another likes and vice-versa.

 

 

As to comparing the two lines...on what basis would you like a comparison to be made?

 

Might it be easier for you to tell us what you like and dislike about Celebrity and then we can tell you what those things are like on NCL? That way, you could make the decision based on the factors that are important to you instead of by what is important to one of us.

[njhorseman]

FYI, the Epic inaugural transatlantic cruise is June 24, not July 24.

 

Otherwise, I generally agree with SeaShark's observations, but without even knowing anything about your likes and dislikes, one of the key differences between NCL and Celebrity is that NCL is far more casual...no formal nights, no semi-formal nights, etc. You can get dressed up of course, but the dress "code" every night is "resort casual". The whole atmosphere of NCL ships is more laid back and casual, in ways beyond the dress code.

[GORDONCHICK]

NCL and Celebrity are my favorite lines, but for completely different reasons (mostly - I get pampered on both). If you temper your expectations and don't expect NCL to be like or do things like Celebrity, you will probably find you like NCL, too. You can get a lot of NCL info here and have some idea of what to expect, but go into it with an open mind and plan to enjoy yourself.

[galba]

About me: 45, male and will probably travel solo for once, as DW can't

leave work at this time.

 

To be more specific, what I dislike on a cruise are:

 

- constant announcements about bingo, and that kind of stuff.

 

- cheap canned music playing everywhere,

 

- loud drunk people with tank tops, you get the picture,

 

- myriads of kids running wild,

 

- hairy chest contests a-la Carnival,

 

And now what I (would) like:

 

- a bit more activities than on =X=, wall climbing for instance sounds

nice,

 

- a nice spa and fitness,

 

- lectures, comedy shows, card lessons?

 

- very important: wifi Internet access throughout the ship, as I plan to

work during that cruise,

[njhorseman]

About me: 45, male and will probably travel solo for once, as DW can't

leave work at this time. NCL has cabins designed for solo cruisers, which do not carry a singles surcharge...the Studios

 

To be more specific, what I dislike on a cruise are:

 

- constant announcements about bingo, and that kind of stuff. NCL will have bingo announcements, etc.

 

- cheap canned music playing everywhere, There will be some canned music.

 

- loud drunk people with tank tops, you get the picture, I've seen plenty of drunks on Celebrity, too.

 

- myriads of kids running wild, A transatlantic cruise shouldn't have too many kids...and that type of cruise generally gets a little older, more sedate crowd than say a Caribbean cruise.

 

- hairy chest contests a-la Carnival, No hairy chest contests on NCL

 

And now what I (would) like:

 

- a bit more activities than on =X=, wall climbing for instance sounds

nice, Yes...NCL will have more activities along those lines

 

- a nice spa and fitness, NCL has excellent spa and fitness facilities

 

- lectures, comedy shows, card lessons? NCL has pretty much dropped free lectures and lessons, but the Epic will have by far the best entertainment selection at sea...Blue Man Group, Legends in Concert, Cirque Dreams, Second City comedy troupe, etc.

 

- very important: wifi Internet access throughout the ship, as I plan to

work during that cruise, They have wifi...but I don't know how reliable the signal will be everywhere on the ship

 

 

My comments are inserted in red.

[time2cruise1]

While Celebrity ships have understated and tasteful decor, NCL ships tend to be more contemporary and over the top in decor and colors. NCL uses lots of art glass and even the staterooms are in vivid colors..

 

Check out the latest pictures on the NCL facebook page. Things have changed on the Epic. No vivid colors. I already miss them.

[galba]

Now can I make a more informed decision. However I have a couple more

questions:

 

- if I book now, will NCL honor price drops? If so will it be in OBC or

refund?

 

- if I book direct with NCL can I get OBC? how?

 

Thanks,

[MagicMike]

Hi,

 

I'm considering doing the Epic inaugural transatlantic on july 24.

 

Being used to Celebrity, do you think I will like it?

 

How do these two lines compare generally?

 

Now can I make a more informed decision. However I have a couple more

questions:

 

- if I book now, will NCL honor price drops? If so will it be in OBC or

refund?

 

- if I book direct with NCL can I get OBC? how?

 

Thanks,

 

The Epic TA is actually JUNE 24, not July 24. NCL is currently offering free upgrades on the TA.

[SeaShark]

Now can I make a more informed decision. However I have a couple more

questions:

 

- if I book now, will NCL honor price drops? If so will it be in OBC or

refund?

 

- if I book direct with NCL can I get OBC? how?

 

Thanks,

 

Yes NCL will honor price drops...as long as the due date for final payment has not passed.

 

No price drops beyone the final payment date...however, some have reported getting upgrades or OBCs past the final payment date when there is a price drop.

 

When there is a price drop, they basically handle it as a cancellation and rebooking at the new rate. If you've already paid, you will get a refund, not an OBC.

 

 

Yes you can get an OBC booking direct with NCL. The qualifier is that they have to be offering one as an incentive when you book. They will simply give it to you.

[galba]

Still more questions :-)

 

- what is the difference between a balcony and a balcony deluxe apart

from cabin size? different perks?

 

- is there a fee for accessing the spa, steam room, sauna, thalasso

pool, relaxation room facilities?

 

Thanks,

[time2cruise1]

Still more questions :-)

 

- what is the difference between a balcony and a balcony deluxe apart

from cabin size? different perks?

 

- is there a fee for accessing the spa, steam room, sauna, thalasso

pool, relaxation room facilities?

 

Thanks,

 

Only difference is the size and many of the deluxe balconies have a tub/shower combo. Regular balconies have just a shower.

The spa area carries a daily or weekly charge unless you are booked into a spa balcony or spa suite.

[flashdog_1]

Galba,

X was my favorite line by far until we tried NCL. My DH does not like to dress up, so is uncomfortable for the entire cruise on Celebrity (his first was an 11 nighter with 4 not compatible tablemates. He was miserable except when the casino was open). On NCL you will see people dressed every which way. Since there is no dress code to speak of, you stop worrying about what the other fellow is wearing, and just please yourself. Clean and pressed works best for dinner! MY DD and I like to dress up so we enjoy X if we have a choice. But NCL prices usually can't be beat. Just remember that if you want even better meals you can go to the specialty restaurants without breaking the bank. Now DD likes Freestyle dining so well that she will gladly go with me on NCL.

 

NCL does not allow you the two bottles of wine to carry on for use in cabin, though. $15 corking fee and it can be drunk anywhere on the ship. NCL no longer offers a glass of champagne upon boarding, either.

 

What I miss on NCL are classical music before, during and after dinner. I've read here on Cruise Critic that there has been some classical piano, but it's not advertised as such. It may just say piano music, and the artist will do his own thing which could be jazz, classical and pop all in one sitting. I also miss the lectures. NCLU is mostly "lessons" on how to mix drinks!

 

The inaugural ride of a new ship will be the less coordinated, probably, since everything will not be worked out live (on paper, maybe), but sure is something to write home about.

 

I would think a transAtlantic would be perfect for getting some work done, enjoying good food, some entertainment to suit your schedule, and relaxation in the spa before flying home.