Epic disappointment

[Loyal2RCCL]

[quote name='gb58']Honestly, why are you bothering to post on this board. Your user name + signature (NCL- never again!!) seem to imply something less than objective opinion.[/quote]

Excuse me, I didn't realize these boards were restricted to those who are only pro-NCL.

It seems that my opinions are being echoed not only by those who have already sailed on this ship, but also by members of the press who are onboard.

There's even another post, with an article that states there are 200 workers from the shipyard still completing work onboard. One of whom was quoted as saying the ship really needed another 15 days in the yard to be completed. It also states that NCL has acknowledged there are problems with the odd bathroom design and will be replacing the less than functional sinks.

[Cruising Caro]

[quote name='Loyal2RCCL']Excuse me, I didn't realize these boards were restricted to those who are only pro-NCL.[/QUOTE]

I think when people have spent a lot of money and are really looking forward to a cruise they naturally want everything to be wonderful and react badly when others express disappointment or post criticisms. I have been chuckling to myself over the past few days, thinking that the name of this website should be changed from Cruise Critic to Cruise Enthuse.

For my part I am looking forward very much to the cruise but also realistic enough to accept that, when a number of people express reservations about something, there is probably a good reason. I've certainly learned an important lesson, which is not to book a cruise ship before she is built, relying on artists' impressions and sales hype rather than photographs and real life feedback from fellow cruisers.

[CanadianTwosome]

[quote name='Mr. Luckytoo']Well CanadianTwoome I guess I'm just unrealistic then.

With about 29 hours before the Mrs and I will be boarding on the Epic TA I'm in London reading the boards and I'm shocked by the rampant comments of people who have made up their minds just from pictures alone!

In my opinion there is much more to cruising than a cabin! (How often does the average cruiser spend in their cabin BTW?) For myself service is first and foremost followed by entertainment - including the casino then food. Since this is a TA stops aren't really playing any role.

Right now I'm sitting in my little room in London waiting for the Mrs to finish her hair so we can start our day. we're staying at the **** ******* in Westminister. I can honestly say that this hotel room is smaller than an inside cabin I stayed in on the Equinox and not nearly as nice; the bed is hard as a rock, the pillows flatter than pancakes and the only window here looks out at the fire exit stairs leading UP to the street!

So it's horrible right?

Well across the street we had lunch yesterday and it was really, really good. We only walked 2 blocks to Victoria Station where we were able to begin our London tour. The place is safe, clean, quiet (compared to other major city hotels) and we're about to leave and won't be back until later when we get dressed and head back out to see Wicked.

For the price this place is reasonable but compared to the Intercontential hotel in Boston, where we spend the prior 2 nights, this would be considered a dump.

Having said that - we're having a good time and looking forward to boarding the Epic tomorrow IRREGARDLESS.

[COLOR=red]Do I expect some problems on board the ship? Yes I do because when you draw up plans vs. having real passengers there will always be unexpected things that occur.[/COLOR] Will I be upset about it?

Just remember problems represent opportunities for people to make lasting bonds with how they REACT and how the company RESPONDS to the unexpected. I'm paying full fare so just because it's the maiden TA voyage doesn't mean I'll give them a break - they didn't give me one on the price

I'm doing my best to stay neutral on most of these "issues" (cabin, dining, etc.,) until I experience them myself then make up my own mind based on real-life experiences not 2-D photo's.

Oh - the excitment? Still there baby! It's a cruise isn't it....:cool:[/quote]

I'm not sure why you highlighted my post... the statement I've coloured in red above is exactly what I was talking about - a realistic expectation that there may be some issues... :confused: The expectation that you are going to have a great time regardless is quite a different thing - and completely realistic!! I know it would be my own expectation if I had been fortunate enough to be on the TA with you! :) Have a wonderful cruise!!

Liv 2 Cruise - thank you very much for the compliment. My mom is an amazing lady, and many of the experiences she exposed me to - and took the time to discuss with me - while we travelled greatly contributed to my outlook on life and my understanding of the world. I don't want to sound like it was all just a big learning and humbling experience, though - I had tons of FUN!! That's the best way to learn, though, really - by doing and seeing and making lasting memories that also just happen to help us see things in a way that we can understand. :)

[mbisson]

[quote name='Loyal2RCCL']Excuse me, I didn't realize these boards were restricted to those who are only pro-NCL.[/QUOTE]

Well, now that you know----ROTFLMAO (I can be sarcastic also)

[Mooder]

[quote name='Loyal2RCCL']Another point that I can see might be an issue is there's no sink in the "toilet room" which means people will be using the toilet then touching the door handle to exit and use the sink outside.. can anyone say Norovirus??? I hope the cabin attendants really sanitize those handles well and often!
[/QUOTE]

I read this comment a lot and just don't get it. Isn't this true in nearly every public restroom? And it is certainly true in the vast majority of hotels I've stayed in in recent years. I always appreciate it when the sink is outside of the toilet area in a hotel (or on a ship) so I can use the sink when my traveling companion is inside.

[fi'fi]

. If you are disapointed then don't cruise on her. Just don't go. It's that simple.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

[quote name='CanadianTwosome']I'm not sure why you highlighted my post... the statement I've coloured in red above is exactly what I was talking about - a realistic expectation that there may be some issues... :confused: The expectation that you are going to have a great time regardless is quite a different thing - and completely realistic!! I know it would be my own expectation if I had been fortunate enough to be on the TA with you! :) Have a wonderful cruise!![/quote]

Canadian...sorry if my post/highlight seemed personal/snarky - wasn't meant that way at all.

I'm just a little perturbed by people making/writing negatives about something that they, or no one else, has experienced to date.

I can "hypothosize" all I want about things that may/may not bother me but in just a few short days we'll be able to get some "neutral" (hopefully non-biased) reviews?

[Mr. Luckytoo]

[quote name='Loyal2RCCL'] Another point that I can see might be an issue is there's no sink in the "toilet room" which means people will be using the toilet then touching the door handle to exit and use the sink outside.. can anyone say Norovirus??? I hope the cabin attendants really sanitize those handles well and often![/quote]

Isn't that the way ALL toilets are in PUBLIC bathrooms? The ONLY time I see a sink next to the toilet is in the handicapped stalls.

The other think I have to ask is this - what are you DOING on the toilet that makes it so necessary to use a sink before you touch anything else :p

[mbisson]

What a refreshing concept! Thank you!!!

[QUOTE=fi'fi;24930330]. If you are disapointed then don't cruise on her. Just don't go. It's that simple.[/QUOTE]

[muttley]

very disappointed. it looks like the space between the bed and closet[maybe its the desk. i see the safe and ice bucket] in the studios is so narrow you have to slide your way to the closet. if you are fat or just lose your balance you better hope you fall straight back so you don't twist your ankle. or maybe fall straight back and jam your foot between the bed and door. it looks like the hallways for the studios will change colors like the studios can. i don't want to walk down a corridor that changes color with a timer. i hope the doors to the private areas are not glass/see thru. i'm not being a snob. it'll create alot of confusion and anger with passengers trying the door and its locked and waving at the people inside to let them in. even if there are signs and keypads near the doors it won't be enough since some people won't notice them. one of the studio lounge pictures shows it is open to a hallway. don't know yet if its a closed off area for the studios. i know nothing about fashion but the color schemes seem way off. the cagney room has chairs with a straight line 3 color design next to solid brown seats and there are solid green seats plus the carpet is whatever you call it. the bliss lounge has that rose petal looking red/pink carpet and leopard skin looking seats. 2 chessboard style tables in the bliss and a black one next to it and even more diffent pieces. why the chessboard ones? i doubt the bliss lounge is going to have card and game playing. it all looks sloppy to me and they used whatever furniture was lying around for some parts of the ship. the penthouse suite has a green mural, a orange one, and the bed has a purple bedspread. i just don't get it. i'll stop now.

[mbisson]

I'm glad no one has jumped to any conclusions ;)

[bcakes]

[quote name='muttley']very disappointed. it looks like the space between the bed and closet[maybe its the desk. i see the safe and ice bucket] in the studios is so narrow you have to slide your way to the closet. if you are fat or just lose your balance you better hope you fall straight back so you don't twist your ankle. or maybe fall straight back and jam your foot between the bed and door. it looks like the hallways for the studios will change colors like the studios can. i don't want to walk down a corridor that changes color with a timer. i hope the doors to the private areas are not glass/see thru. i'm not being a snob. it'll create alot of confusion and anger with passengers trying the door and its locked and waving at the people inside to let them in. even if there are signs and keypads near the doors it won't be enough since some people won't notice them. one of the studio lounge pictures shows it is open to a hallway. don't know yet if its a closed off area for the studios. i know nothing about fashion but the color schemes seem way off. the cagney room has chairs with a straight line 3 color design next to solid brown seats and there are solid green seats plus the carpet is whatever you call it. the bliss lounge has that rose petal looking red/pink carpet and leopard skin looking seats. 2 chessboard style tables in the bliss and a black one next to it and even more diffent pieces. why the chessboard ones? i doubt the bliss lounge is going to have card and game playing. it all looks sloppy to me and they used whatever furniture was lying around for some parts of the ship. the penthouse suite has a green mural, a orange one, and the bed has a purple bedspread. i just don't get it. i'll stop now.[/quote]

I think they're going for more modern look with some of the design choices with pieces that go together, but aren't matched sets. I know that what they've done won't be to everyone's taste, but I personally love the design touches I've seen in the pictures so far.

[CanadianTwosome]

[quote name='Mr. Luckytoo']Canadian...sorry if my post/highlight seemed personal/snarky - wasn't meant that way at all.

I'm just a little perturbed by people making/writing negatives about something that they, or no one else, has experienced to date.

I can "hypothosize" all I want about things that may/may not bother me but in just a few short days we'll be able to get some "neutral" (hopefully non-biased) reviews?[/quote]

No worries! I think we're actually on the same page, which is why I was confused. I hope we get unbiased reviews as well - and I'm sure that at least some of them will be. I'm looking forward to yours! :)

[*Wink*]

I've really liked what I've seen in the pics/videos.

The balcony cabin actually seems bigger in reality than some of the past drawings where it looked like the path through the cabin was super narrow. The pic of it now looks much roomier.

The studio cabins [B]are[/B] very small, but we all knew they would be. I think they're adorable and perfect for a solo traveller or honeymooners.. LMAO

So OP, no, I'm not at all disappointed... :)

[kikki21]

I really cannot believe all the fuss about the bathroom set up, if you don't like it, or don't like the pics or think you aren't going to like it, then don't sail on the Epic! Simples!

[Bobbye]

[quote name='Loyal2RCCL']Excuse me, I didn't realize these boards were restricted to those who are only pro-NCL.

It seems that my opinions are being echoed not only by those who have already sailed on this ship, but also by members of the press who are onboard.

There's even another post, with an article that states there are 200 workers from the shipyard still completing work onboard. One of whom was quoted as saying the ship really needed another 15 days in the yard to be completed. It also states that NCL has acknowledged there are problems with the odd bathroom design and will be replacing the less than functional sinks.[/QUOTE]

I've been on several Royal Caribbean ships when they first came out that had the same problems. On one (I think it was the Grandeur) many of the public areas were completely construction zones for the short previews. On the Oasis they had workers on board from the shipboard doing things that weren't finished, but it was mostly outside the public spaces. Stuff happens -- to all cruise companies. It's normal for a new ship. I'm eager to see and experience the Epic when I board her July 2. Sinks -- yep, I hope they put in larger ones. The bathroom arrangement I just can't get upset about because I'm cruising with hubby. I keep telling him that he can do shadow puppets while taking a shower, etc. to entertain me!

[Mr. Luckytoo]

[quote name='muttley']very disappointed. ... it all looks sloppy to me and they used whatever furniture was lying around for some parts of the ship. the penthouse suite has a green mural, a orange one, and the bed has a purple bedspread. i just don't get it. i'll stop now.[/quote]

Muttley, I too am disappointed. After all with a new ship and new designs I figured my cabin would look something like this:

[IMG]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2334/2275896386_e9e6852a49.jpg[/IMG]

instead i'll just "settle" for whatever.. :rolleyes:

[newyorkjoe76]

It's amazing how many people commented on the staterooms. That was actually the least of what I was talking about. I have actually decided to change my cruise to another ship/line and give NCL some time to work out the kinks. I am excited to see more reviews and possibly book this ship for a later date. I know that I would enjoy my vacation either way, because that is what I do. I work very hard and appreciate greatly that I am able to take vacations. I am just going to make sure that I spend my money on something that I am personally a little more sure about. I appreciate all the feed back it's been fun reading everyone's opinion and can't wait to see more feedback in the future. :)

[LWcalif]

[quote name='PokerDave']
Think of it as tent camping with comfy beds, air conditioning, HD TV, bathroom and shower, balcony, maid and room service. Oh, and so much to do at the campground you'll only be in the tent to sleep...
[/quote]

Great analogy Poker Dave! I grew up tent camping with no shower, facilites, etc. Bringing back old memories.....Can't wait for our Epic cruise!

[arpster]

[quote name='*Wink*']

The balcony cabin actually seems bigger in reality than some of the past drawings where it looked like the path through the cabin was super narrow. The pic of it now looks much roomier.

[/QUOTE]


I'd check the resolution on your PC if I was you...;):)

[CanadianTwosome]

[quote name='newyorkjoe76']It's amazing how many people commented on the staterooms. That was actually the least of what I was talking about. I have actually decided to change my cruise to another ship/line and give NCL some time to work out the kinks. I am excited to see more reviews and possibly book this ship for a later date. I know that I would enjoy my vacation either way, because that is what I do. I work very hard and appreciate greatly that I am able to take vacations. [COLOR=red]I am just going to make sure that I spend my money on something that I am personally a little more sure about.[/COLOR] I appreciate all the feed back it's been fun reading everyone's opinion and can't wait to see more feedback in the future. :)[/quote]

How refreshing to see someone actually wanting to make an informed decision about what they spend their money on!! It never fails to amaze me how quickly some people will hand over their money for a product that they appear to have not done any research on at all. I'm still very happy with my choice to book the Epic, because nothing that is important to me when I cruise is any different now than it was the day I booked - not a single issue that anyone has raised has anything to do with what I'm looking forward to. I hope you find something to spend your money on that will make you very happy. :)

[GigCrusier]

[quote name='Jenbo57']After taking our first NCL cruise last month, we're pondering our second with them. Honestly, I don't think it'll be on this ship. I can't get past the stateroom bathroom issue*: sink outside, no shower door (just a curtain that opens into the hall), etc. Gene Sloan (USA Today), who I really respect, has blogged the last few days from aboard the Epic, and he thinks this element alone is going to be big trouble for NCL unless they change it. Maybe it isn't/won't be a big deal, but I think maybe we'll try the Pearl first!

For all of you who've anxiously awaited the Epic, enjoy your cruise, and report back, with pictures!!! :)

*May only be on the balcony cabins?, but that's all we ever book![/QUOTE]
Step up your act and get suite or Villa and you will have a lot of space and privacy.

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[rsinj]

[quote name='Loyal2RCCL']Another point that I can see might be an issue is there's no sink in the "toilet room" which means people will be using the toilet then touching the door handle to exit and use the sink outside.. can anyone say Norovirus???[/quote] Though I am less impressed with the end product not living up to the propaganda, your point is only valid for those who don't wash their hands...no different than a room with both toilet and sink. If you wash your hands after using the toilet, it makes no difference whether the sink is located in the same space with the toilet.

In actuality, having the sink in the same space can be shown to be worse, because if someone in your cabin does not wash their hands, then uses the door handle, it effects everyone who does wash their hands - because they have to use that same handle. If the sink is outside, and like most people do wash their hands, then it doesn't matter.

Howard

[lusitanica]

[quote name='PokerDave']
Think of it as tent camping with comfy beds, air conditioning, HD TV, bathroom and shower, balcony, maid and room service. Oh, and so much to do at the campground you'll only be in the tent to sleep...

Fortunately on THIS ship there is more to do outside the room than on any other I've been on by a factor of magnitude...

[/quote]


Some posts seem to have a bit in common with Stockholm syndrome.

[I]- What if the ship never leaves the port at all?[/I]
[I]- No problem! We still have our night clubs, Blue Man Group, water slides and lots more to enjoy 24/7.[/I]

[Jerseyboy1]

[quote name='lusitanica']Some posts seem to have a bit in common with Stockholm syndrome.

[I]- What if the ship never leaves the port at all?[/I]
[I]- No problem! We still have our night clubs, Blue Man Group, water slides and lots more to enjoy 24/7.[/I][/quote]

Actually some people have used that argument already in regards to the Oasis sailings. Some have claimed that the "ship" was their destination because it goes to so many "been there done that" ports. Be it Oasis or Epic, I don't really subscibe to that way of thinking. While I love all the amenities and choices of these ships, I personally cruise by itinerary, departure point, cost etc...before concerning myself with the rest. That's just me though. Others will disagree. No problem.