STUDIO impressions from Cabin Crawl

[sjbdtz]

I didn't stay in a studio.

 

We were shown a studio during the Cabin Crawl, and my immediate impression was that the room was larger than I expected.

 

While the shower glass is completely clear, the toilet has a traditional solid door.

 

The window to the hallway is frosted semi-opaque glass, with a small venetian blind, AND sliding solid melamine doors. So if you're giving night-time peepshows to the hallway, it's only because you've chosen to do so! :rolleyes:

[UK_Cruiser]

I didn't stay in a studio.

 

We were shown a studio during the Cabin Crawl, and my immediate impression was that the room was larger than I expected.

 

While the shower glass is completely clear, the toilet has a traditional solid door.

 

The window to the hallway is frosted semi-opaque glass, with a small venetian blind, AND sliding solid melamine doors. So if you're giving night-time peepshows to the hallway, it's only because you've chosen to do so! :rolleyes:

 

 

I think they look Cool

 

If my wife ever leaves me I'm booking one straight away ;)

[erdoran]

I stayed in one for two days before a cabin move due to some repairs being needed. I found it rather cramped, with access to the closet/storage area difficult because it's right against the bed. I had packed everything in packing cubes and I highly recommend anyone staying in a studio do this--makes things MUCH MUCH easier! There is also not a lot of clothes storage room, and it's difficult to lie in bed and watch TV because the TV is halfway along the wall adjacent to the bed.

 

Also when selecting a studio, if you plan to use the Living Room (which is lovely!) consider location. I was in 12570 which is pretty far aft, and it was a LONG hike there! (but compensated for by being very close to the spa, Garden Cafe buffet, Manhattan Room, Cagney's/Moderno, casino--just different floors. Also very close to the aft elevators).

 

Cabin steward told me you can't see into the room from the corridor.

 

Having said all that, the Living Room worked extremely well for studio residents, all of whom were presumably traveling alone, to meet up and plan activities together. A cc member (hi, Gert!) had suggested they place a marker board there which they did, and it was a great idea!

 

I wouldn't hesitate to book another studio if traveling solo, primarily because of the cost savings over the balcony. However, there IS considerably more space in even the inside cabins, so you should consider the price difference and your priorities before deciding.

 

At this time the living room keycard access wasn't in place so anyone could use it, but NCL does plan to limit access in the future. A couple of us solos had discussed with NCL that there could be solo cruisers NOT in the Studios who would like to have the opportunity to meet up with Studio people for activities, so they're considering the best approach. I doubt it will be Living Room access; it might be some other common meeting area but I wouldn't rule out Living Room either.

[Fairhope]

I'd like to see NCL lower the price for the 2nd guest in these rooms. I'd take one in a heartbeat over a regular inside cabin.

[ColinIllinois]

Although it was cramped was it still comfortable for one person or clostraphobic? (sp)

[erdoran]

Don't even consider 2 guests unless you travel very, very, very light! If I were traveling as a couple I would personally greatly prefer a balcony cabin, and I think the price for 2 is probably comparable to a studio for 2--and there are many obvious advantages to a balcony!

 

I found it a bit claustrophobic but that's just me. I didn't have a big problem with it. The mood lighting is actually interesting--it starts off red and then color changes every minute or so, but you can select just one color and stick with that. When you go for the sun icon, the lighting is very cleverly designed to give the appearance that sun is coming in behind the cabinets. The lighting isn't super bright in the room, regardless though.

[CaptData]

Thank you. This may be an option for me but I use a scooter where would it go?

[erdoran]

Scooter may be an issue for a couple of reasons, depending on how mobile you are.

 

1. Studio areas are behind doors, so you'd have to get that door every time entering or exiting area.

2. Hallways very, very narrow, might be an issue with carts the stewards use--not sure if you'd be able to get past them, I don't know if hallway is wide enough for scooter & cart, but I think it might not be.

3. It would go in the entry area of the room, but not sure of dimensions--width would be fine, but length may (or may not) block passage to bathroom from bed. You should call NCL for dimensions because it will be tight.

4. Might also be difficult to open studio door with scooter behind it and then maneuver out. It's an absolute must for you to check dimensions, including with door open.

5. you might be able to store it between toilet enclosure and shower, but I don't remember where the toilet door opens. Again, ask for dimensions with doors open & closed.

[Ldyandrea]

At this time the living room keycard access wasn't in place so anyone could use it, but NCL does plan to limit access in the future. A couple of us solos had discussed with NCL that there could be solo cruisers NOT in the Studios who would like to have the opportunity to meet up with Studio people for activities, so they're considering the best approach. I doubt it will be Living Room access; it might be some other common meeting area but I wouldn't rule out Living Room either.

 

I think this is a great idea. Particularly as there are going to be sailings where studios may all be booked, and I know as a solo traveler I would certainly like the option to visit there. For instance, the sailing I'm looking at over Halloween this year is completely sold out of Studio cabins, but I really was looking forward to checking out the Living Room. Maybe they could do passes of some kind for single travelers?

[erdoran]

I think this is a great idea. Particularly as there are going to be sailings where studios may all be booked, and I know as a solo traveler I would certainly like the option to visit there. For instance, the sailing I'm looking at over Halloween this year is completely sold out of Studio cabins, but I really was looking forward to checking out the Living Room. Maybe they could do passes of some kind for single travelers?

atannen and I had a discussion with Simon about the difference between solo & single travelers, and how nice it would be to have meeting places. atannen subsequently (for other reasons) had a discussion with Sean, the hotel director, and mentioned that there could well be solos NOT in studios, and of course with keycard-only access that would exclude them from many of the solos meet-ups if they were held in the living room. Both of them "got it" immediately. If I had to guess, rather than non-studio people accessing living room, it's more likely that there would be solo meet-ups OUTSIDE the living room as well.

 

Some other reasons why living room access could be an issue are:

1. It is fairly large, but could get quite crowded if a lot of the studio people are in there at the same time...

2. and studio cabins are about 20% higher per person than inside cabins, for 25% less space. People paying for studios are also paying for the living room, and if it becomes crowded with others, they have a legitimate issue, regardless of the reason the other people aren't in studios.

 

 

BUT--Epic staff was very interested in what we had to say about solo cruising and how they could contribute to the experience so when you cruise, share your thoughts as well, especially about being a solo outside the studio area.

 

I'll start a topic about solo cruising on the Epic over the weekend, I'm at work now. I had put together a group of solos from my roll call that worked out well, and there were others who got things going in the Living Room.