Please focus on the positives for the Epic

[UK_Cruiser]

No it wasn't the TA It was the NY cruise to nowhere

 

 

And the he says

 

Now, I am only saying this in my message boards, not in an article or anything else. This is just between us and it really is not my place to speak for other people. I am just giving you a head’s up that you are going to see a fair amount of negative press about this show, despite what you heard from the cruise reporters on the Euro press trip.

 

Clearly us Euros Love it and it's the Americans that hate it

[rogerc1944]

There were some good things about this ship, such as the entertainment, the magnificant two story screens, and the crew were wonderful. The food was average to excellent. the beds were very comfortable. The ship was also very good at accounting considering the large number of passengers on board. The interactive features on the TV for checking your account was convenient. The odd thing about this interactive feature occured when they dropped the option for booking entertainment venues.

 

The overall quality of this ship was severely disappointing. The ship was designed for gamblers, drunks, people age 18 to 30, and young children. There was very little for anyone over the age of 40 to do unless you wanted to attend seminars for arthritis or diabetes. There was no library. No quiet areas. No place for conversations or playing cards or games. Music venues overlapped and were always played at maximum volume (whether indoors or out). For example, Sheehan's pub was located next to a bowling alley that also blared music from three tvs. There was also music in Sheehans. The sounds from the casino were right nextdoor. There was a live music venue in the atrium below. Then, there was the air hockey clacking. This can best be described as chaos with all the cacaphoney. The casino area covered abou 1/3 of one deck and the smoke was horrid. The elevators and stairways were located at either end of this over thousand foot ship and would force you to go thru the gambling area (removing elevator buttons and blocking the stairway!! Come on!). Embarkation/Deparkation procedures were a mess. Embarkation was from a series of hot airless rooms (passengers actually passed out while waiting). If we had followed the Epic's procedures for debarkation, we would have missed our flight (9 hours after docking!!!). Charges aboard ship were excessive (nearly $30 for a six pack of beer), $25 pp fees for dining in most restaurants or even higher for special meals, etc. The staterooms are very odd: See thru shower and toilet doors and short beds. Soundproofing was inadequate when located over music venues (who wants to sleep with music booming thru the floor?!!!). We didn't feel like we were on a ship. The experience was more like a Las Vegas casino. There were no nautical themes, photos or pictures of ships, seascapes, etc. It was even difficult to see the ocean from the public areas. What on earth was Norwegian thinking of when they built this ship? We couldn't find a single person who liked the Epic. We also found it to be strange that Norwegian has reintroduced the class concept similar to the QM2. There were areas of the ship which could not be accessed unless you were in the highest cabin categories. Strangely, the ship provided almost nothing to celebrate its own maiden voyage (1 hour of free drinks--big deal). Not only will we never go on the Epic again, we won't ever go on a Norwegian cruise again.

[sjbdtz]

I went to the Manhattan Club for breakfast and it couldn't compare to O'Sheehans. On many mornings I would go to the buffet for coffee and a pastry and it was crowded. Then I would return to the cabin, get the Mrs and we would go to O'Sheehan's and miss a lot of the crowd.

 

The food at O'Sheehan's if great. One other plus - if you like Rye toast the ONLY place to get it on the Epic is O'Sheehan's. That's because they have a corned beef on rye on their menu. Very lean, warm, yummmm

 

 

No it wasn't the TA It was the NY cruise to nowhere

 

 

when was the NY cruise to nowhere? Wouldn't he be on it, now? If christening was yesterday, and we only arrived in NYC the day before....

 

Also, if you're in a Suite, you can get rye bread delivered anywhere. Actually.... you can probably go a little off-menu in most restaurants, if needed....

[rsinj]

Deepness ?

 

You mean Depth

 

Why is it an issue ? It's not a bath it's a sink

 

Possibly because the depth is equivalent to a dog bowl is why it splattered all over the place as if it were a bath?

 

Just look at the pictures of them - it's like the type of sink you see outside in a playground - not something where you'd wash up in a washroom or as part of a bathroom where you'd brush your teeth and wash. Again - cutting corners and jamming stuff in minimal space. Same storyline every which way you look.

 

Howard

[UK_Cruiser]

when was the NY cruise to nowhere? Wouldn't he be on it, now? If christening was yesterday, and we only arrived in NYC the day before....

 

Also, if you're in a Suite, you can get rye bread delivered anywhere. Actually.... you can probably go a little off-menu in most restaurants, if needed....

 

 

Yep Post was today

 

http://www.cruisemates.com/forum/norwegian-cruise-lines/374738-live-epic-6-24-crossing-paul-motter-5.html

[UK_Cruiser]

There were some good things about this ship, such as the entertainment, the magnificant two story screens, and the crew were wonderful. The food was average to excellent. the beds were very comfortable. The ship was also very good at accounting considering the large number of passengers on board. The interactive features on the TV for checking your account was convenient. The odd thing about this interactive feature occured when they dropped the option for booking entertainment venues.

 

The overall quality of this ship was severely disappointing. The ship was designed for gamblers, drunks, people age 18 to 30, and young children. There was very little for anyone over the age of 40 to do unless you wanted to attend seminars for arthritis or diabetes. There was no library. No quiet areas. No place for conversations or playing cards or games. Music venues overlapped and were always played at maximum volume (whether indoors or out). For example, Sheehan's pub was located next to a bowling alley that also blared music from three tvs. There was also music in Sheehans. The sounds from the casino were right nextdoor. There was a live music venue in the atrium below. Then, there was the air hockey clacking. This can best be described as chaos with all the cacaphoney. The casino area covered abou 1/3 of one deck and the smoke was horrid. The elevators and stairways were located at either end of this over thousand foot ship and would force you to go thru the gambling area (removing elevator buttons and blocking the stairway!! Come on!). Embarkation/Deparkation procedures were a mess. Embarkation was from a series of hot airless rooms (passengers actually passed out while waiting). If we had followed the Epic's procedures for debarkation, we would have missed our flight (9 hours after docking!!!). Charges aboard ship were excessive (nearly $30 for a six pack of beer), $25 pp fees for dining in most restaurants or even higher for special meals, etc. The staterooms are very odd: See thru shower and toilet doors and short beds. Soundproofing was inadequate when located over music venues (who wants to sleep with music booming thru the floor?!!!). We didn't feel like we were on a ship. The experience was more like a Las Vegas casino. There were no nautical themes, photos or pictures of ships, seascapes, etc. It was even difficult to see the ocean from the public areas. What on earth was Norwegian thinking of when they built this ship? We couldn't find a single person who liked the Epic. We also found it to be strange that Norwegian has reintroduced the class concept similar to the QM2. There were areas of the ship which could not be accessed unless you were in the highest cabin categories. Strangely, the ship provided almost nothing to celebrate its own maiden voyage (1 hour of free drinks--big deal). Not only will we never go on the Epic again, we won't ever go on a Norwegian cruise again.

 

 

Yep sounds like exactly what I was expecting.

 

Not sure why anyoe would expect any different it's not Cunard.

 

Oh and for the record my wife is in her forties and I will be celebrating my 40th on board. We are big kids and this ship sounds oh so perfect to us. Maybe we are "drunks" eh ???

[lusitanica]

It is too bad that most of the things I read on this site as a public forum are very negative. I am just saying we need balance.

 

Are you surprised?

I am not.

Was it predictable? Absolutely.

 

Please look at the deck plans.

Just 2 locations for elevator banks (smaller Princess ships have 3).

A brand new ship features deliberately squeezed cabins with ridiculously split sanitary facilities and no sufficient open promenade deck. Literally: "unable to stay, unwilling to leave" (a music theme from "Titanic" movie).

Consider just that (without going into pools, low ceilings, closed in spaces, lifeboats location, mandatory reservations...)

 

May be those "unbalanced reviews" simply reflect the fact that the ship itself is not balanced?

 

Anyway, we are looking forward to Freestyle Dining (although it is "Feestyle Dining") and unusual entertainment program (although there are just 3 :eek: theatrical shows for 7 nights - including the Cirque).

 

We decided to sail as soon as our schedule permits.

We like the fact that the ship is new (read: clean, no wear and tear).

We'll forgive all teething problems.

 

We think that the sooner you try this ship the better.

The longer you wait the lower this ship reputation goes, the less demanding public you see onboard. With all the consequences... Even posh guests will not survive for 7 days in their "ship within a ship" fortress...

Will be happy to be wrong.

[sjbdtz]

There were some good things about this ship, such as the entertainment, the magnificant two story screens, and the crew were wonderful. The food was average to excellent. the beds were very comfortable. The ship was also very good at accounting considering the large number of passengers on board. The interactive features on the TV for checking your account was convenient. The odd thing about this interactive feature occured when they dropped the option for booking entertainment venues.

 

The overall quality of this ship was severely disappointing. The ship was designed for gamblers, drunks, people age 18 to 30, and young children. There was very little for anyone over the age of 40 to do unless you wanted to attend seminars for arthritis or diabetes. There was no library. No quiet areas. No place for conversations or playing cards or games. Music venues overlapped and were always played at maximum volume (whether indoors or out). For example, Sheehan's pub was located next to a bowling alley that also blared music from three tvs. There was also music in Sheehans. The sounds from the casino were right nextdoor. There was a live music venue in the atrium below. Then, there was the air hockey clacking. This can best be described as chaos with all the cacaphoney. The casino area covered abou 1/3 of one deck and the smoke was horrid. The elevators and stairways were located at either end of this over thousand foot ship and would force you to go thru the gambling area (removing elevator buttons and blocking the stairway!! Come on!). Embarkation/Deparkation procedures were a mess. Embarkation was from a series of hot airless rooms (passengers actually passed out while waiting). If we had followed the Epic's procedures for debarkation, we would have missed our flight (9 hours after docking!!!). Charges aboard ship were excessive (nearly $30 for a six pack of beer), $25 pp fees for dining in most restaurants or even higher for special meals, etc. The staterooms are very odd: See thru shower and toilet doors and short beds. Soundproofing was inadequate when located over music venues (who wants to sleep with music booming thru the floor?!!!). We didn't feel like we were on a ship. The experience was more like a Las Vegas casino. There were no nautical themes, photos or pictures of ships, seascapes, etc. It was even difficult to see the ocean from the public areas. What on earth was Norwegian thinking of when they built this ship? We couldn't find a single person who liked the Epic. We also found it to be strange that Norwegian has reintroduced the class concept similar to the QM2. There were areas of the ship which could not be accessed unless you were in the highest cabin categories. Strangely, the ship provided almost nothing to celebrate its own maiden voyage (1 hour of free drinks--big deal). Not only will we never go on the Epic again, we won't ever go on a Norwegian cruise again.

 

 

A woman needed to sit down in the pre-security area at Southampton. She was standing behind me, and she was MEGA-rude even before that. You say you didn't find anyone happy with the EPIC....well....let's fix that, shall we? We really enjoyed the ship, despite the challenges she was encountering. The casino even had an entirely non-smoking section near the Cash Cage, and one could easily have taken the mid-ship escalator between 6 & 5, or the mid-ship staircase between 7 & 6.

 

 

One thing to note.... the only elevator which goes to the Courtyard is the Starboard side elevator. This is distinguished by the BLUE and brown carpeting. The Port side is RED and brown.

 

I figured Starboard & blue were both longer words that Port & Red..... Port & Red alone would also do it... I could use a glass of tawny right about now.

 

I'm in my mid-40's, and had a blast, despite losing a huge amount in the casino. I guess it's all in how you approach it.

 

 

Are you surprised?

I am not.

Was it predictable? Absolutely.

 

Please look at the deck plans.

Just 2 locations for elevator banks (smaller Princess ships have 3).

A brand new ship features deliberately squeezed cabins with ridiculously split sanitary facilities and no sufficient open promenade deck. Literally: "unable to stay, unwilling to leave" (a music theme from "Titanic" movie).

Consider just that (without going into pools, low ceilings, closed in spaces, lifeboats location, mandatory reservations...)

 

May be those "unbalanced reviews" simply reflect the fact that the ship itself is not balanced?

 

Anyway, we are looking forward to Freestyle Dining (although it is "Feestyle Dining") and unusual entertainment program (although there are just 3 :eek: theatrical shows for 7 nights - including the Cirque).

 

We decided to sail as soon as our schedule permits.

We like the fact that the ship is new (read: clean, no wear and tear).

We'll forgive all teething problems.

 

We think that the sooner you try this ship the better.

The longer you wait the lower this ship reputation goes, the less demanding public you see onboard. With all the consequences... Even posh guests will not survive for 7 days in their "ship within a ship" fortress...

Will be happy to be wrong.

 

 

I think the EPIC will make you happy then, 'cause you sound wrong! :rolleyes:;):p

 

The ship within a ship provides no different an experience than a hotel having both single, double, king, and suite rooms... planes & trains both have first class sections....and some restaurants are firmly beyond the price reach of certain people.

 

The upper echelon rooms & perks are often chosen as treats to celebrate milestones (new job, anniversary, birthday), and who are we to be judging those who choose to invest their money into the economy in this fashion?

 

Isn't this the hallmark of capitalist society? Work hard, make lots of money, enjoy more luxury than the next guy?

[lusitanica]

Work hard, make lots of money, enjoy more luxury than the next guy?

 

That's true.

But I would prefer a standard accomodation on a luxury ship to posh oasis on a cheap ship.

[fi'fi]

I will read the negative and the positive. However, it is not going to influence my decision to cruise this ship. I am booked for September and can not wait.

 

People have different options and likes/dislikes. That doesn't mean that it will suit me the same way. I will form my own opinion when I go and not let others influence me. I do a great deal of research before taking any trip, whether it be land or ship. I feel that I have picked the perfect ship for my cruise. Others should do the same. If they don't like the layout (rooms and bathrooms), pick another ship. :rolleyes:

 

This is a brand new ship. There are going to be issues. When they took the "keys" to the Epic, it wasn't even quite finished yet and from what I hear, they are still working on it. This is to be expected (the phones, tvs and certain areas closed). They will eventually get everything completed and the "bugs" worked out and it will be a fabulous ship.

 

I don't think anything could make me not want to get on this ship. Just the thought of getting out of my home town, enjoying something new, going to the islands and all the pleasures that will be on the ship, is well worth it to me no matter what! :D

thank you for saying that. YOU MAKE YOUR VACATION . if i would have canceled my cruise due to bad reviews, i would have never cruised at all.

[david_sobe]

I dont see it in black and white terms negative or positive. I enjoy reading all reviews good, bad, and ugly. I actually enjoy some ugly postings because they make me laugh. I guess it is like watching a bad singer on American Idol. It is entertaining. No sink, shower, or non library could ever keep me from this ship.

 

I dont see most people being overly negative about the Epic. I think most reviews have been favorable. The pictures are amazing but I think it is unfair to label someone negative for pointing out some flaws or issues with the first cruise.

 

There are always negative people on every ship. I remember reading a NCL Sky review a few weeks ago and how the OP kept saying how rude everyone was on the ship and the service was terrible. The waitress had to be asked to bring more bread. And to make matters worse, she forgot the butter. I am not making that up. Someone actually wrote that and how it ruined their cruise.

How could you not find that entertaining? They should not be cruising and most likely will complain if the mail is late.

I think most everyone has been extremely fair about the Epic and love the pictures everyone has been posting. The first carribean cruise is next week and we will find out alot more. I cant wait!

[cruisecrazyk]

I understand there has to be some input on the negatives. I just wanted to hear more from people on what they liked. Thanks Mr. Luckytoo for you writeup of the good things you liked. I enjoyed that very much. FiFi, have a great time and good for you! NY Austin Gal, I agree everyone has a right to say how they feel but your vacation is what you make of it so everyone is responsible on how that turns out to a point. Mr. Luckytoo, I am sorry you have a bad experience with your room and it was not handled well. Let's hope that does not happen again. I just wanted to know more about all the venues and entertainment and surcharges and if they were worth it. I believe I can live with the rooms especially after the last cruise inside cabin I was in. LOL As you will see from my signature, I an an equal opportunity budget cruiser. You will never see me on Cunard or any luxury line. I am not hard to please because I just love to get out there and enjoy a week at sea. So maybe I don't understand all the issues people have cause I am pretty laid back person. But I will keep reading the reviews good bad and ugly and make an informed decision on what is right for me.

[jaxcruiser23]

I could care less what other people think about the Epic.I just can't wait to cruise on her in november of next year.I will give a good review on her,i don't complain about any cruise's that i have been on,"except for holland america).but i am very open minded about this cruise,it will be my first NCL cruisec,i'm looking very forward to it.:)

 

I don't expect a whole lot from her,i just want to try out the free style crusing that she has to offer.Sorry can't type tonight,been drinking a little:D.I don't take people's opinion too seriously,that's there opinion,and i have mine own opinion and that's all it matter's.:)

 

Have a great 4th of July:)

[jkryani]

:DAmen

\I totally agree and I have said the same on this board quite a few time.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

I understand there has to be some input on the negatives. I just wanted to hear more from people on what they liked. Thanks Mr. Luckytoo for you writeup of the good things you liked. I enjoyed that very much. FiFi, have a great time and good for you! NY Austin Gal, I agree everyone has a right to say how they feel but your vacation is what you make of it so everyone is responsible on how that turns out to a point. Mr. Luckytoo, I am sorry you have a bad experience with your room and it was not handled well. Let's hope that does not happen again. I just wanted to know more about all the venues and entertainment and surcharges and if they were worth it. I believe I can live with the rooms especially after the last cruise inside cabin I was in. LOL As you will see from my signature, I an an equal opportunity budget cruiser. You will never see me on Cunard or any luxury line. I am not hard to please because I just love to get out there and enjoy a week at sea. So maybe I don't understand all the issues people have cause I am pretty laid back person. But I will keep reading the reviews good bad and ugly and make an informed decision on what is right for me.

 

When I finally get around to posting my final review - have to keep cutting out stuff at over 8 pages long - I think I've been fair and balanced. The ship gets an overall 4 star rating. This particular delivery cruise gets a 2 star rating.

 

A perfect example was my cabin 9093. I walked into the room and the AC unit wasn't even connected. I told me room attendant at 1300 and left. I returned to the room at 1530 hours and it still wasn't fixed. Asked the room attendant about it and was told, "I called it in." Not satisfied i went to the front desk, waited 20 minutes and had them put in a work order. Returned to the cabin 2400 and it still was not hocked up. Called housekeeping and let it ring for 15 minutes - no answer. Called operator, explained the problem and she said a maintenance worker would be there in 30 minutes. At 0130 I fell asleep. I had to keep the balcony door open and it was humid and sticky, not comfortable.

 

On day two I marched down to the front desk to discuss the AC issue.

I was told there were two work orders in the system. Returned to the room and could not use the shower. Returned to the front desk and spent 20 minutes. Finally the lady said this is a problem and the plumbers would get right to it. Ate breakfast, played in poker tourney, had lunch, returned to cabin at 1600. Shower still not working and no AC.

 

Livid I went to the front desh and demanded that something be done. My wife suggested moving up but was told, point blank, "I'm sorry but we're booked up." I was not leaving the desk without a resolution so I asked to speak to a manager. The manager said they had a rescue room down the hallway we could use their shower and room until ours was fixed. it was an interior cabin.

 

Showered, changed and went to dinner and show. Returned at 2330 and there STILL was no AC in the cabin. I went to the front desk who looked up the orders and said that our cabin was in the que. I wouldn't leave until she was on the phone with the refrigeration department who said they would be there in 10 minutes. 10 minutes later the maintenance man looks at the unit and tells me, "it's not installed." Yeah, no kidding! I've told that to SEVERAL people. Then he says, "I've got to talk to by boss and I'll call you in 20 minutes." That was midnight. At 0030 I received no phone call. I go back to the front desk and ask for information and was pissed to hear the person read, "unit needs special tools to be installed...will do it first thing in the morning."

 

Special tools? I asked if we were stopping at Home Depot overnight? The front desk lady didn't get it and I was pissed. I went upstairs at 0045, gathered my stuff and trudged down the hall to the "rescue room" to sleep.

 

On the third day the AC unit was fixed and the shower got fixed later that afternoon. They never brought a stopper for the tub and I tried stuffing towels but it never worked.

 

That was my first two days dealing with the front desk on the Epic. Now the occupants for 9093 will have a functioning AC and shower and hopefully be able to use their tub as well.

 

Did I get a not from NCL saying, "I'm sorry for your inconvenience?" Nope! Nothing to even acknowledge that anything was even wrong.

 

Now some of the know it all's will post, "what do you expect for a first time cruise on a brand new ship." To them I would say BETTER THAN THIS!

 

I paid full fair to be a guinea pig for NCL and nothing, except a 5-6 pm open bar (house wine and beer).

 

If it were not for the many positives on the ship, such as O'Sheehans, Cirque Dreams, BMG, Legends, La Curcia and other wonderful workers who made our trip pleasant I would be BLASTING NCL big time.

 

You may consider this post and my reviews negative but it's the truth. It is what it is.

 

I'm sorry that I'm taking to time to inform future passengers about room issue problems so they don't get taken back...I'm sorry for telling others that NCL doesn't have a library so they will bring books of their own...I'm sorry for warning people to be prepared for a full pool. Forgive me for expecting NCL to put out it's newest, biggest ship of the fleet and do anything onboard to make this TA a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Unfortunately too many people just don't speak up because of fools who blast them for stating their experiences. Rude people like UK_Cruiser who hasn't even been on the ship, who hasn't seen a cirque show yet decides to blast it.

[sjbdtz]

That's true.

But I would prefer a standard accomodation on a luxury ship to posh oasis on a cheap ship.

 

Ahh...but then you're a small fish in a small pond. In NCL's scenario, you're a big fish, in a big pond. Luxury ships don't have the amenities that the mega-ships do, which is the idea here.... enjoy life's luxuries, but ALSO get to play with all the toys.

 

 

 

When I finally get around to posting my final review - have to keep cutting out stuff at over 8 pages long - I think I've been fair and balanced. The ship gets an overall 4 star rating. This particular delivery cruise gets a 2 star rating.

 

A perfect example was my cabin 9093. I walked into the room and the AC unit wasn't even connected. I told me room attendant at 1300 and left. I returned to the room at 1530 hours and it still wasn't fixed. Asked the room attendant about it and was told, "I called it in." Not satisfied i went to the front desk, waited 20 minutes and had them put in a work order. Returned to the cabin 2400 and it still was not hocked up. Called housekeeping and let it ring for 15 minutes - no answer. Called operator, explained the problem and she said a maintenance worker would be there in 30 minutes. At 0130 I fell asleep. I had to keep the balcony door open and it was humid and sticky, not comfortable.

 

On day two I marched down to the front desk to discuss the AC issue.

I was told there were two work orders in the system. Returned to the room and could not use the shower. Returned to the front desk and spent 20 minutes. Finally the lady said this is a problem and the plumbers would get right to it. Ate breakfast, played in poker tourney, had lunch, returned to cabin at 1600. Shower still not working and no AC.

 

Livid I went to the front desh and demanded that something be done. My wife suggested moving up but was told, point blank, "I'm sorry but we're booked up." I was not leaving the desk without a resolution so I asked to speak to a manager. The manager said they had a rescue room down the hallway we could use their shower and room until ours was fixed. it was an interior cabin.

 

Showered, changed and went to dinner and show. Returned at 2330 and there STILL was no AC in the cabin. I went to the front desk who looked up the orders and said that our cabin was in the que. I wouldn't leave until she was on the phone with the refrigeration department who said they would be there in 10 minutes. 10 minutes later the maintenance man looks at the unit and tells me, "it's not installed." Yeah, no kidding! I've told that to SEVERAL people. Then he says, "I've got to talk to by boss and I'll call you in 20 minutes." That was midnight. At 0030 I received no phone call. I go back to the front desk and ask for information and was pissed to hear the person read, "unit needs special tools to be installed...will do it first thing in the morning."

 

Special tools? I asked if we were stopping at Home Depot overnight? The front desk lady didn't get it and I was pissed. I went upstairs at 0045, gathered my stuff and trudged down the hall to the "rescue room" to sleep.

 

On the third day the AC unit was fixed and the shower got fixed later that afternoon. They never brought a stopper for the tub and I tried stuffing towels but it never worked.

 

That was my first two days dealing with the front desk on the Epic. Now the occupants for 9093 will have a functioning AC and shower and hopefully be able to use their tub as well.

 

Did I get a not from NCL saying, "I'm sorry for your inconvenience?" Nope! Nothing to even acknowledge that anything was even wrong.

 

Now some of the know it all's will post, "what do you expect for a first time cruise on a brand new ship." To them I would say BETTER THAN THIS!

 

I paid full fair to be a guinea pig for NCL and nothing, except a 5-6 pm open bar (house wine and beer).

 

If it were not for the many positives on the ship, such as O'Sheehans, Cirque Dreams, BMG, Legends, La Curcia and other wonderful workers who made our trip pleasant I would be BLASTING NCL big time.

 

You may consider this post and my reviews negative but it's the truth. It is what it is.

 

I'm sorry that I'm taking to time to inform future passengers about room issue problems so they don't get taken back...I'm sorry for telling others that NCL doesn't have a library so they will bring books of their own...I'm sorry for warning people to be prepared for a full pool. Forgive me for expecting NCL to put out it's newest, biggest ship of the fleet and do anything onboard to make this TA a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Unfortunately too many people just don't speak up because of fools who blast them for stating their experiences. Rude people like UK_Cruiser who hasn't even been on the ship, who hasn't seen a cirque show yet decides to blast it.

 

 

Wow..... NOW your comments are in perspective. I understand how you could have a lousy cruise. The way it was posted at first sounded a lot more general, not specific to 9093 (or the need for a Rescue Room).

 

I'm guessing you didn't get a chance to join us at the meet & greet, or you would have called Klaus at 8888, or Sean at 8800. Either one would have ensured things were taken care of.

 

We knew going in, that the ship was sailing at 75% capacity, ostensibly to leave rooms available when a particular room had issues (such as 9093). The thing which is most disturbing is your being told that no other rooms were available.

 

 

I would write a letter including most of this detail, along with some of the things you liked (nobody likes hearing that their baby is ugly...unless you also compliment its outfit! ;) )

 

 

Your concerns seem both legitimate and verifiable, and in our experience when things have gone pear-shaped in the past, NCL has been more than fair in making amends.

[twoshawns]

When I finally get around to posting my final review - have to keep cutting out stuff at over 8 pages long - I think I've been fair and balanced. The ship gets an overall 4 star rating. This particular delivery cruise gets a 2 star rating.

 

A perfect example was my cabin 9093. I walked into the room and the AC unit wasn't even connected. I told me room attendant at 1300 and left. I returned to the room at 1530 hours and it still wasn't fixed. Asked the room attendant about it and was told, "I called it in." Not satisfied i went to the front desk, waited 20 minutes and had them put in a work order. Returned to the cabin 2400 and it still was not hocked up. Called housekeeping and let it ring for 15 minutes - no answer. Called operator, explained the problem and she said a maintenance worker would be there in 30 minutes. At 0130 I fell asleep. I had to keep the balcony door open and it was humid and sticky, not comfortable.

 

On day two I marched down to the front desk to discuss the AC issue.

I was told there were two work orders in the system. Returned to the room and could not use the shower. Returned to the front desk and spent 20 minutes. Finally the lady said this is a problem and the plumbers would get right to it. Ate breakfast, played in poker tourney, had lunch, returned to cabin at 1600. Shower still not working and no AC.

 

Livid I went to the front desh and demanded that something be done. My wife suggested moving up but was told, point blank, "I'm sorry but we're booked up." I was not leaving the desk without a resolution so I asked to speak to a manager. The manager said they had a rescue room down the hallway we could use their shower and room until ours was fixed. it was an interior cabin.

 

Showered, changed and went to dinner and show. Returned at 2330 and there STILL was no AC in the cabin. I went to the front desk who looked up the orders and said that our cabin was in the que. I wouldn't leave until she was on the phone with the refrigeration department who said they would be there in 10 minutes. 10 minutes later the maintenance man looks at the unit and tells me, "it's not installed." Yeah, no kidding! I've told that to SEVERAL people. Then he says, "I've got to talk to by boss and I'll call you in 20 minutes." That was midnight. At 0030 I received no phone call. I go back to the front desk and ask for information and was pissed to hear the person read, "unit needs special tools to be installed...will do it first thing in the morning."

 

Special tools? I asked if we were stopping at Home Depot overnight? The front desk lady didn't get it and I was pissed. I went upstairs at 0045, gathered my stuff and trudged down the hall to the "rescue room" to sleep.

 

On the third day the AC unit was fixed and the shower got fixed later that afternoon. They never brought a stopper for the tub and I tried stuffing towels but it never worked.

 

That was my first two days dealing with the front desk on the Epic. Now the occupants for 9093 will have a functioning AC and shower and hopefully be able to use their tub as well.

 

Did I get a not from NCL saying, "I'm sorry for your inconvenience?" Nope! Nothing to even acknowledge that anything was even wrong.

 

Now some of the know it all's will post, "what do you expect for a first time cruise on a brand new ship." To them I would say BETTER THAN THIS!

 

I paid full fair to be a guinea pig for NCL and nothing, except a 5-6 pm open bar (house wine and beer).

 

If it were not for the many positives on the ship, such as O'Sheehans, Cirque Dreams, BMG, Legends, La Curcia and other wonderful workers who made our trip pleasant I would be BLASTING NCL big time.

 

You may consider this post and my reviews negative but it's the truth. It is what it is.

 

I'm sorry that I'm taking to time to inform future passengers about room issue problems so they don't get taken back...I'm sorry for telling others that NCL doesn't have a library so they will bring books of their own...I'm sorry for warning people to be prepared for a full pool. Forgive me for expecting NCL to put out it's newest, biggest ship of the fleet and do anything onboard to make this TA a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Unfortunately too many people just don't speak up because of fools who blast them for stating their experiences. Rude people like UK_Cruiser who hasn't even been on the ship, who hasn't seen a cirque show yet decides to blast it.

My husband is currently at page 10 for his review, soon to be posted... We had a great time on the cruise and did enjoy it greatly. But WOW we did also have issues. Our deluxe balcony on floor 9 also had MANY problems that took almost 4 days to rectify. Some I expected on a new ship, especially a ship not built for TA crossings, but wow we did have some let downs. Everything for us seemed to be the "EPIC Line." We stood in line at the front desk at least 15 times in the first 3 days to let them know the lack of A/C, TV not working, bath tub door constantly opening every time the ship moved, lack of hot water, phone not working. We did attend the cruise critic meeting but never felt truly comfortable calling the "big guys," nor knew that was appropriate (our bad.) Instead we were able to grab the tv guys in the hall, and have them come in or we just put a smile on and moved on. I had a cute cup filled with magnets from the cabin doors, screw found laying around, it was sort of comical. Our big let down was the little two words, "I'm sorry" from NCL or the lack of really caring that we had waited 20 minutes in line to tell them we still had issues or had mentioned this numerous times. The poor desk workers just had too much on their plates...

I have read on many occasions that the cruise was inexpensive. For us it was not any cheaper, we still paid more than what I did for a 9 day princess cruise or the 7 day new york Bermuda cruise. I felt that we got only 80% of what the ship will eventually be able to offer and that I got ripped off the 20%.

This isn't to say we didn't enjoy it, we did but there still needs work to be done...

[david_sobe]

My husband is currently at page 10 for his review, soon to be posted... We had a great time on the cruise and did enjoy it greatly. But WOW we did also have issues. Our deluxe balcony on floor 9 also had MANY problems that took almost 4 days to rectify. Some I expected on a new ship, especially a ship not built for TA crossings, but wow we did have some let downs. Everything for us seemed to be the "EPIC Line." We stood in line at the front desk at least 15 times in the first 3 days to let them know the lack of A/C, TV not working, bath tub door constantly opening every time the ship moved, lack of hot water, phone not working. We did attend the cruise critic meeting but never felt truly comfortable calling the "big guys," nor knew that was appropriate (our bad.) Instead we were able to grab the tv guys in the hall, and have them come in or we just put a smile on and moved on. I had a cute cup filled with magnets from the cabin doors, screw found laying around, it was sort of comical. Our big let down was the little two words, "I'm sorry" from NCL or the lack of really caring that we had waited 20 minutes in line to tell them we still had issues or had mentioned this numerous times. The poor desk workers just had too much on their plates...

I have read on many occasions that the cruise was inexpensive. For us it was not any cheaper, we still paid more than what I did for a 9 day princess cruise or the 7 day new york Bermuda cruise. I felt that we got only 80% of what the ship will eventually be able to offer and that I got ripped off the 20%.

This isn't to say we didn't enjoy it, we did but there still needs work to be done...

Thanks for your mini review and we look forward to your husband's review. I am sorry to hear about all the problems on the ship. I think it is fair to say Epic needed another week or two in dock. I find it unfortunate that some jump on posting these issues as some sort of Epic or NCL bashing.

If I paid good money for such a cruise and had these problems, I would be upset too and so would others. I dont cruise until December so I know all the kinks will get fixed.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

My husband is currently at page 10 for his review, soon to be posted... We had a great time on the cruise and did enjoy it greatly. But WOW we did also have issues. Our deluxe balcony on floor 9 also had MANY problems that took almost 4 days to rectify. Some I expected on a new ship, especially a ship not built for TA crossings, but wow we did have some let downs. Everything for us seemed to be the "EPIC Line." We stood in line at the front desk at least 15 times in the first 3 days to let them know the lack of A/C, TV not working, bath tub door constantly opening every time the ship moved, lack of hot water, phone not working. We did attend the cruise critic meeting but never felt truly comfortable calling the "big guys," nor knew that was appropriate (our bad.) Instead we were able to grab the tv guys in the hall, and have them come in or we just put a smile on and moved on. I had a cute cup filled with magnets from the cabin doors, screw found laying around, it was sort of comical. Our big let down was the little two words, "I'm sorry" from NCL or the lack of really caring that we had waited 20 minutes in line to tell them we still had issues or had mentioned this numerous times. The poor desk workers just had too much on their plates...

I have read on many occasions that the cruise was inexpensive. For us it was not any cheaper, we still paid more than what I did for a 9 day princess cruise or the 7 day new york Bermuda cruise. I felt that we got only 80% of what the ship will eventually be able to offer and that I got ripped off the 20%.

This isn't to say we didn't enjoy it, we did but there still needs work to be done...

 

It sounds like we had a similar experience with the Epic problems.

 

As for what we paid - we didn't get this one cheap. This TA was the same as what we were going to pay for the 13 day TA on the Equinox. We decided to do the Epic rather than the Equinox because we expected it to be special.

 

My final sentiment is as yours, we enjoyed the ship but I felt slighted and not hearing, "I'm sorry for your inconvenience" has really left a sour taste. :(

[lusitanica]

Ahh...but then you're a small fish in a small pond. In NCL's scenario, you're a big fish, in a big pond. Luxury ships don't have the amenities that the mega-ships do, which is the idea here.... enjoy life's luxuries, but ALSO get to play with all the toys.

 

 

Do you think NCL has a scenario?

It seems that everyone participated in this ship design had his own scenario (unknown for others).

The last example we came across in CC is about "revolutionary solo cabins that turned the whole industry towards solo travellers".

Do you remember that hype about solos?

And what?

They make solos book dining at least for 2. The minimal option available online is "a party for two". They charge solos double price and hold empty seats, so that those who want them cannot book them.

Isn't it a nonsense?

 

Epic seems to be a Babilon Tower of modern cruise industry.

[CruisingPsychologist]

I must say that I find the "negative" reviews to be helpful, because they do provide a subjective perspective from one person's vacation. In regard to the Epic, I've been vacillating between booking this ship or staying with the "older" ships that I love (Pearl, Dawn, Star). What I've learned from the negative and positive reviews is that the Epic is a great ship for some people, but not everyone, and probably not me. I long for vacations that give me a quiet time to reflect, read, listen to the ocean, gaze at the sea, and feel at one with nature. I long for vacations that have reasonably good food, various entertainment choices, and the ability to be with others or be alone. Knowing these things about myself, and knowing some facts about the Epic (no library, limited outside seating/views of the ocean) convinces me that I will probably be happier spending time on NCL smaller ships that are a bit more sedate. This doesn't negate the value of the Epic, but reaffirms the importance of having choices. I just hope that NCL stays committed to maintaining their "small" ships (which or pretty darn big), while they expand their market into the supersize ships.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

I must say that I find the "negative" reviews to be helpful, because they do provide a subjective perspective from one person's vacation. In regard to the Epic, I've been vacillating between booking this ship or staying with the "older" ships that I love (Pearl, Dawn, Star). What I've learned from the negative and positive reviews is that the Epic is a great ship for some people, but not everyone, and probably not me. I long for vacations that give me a quiet time to reflect, read, listen to the ocean, gaze at the sea, and feel at one with nature. I long for vacations that have reasonably good food, various entertainment choices, and the ability to be with others or be alone. Knowing these things about myself, and knowing some facts about the Epic (no library, limited outside seating/views of the ocean) convinces me that I will probably be happier spending time on NCL smaller ships that are a bit more sedate. This doesn't negate the value of the Epic, but reaffirms the importance of having choices. I just hope that NCL stays committed to maintaining their "small" ships (which or pretty darn big), while they expand their market into the supersize ships.

 

If you are looking for a "quieter" ship I wouldn't rush to book the Epic. I've sailed on the Spirit and Sky and now the Epic.

 

I thought the food, service and entertainment was better on the Epic. However I really loved the Spirit - especially the library and the galaxy of the stars lounge. That's what I felt was missing from the Epic - places to sit, relax, watch the water and relax.

 

The casino on the Epic has been the most "Vegas-like" I've ever experienced.

 

The Epic should do fine and I can tell you this - were I a teenager I would be begging my parents to book on this ship. My only venture into the kids place on deck 16 revealed lots of kids having a blast.

[endymion6942]

I will read the negative and the positive. However, it is not going to influence my decision to cruise this ship. I am booked for September and can not wait.

 

People have different options and likes/dislikes. That doesn't mean that it will suit me the same way. I will form my own opinion when I go and not let others influence me. I do a great deal of research before taking any trip, whether it be land or ship. I feel that I have picked the perfect ship for my cruise. Others should do the same. If they don't like the layout (rooms and bathrooms), pick another ship. :rolleyes:

 

This is a brand new ship. There are going to be issues. When they took the "keys" to the Epic, it wasn't even quite finished yet and from what I hear, they are still working on it. This is to be expected (the phones, tvs and certain areas closed). They will eventually get everything completed and the "bugs" worked out and it will be a fabulous ship.

 

I don't think anything could make me not want to get on this ship. Just the thought of getting out of my home town, enjoying something new, going to the islands and all the pleasures that will be on the ship, is well worth it to me no matter what! :D

 

You are going to have a wonderful time on this ship, Period.

The entertainment was top notch, the food was good and the staff friendly.

[negc]

It is too bad that most of the things I read on this site as a public forum are very negative. I am just saying we need balance. That is all. When I first joined this site years ago I found it very helpful and friendly. Not so much now. :(

Balance is all well and good in some instances but it needs to be a fair representation of the subject being discussed. If there is a predominance of good or bad reviews of the ship, that, in itself should tell the reader something and trying to equal out the good and bad comments to achieve some sort of "balance" will only result in presenting a distorted version of the truth. Many posters have listed some of the positive things that they found on Epic but if there seem to be more negative comments it might be that the negative comments have more impact than the positive ones,or it might be that there are actually more negatives than positives about the ship. Each reader has to judge for himself or herself how much credibility to give any comments that they read here. Simply posting positive comments in order to offset negative ones does a disservice to everyone.

[UK_Cruiser]

When I finally get around to posting my final review - have to keep cutting out stuff at over 8 pages long - I think I've been fair and balanced. The ship gets an overall 4 star rating. This particular delivery cruise gets a 2 star rating.

 

A perfect example was my cabin 9093. I walked into the room and the AC unit wasn't even connected. I told me room attendant at 1300 and left. I returned to the room at 1530 hours and it still wasn't fixed. Asked the room attendant about it and was told, "I called it in." Not satisfied i went to the front desk, waited 20 minutes and had them put in a work order. Returned to the cabin 2400 and it still was not hocked up. Called housekeeping and let it ring for 15 minutes - no answer. Called operator, explained the problem and she said a maintenance worker would be there in 30 minutes. At 0130 I fell asleep. I had to keep the balcony door open and it was humid and sticky, not comfortable.

 

On day two I marched down to the front desk to discuss the AC issue.

I was told there were two work orders in the system. Returned to the room and could not use the shower. Returned to the front desk and spent 20 minutes. Finally the lady said this is a problem and the plumbers would get right to it. Ate breakfast, played in poker tourney, had lunch, returned to cabin at 1600. Shower still not working and no AC.

 

Livid I went to the front desh and demanded that something be done. My wife suggested moving up but was told, point blank, "I'm sorry but we're booked up." I was not leaving the desk without a resolution so I asked to speak to a manager. The manager said they had a rescue room down the hallway we could use their shower and room until ours was fixed. it was an interior cabin.

 

Showered, changed and went to dinner and show. Returned at 2330 and there STILL was no AC in the cabin. I went to the front desk who looked up the orders and said that our cabin was in the que. I wouldn't leave until she was on the phone with the refrigeration department who said they would be there in 10 minutes. 10 minutes later the maintenance man looks at the unit and tells me, "it's not installed." Yeah, no kidding! I've told that to SEVERAL people. Then he says, "I've got to talk to by boss and I'll call you in 20 minutes." That was midnight. At 0030 I received no phone call. I go back to the front desk and ask for information and was pissed to hear the person read, "unit needs special tools to be installed...will do it first thing in the morning."

 

Special tools? I asked if we were stopping at Home Depot overnight? The front desk lady didn't get it and I was pissed. I went upstairs at 0045, gathered my stuff and trudged down the hall to the "rescue room" to sleep.

 

On the third day the AC unit was fixed and the shower got fixed later that afternoon. They never brought a stopper for the tub and I tried stuffing towels but it never worked.

 

That was my first two days dealing with the front desk on the Epic. Now the occupants for 9093 will have a functioning AC and shower and hopefully be able to use their tub as well.

 

Did I get a not from NCL saying, "I'm sorry for your inconvenience?" Nope! Nothing to even acknowledge that anything was even wrong.

 

Now some of the know it all's will post, "what do you expect for a first time cruise on a brand new ship." To them I would say BETTER THAN THIS!

 

I paid full fair to be a guinea pig for NCL and nothing, except a 5-6 pm open bar (house wine and beer).

 

If it were not for the many positives on the ship, such as O'Sheehans, Cirque Dreams, BMG, Legends, La Curcia and other wonderful workers who made our trip pleasant I would be BLASTING NCL big time.

 

You may consider this post and my reviews negative but it's the truth. It is what it is.

 

I'm sorry that I'm taking to time to inform future passengers about room issue problems so they don't get taken back...I'm sorry for telling others that NCL doesn't have a library so they will bring books of their own...I'm sorry for warning people to be prepared for a full pool. Forgive me for expecting NCL to put out it's newest, biggest ship of the fleet and do anything onboard to make this TA a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Unfortunately too many people just don't speak up because of fools who blast them for stating their experiences. Rude people like UK_Cruiser who hasn't even been on the ship, who hasn't seen a cirque show yet decides to blast it.

 

 

Thank you for eventually explaining why you have been so negative. I would be too. Why didn't you explain all this from the start ? This is why I would NEVER sail a maiden voyage.