Lusitanica's EPIC REVIEW with pics, videos, comments, etc.

[eroller]

Hey, would you (like me) agree that since the EPIC has been introduced, the "industry standard" is in fact changed? It is part of the industry, no?

 

~Intrepid <-- Standard Schmandard

 

 

Well, I think it's premature to say that. When I think of an "industry standard", I think of a constant in design or practice that is prevalent across the majority of companies that make up an industry. Currently EPIC is the only ship I know of with the current split bath design. Being that the ship is unique, her cabin design has not yet changed the industry standard. Now if enough other cruise lines and ships adopt the EPIC cabin design, then I would say that yes, EPIC has actually changed the industry standard. So that remains to be seen.

 

One ship in recent history that I do believe changed the industry standard is the ROYAL PRINCESS of 1984. She was the first ship with the vast majority of cabins offering balconies, even standard size cabins. This trend caught on in the industry and now most cruise ships offer "affordable balconies", instead of having a balcony in the suites only or no balconies at all.

 

Another ship that changed an industry standard is SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS. She was the first ship with a multi-level atrium with glass elevators. In fact her design was so controversial at the time she almost didn't meet US Coast Guard fire requirements. Today her atrium would be considered modest and almost all ships offer some type of atrium.

 

So with EPIC it remains to be seen. We will have to watch to see if the industry adopts any of her cabin design features, or if she ends up being a one-off.

 

Ernie

[kerrytens]

Ernie,

 

A "living space" with a coffee table is de facto industry standard.

Yes or no?

 

 

 

Thank you.

Not on Princess - no coffee table (since that particular piece of furniture seems to be one of the defining factors of standard for you) in my balcony room. Poor me for going on ship that isn't industry standard :( and worse yet, for enjoying my time onboard.

 

I was finding this thread amusing and useful at first but now it is just sad. You seem h*ll bent on persuading everyone out there in CC land that the Epic is a terrible ship full of lies/bad design etc. We've heard/seen your points over and over (and over) again - we all understand you didn't like the ship but others did. There was a nice debate going back and forth for a while but it has now moved into a nasty territory in my mind that could close this ship review down completely. As I said, there is important information in here and it would be a shame to lose it because of some point proving mentality that has developed.

 

I'll board this ship fully aware of what to expect. What may be an issue to someone will be nothing to another. The room design is fine by me as was my coffee table'less Crown Princess room.:)

[lusitanica]

Not on Princess - no coffee table (since that particular piece of furniture seems to be one of the defining factors of standard for you) in my balcony room. Poor me for going on ship that isn't industry standard :(

 

 

 

This may help:

 

Just would like to remind (not you, eroller) our friends who don't care to follow the sense of the conversation.

This is not about "tasteful or not tasteful decor".

 

We have been talking about Industry Standards related to balcony cabins layout.

 

Standard balcony cabins (even smallest ones) normally include some "living space" ("marked" by a coffee table)=picture= and a proper bathroom that does not put restrictions on the normal use of the cabin (no privacy issues, you can go in/out any time, you can accept visitiors any time, etc.)=picture=.

 

Epic "standard" balcony cabins (in fact studios) are designed in the opposite way.

The "living space" is eliminated as such.=picture=

Epic "bathroom" puts restrictions on the normal use of the cabin.=picture=

 

That's why Epic "standard" balcony cabins are below industry standards.

 

Thank you.

[kerrytens]

This may help:

Nope! But thanks.

[lusitanica]

Nope! But thanks.

 

Didn't it?

 

Then this should help you, kerrytens.

 

No "living space", no coffee table on Princess?

Please look a bit more carefully.

 

[kerrytens]

Didn't it?

 

Then this should help you, kerrytens.

 

No "living space", no coffee table on Princess?

Please look a bit more carefully.

 

Ahhh, I see our problem - our definition of coffee table completely differs (since we seem to be debating here). I consider that a side table and if truth be told, it was more annoying in my room than helpful. I certainly didn't consider it a living area either (the chair held clothes for me). But to each their own.

 

Again, thanks for trying to set me straight but I still believe what I believe and you still believe what you believe. I'm good with that! Really;)

 

Forgot - thanks for bolding my name too. I do like it that way!

[lusitanica]

 

Again, thanks for trying to set me straight but I still believe what I believe and you still believe what you believe. I'm good with that! Really;)

 

 

You are welcome.

You don't have to believe or not to believe.

 

Ships are what they are.

[*Wink*]

Too bad Seinfeld is over. They could have done a show with Kramer cruising on the Epic as part of his "Coffee Table Book" tour.

 

*in case you haven't seen it, the book actually turns into a coffee table. ;)

[DGP1111]

It definitely took a while to go from Post #1 to here all in one sitting, but I did it. :D

Unfortunately, in the process, two small home projects for this morning have now been moved to Sunday. :o

I found this entire thread very (and by very I mean extremely) fascinating!

Only 21 weeks until my very first sailing on Norwegian EPIC (as well as it being my first ever on NCL).

[kerrytens]

Ships are what they are.

Exactly! We shall agree on this point:D

[Jimmy Geegitz]

I have to admit there has been alot of negative reviews about Norweigan and the EPIC. i was thinking of booking the Epic for a cruise next year but I am really concerned about tis whole cruise line and this ship.The Op makes some very valid points in his review.

[wack001]

I have to admit there has been alot of negative reviews about Norweigan and the EPIC. i was thinking of booking the Epic for a cruise next year but I am really concerned about tis whole cruise line and this ship.The Op makes some very valid points in his review.

 

I love cruising and consider myself a relativity savvy cruiser who knows quite a bit. It is just my experience that whenever a new ship is launched there usually are TONS of great reviews till the newness settles and then we have an exchange but mostly good. However, in the case of the EPIC I found that not to be the case, initially a few good reviews then it was pretty much even with a lot of BAD reviews, I think that is a not a good sign of the ship and what it offers. I am sailing the EPIC on 16 October and I have never had a bad cruise, but I am a bit apprehensive I will enjoy, but I think there will be issues.

http://www.cruisinbob.com

[sdmike]

Most that don't like Epic prefer a more traditional ship with a single large entertainment venue, an enclosed bathroom, a promenade deck with a track, etc. That's where most of the complaints come from. The Epic is a different animal. It's amazing and wonderful in its own way. If you prefer traditional, you may have issues. If you like variety (entertainment, eating, etc.) then this could well be the ship for you.

[lusitanica]

Most that don't like Epic prefer a more traditional ship with a single large entertainment venue, an enclosed bathroom, a promenade deck with a track, etc. That's where most of the complaints come from. The Epic is a different animal. It's amazing and wonderful in its own way. If you prefer traditional, you may have issues. If you like variety (entertainment, eating, etc.) then this could well be the ship for you.

 

 

Most that don't like Epic prefer more comfortable ship with variety of entertainment, eating, etc., etc.

 

Epic as a poorly designed ship.

Some like to substitude "poorly designed" with euphemisms like "different" and so on.

[RNPJN]

Most that don't like Epic prefer more comfortable ship with variety of entertainment, eating, etc., etc.

 

Epic as a poorly designed ship.

Some like to substitude "poorly designed" with euphemisms like "different" and so on.

I found the Epic to be a very comfortable ship with a large variety of entertainment, eating, etc., etc. And not poorly designed! I have no complaints and had a great cruise.

[4nzic1]

WOW!!!!!! EXCELLENT REVIEW!!!! I'm on Epic in about two weeks.....I'm so fatigued right now from work that I'm ready for anything Epic throws at me. :) I'm going to be in one of those Studio cabins. : ) Thanks again for a wonderful review.

[boeckli]

Why anyone would select that room in the lower left of lusitanica's oft reposted picture is beyond me. I'm not sure what point you're trying to make by reposting them over and over. The lower left one is ugly and small, and god only knows what the rest of that upper room looks like.

Both pictures (as well as his photo of a sink in post #200) are from a balcony cabin on Queen Mary 2. Not sure that industry standard applies - QM2 is an Ocean Liner, not a Cruise Ship ...

 

How about a well lit picture that doesn't make the room look like a cave? This is a deluxe which is a few feet longer than a standard, but the same width and very similar. The FACT is these rooms are not smaller than normal, just narrower and laid out differently. They are very comfortable, tastefully appointed, not lacking at all in amenities, and include a balcony unlike a typical "entry level" outside stateroom.

 

 

Much better photo, Mike :)

[dfishner]

I feel the video was much more powerful then any of the words or reviews going back and forth. I have gone back and forth with the Epic even while it was being built feeling it has to many people for that size ship and that concerned me and was waiting until the ship has some months and reviews behind it to gauge if it was going to be to crowded in my opinion of reading some reviews and seeing the video is the answer is yes for us.

 

All the negatives about the size of the cabin, the bathroom, the sink were never a deal breaker for us but the crowding, getting into the shows and wait times to get in are a deal breaker. We like large ships love the voyager and freedom class on RCL they are very well laid out ships and really never feel crowded I just keep getting the feeling that NCL just crammed everything in plus added more cabins on a ship that should of been larger to accomadate what they were trying to do.

 

The Video convinced us of one thing we will pass on the Epic and stay with the Jewel class those ships were laid out well with great customer flow

[kerrytens]

Most that don't like Epic prefer more comfortable ship with variety of entertainment, eating, etc., etc.

 

Epic as a poorly designed ship.

Some like to substitude "poorly designed" with euphemisms like "different" and so on.

One person's opinion. Not mine nor many others, worth stating again. I plan on enjoying my time onboard armed with all of the knowledge I've gained from this review and many others.

[RNPJN]

Just got off the Epic. The only crowd we saw was the line of people waiting for the Cirque show. (& I think this is due to the nature of their reservation process for that restaurant. Now people are lining up earlier & earlier just to acquire that perfect seat) There was approx 4000 people on the ship & I had commented to my husband I felt more "crowded" on the Pearl. This ship is huge and people are spread out all over. & we didn't even encounter the "horrible" long waits for the elevators. I had anticipated lines for the Blue Man Group but we saw their show the first night at 10:00 - just walked right in at 9:40 with our reservations. (now people may have been standing in line before the doors opened but it wasn't necessary) There is also many available quiet places on the ship - you just have to look around and there is so many of the NCL staff available to help. I just don't understand all the negative postings. Sure the cabin design is flawed but it sure doesn't stop you from having a wonderful vacation. And I saw a negative posting about the Garden Cafe being so crowded on embarkation day. This area is so much bigger then the other cafes on other NCL ships. And you can take your food down to the La Cucina level. Or you can eat at Taste or O'Sheehans or Spice. The fun is in exploring this beautiful ship. Don't let these negative reviews prevent you from going on this ship. We love the Jewel class ships too, but the Epic is just in a class by itself. We're going on her in January again and we're sailing on the other NCL ships soon, too. Just keep an open mind, IMO she is well worth the money.

[rosey1946]

Luis-You missed such a great opportunity to give us all some real information about the ship and not just roasting her. We are sailing on the Epic in April. I know I'll have a great time as I've enjoyed all of my 20 plus cruises and 13 of them on NCL.

Let's be honest. You hated this ship before you sailed. I hope you had some fun somewhere. My dad died at age 39 and that showed me life is short-just enjoy and have fun.

Linda

[lusitanica]

... I'm debating switching to cabin 12100...it looks like it is the start of the hump and has a bigger balcony...plus the bed is not by the door. I noticed it's being re-classified as a diff category in the future. My cabin 12184 (currently on the hump) that I'm booked in now appears to have the bed by the door and it overlooks lifeboats and the open cabins on 8. But if I book 12100 will people be able to see into my balcony since it'll be on an angle?? I know I'm probably over-thinking this stuff, but if anyone can provide some insight, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you!! :D

 

 

Don't worry.

12100 balcony is positioned high enough to be just minimally exposed to views from outsude.

 

[Dadmech]

That's an intense review. Thank you. After watching the videos, I've lost serious interest in sailing on Epic. Having the casino as a multi-deck centerpiece...not so much. Seemed very crowded, cluttered (artwork scattered throughout), and made me tense watching the video...except the view of the wake(which was nice when viewed horizontally, but vertically very awkward).

 

Thanks again for the video. Overall take is that Epic appeared to be a mess. I was considering this ship, but if your video was reality, that is NOT for us. We go to relax and have peace and quiet...I didn't get that vibe at all.

 

It's a shame you'll miss out on this ship! We see what the OP wants us to see. Having just returned from the Epic, i thought it was beautiful, calm when and where you wanted it to be. Everyone has an opinion, and this is the OP's opinion. Take what you want out of it, it truly is what YOU make of it.

Sorry, dont mean to hijack, just my 2 cents.

;)

[InverStone]

Just got off the Epic. The only crowd we saw was the line of people waiting for the Cirque show. (& I think this is due to the nature of their reservation process for that restaurant. Now people are lining up earlier & earlier just to acquire that perfect seat) There was approx 4000 people on the ship & I had commented to my husband I felt more "crowded" on the Pearl. This ship is huge and people are spread out all over. & we didn't even encounter the "horrible" long waits for the elevators. I had anticipated lines for the Blue Man Group but we saw their show the first night at 10:00 - just walked right in at 9:40 with our reservations. (now people may have been standing in line before the doors opened but it wasn't necessary) There is also many available quiet places on the ship - you just have to look around and there is so many of the NCL staff available to help. I just don't understand all the negative postings. Sure the cabin design is flawed but it sure doesn't stop you from having a wonderful vacation. And I saw a negative posting about the Garden Cafe being so crowded on embarkation day. This area is so much bigger then the other cafes on other NCL ships. And you can take your food down to the La Cucina level. Or you can eat at Taste or O'Sheehans or Spice. The fun is in exploring this beautiful ship. Don't let these negative reviews prevent you from going on this ship. We love the Jewel class ships too, but the Epic is just in a class by itself. We're going on her in January again and we're sailing on the other NCL ships soon, too. Just keep an open mind, IMO she is well worth the money.

 

 

I agree with you 100%. My wife and I did the transatlantic and LOVED the ship, and we didn't even had any stops. Loved the casino, the shows, the layout....lots of places to relax. Staff was one of the best of any NCL ship we have ever been on (I think we have been on 9 ships).

 

My only minor complaint...no formal library. I made up for that by drinking lots of scotch, and having fun.

 

I don't understand the negativity either. There have been hundreds of posts about shower doors. Ridiculous. Put on your Big Boy pants and deal with it.

 

Inver

 

 

PS Hi Gerry and Donna! (couple from NYC we met on the ship)

[kerrytens]

It's a shame you'll miss out on this ship! We see what the OP wants us to see. Having just returned from the Epic, i thought it was beautiful, calm when and where you wanted it to be. Everyone has an opinion, and this is the OP's opinion. Take what you want out of it, it truly is what YOU make of it.

Sorry, dont mean to hijack, just my 2 cents.

;)

I don't think it is a hijack at all. Your points are incredibly valid and well within the contents of the discussion about the Epic.