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

[NEW 2 CRUISIN]

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.

 

Glad you had a nice cruise on the EPIC!

Thanks for sharing some good info here!

:)

[intrepid_guy]

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.

Ernie

 

I think that the reason ROYAL PRINCESS was different was that she offered exclusively outside cabins... if I remember correctly, there were no insides on that ship.

 

~Intrepid <-- room with a view

[eroller]

I think that the reason ROYAL PRINCESS was different was that she offered exclusively outside cabins... if I remember correctly, there were no insides on that ship.

 

~Intrepid <-- room with a view

 

 

Very true, but this was not the trend that took off. Most ships still offered inside cabins after ROYAL PRINCESS and still do.

 

The innovation that set the trend was the large percentage of balcony cabins, and the fact they were offered in standard sized cabins and not just suites. In this respect ROYAL PRINCESS was truly a trend setter and changed the industry.

 

Ernie

[cruiser willy]

Lusitanica,

I want to know why it is you waste so much precious time arguing with Mike? I've long given up on trying to win my case with him. He's the supreme expert on cruise ships afterall. He's been on F I V E whole cruises!!! He put me in my place several pages ago by telling me I have no business commenting on the Epic's fishbowl showers if I haven't been on the Epic yet. Like I'd ever try such accommodations after seeing a photograph of a stateroom with a shower, sink and toilet actually IN the ROOM.

Your pics and diagrams paint a very revealing picture. I love NCL, but I will not cruise on their ships if they continue building them like this one. There really is an industry standard. I have a few cruises under my belt and even more grey hairs.

These balcony cabins are S U B S T A N D A R D.

They're not "not standard" or unstandard or different than standard.

They are L E S S T H A N S T A N D A R D.

They are B E L O W S T A N D A R D.

The curves were designed as trickery and nothing more.

I would love the walls to be curved in a S T A N D A R D cabin, a decently sized and scaled cabin with an actual bathroom. I don't mind a sink being located outside the bathroom, although I'd prefer it to be a second sink....but the shower location is awful. It is S U B S T A N D A R D.

[PokerDave]

These balcony cabins are S U B S T A N D A R D.

They're not "not standard" or unstandard or different than standard.

They are L E S S T H A N S T A N D A R D.

They are B E L O W S T A N D A R D.

The curves were designed as trickery and nothing more.

I would love the walls to be curved in a S T A N D A R D cabin, a decently sized and scaled cabin with an actual bathroom. I don't mind a sink being located outside the bathroom, although I'd prefer it to be a second sink....but the shower location is awful. It is S U B S T A N D A R D.

 

C'mon Willy. Shoot straight with us. What do you really think?

 

And why the 6 year cruise drought after the honeymoon cruise???

[owamo1]

Could you please email me privately? I have an extremely important question to ask you. Thanks, Sandy

[BikerAl]

I think that the reason ROYAL PRINCESS was different was that she offered exclusively outside cabins... if I remember correctly, there were no insides on that ship.

 

~Intrepid <-- room with a view

 

There are interior cabins on decks 4, 6-8.

 

Al

[eroller]

There are interior cabins on decks 4, 6-8.

 

Al

 

 

 

We were speaking of the Royal Princess of 1984, not the current RP which is an R-Class ship. On RP circa 1984, there were no inside cabins.

 

Ernie

[BikerAl]

We were speaking of the Royal Princess of 1984, not the current RP which is an R-Class ship. On RP circa 1984, there were no inside cabins.

 

Ernie

 

Ahhh.

 

Al

[lusitanica]

Your pics and diagrams paint a very revealing picture. I love NCL, but I will not cruise on their ships if they continue building them like this one. There really is an industry standard. I have a few cruises under my belt and even more grey hairs.

These balcony cabins are S U B S T A N D A R D.

They're not "not standard" or unstandard or different than standard.

They are L E S S T H A N S T A N D A R D.

They are B E L O W S T A N D A R D.

The curves were designed as trickery and nothing more.

I would love the walls to be curved in a S T A N D A R D cabin, a decently sized and scaled cabin with an actual bathroom. I don't mind a sink being located outside the bathroom, although I'd prefer it to be a second sink....but the shower location is awful. It is S U B S T A N D A R D.

 

Your list of cruises is very impressive.

[cruiser willy]

Forgive my sarcasm on this thread. I'm just so disappointed in this trend of "packin' em in" that I'm starting to see in the industry. Do you remember the slave ship scenes from "Roots"? I know it's all about the money, but as the companies continue competing for having the largest ships - the passenger capacity could still be enormous, even if the staterooms were roomy. As I get older, I have less tolerance for tight spaces. That narrow passage between the foot of the bed and the wall is shrinking with each new ship and my ability to spend a week hopping up on a bed to avoid one of my family members or the landmines of shoes and debris is also diminishing rapidly. Way back when I was a kid, and even into my teen years - my family secured very modest cruise ship accommodations - many without windows, but there was always a ton of floor space. It's not just my distorted memory. I have many pics that show our humble staterooms with scant furnishings and decor, but with enough floor space to hold a small aerobics class. As the ships get wider (greater drafts), the length of the outside cabins have been able to increase radically, thus allowing for more square footage per cabin. Rather than allowing folks to enjoy this extra space, the ships began making the rooms narrower - thus retaining the "normal" square footage, but creating long, narrow, harder to negotiate cabins. Lately, especially with the curved wall concept, the cabin square footages have become alarmingly decreased to allow for even more cabins than necessary along the length of these enormous ships. The bathroom fixtures being in the room is even more alarming. I hate to have folks accept these gimmicks. I remember jackets and ties being required in the dining room every night with 2 nights being mandatory black tie. My mom always wore fancy dresses and gowns. This was on EVERY SHIP! The trend toward casual attire is already getting abused...allowing folks to wear flip flops and t-shirts and shorts in the dining rooms most nights. As folks start to accept these trends, the mainstream companies / ships are likely to become floating party barges (which I would have loved during my college years) with little or no fanciness (which ships used to be known for).

With regard to my post wedding cruising dry spell, I think you probably already figured out that my kids came along immediately and were too small for us to feel that we could enjoy such a vacation. Our first cruise with them was when our son was 6 and our daughter was 2. My baby is now a high school senior and she'll be sailing with friends in a Dawn Garden Villa in June. Of course we adults will be enjoying (and keeping an eye on them from) the other Garden Villa. This is taking my tolerance for tight spaces to the other extreme, I know.

[Jerseyboy1]

Forgive my sarcasm on this thread. I'm just so disappointed in this trend of "packin' em in" that I'm starting to see in the industry. Do you remember the slave ship scenes from "Roots"? I know it's all about the money, but as the companies continue competing for having the largest ships - the passenger capacity could still be enormous, even if the staterooms were roomy. As I get older, I have less tolerance for tight spaces. That narrow passage between the foot of the bed and the wall is shrinking with each new ship and my ability to spend a week hopping up on a bed to avoid one of my family members or the landmines of shoes and debris is also diminishing rapidly. Way back when I was a kid, and even into my teen years - my family secured very modest cruise ship accommodations - many without windows, but there was always a ton of floor space. It's not just my distorted memory. I have many pics that show our humble staterooms with scant furnishings and decor, but with enough floor space to hold a small aerobics class. As the ships get wider (greater drafts), the length of the outside cabins have been able to increase radically, thus allowing for more square footage per cabin. Rather than allowing folks to enjoy this extra space, the ships began making the rooms narrower - thus retaining the "normal" square footage, but creating long, narrow, harder to negotiate cabins. Lately, especially with the curved wall concept, the cabin square footages have become alarmingly decreased to allow for even more cabins than necessary along the length of these enormous ships. The bathroom fixtures being in the room is even more alarming. I hate to have folks accept these gimmicks. I remember jackets and ties being required in the dining room every night with 2 nights being mandatory black tie. My mom always wore fancy dresses and gowns. This was on EVERY SHIP! The trend toward casual attire is already getting abused...allowing folks to wear flip flops and t-shirts and shorts in the dining rooms most nights. As folks start to accept these trends, the mainstream companies / ships are likely to become floating party barges (which I would have loved during my college years) with little or no fanciness (which ships used to be known for).

With regard to my post wedding cruising dry spell, I think you probably already figured out that my kids came along immediately and were too small for us to feel that we could enjoy such a vacation. Our first cruise with them was when our son was 6 and our daughter was 2. My baby is now a high school senior and she'll be sailing with friends in a Dawn Garden Villa in June. Of course we adults will be enjoying (and keeping an eye on them from) the other Garden Villa. This is taking my tolerance for tight spaces to the other extreme, I know.

 

Cruiser Willy, if I may, just let me say thank you for offering up some of your very personal experiences with cruising on this thread. You sound like a very sincere and thoughtful person, where others sometimes can come across as know-it-alls.

 

I must say that I most certainly agree with your observations, and like you, I also wonder just what is going to become of the cruise industry. Years ago, there was always partying and revenue generating opportunities on cruise ships, but those aspects were always secondary to the once 'classier' atmosphere that seemed to dominate the experience. Yes, cramming more passengers on a ship and making it appeal more to 'joe six pack' may increase a company's bottom line, but it does little to hold up the fine traditions that many of these lines claim to be aligned with.

 

For me, I personally see most of the changes that we have witnessed as a somewhat 'dumbing down' of a once great industry. Free to do whatever, whenever can only be taken so far. Or can it?:eek:

[PokerDave]

Forgive my sarcasm on this thread. I'm just so disappointed in this trend of "packin' em in" that I'm starting to see in the industry.

 

Isn't this a self-correcting problem though? If there is a market for the traditional "classy" cruise then companies will offer it and people will go.

 

Of course another way to look at it is that companies offer what people want. And what people WANT isn't always what's good for them. I think Television is a HUGE victim of this. Advertising drives TV, so what goes on the tube is whatever gets eye-balls. Good wholesome shows? Forget it. More eye-balls to rubber-neck a reality show with T&A. Walter Kronkite-like impartial facts-only news? Nope, we'd rather watch Fox or MSNBC depending on our particular slant... News about positive things? Nope, we'd rather see the train wreck or the grisly murder. The trend isn't a good one for TV...

 

Perhaps the same phenomenon is at work in the cruise industry...

 

Once upon a time you had First Class and Steerage... A lot of the "class" you like/miss actually comes from that old class distinction and the traditions that went on in First Class. There are a lot of what would have been Steerage folks on the mass market ships these days and they are voting with their $$$ for what they prefer in a cruise... Does it make for a better cruise experience? Guess it depends on your perspective...

[cruiser willy]

Isn't this a self-correcting problem though? If there is a market for the traditional "classy" cruise then companies will offer it and people will go.

 

Of course another way to look at it is that companies offer what people want. And what people WANT isn't always what's good for them. I think Television is a HUGE victim of this. Advertising drives TV, so what goes on the tube is whatever gets eye-balls. Good wholesome shows? Forget it. More eye-balls to rubber-neck a reality show with T&A. Walter Kronkite-like impartial facts-only news? Nope, we'd rather watch Fox or MSNBC depending on our particular slant... News about positive things? Nope, we'd rather see the train wreck or the grisly murder. The trend isn't a good one for TV...

 

Perhaps the same phenomenon is at work in the cruise industry...

 

Once upon a time you had First Class and Steerage... A lot of the "class" you like/miss actually comes from that old class distinction and the traditions that went on in First Class. There are a lot of what would have been Steerage folks on the mass market ships these days and they are voting with their $$$ for what they prefer in a cruise... Does it make for a better cruise experience? Guess it depends on your perspective...

 

Agreed, but my problem with (what I'm reading about) the Epic, is it sounds like the vast majority of "standard balcony" cabins are these "studio" things.

I'm pretty sure that the general public, or even "steerage" type folks have not been clambering for closets with beds and toilets in them.....and they're not clambering (voting with their $$$) for a greater ratio of passengers per square foot of vessel. I'm pretty sure that the industry is just doing this to make a GREATER profit.....and duping us (the Epic fan club on here) into believing this concept is cool and slick. Through the years, I've witnessed each cost saving / revenue enhancing measure slowly erode the quality of the main stream industry. I really don't want to go on the expensive, stuffy old fart ships (yet). I still want fun and activity, but want to keep some of the elbow room and class. I may be one of the biggest partiers on here....but I'm not a sardine.

We all stood by and allowed the mainstream cruise lines to reduce our time in all the ports in order to maximize their profits. Besides Bermuda, there's hardly a port that enjoys cruise passenger business past 5pm. When I grew up we frequently enjoyed ports till 10pm, midnight, 2am or even 8am. Passengers could explore the island night life, casinos, even midnight beach swims.....but we were spending money on an island rather than on the ship, and the lines got wise to that. We were always able to purchase duty-free liquor on board the ship or in ports to enjoy in our cabins....but the lines got wise to that too! Bar drinks used to be a huge bargain on board ships. I remember coming home and bragging to friends about how cheap beers and mixed drinks were.....but the lines got wise to that too!

We're not "voting" for these many restrictions....we're just allowing them to slowly erode an industry "standard".

We pay comparatively sizable "port charges" for greatly reduced time in port. The islands would likely agree to charge less fees if passengers were allowed more time to contribute funds into their economies. I'm sure deals could be struck that way, but the cruise lines want us on the ships longer!

I noticed our time in port in Bermuda was cut even shorter than usual this past summer. What was previously 4 full days in port has been cut down to less than 3 full days. We sailed back to Boston at a swimmers pace!.....TO KEEP US ON THE SHIP LONGER!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!

We're not "voting" for these changes. They are being shoved down our throats! And all the cheer leaders on here keep repeating things like: "A bad day on a cruise is better than a good day at the office"....or "I had a great time on the ship with a toilet between the two beds".

Of course you can still have a great time, but we're getting ripped off!

[jjb415]

Thanks OP for the great review !! :)

[mikeybee]

Agreed, but my problem with (what I'm reading about) the Epic, is it sounds like the vast majority of "standard balcony" cabins are these "studio" things.

I'm pretty sure that the general public, or even "steerage" type folks have not been clambering for closets with beds and toilets in them.....and they're not clambering (voting with their $$$) for a greater ratio of passengers per square foot of vessel. I'm pretty sure that the industry is just doing this to make a GREATER profit.....and duping us (the Epic fan club on here) into believing this concept is cool and slick. Through the years, I've witnessed each cost saving / revenue enhancing measure slowly erode the quality of the main stream industry. I really don't want to go on the expensive, stuffy old fart ships (yet). I still want fun and activity, but want to keep some of the elbow room and class. I may be one of the biggest partiers on here....but I'm not a sardine.

We all stood by and allowed the mainstream cruise lines to reduce our time in all the ports in order to maximize their profits. Besides Bermuda, there's hardly a port that enjoys cruise passenger business past 5pm. When I grew up we frequently enjoyed ports till 10pm, midnight, 2am or even 8am. Passengers could explore the island night life, casinos, even midnight beach swims.....but we were spending money on an island rather than on the ship, and the lines got wise to that. We were always able to purchase duty-free liquor on board the ship or in ports to enjoy in our cabins....but the lines got wise to that too! Bar drinks used to be a huge bargain on board ships. I remember coming home and bragging to friends about how cheap beers and mixed drinks were.....but the lines got wise to that too!

We're not "voting" for these many restrictions....we're just allowing them to slowly erode an industry "standard".

We pay comparatively sizable "port charges" for greatly reduced time in port. The islands would likely agree to charge less fees if passengers were allowed more time to contribute funds into their economies. I'm sure deals could be struck that way, but the cruise lines want us on the ships longer!

I noticed our time in port in Bermuda was cut even shorter than usual this past summer. What was previously 4 full days in port has been cut down to less than 3 full days. We sailed back to Boston at a swimmers pace!.....TO KEEP US ON THE SHIP LONGER!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!

We're not "voting" for these changes. They are being shoved down our throats! And all the cheer leaders on here keep repeating things like: "A bad day on a cruise is better than a good day at the office"....or "I had a great time on the ship with a toilet between the two beds".

Of course you can still have a great time, but we're getting ripped off!

You make great points. I remember my folks coming back from cruises they took 20 years ago and had 3 black tie nights, great food ect. They thought it was the greatest thing . How things have changed !!:confused:

[cruisewmn]

Wow, my memories of cruising before the newer megaships is not as grand as others. My first cruise was on RCCL's Song of Norway. It was my honeymoon and we were booked in the second biggest suite on the ship. I bet it was about the size of today's deluxe balcony cabins -- without the balcony. The window opened onto the Promenade deck, so we had to keep the drapes closed for privacy. I thought it was small ... until I saw one of the standard oceanview cabins. Now that was tiny.

 

I haven't been on the Epic, yet, but am looking forward to it. People cautioned me about sailing NCL years ago, but I tried it anyway. I fell in love with Freestyle. I like a ship that has a range of cabins, dining rooms, and entertainment. One size fits all doesn't appeal to me. The Epic offers these choices and I'm willing to give it a chance.

[Cruize-n-Compete]

You make great points. I remember my folks coming back from cruises they took 20 years ago and had 3 black tie nights, great food ect. They thought it was the greatest thing . How things have changed !!:confused:

 

 

"3 black tie nights"

YUCK YUCK YUCK

NO THANK YOU

NO THANK YOU

NO THANK YOU

I won't even go on a cruise with 1 "formal' night. PERIOD!

Sure I would like a bigger cabin, a suite, but I don't want to pay the price they want.

But only for the extra room. I have little use for a butler. No thanks.

I also don't want people waiting on me hand and foot.

I don't like going into stores where they bother you.

I don't even like using a travel agent. I do it myself on the internet and I do a better job and I get a better price.

I tried calling NCL. They put me in a balcony cabin on the 14th level. Said "oh here's a good room" It's on a higher floor so it's better. Sounded fine to me.

Turned out it was the forward most cabin - one of those "hull" balconies and right under the bridge if I remember. Not a good cabin.

I canceled. And then he called me back to find out why I canceled!!!

VERY VERY ANNOYING!!!

I booked a stern/aft cabin all by myself. Saved over $200 and got $100 OBC too.

I actually don't like "personal service".

You go into a store to buy something and 9 times out of 10, if you have a question, the guy who works there picks up the box and starts reading to try to answer the question.

Thanks, but no thanks. I can read.

You go to buy a car and I know more about their cars than the salesman.

I now buy my cars through the internet. And they just deliver it right to my house and I sign the papers. Done.

I only go to the dealership for a test ride. MUCH better.

(But of course while I am at the dealership I have to play the "game" - what a pain in the arse!)

I don't even go to the barber shop for that reason. I don't like having to make small talk while I am stuck in a chair. I cut my own hair.

I would probably like a massage but I won't get one becasue I don't want some stangers hands all over me.

I want good food.

And lots of food choices.

I want good entertainment.

And lots of entertainment choices.

I want a good lively casino.

I don't want to have to eat at a set time.

I don't want to eat with people I don't know.

I don't care about the pool.

I have one at home.

[maja]

You make great points. I remember my folks coming back from cruises they took 20 years ago and had 3 black tie nights, great food ect. They thought it was the greatest thing . How things have changed !!:confused:

 

Things have certainly changed! But what about the fact that 25 yrs ago cruising was very expensive & that the average traveler could not afford one?

Bottom line is that cruising is a very economical vacation, especially when traveling with a family & appeals to everyone now. Yes, cuts are made & changes are made but all in all rates have not changed very much in the last few years. These changes are across the board involving all the cruise lines & ships...not on the Epic only.

It's now in the hands of the traveler. They can decide what level of service they need in order to make their cruise their dream vacation. If you can afford it & it makes you happy, then upgrade. The frills are there to add on. If you can't afford them, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself.

I for one prefer that cruising is now available for all. You can take a little away from my cabin size, cut back a bit on the menus & I'll still be thankful for my cruise vacation.

As far as the Epic, NCL has stated from the start we were in for something new. I can remember when the Carnival Destiny came out. Oh the negative talk about her size. How could one possibly have a good time on such a "gigantic" ship?! I can remember the first time I saw the Destiny...I thought it was not only too big, but ugly too. People were really turned off. Now, the Destiny is just another ship & actually most people won't book on anything smaller.

It's up to the consumer to educate themselves before deciding what ship to book. If you like the idea of new & different, then the Epic is for you.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

"3 black tie nights"

 

YUCK YUCK YUCK

 

NO THANK YOU

NO THANK YOU

NO THANK YOU

 

I won't even go on a cruise with 1 "formal' night. PERIOD!

 

Sure I would like a bigger cabin, a suite, but I don't want to pay the price they want.

 

But only for the extra room. I have little use for a butler. No thanks.

 

I also don't want people waiting on me hand and foot.

 

I don't like going into stores where they bother you.

 

I don't even like using a travel agent. I do it myself on the internet and I do a better job and I get a better price.

 

I tried calling NCL. They put me in a balcony cabin on the 14th level. Said "oh here's a good room" It's on a higher floor so it's better. Sounded fine to me.

 

Turned out it was the forward most cabin - one of those "hull" balconies and right under the bridge if I remember. Not a good cabin.

 

I canceled. And then he called me back to find out why I canceled!!!

 

VERY VERY ANNOYING!!!

 

I booked a stern/aft cabin all by myself. Saved over $200 and got $100 OBC too.

 

I actually don't like "personal service".

 

You go into a store to buy something and 9 times out of 10, if you have a question, the guy who works there picks up the box and starts reading to try to answer the question.

 

Thanks, but no thanks. I can read.

 

You go to buy a car and I know more about their cars than the salesman.

 

I now buy my cars through the internet. And they just deliver it right to my house and I sign the papers. Done.

 

I only go to the dealership for a test ride. MUCH better.

 

(But of course while I am at the dealership I have to play the "game" - what a pain in the arse!)

 

I don't even go to the barber shop for that reason. I don't like having to make small talk while I am stuck in a chair. I cut my own hair.

 

I would probably like a massage but I won't get one becasue I don't want some stangers hands all over me.

 

I want good food.

 

And lots of food choices.

 

I want good entertainment.

 

And lots of entertainment choices.

 

I want a good lively casino.

 

I don't want to have to eat at a set time.

 

I don't want to eat with people I don't know.

 

I don't care about the pool.

 

I have one at home.

 

 

I...I...I...me...me...me...

 

Firstly Cruize-n-Compete let me say I'm impressed that you know your likes and dislikes so well; good thing.

 

Second, it sounds like you're a perfect fit for the 'Freestyle' cruiseline.

 

Third, I would suggest that you stick with NCL because you wouldn't like the social aspect of meeting different people on a more traditional cruiseline.

 

Fourth, while you do not like personal service I prefer personal service. I learn from people who know more about things that I do and while I understand you may have had poor customer service in the past that is not always the case. Try shopping for mens shoes at Nordstom's - I think you'll find it an eye opening experience is good customer service.

 

Finally, in case you get tired of your current hairstyle the Epic always has a barber for your needs...;)

[Mr. Luckytoo]

Things have certainly changed! It's up to the consumer to educate themselves before deciding what ship to book. If you like the idea of new & different, then the Epic is for you.

 

Maja I agree wtih you about things changing. That's one reason why this thread is so important. It gives people a chance to look at a different perspective of the Epic that most people gloss over. The video's that the OP took allow a potential cruiser to get a view at the 'new and different' ship to see if it is something they would like to try WITHOUT spending thousands of dollars sight unseen.

 

I applaud NCL for trying something differnet - it's just not my cup of tea. In my mind I liked some of what they attempted to do but the actual execution wasn't handled as well as it could have been, in my opinion.

[cruiser willy]

Maja I agree wtih you about things changing. That's one reason why this thread is so important. It gives people a chance to look at a different perspective of the Epic that most people gloss over. The video's that the OP took allow a potential cruiser to get a view at the 'new and different' ship to see if it is something they would like to try WITHOUT spending thousands of dollars sight unseen.

 

I applaud NCL for trying something differnet - it's just not my cup of tea. In my mind I liked some of what they attempted to do but the actual execution wasn't handled as well as it could have been, in my opinion.

 

 

Talk about "Fair & Balanced"!!!!!!

Nice job Mr. Luckytoo!!!!!

What a perfect ending (that could be) to a very controversial thread.

 

...as if....

[lusitanica]

Thanks OP for the great review !! :)

 

 

You are very welcome

[dalgirl]

I...I...I...me...me...me...

 

Firstly Cruize-n-Compete let me say I'm impressed that you know your likes and dislikes so well; good thing.

 

Second, it sounds like you're a perfect fit for the 'Freestyle' cruiseline.

 

Third, I would suggest that you stick with NCL because you wouldn't like the social aspect of meeting different people on a more traditional cruiseline.

 

Fourth, while you do not like personal service I prefer personal service. I learn from people who know more about things that I do and while I understand you may have had poor customer service in the past that is not always the case. Try shopping for mens shoes at Nordstom's - I think you'll find it an eye opening experience is good customer service.

 

Finally, in case you get tired of your current hairstyle the Epic always has a barber for your needs...;)

 

I totally agree with Cruize-n-compete - that is why we like freestyle. But I disagree with you on a few things Luckytoo - the free choice way of thinking is not anti-social or for "set in your ways" folks. Just the opposite. DH and I love to socialize with people we enjoy or want to get to know better, not particularly with sales associates, who are just trying to do their job or people thrown into some random group with us. We have met some lovely people while cruising freestyle and eat with them (when we want) and socialize with them (when we want) and tour with them (when we want). Another way of looking at it: we are not stuck sitting at the same table, with the same (possible) boring people, at the same time everyday during our vacation. And if we get a server who is mediocre, then maybe the next server will be excellent. And don't forget: you pay very dearly for that service at Nordstrom's. If you know exactly what you want, why do you need someone to help you? Unless it is to validate your choice. Different strokes for different folks works in all aspects of life including cruising. And there are many cruise lines out there for whatever cruising mood you are in. I think we should enjoy them all and not worry about all the little details - find something that mostly suits your style (nothing suits your every need) and enjoy yourself.

[lusitanica]

... we like freestyle...

 

I like free style too.

Whenever I travel - I travel free style.

My previous cruise was free style (more choices, more freedom, more comfort than on Epic).

Now I am planning another free style cruise. Of course, it will be not NCL ship, and of course it will be a free style cruise.

I like free style cruising, but I don't like annoying marketing gimmicks.