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

[lusitanica]

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.

[sdmike]

Maybe a hot tub?

 

Probably get more use than the couch. We could put a cover on top at night for somebody to sleep on. :)

[eroller]

 

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

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

I totally agree that EPIC cabins are not industry standard, but I'm not sure I would go as far to say "below" industry standard. I think that can be somewhat subjective to the person occupying the cabin. I feel more comfortable with "different" than industry standard.

 

As an example, there may be those out there that actually prefer the bathroom arrangement on EPIC, in which case when they sail on other ships the bathroom might feel inferior, or "below standard", based on their experience on EPIC. Another aspect of the cabin that might be subjective is the lighting. I believe on EPIC the cabins have various lighting options. Mood lighting so to speak. Other ships do not offer this. It's either lights on, or off. That might be another example of someone feeling other cabins are "below standard" if they are going strictly by EPIC. There are also standard cabins on some ships (think Princess Cruises) that don't even have room for a small sofa. There is a chair and small table and that is it. Mind you the cabin is overall wider, but it's not as long. Again, some aspects of the cabin design are subjective to personal preferences.

 

While I like the concept of the wavy cabin, and absolutely LOVED the renderings, I have to admit in person they seem much smaller than the renderings. This is not to say they are not comfortable, but I can't imagine more than two people in these cabins.

 

Ernie

[sdmike]

Do we finally agree, Lusitanica? Say it isn't so. (Also please tell me you didn't pick your name by combining Lusitania and Titanic where a total of more than 2,500 cruise ship passengers died...but I digress)

 

I agree, the Epic balcony staterooms are not industry standard. Never said they were. I've always been stating that they are NON-STANDARD, not SUB-STANDARD.

[sdmike]

I totally agree that EPIC cabins are not industry standard, but I'm not sure I would go as far to say "below" industry standard. I think that can be somewhat subjective to the person occupying the cabin. I feel more comfortable with "different" than industry standard.

 

As an example, there may be those out there that actually prefer the bathroom arrangement on EPIC, in which case when they sail on other ships the bathroom might feel inferior, or "below standard", based on their experience on EPIC. Another aspect of the cabin that might be subjective is the lighting. I believe on EPIC the cabins have various lighting options. Mood lighting so to speak. Other ships do not offer this. It's either lights on, or off. That might be another example of someone feeling other cabins are "below standard" if they are going strictly by EPIC. There are also standard cabins on some ships (think Princess Cruises) that don't even have room for a small sofa. There is a chair and small table and that is it. Mind you the cabin is overall wider, but it's not as long. Again, some aspects of the cabin design are subjective to personal preferences.

 

While I like the concept of the wavy cabin, and absolutely LOVED the renderings, I have to admit in person they seem much smaller than the renderings. This is not to say they are not comfortable, but I can't imagine more than two people in these cabins.

 

Ernie

 

Amen, Ernie. While they are non-standard (compared to what's been out there), they are not sub-standard.

 

So when are you and Fred going on your trip? Did you say Epic? I've been to clubs with Fred. He'd like the ship. :)

[eroller]

Do we finally agree, Lusitanica? Say it isn't so. (Also please tell me you didn't pick your name by combining Lusitania and Titanic where a total of more than 2,500 cruise ship passengers died...but I digress)

 

I agree, the Epic balcony staterooms are not industry standard. Never said they were. I've always been stating that they are NON-STANDARD, not SUB-STANDARD.

 

 

Actually I think you are agreeing with me or perhaps I'm agreeing with you. I'm the one that just posted my thoughts on non-standard vs below-standard cabins on EPIC. I don't believe Lusitanica has chimed in yet.

 

Ernie

[sdmike]

Actually I think you are agreeing with me or perhaps I'm agreeing with you. I'm the one that just posted my thoughts on non-standard vs below-standard cabins on EPIC. I don't believe Lusitanica has chimed in yet.

 

Ernie

 

I guess wishful thinking. Sorry, Ernie, for confusing you with him. I thought I made a pretty good point the other day about below versus above standards depending on what aspects you are comparing. He seems too intelligent to not understand the difference, so I guess he chooses to base his "fact" statement on his "opinion" of what's important and ignore logic.

[eroller]

Amen, Ernie. While they are non-standard (compared to what's been out there), they are not sub-standard.

 

So when are you and Fred going on your trip? Did you say Epic? I've been to clubs with Fred. He'd like the ship. :)

 

 

Fred has fun on any cruise as do I. We are looking to sail on EPIC in January. I was originally booked on EPIC with my partner for November, but we switched to NIEUW AMSTERDAM. EPIC would not be fun for him and I know he would be miserable on the ship. He is not big on cruises to begin with, or lots of people, or drinking till dawn and casinos. I know he sounds boring but he isn't ... he just likes a much more quiet atmosphere on his vacations. His idea vacation would be to fly to Paris, stay at a luxury hotel, and shop till he drops, so cruises are a stretch for him. He deals with people at his job everyday and prefers less contact with them on his vacations.

 

Ernie

[sdmike]

Fred has fun on any cruise as do I. We are looking to sail on EPIC in January. I was originally booked on EPIC with my partner for November, but we switched to NIEUW AMSTERDAM. EPIC would not be fun for him and I know he would be miserable on the ship. He is not big on cruises to begin with, or lots of people, or drinking till dawn and casinos. I know he sounds boring but he isn't ... he just likes a much more quiet atmosphere on his vacations. His idea vacation would be to fly to Paris, stay at a luxury hotel, and shop till he drops, so cruises are a stretch for him. He deals with people at his job everyday and prefers less contact with them on his vacations.

 

Ernie

 

I can already picture him dressed in all white at the "white hot" party in spice h20. You guys doing western or eastern caribbean?

[lusitanica]

I totally agree that EPIC cabins are not industry standard, but I'm not sure I would go as far to say "below" industry standard. I think that can be somewhat subjective to the person occupying the cabin. I feel more comfortable with "different" than industry standard.

 

 

Ernie

 

 

Ernie,

 

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

Yes or no?

 

Epic balcony cabins are de facto studios.

Yes or no?

 

Thank you.

[sdmike]

Allow me (not speaking for Ernie, but you've once again provided an open invite to make my point)

 

Ernie,

 

A proper (no. proper is subjective. change it to "enclosed") bathroom and "living space" (no. epic has living space) with a coffee table (agree) is de facto industry standard. (yes if changed to "enclosed" from "proper" and remove "living space")

Yes or no?

 

Epic balcony cabins are de facto studios.

Yes or no? Agreed, as are any other non-suite (real suite) staterooms

 

However, A + B doesn't equal your conclusion that the room is sub-standard. There are many parts of the room that are above standard, and depending on what someone deems important, these rooms can also be considered above-standard. However, if your point was to say that Epic's rooms are non-traditional and don't have a coffee table or a single enclosed bathroom, I would agree 100%. I don't know many different ways I can say the same thing to you. Do you just play ignorant in the hope that I stop trying?

 

Thank you.

 

I give up. I've run out of creative ways to try to explain my point. I know I'm making sense because others "get it" too. I feel like I'm talking to a plant, and all it's doing is standing there sucking the breath out of me. Lusitanica, enjoy your view of the world, this ship, etc. I'm done. I've wasted way too much time on you.

 

Regards

[eroller]

I can already picture him dressed in all white at the "white hot" party in spice h20. You guys doing western or eastern caribbean?

 

 

Don't know yet. I will be going through a job transition around that time, so the date will depend on that. I'm thinking Western Caribbean, perhaps January 8. We shall see. Fred sailed with me on OASIS so of course he wants to try out EPIC as well. I do too!

 

Ernie

[eroller]

Ernie,

 

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

Yes or no?

 

Epic balcony cabins are de facto studios.

Yes or no?

 

Thank you.

 

 

I agree a "traditional" bathroom is industry standard on pretty much all passenger ships. I'm just not sure what EPIC offers can be classified universally as "below" standard. Different than standard yes, but whether it's better or worse is subjective to the individual.

 

I have sailed in "standard" cabins with less living space than EPIC. As I mentioned the standard cabins on Princess are pretty small, and perhaps there is even less living space than on EPIC? There is a small table, but only one chair and no sofa and not too much moving around space.

 

I'm not really sure what you mean by calling the cabins "de facto studios". Perhaps they are, I guess that depends on your definition. Probably most standard cruise ship cabins could be considered "studios" if you compared them to a standard hotel room.

 

While I have not sailed in an EPIC cabin yet, my observations are that some aspects of the design could be considered inferior to industry standards, but also some aspects superior to industry standards. Overall, I'm not sure I could classify them as "below standard" or "sub-standard". Again I think much of that depends on the individual.

 

One thing is for certain, I don't think a cruise ship cabin design has ever been more controversial! Perhaps NCL should have gone old school, and put the private facilities down the hall to be shared by a block of cabins. LOL

 

Ernie

[intrepid_guy]

It is described in the review, agenda hunter.

 

There it is....

 

~Intrepid <-- snarky hunter

[intrepid_guy]

 

Dont be fooled by this photo. While the lifeboats are directly below, note that the photo does not include the horizon or any sky (and the ratio of the picture makes it obvious that it was cropped to remove any view). You know your eyes can see the boats, horizon and the sky all at once. You will not be restricted to looking downward the entire time. You may not see the water rushing by the ship, but you will be sure to see the wonderful views, islands and sunsets.

 

~Intrepid <-- enjoy the view.

[intrepid_guy]

What I think is fascinating is that L comments repeatedly on the size of the cabins, yet when presented with photographic evidence that the cabins appear as big as those on Spirit, has no comment.

 

Others chime in and say...yes, it's well known that Sprit's cabins are small.

 

 

Spirit is considered by MANY to be their favorite NCL ship.

 

 

It would stand to reason therefore, that cabin size is not directly correlated to enjoyment, appreciation, or fondness for a particular ship.

 

 

YET, that is implicit in L's review. Everything hinges on how horrible a decision it was to focus on putting-in as many cabins as possible (while de-emphasizing the vast amount of public space which results...).

 

As you know, I love the SPIRIT and I believe that the cabins on the EPIC are larger (and definitely has tons more storage) and more comfortable. Cabin size is truly not correlated to enjoyment. For me, feeling happy with what I spent for the vacation is key... the whole vacation, not just the four walls I sleep between. And I love the public spaces on EPIC.

 

Now that you have chosen to cruise the SPIRIT, I already cannot wait to read your impressions!

 

~Intrepid <-- Good Times.

[sdmike]

Dont be fooled by this photo. While the lifeboats are directly below, note that the photo does not include the horizon or any sky (and the ratio of the picture makes it obvious that it was cropped to remove any view). You know your eyes can see the boats, horizon and the sky all at once. You will not be restricted to looking downward the entire time. You may not see the water rushing by the ship, but you will be sure to see the wonderful views, islands and sunsets.

 

~Intrepid <-- enjoy the view.

 

And from that balcony, the stars and 7 decks of ship directly overhead :)

[lusitanica]

I agree a "traditional" bathroom is industry standard on pretty much all passenger ships. I'm just not sure what EPIC offers can be classified universally as "below" standard. Different than standard yes, but whether it's better or worse is subjective to the individual.

 

I have sailed in "standard" cabins with less living space than EPIC. As I mentioned the standard cabins on Princess are pretty small, and perhaps there is even less living space than on EPIC? There is a small table, but only one chair and no sofa and not too much moving around space.

 

I'm not really sure what you mean by calling the cabins "de facto studios". Perhaps they are, I guess that depends on your definition.

 

While I have not sailed in an EPIC cabin yet, my observations are that some aspects of the design could be considered inferior to industry standards, but also some aspects superior to industry standards. Overall, I'm not sure I could classify them as "below standard" or "sub-standard". Again I think much of that depends on the individual.

 

One thing is for certain, I don't think a cruise ship cabin design has ever been more controversial! Perhaps NCL should have gone old school, and put the private facilities down the hall to be shared by a block of cabins. LOL

 

 

- Have you seen Empire State Building: yes or no?

- I've seen many skyscrapers. Last time in London...

:)

 

I'm not really sure what you mean by calling the cabins "de facto studios". Perhaps they are, I guess that depends on your definition.

 

Ernie,

Seriously, it's getting more and more interesting.

NCL will help us.

They call "solo cabins" studios.

Could you please formulate why they call those cabins studios.

That way we'll get the definition.

Thank you.

[eroller]

 

 

 

Ernie,

Seriously, it's getting more and more interesting.

NCL will help us.

They call "solo cabins" studios.

Could you please formulate why they call those cabins studios.

That way we'll get the definition.

Thank you.

 

 

I would surmise NCL labels them "studios" because they don't have a living, or seating area. The entire cabin is basically a bed. Another example is a studio apartment which doesn't have a bedroom, it's just one large living area. Based upon that understanding, just about all standard cruise ship cabins could be classified as "studios", as they are basically just one large living area. They don't have a separate bedroom unless you are in a suite.

 

Anyway, I will have to continue this interesting discussion tomorrow as I am off to bed. I believe I understand what you are getting at, but we may share different understandings and perceptions of the "industry standard" which is fine.

 

Ernie

[lusitanica]

Dont be fooled by this photo. While the lifeboats are directly below, note that the photo does not include the horizon or any sky (and the ratio of the picture makes it obvious that it was cropped to remove any view). You know your eyes can see the boats, horizon and the sky all at once. You will not be restricted to looking downward the entire time. You may not see the water rushing by the ship, but you will be sure to see the wonderful views, islands and sunsets.

 

~Intrepid <-- enjoy the view.

 

Intrepid, why do you come up with just a part of my answer and blame me that I deceive someone?

I posted two photos!

This is what you skipped:

 

 

 

Two photos together were enough to understand what was visible and what was not.

[intrepid_guy]

I agree a "traditional" bathroom is industry standard on pretty much all passenger ships. I'm just not sure what EPIC offers can be classified universally as "below" standard. Different than standard yes, but whether it's better or worse is subjective to the individual.

 

I have sailed in "standard" cabins with less living space than EPIC. As I mentioned the standard cabins on Princess are pretty small, and perhaps there is even less living space than on EPIC? There is a small table, but only one chair and no sofa and not too much moving around space.

 

While I have not sailed in an EPIC cabin yet, my observations are that some aspects of the design could be considered inferior to industry standards, but also some aspects superior to industry standards. Overall, I'm not sure I could classify them as "below standard" or "sub-standard". Again I think much of that depends on the individual.

 

One thing is for certain, I don't think a cruise ship cabin design has ever been more controversial! Perhaps NCL should have gone old school, and put the private facilities down the hall to be shared by a block of cabins. LOL

 

Ernie

 

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

[Don Haynes]

 

I have a cousin who is 7 feet tall, and when he visits he uses a chair at the end of the bed plus untucks the bed sheets... I suggest you do so too...

[lusitanica]

Lusitanica: Please accept my very belated WELL DONE on your review. I thought it was amusing in spots, serious in others, but always informative and enlightening.

 

There was SO MUCH I wanted to like about this ship, but after reading review after review (after review), I've decided that it's just not for me. I have been on many cruises, have visited the islands over and over again, and have all the restaurants/theater I care to visit in Boston or New York.

 

Now it comes down (to a large degree) to the ship, and the Epic seems to have removed everything I love about cruising -- the connection with the sea, big open vistas to explore, quiet places to find, wonderful food included in the price, people dressing up A BIT for dinner, a cabin where I can't touch the walls on both sides (and I'm 4'11"), and heaven knows, a proper bathroom.

 

Too bad! NCL needs to stop trying to be everything to everyone - it just doesn't work. I absolutely loved the initial press on this ship and it's a shame that it fell flat (at least to me - OPINION, people, calm down).

 

To those who love it - good for you. Just don't totally dismiss other ships/lines before trying them - you might be very pleasantly surprised.

 

Happy cruising everyone!

 

 

Thank you.

Happy cruising to you too.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

I have a cousin who is 7 feet tall, and when he visits he uses a chair at the end of the bed plus untucks the bed sheets... I suggest you do so too...

 

Great idea Don but there isn't enough room between the bed and cabinets to fit a chair!

[DocJohnB]

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

 

One could only pray to the gods of cruising and stateroom design that isn't the case. :D:D