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

[Planer's Edge]

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.

 

Good luck in finding what you are looking for.;)

 

PE

[dalgirl]

good luck in finding what you are looking for.;)

 

pe

:d:d:d:d

[casinome]

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.

 

I always felt bad for the other people sitting at our table on cruises where you had 1st or 2nd MDR seating ... I only talk about stocks, sports or gambling and I don't think the others ever liked the way we were dress ... We started out with 8 people, day 2 later there were 6, by day 3 there were 4. By day 4 we were by ourselves, so maybe freestyle IS better for us ...

 

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...;)

 

Happy Cruising ...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=171048&stc=1&d=1286395228

[lusitanica]

I always felt bad for the other people sitting at our table on cruises where you had 1st or 2nd MDR seating ... I only talk about stocks, sports or gambling and I don't think the others ever liked the way we were dress ... We started out with 8 people, day 2 later there were 6, by day 3 there were 4. By day 4 we were by ourselves, so maybe freestyle IS better for us ...

 

We have a table for 2 when we are 2, a table for 4 when we are 3 or 4, and enjoy free style cruising on non-"freestyle" ships with no problem.

[boeckli]

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.

 

From your other videos and the comparing photos you have posted, I assume that your 'previous cruise' was on Queen Mary 2. (If it was not QM2, please tell us which ship you refer to.)

More choices? Certainly not in terms of places to eat and drink and neither for entertainment.

More freedom? With a definite dress code, set dining times and venues - unless you want to eat in the Kings Court buffet area every night - hardly.

More comfort? Not sure what specifically you mean there

 

We have very recently sailed on both Epic and QM2 and our vote definitely goes to Norwegian Epic.

[sunshine 229]

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!

They may not think they are voting for those changes but they are voting with their dollars for cheaper, cheaper, cheaper ...I'm sure that cruiselines are discovering that it is easier to sell a cabin at a lower fare than to sell a cabin by advertising chocolates on the pillows or an extra two hours in port. Once the fare is lowered more than so much the only way to make running the ship viable is to generate the missing income from other sources so, in the end the public is voting for all those tiny cabins, extra charge restaurants, short times in port etc with their dollars... they are just in many cases to stupid to see it.

 

In some cases however, they are actaully voting for the nickle and diming that cruising has become. Think of all the posters that say they prefer to have low cruise prices and pay for everything that they want on the cruise seperately, so that they don't end up paying for any service that they may not use themselves. "I don't drink soft drinks so I'm fine with them not being included, let those that drink them pay for them"... "I don't go to most shows, so I'm fine with extra charges for the entertainment on board...etc. etc."

[DocJohnB]

 

We have very recently sailed on both Epic and QM2 and our vote definitely goes to Norwegian Epic.

 

Would you care to elaborate on that? Why?

 

Having sailed on neither, but having a general knowledge of both, I am a bit amazed at that thought.

 

Thanks.

[lusitanica]

They may not think they are voting for those changes but they are voting with their dollars for cheaper, cheaper, cheaper ...I'm sure that cruiselines are discovering that it is easier to sell a cabin at a lower fare than to sell a cabin by advertising chocolates on the pillows or an extra two hours in port. Once the fare is lowered more than so much the only way to make running the ship viable is to generate the missing income from other sources so, in the end the public is voting for all those tiny cabins, extra charge restaurants, short times in port etc with their dollars... they are just in many cases to stupid to see it.

 

 

What comparison lead you to the conclusion that Epic fares for tiny balcony cabins are "low"?

[boeckli]

Would you care to elaborate on that? Why?

 

Having sailed on neither, but having a general knowledge of both, I am a bit amazed at that thought.

 

Thanks.

 

We prefer freestyle over 'traditional' dining, i.e. having a choice of dining venues and time arrangements.

On QM2 the choice of dining venues is far less than on Epic.

 

We enjoyed the variety of entertainment on Epic.

 

We found the food on Norwegian Epic much better, consistently tasty and of high quality. In 14 days on the Epic during which time we tried most restaurants, we did not have a single complaint about the food. On QM2, out of 7 dinners in the main dining room we had 4 complaints. Even the food at dinner in the Kings Court buffet was better!

 

Crew on Norwegian Epic far friendlier and service better than on QM2.

 

You may be 'amazed at that thought' but those were our experiences.

[sunshine 229]

What comparison lead you to the conclusion that Epic fares for tiny balcony cabins are "low"?

 

I don't suppose the fares for the tiny balcony cabins on Epic are particularily low right now. It is a brand new ship trotted out with all the PR and hyperbolic advertising they can manage. No doubt NCL expects to get those higher, new-ship fares for the first little while, while all those who love to be among the first on a new ship pay for the priviledge . Give it a year or two and see what happens.

 

Down the road, when Epic isn't the newest, they will start to drop the prices to fill her and that is the scenario for which the tiny cabins that squeeze in as many passengers as humanly possible are designed for.

 

IMO anyway. I'm not claiming any inside knowledge of the cruise industry, but it seems to me common sense dictates that is the way things are going.

[lusitanica]

Does anyone have pictures of cabin or have you stayed in this cabin 14061 on Epic? We are going in April and my DH and I are taking and staying in same room as my 18 year old daughter and her 18 year old friend. Is the shower really only covered by curtain? Does cabin have tub or shower? It seems like it may be close for the 4 of us. However it is a D1 cat and a deluxe family balcony. You would think family would mean for a family. Help and thanks :confused:

 

[Ahoy Matie]

New to this site, but a lot of cruising experience.

What a helpful posting!

Thank you, Lusitanica for such an extensive and detailed analysis.

I've enjoyed all of our past NCL voyages, but I think I'll avoid this ship for all the negative features I've read throughout this thread by you and others. I really don't love the 100,000 ton plus ships anyway, but if an itinerary was to limit me to such a ship size, I think I would look to Celebrity, RCL or even Princess. This Epic appears to be geared toward a more collegiate or otherwise "singles" set......a departure from NCL's other vessels.

If I were traveling solo, I'd probably love the shower, toilet, sink set-up in these studio type accommodations....but I agree with Cruiser Willy that the industry seems to be dumbing down the standard of luxury and service that some of us have previously enjoyed. Newer cruisers will never know what they missed.

Thanks again for an incredible posting!

PS: I detected alot of sarcasm among respondents. Is this common or "normal" on this website? I find it rather unsettling!

[intrepid_guy]

I've enjoyed all of our past NCL voyages, but I think I'll avoid this ship for all the negative features I've read throughout this thread by you and others. I really don't love the 100,000 ton plus ships anyway, but if an itinerary was to limit me to such a ship size, I think I would look to Celebrity, RCL or even Princess. This Epic appears to be geared toward a more collegiate or otherwise "singles" set......a departure from NCL's other vessels.

If I were traveling solo, I'd probably love the shower, toilet, sink set-up in these studio type accommodations....but I agree with Cruiser Willy that the industry seems to be dumbing down the standard of luxury and service that some of us have previously enjoyed. Newer cruisers will never know what they missed.

 

Hmm. That is the problem with reading this post. His experience comes off very negative. What you need to know is that now a majority of people on these boards are coming back with POSITIVE reviews of the EPIC. It is sad that he has scared you off this ship. One should never take another's OPINION as fact, regardless of how it is stated.

 

EPIC is in no way geared toward a more collegiate or "singles" set. Why would NCL limit themselves to a smaller portion of the cruising populace? There is room aboard for every type of person. I do not believe that Nickelodeon at Sea, Cirque Dreams, Fat Cats, Le Bistro, Cagney's etc, etc are geared towards 20-somethings in college with a party attitude. Of course there will be plenty of younger folks aboard, but there will be many many more who are not of this age group. If a disco is not your cup of tea, there is dancing in the Manhattan Room, piano player in Shakers, guitarist at Maltings, a lovely duo in the Atrium (you can dance there too). You can enjoy comedy shows, dueling pianos or whatever floats your boat.

 

Everyone's opinion (yes, opinion) is different. Mine, in regards to the bathroom, is that it was great! I loved being able to do different things at the same time. This is not always easy in a single room bath. I loved the large balcony we had and the storage in the room was amazing. The bed was very comfortable, and I am still trying to figure out how to smuggle one of those duvets off the ship.

 

In your own words, choosing to not cruise a ship due to another person's experience ... cruisers will never know what they missed.

 

Just my opinion...

 

~Intrepid <-- didn't miss a thing.

[Ahoy Matie]

You may be right. I am usually quite comfortable in a standard balcony cabin on NCL, though I tend to prefer at least an AF Mini (aft-facing is my favorite). The square footage of these standard balconies on Epic is too small for my liking. Based on the current pricing, I'd find it hard to afford the size/style room that I'd want on the Epic. Maybe when their rates level off. For the same weeks, I'm finding better pricing on the other ships in the fleet. I actually prefer the smaller ships anyway. If I were to splurge and go mega-ship, I think I'd try Oasis. Though I do prefer NCL, I also like RC and Oasis appears to have enough WOW to entice me onto a ship of her size. I know the RC has smaller cabins too, but that whole inside/out concept has be very curious.

Thanks again!

[lusitanica]

New to this site, but a lot of cruising experience.

What a helpful posting!

Thank you, Lusitanica for such an extensive and detailed analysis.

I've enjoyed all of our past NCL voyages, but I think I'll avoid this ship for all the negative features I've read throughout this thread by you and others. I really don't love the 100,000 ton plus ships anyway, but if an itinerary was to limit me to such a ship size, I think I would look to Celebrity, RCL or even Princess. This Epic appears to be geared toward a more collegiate or otherwise "singles" set......a departure from NCL's other vessels.

PS: I detected alot of sarcasm among respondents. Is this common or "normal" on this website? I find it rather unsettling!

 

You are welcome!

I am not going to prevent you from sailing on Epic.

I am not going to encourage you to sail on Epic.

This review is neither negative, nor positive.

It's factual.

Take facts that are important to you and make your decision.

 

P.S. What you call "sarcasm" is actually personal attacks. Some posters are not able to deal with facts, so they attack the poster. This is not normal. It's forbidden by the rules of this website.

 

 

If I were traveling solo, I'd probably love the shower, toilet, sink set-up in these studio type accommodations....but I agree with Cruiser Willy that the industry seems to be dumbing down the standard of luxury and service that some of us have previously enjoyed. Newer cruisers will never know what they missed.

Thanks again for an incredible posting!

 

You are right.

Epic is a very casual ship and geared towards the corresponding part of cruising public.

Thanks for your good words about this review.

Happy sailing!

[donaldsc]

Page 3

 

 

Norwegian Epic Design (external)

 

The Norwegian Epic (Epic) has boxy silhouette with large lifeboats hanging completely outside of the ship and a massive unproportional superstructure above the bridge. The superstructure looks like a huge storage container and is obviously out of place there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Epics (Source: YouTube)

 

 

 

 

In my opinion, among the modern mega ships the Epic is probably the most awkwardly looking ship, closely followed by the Oasis of the Seas with the gaping hole in her split superstructure as can be seen from the stern.While the whole concept of Qasis design dictates this decision, there is nothing positive to justify the awkwardness of Epic.

 

 

 

 

 

More to come...

 

 

 

 

 

Your picture of the bus really added to the review.

 

DON

[Dawns_Princess]

While I unfortunatly read the entire review, I'm sorry to say you had such a bad experience. Personally my sailing on the TA was one of the best weeks of my entire life. What I still can't believe though is that besides complaining about nearly everything, you included the "mediocre ice water":confused: I seriously hope that this review didn't put off any on-the-fence passengers

[lusitanica]

While I unfortunatly read the entire review, I'm sorry to say you had such a bad experience. Personally my sailing on the TA was one of the best weeks of my entire life. What I still can't believe though is that besides complaining about nearly everything, you included the "mediocre ice water":confused: I seriously hope that this review didn't put off any on-the-fence passengers

 

I am not sure what review you are talking about because my review was about the ship first of all (not about my experience). I did not complain and did not write about "mediocre ice water".:confused:

[Seago2]

RICH!!!

That was hilarious. Thank you for giving me something actually interesting and fun to view and read. I watched both videos and then watched them again with one of my kids. The artwork... OMG. That has to be the ugliest ship ever conceptualized. We still all call it "The Hat" from that great thread when the design was first publicized.

 

I could go on here- just wanted to thank you for your effort. People could take two minutes to write an over the top glowing review and everyone would be patting them on the back. You gave me something I won't soon forget and of course the "did you find ANYTHING you liked about the ship" people come out of the woodwork- as though that's relevant.

 

Rock on, Lusitanica! Loved it!

[lusitanica]

RICH!!!

That was hilarious. Thank you for giving me something actually interesting and fun to view and read. I watched both videos and then watched them again with one of my kids. The artwork... OMG. That has to be the ugliest ship ever conceptualized. We still all call it "The Hat" from that great thread when the design was first publicized.

 

I could go on here- just wanted to thank you for your effort. People could take two minutes to write an over the top glowing review and everyone would be patting them on the back. You gave me something I won't soon forget and of course the "did you find ANYTHING you liked about the ship" people come out of the woodwork- as though that's relevant.

 

Rock on, Lusitanica! Loved it!

 

Thank you!

[chip brady]

Lucitanica,

Have you seen the penthouses on the aft of deck 10?

[lusitanica]

Lucitanica,

Have you seen the penthouses on the aft of deck 10?

 

No, I have not seen them.

[lusitanica]

We are cruising the med next year on the Epic our first ever cruise , were cruise virgins !!! We are booked into 8038 , I have read each thread on here but still cant work out whether we have a good cabin or not and whether we are over sheltered or not !

 

 

This cabin seems to have an uncovered balcony, obstructed view of the water, and the bed next to the toilet.

 

Change this cabin ASAP.

Avoid Deck 8.

Be very careful booking cabins on Deck 9.

It's better to look at Deck 10 and higher.

 

[jmcdon7230]

......Be very careful booking cabins on Deck 9.

It's better to look at Deck 10 and higher.

 

 

Lusi.....are you now recommending booking Epic? Especially "Deck 10 and higher"? Seems kinda counterproductive.

[sdmike]

The second from the left in this picture may very well be the balcony of 8038, as seen from 14. You will not be able to get out of the sun or rain, you won't have any privacy, and you will not be able to look straight down and see the ocean (you will have to look out, not down). I would book a different room, at least on 9.