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

[lusitanica]

Page 18

 

 

Norwegian Epic Fellow passengers

 

There were about 4700 passengers on board

All ages were presented

Uncontrolled kids

Crowds were everywhere and sometimes nasty

 

 

Epic is MORE welcoming

to the people who do not mind crowds,

consider crammed cabins and lack of privacy not an issue,

like drinking, gambling, smoking and partying,

like to come to evening shows with their hairy legs and bare toes exposed.

 

 

Epic is LESS welcoming

to the people who value the beauty of sea travel,

prefer comfortable accommodation,

like upscale ambience at night,

like romantic atmosphere.

 

 

 

Norwegian Epic: Let's play drink-drunk!

 

 

 

 

 

Norwegian Epic: Free style or Free of style?

 

 

 

 

 

Epic and First Time Cruisers

 

I would not recommend Epic for the first-timers.

Why?

The variety of pleasures available on a modern cruise ship is not limited to what Epic offers. It's wider.

The first-timers can get a false impression of what a modern cruise ship is.

 

 

Norwegian Epic Freestyle Summary:

 

Same mantra is good for freestyle – it is what you make of it on any ship

The essence of Epic “freestyle” is by and large - loose and minimally enforced dress code

FEEstyle reigns

Planning and reservations 45 days in advance

Long lines are normal

General thoughts in a few words

The ship is poorly designed (some prefer euphemisms like “different” or “innovative”).

Notable positives about Epic are related to invited performers (can be changed any time or seen on any ship).

Notable negatives about Epic are related to its design (made of steel and cannot be changed).

 

Will I cruise on Norwegian Epic again?

Definitely not.

Been there, done that.

Post-Cruise on Page 19

More to come...

[lusitanica]

Page 19

 

 

 

A wonderful post-cruise day in Fort Lauderdale

 

 

Oasis of the Seas and Carnival Freedom

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oasis of the Seas

 

Carnival Freedom

 

 

 

 

This concludes the review.

 

Happy cruising to Cruise Critic readers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting Video on YouTube

(for 720p - allow time to download)

 

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Review - Part 1

 

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Review - Part 2

[Mr. Luckytoo]

1. Did you have a good time?

 

2. Did you enjoy your cruise?

 

On the surface these may seem like they're the same - but they're not!

[Davechipp74]

can you say anything nice about the ship?

[Adkmom]

Well while this was very informative and gave me some information I was not aware of I must ask is this your first NCL Cruise. I agree is seems there are many things about the EPIC that may have been poorly planed I still think it offers many unique things. Having not been on the ship I can only comment according to what I have read and seen in photos.

 

1. The rooms are small but for a family of 4 who usually books an ocean view ( the epic balconies are comparable $ wise to ocean views on all other ships) This room is much larger.

 

2. I am looking forward to all the entertainment options in addition to the evening show. Fat cats, Headliners, Bliss, Spice H20, as well as other entertainers throughout the ship. I think it gives it a resort feel. We can meander from venue to venue and not go the same place every night.

 

3. NCL is known for their Freestyle dinning. You can choose to eat in main dinning room or go elsewhere. This allows you choice which I am excited about.

 

4. According to the Freestyle Dalies I have read from previous cruises there are multiple events happening all over the ship till the wee hours of the morning.

 

5. Having researched your cruise you should have been prepared for how different the ship would be.

 

6. I do not like the casino in the middle of things this is one reason we do not sail Carnival. The sky is also set up this way and that was one of the things we did not like about the ship. On the Dawn the casino was nicely tucked away and I did like that feature. I am not happy about the casino location but is it common among cruise ships.

 

7. The ship is a means to an ends for me. It takes us places we want to go with people we want to spend time with. This ship happens to offer tuns of entertainment along the way. BMG, Legands, Dinner Dancing, Howl at the Moon, and many more as well as water slides, repelling and climbing walls, bowling, hot tubs. How can you not find plenty to do? I guess I am not looking for quiet. I have quiet where I live, there will be quiet at the ports.

 

I am still very excited about our EPIC cruise in 3 weeks.

[david_sobe]

Luis

You missed a real opportunity for crediblity on this board. For months you have been a ritual user of Cruise Critic and sharing your thoughts. Your signature line was quite comical with the see through shower doors. I was really looking forward to your review. You take outstanding photos and very creative with video design. I like to learn something from every review. Even in a negative review, one can usually find a silver lining or learned experience.

However, I think you have not done a review. Each page is the same postings you did from many months ago, this time with photos. Each page simply justifies your issues prior to your cruise. I find that a bit odd. You really missed a chance to write a great review even if you had a horrible time. Too bad because I was really looking forward to it.

It almost seems you have an agenda against NCL or Epic because why do you post a page about a great post cruise experience in Ft Lauderdale and then show the RCCL Oaisis of the Seas? You also posted a picture of ping pong table cluttered with trash and beer bottles that is obviously not from the Epic. That is not fair.

 

I actually enjoyed your videos because they showed inside the ship. The music was overly dramatic but it was funny. But I dont understand your mindset. You bought this cruise? Why? I wanted to hear about the cruise experience but instead I got more sink and shower posts identical to the ones you wrote before you sailed. It would have been interesting if you did an honest review and posted surprises what was different than your bad and negative expectations.

So I assume your expectations were met?

[Automation]

Luis

You also posted a picture of ping pong table cluttered with trash and beer bottles that is obviously not from the Epic. That is not fair.

 

Maybe it's me, but what makes it obvious that it is not the Epic? Not taking sides, just wondering.

[eroller]

Maybe it's me, but what makes it obvious that it is not the Epic? Not taking sides, just wondering.

 

I am wondering the same thing. That beige colored decking below the ping pong table certainly looks like what I saw on EPIC.

 

It seems some are trying to discredit the OP at any cost, which in itself is rather pathetic. I have to wonder if these same people would be so quick to discredit the 100% positive and glowing reviews? I doubt it even though the suggestion of an "agenda" is just as valid.

 

You may not agree with the OP's review, and that is your prerogative, but resorting to personal attacks such as calling the OP a "liar", "loser" and "sad" are unacceptable, and should not be tolerated.

 

While I do feel this review has a heavy emphasis on the negative, as a technical person who pays attention to detail, I am none the less impressed with the OP's observations and documentation of those observations. Personally I would never have the time or care enough to spend so much time doing this during my vacation. Of course I would be happy to if I were getting paid! ;) Ultimately, the OP's observations may or may not have any impact on my personal cruise experience, but that is for me to decide (and any other members that read the review) and I certainly don't find it necessary to attack the OP.

 

I'm simply amazed at how some on this board have made it their personal objective in life to protect the honor of EPIC at all costs. It's honestly no different than what you accuse the OP of doing, just at the other end of the spectrum. In the end we are talking about at inanimate object. Why take it so serious?

 

Ernie

[Bobbye]

This review just continues with your agenda that has been shown in all your posts before you cruise. Not surprising that you wanted to show nothing good about the ship.

 

Is the Epic a ship for everyone? Of course not! For those that want a traditional experience with a mellow crowd it is definitely not the place to be.

 

And the top that you keep condemning is the suite area -- pure heaven!

[casinome]

Maybe it's me, but what makes it obvious that it is not the Epic? Not taking sides, just wondering.

 

The 12 packs of Dos Equis give it away for me ...

[blazerscruise]

"There are clocks on the phone screen and on TV channels.

Be prepared to see discrepancy between them."

 

This is my first post ever and I have to laugh and wonder about this post if this OP complains about the time between the clock on the TV and phone.

"BE PREPARED TOO SEE DISCREPANCY....."

 

My GOD...What do I need to be prepared for?

 

 

 

[Automation]

Because I was on the EPIC for previous 2 weeks and the only 4 ping pong tables were NOT in the location photographed.

 

DO NOT BELIEVE THE LIES !

 

You were on the Epic so that makes what you say more believable.

However, David was not yet on the Epic, and He was criticizing the OP. Part of what David said is "it is obvious that it was not the Epic." So my question is still valid. Since David was never on the ship, Why is it obviously not the Epic?

I am not defending the OP just wondering what was so obvious.

[rp23g7]

I totally agree, the Epic is a godawful looking ship, it doesnt really look like a ship, who thought the thing on top above the bridge was a good idea?

 

The Oasis still looks like a ship and still has some graceful lines, even with its size. The first time i saw the Epic in a picture, i thought *****, for lack of a better thought.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

You also posted a picture of ping pong table cluttered with trash and beer bottles that is obviously not from the Epic. That is not fair.

 

I thought it was kind of funny - especially in light of the NCL promo pictures of the jogging track vs. the actual jogging track. :p

[pex]

Great comprehensive review!

 

I love the Gem class ships, but I find their capacity to be at the upper limit of what I can tolerate for more than a few days. I wondered whether a finite floating structure could absorb nearly 6000 passengers and crew and still provide some areas of quiet and relaxation. I wondered whether it would be an experience I'd consider paying for. I'm not taking lusitanica's review as the final word, but...for me at least, evidently not.

 

I felt claustrophobic looking at the videos of the crowds, low ceilings, overloud piped in music, and general cacophony. My general sense was of a very very large Ramada Inn morphed with a mid-end shopping mall. Add a few hucksters, constant PA announcements, and "art" auctions. Box it up, shrink it by half, and double the number of customers. Place it on a barge, nudge it out to sea, and tell the staff to "make 'em happy!"

 

Good luck.

[richs52]

For the life of me, I can't understand why the OP went on this ship. He has been complaining about it on this board for as long as I have been doing my research on the ship (January) before sailing her. Why would you go on a cruise that you had such a negative opinion of before you even went on?

 

I just returned about two hours ago from my cruise on the Epic. A review will follow in a few days, but this was my seventh cruise, and hands down my favorite ship and favorite cruise yet.

[cruisinskier]

Page 18

 

 

 

 

 

Norwegian Epic: Let's play drink-drunk!

 

 

 

 

 

I can vouch that this picture is from the Epic however I feel some context is required here. This was the last stop of the Pub Crawl and there were 30+ people around this table a few minutes earlier engaged in a game of "flip-cup". This was a one time event on the first night organized and supervised by the staff and I can also vouch that this was cleaned up within minutes as we looked at the tables when we were leaving the Spice H2O area (as these ping pong tables are just outside Spice H20).

 

I know this as three members of our party (including myself) were participants in the pub crawl. This was not a typical scene during my week on the Epic, which the 17 of us very much enjoyed.

 

 

[babsinpbg]

Honestly, I thought this was a spoof on cruise reviews at first, but apparently it is meant to be serious. I can not imagine spending valuable vacation time taking photos of men's hairy legs, ventilation systems, trash on the floor, and some random little kid jumping into a pool on a hot day. Wow.

 

We are cruising on the Epic next month to celebrate a birthday and a recovery from a horrible 2 years of cancer treatment, and will take it the good with the bad. I can't imagine, in my wildest dreams, video taping my sink splashing on the floor!! Seriously, someone tell me this is meant to be a joke.

 

Life is short my friend, life is short. Enjoy the desserts, slip a dollar in the slots as you walk by, and sing along with the band. You are a wonderful photographer, and I wish you would post some pics of the islands, etc.

 

Just sayin..

[#1TravelMom]

WOW - I cannot believe the time and effort the OP invested in casting a negative light on the EPIC. It is obvious from the time OP boarded the ship, he sought out material for his photos and videos. Who would go on a cruise - already having convinced themselves it's going to be awful? Then, spend their week taking video, pictures, and notes to present a review attesting to the horrendous experience.

 

Objective/subjective - please! Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see one single picture or video of: a friendly crew member, anyone having fun/laughing, a beautifully plated dinner or dessert, etc. etc.

 

If I didn't like a ship, I may spend a little time writing a review - but hours compiling photos and producing a video????? Someone would have to pay me for that amount of time!

[texascat]

oh my goodness...just getting started and I can see this is going to be a wonderful exciting review! Thank you for your help earlier on cabin locations....and now with the Epic Sink!

[Partyatsea]

So glad we are not looking forward to and have made final payment to going on this barge!:eek:

[sdmike]

oh my goodness...just getting started and I can see this is going to be a wonderful exciting review! Thank you for your help earlier on cabin locations....and now with the Epic Sink!

 

Don't let the OP fool you. There is no problem with the Epic sink, or really anything else for that matter. The poster hated this ship before he even got on it, and he went out of his way to find anything negative. He's a great storyteller (that ping-pong table picture is spin city for sure), but for the life of me I don't know why 1) he ever went on this cruise, and 2) spends so much time and effort trying to find things he doesn't like with the ship.

 

Just make sure to read plenty of reviews before decided that Epic is a "barge". We had a wonderful time... all 11 of us aged 9 to 71.

[texascat]

Ok, I agree that everyone has a right to their own opinion. I take it that NCL is defiantly not for you! I hope that you enjoy your next Princess Cruise! Me, I'm defiantly looking forward to sailing on the Epic in 20 days!

In my humble opinion, one must try really hard to have a bad cruise!

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to post your photo's and your videos!

[kerrytens]

I can't imagine, in my wildest dreams, video taping my sink splashing on the floor!! Seriously, someone tell me this is meant to be a joke.

 

Life is short my friend, life is short. Enjoy the desserts, slip a dollar in the slots as you walk by, and sing along with the band. You are a wonderful photographer, and I wish you would post some pics of the islands, etc.

 

Just sayin..

Very well said!

 

I really enjoyed reading all of the help that the OP gave to folks who were looking for their cabin. I even enjoyed some of the debate that he helped spark ;) on certain issues (all negatively shown in video and photo now). I wish I could say that I enjoyed the review. To me, it had agenda written all over it. Very sad since I believe Lusitanica really could have given us an objective review.

 

As the wise person above said, life is too short ... way too short to worry about spilled water.

 

So sorry you didn't enjoy your time onboard, OP. I would enjoy seeing photos of the islands you visited though - and your thoughts on them too! And maybe one thing you liked about the ship:confused::D

[akupupule]

WOW - I cannot believe the time and effort the OP invested in casting a negative light on the EPIC. It is obvious from the time OP boarded the ship, he sought out material for his photos and videos. Who would go on a cruise - already having convinced themselves it's going to be awful? Then, spend their week taking video, pictures, and notes to present a review attesting to the horrendous experience.

 

Objective/subjective - please! Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see one single picture or video of: a friendly crew member, anyone having fun/laughing, a beautifully plated dinner or dessert, etc. etc.

 

If I didn't like a ship, I may spend a little time writing a review - but hours compiling photos and producing a video????? Someone would have to pay me for that amount of time!

 

I think it is more than pretty obvious that the OP, for whatever his reasons were, planned and intended to video (and spent quite a bit of time editing the video,...or someone did) as many derogatory and defamatory photos and videos of the Epic as he could cram into a week-long cruise. Its a smash and bash and actually lends little credibility to his "review". Interesting that he used a wide dispersion high gain mike for his walk-thrus of decks 5-7, to capture the greatest cacophony of sound as he could. There is not one problem area that hasn't been previously addressed by numerous reviewers here (myself included and there have been numerous problem areas noted). As I have previously noted about the credibility and validity of posts about the Epic....the ones which are far out on either 5% side of the curve, I give much less credence to than the 90% in the middle with no blatant or perceived agendas.....those that we can actually glean some ideas and information from....and especially from those with some previous cruising experience. I think you are probably correct about someone paying him for his time. :rolleyes: