Recap of first-time-ever NCLer going on EPIC . . .

[sdmike]

Don -

I just got done reading your recap of the week, and I have to say I'm jealous. While we also had an incredible time on Epic, you were able to sneak in way more things than I was during the week. Now I HAVE to go back and try again. :) I'll again echo what others have said... thanks for taking the time to post this very informative thread on your experience. Having it come from such an experienced cruiser makes it even more important of a read. I truly hope to sail with you (and T&C) sometime.

 

Best Wishes!

 

Mike

[K&M2009]

Hey mike, this is kind of off-topic, but I wanted to let you know we ended up booking Infinity Bay for the day we're in Roatan on our Epic trip in a few weeks. And it was all because of your great picture of that beautiful beach. So, thanks!

[sdmike]

Hey mike, this is kind of off-topic, but I wanted to let you know we ended up booking Infinity Bay for the day we're in Roatan on our Epic trip in a few weeks. And it was all because of your great picture of that beautiful beach. So, thanks!

 

Cool! I hope you have a great time as well. It's not a big place, but the beach is gorgeous. There are a lot of Roatan pictures on my fotki page here:

 

http://public.fotki.com/ritchiefamily/san_diego_family/2010-pictures/epic-cruise-public-/day-4-roatan/

[CruisingAmazona]

Even more amazing is to see a thread go for this length without some feelings getting hurt concerning opinions and comments.

For that I offer the ultimate Thank You!!! :D

 

No other cruise line has guests as 'sensitive' and easily offended as those on Carnival. I am a Platinum guest on CCL and it's my preferred line, but not to the extent that I haven't sailed with many others, and have equally enjoyed all of them! The cheerleaders on the CCL boards are amazingly sensitive to any one negative posting or comment on their beloved CCL!

 

Excellent review, probably the best I have ever read.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

No other cruise line has guests as 'sensitive' and easily offended as those on Carnival. I am a Platinum guest on CCL and it's my preferred line, but not to the extent that I haven't sailed with many others, and have equally enjoyed all of them! The cheerleaders on the CCL boards are amazingly sensitive to any one negative posting or comment on their beloved CCL!

...

 

Don't I know how THAT feels!!

 

LINK to a review I posted last night... :eek:

 

Tom

[DaWiz]

Wow, Don! Thank you so much for your incredible, detailed, inclusive, effusive, ebullient post. I really racked my thesaurus to come up with superlatives. We're heading out in 2 weeks and we are MUCH reassured after reading some of the less, um, happy posts.

 

-Scott H.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

So was there a significant benefit for you to book in advance being in a suite? I would rather not leave things to chance with the concierge if booking in advance will secure what we want. I have received advice that no need to book in advance when you have the concierge and butler looking after you.

 

The other thing you mentioned was the internet issue, do you know if the adjacent suites had a similar issue? I also thought the suites have an ethernet outlet in the room.

 

Thanks

John

 

 

I have also heard that the Concierge could typically take care of things, but I did not want to:

 

A. Risk not having the line-up for the entire week as we had planned (there is SO much to to, that a deletion or two would be a big deal - to us at any rate).

 

B. Feel that I utilized the Concierge so much that I end up feeling the need to tip her a couple of hundred dollars (as some apparently do). I can take care of things myself for the most part, but would enjoy her help if need be on small things.

 

I need a memory refresh regarding my internet issues/comments. :o

 

Tom

[lynnquenby]

Don

 

Thank you for such a great review.....I can't believe it's over but all good things must come to an end I suppose .

 

Think I might just have to go back to the beginning and read it all over again to keep the excitement building for our upcoming cruise......well something has to be my daily fix ;)

[CruisingAmazona]

Why would you want to get out of it? Epic is amazing. :)

 

I don't and I wouldn't, just a manner of speech! I'm very much looking forward to it, even before Don's amazing review.

[kerrytens]

Not to hijack, but wanted you to know the surgery was a success. Had it thursday and home by sunday resting fairly comfortably. Fell like I've been hit by a cruise ship, but doc says that's normal. :)

(Mini hijack alert right back) Glad to hear that the surgery was a success Mike! Awesome news. Sorry about the pain though - hope it lessens quickly for you. I wish you a speedy recovery!

 

Now to bring this back to this excellent review - Mike, between you and Don we have the best representation of this great ship. Thanks to both of you for taking the time to write up each of your excellent reviews. I'd love to sail with each of you one day!

[kerrytens]

Don't I know how THAT feels!!

 

LINK to a review I posted last night... :eek:

 

Tom

:eek: My goodness, I've only read a few posts ... off to read the rest now! I'll make specific comments there!

[Froufie]

Hey Don!!!

 

Just stumbled upon your FABULOUS review! Loved it!

 

When I first saw/heard of the 'studios' I was not that impressed but may have to give the Epic a try, especially after seeing/reading about:

-the martini tastings

-the SMOKED SALMON on the breakfast buffet!!!

-the crepes

-the Posh area

-the teppanyaki grill (love that stuff!)

-the ice bar

-the Studio Lounge

-the many entertainment venues

-the gorgeous gym

-the bridge viewing room

 

.....okay I may have missed some but you get the picture! Will be SERIOUSLY considering a sea voyage on the Epic! WOW! :D

Edited April 5, 2011 by Froufie

[kerrytens]

Will be SERIOUSLY considering a sea voyage on the Epic! WOW! :D

Pretty sure that the Dec 10th voyage is open for a fellow Canadian:D

[aknz]

"Don't I know how THAT feels!!

 

LINK to a review I posted last night... :eek:"

 

Wow!! All sounded ok to me Tom!! This is part of the reason I rarely post, scared of being flamed.

 

Don, thanks for this review, I have been even more glued to the computer than usual. I'm so looking forward to my "Epic Adventure"!!

[jarz85]

Since this review is perfect... how am i supposed to do a review on our 11 day cruise coming up on the Epic? Everything is covered here. I was going to do an in-depth thing as I will have a lot of free time. I do plan on taking a TON of pics and LOTS of food porn :D However, I don't know what type of review I should structure!

 

Maybe a day by day live review thingy on here? Depending on internet coverage? I certianly will be able to answer any questions about the ship during the cruise!

[pabi]

Since this review is perfect... how am i supposed to do a review on our 11 day cruise coming up on the Epic? Everything is covered here. I was going to do an in-depth thing as I will have a lot of free time. I do plan on taking a TON of pics and LOTS of food porn :D However, I don't know what type of review I should structure!

 

Maybe a day by day live review thingy on here? Depending on internet coverage? I certianly will be able to answer any questions about the ship during the cruise!

Rick do the review from your perspective... remember this will be your first cruise ;):D ....and for sure not the last !!!:)

[jarz85]

Rick do the review from your perspective... remember this will be your first cruise ;):D ....and for sure not the last !!!:)

 

I have a great idea :D

 

Ill tell you about it in my email :D

[halos]

I can only imagine the number of people who have loudly cursed the name of Punxsutawney Phil this week.

Dumb rodent.

Yeah....definitely.

:p

Yes, an error had been made earlier, but WOW what a display of service recovery. Pretty darn amazing, I must say. I like to think I'm rather well versed in guest recovery skills, and defintely can recognize those that display excellence.

I took zero things that were offered, because they were not needed or necessary. But what I took away with me was something even more valuable . . . to both me and NCL.

 

Impressed I was!! (in my best Yoda-speak)

 

 

 

One (somewhat) last thing

 

 

 

If anyone is still confused about that very first post . . . .

 

 

:D I had a good time!! :D

 

 

This is EXACTLY why NCL won my heart. The crew is amazing. For the most part, the crew on every line works hard and they are always pleasant (in my experience), but NCL crew is different in two ways:

 

1) They actually seem to enjoy what they are doing (which is something that makes me feel good)

2) They genuinely care that you are having a great time and knock themselves out to ensure you are happy. They aren't just going through the motions.

 

I have only sailed NCL 5 times, but every time I do, that is the type of service I get.

:eek:

I have become VERY spoiled. NCL has created a monster.

 

 

I want to thank you and say that this is the first time I have ever gotten PCD from a written review. I feel like I was on that ship with you, and now it's over. :(

*sigh*

I seriously need an NCL cruise.

 

 

Thanks again :)

Edited April 5, 2011 by halos

[Minoushka]

I totally agree about the QUALITY of service on board I too found crew very willing to please ...HOW NICE IS THAT????On other ships I did NOt always find this to be true

I too am looking forward to my next cruise on EPIC ...all the way to OCTOBER ...boy am i ever going to go thru CRUISE WITHDRAWAL ...but there is NOthing out there for the summer if we do nOt want to FLY really far!!!EUROPE is still outrageous so it cannot be part of the plan

Cruise lines MUST bring BACk somewhat local travels from NA ports What about COASTAL CRUISES on each coast....... I would do one Florida to Maine or LA To Vancouver .....Summer should be OK weather wise

 

HELLOOOOOOO out there we need more options

 

Michele

[TEACRUISER]

Don, Thank you for your post. Not only did it give more hope and excitement to my upcoming Epic sailing 4/23 but was a great read. It was like a great book waiting in anticipation for the next chapter.

[K&M2009]

nvm..

Edited April 5, 2011 by K&M2009

[slotaddict]

Thanks Don for the great review....24 more days til I board the beautiful Epic...first aft balcony.....I CAN'T STAND THE WAIT......

[DavyB]

Thanks for the best review ever Don. I don't sail on the Epic for another 11 days but I feel like I've already cruised her!! I now have that depressed feeling that i have at the end of all my other cruises. :D

[sdmike]

Thanks for the best review ever Don. I don't sail on the Epic for another 11 days but I feel like I've already cruised her!! I now have that depressed feeling that i have at the end of all my other cruises. :D

 

Yeah, but that feeling will go away in just over a week. :)

[rav4lady]

Don, I just wanted to add my thanks for a great review! It reminds why I booked the TA in May. I sailed a 7 night in Oct. on Epic and loved the ship but I missed so much even though I felt I did a lot! I didn't know they had flavored coffees at the poolside bar! Nice to know. I will be in a studio this time and am totally looking forward to that experience. We have a very active roll call for our cruise and most of us have read your review!In fact, it has been posted as a good preview for all!! So, GOOD JOB!