NCL Epic or RCI Allure of the Seas for single Mom and DS-12 y.o.??

[Niquein99]

I truly cannot decide! We were all set to cruise on the Epic for Thanksgiving, 2012, but with my daughter's college schedule, we now can't travel that week. So I'm looking at Spring Break cruises in 2013.

 

For those that have been on the Epic and Allure/Oasis - which would you recommend? I'm a single Mom travelling with my son, who'll be 12 years old by the time we sail. My son wants to go on the Epic, because of all the slides and he says the Epic looks "cool". :cool: However, I've been intrigued by the Allure/Oasis since they debuted. Allure looks spectacular!

 

Epic is doing the Eastern route (Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Martin), and Allure is doing the Western route (Labadee, Falmouth and Cozumel). Itinerary doesn't really matter to me, as I've been to most of these ports already. And as for price, we could get a balcony cabin on Epic, but on Allure we'd have to get an outside view cabin (balcony prices are way too high on Allure). But at least we'd still have a view to outside, as I can't tolerate an inside cabin.

 

Which would you choose for a single Mom and 12 y.o son? I'm so torn! :confused: I'm sure my son and I would be happy on either ship, but I want to make the right decision. Oh - and this cruise is also a 44th birthday celebration for me as well! :D

 

Is there enough to keep my 12 y.o. DS busy, which would allow me to have some Mommy-free time? What about the activities in the evening for adults and tweens? Is the food good, or would we have stick to the 'for-fee' restaurants to get a decent meal?

 

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks! :)

[Kerry's Girls]

I have not sailed on either, but as a single mom, I would choose RCCL for the set dining times/tables. On NCL I know you can ask to dine with others, but that would be in the main dining room, and, in my experience on the Jade, I didn't enjoy the main dining room and needed to go to the paid dining each night for a great meal. Those who have actually sailed on those specific ships may have better information though. If you plan to dine alone with your son each night, then it would be a toss up for me too and I look forward to seeing what others say.

 

All the best,

Mia

[Niquein99]

Thank you for the tip Mia! :)

 

Anyone?

[crusinmama06]

I think our Epic/Oasis cruiser around here is Rolloman. So if he doesn't stop in here, then look for his posts. He's the one that I know has done both.

 

My next cruise is with NCL after being pretty darn happy with RCI all of these years. And if all goes well on that cruise, then I plan to do Epic for Fall 2012. So for me, we'll see. ;)

[Niquein99]

I think our Epic/Oasis cruiser around here is Rolloman. So if he doesn't stop in here, then look for his posts. He's the one that I know has done both.

 

My next cruise is with NCL after being pretty darn happy with RCI all of these years. And if all goes well on that cruise, then I plan to do Epic for Fall 2012. So for me, we'll see. ;)

 

Can't wait for your review of NCL Michelle! :) I read Rolloman's posts on the NCL boards and he's in favor of Epic. I'm leaning towards the Epic too at this point.

[#1TravelMom]

We've been on 30+ cruises - but have not yet been on the Oasis or Allure - maybe next year for us. Anyway, we've been on the EPIC and I can definately recommend this ship. There is sooooooo much to see and do. We really need another week aboard just to relax. Trust me - you and your son will have plenty to do. Everyone in our group had a great time. The EPIC is an awesome ship. For the price difference between the EPIC and Allure - you can do the Epic and plan the best excursions probably for around the price of the cabin on the Allure.

[Niquein99]

I ended up booking the Epic today! :D I ultimately chose the Epic because I think it will be a better choice for me socially as a single Mom, while offering loads of activities for my DS-12. PLUS it will be our first balcony cabin, and an extended balcony at that! That cruise is quite a ways away, but gives me plenty of time to save and plan! Thanks for everyone's input.

[itzhappyme]

I'm a single mum taking my 11 year old son on Epic next week (! arrgh! currently feeling both very excited and nervously sick!!) - I'll let you know how it goes ...!!

 

He has already chatted to another boy around his age from the roll call so at least he knows somebody, and we are going to go to the meet and greet to get to know others. He's not sure about the kids crew but we'll have a look and go from there. I'm hoping he'll take to it so I can do some grown-up socialising ;)

[Niquein99]

I'm a single mum taking my 11 year old son on Epic next week (! arrgh! currently feeling both very excited and nervously sick!!) - I'll let you know how it goes ...!!

 

He has already chatted to another boy around his age from the roll call so at least he knows somebody, and we are going to go to the meet and greet to get to know others. He's not sure about the kids crew but we'll have a look and go from there. I'm hoping he'll take to it so I can do some grown-up socialising ;)

 

Wow, you cruise Epic in 5 days! :D Please come back and post about your experience on the Epic. Can't wait to read your thoughts, especially as a single mom. I'm sure you both will have a great vacation! :)

[crusinmama06]

I got tired of waiting, I booked EPIC! :D:D:D

 

Now I can't wait for your reviews. itzhappyme is on right now so I guess we'll just have to wait for that one. :D

[Niquein99]

I got tired of waiting, I booked EPIC! :D:D:D

 

Now I can't wait for your reviews. itzhappyme is on right now so I guess we'll just have to wait for that one. :D

 

Woot woot Michele! You'll STILL be on the Epic before me! :D Kudos to us for trying something different. :)

[rolloman]

I ended up booking the Epic today! :D I ultimately chose the Epic because I think it will be a better choice for me socially as a single Mom, while offering loads of activities for my DS-12. PLUS it will be our first balcony cabin, and an extended balcony at that! That cruise is quite a ways away, but gives me plenty of time to save and plan! Thanks for everyone's input.

Congrats....you will have a great time. Both ships are impressive but the EPIC is generally more affordable and I like the less crowded feeling with their escalators midship. Your 12 year old will enjoy the Nickalodean shows and multiple activities as well as the awesome slides on the pool deck and the BLue Man group is a fantastic show. I have seen them 5 times in NYC and Orlando and it was just as great a show on board....

[queenL]

Congrats....you will have a great time. Both ships are impressive but the EPIC is generally more affordable and I like the less crowded feeling with their escalators midship. Your 12 year old will enjoy the Nickalodean shows and multiple activities as well as the awesome slides on the pool deck and the BLue Man group is a fantastic show. I have seen them 5 times in NYC and Orlando and it was just as great a show on board....

 

I agree totally. I loved both the Epic and the Oasis. I don't think you could go wrong with either although I think I'd give the edge to the Oasis.

[cantw8togo]

We were on the Epic last Feb. and had a great time. Our eldest DS, then 10, loved the slides, the Blue Man Group and playing the Wii on the 2 story screen in the atrium. Watch the dailies for it because it is only offered once or twice and is easy to miss. He enjoyed the rock climbing/rapelling wall, but commented that the one on Indie of the Seas is a lot more challenging. We also went to a Q&A with the BMG in the atrium where you can meet them unmasked, or is that unpainted. DS was so interested, he wanted to go see the show a second time.

 

We didn't eat in any of the specialty restaurants and the food was very good to excellent at the MDR and the garden cafe. The one restaurant that I was tempted to try was Moderno (I think that was the Brazilian Steak house, but I could be wrong.) It is basically all you can eat grilled meat and a huge salad bar which is ideal if you have a boy who is always hungry!

 

You'll love having a balcony, especially an extended one. If it doesn't already have a lounger or two, just ask your steward.

 

The main downside for me was that the only place to see the ocean from a lower deck and to sit and watch the water is literally between the life boats. Of the five ships we have been on, it felt the least like we were at sea. That said, it was also the best ship for entertainment and things to do. I have never been to Las Vegas, but it is what I imagine it to be like.

 

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

[Niquein99]

Thanks so much for the continued input! My Mom is about to cruise on the Epic to Europe in a few weeks (she's going solo!), and I can't wait to hear her perspective when she returns. This is also her first cruise! :D