Epic 11/5/11 ~3rd time around

[Gypsea]

I have been on many NCL ships including the Epic (a few no longer in the fleet) and have sailed most other lines in the mass market at least twice. I feel very comfortable on NCL's ships. I like Freestyle and being able to bounce around without a schedule.

 

Entertainment

On this trip I not only reserved seats for a Cirque Dreams and Dinner performance, I went twice in one week. You really MUST do this if you can afford the extra $30 ea. Sign up on line if you can so you aren't disappointed. This quickly sells out for the early shows.

 

Legends in Concert, Second City Improv and Blue Man Group are other evening shows NOT to be missed. These are in addition to the piano bar, stand up comics, magicians and bands in various lounges. Fat Cats was always jumping. This is right off the casino so it's fun to pop in there. Many people loved Howl at the Moon and Bliss the dance club, more late night clubs.

 

The level, diversity and quality of the entertainment on Epic is amazing. I had one of the best cruises EVER and this is largely why. I was exhausted when I returned but I didn't miss a thing.

 

Cabin

We had a balcony on deck thirteen which was fabulous. If I could get a handle on travelling light it would help me keep the cabin tidier. TIP If your stateroom connects to another you lose two-three feet of precious closet bar space. Our steward Roal was superb and seemed to work alone. He spoiled us and we shamelessly let him and compensated him well for his trouble.

 

Drinks

Visit Armando (bartender) and Evelyn (waitress) in Shaker's. Don't miss the Martini Tasting on the first sea day at 4 pm. Best deal on the ship and a guarantee to meet a few new friends. There's another on the last sea day, same time. You get four drinks for $15 the first time. The second tasting is five martini's and it might be $18. After five who really knows. I probably shouldn't even be telling you this but it is in the daily so it's not exactly a secret. It's not a crime to share either. If you want to make it to dinner it's a good idea.

 

My other favorite bartender on the Epic, Auggie, from O'Sheehan's will be back soon. I was sorry to miss him this time. I knew when I left him in the Med he would not be onboard for our conference cruise. I missed him as I knew I would.

 

Food

I ate twice in Cirque which I thought was pretty good. There are really no choices here unless you pre-arranged for a special diet. Everyone has a green salad plate with a small skewer of chicken and a tiny crab cake. Yummy! Then everyone is served a beef and shrimp plate with au gratin potato and vegetable followed by coffee and dessert. Did I mention the show is FABULOUS?!! It is. Truly a highlight of my week.

 

One night at I dined at Shanghai's which was also enjoyable. I am not raving about this as Asian is not my fave. These are the only meals I did not have in the MDR or O'Sheehan's. I really LOVE the chicken pot pie and the fish n chips at O'Sheehan's so I've become a regular when on this ship. The brownie sundae is a winner. Breakfast and lunch are aso served.

 

One thing I love at the buffet on Epic (and all Norwegian ships) is the fresh vegetable and/or orange, apple juice. It is an extra fee but well worth it if you're feeling a little weak from all the maritini's, hot tubs and late nights build up your bad self with one of these!

 

Pool Deck

I am a hot tub lover from early cruise days. These are open until 1 am which really is nice. You won't usually have a hard time finding an empty one if you go late. One was nice and hot so don't jump in the first one if it's not. Plus at H2O Spice there are two that are also open late. These are very private.

 

Epic Plunge and the other water slides are fun and so popular you do have to wait in line but it's worth it.

During the day I had no time for lazing out by the pool but there was lots going on and plenty of space. H2O has adult only chairs and a small pool during the day but is also a party venue at night. With all this AND water slides plus a kids splash area all the action is right there. There's also a big dance floor for the sailaway and goofy contests etc.

 

Casino

I have progressed from slots, to roulette and most recently to blackjack when I gamble on a ship. I could go back to roulette BUT on board they make it a pretty expensive game. You can play much longer on the same bankroll at a $5 or 10 table, if you have any luck at all , that is.

 

The Epic casino is huge. There are plenty of slots but many are pennies or dollars. Funny they didn't seem to have nearly as many nickels and quarters. Another $5 table would be nice but there can't be much profit in those so $10 and $25 tables are the norm. In a week I gave $100, I got off cheap. Could have been much worse but I was busy with all the shows.

 

Ice Bar

I didn't do this in Nov but I did once. It is a fun time if you like your room temp about 17 degrees. The thing is it is unique and fun to do once if you can squeeze it in. For $20 you get two small drinks of vodka with flavor. It's just as well they are small. Generally guests stay about 20 minutes. Less if they aren't wearing socks. Capes and gloves are provided..but not socks.

 

Bingo and Bowling

Both sound like they could be fun but I didn't do either. The lanes are in O'Sheehan's which certainly would have been convenient since I was there a lot. Bingo is good when you have gram and the kids to occupy. I had neither this trip.

 

I really can't imagine anyone not having a great time on this ship. I have sailed her three times since July 2010 and loved each cruise more than the last. Imagine what the Breakaway will be like!! I've heard LOTS of good stuff the best of which is she sails from NYC, just hours from my house. Yay!

 

Cheers and happy holidays,

Rita

[Just Jo]

Great review! Glad to hear you enjoyed it just as much, if not more, as your previous sailings. I hit the road in about 28 hours for the Epic - 2nd time around :D Thanks for sharing!

[debnjoe1438]

Thanks for sharing. I'll have to take notes for my upcoming trip:D

[ponza17]

Thanks for info on casino.What was min. bet on roulette and three card poker.Did you get a CAS card for play time in casino.Thanks again,Sandy

[SuiteCruiser]

Thanks for info on casino.What was min. bet on roulette and three card poker.Did you get a CAS card for play time in casino.Thanks again,Sandy

 

I'm chiming in here, I was onboard in Sept. Both were $5, so way better than the land-based casinos. Also they have one 3 card table with the 6 card bonus option, which is fun when you're on a winning streak :)

[jdvmd]

Thanks for your comments, Rita! I hope those considering the Epic will read your good comments in this thread instead of starting another, "I have seen the bad reviews of the Epic and .........."

[sdmike]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Rita! You might be the Epic's most frequent flyer!

[slotaddict]

Thinking about booking the Epic for the second go round...thanks for the review...it firms up why I want to do it all again....

[Gypsea]

Sandy,

 

I didn't get the Casino's at Sea card. When I played slots I had one but I have no idea if it's still valid.

 

Debnjoe & JustJo,

 

Another thought I should share is about the Future Cruise Deposit. At one time it was valid for two years. Now if you leave $250 for a deposit of any future sailing they not only give you a $100 credit on your current bill but allow four years for the new deposit to be used. Plus it's transferrable so it can be a gift. If you deposit a family of four you would normally need $1000 or 250 ea. With this future cruise credit the 250 secures the entire reservation when you do choose something. Suites do not apply to the minimal deposit. I feel like I have to buy at least one when I sail or it's like throwing money away.

 

Slotaddict and those on the fence,

 

You will only be sorry if you don't go.

 

Sdmike and Jdvmd,

 

There are always cruisers that are unrealistic in what it will be like, I'm guessing that's it. Barring days of rain and high seas or illness I'm good. In fact, I rarely (I don't dare not never) have any motion trouble. I must have been an old salt in another life!! I'm pretty sure I will never get enough.

[david_sobe]

I am also thinking of booking Epic Feb 2013. It would be my second time on board.

Boy have the prices went down, especially for the suites. They are over a thousand cheaper then Epic's first year 2010.

I never thought I would go suite again on Epic but the prices are tempting.

One downer is we already saw most of the entertainment. But the huge selection of restaurants really makes Epic appealing. Posh is another great place that makes Epic different than most ships.

[gelo7]

Nice review.

[Gypsea]

I love to write reviews so it's nice when they're appreciated.

[markf]

Just to point out that different people have differnet views--i walked out in the middle of cirque dreams--i thought it was amteaurish-show was unimpressive and the food was poorly prepared-thats what makes a horse race!!!!

[debnjoe1438]

Sandy,

 

 

Debnjoe & JustJo,

 

Another thought I should share is about the Future Cruise Deposit. At one time it was valid for two years. Now if you leave $250 for a deposit of any future sailing they not only give you a $100 credit on your current bill but allow four years for the new deposit to be used. Plus it's transferrable so it can be a gift. If you deposit a family of four you would normally need $1000 or 250 ea. With this future cruise credit the 250 secures the entire reservation when you do choose something. Suites do not apply to the minimal deposit. I feel like I have to buy at least one when I sail or it's like throwing money away.

 

Thanks, last 2 cruises DH & I did the "Future Cruise Deposit". Can't beat the deal.:D