First time cruiser...did I make the right choice

[Jrw118]

Hello all and thanks forthe help. We are first time cruisers. Me (39), DH )38, DS (8), DS(5). We originally booked on Ccl conquest 2/16/14 in a grand scenic oceanview 6k. I was contacted by an old casino host with an offer for the ncl epic same dates in a family balcony for about $150 less than CCL. I cancelled the conquest and booked the epic. I was astounded by the entertainment options and activites on the epic compared to the conquest for my kids. I have since read some bad reviews of the eoic. Did I make the right choice? I can still change my mind.

[psbtrvlr]

Hello all and thanks forthe help. We are first time cruisers. Me (39), DH )38, DS (8), DS(5). We originally booked on Ccl conquest 2/16/14 in a grand scenic oceanview 6k. I was contacted by an old casino host with an offer for the ncl epic same dates in a family balcony for about $150 less than CCL. I cancelled the conquest and booked the epic. I was astounded by the entertainment options and activites on the epic compared to the conquest for my kids. I have since read some bad reviews of the eoic. Did I make the right choice? I can still change my mind.

 

I have not sailed on the Epic, but I do not pay attention to reviews anymore. I have read too many that I had been on and my perception of the cruise was COMPLETELY different from the reviewers. I've never been on a 'bad' cruise but according to some reviews, I have!

[seashinesunshine]

Hello all and thanks forthe help. We are first time cruisers. Me (39), DH )38, DS (8), DS(5). We originally booked on Ccl conquest 2/16/14 in a grand scenic oceanview 6k. I was contacted by an old casino host with an offer for the ncl epic same dates in a family balcony for about $150 less than CCL. I cancelled the conquest and booked the epic. I was astounded by the entertainment options and activites on the epic compared to the conquest for my kids. I have since read some bad reviews of the eoic. Did I make the right choice? I can still change my mind.

 

I've been on neither ship, but take reviews with a grain of salt. Most people who write reviews are either really mad about something, or over the top happy. Look for a review that looks well balanced and don't pay much attention to the rest.

Have Fun! :D

[Kamloops50]

Hello all and thanks forthe help. We are first time cruisers. Me (39), DH )38, DS (8), DS(5). We originally booked on Ccl conquest 2/16/14 in a grand scenic oceanview 6k. I was contacted by an old casino host with an offer for the ncl epic same dates in a family balcony for about $150 less than CCL. I cancelled the conquest and booked the epic. I was astounded by the entertainment options and activites on the epic compared to the conquest for my kids. I have since read some bad reviews of the eoic. Did I make the right choice? I can still change my mind.

 

I don't a pay much attention to reviews . I've seen two reviews for the same cruise . One would be the cruise from hell . The other is the best they ever had .

[Keith1010]

I go with the 80/20 rule. If around 80 percent of the reviews rate something highly or rate something poorly than I accept is until I experience it myself.

 

I also know that from time to time I will read very negative reviews from ships I rate highly so I know that you can't please all of the people all of the time.

 

Keith

[SuitCaseBears]

So what could make a cruise less than wonderful? Illness or disaster makes a cruise terrible, but that can happen on any ship.

 

A problem with your cabin? That can also happen on the best of ships.

 

Food not great? So don't think so much about the food and enjoy everything else. Honestly if the food is THAT important, choose a food oriented vacation.

 

Someone is rude to you? Laugh about it later in your cabin.

 

An excursion is cancelled? Again, it happens regardless of ship or cruise line.

 

You can make your cruise wonderful by just deciding you'll have a wonderful time regardless of ship or cruiseline.

[Jrw118]

Thanks for the replies. Did I make the right choice between the ships. Is the epic nicer than the conquest? Are the amenities and service better?

[psbtrvlr]

Thanks for the replies. Did I make the right choice between the ships. Is the epic nicer than the conquest? Are the amenities and service better?

 

I have not been on either ship, but have sailed both lines. I find NCL to have much better service than Carnival.

[SPacificbound]

Thanks for the replies. Did I make the right choice between the ships. Is the epic nicer than the conquest? Are the amenities and service better?

 

Have you posted this question on the Carnival board? :)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215

 

You can also do a search in the box up top on the right for "Carnival Epic reviews".

Edited November 16, 2013 by SPacificbound

[Lerin]

I personally would not go on Epic. That is because I do not like to be on ships with that many people. Also I'm not a fan of NCL freestyle concept.

However, that is me.

The Epic is one of the largest ships in the world and sails full. Clearly people like her.

You'll have a great time, enjoy. :)

[cruisehappi]

Don't cancel. Your cruise will be what you make of it, no matter which cruise line you sail. I've also seen a lot of bad NCL reviews, but I would sail the Epic in a heartbeat.

 

Sent from my SM-P600 using Forums mobile app

[Monalis]

Thanks for the replies. Did I make the right choice between the ships. Is the epic nicer than the conquest? Are the amenities and service better?

 

No one can tell you that but your own experience. What everyone wants and likes differs so much, hence the reason there are so many choices in cruising.

 

I went on the Conquest last year and loved it, but it was just my husband and I. We are going on NCL's Jewel this year and will most likely love it just as much. We personally do not like the larger ships and prefer to sail on ones with 2000 passengers or less. We also have not sailed with the kids yet, and have just started planning a cruise for next year bringing our 3 boys along with us.

 

All that being said, the ages your kids are either ship would be fine... though with the Conquest I would foresee them spending more time doing things with Camp Carnival. With the pic there are alot more kid/family friendly options to do outside of the kids club.

 

I have heard the service, entertainment, and amenities are better on NCL, but once again that is completely personal experience and preference. For every glowing review for a sailing there is going to be a horrible one as well.

 

I would go on the Epic since it is less expensive and try it out for yourself. If it isn't the right fit, try Carnival next time. I am someone who really enjoys the nightlife and evening shows... something that my Conquest sailing was lacking, though we found things to do.

[rwr235]

Hi,

 

My best advice...Relax and start looking forward to your cruise !! I always stop reading any hint of reviews once I have selected the cruise we are going on...and instead start planning things to do/see/experience etc !!

 

I do suggest you join the Roll Call for your cruise...attached:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1720001&referrerid=422315

 

where your fellow passengers are discussing this specific sailing...I am sure there are already families with kids/probably some folks who have sailed Epic before/probably some "newbies" like you...all with the same goal in mind...Having a Great Cruise !!:)

 

Have a wonderful cruise with your family !!

 

Woody

Edited November 17, 2013 by rwr235

[cruiseaholic777]

Just go and have a great time. I have never had a bad cruise but CCL is my least favorite. ;)

[gatorsfam]

You'll be fine on the Epic.

 

What is great about cruising is there really isn't a 'right' or 'wrong'.. Tons of options and experiences.

 

There is no PERFECT cruise ship or cruise line - everyone has different things that are important - a ship like the Epic offers a lot to a lot of people - I'm sure you'll enjoy it and get hooked on cruising!

[Rogueperson]

Personally, I would have stuck with the Conquest, but that's just me. I have not been on either of those ships, but both ships are on my list of to-do. I have not been on an NCL cruise since before they integrated the freestyle, so my opinion of them is severely outdated. I have been on a conquest class ship (Liberty) and that was by far one of the best cruises I've had.

 

I've been leery about doing NCL because of the Freestyle. I'm a big fan of the traditional cruising experience, and I have yet to even try MTD on Carnival or Royal Caribbean. I just like the idea of having the same waitstaff for the entire cruise. Nonetheless, I hear that it works both ways. My next cruise after the Independence, I think we will do MTD.

 

I've heard rumors that the food is better at the for fee restaurants than at the MDR, and that the MDR is lackluster because NCL rather their passengers use the for fee restaurant. Only what I hear.

 

NCL has pumped serious talent into their ships for entertainment such as Blue Man Group. Carnival tends to be more main stream in that entertainment and doesn't stray too far from what works. My impression is that there is more to do on NCL than Carnival, but only slightly.

 

Bottom line, you wouldn't have made a mistake either way. I believe the money you save in the fare, you'll pay back with a probably higher onboard expense with NCL. But i think you will enjoy yourself whether you switched or not.

[Libra_Critic]

Hello all and thanks for the help. We are first time cruisers. Me (39), DH )38, DS (8), DS(5). We originally booked on Ccl conquest 2/16/14 in a grand scenic oceanview 6k. I was contacted by an old casino host with an offer for the ncl epic same dates in a family balcony for about $150 less than CCL. I cancelled the conquest and booked the epic. I was astounded by the entertainment options and activites on the epic compared to the conquest for my kids. I have since read some bad reviews of the Epic. Did I make the right choice? I can still change my mind.

 

You made the right choice. Better room, better ship, for less money (but 7-day vs 8-day and different itineraries).

 

I have been on the Epic. I have not been on the Conquest, but on three of it's sister ships, Valor, Freedom and Liberty.

 

As you observed, the entertainment options on the Epic are far superior to those on the Conquest. However the activities for your children are equivalent (Carnival may have a slight edge).

 

As a first time cruiser, you won't have a basis for comparing cruises, so you will probably not find fault with many of the issues mentioned in the poor reviews. Comments regarding food and dining room choices are very subjective. Don't be swayed by a few poor reviews.

 

Every cruise is different, even two cruises on the same itinerary, on the same ship, a couple weeks apart can be different experiences.

 

Go and enjoy your cruise.

 

P.S. Make sure that you book your entertainment options (e.g. Blue Man Group) early. Some shows can be hard to get into without reservations, or get good seats if you are in the wait line.

[voyager89]

Hello all and thanks forthe help. We are first time cruisers. Me (39), DH )38, DS (8), DS(5). We originally booked on Ccl conquest 2/16/14 in a grand scenic oceanview 6k. I was contacted by an old casino host with an offer for the ncl epic same dates in a family balcony for about $150 less than CCL. I cancelled the conquest and booked the epic. I was astounded by the entertainment options and activites on the epic compared to the conquest for my kids. I have since read some bad reviews of the eoic. Did I make the right choice? I can still change my mind.

 

I would stick to what you have. I have not sailed either line yet. Will do my first NCL - on the Epic also- next October. You couldnt pay me enough to sail on Carnival. Way too many bad reviews and mishaps. I know that could happen on any ship, any line, but with Carnival it is way too much. Besides I think their ships are just ugly.

 

I have also read bad reviews about the Epic. Mostly from people who dislike suchh big ships. I did the Oasis and absolutely loved it, while some people hated it guts for the same reasons I loved it. So I wouldnt take reviews that serious. I read them and take the best of it. The Epic is pretty much brand new, and looks amazing. WAY TOO MANY options for your kids to have a blast. The Nickelodeon charachters on board will be a plus for them too.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Hiram

[Patrona]

The reality with cruising reviews, is that there will always be some good coupled with bad. If you expect the worst and hope for the best, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

I've always been a fan of Celebrity cruise lines. I did a two week trip through Europe on Norwegian, that I did not care for. However, not everything was disappointing. Every cruise line has its pros and cons, you just need to define what it is you want out of your trip, and go from there. Pick the two most important items, and focus on those. Let anything else that comes along, be a perk of the trip!

 

Last year, DH and I decided to try cruising with our children. (Mid 30's, two boys 4&6, and now a newborn.) We knew Celebrity is not a kid-friendly line and we are not Disney fans, so we decided to brave Carnival despite all the horror stories we had heard. This was also during the huge PR fiasco they were in. However, I read a lot of good reviews and figured it was worth a try for the price.

 

Despite bad weather and a not-so-great itinerary, we had an excellent time, and most importantly, our children absolutely loved it! I'm glad I listened to the good reviews and ignored the bad. We went into it with an open mind (and minimal expectations) and now we are giving Carnival a second chance.

 

Go on your trip and embrace everything that comes, good or bad. It's about the memories you'll make. Not the thread court of your sheets, the temperature of your food, how fizzy your soda is, or where your cabin is located.

 

Best of luck and happy cruising.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[sfpen66]

We have cruised on both Carnival Elation and Norwegian Pearl. We had a great time on both ships. Each one had it's good and bad points. Carnival was fun and seemed to be more laid back than some of the other cruise lines we previously sailed. As for NCL, we are not a fan of freestyle dining. But, that did not stop us from having a great time. We tried a couple of their fee restaurants and their food was fantastic.

 

I believe you have made a great choice for your family! Have fun and let us know how much you loved it when you get back home.

[big al]

Hello all and thanks forthe help. We are first time cruisers. Me (39), DH )38, DS (8), DS(5). We originally booked on Ccl conquest 2/16/14 in a grand scenic oceanview 6k. I was contacted by an old casino host with an offer for the ncl epic same dates in a family balcony for about $150 less than CCL. I cancelled the conquest and booked the epic. I was astounded by the entertainment options and activites on the epic compared to the conquest for my kids. I have since read some bad reviews of the eoic. Did I make the right choice? I can still change my mind.

 

Have cruised both, and IMHO, your family would probably enjoy the Epic more for one reason: OPTIONS! I like options for dining, entertainment, especially when kids are involved. I love the Freestyle concept- nothing bothers me more than being told what time to eat, where to eat, with whom to eat, and even what to eat...I would try Teppanyaki, the Japanese Steakhouse, where they make the food in front of you at the hibachi grill- kids love it, and it's fabulous ( $20 pp)....Pool area is great for kids on the Epic, which includes several slides and a REAL Caribbean band for music, where Carnival now has DJ's blasting hip hop and mostly current Top 40 music...also there is an adult pool area called Spice, which is aft, and is nice. No adult pool on CCL ( newer ships have them, but not the Conquest)....there is a cirque-de-soleil type show along with the Blue Man Group, plus a comedy club, Fat Cats Jazz club,and a nice Irish Pub called O'Sheehans...also, you're comparing a 154,000 ton ship that's new, to a 110,000 ton ship that's 10 years old...big difference..for more dining options I love Le Bistro ( French) and Cagney's Steakhouse...kids eat burgers & mac & cheese anyway...on top of all that, the Epic is cheaper WITH a balcony vs. a window cabin if I understand correctly? No comparison, IMO , take the Epic cabin and watch your family NEVER be bored AND have terrific views of the sea!!

 

Big Al

[Krazy Kruizers]

Just go with an open mind and have a wonderful cruise.

Check out your ports.