Epic Photo Review – Specialty Dining - Menus - Freestyle Dailies - Deck Tours

[Carpgirl]

Following. Not sailing on the Epic until March 2016, really enjoying your review:)

[HistoryGirl4Ever]

Following! Will be on the 12/7/14 sailing of the Epic, and anytime I can find out more about her, I'm checking it out. Can't wait to read more.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[nwcruiselover]

Following! GREAT review and pictures. I'm on a B2B October 22 & 26 with a studio on first cruise and balcony on second. Love your studio pix. Thanks! Nancy

[relaxation]

Love the pics and review! Bunch of us solos in a group sailing in October!

 

Thanks for the review!

[nwcruiselover]

Megacruiser, I have a question. Are there hair driers in the studios on the Epic? If not, do cabin stewards provide them on request? Nancy

[ashpam]

Came here from your Oasis review. Definitely following! Sailed on the Epic in 2012 and loved her. Posh was possibly the best purchase we made on board. Thank you for the lovely review and photos!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[megacruiser]

I had forgotten just how time consuming all the scanning-and-uploading to Photobucket can be; and moving documents and photos from one computer to another... I feel I really have to get some bits and pieces posted today so I feel that progress is being made. So here is the Freestyle Daily for Day 1 in Barcelona. I am sorry to say that some of the cruise documents are contaminated and I have tried to minimise the impact using Paintshop. A bottle of aftershave was damaged in my luggage and, as they say, a little certainly does go a long way. The only minor compensation has been that scanning them has been an aromatic experience...

 

 

 

 

 

[Keith.W]

Look forward to the rest, i was on the same sailing :)

[megacruiser]

After unpacking I had a quick look Around to get my bearings. I then went up to the Posh Club. This is located behind the Haven complex on Decks 18 and 19. I found the easiest way to get there was to take one of the main forward elevators to Deck 15. Then exit the hallway going towards the pool and as you come through the doorway into the open air, immediately, both to the left and the right, is a glass elevator.

 

The right one is for Haven passengers only, by use of a Key Card;

 

]

 

 

...the left one is for general use and serves only Decks 15 and 18.

 

 

This is where you exit...

 

 

 

As you exit the elevator you are on an open public deck that stretches all the way forward.. Move in that direction and turn left into the first doorway, which takes you indoors and the door (below) will then be directly in front of you and your key card will admit you to the Posh Club...

 

[/url]

 

 

The lift that brings you up from Deck 15 is on the left. It is sectioned off from the Posh Club.

 

 

Apparently there are some free drinks on the first sailaway but I had my package so wasn't looking for them. In fact I left very quickly...

.

[megacruiser]

When I went there in the early afternoon it seemed pretty pleasant. It wasn't particularly busy and there were one or two spots in the shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a frozen drink from the bar and sat on one of the padded deck chairs - very comfortable. All told, not much seating available in the shade on Deck 18 and none whatsoever on Deck 19. When I returned later, in time for the sail-away, I was very disappointed to see that not only was it crowded but that the loud music from the pool band was coming directly up, particularly in the main section on Deck 18 that overlooks the pool and it was very intrusive.

 

 

Looking down from Posh over the band on pool deck...

 

 

 

Knowing that such music was likely to be played most days, I started to realise that I may have made a mistake in booking this. I had imagined it to be a kind of retreat or sanctuary - a place of quietude and tranquillity. I returned to guest relations and after some persuasion they reluctantly agreed to refund the cost and cancel my pass. If you are considering booking the Posh Pass, please be aware that there may be a free-of-charge alternative that could suit your purposes just as well, and I will go into this in detail with photographs later in the review.

.

[megacruiser]

The Ultimate Dining Package at the time of this cruise was priced at $119. As a perk, on the first night only, you have the option to take in the Cirque Dreams Dinner Show, at no additional charge; and even better it includes the Premium Seats that normally cost $39.95. So arguably, if you were planning to do the Cirque Show in any case, this brings the marginal cost of the UDP down to $79.05. For anyone who regards good dining as a major part of their cruise, this really is pretty much a no-brainer, although perhaps not such an easy decision if you are travelling as a large family.

 

 

 

I had read that the Dinner Show food was not so great, so I decided to go for the early show at 6:30; meaning, if needs be, I could try to get into a speciality restaurant later that evening. This show takes place in the Spiegel Tent, a circular two-storey show room. Everyone enters on the lower level. Premium Seat customers are given a choice, on a first-come first-serve basis, of selecting any table available downstairs or to go up to the balcony level. The best possible position to see the show is probably at one of the tables closest to the central performance area downstairs. On the downside, there is a strong possibility of being cajoled into taking part in the performance. Other less prominent tables downstairs will have partially obstructed views to some extent at various times. The performers move about a lot to perform to everyone all around, but to some extent I felt the main focus was more directed at those sitting furthest away from the entrance. The set-up upstairs is that there is one row deep only of diners in large circle facing directly inward and downward. Place settings are all adjoining one another so that everyone faces the performers.

 

 

 

 

 

The view is generally very good although you do have to lean forward a little at times.

 

 

 

 

 

I had my camera with me, as you can see, but fully expected that photography would not be permitted due to copyright. The introductory message prior to the performance commencing was played and, as always, I listened intently to see what the rules were. They basically were that there was to be no flash photography, video recording or audio recording, no mobile phones or similar devices or any other electronic device. This announcement was really not dissimilar to the standard announcement that was pretty much the norm in most cruise theatres prior to the in-house production shows, where copyright is often much less of an issue. Photography was usually permitted as long as it did not involve the use of flash. Surprised as I was, it seemed to me that the specific reference only to flash photography meant that normal photography was permitted. I only took a few photographs before I was asked by a waiter to stop, as no photography whatsoever was permitted. Fine, but why was it not made clear in the announcement. It’s like putting up a notice in a Casino saying “Cigar Smoking Not Permitted”, then approaching someone smoking a cigarette and telling them that actually no smoking is permitted.

 

 

 

This was the cause of quite some annoyance, as the situation was rather embarrassing. All caused by the inclusion of one totally unnecessary word, "flash". I would have been perfectly willing to abide by the rules had they been made clear. Afterwards I went to guest relations to register a complaint that the announcement was misleading and basically I pretty much got short shrift. There was apparently a notice in the Freestyle Daily about photography but I had not read it, since the show had been pre-booked 42 days earlier and I pretty well had my evening totally planned in my head. I asked the agent a simple question - if no photography whatsoever was permitted, why not simply announce, at the start, "All forms of photography are prohibited?" (As I later discovered, all shows in the Epic Theatre had exactly this suggested announcement)

 

 

 

The Maitre d' from the Spiegel Tent left a message on my phone the following day and the matter was further discussed. I asked why the message could not be made clearer. Firstly she argued that the message was perfectly clear, and in any case the term “any other electronic device” was a catchall inclusion. Of course old-fashioned film cameras are not electronic so are they really suggesting film photography is acceptable? - Apparently not. The whole issue could have been diffused if someone could actually accept that it was not as clear as it should be. Secondly she says they have no control over the introductory message because it is pre-recorded by Cirque and cannot be amended. I suggested that Cirque ought to be made aware of this issue, and she said she would do so...

 

 

 

As for the show itself, it was stunning. The level of skills these artistes possess is way off the scale; mesmerising, astonishing and some of it quite breathtaking. I thought it was padded out a little in the middle and would have benefited from some judicious editing but perhaps that is rather nitpicking. One of the absolute best shows at sea ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now to the food, as expected it was fairly pedestrian. It is a fixed menu but non meat-or-seafood-eaters were offered alternatives. I have never been a lover of cured or air-dried meats.

 

 

 

 

 

Proscuito is delicious but I am just not keen on the raw texture. For those who do like it, the starter was probably perfectly acceptable. The Mozzarella and tomato were fine as was the balsamic vinegar, which had been carelessly sloshed over the top. As for the main course, (sorry camera now out of use) the shrimp was really quite tasty and better than anticipated. However my steak was extremely disappointing. One bite and an attempted chew was enough... The other accompaniments were very poor and barely warm. The three little desserts sounded and looked better than they tasted and were really rather lacklustre. I ate very little really, so I certainly would be ready to further indulge later... ;)

 

 

 

I had dictated some of the review into my iPad. It's as well I read it over before posting... It read "Prostitute is delicious"! These devices don't like our Scots accents...

[myboygarrett]

I enjoyed your review on the Cirque show! I'm now interested in booking it. I do have a question. When looking at the entertainment selection on http://www.ncl.com, the date of the show is 7/17. But if I read your post correctly, there is a show offered on the first night? So this is booked on the ship and can not be reserved in advance? Thanks so much!

[karoo]

The Ultimate Dining Package at the time of this cruise was priced at $119. As a perk, on the first night only, you have the option to take in the Cirque Dreams Dinner Show, at no additional charge; and even better it includes the Premium Seats that normally cost $39.95. So arguably, if you were planning to do the Cirque Show in any case, this brings the marginal cost of the UDP down to $79.05. For anyone who regards good dining as a major part of their cruise, this really is pretty much a no-brainer, although perhaps not such an easy decision if you are travelling as a large family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had read that the Dinner Show food was not so great, so I decided to go for the early show at 6:30; meaning, if needs be, I could try to get into a speciality restaurant later that evening. This show takes place in the Spiegel Tent, a circular two-storey show room. Everyone enters on the lower level. Premium Seat customers are given a choice, on a first-come first-serve basis, of selecting any table available downstairs or to go up to the balcony level. The best possible position to see the show is probably at one of the tables closest to the central performance area downstairs. On the downside, there is a strong possibility of being cajoled into taking part in the performance. Other less prominent tables downstairs will have partially obstructed views to some extent at various times. The performers move about a lot to perform to everyone all around, but to some extent I felt the main focus was more directed at those sitting furthest away from the entrance. The set-up upstairs is that there is one row deep only of diners in large circle facing directly inward and downward. Place settings are all adjoining one another so that everyone faces the performers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The view is generally very good although you do have to lean forward a little at times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had my camera with me, as you can see, but fully expected that photography would not be permitted due to copyright. The introductory message prior to the performance commencing was played and, as always, I listened intently to see what the rules were. They basically were that there was to be no flash photography, video recording or audio recording, no mobile phones or similar devices or any other electronic device. This announcement was really not dissimilar to the standard announcement that was pretty much the norm in most cruise theatres prior to the in-house production shows, where copyright is often much less of an issue. Photography was usually permitted as long as it did not involve the use of flash. Surprised as I was, it seemed to me that the specific reference only to flash photography meant that normal photography was permitted. I only took a few photographs before I was asked by a waiter to stop, as no photography whatsoever was permitted. Fine, but why was it not made clear in the announcement. It’s like putting up a notice in a Casino saying “Cigar Smoking Not Permitted”, then approaching someone smoking a cigarette and telling them that actually no smoking is permitted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was the cause of quite some annoyance, as the situation was rather embarrassing. All caused by the inclusion of one totally unnecessary word, "flash". I would have been perfectly willing to abide by the rules had they been made clear. Afterwards I went to guest relations to register a complaint that the announcement was misleading and basically I pretty much got short shrift. There was apparently a notice in the Freestyle Daily about photography but I had not read it, since the show had been pre-booked 42 days earlier and I pretty well had my evening totally planned in my head. I asked the agent a simple question - if no photography whatsoever was permitted, why not simply announce, at the start, "All forms of photography are prohibited?" (As I later discovered, all shows in the Epic Theatre had exactly this suggested announcement)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Maitre d' from the Spiegel Tent left a message on my phone the following day and the matter was further discussed. I asked why the message could not be made clearer. Firstly she argued that the message was perfectly clear, and in any case the term “any other electronic device” was a catchall inclusion. Of course old-fashioned film cameras are not electronic so are they really suggesting film photography is acceptable? - Apparently not. The whole issue could have been diffused if someone could actually accept that it was not as clear as it should be. Secondly she says they have no control over the introductory message because it is pre-recorded by Cirque and cannot be amended. I suggested that Cirque ought to be made aware of this issue, and she said she would do so...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As for the show itself, it was stunning. The level of skills these artistes possess is way off the scale; mesmerising, astonishing and some of it quite breathtaking. I thought it was padded out a little in the middle and would have benefited from some judicious editing but perhaps that is rather nitpicking. One of the absolute best shows at sea ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now to the food, as expected it was fairly pedestrian. It is a fixed menu but non meat-or-seafood-eaters were offered alternatives. I have never been a lover of cured or air-dried meats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proscuito is delicious but I am just not keen on the raw texture. For those who do like it, the starter was probably perfectly acceptable. The Mozzarella and tomato were fine as was the balsamic vinegar, which had been carelessly sloshed over the top. As for the main course, (sorry camera now out of use) the shrimp was really quite tasty and better than anticipated. However my steak was extremely disappointing. One bite and an attempted chew was enough... The other accompaniments were very poor and barely warm. The three little desserts sounded and looked better than they tasted and were really rather lacklustre. I ate very little really, so I certainly would be ready to further indulge later... ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

]

 

 

I am loving your review and I appreciate your honest thoughts. As an aside, my four grandparents were all Scottish, so I was bought up on the Anglo diet. I don't eat processed cold meat either. Those white bits put me off! Still love those roasts, steak and veggies though.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[megacruiser]

It's gone 2am. Next time - the remainder of Day 1 including Shanghai food and hopefully the start of Day 2. The Spa Day Pass, around the ship on the only sea day, Blue Man Group and Le Bistro. Thanks to everyone following. Personal responses tomorrow.

 

megacruiser

[Lilystar]

 

I had dictated some of the review into my iPad. It's as well I read it over before posting... It read "Prostitute is delicious"! These devices don't like our Scots accents...

 

OMG, there are not many moments when I literally laugh out loud. But that had me rolling! Thank you for the giggle tonight! Loving your review.

[1lovehols]

Following & waiting to here about peaceful nice seating outside on deck reviews.. I was debating posh passes but unsure if mum would join me as she nit a sun queen & prefers shade.

[WouterC]

Following & waiting to here about peaceful nice seating outside on deck reviews.. I was debating posh passes but unsure if mum would join me as she nit a sun queen & prefers shade.

 

Hi Megacruiser,

 

I'm making a couple of 'cheat sheets' (I got most of the tips from CruiseCritic threads), perhaps they can be useful for you?

 

Two tips I collected for good 'lounger' locations:

 

 

• "There's an awesome out-of-the-way place for shaded lounging... under the sports deck starboard aft."
  
• "The public sun decks on 1 8 are virtually empty, even when the pool is full ( seating for about 100 people)."
  

Cheat Sheets (PDF's):

 

 

• Cabin and ship: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz28zgmezEyFeEZZa0VlTDJLVHM/edit?usp=sharing
  
• Food: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz28zgmezEyFZDEzanFtaEk2Y2c/edit?usp=sharing
  
• Entertainment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz28zgmezEyFeEh2VHdBNzhtbHc/edit?usp=sharing
  

 

Just checked, guess I also have to change the description for Cirque to "No photography", instead of "no flash photography"...

Edited June 22, 2014 by WouterC

[Keith.W]

When I went there in the early afternoon it seemed pretty pleasant. It wasn't particularly busy and there were one or two spots in the shade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a frozen drink from the bar and sat on one of the padded deck chairs - very comfortable. All told, not much seating available in the shade on Deck 18 and none whatsoever on Deck 19. When I returned later, in time for the sail-away, I was very disappointed to see that not only was it crowded but that the loud music from the pool band was coming directly up, particularly in the main section on Deck 18 that overlooks the pool and it was very intrusive.

 

 

Looking down from Posh over the band on pool deck...

 

 

 

Knowing that such music was likely to be played most days, I started to realise that I may have made a mistake in booking this. I had imagined it to be a kind of retreat or sanctuary - a place of quietude and tranquillity. I returned to guest relations and after some persuasion they reluctantly agreed to refund the cost and cancel my pass. If you are considering booking the Posh Pass, please be aware that there may be a free-of-charge alternative that could suit your purposes just as well, and I will go into this in detail with photographs later in the review.

.

 

Hey, I am sorry you where dissapointed with Posh, To me it was money well spent. I was on the same sailing that's me in the picture on the double sun lounger, Blue shorts , yes the sail away was extremely busy due to the heaven guests sail away party held there. It is the only time that they allow kids there as well. There was no sail away in Rome.I was there everyday for the week ,it was great nice and quite and loads of loungers available and not as noisy as sail-away. They would often come around with ice cold towels, fruit skewers etc. It was great for me as i wasnt doing any tours, just coming and going as i please.

 

PS- I had my key encoded to use the heaven lift to access posh but it was hit and miss, even heaven guests had trouble.

 

 

Looking forward to your next installment :)

 

Keith

[Fun4Us2013]

I sailed on this ship in March of this year. We loved the Posh area and found that if you go through the doors behind the bathrooms, you can go over to the other side of the ship. Here there are chairs, the clothing optional deck and if you walk towards the front of the ship there are numerous chairs and places to sit where there is no noise at all, only the wind. I did not like this area as I prefer the noise and commotion of the pool area.

[sail_ORN]

I'm enjoying your review very much! As you can tell from my signature, I had such a good trip in February, I'll be back on the Epic in December.

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

[Sparkles87]

Subscribing :D

 

Loving the pictures...

 

Im on Epic July 27th..... so excited!

[disneykins]

Subscribing to this thread.

[SeaDiva21]

Hi Mega,

 

I have truly enjoyed your review. It's well written and the photos are beautiful. My husband and I are looking forward to our cruise on Allure in the spring of 2015. I have become addicted to cruise critic and find myself reading reviews of all the various lines, etc. Into the wee hours of the night.

 

Some day, when we can afford the luxury, we would love a Mediterranean cruise that includes Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens. We love to travel and Greece is on the bucket list! I am researching cruise lines that include this itinerary, including RCI, NCL, Princess, and several others. I feel as if the entertainment would not be a huge focus--the itinerary, good food, reasonable service and safe ship are our main concern. I anticipate being quite tired after touring all day and not having the need for elaborate shows. I also know that the ship will have to be much smaller for this type of cruise.

 

You have traveled extensively and any suggestions you have are appreciated. Even though I have not met you in person, I respect your views and opinions. I'd love to meet you some day. We have traveled all over, including beautiful Scotland. My husband's hobby is photography and I enjoy painting places we have been

 

Sail on and be well,

Robin

[megacruiser]

 

 

Off then to the Maltings Bar for a G&T... I had brought my own Slimline Tonic with me from Scotland. The lack of sugar-free mixers is desperately disappointing as is the choice of diet soft drinks within the UDP. With so many diabetics, weight watchers and carb-counters these days, is Diet Pepsi and Soda Water really the best NCL can offer?

 

 

My appetite was sharpening by the minute and around 9.30 I decided to try a walk-in at Shanghai’s Chinese Restaurant. Absolutely no problem; I was seated immediately.

 

 

The Noodle Bar is at the entrance to Shanghai’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megacruiser]

It wasn’t busy, as is commonplace with most specialty restaurants on the first night. It was very dimly lit so these photographs are not great and only usable thanks to Paintshop photo software. It took ages to get them to this, still rather low, standard.

 

 

I was ready for food but obviously not as hungry as normal. So I veered away from some of the heavier dishes in favour of something hopefully lighter and more delicate. There was a Salt and Pepper Calamari starter that caught my eye.

 

 

 

 

Now when I have Salt and Pepper Ribs, or Tofu, in Sauchiehall Street, it is prepared with a dry coating then done in an oven or flash fried and I had expected the calamari to be similar… Should have asked really… Actually what was presented to me reminded me of popcorn shrimp or chicken in that the batter was the bulk of it, with very little calamari that could be tasted. Disappointing.

 

 

 

 

The Hot and Sour Soup was okay I suppose and I ate it all. Not hot enough or sour enough for me; kind of toned down to provoke the least possible reaction from the unadventurous. The stock was not full bodied and it was noticeably thickened with cornstarch, or such, that left a slight coating residue on the tongue, rather than a clean, zingy sensation.

 

 

 

 

Being the first day of the cruise I thought perhaps the Sea Bass might be fresh. Whether it was or wasn’t, and I strongly suspect the latter, it was dreadful. The texture was so dry and tasteless; really unpleasant and the Cantonese sauce could have come from a powder mix it was so lacking in anything that a freshly cooked Chinese meal should be. I sent it back and asked the Chef to check to see if he was happy with what he was sending out. No response at all was forthcoming, matter dropped… Says a lot about how much pride restaurants have if they ignore feedback or complaints.

 

 

I didn’t ask for an alternative, but I did eat some of the Shrimp Fried Rice, which was pretty tasty. Then I ordered the Banana Pancake(s) with Coconut Ice Cream, as it sounded delicious...

 

 

 

 

Pancakes come in all sizes and thicknesses. I love crepes and I adore Perkins Buttermilk Pancakes; they are just so light and fluffy. This offering was the thickest, driest, most turgid, slab-of-dough, and even if I were ravenous, I could not have choked that down… I had envisaged the bananas being caramelised but they were just sliced and sitting on top of warm syrup, not cooked at all. I ate them with the Ice Cream to fend off night starvation…:D Sorry to say, but as far as Specialty Dining is concerned, this probably has to have been the worst ever, no joking. I would not have been happy paying a penny extra for this meal if not on the UDP, and I am sure virtually anything in the main dining room would have been more appetising.