Epic - Reviews are confusing

[rebekah.woodford]

We are leaving in less than two weeks on the Epic out of Miami. I've been reading the reviews and have mixed feelings. Has anyone cruised on this ship lately that can give me an honest opinion on the ship layout, ship programs (besides the Blueman Group, Second City, etc) and best cabin location.

 

Right now I'm in midship, but informed that there is no midship elevator. Where is the best location for cabin?

 

 

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[Demonyte]

Epic is a ship that most people either love or hate - personally I don't exactly hate the design but it is my least favourite of all NCL ships we've sailed.

 

For your cabin location, now is probably too late to make any changes but you should check the deck plans yourself to see if the design is something you can't live with. http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/epic/deck-plans

[SeaShark]

We are leaving in less than two weeks on the Epic out of Miami. I've been reading the reviews and have mixed feelings. Has anyone cruised on this ship lately that can give me an honest opinion on the ship layout, ship programs (besides the Blueman Group, Second City, etc) and best cabin location.

 

Right now I'm in midship, but informed that there is no midship elevator. Where is the best location for cabin?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Don't overthink things. :D

 

 

Remember that reviews are nothing more than one person's opinion of that one person's experience. The guests (4000 of them) change each and every sailing on the Epic, and the experience you can have changes with them. The noisy kids in one review won't be onboard for your sailing.

 

Different people have different tastes, preferences, and expectations. What one likes, another dislikes. Go and enjoy what YOU like.

 

 

Along the same line, "best" cabin location depends on who you ask. Some people LOVE an inside cabin, while others would never sail in anything but a suite. Who is right?

 

Yes...there is no mid-ship elevator. NCL's prior ships had three banks of 4 elevators (forward, mid, aft) for a total of 12. Epic has 2 banks of 8 elevators (forward, aft) for a total of 16...more than enough to handle the guests onboard. Not to mention that if they installed mid-ship elevators, they would come up right in the middle of the pool. :eek:

[rebekah.woodford]

Thank you very much for your insight.

 

 

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[SkaterJasp]

I just got off the NCL Epic last week. It ended with me writing a 9 page complaint letter to Norwegian that is going to be mailed out tomorrow. I also submitted a review that hopefully would be posted.

 

I did not spend over $1000 and a week just to go on a ship to nip pick at everything wrong with it. I was actually looking forward to it. I've been on ships where other people did nothing but complain and I still found stuff to do and had a great time, like on Quantum of the Seas's maiden voyage where everyone said nothing worked and was horrible but I still had a blast.

 

Below is the review that I submitted:

 

NORWEGIAN EPIC FAIL

 

Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Cruise Lines

 

Embarkation


I arrived to the port onboard the Disney Wonder. While onboard the Disney Wonder, I talked to several people that been on the Epic and had nothing but great things to say about the ship. I literally walked off the Disney Wonder and on to the Norwegian Epic. No driving, no shuttles, no taxi, and no spaceships. Just walked. It was awesome!

Upon arrival at the terminal for the Epic was pretty much where the awesomeness stopped. It was a total madhouse at the terminal. For starter, there are 2 terminals for the Epic, terminal B and terminal C. Make sure you enter in the terminal based on what it says on your cruise documents or be prepared to be yelled at by shoreside personal. To make it even more confusing, there were people waiting for tours outside terminal C so it was hard to tell where the line started. 

I arrived to the correct terminal but was yelled at almost right away by a guy in an NCL shirt stating that I was in the tour line and that the line into the terminal was over there.

As I approach the terminal door, people in front of me were being redirected to terminal B because thats where they were suppose to go based on their cruise documents. Eventually the person working the door into the terminal just started yelling at everyone in line saying that if you’re cruise document says terminal B you need to go to terminal B. This wasn’t a simple trying to be informative announcement trying to tell people what to do, it was a angry and frustrated type of yelling.

Than another guy came out telling us as we walked in that we’re lucky on NCL because NCL is the ONLY cruise line that would let people board the ship before the published boarding time. I only mention this because we didn’t even start boarding till 15 minutes AFTER our boarding time. Normally it’s not a big deal but because they made it a big deal, I figure I should include that little tidbit in my review. 

Check in went smooth and so did going through security. Took my cruise picture than ended up in the waiting room.

As boarding time came near, announcements were made to prepare for boarding. There was a small delay in boarding the ship but when the time came to board the ship, there were yelling again, this time over the PA, for people to keep the boarding door clear and that only people holding certain cards may board. I was number 11 so I waited for my turn to board.

At this point, I was not impress with NCL’s handling of the boarding process. It wasn’t the delay, it was more the shoreside’s idea of customer service.

One thing NCL need to realize is that first impressions do matter. I was excited to give NCL a try and was in a great mood after disembarking the Disney Wonder. I was looking forward to the Epic because of all the ship’s amenities. I also love large ships. I’ve been on larger ships and enjoyed the experience very much. With that in mind, first thing you see when you walk into the Epic is a closed casino with all the lights off as you navigate through the smoky scented casino tables and machine and into a brightly lit Atrium. I was so disgusted by the smell of the casino, that I didn’t even know what to think of rest of the ship. It looked nice but it felt more like a Vegas casino than a cruise ship.



Than there was the buffet, it was pure chaos with kids running around and people cutting in line. I took one look at the mad house and left and went down to Taste for lunch. I was traveling by myself and was having lunch by myself. By this time I had dismissed my experience entering the ship through the Casino and was excited for lunch. However, I waited about 25 minutes before the waiter came over with a menu. He said he though I was waiting for someone to join me. The person that sat me at the table for 2 removed the 2nd setting, leaving the other side of the table empty. To me thats the international sign of no one else is coming to this table.

I was like ok, simple misunderstanding, so I ordered my food with the waiter. Than it was more waiting. 30 minutes for the starter to come out, another 30 minutes after I was done with my starter for the entree to come. The waiter did clear the plate as soon as I was done with each course… but than I waited and waited for dessert. Eventually I gave up and got up and left about 30 minutes of waiting. A lunch where I only order 3 items plus an iced tea (with no refill) took almost 2 hours and I didn't even get the 3rd item.



I than proceed to the ship drill and it was a madhouse. They keep making announcements to not use any electronic devices such as phones and cameras… no one listened. The crew did nothing to enforce the rules. Everyone was chit chatting and talking loudly during the drill maybe less than 1/2 were paying attention to what was going on. Of my 41 cruises, this is the first time I actually felt the drill was a waste of time because it was obvious that no one cared. I could of easily just checked in and left and no one would of noticed. 
 


 

Stateroom


I got a studio stateroom because I really wanted to try it. I went in expecting it to be small and packed accordingly. Everything was functional and you’ll need to spend the first few moments looking around the room because there are plugs and storage compartment in places where you don’t expect them. For example, outlets and light switch for the sink was hidden by the towels. 

The big problem I had with the room is the lighting. If you can’t sleep with light in the room, good luck in NCL’s studios. The door doesn’t extend all the way down so light from the hallway leak in. Also above the bed are 2 buttons lit by blue lights that control the reading light / night light and the buttons are bright enough to lit up the entire studio with all the lights out. There room appear to be built more for looks than for functionality. 


For the studio, I’ll just have to say just because you did it first doesn’t mean you did it well. I only say this because I’ve been in a studio on Quantum of the Seas and Royal Caribbean did a much better job with the studio concept than NCL. 



 

Entertainment


Blue Man Group was amazing! It was very similar to the Blue Man Group show on land. I’ve seen the Blue Man Group in Las Vegas, New York, and Boston in the past, several times. Although the acts are the same or similar, you’ll always see something that you may not of seen before. 



Cirque Dream Dinner was a total joke. NCL reservation agents would try to promote it as a Cirque Du Soleil type show, some will even say theres a Cirque Du Soleil show onboard the ship. Although the show was decent, if you go in there thinking you’re going to watch Cirque Du Soleil, you WILL be disappointed. It was more like those circus that visit your town every year and you’ll probably save money going to that than paying the cover charge for Cirque Dream. 


The service is just as bad, I understand the waiter only have a given time frame to serve and clear the table.

The problem I have is that I was seated, along with everyone else at the table 30 minutes prior to the show. We sat down and open the menu, before we even get a chance to look at the menu, the waiter comes over and take the menu away. He than proceeded to tell everyone at the table that theres no point in looking at the menu because everyone get the same food. He only instructed us to order drinks.

If they don’t want us to look at the menu, than don’t put it out there as a tease. 



 

Dining Room


After my experience with Taste during lunch on Embarkation day, I did not even go back to the main dining rooms (Taste and Manhattan) for dinner. So there isn’t much to review.


The buffet was decent, the taste was good…. but the crowd was so uncivilized that it ruined the experience. This is no fault of NCL, but never had I seen so many kids running wild around the buffet line and people of all ages cutting in line. At least say excuse me or something. Every time I went in there, I’ll be waiting in line with everyone else and someone would come in and push me aside and grab what they wanted and leave. It’s like these people never seen food before.



 

Specialty Dining


So this happen. One 2 separate occasion I wanted a second entree and told them I am willing to pay a 2nd cover charge or an up charge for a second entree… they say it can’t be done and eventually did it and saying that there will be a charge. It’s not like I expected the food to be free and was willing to pay for the extra food. 



The topper was Moderno, the waiter was more interested in the order I ate my food than me enjoying the experience. On several occasion he would come over and flip my card from Green to Red, thinking I wasn’t ready for more meat. He didn’t ask, he just did it. I don’t know why he think I don’t want meat, all I had on my plate was the fried banana he bought out along with the rice, beans, and mashed potatoes.

Than at the end of the meal when I switched the card to red, he comes over and switched it to green because my plate was empty. I feel like I’m on an episode of Punk’d and was just waiting for Ashton Kutcher to jump out and say “You’ve Been Punk’d!”



As for the Teppanyaki, the cooks are very talented. The chefs are on par with those on land at similar teppanyaki restaurants. It was fun and all, however, I believe the chef need to adjust their jokes based on who’s sitting at the table. There were a couple kids at the table, along with more kids at an adjacent table. While the Chef was putting scallions on the fried rice, he referred to it as “Japanese Marijuana”. The chef at the adjacent table said the same thing to his group of guests. One kid asked her parent “What’s Marijuana?” I normally don’t get offended by the jokes but there are stuff you just don’t say in front of kids. It’s like you don’t expect a comedian making adult jokes in a family show.

 



Ship Amenities


Big ship, big crowd, small room. That is basically the best way to explain it. A lot of the shows and events are standing room only, not because it’s popular, it’s more because the public areas are tiny for the ship this big. And walking around the ship makes you feel like you’re in Time Square for New Years Eve, except more crowded.



Also if you’re going to spend your day inside on deck 6 and 7, be prepare for cigarette smoke because the casino surround the atrium at deck 6 and I smell smoke and felt like I was choking every time I try to walk from one end to another end of the ship on deck 6 or 7. 



After being on the ship for a week, I now understand why some of my friend that went on NCL Epic as their first cruise never want to cruise again. It was the first time in all of my cruises where I actually consider disembarking at one of the ports and just fly back, the problem was finding the flights on such short notice at the start of spring break. 


[SkaterJasp]

Right now I'm in midship, but informed that there is no midship elevator. Where is the best location for cabin?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I would try and relocate to near one of the elevators. I was midship and it was a lot of walking.

[Sparkles87]

Don't overthink things. :D

 

 

Remember that reviews are nothing more than one person's opinion of that one person's experience. The guests (4000 of them) change each and every sailing on the Epic, and the experience you can have changes with them. The noisy kids in one review won't be onboard for your sailing.

 

Different people have different tastes, preferences, and expectations. What one likes, another dislikes. Go and enjoy what YOU like.

 

 

Along the same line, "best" cabin location depends on who you ask. Some people LOVE an inside cabin, while others would never sail in anything but a suite. Who is right?

 

Yes...there is no mid-ship elevator. NCL's prior ships had three banks of 4 elevators (forward, mid, aft) for a total of 12. Epic has 2 banks of 8 elevators (forward, aft) for a total of 16...more than enough to handle the guests onboard. Not to mention that if they installed mid-ship elevators, they would come up right in the middle of the pool. :eek:

 

My thoughts exactly! I wouldn't worry at all.

Yes the corridors may seem long but in my humble opinion the walk isn't bad at all. I was on Epic last July in a studio next to the solo lounge and I frequently walked the interior corridor from the opposite end of the ship - it took 5 mins tops and that was going stern to aft. If you are mid ship then it will take you 2-3 mins tops to get to your room from the elevators.

 

Please don't take one persons review to heart - 1 person may have a bad week on the cruise whilst another can have the complete opposite experience. I had an amazing time on my cruise - so much so that I'm cruising on Epic again this July and I cannot wait!!

Here is a link to my Med cruise review if you want to check it out - it is from a solo cruisers perspective and in the Med but I always like to be 100% truthful in my reviews and I couldn't fault the ship in any way.

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2091651

 

Don't panic! Have an awesome cruise :D You will love it...

[drvalo]

I agree with most things SkaterJasp said as well as what SeaShark said.

 

On the Epic we did not experience what we usually like about cruising, but it really depends was you want from a cruise.

 

Embarkation for us was fast and uneventful. We did not experience any yelling.

 

The entertainment was excellent. We liked Cirque. All the venues are too small for the number of passengers. The casino was expansive and oddly placed right in the middle of the ship.

 

The buffet was not as good as some of the smaller ships we had been on, but was ok. It truly was often a madhouse however. We really enjoyed Moderno, however, and chose to eat there twice. We found the wait staff to be excellent and did not have a problem with the card being turned over for us. We did not eat in the Main Dining Room for dinner, but we were not that impressed with lunch selections when we ate there, although it good and a great choice for us on Embarkation day lunch while we waited for the cabin to be ready.

 

SkaterJasp said it was like Times Square. In my brief review I posted a couple of months ago, I said it was like being in downtown Chicago (with much of the same entertainment). We cruise to avoid that hustle and bustle. Others might cruise because they are looking for it. There is a lot of walking however. While it is nice to be nearer an elevator (forward or aft), there is a lot of walking regardless. Forward Elevator usually seemed more crowded than aft.

 

We got a great deal for a balcony cabin (we kind of like the bathroom set up)on that cruise and being on any cruise is usually better than not being on one. That said, we probably would not choose to cruise on the Epic again, but having that experience made us better informed about what kind of cruise we do like. You might really like it. You will not know until you give it a try.

[glittergal1]

Oh dear now im getting worried :( Ive booked Epic for my birthday cruise in a studio cabin . I am giving NCL a second chance as when I sailed on Jade it was a less than jolly experience , NCL Epic I hope it is Epic otherwise no more NCL for me

[SkaterJasp]

I wouldn't worry at all, I may of gotten on the ship at a bad time. All my friends were surprise when I mention my experience on the Epic because I always have nothing but good stuff to say about ALL the cruises I've been on in the past, even on those poorly rated cruises out of Palm Beach / Fort Lauderdale to Freeport (Regal Empress / Bahamas Celebration / Grand Celebration).

Edited March 15, 2015 by SkaterJasp

[drvalo]

Oh dear now im getting worried :( Ive booked Epic for my birthday cruise in a studio cabin . I am giving NCL a second chance as when I sailed on Jade it was a less than jolly experience , NCL Epic I hope it is Epic otherwise no more NCL for me

 

As I don't know why your Jade experience was not good, I can't say much about how you will experience the Epic. You might really like it. It's just a very different ship with a very different way of doing things. I would not judge NCL generally by the Epic, however. It was unlike any NCL cruise we had ever taken.

 

Even though the Epic was my least favorite ship ever, it is still better than not cruising. There was good entertainment, good food that I didn't have to cook or clean up, and someone made my bed and brought me ice every day twice a day. If something is not going the way you want, then speak up while you are there and they will try to make it right.

 

Have a wonderful birthday.

Edited March 15, 2015 by drvalo

[SkaterJasp]

Even though the Epic was my least favorite ship ever, it is still better than not cruising. There was good entertainment, good food that I didn't have to cook or clean up, and someone made my bed and brought me ice every day twice a day. If something is not going the way you want, then speak up while you are there and they will try to make it right.

 

Have a wonderful birthday.

 

Turn down service was a hit or miss, I'll come back at 9PM to the wheel saying "Welcome" and no turn down service. Mention it to guest services, they offered me a bottle of wine, told them I don't drink alcohol. They sent up a bottle of wine anyways. I'll give them an A for effort but F for listening. Again, I think I may of picked a wrong time to go.

Edited March 15, 2015 by SkaterJasp

[SkaterJasp]

The one positive was the Blue Man Group. The show was amazing but it was the cast member than salvaged the cruise. I was in the gym and clearly upset about my experience and was taking it out on the punching bag. One of the cast member noticed me and asked what was wrong, we started talking about my whole cruise experience. Turn out he was one of the Blue Man Group. He felt bad about my experience on the Epic and didn't know what to do to make it up. This was day 6 of 7. Anyways, come day 7, I get a present from the Blue Man Group. Just a gift that was signed by the entire cast. Talk about going above and beyond!

Edited March 15, 2015 by SkaterJasp

[DGP1111]

We are leaving in less than two weeks on the Epic out of Miami. I've been reading the reviews and have mixed feelings. Has anyone cruised on this ship lately that can give me an honest opinion on the ship layout . . .

 

 

Rebekah: I was onboard Norwegian Epic less than a month ago, and it was my 6th voyage on that ship. Obviously I personally enjoy that ship, its level of service and layout, but that's only my view. I've done a variety of stateroom choices, and all somewhat close to an elevator bank. If you choose a cabin a bit aft of the forward elevators you are still rather mid-ship.

 

I hope you'll go into the vacation experience with a positive outlook, and I hope you'll enjoy it even half as much as I have. The crew on this most recent cruise was very memorable . . . and for all the right reasons.

[rebekah.woodford]

Rebekah: I was onboard Norwegian Epic less than a month ago, and it was my 6th voyage on that ship. Obviously I personally enjoy that ship, its level of service and layout, but that's only my view. I've done a variety of stateroom choices, and all somewhat close to an elevator bank. If you choose a cabin a bit aft of the forward elevators you are still rather mid-ship.

 

I hope you'll go into the vacation experience with a positive outlook, and I hope you'll enjoy it even half as much as I have. The crew on this most recent cruise was very memorable . . . and for all the right reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[drvalo]

The one positive was the Blue Man Group. The show was amazing but it was the cast member than salvaged the cruise. I was in the gym and clearly upset about my experience and was taking it out on the punching bag. One of the cast member noticed me and asked what was wrong, we started talking about my whole cruise experience. Turn out he was one of the Blue Man Group. He felt bad about my experience on the Epic and didn't know what to do to make it up. This was day 6 of 7. Anyways, come day 7, I get a present from the Blue Man Group. Just a gift that was signed by the entire cast. Talk about going above and beyond!

 

How lovely!!!!

 

I do think one of the challenges we felt on the Epic was that was impersonal. We always have gotten to know crew members as well as other passengers and occasionally some of the entertainers; building community while on board. That really didn't happen this time. We did meet a few people and some we saw from time to time, but it did not have that same feel as on the smaller ships. Your experience with the Blue Man is much more typical of my experiences on NCL. I'm happy to know it was alive, if not well, on the Epic. Perhaps we needed to look harder.

[hbe]

My son just got off the same cruise as SkaterJasp and said it was the best family vacation they ever has. so, to each their own.

[dlynn0366]

We are leaving in less than two weeks on the Epic out of Miami. I've been reading the reviews and have mixed feelings. Has anyone cruised on this ship lately that can give me an honest opinion on the ship layout, ship programs (besides the Blueman Group, Second City, etc) and best cabin location.

 

Right now I'm in midship, but informed that there is no midship elevator. Where is the best location for cabin?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I've been on the Epic three times and enjoyed it everytime. My suggestion is first day after the muster drill take the stairs if able as it's a zoo or if not able to do the stairs save yourself some heartache and go have a drink till the crowds thin out. It's like this on arrival also the elevators are nuts so again if you can do stairs that's what I would do.

[sixesandeights]

The Epic is my wife and my favorite ship. The bathroom design that people love to complain about is the most functional of any ship we have been on. The ship layout is very easy to learn. The staff has always been outstanding. The buffet is amazing.

 

Do not let the petulant complainers scare you away. We are heartbroken the ship is leaving for the Med on a permanent basis and will miss sailing on her dearly. You will have a fantastic vacation.

 

6&8

[warriorking]

Having previously sailed on Norway and Jade I look forward to my Epic adventure in 2016...

My first on the Megaships....

Really excited....

[dolita22]

Keep an open mind. As others have said, reviews are one person's opinion.

 

We've sailed the Epic twice, most recently in a mid-ship balcony in January. Our cabin was pretty much right at mid-ship, too. I wasn't sure how fast the walk forward/aft would be, but it went much faster than I thought it would and only took a couple minutes. Not bad at all.

 

Personally, I'd start listing all the things you want to do on the Epic. There is so much! Go with an open mind and enjoy!

[MMastell]

I love everything Epic has to offer. The entertainment and alternative restaurants are some of the best in the industry. However, I do not like the ship's look and layout. I also detest "The Wave" cabins. The traffic flow on Deck 6 can be ridiculous before or after shows and the pool deck layout is terrible. There is a large amount of open space at the back of the deck but it is covered and forces everyone into a smaller area.

 

Having said this, I will be going again on Epic. There was a deal too good to pass up on the TA and we booked a Penthouse Suite. At least it won't have the wave design but it still has the ridiculous bathroom layout. It will just be my wife and I so I think I will be able to tolerate it.

 

I once said I would never sail Epic again. I broke the old rule: "Never say never". :)

 

Take care,

Mike

[wanderlust81]

My thoughts exactly! I wouldn't worry at all.

 

Yes the corridors may seem long but in my humble opinion the walk isn't bad at all. I was on Epic last July in a studio next to the solo lounge and I frequently walked the interior corridor from the opposite end of the ship - it took 5 mins tops and that was going stern to aft. If you are mid ship then it will take you 2-3 mins tops to get to your room from the elevators.

 

 

 

Please don't take one persons review to heart - 1 person may have a bad week on the cruise whilst another can have the complete opposite experience. I had an amazing time on my cruise - so much so that I'm cruising on Epic again this July and I cannot wait!!

 

Here is a link to my Med cruise review if you want to check it out - it is from a solo cruisers perspective and in the Med but I always like to be 100% truthful in my reviews and I couldn't fault the ship in any way.

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2091651

 

 

 

Don't panic! Have an awesome cruise :D You will love it...

 

 

Great review! :) really enjoyed it - thanks!

[A Libra]

If you can swing it, stay in The Haven. The Epic has the biggest Haven area of any ship and you will get VIP service from the time you arrive in the terminal until you walk off the ship. Just avoiding all the lines and perks associated with dining or show reservations is a special feeling that you will always remember.

[detroitlions]

Now I am going on the same cruise in 2 weeks when I first read this I got half way through and thought this person complain way too much about way to little for me. The first half is about how horrible and confusing embarkation is. I have been on many cruises half the time the wait really stinks since I have cruised alot during spring break I expect it and it does not affect my cruise you are not even on the ship yet. Guess what the airport is worse. Now all the little tidbits on lights and where switches are very lame and would not affect anyones cruise. The wait in the dining room on the first day which on every ship I would advise to not go in the main dining room for lunch on embarkation there are tons of other options that are a lot faster or wait a hour when the lido buffett calms down. Geez. I basically learned nothing from this review and I see a lot like this one complain about kids during spring break Huh do not cruise during spring break if you hate kids and alot of crusty old people do not like kids. So I throw that out too what about the islands? Your comment on special restarunts is wierd the food is good the wait is less whats not to like. your mad because they qustioned your order big deal or confused on one chair at your seat please. I can not pick a thing out of this review that would make me think you did a whole lot on this trip.