Dec 17 to Dec 23,2017 on Epic how crowded

[15yearsandwaiting]

We have never been on the Epic or traveled in December. How crowded will the week before Christmas be?

[Thrilled2012]

We were on the Epic for a sold out cruise (so it can't get more crowded) and since its a large vessel there were obviously thousands of people (over 4,000 I believe). But other than the "pool" deck (pool is in quotations because the pools were more like big bathtubs) being packed, we never really had to wait for anything. We made sure to make entertainment and dinner reservations in advance. We didn't have any problems with delays with getting on and off at ports. We had a great time.

[BirdTravels]

NCL does a good job at filling the ship,,, regardless of date.

[drvalo]

We cruised that week on the Epic a couple of years ago. Honestly, it was crowded, especially when the weather was bad. The only public spaces available were the atrium and the buffet when there was rain and we were in port with many excursions cancelled. I realize that was unusual, but be prepared. We didn't have a problem with reservations for meals or shows, however. We did make reservations before we boarded, but, then changed most of them once on board. There were most always tables available, generally, just lots of other people joining you. Most every venue is too small for the people who want to be there for the event/show/dinner. To us, although some love it, the Epic always felt crowded and pretty much turned us off mega-ships, but YMMV.

Edited August 30, 2016 by drvalo

[conandrob240]

Generally, a slow travel week. But cruise lines typically fill their ships so any week is probably almost as crowded as any other. Probably few kids.

[Thrilled2012]

We cruised that week on the Epic a couple of years ago. Honestly, it was crowded, especially when the weather was bad. The only public spaces available were the atrium and the buffet when there was rain and we were in port with many excursions cancelled. I realize that was unusual, but be prepared. We didn't have a problem with reservations for meals or shows, however. We did make reservations before we boarded, but, then changed most of them once on board. There were most always tables available, generally, just lots of other people joining you. Most every venue is too small for the people who want to be there for the event/show/dinner. To us, although some love it, the Epic always felt crowded and pretty much turned us off mega-ships, but YMMV.

 

Agree that YMMV. We did the Mediterranean on the Epic and we had only 1 to 2 days at sea. The rest of the time we were in ports on excursions so we were mostly only on the ship in the evenings/nights so I cannot speak to being onboard many days due to cancelled excursions. I am so sorry that that happened to you. I do believe that the mega ships are an "acquired taste" and I think that the main reason that I enjoy them is because I have small children and I like the activities that the larger ships provide for them. If travelling without children, I would prefer a smaller, less crowded and more intimate ship. But, yes, even though we may not have had to wait long for anything, the Epic was certainly filled with people everywhere.

[ighten]

I would say the EPIC is pretty full all the time.. As said above they simply reduce prices to suoer cheap but remove offers to fill rooms..

 

That said the Epic copes well though even when max capped out - though its important to get to the more intimate/non bookable(and even bookable) spaces like the cavern a good 30mins al least before a show..

 

The biggest change to the Epics space and crowd control is when school hols happen and the number of children fills out as it can make the slides and water areas super crowded and the bars (in my opinion the Epics weak spot and design flaw) in the corridor level a little chaotic - shoudnt be an issue before christmas.

 

Have a great trip

Edited August 30, 2016 by ighten

[zqvol]

We have never been on the Epic or traveled in December. How crowded will the week before Christmas be?

 

The ship will sail extremely full. Since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year it will be a huge travel week because kids will be out of school that entire week. The maximum capacity is about 106% of the listed capacity. It won't be that full, but it will be 100% full and there will be lots of kids.

Edited August 30, 2016 by zqvol

[tgirl25]

by us school doesn't let out till the Friday 12/23. That week of the 23rd is finals for High school and College, and with grade school parents tend not to pull their kids out a week before break. So you shouldn't have alot of kids, but I am sure your ship will still be full

[ColinIllinois]

Schools all over the U.S. tend to have different vacation times and schedules for the kids. You can't put a blanket statement out and say "there won't be many kids sailing because schools in MY area are still in session".

 

Dates can be similar but definitely have a lot of variance. Kids in this area get long Christmas vacations.

[detroitlions]

First if you do a few things you will not have a crowded time.

First make sure you book all your special dinners before you leave and do not choose anywhere near 5pm this is when all the familys and old folks pack all the dining areas.

Second book all your shows before hand and follow the time rules I stated.

Third hang out by the adult only area. I love this area on the big ships there is always room to hang out no kids running around which does not bother me but best of all you avoid that busy trafic area around the pool I do not hang out there anymore like I did years ago to many people.

Also it is great at night during the holidays all the old folks and parents go to bed early so the night life is not too packed.

I also love the casino because all the super sensitive folks and kids avoid it.

[detroitlions]

Schools all over the U.S. tend to have different vacation times and schedules for the kids. You can't put a blanket statement out and say "there won't be many kids sailing because schools in MY area are still in session".

 

Dates can be similar but definitely have a lot of variance. Kids in this area get long Christmas vacations.

In Florida all the kids are our of school. And I always see a good mix of kids to balance out the old folks.

[tgirl25]

Schools all over the U.S. tend to have different vacation times and schedules for the kids. You can't put a blanket statement out and say "there won't be many kids sailing because schools in MY area are still in session".

 

Dates can be similar but definitely have a lot of variance. Kids in this area get long Christmas vacations.

Maybe I should say as many as a week later. why do some have to nit pick the heck out of things that are said? Look, since Christmas and New Years are on the weekend it will be 50/50 as to which kids are out. However it doesn't change the fact that the ones that are still in school that week are UNLIKELY to be pulled out, I have pulled my kids in early Dec for trips because there was nothing really important going on. I would not have pulled them a week early, and certainly not during finals. So, that is what I was getting at.... Are you going to nit pick this too?