What’s up with horrible Epic reviews

[nadge]

I'm booked to go on the Epic in May (round trip Rome) with a few mates - first time NCL cruiser.
I've previously done 3 Crystal cruises.

 

The first main point is expectations and state of mind. I do not expect NCL to be like Crystal (size, no. of passengers, service etc) and I'm going with a very positive state of mind to enjoy what there is.

The itinerary and the dates, and the price, were just right so that was 3 strong positives from the off.

 

So, I looked at the reviews and of course noticed a lot of negative reviews recently, but I did see that most were because of the embarkation mess in San Juan which bear no relevance to a Mediterranean cruise.

I also saw that the bathroom layout was a bit weird (and I'm sharing with a male friend) but we'll just get on with it and not dwell on it.
If it's really bad and a deal-breaker - then I just won't come on another Epic cruise - but I'll give anything a try once.

 

I also looked at the overall traveller ratings for the Epic.

Over 54% of the reviews on Cruise Critic were either "Excellent" or "Very Good", and when combined with "Average" that percentage goes uo to over 75% of reviews.
I normally go by the 80 - 20 rule, but as I've said the itinerary, dates and price were so suitable that I compromised and took the 75% rather than 80%.

And there's the free drinks package. Even with the 20% gratuity charge it works out very very cheap for a 7 day cruise.

 

As DinaS posted towards the top of the thread, the Epic bathroom would be a deal-breaker for her - although she loves the Gem whilst others hate it.

 

It's very important that each individual works out what's most important for him/her and on what they're prepared to compromise. 

I intend to fully enjoy the Epic, and hopefully I'll let you all have a positive review after sialing.

[Justaddvodka68]

On 1/10/2020 at 10:07 AM, bostonfred said:

We have sailed the Epic once before, so we know the ship itself is poorly designed. However, I just read about a dozen reviews and about 10 are one star. I know there are a lot of complainers out there and have seen other ships get slammed, but this is unsettling. We sail the 26 th of this month and are hoping we have a much better experience. We have about 30 cruises under our belt and at least 10 with NCL,. We have never had a one star experience, so hopefully this will continue. We will report when we return with a detailed review.

Has anyone had a recent good experience?😎😎

 

We didn't like the Epic at all. Design wise.  Felt disconnected from the sea. Didn't dig the casino set up. Felt like gambling in a hallway. 

 

That said, we had a blast. Family of 6, ages were 12-18 when we went. Lots to do. Great food. Great entertainment. 

 

You've sailed Epic before so I wouldn't fret. You know what to expect. It can be a great ship for family cruises as it's usually a bit cheaper than other ships, same itinerary.