What’s unique about the Epic...besides the bathroom?

[david_sobe]

Epic has many features that are unique.

 

* Still the largest and best spa and gym at sea

 

* Huge Bliss Nightclub - so big they have games there.  They don't build nightclubs on ships like this anymore.  They have sit down areas where you can watch sports on your own TV like a VIP area in a fancy nightclub

 

* Best Spic H20 with a pool and tiered seating (none of those goofy water features on later ships)

 

* Real restaurants with spread out tables.  Post Epic ships have these open air restaurants to save space.  Epic has none of those except the noodle bar

 

*Huge Haven area with its own gym and Posh

 

 

Its funny because as much as Epic is not liked, NCL still builds their ships around this model.  The casino is the centerpiece of the ship and the Haven has its own restaurant, etc.  The Atrium on every NCL ship post Epic is a copy from Epic with the pub looking down, etc

 

 

[trivimp]

Doesn't apply to the OP, but worth mentioning...

 

The Epic also has the largest (and best, IMO) of the Studio lounges in the fleet.  With so many studio cabins, the solo meetings are usually hopping.  

[ljk76]

OP here! Just wanted to thank everyone who’s weighed in. It sounds like lots of things to love...and a few not so much. For our port intensive 7 day itinerary I think we will be just fine. If this was relaxing in the Caribbean and enjoying the ocean, maybe not as much.

 
just a couple more questions, please.

1. two chairs and a side table on the balcony? I can hide out there when the toilet is in use lol?

 

2. Breakfast room service? Usually don’t even use room service but it is a convenient option with early morning excursions in Europe

 

3. anything I should pack that might be unique to these cabins?

 

4. Is specialty coffee part of the included drink package? Where, if so. 
 

seems like NCL attracts a friendly and helpful crowd! Thanks.

 

 

 

[Oakman58]

1. Yes two chairs and a small table on the balcony cabins.

 

2. Unless things change post-Covid, there is a $9.95 charge for room service including breakfast.  However, coffee and a continental breakfast are still free.  There will be a one cup coffee maker in your room and the room steward will replace the coffee pods everyday…unless he forgets.

 

3. We always bring small but strong magnetic hooks for hanging coats, jackets, and lanyards on.

 

4. Specialty coffee is not included in the drink package and bottled water isn't included either.

 

Balcony cabins on the Epic have very good storage space including the back of the couch that swings open.

Edited June 7, 2021 by Oakman58

[rusky123]

I do like the Epic, from the outside the ugliest ship ever, but it has a charm of its own inside. We have booked our 5th cruise on her for hubby’s birthday next April and we are taking all the family as well. For me the only real downside of the Epic is the lack of lifts forward at peak times, we just take the stairs or find somewhere to sit with a drink until the crowds vanish.

I hope you enjoy your cruise on her.

[Oakman58]

There is one more thing to mention about your cabin, the mini fridge will have beverages in it and these are not included in the drink package.  You can ask your room steward to remove those items if you need space in the fridge.

[prov2727]

23 hours ago, rusky123 said:

I do like the Epic, from the outside the ugliest ship ever, but it has a charm of its own inside. We have booked our 5th cruise on her for hubby’s birthday next April and we are taking all the family as well. For me the only real downside of the Epic is the lack of lifts forward at peak times, we just take the stairs or find somewhere to sit with a drink until the crowds vanish.

I hope you enjoy your cruise on her.

Awww, she's not so ugly

[PTC DAWG]

On 6/6/2021 at 7:22 PM, fshagan said:

I'm in the "least favorite" camp with the Epic. The bathroom situation is one issue that I think is more of a problem with a family with shy teens or unrelated people, but for a couple it was tolerable. Still, seeing your partner sit on the toilet is not typically on your vacation short list of great things to do. They did do a good job of ventilation of the little transporter tube that has the toilet, so while you can see the outline of the person, and hear the grunts, at least you can't smell it too.

 

I'm sorry, this cracked me up, especially about the grunts, smells, etc.. I agree, not on my sort list....

Edited June 8, 2021 by PTC DAWG

[Oakman58]

It's funny, years ago people would mention the secret stairs on the Epic and now you don't hear a thing about them.

[Two Wheels Only]

10 minutes ago, prov2727 said:

Awww, she's not so ugly

 

 

 

[oteixeira]

7 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

 

Only ship at sea with an "8 head"....   damn that thing reminds me of Frankenstein.  

[Oakman58]

10 minutes ago, oteixeira said:

Only ship at sea with an "8 head"....   damn that thing reminds me of Frankenstein.  

 

You're being kinda mean to Frankenstein aren't you? 😄

 

[caitlynambrai]

24 minutes ago, Oakman58 said:

It's funny, years ago people would mention the secret stairs on the Epic and now you don't hear a thing about them.

What secret stairs? I'm curious!

[Oakman58]

2 hours ago, caitlynambrai said:

What secret stairs? I'm curious!

 

If you look at the deck plans online for the Epic at the aft on both the port and starboard side starting at deck 8 you will see a white space.  That’s where the stairs are and you can take them up to deck 13 on the starboard side and deck 14 on port side.  There was a gate on the stairs going below 8 and marked “crew only”.

 

Here are some pics.  I circled in red the area of the stairs.

 

 

I was surprised how much unused space there was.

 

 

The door in this picture is what you open to access the stairs.  There's no glass in those opening so the wind can make the door a bit hard to open.

 

 

 

[caitlynambrai]

That does seem like a lot of space!

 

[CaptainWoody]

While I'm no fan of the Epic, to me the ugliest cruise ship is beautiful compared to the slickest airliner.  Introduce long distance passenger trains into the discussion and we're having a different discussion. 😎

[Gen X Life]

Best Spa in fleet; love the outdoor area off thermal lounge area.  My 2nd favorite Ship, because of Spa. (Until I get to Prima??)

 

Our BEST Haven experience, But we have only sailed one other Haven, so not a great comparison.

 

I love walking the Promenade, and I must agree -  Epic is not the best, Sorry.

 

We sailed in Europe and events were not crowded, as passengers were exhausted from the day and often turned in early not going to shows.

[texasaggies]

5 hours ago, oteixeira said:

Only ship at sea with an "8 head"....   damn that thing reminds me of Frankenstein.  

 

I always said it looks like she has a big "brain tumor".

[CaptainWoody]

5 hours ago, oteixeira said:

Only ship at sea with an "8 head"....   damn that thing reminds me of Frankenstein.  

8-head... It took me a few minutes.  A double-4 head.  🤣  Even a slow rat finds the cheese eventually.

[oteixeira]

14 minutes ago, CaptainWoody said:

8-head... It took me a few minutes.  A double-4 head.  🤣  Even a slow rat finds the cheese eventually.

I first heard it referring to balding older men (4 head turns into an 8 head).  Sadly, I am now a member of the club.  LOL

[BirdTravels]

5 hours ago, oteixeira said:

Only ship at sea with an "8 head"....   damn that thing reminds me of Frankenstein.  

The forward facing Haven suites are wonderful! Those are the rooms that we pick. 

[Curtzilla]

9 hours ago, Oakman58 said:

It's funny, years ago people would mention the secret stairs on the Epic and now you don't hear a thing about them.

Every breakfast and lunch.  Escape the teeming hordes🙂.  My biggest dislike is the smokiest casino at sea, and the smoke escapes to surrounding areas.  Entertainment, my first time had Blue Man Group, second had Priscilla.  No comparison.

[texasaggies]

On 6/8/2021 at 7:19 PM, CaptainWoody said:

8-head... It took me a few minutes.  A double-4 head.  🤣  Even a slow rat finds the cheese eventually.

 

Oh, I just got it. I must be a slower rat but I too found the cheese...

[texasaggies]

On 6/8/2021 at 7:38 PM, BirdTravels said:

The forward facing Haven suites are wonderful! Those are the rooms that we pick. 

 

From the exterior, it still looks like NCL dropped a block of condos up there. I'm sure the interiors are very nice.

[firstimer2009]

On 6/6/2021 at 11:03 PM, Yinster said:

The epic is a marmite ship. People either love her or they hate her. We love her. 

@YinsterSince you love Epic I have a question.  I have read so many pros/cons of the bed situation.  This is my first time on Epic and on other cruises I like to sit by the couch near the balcony while the hubby takes a nap on the bed.  Is the bed by the door/sink really that bad? 

Edited June 12, 2021 by firstimer2009
typo