NCL EPIC March 2023 review - will likely take a break from NCL for awhile

[travellingguy]

Just got back Sunday March 19th / Platinum with NCL / Went on the EPIC in its early years

 

The ship was definitely showing its age.  After being on the Breakaway class ships (Getaway, Breakaway and Bliss) I found it hard being back on the weird design of the EPIC.  It is also evident in a few areas that cleaning can't be done properly to this older ship.  I think it better to be scrapped or sold.   Deck 15 looks particularly old - the slides are discoloured and the smokestacks that people have mentioned are black.  One night we went up and saw the scrapped and rusty NCL sign which is disheartening when we park beside a spanking newer ship.   Know that I knew all this prior to cruising as I read all the reviews and thought it would be not as noticeable but it was.  Our cabins while functional did look dated and if you look closely you see the things that are broken that can't be fixed without a refit.

 

We so so missed the Waterfront that is on those other ships above and the newer ones.  On our other NCL cruises we spent almost every night on the Waterfront for a cocktail, watch the sunset or just chill in the evening.  Other than deck 15 there really isn't anywhere outside to go at night and the indoor bars were packed!  And the service at them was weak due to this - every chair taken and nowhere to spread out.  The newer ships solve all these problems.   Many nights we tried Shakers but the lines were long and there were no seats and moving over to Maltings was not easier.

 

The service was not at the usual speed - there were definitely less staff at the bars - took too long for drinks.  The restaurants also seemed to have less staff.   I've never seen lines at the main restaurants or speciality restaurants on the other ships.  Usually the time it takes to order a cocktail outside Taste or Savor and you are in.   We tend to eat from the 7:30 - 9:00 time range.  It was busy then but it was NUTS from 5:30 - 7:30.   Then when inside we see that there are empty tables everywhere so it seems that it is a staffing / kitchen issue rather a space issue.  We noticed this a number of times not just a few times in Taste and Manhattan Room.

 

The food selections on the menus were noticeably reduced especially in the buffet but also in the main dining rooms and also the speciality restaurants.  The location of La Cucina makes you walk through the Garden Cafe and even though we don't eat the dinner buffet it was surprising to see almost the same items from lunch at the dinner.  I've been cruising with NCL for years - the meals in the main dining room also were repetitive and less choices.  There were also some things we liked from past cruises that were not offered.

 

There is no large shows (they cancelled Priscilla permanently and we've seen Burn the Floor on 2 other ships) so nights were spent at a bar or casino.  We always liked having one or two nights having options for a "night out".  None such this time.  Due to this the Howl at the Moon performances were PACKED.  Both times we couldn't get in despite getting there at 9:00 - the line was too long and even those were standing room.  We love this show and since there isn't much else to do you can see why we were disappointed.

 

While cruising with NCL there is a real sense of familiarity as so much stays the same over the years (the ships, the daily activities, and the food), however this familiarity is getting stale.  

 

I'm going to take a break from NCL for awhile until I hear things improve.  I give this review to those who are familiar with NCL and planning another trip and also so those that are new know what to expect.

 

Booked a Virgin and a Celebrity - although a tad more expensive they will likely offer what we used to have with NCL

[Giveitatry2023]

We just returned from the bliss. 4700 passenger, 1600-1700 crew. Service and crowding was an issue. I would assume staffing is an issue across all boats and maintenance staff among them as I noticed small easily repairable things broken (like the bars on hangers leaving two nails sticking out that damaged clothes ect) 

[jake81]

57 minutes ago, Giveitatry2023 said:

 I would assume staffing is an issue across all boats and maintenance staff among them (like the bars on hangers leaving two nails sticking out that damaged clothes ect) 

This was also true on the Encore last week  except it seams to be just too many guests per square foot rather than not enough staff,  there just weren't enough chairs / seats at the bar ect.    And we had or could see no maintenance issues,  ship was in great shape

[MSP_CRUISER]

Yep, same experience on the epic for us also. It was our first time on NCL, but have taken many other cruise lines. Won't go with NCL again with the epic and will still avoid NCL in the future unless the deal and itinerary is unbeatable. The cost cutting isn't going to serve them well long term if people keep having the experiences I had. 

[CILCIANRQTS]

Epic is a defective product that NCL is somehow able to fill, as there are so many cruisers now that they don’t have to worry about repeat customers. I would not accept a free cruise on the Epic going forward. 
From design to service to maintenance, it is not up to standards for any middle market cruise line.

[Georgia_Peaches]

Epic is a “special” ship for sure and not in the best way, IMO. We had a good time on her regardless of the shortfalls we experienced… much like you described.  Agree that ships with a waterfront are better in terms of having lots of options to get near the water. Staffing/service issues are being discussed on all the boards these days. Thanks for the review!

[Zippeedee]

I posted this on the wrong thread, so repeating here…I haven’t seen anyone else mention this, so maybe they have changed since I was on the Epic. The beds pull out from under the headboard. That makes them much more comfortable to sleep on. Just push them back ( or ask your steward) to make more space during the day.

[Captain-John]

Sorry to hear Epic is still in bad shape. I was on her last October and posted a thread here about the various shortcomings from a maintenance and wear/tear point of view. I complained onboard, and to shoreside on my return. It needs drydocked, stripped back to the metal and fitted out again.

 

Epic is often sailing in Europe, and on the more interesting itineraries - I really want to go for the places but will not for the ship. Another continent can take a turn with her, we've had her long enough and would appreciate some of the newer ships spending more time here!

 

Going on Joy in May and very much looking forward to a ship in better shape.

[david_sobe]

Thanks for sharing.  Its sad to keep reading how many of the many big shows on NCL ships have been removed and being replaced with the old cruise line workers entertainment.  NCL used to pride itself on having some of the best entertainment at sea.  When Epic launched, she was so ahead of its time with having 3 major Vegas style acts perform let alone all the other entertainment venues.

I am in the minority which believes Epic is a better ship than Getaway and Breakaway.  I think NCL over corrected and made Getaway/Breakaway so safe and boring.  But my biggest peeve is how much smaller the venues and restaurants got compared to Epic.  The Waterfront was a wonderful addition but IMHO every other aspect of Epic is better.  I dont think they can prevent water slides from fading after 13 years.  I have always seen NCL take great care of their ships so its sad to read Epic looks a bit tired.  There is so much more room to spread out on Epic.  The Bliss nightclub is HUGE.  Spice is bigger and better with a real pool too.

I want to go back on the Epic but she has not been back to Miami in 10 years and nowhere in sight for the next 3 😞

[insidecabin]

A few cruise lines are suffering from crew levels(count/experience) keeping up with passenger numbers.

 

Intested in Epic as it is doing the 2023/2024 winter season canaries.

Missed some good deals on Sun when they announced the new schedules for winter 22/23.

 

I think these winter deployments(MSC does northern Europe) are very popular as in Europe/UK  many don't want long haul.

 

Our last 2 NCL were Getaway in Europe and the waterfront did not get a lot of use as they were cool/cold cruises.(late 21early 22)

Capacity was still low so they were very good with plenty  space inside.

[sassycruiser]

We sailed on Epic when she was a new ship.  Went again on the 2/26 and had a good time.  The ship is very tired and we experienced many of the same issues.  Booked the cruise for the itinerary and we had a great time. We are also Platinum and giving NCL a break for awhile. 

[room with a view]

3 hours ago, Captain-John said:

Sorry to hear Epic is still in bad shape. I was on her last October and posted a thread here about the various shortcomings from a maintenance and wear/tear point of view. I complained onboard, and to shoreside on my return. It needs drydocked, stripped back to the metal and fitted out again.

 

Epic is often sailing in Europe, and on the more interesting itineraries - I really want to go for the places but will not for the ship. Another continent can take a turn with her, we've had her long enough and would appreciate some of the newer ships spending more time here!

 

Going on Joy in May and very much looking forward to a ship in better shape.

Agree ! ..we normally have our Christmas/New Year  NCL cruise booked by now .

 

Epic is sailing Europe - but  everything I read about the Epic is screaming out don't book it . Alternative is the Sun - we did the Sun last Christmas/New Year . 

 

Wish the Jade/Gem or Spirit were in the Canaries this Christmas/New Year .

[CruiseMH]

To me it seems that the Epic is more or less the workhorse from NCL.

It runs almost the same itinerary in Europe in the summer since..10 years or so.

The investment in her shape/condition seem to be minimal, the investment on new itineraries for her as well.

At least when booking in germany the prices for cruises on the epic are the lowest of all NCL ships.

 

So it seems NCL doesn`t want to invest any huge amount of money into the epic anymore and are selling the cruises for low prices to still fill the ship.

 

 

[Fredrik]

We sailed on Epic when it was brand new and absolutely hated everything about the ship design. So much that we didn’t return to NCL after doing several on Oceania and Regent and got curious about Prima. Absolutely loved everything about Prima. So, it’s all down to personal preference but something can be said that Epic were supposed to be a class of its own, but the siblings were cancelled. 😆

[travellingguy]

1 hour ago, Fredrik said:

We sailed on Epic when it was brand new and absolutely hated everything about the ship design. So much that we didn’t return to NCL after doing several on Oceania and Regent and got curious about Prima. Absolutely loved everything about Prima. So, it’s all down to personal preference but something can be said that Epic were supposed to be a class of its own, but the siblings were cancelled. 😆

Agreed.  Epic was our 1st "mega" ship experience in it's 1st year and we didn't really love it then but it was the Med and we were young and could be easily impressed to somewhat. 

 

But then years followed and we went on the Getaway, Breakaway, Bliss, and Escape, and forgave NCL for the Epic and just thought things were getting better.  Honestly forgot when booking this cheaper Caribbean itinerary than the other ones on offer in March 2023 and immediately regretted it when we boarded and remember over 10 years ago.

[complawyer]

dear travelguy!. we've been on most of the ncl fleet in the last 13 years. 24 cruises and counting. we've been on the epic twice. i've posted my opinion(s) re. this ship at another CC post.

 

once again, i find the epic is no better or worse than other ships in the ncl fleet.

 

sure, it may not have all the bells and whistles of their newer ships, but as ive said before, "personally scarlet i could give a d**m. i'm 75 years old

 

im not water sliding, go-karting, excessively drinking, etc. i enjoy cagney's, moderno, teppanyaki.

 

ive never met an ncl employee who  was not less than curteous, helpful, and hardworking

 

im on  cruise to enjoy the mere fact of being on a cruise. your post suggest that some people will never be happy, satisfied, regardless of the conditions. please remember that you have a 1st world problem. cant you just enjoy being on a cruise and sailing to exotic places? not all of them will be 100% attractive or interesting, but we've been in some absolutely amazing ports, from hong kong to hamburg, copenhagan to curacao, etc. by they way so no one posts about no cruises from these ports, im merely quoting the places we've  been to with ncl.

so, travel guy, i'm certain this post will not change your perspective.

 

 but i'm sure ncl will survive in it's entirety, if you take a break and cruise with another line.

 

my wife and i however will continue to cruise (happily) with ncl. FYI, we're currently booked on back to back from london to copenhagen,compenhagen to stockholm july 27th thru aug 15 on the dawn, and a 21 day cruise from capetown to barcelona next march also on the dawn. if somethjing comes up interesting on the epic, we would not hesitate to book that ship once again.

 

so,as the immortal sly stone once said "different strokes etc"

[travellingguy]

6 hours ago, complawyer said:

dear travelguy!. we've been on most of the ncl fleet in the last 13 years. 24 cruises and counting. we've been on the epic twice. i've posted my opinion(s) re. this ship at another CC post.

 

once again, i find the epic is no better or worse than other ships in the ncl fleet.

 

sure, it may not have all the bells and whistles of their newer ships, but as ive said before, "personally scarlet i could give a d**m. i'm 75 years old

 

ive never met an ncl employee who  was not less than curteous, helpful, and hardworking

 

im on  cruise to enjoy the mere fact of being on a cruise. your post suggest that some people will never be happy, satisfied, regardless of the conditions. please remember that you have a 1st world problem. cant you just enjoy being on a cruise and sailing to exotic places? not all of them will be 100% attractive or interesting, but we've been in some absolutely amazing ports, from hong kong to hamburg, copenhagan to curacao, etc. by they way so no one posts about no cruises from these ports, im merely quoting the places we've  been to with ncl.

so, travel guy, i'm certain this post will not change your perspective.

 

 but i'm sure ncl will survive in it's entirety, if you take a break and cruise with another line.

 

my wife and i however will continue to cruise (happily) with ncl. FYI, we're currently booked on back to back from london to copenhagen,compenhagen to stockholm july 27th thru aug 15 on the dawn, and a 21 day cruise from capetown to barcelona next march also on the dawn. if somethjing comes up interesting on the epic, we would not hesitate to book that ship once again.

 

so,as the immortal sly stone once said "different strokes etc"

I'm not sure how young you think I am or how little travelled you think we have experienced (we aren't just the Miami and back cruise people).   My reviews aim to be constructive and informative.  We tend to not disparage others.  So while you think I have a first world problem I like to give others the benefit of my opinion especially when I can compare recent experiences and a life time of travel. 

 

We are also in the upper ages and have travelled extensively in Asia, Europe, and North America - on cruise ships, land tours (bus tour groups like Trafalgar) and independent travel.  We travel at least 3 times a year for the last 25 years.  So we are not novices.  We also aren't into luxury travel - never been in Haven although envious when I read some of what it offers but we'd prefer to have 3 trips versus the 1. 

 

The point of my post was that I do read CC quite extensively and have seen many critiques of the EPIC and also ones like yours that say it's okay.  I also see some people asking questions when deciding on ships, itineraries, etc. and like the name and purpose of the company cruise critic, I am giving a critique.  Having been on many of their ships as well and also being on the EPIC years ago, I wanted to add to my opinion and agreement to those who felt the EPIC was in bad repair in comparison to other ships.  There have been other blogs and comments elsewhere that NCL has been receiving poor reviews recently.  I was showing my opinion to some of these reviews.  

 

I didn't say - don't cruise with NCL.  In fact I will likely cruise with them in the future if the itinerary struck me as interesting (and it wasn't the EPIC).  But after 3 NCL cruises in 1 year and the more recent one showing a decrease in service and etc. - I need a break from NCL - based on the entirety of my review.   To help others make informed decisions was my intent.  I'm currently booked on 2 Virgin Voyage trips and have greatly appreciated the Virgin forum on CC for some of my decisions there.  Hopefully others will gain some intell from mine

[Lightnin42]

Sly Stone! Still going strong. Has a memoir coming out in the fall. Put your headphones on and listen to sex machine! Ain’t nobody better! Lol

[di T]

On 3/26/2023 at 2:15 PM, insidecabin said:

A few cruise lines are suffering from crew levels(count/experience) keeping up with passenger numbers.

 

Intested in Epic as it is doing the 2023/2024 winter season canaries.

Missed some good deals on Sun when they announced the new schedules for winter 22/23.

 

I think these winter deployments(MSC does northern Europe) are very popular as in Europe/UK  many don't want long haul.

 

Our last 2 NCL were Getaway in Europe and the waterfront did not get a lot of use as they were cool/cold cruises.(late 21early 22)

Capacity was still low so they were very good with plenty  space inside.

We left the Sun in Lisbon just over a week ago, canaries, Morocco,Spain and other ports ( we were on her for 21 days b2 b) the ship was ok but wouldn’t go on it again. We still had a great time and the weather was lovely.In the last few days I have booked the Epic for next February mostly Canaries again as the weather hopefully will be like this year.From the Uk it’s a short flight to Lisbon for some winter sun, Hope Epic will be ok 

[mickeysgal]

We were on Epic about 7-8 years ago for a Med cruise. Odd ship with odd bathrooms and an odd general layout. It’s not one I’d pick again. Thankfully there were so many ports to visit on that itinerary that it kept us busy. It’s not a memorable ship. I’m glad ncl decided not to repeat that design again. Have to say though- cavern club and howl at the moon were outstanding.

Edited March 28, 2023 by mickeysgal

[Panhandle Couple]

It may be that NCL Inc is looking at removing the Epic from the fleet after Viva arrives.

Not immediately, but down the road.

Fleet size has to be an issue while they work off the COVID debt.  Selling off a relatively unpopular,  one-of-a-kind ship would be a money saver overall.

 

[CruiseScrooge]

On 3/26/2023 at 7:33 AM, david_sobe said:

Thanks for sharing.  Its sad to keep reading how many of the many big shows on NCL ships have been removed and being replaced with the old cruise line workers entertainment.  NCL used to pride itself on having some of the best entertainment at sea.  When Epic launched, she was so ahead of its time with having 3 major Vegas style acts perform let alone all the other entertainment venues.

I am in the minority which believes Epic is a better ship than Getaway and Breakaway.  I think NCL over corrected and made Getaway/Breakaway so safe and boring.  But my biggest peeve is how much smaller the venues and restaurants got compared to Epic.  The Waterfront was a wonderful addition but IMHO every other aspect of Epic is better.  I dont think they can prevent water slides from fading after 13 years.  I have always seen NCL take great care of their ships so its sad to read Epic looks a bit tired.  There is so much more room to spread out on Epic.  The Bliss nightclub is HUGE.  Spice is bigger and better with a real pool too.

I want to go back on the Epic but she has not been back to Miami in 10 years and nowhere in sight for the next 3 😞

The families of the crew members who died or were severely burned in the NCL Norway explosion may have a different view on how well NCL maintains the ships.

[DCGuy64]

We were on the Epic in December and had a great time. Loved the specialty restaurants, loved the Garden Café, loved the Thermal Spa. Priscilla was out of this world, we loved it. I even loved the layout of the cabin, yes it was quirky but how boring would it be if every ship were just a carbon copy of the others? Didn't see evidence of dirt or rusting. Was it perfect? Nope, but I don't expect perfect. I expect to have a great time, and we did.

[insidecabin]

1 hour ago, di T said:

We left the Sun in Lisbon just over a week ago, canaries, Morocco,Spain and other ports ( we were on her for 21 days b2 b) the ship was ok but wouldn’t go on it again. We still had a great time and the weather was lovely.In the last few days I have booked the Epic for next February mostly Canaries again as the weather hopefully will be like this year.From the Uk it’s a short flight to Lisbon for some winter sun, Hope Epic will be ok 

Its going to be a watch and wait for us.
MSC has a 21n canaries out of Southampton that any Epic option have to compete with on value.  

[graphicguy]

Haven’t sailed Epic in a while as she’s been in Europe, mostly.  There seem to be two camps.  One, it was an innovative ship (still is to a certain degree) in the industry.  Much of what NCL does now was initially done on the Epic.  I’m interested in sailing her again.  It’s just her itinerary hasn’t lined up with what we want to do.

 

I have lots and lots of fond memories from the EPIC.  If she needs a coat of paint here or there, I can understand.  She’s been sailing nearly a decade and a half.  A few people were up in arms about the cabin layout.  We found it quite convenient.  EPIC was certainly on the forefront of entertainment at the time.  We actually saw BLUE MAN GROUP there and had a blast.

 

Generally speaking, I like the ships with THE WATERFRONT.  But, those were an innovation that started on the “Away” twins. It has since carried through to every ship they’ve launched since then.

 

You’ll find some who don’t like anything but the Jewel class.  Some (like me) truly like the Breakaway and B+ ships.  Epic is something that encompasses a little of everything in between.  

 

Generally speaking, as one who has sailed RCCL, CCL, HAL, MSC, I believe NCL does as good a job as anyone keeping their ships clean and in good operational shape.  Like any cruise ship, some will like her.  Some won’t.