How will the Epic make money?

[Budget Queen]

One thing I haven't noticed in this discussion is the fact the EPIC itinerary is not port intensive. That will result in more sea days and more cash flow.

 

The itineraries and different ports are what attracted my wife and me to NCL. The EPIC three port itenerary makes it less likely for us to book. But, there are all of the other ships and itineraries!

 

I am just off the Jade and this was a big "selling" point with the Epic presentation. It was stated over and over, that the ports were going to be secondary to the ship, since "the ship" was so spectacular that people would want to spend their "port time" seeing the ship.

 

Absolutely this is a money maker- way more potential for purchases with a ship locked group.

 

In my opinion, I won't consider this ship either. The ports are crappy and the ship doesn't mean much to me after 62 cruises. My priority is for where a cheap cruise ship can take me. :) This will be ideal for those who's priority is the ship.

 

As for the ship sailing full??? Most of you don't realize cruiseships are not only marketed to regular cruiseship travelers- there is also a whole another big, travel industry market called interline for airline employees. Especially with late bookings the rates drop like a rock and some especially sweet deals come out (I picked up a 16 day Panama Canal cruise for $320+ taxes last year). So they will fill the ships with this perfect traveler who doesn't have to purchase air and can go on short notice. :) They drink, make purchases, play the casino, do shore excursions etc etc etc.

[kruzkid]

IMHO I think the epic is better off than oasis. There are spook many more rooms to fill in the off season I don't see how it's possible with the rates they're showing. Epic I think will fill much better