The Wait Is Over! A review of the Epic's maiden crossing June 24th - July 1st

[benzygirl]

Cubechick....since you mentioned waiting in line at the shows, I'm assuming the concierge didn't escort you into any of the shows? No reserved seating? We had that on the Jewel and I loved it.

[Cubechick]

Cubechick....since you mentioned waiting in line at the shows, I'm assuming the concierge didn't escort you into any of the shows? No reserved seating? We had that on the Jewel and I loved it.

 

No reserved seating on the Epic. I think the theater is just too small and there are too many suite passengers (150 were on our cruise and if sailing at capacity, the suites can hold around 400 guests!). Anshuman and Karan were working on some workarounds, but we'll see how that goes!

[sjbdtz]

Cubechick....since you mentioned waiting in line at the shows, I'm assuming the concierge didn't escort you into any of the shows? No reserved seating? We had that on the Jewel and I loved it.

 

 

For Legends, we were escorted in through Deck 5, about 15 - 20 minutes before the main doors were opened.

 

BMG had no special seating.

[benzygirl]

No reserved seating on the Epic. I think the theater is just too small and there are too many suite passengers (150 were on our cruise and if sailing at capacity, the suites can hold around 400 guests!). Anshuman and Karan were working on some workarounds, but we'll see how that goes!

 

that could be the deal breaker for me....the best suite perk of my jewel cruise was being able to show up 10 minutes before the show and taken in a side door to seats. it was unbelievable. getting in line an hour before a show starts is very unenjoyable to me. i'm going to wait for the reviews on the next few sailings....but i see what you mean about a lot of suite guests plus they are not all going into one theatre...they are going into different venues at the same time....hmmmm

[benzygirl]

For Legends, we were escorted in through Deck 5, about 15 - 20 minutes before the main doors were opened.

 

BMG had no special seating.

 

 

But Legends is in the same theater as BMG, correct? So there is hope on future cruises?

[Cubechick]

But Legends is in the same theater as BMG, correct? So there is hope on future cruises?

 

Yes, Legends is in the same venue, but I believe it was because of the last minute nature of the show and the inability to make reservations that Karan and Anshuman were able to do an escort for that show.

 

Like I said, I'd wait for future reviews...they may come up with a solution...

[benzygirl]

Yes, Legends is in the same venue, but I believe it was because of the last minute nature of the show and the inability to make reservations that Karan and Anshuman were able to do an escort for that show.

 

Like I said, I'd wait for future reviews...they may come up with a solution...

 

 

I'm going to wait like you said...I did a quick check of my other options that same week, and realize I really want to go on the Epic. I love that "Las Vegas" at sea feeling. I'm sure things will work out just fine for me.

I'll chill! :)

[samnewbie]

It was a very good show and I think it has a leg up on the other shows on Epic in that the artists will change. So for example Elvis will move on and could be replaced by Michael Jackson or Tom Petty. So the Legends show will be constantly changing while Cirque Dreams and Blue Man Group will remain the same. For the repeat cruiser, the change will be appealing.

 

Loving the continued review and photos and I have to say my husband will be hoping for Tom Petty...he is a HUGE fan :D

 

Many thanks,

 

Sam :)

[sdmike]

that could be the deal breaker for me....

 

Really? You would not go on a ship if you could not get preferred seating at a show? Not saying you're right or wrong, just verifying. That's the first time I heard this as a deal breaker.

[benzygirl]

Really? You would not go on a ship if you could not get preferred seating at a show? Not saying you're right or wrong, just verifying. That's the first time I heard this as a deal breaker.

 

After posting that, I looked at other ships sailing that week...like Silversea, where from past experience I know you don't have to line up and wait like cattle car. (heard people line up an hour before on the T/A!) However, I really love the shows, and NCL is top shelf in that area. But NCL really spoiled me on my last cruise. After having an owners suite on NCL, and being able to eat dinner at 7:30 or 8:00, and just show up 10 min before the curtain went up and be whisked to a private seaing area....I have been totally spoiled. It is one of the main reasons I want to do NCL again, and am willing to spend $9k for a week in the Caribbean. So to answer your question.. I have changed my mind, and it wouldn't be a deal breaker because I love the entertainment on Epic....just tough once you've had a taste of the best, and now it may not be there.

[Cubechick]

After posting that, I looked at other ships sailing that week...like Silversea, where from past experience I know you don't have to line up and wait like cattle car. (heard people line up an hour before on the T/A!) However, I really love the shows, and NCL is top shelf in that area. But NCL really spoiled me on my last cruise. After having an owners suite on NCL, and being able to eat dinner at 7:30 or 8:00, and just show up 10 min before the curtain went up and be whisked to a private seaing area....I have been totally spoiled. It is one of the main reasons I want to do NCL again, and am willing to spend $9k for a week in the Caribbean. So to answer your question.. I have changed my mind, and it wouldn't be a deal breaker because I love the entertainment on Epic....just tough once you've had a taste of the best, and now it may not be there.

 

I don't think you'll regret it. The entertainment was the best we've ever experience on a ship and Karan and Anshuman will make sure you're taken care of. They're the best.

[Cubechick]

Day Five…yes, we’re still at sea…

 

I neglected to mention this sooner, but for the last two days we’ve encountered a fair amount of wind that has turned the Courtyard into a giant wind tunnel that is shredding their decorative plants and renders the Courtyard unusable. The outdoor Epic Club bar and seating area has also not been used and in fact the wind is so bad that they closed that entrance to the restaurant and you had to go through the Epic Lounge to access the restaurant. Today was not an exception, and I have to hope NCL is re-thinking the omission of the retractable ceiling, or at least working on a solution.

 

Today we look forward to taking a small behind the scenes tour. It is my understanding that this was only offered to Platinum guests and it wasn’t the fully comprehensive tour that we had on the Gem earlier this year. We wouldn’t be going into the “bowels” of the ship to check out the galleys, laundry, food prep, etc. I was thrilled that they were offering anything at all and leapt at the chance to learn anything “extra” about the Epic.

 

Our first stop was Cagney’s and Moderno. Executive Chef Anil Kumar was kind enough to take time out of his day to talk about the operation of these two restaurants. He is one of three executive chefs currently on board. Eventually only one executive chef will run the Epic’s many galley facilities. Chef Anil explained how the prep area of Cagney’s works. Made me think of Hell’s Kitchen the way he described it, with the head chef barking orders to the sous chefs and they had better be listening (he emphasized that the head chef will not repeat an order as they haven’t the time). He took us into a portion of the galley in Moderno and showed us the rotisserie grill they use to cook all of their meats (he was anticipating another one would be installed in NYC as one grill isn’t enough).

 

 

Next we were taken to the Epic Theater

 

where the production manager Jeremy gave us a nice talk. He’d been working since January to get everything up and running. He talked about the technology of the stage. There is a lift built into the floor to move stuff around easily. All of the lights lower to stage level so no more climbing into scaffolding to change lights. He talked about the unique challenge of having shows with their own production teams and set designs swapping out in the theater. In addition to Legends in Concert and Blue Man Group, once in Miami, a matinee produced by Nickelodeon will join the rotation. We learned that cleaning up after Blue Man Group is a challenge and they have to hit the stage right away with wet vacs and squeegees. We also learned that they are four “Blue Men”. They can play all three parts and all of them in fact have hair. LOL

 

The next stop was the bridge.

 

 

Captain Vorren very kindly gave special permission for us to actually be on the bridge this day and First Officer Carl was generous with his time.

 

When asked why they hadn’t been sounding the foghorn, he joked that the horn was too close to the suites. But then said that in our days at sea, the nearest ship had been 35 miles away, so there was no need. Also with today’s technology, the foghorn wasn’t often necessary. All equipment on the Epic’s bridge is state of the art, but even then they still refer to paper charts and need to know how to read the stars. DH asked how fast what the top speed they achieved during sea trials and Carl said they reached nearly 24 knots. The QM2, being an ocean liner can hit about 30 knots. At one point, what sounded like an alarm began to sound…people in our group began to look at each other nervously while Carl continued to talk, unconcerned. Finally someone asked what that alarm was and Carl looked confused for a moment and then laughed, “That’s the phone!”

 

It was a great tour, all together lasting a little over an hour. It was really generous of NCL to offer the tour while so much else was going on, working out the finishing touches on the ship.

 

We had dinner at LaCucina.

The restaurant is all the way forward on deck 14 and has to be accessed by a set of stairs in the Garden Café. The décor is lovely, including an olive tree dominating the center of the restaurant. The food is good especially with only a $10 cover charge per person. There wasn’t an antipasto trolley like they offer on the Gem and Pearl. Instead they gave you a platter with a few bites including, prosciutto, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, olives, and what we think was a zucchini quiche. I ordered the margherita pizza wanting to compare it to the pizza in the buffet and found it delicious. (I really do like the pizza in the buffet too!)

 

 

After dinner we had the Blue Man Group. We’d asked Anshuman and Karan how early should we get there for our 9:45 show and Karan suggested arriving no later than 9:20 (and told us that reservations get cancelled five minutes before the show). We got to the theater at 9:15 and the line stretched all the way back to O’Sheehan’s. It took about 20 minutes for us to make our way inside, but found plenty of seats available. We decided to take the seats in the very back which, offered cushy chairs with small tables in between them. The theater is small enough that even from that vantage point we could clearly see the stage including the expressions on the Blue Men.

 

Having never seen the show, I didn’t know what to expect. I had a vague image of shiny blue men banging on various things for an hour or so. The show was so much more than that! Cleverly funny, lots of audience participation, and ultimately the best production show I’ve ever seen at sea. A thoroughly enjoyable 75 minutes, especially as it’s free. Definitely get your reservations early, as you don’t want to miss this show.

 

After Blue Man we briefly popped our heads into the White Hot Party. It had been scheduled poolside, but due to the foggy and chilly weather, had been moved into Bliss. NCL has hired professional “scratch” DJ’s and they had the place hopping.

[rednsassy]

Thanks Cubechick for the great reviews & pics!! :) I saw the post above from Hencoll and I was wondering how your experience was while traveling with children? Did they participate in the kids club? Any info will be greatly appreciated as I will be traveling with my 2 kids in November!

 

 

My kids are older than yours are, but my 13 year old declared that this was the best time he had ever had on a cruise ship (and he has been on 8 cruises on 7 different ships!) He raved about the Teen Club.

 

We encountered many people with younger kids coming in and out of the kids club and they all said that it was difficult to get their kids out of there! They did not want to leave!

 

The kids present at Blue Man Group looked like they were enjoying the show. We did not go to the Nickolodeon Breakfast, but again, many smiling faces!

[sdmike]

After posting that, I looked at other ships sailing that week...like Silversea, where from past experience I know you don't have to line up and wait like cattle car. (heard people line up an hour before on the T/A!) However, I really love the shows, and NCL is top shelf in that area. But NCL really spoiled me on my last cruise. After having an owners suite on NCL, and being able to eat dinner at 7:30 or 8:00, and just show up 10 min before the curtain went up and be whisked to a private seaing area....I have been totally spoiled. It is one of the main reasons I want to do NCL again, and am willing to spend $9k for a week in the Caribbean. So to answer your question.. I have changed my mind, and it wouldn't be a deal breaker because I love the entertainment on Epic....just tough once you've had a taste of the best, and now it may not be there.

 

I completely get it. Last time I took a family of 5 on a cruise it was in a 650 square foot suite with a 100+ square foot balcony. It's gonna be REAL hard to shoehorn myself into one of these tiny boxes with the wavy walls. :) I think our bathroom was as big as the Epic balcony rooms. :D

 

[benzygirl]

I completely get it. Last time I took a family of 5 on a cruise it was in a 650 square foot suite with a 100+ square foot balcony. It's gonna be REAL hard to shoehorn myself into one of these tiny boxes with the wavy walls. :) I think our bathroom was as big as the Epic balcony rooms. :D

 

 

 

The Sacrifices for the Epic! LOL

[jocruisers]

I love, love, love your pictures!! We are staying in this exact room 8/7/10. Thanks for all of the time you put in to this.

[Pennypocket]

I'm a bit puzzled by your comment that a public restaurant on the Epic can only be accessed by a set of stairs. What do the handicapped passengers do if they wish to dine there? Are they carried up the stairs by a brawny crew man? Surely the designers have put in a ramp or elevator somewhere that accesses this space or they would not be allowed to dock in the US due to certain rules.

[UK_Cruiser]

I'm a bit puzzled by your comment that a public restaurant on the Epic can only be accessed by a set of stairs. What do the handicapped passengers do if they wish to dine there? Are they carried up the stairs by a brawny crew man? Surely the designers have put in a ramp or elevator somewhere that accesses this space or they would not be allowed to dock in the US due to certain rules.

 

That is a very very good point !

[time2cruise1]

I'm a bit puzzled by your comment that a public restaurant on the Epic can only be accessed by a set of stairs. What do the handicapped passengers do if they wish to dine there? Are they carried up the stairs by a brawny crew man? Surely the designers have put in a ramp or elevator somewhere that accesses this space or they would not be allowed to dock in the US due to certain rules.

 

I was told there is a handicapped entrance to La Cucina on deck 14 with no stairs. I believe it is port side by the rest rooms. It is not on the deck plans however :)

[spindrift54]

restaurants were available to all...elevators were right outside the doors of Manhattan and the buffet on the 15th deck...

[samnewbie]

I was told there is a handicapped entrance to La Cucina on deck 14 with no stairs. It is not on the deck plans however :)

 

 

Yes, I queried this the other day as stairs are not my friends and we would like to try La Cucina and apparantly there is definately an accessible entrance :D

[BarbCT605]

Yes, I queried this the other day as stairs are not my friends and we would like to try La Cucina and apparantly there is definately an accessible entrance :D

Look for a sign near the deck 14 forward elevators/stairs directing pax with accessibility issues to a side entrance to La Cucina. (The sign I saw was on the starboard side.)

 

Edit: All others proceed up to deck 15, walk forward through cafe, and go down the stairs in the center of the ship.

[cruise pup]

While in our room, dressing for dinner, Orlando delivered our freshly washed and folded laundry. I couldn’t believe that it arrived the same day. Neither could he. He said he was just checking on the status and found that it was done. Had I known the turn-around would be so quick, I would have sent a couple of more items! I wouldn’t count on this next time though. I imagine with the ship full, the folks in the laundry will be up to their eyeballs, but it was a lovely surprise..

 

I get complimentary laundry service on Celebrity and Carnival and it comes back the same day if given to the cabin steward in the a.m. That's what the instructions say when they offer the "special".

[Cubechick]

I get complimentary laundry service on Celebrity and Carnival and it comes back the same day if given to the cabin steward in the a.m. That's what the instructions say when they offer the "special".

 

NCL usually commits to two day turn around. :)

[snorklinbarb]

Hi Cubechick,

 

Loving your review as always and excellent pics, too!

 

Many seem to be complaining about the walk through the casino on deck 6. Is it really that bad? Is there another deck you would recommend instead? (like on Gem and Pearl walking deck 7 smoke-free as opposed to deck 6).

 

Wow, you can really tell the very frequent NCL cruisers when you mention the edamame's gone missing, lol.;):D

 

Sounds like Moderno is a big hit and is out front in the poll for the favorite dinner onboard. La Cucina sounds so nice from your description and pics. Last time we were onboard Gem they didn't have the trolleys going around with the antipasto either.:(

 

Looking forward to that Behind the Scenes tour next month. On the Gem in Dec. we were only allowed into the bridge viewing room so it's cool the captain gave permission for your group to be there. I would have jumped out of my skin at the "alarm.":eek::D

 

Just found out Slam Allen will still be on in Aug. What a change from NYC's Terra Blues for him.

 

Hope they solve the problem of those long lines for getting into the entertainment venues. Guess I better get crackin' and make some online rsvns!

 

Thanks for taking us along on your fantastic voyage! Can't wait to read more! Say hi to Chris for us.