Our Great EPIC Cruise (July 10-17)

[snorklinbarb]

Thanks, great info. will be on the 7/31, getting excited

 

Welcome to CC! Here's a link to the 7/31 roll call where you can "meet" your fellow cruisers:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1029945

 

See you there!:)

[snorklinbarb]

thanks for the info.. Aug 7th is the big day for us!!!

 

Welcome to CC! If you'd like to stop by and say hello on our roll call for 8/7/10, pls use this link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1122729

 

We've got a Meet & Greet planned.:)

[crusingici]

posted by: bpatters1985....We sat against the wall for Cirque. Not the best seats, we missed a lot when they performed up high. Recommend getting there early or upgrading to see the entire show. If we had to do it over we would request seats on the main floor or the balcony.

Thank you so much for answering our questions.... I am more confused now about Cirque seating..... what is 'against the wall' :confused:

We paid for premium seating thinking it was 'front row seats' on main floor - then reading a few reviews - one in particular by another traveler on your week, she said she paid for premium and was seated in the back of the main floor and could not see well. We are wondering if we should call to see if upstairs balcony seats are available and switch. The photos I've seen of upstairs is against the railing similar looking to bar stools.......is this correct? Now - would there be tables behind these 'railing' seats and those folks might not be able to see very well??? WHERE is the wall where you sat? what level?

I've read to get there 1/2 hr before show time but you say early and someone mentioned one hour before -- gracious - that's a long time to stand in line - what cha think? We would be very disappointed to not be able to see the show. I could care less about the food - I think I am paying more for the entertaiment.

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer ......

[brfan]

posted by: bpatters1985....We sat against the wall for Cirque. Not the best seats, we missed a lot when they performed up high. Recommend getting there early or upgrading to see the entire show. If we had to do it over we would request seats on the main floor or the balcony.

 

Thank you so much for answering our questions.... I am more confused now about Cirque seating..... what is 'against the wall' :confused:

 

We paid for premium seating thinking it was 'front row seats' on main floor - then reading a few reviews - one in particular by another traveler on your week, she said she paid for premium and was seated in the back of the main floor and could not see well. We are wondering if we should call to see if upstairs balcony seats are available and switch. The photos I've seen of upstairs is against the railing similar looking to bar stools.......is this correct? Now - would there be tables behind these 'railing' seats and those folks might not be able to see very well??? WHERE is the wall where you sat? what level?

 

I've read to get there 1/2 hr before show time but you say early and someone mentioned one hour before -- gracious - that's a long time to stand in line - what cha think? We would be very disappointed to not be able to see the show. I could care less about the food - I think I am paying more for the entertaiment.

 

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer ......

 

My understanding is you either reserve the $20 or $15 seats, however you are not actually assigned seating until you arrive for the show. I believe that is why people are lining up 30 minutes or so before so they can get the best choice of whatever seat pricing they reserved.

[Kruizin'Kath]

posted by: bpatters1985....We sat against the wall for Cirque. Not the best seats, we missed a lot when they performed up high. Recommend getting there early or upgrading to see the entire show. If we had to do it over we would request seats on the main floor or the balcony.

 

Thank you so much for answering our questions.... I am more confused now about Cirque seating..... what is 'against the wall' :confused:

 

We paid for premium seating thinking it was 'front row seats' on main floor - then reading a few reviews - one in particular by another traveler on your week, she said she paid for premium and was seated in the back of the main floor and could not see well. We are wondering if we should call to see if upstairs balcony seats are available and switch. The photos I've seen of upstairs is against the railing similar looking to bar stools.......is this correct? Now - would there be tables behind these 'railing' seats and those folks might not be able to see very well??? WHERE is the wall where you sat? what level?

 

I've read to get there 1/2 hr before show time but you say early and someone mentioned one hour before -- gracious - that's a long time to stand in line - what cha think? We would be very disappointed to not be able to see the show. I could care less about the food - I think I am paying more for the entertaiment.

 

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer ......

 

I think you & I will be waiting a loooong time in line. We have premium seating for Sunday @ 8:30, and now I'm thinking we better have an early dinner& get ourselves in line....see you @ the M&G:D

Kathy

[Bgem75]

Wow! It sounds like you had a great time!!

Dh and I are looking foward to sept 11th for our turn.

Thank you for sharing your experience and your thoughts!

[hazeleyes]

Great review! Thanks for taking the time to post it.

[sjbdtz]

posted by: bpatters1985....We sat against the wall for Cirque. Not the best seats, we missed a lot when they performed up high. Recommend getting there early or upgrading to see the entire show. If we had to do it over we would request seats on the main floor or the balcony.

 

Thank you so much for answering our questions.... I am more confused now about Cirque seating..... what is 'against the wall' :confused:

 

We paid for premium seating thinking it was 'front row seats' on main floor - then reading a few reviews - one in particular by another traveler on your week, she said she paid for premium and was seated in the back of the main floor and could not see well. We are wondering if we should call to see if upstairs balcony seats are available and switch. The photos I've seen of upstairs is against the railing similar looking to bar stools.......is this correct? Now - would there be tables behind these 'railing' seats and those folks might not be able to see very well??? WHERE is the wall where you sat? what level?

 

I've read to get there 1/2 hr before show time but you say early and someone mentioned one hour before -- gracious - that's a long time to stand in line - what cha think? We would be very disappointed to not be able to see the show. I could care less about the food - I think I am paying more for the entertaiment.

 

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer ......

 

This pic is taken FROM up against the wall (in the entranceway) and you can see the far wall in the distance http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2541404600080057173HNbssK

 

 

The booths are up against the wall: http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2710442050080057173DVmrsF

 

 

 

the piano is centre-stage, and where the guy is standing, is up against the wall http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2675141460080057173qGaMXe

 

 

and remember: http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2608644560080057173zVpOSC

 

You'd better not enjoy a bath after having a fierce exercise!

 

 

 

Stephen

[deb603]

This pic is taken FROM up against the wall (in the entranceway) and you can see the far wall in the distance http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2541404600080057173HNbssK

 

 

The booths are up against the wall: http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2710442050080057173DVmrsF

 

 

 

the piano is centre-stage, and where the guy is standing, is up against the wall http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2675141460080057173qGaMXe

 

 

and remember: http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2608644560080057173zVpOSC

 

You'd better not enjoy a bath after having a fierce exercise!

 

 

 

Stephen

I don't know. We had standard seating, got there 30 minutes early (were not even close to first in line), and sat on the floor front row. I did have to turn my chair around so I could face the floor, but that was no big deal. People who got picked to be in the show were right next to us. Maybe we just got lucky in our seating. Upstairs seating is one row around the bar.

You would miss some of the action on the floor.

[MarkMichaels]

Great review, thanks so much for taking the time to post it.

 

Question though, what was the dress code in O'Sheehans? The only one I've seen says pants required after 6pm, was curious if that was accurate since this would seem to be a less formal venue.

 

Thanks again,

Mark

[sjbdtz]

Great review, thanks so much for taking the time to post it.

 

Question though, what was the dress code in O'Sheehans? The only one I've seen says pants required after 6pm, was curious if that was accurate since this would seem to be a less formal venue.

 

Thanks again,

Mark

 

 

Not really...pants are required in all venues, at all times. The type of pant & length may vary.... but some form of covering IS required! ;)

[MikeGriff81]

Thanks for the great review!!

It sounds like you had the exact same cruise we're getting on this weekend (7/24)

We fly into miami on Friday, we're staying at SOBE Marriott, and we're getting dinner at Big Pink. (BTW, how was it?) We're staying in a Balcony off the back of the ship (like you did). How was the balcony? Windy? Was it a pain being off the back, or was it nice to be kind of out of the way? Also, did you happen to notice if you could open the divider between the Balconys?

[bpatters1985]

posted by: bpatters1985....We sat against the wall for Cirque. Not the best seats, we missed a lot when they performed up high. Recommend getting there early or upgrading to see the entire show. If we had to do it over we would request seats on the main floor or the balcony.

 

Thank you so much for answering our questions.... I am more confused now about Cirque seating..... what is 'against the wall' :confused:

 

We paid for premium seating thinking it was 'front row seats' on main floor - then reading a few reviews - one in particular by another traveler on your week, she said she paid for premium and was seated in the back of the main floor and could not see well. We are wondering if we should call to see if upstairs balcony seats are available and switch. The photos I've seen of upstairs is against the railing similar looking to bar stools.......is this correct? Now - would there be tables behind these 'railing' seats and those folks might not be able to see very well??? WHERE is the wall where you sat? what level?

 

I've read to get there 1/2 hr before show time but you say early and someone mentioned one hour before -- gracious - that's a long time to stand in line - what cha think? We would be very disappointed to not be able to see the show. I could care less about the food - I think I am paying more for the entertaiment.

 

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer ......

 

I would recommend 30 minutes prior, that is when we showed up and the line was not overly long. We sat on the 1st floor in a booth against the wall. Our seats were less the optimal but we still seen and enjoyed the show. There are booths, table’s around the “stage” and 2nd floor seats. They will all provide a good view, some better than others. I would not want to waste 1 hour standing in line, there is too much other stuff to do onboard.

[bpatters1985]

Great review, thanks so much for taking the time to post it.

 

Question though, what was the dress code in O'Sheehans? The only one I've seen says pants required after 6pm, was curious if that was accurate since this would seem to be a less formal venue.

 

Thanks again,

Mark

 

 

The dress code in O'Sheehans was very causal. I ate and drank there frequently and wore shorts and polo, think of a sports bar to atmosphere (very nice and casual…not to pretentious).

I also wore shorts and polo every night to Taste (Manhattan is the dressier of the 2 dining rooms..same exact menu) , I also wore casual (shorts, etc..) to Sushi and Noodle Bar without a problem.

[bpatters1985]

Thanks for the great review!!

It sounds like you had the exact same cruise we're getting on this weekend (7/24)

We fly into miami on Friday, we're staying at SOBE Marriott, and we're getting dinner at Big Pink. (BTW, how was it?) We're staying in a Balcony off the back of the ship (like you did). How was the balcony? Windy? Was it a pain being off the back, or was it nice to be kind of out of the way? Also, did you happen to notice if you could open the divider between the Balconys?

 

You are going to have a GREAT time

SOBE Marriott is an outstanding hotel. Close enough to take a walk down Ocean Drive but far enough away from the SOBE party scene. The pool and beach are outstanding, we talked about going back there just for a vacation.

Big Pink – great food, reasonable prices and a very laid back attitude. We had burgers and they were delicious.

Balcony (BA) was nice and quiet. No wind so to speak of, the views of the wake are phenomenal. Not too far of a walk from anything, they have an aft bank of elevators and stairs. While in port they have aft disembarkation area (very convenient). Sometimes we walked / stairs, after all the eating we needed the exercise…….LOL

I believe you can open the dividers between the balconies, not 100% on that one though.

You will have a super trip, I know we did.

[stooken]

Overall great weather? Been seeing posts about gloomy days from others.

[Anumi]

Thank you so much for posting such a detailed review. It lifted my sprits to see such a glowing review after reading so many negatives. Like you I have only been on one other cruise and it was in 2003. My husband and I loved the casual environment and eating at whatever time we wanted. That's why we chose NCL again. Hopefully the time and planning we have put into this coming cruise will be well worth it. Thanks again!

[sjbdtz]

Overall great weather? Been seeing posts about gloomy days from others.

 

 

Been reading this for fun....but are you really asking if the weather was different in the Aft cabins, than for the rest of the ship?

 

The EPIC isn't THAT big!!!!! :p

[CanadianTwosome]

Not really...pants are required in all venues, at all times. The type of pant & length may vary.... but some form of covering IS required! ;)

 

Ha ha ha We were walking into a venue at Busch Gardens last week and my daughter pointed out a sign that said shirt and shoes were required, and asked whether people could come in without pants! :p

 

Thanks for the great review and information Bpatters1985!!

[coffeebean]

These are my observations and experiences from sailing on the EPIC July 10-17. Regardless what has been talked about in other post, this is a REAL review of our time. I am not avid cruiser, 1 cruise with Carnival in 2005 and now with NCL. I have to honestly say we feel that NCL (EPIC) has by far exceeded our expectations.

 

TRAVEL TO MIAMI – We arrived on Friday, once we got our luggage (painful to MIAMI Airport) we took a cab direct to the South Beach Marriott, drinks on Ocean Drive and dinner at Big Pinks. Although we did not stay downtown, it looked very non-descript with high-rise hotels. The only difference between downtown Miami and say downtown any-city USA is there are palm trees. I my opinion I don’t know why people would want to stay downtown Miami when world class beaches are 10 minutes away.

 

EMBARKATION – Left SOBE around 1130 (Saturday 7/10), arrived at the port approx 1200 and onboard with 30 minutes. NCL processes to check-in all passengers were very professional and efficient. If one word could some up my initial impression of the EPIC when I walked onboard is Classy. My reference point of 1, previous cruise (Carnival Miracle) was a tad on the tacky, gaudy, over-the-top décor. It was a welcome surprise to see that the EPIC was very tasteful and elegantly decorated.

 

CABIN – We were in a BA (9291), cabins were ready at approx 2:00, luggage arrived around 4:30ish. The cabin was plenty big enough for 2 with a very comfortable bed, plenty of closet space. The bathroom, toilet and sink WAS NOT A PROBLEM (this is our opinion, this has been talked about to death on this board and I believe people have drawn conclusions without setting foot onboard). The design actually worked out better for us. I could shave while wife was showering, it allowed for multi-tasking when you are getting ready for the night. The bottom line – I would stay in a BA cabin again.

 

POOLS – I believe that there is angst about the size of the pools, this should not be a concern. The mid-ship (sundeck) pools are open to all, kids adults, etc... Spice H2O is adults only – talking with the staff this is the only adult’s only pool onboard and shipboard staff member’s control access to ensure it stays adults only. More than once they turn children away and directed them to the mid-ship pools. We did not have children with us and frequented Spice H2O, there was NEVER a circumstance where the pool was too small for the amount of people who wanted to get in. Often (quite often) there were less than 8 people in the pool, there were time sit was just the two of us. Walking by the mid-ship pool it looked the same, We never thought that the pool was at capacity. Now are they designed to swim laps – NO; are the designed to allow Michael Phelps to train for the next Olympics – NO; are they designed to jump in, splash around and cool off – YES they are plenty big for what they were designed for. By the way – the water slides are GREAT, It is a must do just to say you did it.

 

STAFF – We don’t have enough accolades for the people who work their butts off on the EPIC. Your comfort is their number one concern and they bend of backwards to make sure you are well accommodated. There was NEVER an attitude, only smiles and helpfulness. We could not thank them enough for their service and making our week unforgettable.

 

RESTAURANTS - Ate breakfast, lunch and snacked at the buffets, alternated between the Garden Café, Great Outdoors and Spice H20. The food was GREAT, were can you get carving stations with Prime Rib, Leg of Lamb as well as Pizza, Burgers, Pasta Station and a million other goodies. I can go on and on, the bottom line is that the food is good. Don’t miss the pretzel rolls and the soft serve ice cream.

We ate in the Manhattan Room (long pants required) once, we preferred to eat in Taste (Casual Dining – Shorts are OK). Now I know there is a collective GASP with the cruising purist – with the attitude of seeing people enjoying their dinner with shorts and flip-flops will ruin your dinner – stay in the Manhattan Room. It is the SAME menu in both places, so our attitude was we are on vacation, let’s wear shorts and stay comfortable and enjoy dinner.

We also frequented O'Sheehan's. This was our favorite watering hole and well as snacking establishment. Food is good, beer is cold and there are plenty of sports and games to be played.

The only specialty restaurants we ate at were Wasabi (Sushi) and Noodle Bar – both should not be missed.

 

CASINO –Fun, well laid out and plenty to do…. but I lost

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT - We think outstanding sums it up…

Blue Man Group should not be missed. It was phenomenal. The entire show was entertaining with audience participation adding to it. They are incredibly talented in what they do, the music, skits to percussion kept us on the laughing and on the edge of our seats during the entire show.

 

Howl at the Moon is a good party time. With the dueling piano players interacting with the guest and playing all requests - it is amazing how many songs they know – I don’t think they turned any request down. Later at night their songs get a little bit colorful (adult content), this is when we enjoyed it the most… But if you don’t want your children hearing adults songs / language keep them out of the bar at night.

 

Second City – if you don’t laugh during their show you may not have any sense of humor. Their improv and comedy quickness is impressive and funny as heck. They also have a late night adults only show (1100 PM) – please don’t bring your kids and if you are easily embarrassed / offended you may want to attend an early show. We liked them so much we went to both (early and late) .

 

Legends was entertaining and glad we attended. We are not big fans of Tina Turner , Madonna and Elvis, however they were all very good and fun to watch.

 

Spiegel Tent was impressive and entertaining. The show, storyline and acrobatics were fabulous. Dinner is not the centerpiece of the show, the food was good but not the best we had onboard. It is more about the show then eating.

 

There were a couple of musicians that played every night in the Atrium (guitarist and violinist) as well as pianist at the Martini bar and Guitarist at the Whiskey Bar should not be missed. Just stop by for one drink at each place and listen, they are all that good.

 

PORTS

ST MARTIN – Took a cab to Orient Beach for a couple of hours. Then back to the ship for a quick shower and then into town for some shopping, by far our favorite port.

ST THOMAS – Went on the Castaway Girl snorkeling excursion, it was GREAT and if anyone likes to snorkel I highly recommend this excursion. After we returned form snorkeling did some shopping in the Havensight area around the ship.

NASSAU – Went on Athol Island snorkeling excursion, water is crystal clear, with abundant fish and coral. After we returned from snorkeling we only had 1 hour and did some shopping in the area around the ship. Our least favorite port, the town was congested and people seemed rude (quick to take your money – but rude).

 

DISEMBARKATION – A sad day, we did not want to leave. Got up around 7:00, showered, had breakfast, back to the cabin to pick up our carry stuff and off the ship at 8:45. Customs was a piece a cake and the total time from walking off the ship (reluctantly) to being in the airport was approximately 30 minutes.

 

Overall this was an unforgettable trip (in the good way). I was apprehensive prior to sailing with that many people, but there was never a moment where we felt crowded. If you wanted to find a quite space on-deck you could. It is in our opinion that if you sail onboard the EPIC you will have fun, if you don’t I am not sure where you would be happy.

 

If anyone has specific questions please let me know, will try my best to answer.

I found this review on page 17 and I found it so positive...thought I would bring it back to page 1. DH and I are also in a BA with a view of the wake. This is our favorite location to be on a ship. Can't wait to board Epic.

[coffeebean]

Fat cats with Slam Allen and his band was fantastic and I'm not a huge Blues fan but, stopped in 4 nights.

Anyone know how long Slam Allen and the Fat Cats will be on board Epic? Hope they will still be there mid October.

[missygirl1]

Anyone know how long Slam Allen and the Fat Cats will be on board Epic? Hope they will still be there mid October.

 

Very good question..I would also like to know date when Legends will be changing performers???

[coffeebean]

I would recommend 30 minutes prior, that is when we showed up and the line was not overly long. We sat on the 1st floor in a booth against the wall. Our seats were less the optimal but we still seen and enjoyed the show. There are booths, table’s around the “stage” and 2nd floor seats. They will all provide a good view, some better than others. I would not want to waste 1 hour standing in line, there is too much other stuff to do onboard.

Are you able to request to sit in a certain area or does the staff seat you per their discretion and you have no say where you are seated? I understand, however, if you pay for regular seats, you won't be seated in the premium seats.

[intrepid_guy]

Very good question..I would also like to know date when Legends will be changing performers???

 

Supposedly, the performers will change every 4 months.

 

Are you able to request to sit in a certain area or does the staff seat you per their discretion and you have no say where you are seated?

 

You are seated where they have room for your party. However, if you raise a stink they may move you... Example.... we had a party of 5 and were seated at a 10 top. Another party of 5 was brought in and was shown to our table. The VERY rude woman in the group yelled "NO! We want a table for 5!" and stirred up a rukus that got everyone looking at them. There is no such thing as a table for 5. All tables are a even number. They were moved from our location with a very good view to a booth along the back wall which I hear are not as desirable. They also continued to talk loudly during the show until others complained and they were told to pipe down.

 

My suggestion to you is to arrive a little early, just like you would to a movie if you want better seats. The premium line is along the wall with the LARGE paintings and the standard line is between the velvet ropes in front of the elevator bank. They are not marked ahead of time and everyone gets in the Premium line. The ushers come thru a few minutes early and pull out all standard seats to the other line. If you have Premium, hang tight you will get closer to the front when they are pulled out. If you have standard, wait between the ropes and you may be first in line!

 

~Intrepid

[sjbdtz]

Supposedly, the performers will change every 4 months.

 

 

:( (oh...wait...(calculating months.....)...hmm....might still be okay! :) )

 

 

My suggestion to you is to arrive a little early, just like you would to a movie if you want better seats. ~Intrepid

 

 

What's with all the analogies to real life? Isn't this vacation? Isn't reality suspended? :rolleyes:

 

 

IG.... I knew you'd have a fantastic time....!!1

 

Stephen