Deluxe Balcony or Courtyard Villa

[Toothferry]

I am considering a deluxe balcony over a courtyard villa because it is aprox $3700 less. It's just my wife and I. Is the villa worth the extra $ ? thanks in advance

[gernblanston]

Why not go for the Courtyard Penthouse? Considerably less expensive than the Courtyard Villa, but still gives you access to the courtyard amenities

[KandJCruising]

The aft penthouses and spa suites should also be much cheaper and still allow the suite perks.

[ascatsob]

Definitely some sort of suite! The Epic Club, uncrowded sun decks, and butler service alone is worth more than the upgraded price!

[Toothferry]

Courtyard villa is all that's available for the oct 16 sailing

[Zimomiller]

For that kind of money for 2 people I would pass.

 

We just got off the Epic and had an aft Penthouse and loved it and the suite perks, but it was a much better deal that we booked day 1 bookings opened when the penthouses aft were much cheaper.

[Toothferry]

Thanks that is a lot of money that I can spend on the ship.

[dnl_in_Illinois]

Just returned from the August 14th sailing. Here's a portion of what I wrote in my review:

 

All in all our experience on the Epic and as a guest in one of the courtyard suites was a very positive experience. While we observe some minor issues that need the attention of NCL, none took away from our positive experience on the Epic. We were a family of 5 that included a grand-parent (the writer), two adult children and girls ages 11 and 9. The makeup of our group of travelers necessarily had impact on our ship activities and opinions expressed. This was a cruise for the kids and as such we catered to their interests.

 

Courtyard Suite:

We were in suite 16010. Being located on the courtyard level offered several advantages not the least of which was having the pool in close proximity to our suite. Almost daily, and regardless of our day activity, the kids found themselves in the pool for a short swim before dinner time or show time. This was a HUGE advantage for us as the children love swimming and the pools on deck 15, while nice, were small and often slightly crowded (depending on time of day) and certainly were not so convenient. It was an easy trip to the coffee station from our suite in the morning as various of us adults awakened and the children were still sleeping in the living room area. We didn't want to be bothered by the butler either. Proximity to the concierge (Maria and Ashuman were excellent), the Courtyard grill and restaurant, sauna and small gym were other advantages. Finally, the concierge escorted us to the Cirque, BMG and Ledgends shows thuse providing us with front row seats for each of these performances as we were first into the theater. This is a huge plus that comes with the suites. We'd highly recommend a suite located on the Courtyard level.

 

Issues: The sliding door between the living room and master bedroom would roll open and slam shut as the ship moved. We had to secure it with pillows to keep it from sliding. Three adults and 2 pre-teen children were a "crowd" especially if were were all gathered in the living room area. The round table had to be pushed to the wall to allow room for easy ingress and egress from the suite entry to the couch or master BR. Grandfather slept in the small second BR which was perfect for him. The bed was comfortable enough and the private bath perfect. Only issue was when one lays on the bed and looks up at the TV - the picture washes out and is not visible. The TV is good for listening -- not viewing. The couch converted to a bed is not the greatest for an adult as it is hard. The grandchildren slept there most of the time - but on one night dad slept there as the kids were fussing.

 

As I said - the "issues" are small and did not take away from the overall experience. We all had a great time and would return for another Epic cruise.

[piratemaster]

Hey dnl, thanks for that review of your courtyard experience. I have Room 16010 reserved next June, when Epic is scheduled to be in Barcelona. Do you think the issue with the door rolling open and slamming shut will be addressed?

[dnl_in_Illinois]

Hey dnl, thanks for that review of your courtyard experience. I have Room 16010 reserved next June, when Epic is scheduled to be in Barcelona. Do you think the issue with the door rolling open and slamming shut will be addressed?

 

Hard to say if NCL will fix it but if enough of us post the issue perhaps. Maybe pack a roll of duct tape just in case or use one of the pillows. It wasn't a big deal once we stopped it from moving back and forth. The room is otherwise great! A little crowded for the 5 of us but what the heck - the pool is right outside the door.

[piratemaster]

Yes, duct tape. The all purpose tool :). Do you have a longer review posted somewhere dnl? Also, are there any issues with noise from other venues, or is this cabin pretty quiet?

[dnl_in_Illinois]

Yes, duct tape. The all purpose tool :). Do you have a longer review posted somewhere dnl? Also, are there any issues with noise from other venues, or is this cabin pretty quiet?

 

Cabin was quiet. In fact, I slept in the small BR and didn't hear people stiring in the living room in the morning. No noises from outside or above. Below is the review I posted to the CC Board - not yet published. It's short as so much has already been said. For us -- the pool was a big deal because the kids love the pool thus the Courtyard Villa worked for us. The room is not as spacious as we've experienced on other cruises and that is the only issue of substance and -- even with that we had a great time. If you want my email for more discussion let me know with another CC board post.

 

The review:

 

All in all our experience on the Epic and as a guest in one of the courtyard suites was very positive. While we observe some minor issues that need the attention of NCL, none took away from our positive experience on the Epic. We were a family of 5 that included a grand-parent (the writer), two adult children and girls ages 11 and 9. The makeup of our group of travelers necessarily had impact on our ship activities and opinions expressed. This was a cruise for the kids and as such we catered to their interests.

 

Courtyard Suite: We were in suite 16010. Being located on the courtyard level offered several advantages not the least of which was having the pool in close proximity to our suite. Almost daily, and regardless of our day activity, the kids found themselves in the pool for a short swim before dinner time or show time. This was a HUGE advantage for us as the children love swimming and the pools on deck 15, while nice, were small and often slightly crowded (depending on time of day) and certainly were not so convenient. It was an easy trip to the coffee station from our suite in the morning as various of us adults awakened and the children were still sleeping in the living room area. We didn't want to be bothered by the butler either. Proximity to the concierge (Maria and Ashuman were excellent), the Courtyard grill and restaurant, sauna and small gym were other advantages. One of the concierge escorted us to the BMG, Cirque and Ledgends shows assuring us *front row seats* for each! We'd highly recommend a suite located on the Courtyard level.

 

Issues: The sliding door between the living room and master bedroom would roll open and slam shut as the ship moved. We had to secure it with pillows to keep it from sliding. Three adults and 2 pre-teen children were a "crowd" especially if were were all gathered in the living room area. The round table had to be pushed to the wall to allow room for easy ingress and egress from the suite entry to the couch or master BR. Grandfather slept in the small second BR which was perfect for him. The bed was comfortable enough and the private bath perfect. Only issue was when one lays on the bed and looks up at the TV - the picture washes out and is not visible. The TV is good for listening -- not viewing. The couch converted to a bed is not the greatest for an adult as it is hard. The grandchildren slept there most of the time - but on one night dad slept there as the kids were fussing. When the kids slept there they reversed the end where their head/feet were. A little tight - but these were 9 and 11 year old girls.

 

Food: We did not eat in any of the specialty restaurants so consider that as your read our thoughts. The food in the Courtyard restaurant was excellent as both presentation and quality was enjoyed. The lunches in the Grill were also excellent (don't miss the shrimp cocktail). We frequented both often. We considered our meals in O'Sheean's and the Manhattan as acceptable but not exceptional. Service was always good and within expectations. The buffet was often the preference of the children especially for breakfast and a couple of times for lunch. There was a wide variety of food and reasonably good quality.

 

Entertainment: We saw all of the major shows. The general consensus between the 5 of us rated the show preference in this order: Magician/Comedian; Second City; Blue Man Group; Cirque Dreams; Legends; Nickelodeon Slime-time. The degree of difference in preferences is slight as all of the shows were well produced and a whole lot of fun for all. The parents and grandfather loved Slam Adams in Fat Cats and Howl at the Moon performances. Entertainment is one of the reasons to cruise on the Epic.

 

Kids Club: We signed up on the first day -- never went back as we were too busy doing other things. I'm sure it would have been good as the reception during registration was excellent.

 

Internet connectivity: It was surprisingly very good. Not like home but clearly adequate for email and web browsing. It worked fine from inside the small BR in the suite.

 

Shore excursions: We did Benard's Tours in St. Maarten. Excellent for a tour of the island and a 2 hour swim at Orient Beach and viewing the airplanes at Maho. Highly, highly recommend. In St Thomas we did the Sea Blaster snorkeling. It was good, but some of the women helpers on the boat were a bit surly. Snorkeling location was good enough and the ride out and back a lot of fun. Nassau - we used the free buses to and from the port terminal and ship and walked to the straw market where the kids bought some "knockoff" purses and "baked' in the heat! Grandfather joined a friend at Senor' Frogs right next door for beers.

Note: The magician appeared in the Cirque "room" I believe at 6 or 7pm on the first night on the ship. He otherwise appeared somewhat late in the evening in the theater (I think 10 or 11pm). He likely modified his show eliminating adult content for this one time early appearance as there was nothing we thought inappropriate for the kids.

[cherylroslyn]

Cabin was quiet. In fact, I slept in the small BR and didn't hear people stiring in the living room in the morning. No noises from outside or above. Below is the review I posted to the CC Board - not yet published. It's short as so much has already been said. For us -- the pool was a big deal because the kids love the pool thus the Courtyard Villa worked for us. The room is not as spacious as we've experienced on other cruises and that is the only issue of substance and -- even with that we had a great time. If you want my email for more discussion let me know with another CC board post.

 

The review:

 

All in all our experience on the Epic and as a guest in one of the courtyard suites was very positive. While we observe some minor issues that need the attention of NCL, none took away from our positive experience on the Epic. We were a family of 5 that included a grand-parent (the writer), two adult children and girls ages 11 and 9. The makeup of our group of travelers necessarily had impact on our ship activities and opinions expressed. This was a cruise for the kids and as such we catered to their interests.

 

Courtyard Suite: We were in suite 16010. Being located on the courtyard level offered several advantages not the least of which was having the pool in close proximity to our suite. Almost daily, and regardless of our day activity, the kids found themselves in the pool for a short swim before dinner time or show time. This was a HUGE advantage for us as the children love swimming and the pools on deck 15, while nice, were small and often slightly crowded (depending on time of day) and certainly were not so convenient. It was an easy trip to the coffee station from our suite in the morning as various of us adults awakened and the children were still sleeping in the living room area. We didn't want to be bothered by the butler either. Proximity to the concierge (Maria and Ashuman were excellent), the Courtyard grill and restaurant, sauna and small gym were other advantages. One of the concierge escorted us to the BMG, Cirque and Ledgends shows assuring us *front row seats* for each! We'd highly recommend a suite located on the Courtyard level.

 

Issues: The sliding door between the living room and master bedroom would roll open and slam shut as the ship moved. We had to secure it with pillows to keep it from sliding. Three adults and 2 pre-teen children were a "crowd" especially if were were all gathered in the living room area. The round table had to be pushed to the wall to allow room for easy ingress and egress from the suite entry to the couch or master BR. Grandfather slept in the small second BR which was perfect for him. The bed was comfortable enough and the private bath perfect. Only issue was when one lays on the bed and looks up at the TV - the picture washes out and is not visible. The TV is good for listening -- not viewing. The couch converted to a bed is not the greatest for an adult as it is hard. The grandchildren slept there most of the time - but on one night dad slept there as the kids were fussing. When the kids slept there they reversed the end where their head/feet were. A little tight - but these were 9 and 11 year old girls.

 

Food: We did not eat in any of the specialty restaurants so consider that as your read our thoughts. The food in the Courtyard restaurant was excellent as both presentation and quality was enjoyed. The lunches in the Grill were also excellent (don't miss the shrimp cocktail). We frequented both often. We considered our meals in O'Sheean's and the Manhattan as acceptable but not exceptional. Service was always good and within expectations. The buffet was often the preference of the children especially for breakfast and a couple of times for lunch. There was a wide variety of food and reasonably good quality.

 

Entertainment: We saw all of the major shows. The general consensus between the 5 of us rated the show preference in this order: Magician/Comedian; Second City; Blue Man Group; Cirque Dreams; Legends; Nickelodeon Slime-time. The degree of difference in preferences is slight as all of the shows were well produced and a whole lot of fun for all. The parents and grandfather loved Slam Adams in Fat Cats and Howl at the Moon performances. Entertainment is one of the reasons to cruise on the Epic.

 

Kids Club: We signed up on the first day -- never went back as we were too busy doing other things. I'm sure it would have been good as the reception during registration was excellent.

 

Internet connectivity: It was surprisingly very good. Not like home but clearly adequate for email and web browsing. It worked fine from inside the small BR in the suite.

 

Shore excursions: We did Benard's Tours in St. Maarten. Excellent for a tour of the island and a 2 hour swim at Orient Beach and viewing the airplanes at Maho. Highly, highly recommend. In St Thomas we did the Sea Blaster snorkeling. It was good, but some of the women helpers on the boat were a bit surly. Snorkeling location was good enough and the ride out and back a lot of fun. Nassau - we used the free buses to and from the port terminal and ship and walked to the straw market where the kids bought some "knockoff" purses and "baked' in the heat! Grandfather joined a friend at Senor' Frogs right next door for beers.

Note: The magician appeared in the Cirque "room" I believe at 6 or 7pm on the first night on the ship. He otherwise appeared somewhat late in the evening in the theater (I think 10 or 11pm). He likely modified his show eliminating adult content for this one time early appearance as there was nothing we thought inappropriate for the kids.

May I ask....just for curiosity....why after such a positive review you have given the Epic one star in your official cruise critic review? It seems a little harsh for someone who seems to have had a "very positive experience".

 

One star???

[dnl_in_Illinois]

May I ask....just for curiosity....why after such a positive review you have given the Epic one star in your official cruise critic review? It seems a little harsh for someone who seems to have had a "very positive experience".

 

One star???

 

Because I was upside down in my ratings. I submitted a new set of ratings as well as written comments but apparently CC didn't pick up on that. I will look into whether it can be changed. Most were either 5 STARS and maybe a couple of 4 STARS. Sorry - but to me #1 is 1! Having said - the rating key was clear once I looked at it!

[KandJCruising]

Courtyard villa is all that's available for the oct 16 sailing

Even w/ all the perks, for that price difference, I'd go w/ the balcony.

[cherylroslyn]

Because I was upside down in my ratings. I submitted a new set of ratings as well as written comments but apparently CC didn't pick up on that. I will look into whether it can be changed. Most were either 5 STARS and maybe a couple of 4 STARS. Sorry - but to me #1 is 1! Having said - the rating key was clear once I looked at it!

Good I'm glad you are working on it...because my heart sank when I saw the one star. It would not be the first time I read a positive review and then saw two stars or something ridiculous...it takes a lot for the ships to work against that image when a one star review comes out.......

[dnl_in_Illinois]

Good I'm glad you are working on it...because my heart sank when I saw the one star. It would not be the first time I read a positive review and then saw two stars or something ridiculous...it takes a lot for the ships to work against that image when a one star review comes out.......

 

I sent an email yesterday right after I wrote a response. Did not hear anything yet. I'm also thinking they may post my second submission and remove the first one. Someone must be looking at them! I was not pleased with myself when I discovered the error!! But I have probably made worse "boofs" in my lifetime. I'll track on it.

[dnl_in_Illinois]

Good I'm glad you are working on it...because my heart sank when I saw the one star. It would not be the first time I read a positive review and then saw two stars or something ridiculous...it takes a lot for the ships to work against that image when a one star review comes out.......

 

One of the CC board coordinators in fact did respond to my email, asked for the link to my review as well as corrected numbers. I now expect they will correct my error.

[Giorgi-one]

Thanks that is a lot of money that I can spend on the ship.

 

Then why did you ask?

[Darthdaddy]

<<If you want my email for more discussion let me know with another CC board post. >>

 

Our situations seems to be somewhat similar...multiple generations in an A-3 villa. If you don't mind, please send your e-address to Darthdaddy@msn.com so we may discuss a bit more.

Thanks.

[erdoran]

DNL, now that you have cruised in 16010 do you think we two ladies will be ok switching off in the second bedroom? how comfy is that bed and how crowded will it be for us? Sounds like it is workable! if you prefer to email it is madhatterdinners@gmail.com