Our lengthy review of the 9/25 Epic sailing

[RNPJN]

Disclaimer: Please don't blast us for being NCL cheerleaders. I won't apologize for loving the ship. This is just OUR opinion.

 

And I've tried twice putting this review on the review board, so until I figure out what I'm doing wrong, here it is:)

 

Having sailed on 20 plus cruises, but never having sailed on a massive ship like the Epic, my husband was the one having to try it. And I’m so glad we did! We never go on any ship in the first few months of their maiden voyage. There’s just bound to be problems that crop up. Previously, I had read all the negative comments, but obviously NCL is listening because the staff was at the top of their game. Every person we encountered was engaging, friendly and really seemed to care if we were having a great time. The upbeat attitude seemed to spread to the passengers. I’m sure there were some grumpy people aboard but thankfully we didn’t witness any scenes. Maybe because everything is so new, people were even talking in the elevators and comparing experiences with the different venues. There is just so much to do, it’s impossible to experience everything in a week.

 

Cruise Critic Meet & Greet – Props to Len, our coordinator for this event (9/25 sailing). He was just amazing with all the information he provided to everyone. I have never been to such a well-attended meeting on board. The captain, directors, and managers were there and simply put us at their disposal. If you had a concern that wasn’t addressed, it was entirely your own fault. All you have to do is speak up. The accessibility to the officers was incredible. My husband had several occasions to speak to Klaus (hotel director) and we were very impressed with his hands on approach.

 

Embarkation – arrived at the port about 10:30, knowing we wouldn’t be able to board until noon. (have had traffic/parking issues in the past & would just rather sit in the terminal) Very fast when the process started, sort of odd walking right into the casino.

 

Entertainment – Slam Allen & his band was the very best as far as we were concerned. That’s the greatness of this ship. There are so many different varieties of music/acts; you are bound to find something you enjoy. We didn’t see Cirque because we’re going again in January & will see them then. Hopefully, we won’t have the long wait to get in. It’s just such a popular show and people are lining up earlier & earlier to attain that perfect seat. How can you correct a problem like that? Saw Blue Man the first night at 10:00. Walked right in at 9:40 (remember everyone in your party needs their cabin key for admittance, that’s your “ticket”) There could have been a line before they opened the doors, but it wasn’t necessary. Wanted to attend FABBA but it was dancing to Mama Mia or listening to Slam Allen (for the 3rd time) Slam won out. We didn’t even want to see the Legends show because it was that or Slam again. Britney Spears I could have done without at that show, but she had a lot of men lining up to take a picture with her after the show. Howl at the Moon was great fun but they did seem over-concerned about being tipped & getting free drinks from the crowd – but its free enterprise and if people want to pay up, why not. You don’t have to tip to get your song played. Really enjoyed the interaction with the group & everyone would join in on some songs.

 

Ice Bar – didn’t realize how strong the drinks were until I sat down to dinner afterwards. Well worth the $20 cover charge. The ship photographer was in there, of course, just wish they offered a smaller size on the photo. 8 x 10 was $19.95 & where am I going to put it now because of course we got it! And one tip – the parkas kept us warm but the gloves provided were of the 99 cent stretch variety. Bring your own gloves. And they are sanitized between uses – saw a rackful down in the laundry room on the “behind the scenes tour.”

 

Latitude Party – for the upper levels. Much nicer than on other ships & there was real alcohol served, not the watered down rum punch we’ve gotten previously. And the waiters kept coming round & round with the drinks and the cheese & crackers. Very nice in the Bliss Lounge.

 

Spa – like on the other ships, it gets crowded on sea days, but early morning is usually pretty quiet

 

Barber Shop – my husband got a great haircut for $29, gratuity included. There was a special going on, a shave for $45 with a free haircut. He’s planning to do that if it’s still being offered in January

 

Smoke – Only time I really noticed a smell (my eyes started watering) was when we were standing outside Shanghai’s. But when we left that restaurant, it had totally dissipated. There could have just been a large group of smokers at that poker/blackjack table nearby. People had complained previously that they couldn’t eat at O’Sheehans because of smoke odor, but I never noticed it there and we ate there numerous times. Guess it just depends on how many smokers are sailing on that voyage and how many of those machines they have running to clear the air. And I was concerned about people being allowed to smoke in their cabins now. An officer assured me that they have extra-sensitive sensors so if anything did start smoldering, they’d be at their stateroom in a heartbeat. Anyway, if I had been assigned a cabin that I could detect had a previous smoker I would not have stayed there, no way.

 

Water Slides – they’re not just for the kids! Just make sure you get the proper sized tube for the Epic Plunge. And I always saw loungers available, not right by the pool but if you can’t find one, just ask a NCL staff person. The 18th deck has an unshaded spot that was empty every time we went up there. There are 2 elevators right after you leave the Garden Café going into the pool area. The one I assume is just for the suite people and the other one has the button to go up to the 18th deck for everyone else.

 

Dance Classes – Party Time, Hip Hop, Salsa, Merengue

 

NCLU Tastings – Margarita, Martini, Italian Wine, Beringer Wine & Food, Beer, International Wine

 

Cruise Director – very friendly and always out & about. And thank goodness he wasn’t constantly on the PA system announcing events like on other ships

 

Restaurants – loved Moderno, ate there twice. I don’t really care for meat but I was quite content to fill up at the salad bar, so many choices. & heard rumors that this salad bar concept might be incorporated on other ships. That would be fantastic! Shanghai’s was great as always, the portions were so large & filling, we both skipped dessert. Loved the Noodle Bar for lunch – fun & good food. Le Bistro was excellent but Park West had some pictures displayed in there with an “available for purchase” sign – thought that was tacky. O'Sheehans is perfect for breakfast. Manhattan had good food too, don’t understand the complaining. Just be sure to check the dailies because the show band doesn’t play in there every night. The Garden Café was unlike any other ship – it’s huge & the choices are of a much better quality (salmon & the large shrimp I’ve never seen before in a GC) And we would go there for really good late night desserts – not the gelatin mystery stuff. And every restaurant we ate at had the most attentive waiters. (I’m still thinking the staff must have had an extra pep talk before we boarded!) With Freestyle you usually don’t make that connection anymore. I heard they took many of their best people from the other ships – that’s obvious with some of the familiar faces we saw aboard.

 

Customs – this is really random, but the official questioned me on my rings (cubic zirconia’s & fake opals – JC Penney specials!) where, when & how much I paid for them and even had me turn my hand over to check the bands widths to check for wear. At least someone thinks they’re real. I know he was just doing his job, just thought it was funny.

 

Negatives – Hopefully, NCL will not use this cabin design again on any new ships. While it didn’t prevent us from having a wonderful vacation, I did miss the table in the balcony room especially when we had room service & hated having the toilet right near the bed – the balconies with the bed by the balcony door is nicer. And I miss a promenade deck – there was plenty of space to walk around on the upper levels but it’s just not the same. And why do they not provide at least 1 lounger on the balconies? There is enough room. (On other ships, it all depended on your steward whether or not it was against the rules to exchange a chair out, no matter the tip!)

 

To summarize, the Epic is in a class by itself. It’s just a different adventure. The fun is in exploring it and yes, we’ll sail on it again & again as well as other ships.

 

Thanks for the memories, Slam! (am just glad we got your CD)

[Zimomiller]

Nice review. We also had an excellent cruise on the Epic in August. Glad to hear that she is continuing to please.

[david_sobe]

Thanks for the great review.

About US Customs. I think they ask passengers random questions and have to ask so many passengers about jewelry. Earlier this year, I was getting off the Sky and they ask what you bought, etc. Then they asked me what make my watch was. My watch is some drug store inexpensive watch and I did not even know. I had to look at the watch and then tell him. I felt weird doing that and thought he was going to say something but he didnt and walked right through LOL :)

[pianoplayerla]

Thanks for the review! Our date is getting closer and we can hardly wait!!! :)

[cruisinskier]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. Glad you enjoyed the EPIC. We also enjoyed our EPIC adventure the end of August....actually all 17 of us had an opinion similar to yours! :D

[erdoran]

The bit about Howl hustling for tips is sad...on the TA there was a tip jar but nothing was said about tips or free drinks. They were my favorite activity! I hope that changes before my Christmas cruise!

[AnnArbor_707]

Ice Bar – didn’t realize how strong the drinks were until I sat down to dinner afterwards. Well worth the $20 cover charge. The ship photographer was in there, of course, just wish they offered a smaller size on the photo. 8 x 10 was $19.95 & where am I going to put it now because of course we got it! And one tip – the parkas kept us warm but the gloves provided were of the 99 cent stretch variety. Bring your own gloves. And they are sanitized between uses – saw a rackful down in the laundry room on the “behind the scenes tour.”

Just out of curiosity - When did you sign up for the IceBar.... and what day/time did you go ? Wondering how that process works and if you had any comment on the best time to go....

 

 

Dance Classes – Party Time, Hip Hop, Salsa, Merengue

Did you have to pay for these ? I'm far from a dancer (usually need a lot of alcohol :)) I haven't seen anything on the NCL website about dance lessons, but if they teach slow dancing type classes and it's something we could use on the cruise I'd be interested. Any detail is appreciated!

 

 

 

 

NCLU Tastings – Margarita, Martini, Italian Wine, Beringer Wine & Food, Beer, International Wine

You did all of these ? :D Pretty awesome. When did you have to sign up for these ? We may be interested in the Margarita or Martini tastings... I've heard they're $20/each, but did you have any comment on how it went down ? Anything you liked/disliked about them ?

[RNPJN]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

 

I did forget to write about something we learned about room service, If you want the large pot of coffee, indicate you want at least 3 servings. If you write down 2 - like we originally did (I thought 2 people, 2 servings) - you get a small pot. Obviously, I needed the large pot for our pre-breakfast. & I wanted tomato juice, can't get that at O'Sheehans or Garden Cafe in the morning.

And on port days when everyone starts getting back to the ship, the line for room service is really, really busy - faster just to run to the Garden Cafe if you want a snack.

 

& I did hear the Howl at the Moon entertainers rotate out on a regular basis, so maybe the "tipping" issue was just exclusive to the men we happened to see that week. But I also have been told that's how the band always performs on land. I feel this is a completely different venue so why?? I don't see any other entertainers on the ship looking for extra money & drinks. Didn't really understand it but my husband saw nothing wrong with it. So we have two different opinions. But I did notice as the night wore on, as people drank more & more, some people were tipping more & more. & that's their business, so whatever!

[RNPJN]

Just out of curiosity - When did you sign up for the IceBar.... and what day/time did you go ? Wondering how that process works and if you had any comment on the best time to go....

 

 

 

Did you have to pay for these ? I'm far from a dancer (usually need a lot of alcohol :)) I haven't seen anything on the NCL website about dance lessons, but if they teach slow dancing type classes and it's something we could use on the cruise I'd be interested. Any detail is appreciated!

 

 

 

 

You did all of these ? :D Pretty awesome. When did you have to sign up for these ? We may be interested in the Margarita or Martini tastings... I've heard they're $20/each, but did you have any comment on how it went down ? Anything you liked/disliked about them ?

 

 

 

 

Ice Bar - we went with the cruise critic group, but there always seemed to be a NCL person standing by the podium right outside the bar to take reservations. Deck 7, midship. Didn't seem to be a problem for anyone getting a reservation on our cruise, but I would most definitely sign up for it the 1st or 2nd day, just in case it got enormously popular.

 

Dance classes are free, in the Bliss lounge. Just try to get up front by the instructor because the dance floor tends to get crowded. And a lot of people don't have a clue as to what they're doing :) Obviously, the classes aren't long enough (less than an hour) to really learn a style of dance, but it is a lot of fun. I didn't go to all of them but I wanted to. I just listed all that were available like the alcohol tastings. (& no lessons for slow dances as far as I know)

 

Party Line - Sunday, 2:00

Hip Hop - Monday, 2:00

Salsa - Thursday, 2:00

Merengue - Friday, 10:00 AM

 

The wine tastings were at Moderno, the Margarita tasting was Sunday at 3:00 at Maltings, & the Martini clinic was on Thursday at 4:00 at the Shakers Bar. I find when the group gets too large, you learn nothing and really just get handed your drinks. It all depends on the bartender you happen to have and the dynamics of your group. Still you're drinking and you can have fun!

[RNPJN]

Thanks for the great review.

About US Customs. I think they ask passengers random questions and have to ask so many passengers about jewelry. Earlier this year, I was getting off the Sky and they ask what you bought, etc. Then they asked me what make my watch was. My watch is some drug store inexpensive watch and I did not even know. I had to look at the watch and then tell him. I felt weird doing that and thought he was going to say something but he didnt and walked right through LOL :)

 

Too funny! But doesn't it give you a strange feeling to be singled out?

Now to be completely off topic, the only other time we've been stopped was years ago when we were traveling with my mom. We were escorted to a special room and had to open our luggage, even had to open up our travel coffee cups. Mom had beginning dementia and the more she was questioned, the more confused everyone was:) This was also spring break time, and they already had several college students detained with drug issues. We had declared 12 bottles of liquor which I guess is why we were red-flagged. The official must have been new because he couldn't figure out what our "extra charge" should be. I wasn't laughing about it then because we were detained over an hour, but today its a funny story. You just have to wonder how they decide who is suspicious & like you say, it probably is just random.

[coffeebean]

Thanks for the great review. Did you notice any smoke odor from the casino inside any of the dining venues on decks 5, 6 or 7?

[RNPJN]

Thanks for the great review. Did you notice any smoke odor from the casino inside any of the dining venues on decks 5, 6 or 7?

 

No, not at all and I'm quite sensitive to any smoke smell.

[david_sobe]

Too funny! But doesn't it give you a strange feeling to be singled out?

Now to be completely off topic, the only other time we've been stopped was years ago when we were traveling with my mom. We were escorted to a special room and had to open our luggage, even had to open up our travel coffee cups. Mom had beginning dementia and the more she was questioned, the more confused everyone was:) This was also spring break time, and they already had several college students detained with drug issues. We had declared 12 bottles of liquor which I guess is why we were red-flagged. The official must have been new because he couldn't figure out what our "extra charge" should be. I wasn't laughing about it then because we were detained over an hour, but today its a funny story. You just have to wonder how they decide who is suspicious & like you say, it probably is just random.

yes secondary is for suspicious persons but also random.

It is funny because even though you dont have anything you get paranoid. I thought they were going to think it was strange I did not know my watch brand without looking.

Would love to hear about your excurisons

[coffeebean]

No, not at all and I'm quite sensitive to any smoke smell.

That is great news. Thanks for the quick response.

[deise17311]

Hi!

 

I had to comment on the customs...I came back from Grand Caymen last Janaury and the agent accused me of buying my Rolex watch in the islands...it was a Christmas gift and had not been used much before the trip...he was very rude and forced me to take it off and go into a back room where they searched my luggage and held my passport and the watch for some time. I don't know what they were doing, but I am convinced they "want to take it for themselves"...who carries a receipt around with them??

 

I can barely get back into my own country with my own property!

[RNPJN]

Hi!

 

I had to comment on the customs...I came back from Grand Caymen last Janaury and the agent accused me of buying my Rolex watch in the islands...it was a Christmas gift and had not been used much before the trip...he was very rude and forced me to take it off and go into a back room where they searched my luggage and held my passport and the watch for some time. I don't know what they were doing, but I am convinced they "want to take it for themselves"...who carries a receipt around with them??

 

I can barely get back into my own country with my own property!

 

We should start a thread on funny stories about customs! Guess its a head up for us and just be aware of any "good" jewelry that you may be wearing. But really what are the chances you're going to be stopped, probably only if you're in a hurry:)

I just wonder about people who have to catch a flight. Most passengers don't seem to realize how long you can be held up. & there was a gentlemen disembarking with us and we let him go ahead of us because he said he had to be at the airport at 8:15. Why would he ever book a flight so early in the morning? Besides allowing for customs, what about the traffic to the airport, construction in Miami, etc? That would just cause too much stress for me.

[AnnArbor_707]

Ice Bar - we went with the cruise critic group, but there always seemed to be a NCL person standing by the podium right outside the bar to take reservations. Deck 7, midship. Didn't seem to be a problem for anyone getting a reservation on our cruise, but I would most definitely sign up for it the 1st or 2nd day, just in case it got enormously popular.

 

Dance classes are free, in the Bliss lounge. Just try to get up front by the instructor because the dance floor tends to get crowded. And a lot of people don't have a clue as to what they're doing :) Obviously, the classes aren't long enough (less than an hour) to really learn a style of dance, but it is a lot of fun. I didn't go to all of them but I wanted to. I just listed all that were available like the alcohol tastings. (& no lessons for slow dances as far as I know)

 

Party Line - Sunday, 2:00

Hip Hop - Monday, 2:00

Salsa - Thursday, 2:00

Merengue - Friday, 10:00 AM

 

The wine tastings were at Moderno, the Margarita tasting was Sunday at 3:00 at Maltings, & the Martini clinic was on Thursday at 4:00 at the Shakers Bar. I find when the group gets too large, you learn nothing and really just get handed your drinks. It all depends on the bartender you happen to have and the dynamics of your group. Still you're drinking and you can have fun!

 

Thanks for the reply! Very good details :) How did you find out about all of that stuff ? Is that in the "dailys" ? How often are those given out ? Once for everyday at the beginning of the cruise or is it given as one sheet per day ? Maybe I'm just blind, but I didn't see anything anywhere on the NCL website that mentioned the dance classes - sounds pretty cool and might get me some brownie points to even suggest it :)

[RNPJN]

Would love to hear about your excurisons

 

 

 

We actually didn't go on any excursions this time. We live in Florida, only a half hour from the beach so we take pretty much of the Caribbean for granted even though there is some gorgeous beaches out there.

From previous trips to St Thomas (we now have a nephew living there so presently we just visit him & his family - yeah, that is awesome!) Anyway, my daughters have done the sea snorkel blast and really loved the snorkeling. We've done the helmet dive at Coral World, lot of fun but it was in January & the water was very cold. The attached zoo is very small, not up to US standards, but okay I guess for small kids. The iguanas there are enormous! Also, have done the See St Thomas in the bus tours. As always, it depends on the competency of your tour operator, whether its worth the money. Think the skyride is a waste of money if you've done any of the city tours. And if you want to spend $18 on a Cobb salad, eat at the Fat Turtle. So ridiculous. We ate there last time, just an outside restaurant by the yacht haven. For the 4 of us, our bill came to $90 and we weren't drinking! & my husband & I just had an appetizer. So when people start complaining about the upcharge for the specialty restaurants, I wonder where they've been eating. There are cheaper places to eat in St Thomas but this place had just been recommended to us. Live & learn. And we really don't find the alcohol much cheaper on the eastern caribbean cruises, not worth the hassle to save a couple of bucks. (Good deals on Kahlua if you ever go to Cozumel & we like the varieties of the flavored rum in Grand Cayman)

 

Nassau we've also been to numerous times. The straw market has been overloaded with fake designer purses in the past several years & there's always the cheap souvenirs. Be wary of young men coming up to you and putting beaded necklaces on you & then asking for a $5 donation. Atlantis, see it once and that's enough. And how many times can you go to Senor Frog's! The bars are better on the Epic and you don't have to worry about finding your way back to the ship.

 

St Maarten is one place we really haven't explored. When we go in January with some friends, we're going to do a city tour.

[RNPJN]

Thanks for the reply! Very good details :) How did you find out about all of that stuff ? Is that in the "dailys" ? How often are those given out ? Once for everyday at the beginning of the cruise or is it given as one sheet per day ? Maybe I'm just blind, but I didn't see anything anywhere on the NCL website that mentioned the dance classes - sounds pretty cool and might get me some brownie points to even suggest it :)

 

The daily is a 4 page pamphlet with all the info one day at a time. & there's usually some inserts with port info and other misc info - shopping specials, bingo, whatever. You receive the dailies the night before when your steward turns down your cabin. And on other ships it was always on the bed. It took us 2 days to realize there's a little shelf on the wall that she put the info - right by the couch - that's how it was in the balcony cabins. There was also a NCL book there and your room service menu info. (I just thought our steward was forgetting to leave them, so we would just get ourselves a copy by the guest services desk. How could we miss it and we consider ourselves somewhat experienced cruisers:)) & go to the dance classes. They are fun.

[alemap]

I did not realize that you needed reservations for Ice Bar? Is it not just a bar you can walk into (if room, of course). Or if you make a res. you are guaranteed that time? Can you make a res. that day, or should you make it in the beggining of the cruise, even if you think you will be going later... ?????

[RNPJN]

I did not realize that you needed reservations for Ice Bar? Is it not just a bar you can walk into (if room, of course). Or if you make a res. you are guaranteed that time? Can you make a res. that day, or should you make it in the beginning of the cruise, even if you think you will be going later... ?????

You have to make a reservation. (It's like every hour starting at 5PM) They allow 25 people in at a time for 45 minutes & you can leave early if you want. We arrived about 10 minutes ahead of our reservation to get our parka & gloves. Make you reservation the day you arrive on the ship - you can always change it if you want.