Epic Cruise = Epic Disappointment

[ColinIllinois]

Sorry that you didn't enjoy your cruise. If I may ask, what were the positives from your week on board?

[ChevyCruiser]

Chevy- sorry you didn't like your cruise. But how much responsibility do you take? I have done enough research to know the Epic probably isn't for me either. But I would sail on any other NCL ship. For instance the bathroom in my aft AC penthouse on the Sun was great. No problems like you described. It wasn't noisy either.

 

I take full responsibility for not cancelling my Epic cruise after reading some of the early reviews once the ship started sailing.:o

 

We booked as part of a group that had some real NCL fans before the ship was even launched. Because we were sailing with a group of friends, my significant other didn't want to back out so we concentrated on having a great time. Like we often say, a bad day at sea is better than a good day at work. This time work was looking pretty good!

 

We kept our opinions to ourselves until we had a group lunch on the last sea day and the dam burst. It was like nobody wanted to mention the 800 pound gorilla sitting at the table with us, but once the first negative comment was made - about the poor cabin design - the floodgates opened.

 

It was interesting to note that the other people in our group who had sailed with us on Celebrity and RCCL but never on NCL were the most vocal about the noise, smoke, cabins, slow food service staff, and the feeling of being disconnected from the sea. For the loyal NCL cruisers, it was like they were acting out the story "The Emperor's New Clothes" and everything was just wonderfull.

 

I was disappointed with the cabin design for several reasons but prevalent smoking and music over-amplified are things that NCL staff can control. Hopefully NCL will not repeat their design mistakes on their next new ships.

 

Yep, I take full responsibility for not cancelling when the thought first occurred after reading some of the reviews on the ship once it went into operation.

[iceman2a]

I usually cruise RCCL or Princess, so my expectations may have been too high for my first cruise on NCL and the Epic. Other than the neat water slide - the ship was a huge disappointment. The most exciting part for me was stepping off the ship in Miami at the end of the cruise. The biggies? Here ya go:

I was disappointed when I had to leave!

 

Bad Cabin Design.

Maybe, but it had no impact! I still enjoyed the cruise!

 

Too Loud.

At the "white hot party" but other than that I did not find it loud!

 

Too Smokey.

I could see that someone with an "ultra" sensitivity to 2nd hand smoke would have a problem walking thru the casino, but not on decks 5 or 7!

 

And, they DON'T CARE. This was my first cruise where there was no form for customer feedback provided. That left me with the impression that they don't care.

 

I need to send letters of apology to RCCL and Princess for forsaking them in order to cruise on the Epic and hope that they'll let me come back to ships where I can hear, breathe, shave without splashing water everywhere and bumping my head, and take a nice BM without announcing every movement to my travelling companion. :D

 

You are not completely wrong but have OVER EGSARGERATED the problems and to let those things ruin your cruise tells us more about you than the ship!

[RaMar]

After researching the Epic and reading most reviews, this ship is not for us. But I have truly enjoyed other NCL ships and I am looking forward to my next cruise on the Sun. Sorry that you had such an unpleasant experience.

[ChevyCruiser]

After researching the Epic and reading most reviews, this ship is not for us. But I have truly enjoyed other NCL ships and I am looking forward to my next cruise on the Sun. Sorry that you had such an unpleasant experience.

 

 

Thanks. My significant other thinks we should try a "regular" NCL ship sometime, so maybe we will. I'm sure our experience will be totally different.

[PokerDave]

Chevy, why couldn't you have made some positive suggestions like you did these for the entire Solstice class of Celebrity ships?

 

Quoting Chevy:

 

Based on my experience, here's a list of things to pack for your Solstice cruise to make it more enjoyable/tolerable ;):

 

Earplugs - for the production shows because the volume is too loud:eek:

 

Folding Lawn Chair - because the Hotel Director does nothing to control Chair Hogs:mad:.

 

Golf Umbrella for Shade - because the Cabana Hogs will ensure you never have a shot at getting one:mad:.

 

Cafeteria Tray - because they are not provided at the buffet.

 

Leaf Blower (aft cabins only) - to blow the soot off your balcony in the morning before you sit on your balcony chairs.

 

Electric Shaver (men) - because the sink design prevents you from splashing water on your face to shave:eek:.

 

Stepladder - to reach the overhead storage cubby:eek:.

 

Nose Clips - for the sewer smells that occur at odd places all over the ship.

[RaMar]

Thanks. My significant other thinks we should try a "regular" NCL ship sometime, so maybe we will. I'm sure our experience will be totally different.

 

We've been on the Gem, Spirit, & Dawn more than once and really enjoyed it. My partner and I both agree that the Epic is way too big and we'll stick with "regular ships".

[intrepid_guy]

Chevy, why couldn't you have made some positive suggestions like you did these for the entire Solstice class of Celebrity ships?

 

Quoting Chevy:

 

Based on my experience, here's a list of things to pack for your Solstice cruise to make it more enjoyable/tolerable ;):

 

Earplugs - for the production shows because the volume is too loud:eek:

 

Folding Lawn Chair - because the Hotel Director does nothing to control Chair Hogs:mad:.

 

Golf Umbrella for Shade - because the Cabana Hogs will ensure you never have a shot at getting one:mad:.

 

Cafeteria Tray - because they are not provided at the buffet.

 

Leaf Blower (aft cabins only) - to blow the soot off your balcony in the morning before you sit on your balcony chairs.

 

Electric Shaver (men) - because the sink design prevents you from splashing water on your face to shave:eek:.

 

Stepladder - to reach the overhead storage cubby:eek:.

 

Nose Clips - for the sewer smells that occur at odd places all over the ship.

 

Hmmmm... VERY interesting Dave... sheds new light on this "review" doesn't it?

 

~Intrepid <-- wonder if this is a fact or opinion, and if anyone will butt in to tell me.

[ChevyCruiser]

Chevy, why couldn't you have made some positive suggestions like you did these for the entire Solstice class of Celebrity ships?

.

 

You're right Dave. I should've taken the more positive approach with my Epic comments. Funny thing was, some of our group had also sailed on the Solstice and had similar experiences there. Maybe it's endemic of the new ships that they turn the designers loose without thoughts of how things might really work.

 

Our first experience on the Solstice was our last since we did not like the ship at all - but we continue to sail on Celebrety's other ships becasue they are "regular" ships.

 

Our first experience on the Epic will be our last since we did not like the ship - but we MAY try other NCL ships.

 

Thanks for your observation.

[Joanne G.]

I'm not sure why folks think there is no privacy with the bathroom layout. There is a privacy curtain in addition to the translucent door in the balcony cabins which provide complete and total privacy. I'm baffled at why folks seem to forget that aspect of the layout.

 

Perhaps, like me, people haven't forgotten about the privacy curtain, but rather feel the curtain blocks off too big a chunk of a cabin that doesn't appear overly spacious in the first place. And it doesn't block off the bathroom facilites from the entry way, which creates a potential privacy issue one doesn't have with a traditional bathroom. Lastly, while I have not been on the Epic, I would expect the curtain doesn't contain light and noise as well as a door does.

 

It's good to hear many cruisers like or even love the arrangement. But some of us don't feel a curtain gives us the same effect as the traditional bathroom arrangment we prefer.

[jmcdon7230]

... Lastly, while I have not been on the Epic, I would expect the curtain doesn't contain light and noise as well as a door does.....

 

Oh,Oh. Not a fact or an opinion, but an assumption. Perhaps an expectation. I'm not sure.....and that's a fact. ;)

[newmexicoNita]

I usually cruise RCCL or Princess, so my expectations may have been too high for my first cruise on NCL and the Epic. Other than the neat water slide - the ship was a huge disappointment. The most exciting part for me was stepping off the ship in Miami at the end of the cruise. The biggies? Here ya go:

 

Bad Cabin Design. Want a taste of what it's like to cruise on the Epic? Sleep in your bathroom for a week and see how it works when your partner uses the toilet in the middle of the night! I hope that before NCL builds any more ships, they have their cabin designers spend a week with another person in a standard balcony cabin on the Epic. The toilet flushes with a explosive roar that will wake the dead. The sink on the counter in the cabin is next to impossible to use to shave - so bring your elecrtric razor or start a beard before the cruise.

 

Too Loud. Every locatioin with amplified music/singing has the volume control set beyond 10 to "pain". Either NCL owns shares in a hearing aid company or they are covering up otherwise mediocre performances with sound that is so loud it distorts. Bring your ear plugs or risk damaging your hearing!

 

Too Smokey. With the all-smoking casino in the middle of the decks 5, 6, and 7 public spaces, it is tough to avoid second-hand smoke. Even when dining in Taste on deck 5 we were subjected to smoke from the casino above. Open pool decks were not much better since smokers were allowed to light up everywhere. Since many of the bars, shopping, and dining venues are in a contiguous space with the casino, we avoided those areas - and as a result spent next to nothing in the casino, optional dining venues, or shopping. If you are a chain smoker, you'll love the Epic!

 

And, they DON'T CARE. This was my first cruise where there was no form for customer feedback provided. That left me with the impression that they don't care.

 

I need to send letters of apology to RCCL and Princess for forsaking them in order to cruise on the Epic and hope that they'll let me come back to ships where I can hear, breathe, shave without splashing water everywhere and bumping my head, and take a nice BM without announcing every movement to my travelling companion. :D

 

and your rant is totally unneccessary. With the right research you would have known about the cabin designs. They have been discussed for the past 2 years on this and other threads. As for customer feed back, this is only partially true. NCL has gone with internet surveys which are more detailed. Personally I prefer this to the olden days of a little foldup questionaire provided the day prior to the end of the cruise, but that is a personal preference.

 

No line is perfect for everyone, obviously NCL and the Epic isn't for you. By the way, again with proper research you would have realized the Epic is a very different ship and a different concept. It is for a special type of cruiser, not your type obviously.

 

Nita

[jswdlw]

Chevy, why couldn't you have made some positive suggestions like you did these for the entire Solstice class of Celebrity ships?

 

Quoting Chevy:

 

Based on my experience, here's a list of things to pack for your Solstice cruise to make it more enjoyable/tolerable ;):

 

Earplugs - for the production shows because the volume is too loud:eek:

 

Folding Lawn Chair - because the Hotel Director does nothing to control Chair Hogs:mad:.

 

Golf Umbrella for Shade - because the Cabana Hogs will ensure you never have a shot at getting one:mad:.

 

Cafeteria Tray - because they are not provided at the buffet.

 

Leaf Blower (aft cabins only) - to blow the soot off your balcony in the morning before you sit on your balcony chairs.

 

Electric Shaver (men) - because the sink design prevents you from splashing water on your face to shave:eek:.

 

Stepladder - to reach the overhead storage cubby:eek:.

 

Nose Clips - for the sewer smells that occur at odd places all over the ship.

 

And yet you are sailing again in December.. Must not had been that bad.

[coffeebean]

I agree with the OP about one thing...the over amplified loud music on the pool deck is not necessary. It was actually not pleasant. The OP is not exagerating about this problem. Now, I wish I had reported that to the proper person...the Hotel Director. At our Cruise Critic M&G, we received a card which listed several officers names and phone numbers. Should have used it.

 

If I get an email survey from NCL, I will surely mention the loud music just about everywhere on the ship but it is the worst on the pool deck.

[coffeebean]

Perhaps, like me, people haven't forgotten about the privacy curtain, but rather feel the curtain blocks off too big a chunk of a cabin that doesn't appear overly spacious in the first place. And it doesn't block off the bathroom facilites from the entry way, which creates a potential privacy issue one doesn't have with a traditional bathroom. Lastly, while I have not been on the Epic, I would expect the curtain doesn't contain light and noise as well as a door does.

 

It's good to hear many cruisers like or even love the arrangement. But some of us don't feel a curtain gives us the same effect as the traditional bathroom arrangement we prefer.

There is a translucent door and a curtain. If you use both, there is total privacy. Yes, the standard cabins are narrow but using the curtain for how ever long it takes for you to have your privacy should not be an issue. The curtain is not there to be kept pulled all the time. Personally, I never dry off in ship bathrooms anyway. There is way too much steam and a confined space. I always step out of the bathroom into the the main cabin to dry off and I usually wind up right in front of the entry door. That has never been a problem for me in the past on other ships and it wasn't a problem for me on Epic.

 

I often wonder what folks do in public restrooms when a total stranger is next to you in a stall with walls that do not go from ceiling to floor. Yikes....how do you tinkle, pass gas or poop??? Everyone tinkles, passes gas and poops. If you didn't, you would be an extremely unhappy camper. Why worry about the noise of normal bodily functions??? I just don't get it folks.

 

As for odors infiltrating the main cabin....I brought a small can of Ozium spray. Worked like a charm to neutralize any odors. The tiny can of Ozium can be purchased in an auto parts store.

[Jerseyboy1]

I often wonder what folks do in public restrooms when a total stranger is next to you in a stall with walls that do not go from ceiling to floor. Yikes....how do you tinkle, pass gas or poop??? Everyone tinkles, passes gas and poops. If you didn't, you would be an extremely unhappy camper. Why worry about the noise of normal bodily functions??? I just don't get it folks.

 

As for odors infiltrating the main cabin....I brought a small can of Ozium spray. Worked like a charm to neutralize any odors. The tiny can of Ozium can be purchased in an auto parts store.

 

Coffeebean.....I see your points, but you would probably admit that most people hate using public bathrooms....no?

 

If that is indeed the case, then I don't know why anyone would want to welcome those aspects of public bathrooms that many detest (lack of privacy, sound, odor etc..) into their living space that they are stuck in for seven days and pay good money to do so.

 

I realise that this isn't a problem for some, but it is for others and will continue to be so whether the bathroom door is opaque, translucent, clear, glass block, faux brick....whatever.

 

Some people just don't think that the bathroom door on the Epic is a sufficient enough barrier between them and the rest of the cabin and I don't think that opinion will ever change.

 

By the way, I like your solution for the smell issue. Glad to see you made it work for you.

[sjbdtz]

Some people just don't think that the bathroom door on the Epic is a sufficient enough barrier between them and the rest of the cabin and I don't think that opinion will ever change.

 

 

This is what I don't understand:

 

On most cruiselines (including the Sapphire Princess), the toilet was behind a door, and only 1 door.

 

On EPIC, the toilet is behind a door.

 

 

The only difference is the translucency of the door.

 

 

Unless these same people have been deluding themselves that their sonic contributions are as unnoticeable as their aroma....

[stanmoto98]

To the OP:

 

The idea that "they DON'T CARE" is so ridiculous a statement as to make me wonder if you even attempted to see what avenues were available to make complaints/suggestions. Or did you just brood over your dissatisfaction? Unless the EPIC's crew is unlike any crew on other NCL ships I'm sure any complaint/suggestion would have been duly noted and you would have ended up having a conversation with one of the senior officers at some point.

 

On all NCL ships there are "Dear So & So" forms and a drop box into which you can deposit your concerns. And typical response time is 24-36 hours. They may not be able to resolve a particular issue for you but someone will at least contact you to discuss.

 

We have sailed RCCL, Princess, and NCL. Each and every ship has "issues" that someone can find fault with if they deem it important enough. NCL, in my opinion, has been the most responsive to "issues" when they have arisen for us.

 

Despite some of the negative commentary, we will be on the Epic on the westbound transatlantic next October. Hopefully some of the issues raised by recent passengers will be addressed. But we will wait until we sail her before we pay to much attention to what others are saying.

[4texans4]

This thread is a perfect example of how mean and nasty people can get on here. If I am not mistaken, this forum is for researching, investigating, and learning about what is offered "cruise wise". Opinions are just that....opinions. If you are typing something that you would not say to someone's face, it probably shouldn't be typed. I would get defensive if someone said something derogatory about my children, but a boat? Seriously? Thank you Chevy for posting your experience on the Epic! To preface the tidal wave of hostility that I am sure is heading my way, yes, I guess I am just too sensitive.... and I too need to learn to keep my mouth shut! Have a good day everyone!! :D <><

[brfan]

I agree with the OP about one thing...the over amplified loud music on the pool deck is not necessary. It was actually not pleasant. The OP is not exagerating about this problem. Now, I wish I had reported that to the proper person...the Hotel Director. At our Cruise Critic M&G, we received a card which listed several officers names and phone numbers. Should have used it.

 

If I get an email survey from NCL, I will surely mention the loud music just about everywhere on the ship but it is the worst on the pool deck.

 

I did the online evaluation and unfortunately there was no place that I saw that you could put miscellanous comments. The only spot for comments was if you wished to mention any crew members who made the cruise special. I feel the lack of space for other comments is something that should be added to the questionnaire.

[CanadianTwosome]

I take full responsibility for not cancelling my Epic cruise after reading some of the early reviews once the ship started sailing.:o

 

We booked as part of a group that had some real NCL fans before the ship was even launched. Because we were sailing with a group of friends, my significant other didn't want to back out so we concentrated on having a great time. Like we often say, a bad day at sea is better than a good day at work. This time work was looking pretty good!

 

We kept our opinions to ourselves until we had a group lunch on the last sea day and the dam burst. It was like nobody wanted to mention the 800 pound gorilla sitting at the table with us, but once the first negative comment was made - about the poor cabin design - the floodgates opened.

 

It was interesting to note that the other people in our group who had sailed with us on Celebrity and RCCL but never on NCL were the most vocal about the noise, smoke, cabins, slow food service staff, and the feeling of being disconnected from the sea. For the loyal NCL cruisers, it was like they were acting out the story "The Emperor's New Clothes" and everything was just wonderfull.

 

I was disappointed with the cabin design for several reasons but prevalent smoking and music over-amplified are things that NCL staff can control. Hopefully NCL will not repeat their design mistakes on their next new ships.

 

Yep, I take full responsibility for not cancelling when the thought first occurred after reading some of the reviews on the ship once it went into operation.

 

I think this is a common misconception among naysayers - and people who use the words 'cheerleader' here. Because YOU dislike something about a ship, it seems inconceivable than anyone could possibly feel differently - and so they must be somehow either pretending they like something they don't, or brainwashed into thinking they like something they don't.

 

To me, this idea is completely egotistical. Basically, it's saying that the person with the negative opinion is absolutely right and everyone in the world must therefore agree with them, even if they refuse to be honest and admit it. How ridiculous.

 

I'm so tired of this recycled concept that anything anyone says that is negative is honest, true, factual, or otherwise somehow more genuine than anything positive. People need to climb down off their high horses and realize that their opinion is just THEIRS. Assuming that when someone shares a differing opinion it can't possibly be their honest, informed, and unbiased opinion is ludicrous - IN MY OPINION.

 

FACTS are measurable and able to be supported by clear and inarguable evidence. When I say, 'My bedspread is blue,' this is a fact.

 

OPINIONS are based on our personal life experience, our outlook, our feelings, our individual senses, and a whole assortment of other opinions. When I say, 'My bedspread is soft,' this is an opinion.

 

To clarify, the first statement is a simple observation about the colour of the article; some may interject that the 'blue' is more 'aqua' or 'mauve', but nobody is going to say that it's orange. The second statement is an observation based on how the article FEELS, and will be affected by my sense of touch, how 'soft' something has to be before I personally consider it so, and what aspect of the bedspread I am referring to. While I expect everyone who looks at the bedspread to agree that it is some shade of blue, I expect each individual to have their own opinion regarding how 'soft' it is.

 

The vast majority of what is said on these boards is opinion, and so the likelihood that everyone is going to agree is nil. Expect it, accept it, and discuss it, but please, can we stop presuming that people are just somehow 'pretending' to have different opinions?

[Zeno]

I think this is a common misconception among naysayers - and people who use the words 'cheerleader' here. Because YOU dislike something about a ship, it seems inconceivable than anyone could possibly feel differently - and so they must be somehow either pretending they like something they don't, or brainwashed into thinking they like something they don't.

 

To me, this idea is completely egotistical. Basically, it's saying that the person with the negative opinion is absolutely right and everyone in the world must therefore agree with them, even if they refuse to be honest and admit it. How ridiculous.

 

I'm so tired of this recycled concept that anything anyone says that is negative is honest, true, factual, or otherwise somehow more genuine than anything positive. People need to climb down off their high horses and realize that their opinion is just THEIRS. Assuming that when someone shares a differing opinion it can't possibly be their honest, informed, and unbiased opinion is ludicrous - IN MY OPINION.

 

FACTS are measurable and able to be supported by clear and inarguable evidence. When I say, 'My bedspread is blue,' this is a fact.

 

OPINIONS are based on our personal life experience, our outlook, our feelings, our individual senses, and a whole assortment of other opinions. When I say, 'My bedspread is soft,' this is an opinion.

 

To clarify, the first statement is a simple observation about the colour of the article; some may interject that the 'blue' is more 'aqua' or 'mauve', but nobody is going to say that it's orange. The second statement is an observation based on how the article FEELS, and will be affected by my sense of touch, how 'soft' something has to be before I personally consider it so, and what aspect of the bedspread I am referring to. While I expect everyone who looks at the bedspread to agree that it is some shade of blue, I expect each individual to have their own opinion regarding how 'soft' it is.

 

The vast majority of what is said on these boards is opinion, and so the likelihood that everyone is going to agree is nil. Expect it, accept it, and discuss it, but please, can we stop presuming that people are just somehow 'pretending' to have different opinions?

 

Bravo! I am also tired of people who think their OPINIONS are facts and that anyone who disagrees with their OPINION is pretending, lieing or brainwashed. To paraphrase what you said - by all means - disagree/agree/ be on the fence but be aware that an opinion is an opinion (even your opinion isn't a fact).

"The Epic has cabins" is a FACT. "The Epic has cabins with no washrooms" is a LIE. "The Epic has cabins with crummy washrooms" is an OPINION. The Epic has cabins with great washrooms" is an OPINION.

[caribbeanboy]

One of my cabinmates just came back last wknd from the Epic and he had a studio he grabbed for $462 with all taxes. He told me the following. For the price paid it was good,but not for the current $1000. He had to eat 3 times in specialty b/c mdr food wasn't that good. He said the Spa ($137 extra was amazing) but in the end the RCI/Celebrity product is much better.

[kitsVA]

Maybe the OP hated the idea of going on NCL even before the trip but had to force themselves because the majority preferred NCL in their group. I've seen when this happens usually the people who had other preferences will stop enjoying and instead try to compare with everything they prefer. The entire trip will end up like "Oh, this is much better on RCL, that is classy on Princess, etc".

 

We've done couple of group trips with friends and someone in the group always would hate it as they wanted to go somewhere else than what majority choose.

[tiff123]

This thread is a perfect example of how mean and nasty people can get on here. If I am not mistaken, this forum is for researching, investigating, and learning about what is offered "cruise wise". Opinions are just that....opinions. If you are typing something that you would not say to someone's face, it probably shouldn't be typed. I would get defensive if someone said something derogatory about my children, but a boat? Seriously? Thank you Chevy for posting your experience on the Epic! To preface the tidal wave of hostility that I am sure is heading my way, yes, I guess I am just too sensitive.... and I too need to learn to keep my mouth shut! Have a good day everyone!! :D <><

 

Agree with 4texans! Why anyone feels the need to attack the OP because this person did not "like" the EPIC is beyond me... Could the OP's opinions be spot on or could the OP just have a bad attitude??? Who knows? Everyone is different and every reader of the post will take away a different value from the review....

 

And the name of this site is: cruise critic, where one would expect reviews of cruises, therefore we should welcome everyone's reviews, good or bad and in between. And save flaming and attacking for those people who are nasty about other things - not ships!