Epic suite perks comments

[erdoran]

I realized that the stuff I've been posting sounds like a lot of complaints, so I wanted to post the good stuff, which greatly outweighs any complaints! DH loved the suite life so much that we have already booked our next suite!

 

We sailed Epic Christmas week, with about 4700 pax. A few crew members commented on how capacity is really about 4200 so they were over capacity. The public areas appeared very busy to me, although we were always able to get a table at the buffet when we wanted to eat there, and a late dinner at the Manhattan Room to see Legends Unplugged was no problem!

 

DH is a super picky eater, and he was amazed that the Epic Club was able to get him something he'd eat (spaghetti in plain red sauce!) that wasn't on the menu, while I ordered the fancy stuff I like from the menu. That got them bonus points! We love sitting by the window, and we always had a window table for two.

 

We didn't have to deal with lines for anything - theatre, embarkation or disembarkation - because the concierge would walk us past all the lines. We had to get to the concierge lounge 50 minutes before showtime, and she'd bring all of us into whatever theatre we were going to. No problem!

 

the courtyard was a bit crowded at times, and I'm sure the suites were sold out. Both the area around the pool and the smaller of the two private sundecks were full several times; however, there is a large private sundeck on the bow of the ship on Deck 18, reached through a staircase from the locker rooms or up from the CY gym on Deck 17 - same way as you get to the small private sundeck - with gorgeous views and lots of space. it got a bit windy at times, but was useable for much of our cruise.

 

Having the relatively uncrowded sanctuary of the CY was one of the big reasons we really overspent our budget for a suite, and it was well worth it. Just seeing DH's reaction to the trip and how he's talked about it to his family - this from a guy who hates EVERYTHING - speaks about how good of an experience it is. he's already announced that if we are cruising, this is the only way to go!

 

Oh - and the Epic Club food is superb, both quality and preparation! The filet mignons are perfectly prepared and very tender. Their mini breakfast buffet has the nicest, freshest berries, beautiful prosciutto, as well as the other standard continental breakfast items--but the quality is what really sets it apart.

[metro82]

We are sailing on the Epic Jan 15th, also booked a "spa suite".

This will be our first time on NCL and in a suite.

I just keep reading all the nice things about the suites and I hope we have the same experience.

Is there a Sail Away party at Posh?

We are wondering if the butler will do our airline check-in for our return flight home, or does someone else take care of this.

[Why Knot Me]

We are sailing on the Epic Jan 15th, also booked a "spa suite".

This will be our first time on NCL and in a suite.

I just keep reading all the nice things about the suites and I hope we have the same experience.

Is there a Sail Away party at Posh?

We are wondering if the butler will do our airline check-in for our return flight home, or does someone else take care of this.

 

The concierge might be able to do this for you. Otherwise, go to the internet cafe. Frequently, the cafe manager will allow people to to airline check in from there without a charge.

[metro82]

Thank You. Looking forward to a wonderful time.

[familyof4cruising]

In my opinion the NCL suite perks (especially the Courtyard area) are amazing...the best on the seas.

[garycarla]

...

We are wondering if the butler will do our airline check-in for our return flight home, or does someone else take care of this.

 

For most airlines, there is no reason to do airline checkin, or print boarding passes. For some you do need to checkin at 24 hrs (Southwest), but somebody at home can do that for you.

 

There is usually no reason to print boarding passes. When you check your luggage, you can do that.

[cmdchiefthom]

metro82,

 

NCL, as well as other cruiselines offer a program that for a fee, around $25.00per person, will not only check you in for your return flight, but print your tickets and boarding passes, as well as take your luggage to the airport and check it in so you won't need to touch it until you arrive at your final destination:D. I've used is many times and its well worth the bucks.;) You'll receive the information about the program in your stateroom a couple of days prior to disembarkation, and receive your boarding passes, tickets and baggage tags the day before leave the ship. You just have to clear your bags through customs, tag them, and take them to the baggage trucks directly outside the cruise terminal, and you done with the hassel.

[erdoran]

Metro, you will love, love, love the spa suite! Make sure you get the butler to demonstrate all the tub controls, there's even an underwater light! There IS a sailaway party at Posh, there will be a note in your cabin. There is free champagne and canapes. I had heard something about other drinks free but didn't check into it.

 

Be sure to go right to the Epic Club after boarding, you'll get a tour of the Courtyard area. You may want to get your fill of champagne and canapes BEFORE actual sailaway and go to Couryard sundeck at the bow for sailaway--much less crowded and beautiful front view - or the view from the upper level of Posh is also excellent.

[metro82]

Thanks everyone. Nice to have all the little questions answered, less to think about later:)

[Zimomiller]

In my opinion the NCL suite perks (especially the Courtyard area) are amazing...the best on the seas.

 

Ditto

[hunghua]

Has anyone sailed the Epic in the 2bd Family Suite, Category A-3. We will be on the 1/29 7 Day cruise and would like to have some feedback. This will be our 2nd cruise, the first was last year to Mexico on the Carnival Spirit. We had a great time on the Spirit and were in regular balcony rooms. I have read some very negative reviews and am hoping that we did not make a poor choice in spending our family vacation on this ship. We are a family of 6, children ages 3,7,8, and 15. Thanks for any help you can offer, we are from Southern California.

[TITISSA]

Hi erdoran,

 

I agree that it was nice to be able to skip the long lines to attend the shows. Our butler, Armando, was so wonderful that we didn't even had to go 45 minutes earlier with the concierge. He took us to all the shows himself through secret doors ;).

[TITISSA]

Has anyone sailed the Epic in the 2bd Family Suite, Category A-3. We will be on the 1/29 7 Day cruise and would like to have some feedback. This will be our 2nd cruise, the first was last year to Mexico on the Carnival Spirit. We had a great time on the Spirit and were in regular balcony rooms. I have read some very negative reviews and am hoping that we did not make a poor choice in spending our family vacation on this ship. We are a family of 6, children ages 3,7,8, and 15. Thanks for any help you can offer, we are from Southern California.

 

Hi hunghua,

 

The A3 suite is very nice. The kids bedroom has bunk beds and there is a sofa bed in the living room. The master bathroom has gorgeous views of the ocean. If your cruise is not completely sold out you'll be able to enjoy the courtyard pool and hot tubs. You'll have a concierge and a butler. The Epic club and the Epic Lounge are excellent. If you have a specific question in mind I'll be happy to answer it if I can.

[Luv2cruisewithtwins]

I understand from Erdoran and Titissa that you do not have to wait on any lines to see the shows. You meet the concierge and they escort you to each theatre. Do I need to reserve any tickets before I board? Or do they hold a number of seats for suite passengers? Thanks for your help!

[TITISSA]

I understand from Erdoran and Titissa that you do not have to wait on any lines to see the shows. You meet the concierge and they escort you to each theatre. Do I need to reserve any tickets before I board? Or do they hold a number of seats for suite passengers? Thanks for your help!

 

 

I booked all the shows and restaurants 45 days prior to my cruise on line. Just in case...

[erdoran]

I understand from Erdoran and Titissa that you do not have to wait on any lines to see the shows. You meet the concierge and they escort you to each theatre. Do I need to reserve any tickets before I board? Or do they hold a number of seats for suite passengers? Thanks for your help!

 

Book everything in advance. DH and I were talking to the concierge about switching some reservations and she advised us not to even try, that everything was full--that she can work some magic but at least during our cruise, even she couldn't get us into any of the shows where we didn't have a reservation. This way you at least have something, and if it doesn't work out, ask the concierge to see if she can switch you--if not, you have a reservation!

 

You will meet in the Concierge Lounge 50 mins before showtime and be escorted into the theatre - unless you have Titissa's butler :> who will make other arrangements for you.

[DMH15]

Hi erdoran,

 

I agree that it was nice to be able to skip the long lines to attend the shows. Our butler, Armando, was so wonderful that we didn't even had to go 45 minutes earlier with the concierge. He took us to all the shows himself through secret doors ;).

 

If the Armando that used to be on the Sun, he's the best!

[Luv2cruisewithtwins]

Great!! Thanks, I will book everything 45 days before the cruise. I am thinking of booking The Blue Man Group for the first night of the cruise. I am a party of 6 :: 2 grandparents, 2 kids (9 yrs old) and DH and I. If I have to meet the concierge 50 minutes before, when and where do you recommend we have dinner on the first night? I am planning on doing Cirque the second day. Any other recommendations? Thanks!!

[Luv2cruisewithtwins]

When the concierge brings you to the theaters early, can you sit anywhere you want or is there reserved seating for suite passengers? Will we get better seats at that Slime Time Live show being a suite passenger or regular seats without waiting on the lines? There are so many different theaters and shows, I am a bit confused on pre ordering the tickets. Thanks for your help.

[erdoran]

When the concierge brings you to the theaters early, can you sit anywhere you want or is there reserved seating for suite passengers? Will we get better seats at that Slime Time Live show being a suite passenger or regular seats without waiting on the lines? There are so many different theaters and shows, I am a bit confused on pre ordering the tickets. Thanks for your help.

I wouldn't do too much first night, you will just be getting oriented! However - have dinner in the Epic Club and just tell the waitstaff that you need to be done by whatever time, and you will be! I think DH and I allowed 45 mins to an hour for dinner and it was more than enough.

 

No reserved seating, but you are first in the venue and have your pick of seats! for circque, buy the less expensive tickets and sit upstairs, that seems to be the consensus here. I didn't do the Nickelodeon thing so can't help you out with that one.

 

It's hard to keep track of all the shows and tickets. It might be helpful to see if there is a schedule of who is on when to print out. For me the "don't miss" stuff was Blue Man, Legends (both concert & unplugged), Howl, comedy magician, Le Cirque, Second City, and probably in that order. Your tastes may differ!

[mymollysue]

We are booked in a spa suite for our 5th Anniversary trip in January of 2013. It seems so very far away. I don't know how we are going to wait that long after reading about all of the wonderful suite amenities.

[sidders79]

Hi,

 

We are also booked in the spa suite for a back to back cruise sailing on 12th feb this year. It is our belated honeymoon and we are glad that you enjoyed the room.

 

Did you use the mandarad spa at all and what were your thoughts? Do you have any idea of the prices for massages or other treatments?

[Us2inFL]

When the concierge brings you to the theaters early, can you sit anywhere you want or is there reserved seating for suite passengers?

 

We were on Epic b-2-b so saw quite a few of the shows twice. First week, Concierge brought us, second week (because of butler change) our new Butler met us at the restaurant we were dining at and walked us to the theater.

 

If the Concierge escorts you down early, you can take any seat you want. If you arrive after the theater is filling up (full etc.) there are two mini boxes with swivel chairs that they will bring you to. The orchestra seats are essential for Blue Man close-up action, boxes are fine for other shows.

[pcreek]

 

You will meet in the Concierge Lounge 50 mins before showtime and be escorted into the theatre - unless you have Titissa's butler :> who will make other arrangements for you.

 

Our butler, Lani - met us at each venue 30 min. prior to show time..she wanted to meet us at our cabin, but we were never there.. more convenient to meet her at the venue.

We only thought she was the escort, as we were in spa suite - other end of ship from concierge lounge?

[sidders79]

Hi all, We are staying in a Spa Suite and I was thinking about doing one of the Honeymoon Packages. Do you think either is worth the fee? We are interested in Le-Bistro and having massages anyway.

504 Honeymoon/Anniversary Package…………….$135.00

· Sparkling wine and strawberries in your stateroom upon embarkation.

· Canapes delivered to your stateroom one evening.

· Honeymooner’s champagne and cake party.

· Honeymoon photograph.

· Romantic dinner for two in Le Bistro with a complimentary bottle of wine

 

505 Deluxe Honeymoon Package…………........…..$229.00

· Sparkling wine and strawberries in your stateroom upon embarkation.

· Canapes delivered to your stateroom one evening.

· Honeymooner’s champagne and cake party.

· Honeymoon photograph.

· Romantic dinner for two in Le Bistro with a complimentary bottle of wine.

· Breakfast in bed on one day of your choice.

· Two 25 minute Mandara Spa half body Seven Seas Massages