Epic Review 1/15 to 1/29

[toomuchluggage]

1) While the ship is large it is well laid out and easy to maneuver, loved it overall.

 

2) Balcony cabin we were in 9290. In short the cabin’s are a deal breaker when it comes to the beds as we are 6'0 and partner is 6'2. Plus the space to pass by is barely negotiable and we are both small frame, we weigh 170 and partner 140 lbs. Just for comparison!

While I had read that there was lots of storage space, they maybe be correct when it comes to the female but for the men to have to squish their tops and shorts into a 10 to12" depth drawer is pretty tight. What we missed in drawers was gained in hanging space but lacking the specialized hangers.

NOTE: make sure when picking cabin the bed is located by the balcony door for ease of getting around.

 

3) Casino smoke is still unacceptable even with about 100 purifiers located throughout. We also saw just about every night under aged kids gambling both machines and tables. Brought it to the attention of a couple floor mgr’s. throughout our cruise and also know that its hard to police due to size of casino.

 

4) While we have always been happy and found the hospitality through out NCL ships to be very good we felt that the Epic staff was at least 30% better in all area’s from housekeeping, café staff both on the floor and behind the counters to the specialty restaurants which we ate in every night. Maybe it’s because they are still on a high with the ship being new to them. But whatever the reason hat’s off to them.

We also found management and director’s to be more visible and approached us on numerous occasions while out and about, not something we expect but certainly did enjoy. We also found them cleaning tables in Le Bistro which I believe goes along way when the staff see this.

A special mention to Sean Wurmhoeringer Hotel Director, Schagerl Christian Restaurant Manager and Mohammad Hasan Food and Beverage Directer. Three of the best in the NCL fleet.

 

5)Garden Café food we found to be 20/30% better from presentation, freshness and flavor especially the curries at lunch. The layout of café food stations was extremely good. As was the seating area’s both inside and out. Never had problem getting seating.

 

6) Speciality Restaurants were all just outstanding from food to service to decor. We ate at Shanghai, LeBistro, La Cucina, O’Sheehan’s, Cagney’s and of course Moderno, what a great addition and the” to die for salad bar” which I believe should be offered on it’s own, not only for the vegetarians but for those that just want a non meat meal for a change. I’m glad to hear that it’s being rolled out to other ships.

Also a special mention to the over haul of the Italian Restaurant decor is just outstanding when compared to other NCL ships.

 

7) Chair hog situation needs to be dealt as it’s just out of control on the Epic and saw many verbal confrontations, the staff are just non confrontational when it comes to this issue.

Posh Lounge is worth every penny! $59.99 pp per week, we purchased on second week. There are chair hogs there as well but it's easily dealt with as the bar is located in the middle. There are no kids allowed in this area and we did see bar staff confronting a woman who was trying to use the area with her child in hand.

 

8) Entertainment, the line ups of up to an hour are just unacceptable especially when reservations have been made. Cirque was great and the food was good but not sure there are that many that are keen on fish, just my opinion! Blue Man we had seen some 10/12 years ago but was still good to see again although don’t think I would have paid to see it if there had been a charge.

“Fat Cats” was great but can only take so much of it.

“Howl at the Moon” did not enjoy, thought it was sloppy yet I know it has been well received.

“Jeff Hobson” was very good and so was the Greek couple that were singing in the Atrium.

Game shows were as expected, good for a laugh.

“Second City” we have never enjoyed on any of the ships.

Legends show held in the Manhattan room at 9:30 is a joke as there is such a line up yet so little seating and then when we did get seated by a waiter that dragged empty chairs from other tables then placed them in front of other tables we almost got lynched by a table we were blocking that had been there for dinner, in short we left in order to avoid confrontation.

 

9) Ice Bar we didn't take part in being from Canada we don't need to pay to see ice and drink vodka.

 

10) Ports, because we have done these ports so many times we don't get off the ship but rather stay on board and enjoy the quietness of the ship.

With the exception of Costa Maya 1/24 (first time) we did a private beach day with Costa Maya Beach Resort, while the weather was lousy their small beach front was quite nice and set up with chairs, lounges and a bed with straw roof. This resort only accommodates 40/50 people and they set it up so that each party can have their own little area. The best part was that the mexican food was absolutely out of this world and couldn't be beat for freshness and flavor, it's also being cooked in the open kitchen, the drinks were plentiful and not watered down at all.

This is not a party beach with loud blaring music but more for relaxing and doing your own thing. They also have about 20 floating beach chairs and about 8 kayaks included along with taxi there and back. We would definitely do this again.

 

Overall we had a great cruise experience.

 

The best news is that we had gotten off the Epic in Miami, took a shuttle to Fort Lauderdale and boarded our first cruise with Carnival on "Freedom" for the worse cruise experience ever and had that been our first ever cruise we would never have cruised again (20+ cruises with NCL). I will post that review on Carnival in the next day or two and will most likely get lynched.

 

Any questions feel free to ask except for anything to do with Carnival.

[KateH]

Very informative info! Going on Epic next month. What does the $59.99 pp give you in the Posh Lounge? T.Y.

[niiaka]

we never made it to Posh lounge. But I know Svedka Ice Bar is $20 pp and you get 2 shots of vodka for that

[coffeebean]

What is Cirque Dreams serving as the main entree...only fish??? The entree was shrimp and filet of beef when I saw the show in October 2010.

[kerrytens]

Thanks for the review. Very fair!

 

I know you said no Carnival questions but I do have to say that I'm looking forward to reading it:)

[toomuchluggage]

Very informative info! Going on Epic next month. What does the $59.99 pp give you in the Posh Lounge? T.Y.

 

It's a small area with an upper area as well. The top area has lounges with thicks pads, large wicker type compy chairs and a couple of beds with thick pads as well. The lower deck has all of the above as well as clam shell lounges, a large staffed bar and large umbrella's over the chair furniture if you want shade. And all the beach towels you want, no need to take the ones in your room. You can only get to this area via key card pass to use the elevator. Upper and lower area hold approx 100 to 150 ppl.

It's located forward, portside so search for a non windy area.

Purchase your pass at guest services as soon as you board as they limit how many are sold.

[toomuchluggage]

What is Cirque Dreams serving as the main entree...only fish??? The entree was shrimp and filet of beef when I saw the show in October 2010.

 

Yes you are correct, there was beef, shrimp and a square hunk of what I thought was potato but is was actually some sort of white fish with no flavor but then I find most white fish has little to no flavor.

 

The portion was on the small side but perfectly ok for us as we are not big eaters.

[toomuchluggage]

we never made it to Posh lounge. But I know Svedka Ice Bar is $20 pp and you get 2 shots of vodka for that

 

 

Posh lounge is an out door area for sunning. They only started selling passes I think in the last couple months as it use to be exclusive to spa suites and up.

[erdoran]

How crowded was Posh? I'm a ticked-off spa suite passenger - when I booked Posh was suites-only, but when I sailed they were selling passes, and Posh was so crowded that DH and I weren't able to find a chair! NCL was even selling passes to towels, sunglasses, cigars, shoes & books!:> Random chairs were also designated as "cigar bars" by their occupants, and were generous enough to perfume the air around them, just in case anyone was tired of breathing fresh sea air.

 

nothing against anyone who buys a pass, you have every right to buy whatever is being sold, but it ended up being unfair to the suit pax, who were sold Posh as "suites only" and who pay a great deal extra to avoid crowds--and then were crowded out of this "suites-only" area.

 

 

I had heard that there was a problem with people sneaking in without a pass during our sailing and that NCL has cracked down, so I'm hoping that things have improved. What did you find?

[klingoncruiser]

Thanks for the nice review.

[toomuchluggage]

Thanks for the review. Very fair!

 

I know you said no Carnival questions but I do have to say that I'm looking forward to reading it:)

 

FYI I have just posted my review on carnival board.

[kerrytens]

FYI I have just posted my review on carnival board.

Thanks, going to look now!

[jmcdon7230]

Yes you are correct, there was beef, shrimp and a square hunk of what I thought was potato but is was actually some sort of white fish with no flavor but then I find most white fish has little to no flavor.

 

The portion was on the small side but perfectly ok for us as we are not big eaters.

 

The menu lists the white square hunk as "Cheesy Gratin Potatoes".

[toomuchluggage]

How crowded was Posh? I'm a ticked-off spa suite passenger - when I booked Posh was suites-only, but when I sailed they were selling passes, and Posh was so crowded that DH and I weren't able to find a chair! NCL was even selling passes to towels, sunglasses, cigars, shoes & books!:> Random chairs were also designated as "cigar bars" by their occupants, and were generous enough to perfume the air around them, just in case anyone was tired of breathing fresh sea air.

 

nothing against anyone who buys a pass, you have every right to buy whatever is being sold, but it ended up being unfair to the suit pax, who were sold Posh as "suites only" and who pay a great deal extra to avoid crowds--and then were crowded out of this "suites-only" area.

 

 

I had heard that there was a problem with people sneaking in without a pass during our sailing and that NCL has cracked down, so I'm hoping that things have improved. What did you find?

 

There was no problem getting a lounge but we are always out sunning by 8 or 8:30. It was never full but we did see chair hogs but never saw it as an issue and trust me I would have pursued it if I had to.

I also bet it was a problem in the afternoons but we were always gone by latest 1 pm.

Your comment about it being exclusive to suites I would normally agree but when I looked over the wall at the villas outdoor area I rarely saw anyone out there except for a father with his kid in the jacuzzi.

 

I also have to comment that we got an invite to go to dinner in the suites only restaurant which by the way is absolutely beautiful both inside and the bar area just outside, but the dining room at 8 pm had maybe 6 to 8 tables occupied.

 

As for people sneaking in we saw it a couple times when folks got on the elevators with others who had access (is my guess) unless those that were legit were bringing them in and playing dumb but they were always turned away as was a woman trying to get in with her kid. When they sell the pass you are given a rubber wrist band as well as elevator card. I hate wearing wrist bands so we just put them on our bags after first day they never asked but the staff could see the bands. They also change colors week to week.

 

Sorry but I don't know what your talking about re selling passes to towels sunglasses etc.\

 

Yes I would have to agree that the smoking rules are not enforced in any way shape or form, it's much like the chair hogs and the staff are just non confrontational.

We did have a bunch (5 ppl) smoking next to us at Posh so the next morning we just got there at our usual time but parked our butts (pardon the pun) down in the middle two lounges and that stopped them from laying near us.

I will also say that smoking on carnival was far far worse than anything I've experienced with NCL.

[toomuchluggage]

The menu lists the white square hunk as "Cheesy Gratin Potatoes".

 

That's too funny because I told my partner that it was potato but it separated more like fish so I thought it was tasteless fish, it certainly didn't taste chessy nor look cheesy let alone look like potato.

 

But what your saying makes sense why would they serve two types of fish so thanks for that!

[NengEuis]

Thanks for taking the time to write a review. :)

[WonderMan3]

We also saw just about every night under aged kids gambling both machines and tables. Brought it to the attention of a couple floor mgr’s. throughout our cruise and also know that its hard to police due to size of casino.

 

 

I was on the same time you were from 1/15 to 1/22 and noticed the same issue with kids in the casino. I mean there was one night I watched a father plop his aproximately 5 year old son down at a slot machine and had him play the game while the rest of the family stood next to the machine and chatted. It was ridiculous. And I saw a number of age questionable young people (they looked maybe 14-16 years old) playing slots.

[erdoran]

There was no problem getting a lounge but we are always out sunning by 8 or 8:30. It was never full but we did see chair hogs but never saw it as an issue and trust me I would have pursued it if I had to.

I also bet it was a problem in the afternoons but we were always gone by latest 1 pm.

Your comment about it being exclusive to suites I would normally agree but when I looked over the wall at the villas outdoor area I rarely saw anyone out there except for a father with his kid in the jacuzzi.

 

I also have to comment that we got an invite to go to dinner in the suites only restaurant which by the way is absolutely beautiful both inside and the bar area just outside, but the dining room at 8 pm had maybe 6 to 8 tables occupied.

 

As for people sneaking in we saw it a couple times when folks got on the elevators with others who had access (is my guess) unless those that were legit were bringing them in and playing dumb but they were always turned away as was a woman trying to get in with her kid. When they sell the pass you are given a rubber wrist band as well as elevator card. I hate wearing wrist bands so we just put them on our bags after first day they never asked but the staff could see the bands. They also change colors week to week.

 

Sorry but I don't know what your talking about re selling passes to towels sunglasses etc.\

 

Yes I would have to agree that the smoking rules are not enforced in any way shape or form, it's much like the chair hogs and the staff are just non confrontational.

We did have a bunch (5 ppl) smoking next to us at Posh so the next morning we just got there at our usual time but parked our butts (pardon the pun) down in the middle two lounges and that stopped them from laying near us.

I will also say that smoking on carnival was far far worse than anything I've experienced with NCL.

 

Thanks for the update. My cruise was Christmas week, the ship was oversold, and every venue was really crowded INCLUDING the outdoor villas area (courtyard) you noted as being empty. The suites had been sold out for a long time and room occupancy must have been higher with lots of kids. My beef was with NCL for continuing to sell (presumably) the full allotment of Posh passes in spite of knowing how high suite occupancy was, so not keeping Posh as a kidfree overflow area for those who had paid $$$$$$ for it already. And your comment about how you can see how it would be crowded by 1 or 1:30 confirms IMHO that NCL continues to oversell passes, especially in view of the fact that the courtyard wasn't crowded--sounds likely that Posh WAS crowded with passholders, not suite pax.

 

Selling passes to sunglasses, towels & books - I was being snarky about chair hogs - the mindset is if a book, towel, sunglasses etc is occupying a chair then it must have bought a pass :>

 

Thanks for the report. I had been hopeful that NCL had heard the complaints on the board. To some extent they have, at least as far as monitoring for people who sneak in. I hope that they next use their common sense and manage the number of additional passes they sell based on suite pax count, so sell fewer on high occupancy weeks.

 

Again, this isn't directed at any Posh passholder! Once you have bought your pass you have as much right to be in Posh as any suite pax (unless you are an obnoxious, LOUD cigar smoker like the ones on my cruise, they belong overboard :>); my issue is with the number NCL sells.

[toomuchluggage]

Selling passes to sunglasses, towels & books - I was being snarky about chair hogs - the mindset is if a book, towel, sunglasses etc is occupying a chair then it must have bought a pass :>

LOL I got it

 

Again, this isn't directed at any Posh passholder! Once you have bought your pass you have as much right to be in Posh as any suite pax (unless you are an obnoxious, LOUD cigar smoker like the ones on my cruise, they belong overboard :>); my issue is with the number NCL sells.

 

I have to agree! Cigar smoke has to be the worse as is loud and obnoxious folks. But I must say we found the area to be quite quiet on our cruise

[KateH]

How did you know about these passes to the Posh Lounge? Was that something that was advertised once you boarded the ship?

[JohnIreland]

Excellent review , thanks.

[Mary Ellen]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[erdoran]

There's an interesting discussion going on about how Posh shows on the deck plans at the very front of the ship. From your description it sounds like Posh is where it always has been, on Deck 18 directly accessed by the round glass elevator outside the buffet. The location on the deck plans is the very, very front of the ship, a large area away from the regular pool. The "regular" location is towards the front of the ship on the port (lefthand) side above the Garden Cafe, with two levels, and a bar in the middle of the lower level. Which is correct?

[woody73]

Thanks for the insightful review.

 

Woody

[toomuchluggage]

How did you know about these passes to the Posh Lounge? Was that something that was advertised once you boarded the ship?

 

I read about here on CC shorty before we left 1/14 but had forgotten about it.

But when we boarded the ship we decided to check out the spa pkg and soon realized that there was only about 4/5 lounges in the spa area that would get little to no sun. When I ask the spa mgr. about that he agreed but mentioned the Posh lounge but didn't really know much about it so he made a call, got us the info and told us that we could get more info and purchase at the guest services counter.