Norwegian Epic vs Celebrity Eclipse.... Help!

[fireygrl1]

Hi All,

 

I was hoping that some cruise savvy individual might be able to help me with a dilemma. My husband and I decided on a whim to book a cruise for April 2nd, 2011. We booked our airfare and before we got the chance to book our cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse, my husband came across the sailing of the Norwegian Epic on the same day (to the same ports of call). I know the ships are two completely different animals.... Epic probably has way more to do entertainment and food wise but Eclipse might be more relaxing?

 

What's the story with getting lounge chairs and how about kids running around?

 

Trying to make an informed decision! Having never been on either ship it's really hard!!!

 

 

Please help.....

 

P.S. We want to book today (no pressure!)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi All,

 

I was hoping that some cruise savvy individual might be able to help me with a dilemma. My husband and I decided on a whim to book a cruise for April 2nd, 2011. We booked our airfare and before we got the chance to book our cruise on the Celebrity Eclipse, my husband came across the sailing of the Norwegian Epic on the same day (to the same ports of call). I know the ships are two completely different animals.... Epic probably has way more to do entertainment and food wise but Eclipse might be more relaxing?

 

What's the story with getting lounge chairs and how about kids running around?

 

Trying to make an informed decision! Having never been on either ship it's really hard!!!

 

 

Please help.....

 

P.S. We want to book today (no pressure!)

 

What has been your cruise experience -- have you sailed either line before?

 

They are two totally different cruises. We loved the Solstice, but found much more to do on the Epic. I made a point to re-book it as soon as I could. We will again sail on a Solstice class ship, but did not feel the need to go back for a second "fix" quite as soon!

 

Solstice class ship = more refined and relaxing.

Epic = enough to keep you busy the entire week if you like! (forget the ports, LOL)

 

Tom

[K&M2009]

My vote is for the Epic :cool:, however I am a little biased as my wife and I are going on it at the end of April. We're both 24 years old to give you a reference point.

 

I just did a little research on the Eclipse. It looks very nice (and new), but it seems like the Epic would be more fun. The Eclipse seems more laid back but maybe not as much to do. That's just my take. Would you rather lounge in the "Lawn Club" on the Eclipse (from Celebrity website: "There's absolutely nothing like it. A freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck of Celebrity Eclipse. This is The Lawn Club. Enjoy casual outdoor activities in a decidedly Country Club atmosphere, and let the grass between your toes take you places no cruise has gone before.") or go see Blue Man Group and go down a waterpark slide on a ship? For me, the answer is easy :)

[Friend100]

What's your preference? Activity, food, spa, waterslide, entertainment??? Are you considering the same type of cabin? Maybe a bit more info will be helpful.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I guess we were too slow in replying... (Eclipse roll call from 2:22 today):

 

Hi All,

 

My name is Erica and my husband and I literally booked our April 2nd cruise on the Eclipse about 5 minutes ago! Super excited. Met up with a bunch of people on our last trip through cruise critic. Had a blast, still chat with one. Hope to meet up with you all in 18 days! Super excited!!!!

 

 

Btw.... We are from New York.... Erica (30) and Jason (33) For the roll call :-)

 

 

 

Tom

[Cruising from Delaware]

Guess they did book - We took a back to back in February - Epic the first week and Eclipse the second week. You have more square footage in the inside cabins on the Eclipse, way fewer PA announcements and a more relaxed atmosphere - the food is very good on the Eclipse. The Epic had a great Garden Cafe, Blue Man group and 2nd City but it was not a traditional cruise experience. I think younger folks and first time cruisers will like the Epic. Slightly older folks and those who want to relax will enjoy the Eclipse.

[fireygrl1]

Hi Everyone,

 

 

Just wanted to say Thank you for your time and input! We ended up booking the Eclipse because we were looking mainly for relaxation. This trip was spur of the moment because my husband and I are so stressed out at work!

 

I think my husband was also swayed by the cabin size. He's a tall guy and every inch of space matters. We did a concierge class balcony which is much bigger than the size room we'd have on Epic.

 

 

Again, thank you so much for the input. I truly appreciate you guys taking the time out to help a stranger. This website is wonderful.

 

Happy Cruising!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hi Everyone,

 

 

Just wanted to say Thank you for your time and input! We ended up booking the Eclipse because we were looking mainly for relaxation. This trip was spur of the moment because my husband and I are so stressed out at work!

 

I think my husband was also swayed by the cabin size. He's a tall guy and every inch of space matters. We did a concierge class balcony which is much bigger than the size room we'd have on Epic.

 

 

Again, thank you so much for the input. I truly appreciate you guys taking the time out to help a stranger. This website is wonderful.

 

Happy Cruising!

 

Our pleasure!

 

You'll have a very nice time - no doubt!!

 

Tom

[KittyLiXX]

Loved Loved Loved the Eclipse. ( did Solstice 2 years in a row , then Eclipse this February) We are young early 50's .. Lot's of people 40- 60 ...

 

Mellow - - very adult ... not many kids - pool deck upstairs and inside Solarium is almost silent ... perfect relaxation - and a LOT of 2 for 1 Happy hours :D and if you're non smokers - fabulous... only a small smoking area. And the contemporary art all over the ship is spectacular !

 

Wonderful ship band that plays everywhere... Good food.. NO CROWDS...

 

EPIC pulled in with us to each island and it looked like a younger crowd ( all 5000 of them) ...

[mafig]

Eclipse has terrific prices right now. I just booked April 9. Balcony gty 599 and Concierge Class 649 (Florida residents rate).

 

Want to book Epic some time, but for now it'll have to wait.:)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Eclipse has terrific prices right now. I just booked April 9. Balcony gty 599 and Concierge Class 649 (Florida residents rate).

 

Want to book Epic some time, but for now it'll have to wait.:)

 

Celebrity's Blue Chip Club (Casino Dept) just sent me a offer of free sailings (Concierge Class) on a couple of their remaining Florida sailings on Solstice class ships. I must admit, if I had not already planned our short weekend sailing at the end of this month, I might have taken them up on it!

 

Tom

[fireygrl1]

The smoking thing was a big deal for us actually.....My husband and I are former smokers....quit about 6 months ago. The ship being mainly smoke free is a big plus for us. Great to hear about the 2 for 1 happy hours.

 

We are 30 and 33 and figured The Epic would be a younger crowd but we didn't care! We meet nice people regardless of the cruise.

 

Thanks again!!

[mafig]

Celebrity's Blue Chip Club (Casino Dept) just sent me a offer of free sailings (Concierge Class) on a couple of their remaining Florida sailings on Solstice class ships. I must admit, if I had not already planned our short weekend sailing at the end of this month, I might have taken them up on it!

 

Tom

 

 

Wow! Free is good.:D We occasionally get gambling junket offers (nothing like a free cruise, though), and invariably they come just after we've booked something else. LOL

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Wow! Free is good.:D We occasionally get gambling junket offers (nothing like a free cruise, though), and invariably they come just after we've booked something else. LOL

 

Isn't that always the way it goes!

 

Celebrity has been very generous with the free cruise offers. After our first 4 day sailing on the Century (and a donation of ~$4k in the casino) they offered us a 10 night Thanksgiving sailing on the Constellation. They did not have to ask me twice! Other offers since then come somewhat regularly.

 

NCL comes in a close second, and Carnival last place (w/regard to casino offers).

 

Tom

[DrGary]

Hi CC Friends,

Fireygirl:

 

 

 

Had to laugh because

we agonized over a

similar decision last

summer...especially

regarding your concerns

about the smoking issue.

 

 

We booked Eclipse and

it was a winner.

Take a look at our

review:

 

1.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1223583

 

2.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1223584

 

3.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1223585

 

 

We are sailing on Epic

in three days, so we

can compare notes

when we all return.

 

 

Have Fun !!

 

Cheers,

Gary and Carol