Just back from Epic, now worried about Pearl cruise later this year

[YYC F/A]

Just back from the Epic, and now I'm worried about an upcoming Pearl cruise on which I've booked our annual family reunion cruise.

 

This is not my first time on Epic, I'd experienced the ship before on a very short cruise... but it was my first time to see her in her normal 7-night Caribbean itinerary environment.

 

I travelled solo, in a balcony cabin.

 

I'm "worried" about the Pearl not because Epic didn't please. On the contrary - Epic was so fantastic, and exceeded my expectations so consistently that I have a slight worry as to whether the other ships in the fleet are delivering the same high standards as I found on Epic. Legitimate concern! But if the team aboard Pearl are half as dedicated, and genuinely caring as the team aboard Epic, we'll be off to a great start.

Here's my off-the-cuff review of the Norwegian Epic....

 

 

My Stateroom - B4 Category Family Balcony Stateroom - Extra Large Balcony

 

I booked into what will shortly be recat as a B4 "Family Balcony" - so called because they're high up on Deck 14 etc and close to Recess and kids activities. However as a solo with no kids, I loved this cabin.

 

The balcony is massive, big enough for a full size sun lounger (which was already present, though I would have requested one if it wasn't already there) and two chairs with still plenty of room to move about. I expressly wanted a nice balcony area so that as a single I could "getaway" from the hectic Spring Break crowds and have quiet relaxation time reading or snoozing or just staring out at the ocean. My balcony did not disappoint.

 

Stateroom service was excellent, towel animals were cute, requests (such as for a bathrobe) were promptly met, the DND and Make-Up room signs were always observed, and I ALWAYS had ice available (probably the first time on a ship where they actually fill the buckets so that even if some melts there's still at least half a bucketful... yeah, I like to have ice!).

 

The bathroom layout has been discussed ad nauseum, so I will leave it at one comment which is that I really appreciate the extra room and I like the layout personally.

 

All in all I loved the stateroom, whether it was reading before bed snuggling up at night, with a real fluffy duvet and crisp sheets (something that not even my last Verandah Suite on HAL offered)... or lounging peacefully on my private sun lounger... or listening to tunes on the flatscreen TV while I got ready for the night ahead.

 

 

Dining Experience and Service

 

I did 2 nights in Taste, 2 in Manhattan Room, as well as Cagneys, Le Bistro and La Cucina.

 

Service was exceptional throughout, with perhaps the exception of La Cucina which was perfectly ok, but nothing above and beyond. The server who worked my section on the first night in Taste remembered my name and came up to me at the poolside grill about 4 days later and chatted with me about my cruise. This is something I'd expect perhaps on Crystal Cruises - not on a contemporary market ship of 4,500 folks. This theme was to repeat itself - from the bar tender at Shakers martini bar who remembered both my favourite drink and my name, to the casino bar server who also worked Spice H20 by day and who'd always stop and chat.

 

As a solo cruiser, I found the crew went out of their way to make me feel welcomed with warm, genuine care.

 

I can't remember the last time I was on a 'non-luxury-line' ship where I saw poolside bar tenders offering to fetch people iced-water etc. No "hawking" of drinks, certainly they were available and checked on everyone, but were just as happy to bring iced-tea or iced-water as they were to sell a cocktail.

 

A member of the cleaning staff literally ran to open a door for me. There were lavender scented cold towels (very refreshing) offered as you reboarded the ship, and the security staff were cheerful and pleasant as they welcomed folks back aboard.

 

I can only hope that the outstanding service mentality I encountered extends to all the other NCL ships in the fleet.

 

Insofar as the food itself, I was also pleasantly surprised - in particular by the Main Dining options. I consider myself somewhat of a foodie, and to be honest my expectations were fairly low. The appetisers and soups however were excellent - easily rivaling the quality of those offered in the MDR on the premium lines like HAL and Celebrity. Asparagus soup with chorizo sausage (yes - spicy and flavourful!) was an eclectic option but tasted delicious, the sun-dried tomato and cheese quiche was great, even the "always available" broccoli soup was flavourful, tasty and well seasoned.

 

I am not really a dessert person, but I had cheese and crackers on two occasions, once in Cagneys and once in Le Bistro, and both were excellent, a selection of named international selections with warm bread or crackers. Compare this to swiss sandwich cheese slices and saltines on Royal Caribbean, and something only marginally better on Celebrity and you've got an offering on NCL that is really hitting the mark.

 

I found Cagneys to be "just ok" for the cuisine itself, and I did not feel it gave me value-for-money at $30, however I probably made a mistake by ordering lamb and would give them another try but stick to the steaks next time around.

 

Le Bistro continues to be one of my favourite upscale venues aboard NCL for both ambiance and the menu, evocative of an upscale, classic cruise ship dining experience with starched linen tablecloths, elegant decor and place settings and a hushed atmosphere. La Cucina is only $10, and I love, love the antipasti selections and foccacia bread basket. I could dine on that alone :D

 

I largely avoided the Garden Cafe, though I did put together a great appetiser/snack plate of olives, cheese selections, dried apricots, celery and bread selections - all great quality and again far exceeding the buffet-style options offered on many other large ship cruise lines.

 

I dined at O'Sheehans a few times, I prefer the atmosphere to Blue Lagoon and I hope the concept rolls out to other ships in the fleet. There's something fun about a beer and some comfort food sometimes ;)

 

Room Service was the only weak point of the dining/service experience. My request for an omelet with tomatoes and cheese was flatly denied ("you can only have ham, mushroom and cheese") despite it being listed as an option in the menu. I pressed and said I wanted vegetarian but in the end after more refusals I gave up. I also paid corkage for two bottles of wine, and when calling room service for stemware and a corkscrew I was (after a long wait) finally sent two pint-size glasses. :eek: I gave up and went to get a wine glass from the bar.

 

 

Daytime Activities

 

I did not participate in too many organised activities, preferring instead to relax either on my balcony or in Spice H20 by day with a good book.

 

Spice was a great adult-only venue, especially given the high number of family groups onboard. The midship pool was overrun with kids everywhere of all ages and frankly just not my scene. Kudos to NCL for having a great 18+ venue including small dipping pool, lounge area, hot tubs and small poolside grill/buffet. While fairly busy at times, there was still always a lounger or a table and chairs with umbrella for the shade available. My only concern regarding the pool is the lack of a nearby shower right next to the pool. Folks were getting in with way too much suntan lotion slathered, and the pool at times had a 'film' on it - gross. The fact that it's a small pool to being with, and the water recirc in the pool seems to be close to non-existent doesn't help.

 

The rappelling wall, rock climbing wall, sports court and table tennis were always busy, and the water slides had fairly long lines due to the high number of families / kids onboard for Spring Break. Certainly for kids of all ages there is a ton of things to keep them having a great time on this ship.

 

 

When night falls...

 

Ok, I'm a night owl. And for 20 or 30-somethings, as well as young at heart 40 and 50-somethings, the Epic is THE ship for scintillating nightlife and expansive entertainment choices.

 

There was a distinct "vibe" of excitement in the air as you walk through the lower decks of Epic of an evening. Kids spilling out of the Spiegel Tent saying "how cool was that!". The raucous ambiance and laughter that wafted out of Headliners as the Howl at the Moon drew a standing room only crowd. Second City improv is, by nature, not for everyone. While some of the skits were a bit corny, I do love improv and I went 3 times and enjoyed every show here, and what a great little dedicated venue.

 

After stopping off for some comedy or music with Howl, next stop was Shakers martini bar, where a great pianist had a crowd strumming their fingers and tapping their feet. Unlike a previous NCL Pearl cruise, the drinks are not meanly measured in tiny measures here - you get a generous pour.

 

From there, Maltings Whisky Bar had pleasing colours and an upscale feel with plenty of folks passing by making it a great place to enjoy a drink and people watch. The guitarist that played here was outstanding, and again, the crowd was clearly caught up in the moment.

 

Ducking down one deck and into Fat Cats, Slam Allen was working the crowd into a near frenzy and the atmosphere here was just electric at times. My only comment was that sitting on the side, the bar staff for the entire casino floor were constantly running back and forward through the venue to the drinks galley area - not a major issue, but a bit distracting at times.

 

Out into the Casino, it's the largest at sea, and was always hopping. NCL knows where their bread is buttered, you don't see the casino "rolling over" (both table games and slots staying open 24 hours all night and going from night shift to day shift) on HAL, Celebrity or even Princess for that matter. The smoke remover air purifiers were everywhere and did an excellent job. I sat playing Hold 'Em for up to 5 hours some nights, and never once smelled of smoke.

 

Legends in Concert were great, I saw two shows while dining in Manhattan Room, how fun and cool to enjoy a nice dinner with great entertainers and music... all with no charge!

 

I did not go see Blue Man Group or Cirque Dreams so will not comment on them here, but along with guest comedians, game shows, karaoke, theme parties in Bliss and up in Spice H20, the only problem on this cruise was deciding what to do, you just couldn't do it all!

 

 

Who will enjoy Epic?

 

Epic is not for everyone. Folks that prefer elegant, oceanliner style ships, complete with the wraparound teak promenade decks and rarefied service - these folks will likely abhor Epic and find other cruise lines a far better fit. I was surprised to see a fair number of "senior seniors" onboard, and some of them clearly found the ship too overwhelming. I overhead one bitterly complaining about the bathroom set up in the cabins to a dining room server (why?) and couldn't help but wonder if she really didn't do any research before booking, or how a TA could recommend this ship for her. Epic is not all things to all people, and I think that is part of what makes her such a success.

 

Epic will appeal to three distinct groups. The first is families with kids. Playing poker one night, one guy announced that his wife was up having a late night spa treatment, the kids were at the late-night kids-club movie/pizza party, and he was able to kick back with a beer and play some poker - "Life is good!" he commented.

 

20-, 30-somethings and young at heart 40-, 50-somethings looking for late night action, quality entertainment choices and fun parties and events will love Epic. In my opinion, Epic is unrivalled at sea for those who enjoy a Las Vegas style experience of great dining choices, hot nightlife and loads of different shows.

 

Finally, solo-travellers will love Epic. The studios are a great hit offering funky, comfortable yet practical single accommodations. I travelled in a balcony solo, and it was also a fantastic experience. The nightly, hosted "solo get together" in the Living Room offers solo-travellers the chance to meet other folks and get together for dining or shoreside activities later in the cruise. The dining rooms had plenty of smaller tables for solo-travellers wishing to dine alone, and I never felt like an odd-one-out.

 

 

Miscellaneous Thoughts

 

The service culture at Epic was easily of a comparable level of premium lines like Celebrity or HAL. 95+% of the crew I interacted with were either "very good" or "outstanding", and this from someone whom has experienced Crystal and other luxury lines.

 

I felt that there had been a definite up-tick in the quality of the dining experience, particularly in regards to staffing, service, and the quality of the main dining room options as well as the buffet selections and quality of cuisine offered. Dining/food is always subjective, but I can say confidently that the Epic experience in this regard was significantly better than my last two cruises on Royal Caribbean. My personal experience, but I do consider myself a pretty tough critic to impress.

 

I loved the look and feel of Epic, the modern photography artwork in all the elevator bank areas, the contemporary upscale look, feel and decor of the ship. It's an evolution from the more garish Jewel Class ships, and one that I think really positions them well.

 

I hear that two new ships are on the order books. They'll apparently revert to having proper wraparound promenade deck areas, more traditional enclosed bathrooms, and take the best of the Jewel Class ships and the Epic to make what I hope will be the best evolution of Freestyle Cruising yet.

 

I can only hope that NCL keeps up the good work from Epic on the rest of the fleet, and considers rolling out some of the Epic concepts to other ships (Legends or Howl at the Moon would be awesome!).

[Sauer-kraut]

Nice review, after reading yours and Don's megalith review my thoughts are swinging towards the EPIC after thinking she'd not be the ship for me. Thanks as well for your solo perspective, something we don't get a lot of here on C.C.

 

I hope you have a wonderful time on your next cruise, no worries mate, it will just be a 'different' experience. Be flexible and open minded and you'll come out ahead with a great vacation no matter what.

 

Cheers!

[cmdchiefthom]

I've done the Epic a couple of weeks ago in a CV, and have also cruised twice in a forward AC aboard the Pearl. I absolutely loved the CV as well as all the staff aboard the Epic, but equally loved the staff aboard my two cruises aboard the Pearl as well. I really don't have an issue of not enjoying any of the NCL cruises I've been on, and just book the itinerary I want. I'm now looking at the Dawn for 10 days next April, rather than the Epic for 7, even though I'd be giving up a CV for an AC.

[YYC F/A]

Thanks for the note! The thread title was a little bit tongue in cheek, but it did give me pause and I have been debating on whether to change our Fall cruise over to Epic instead of Pearl - it was simply that good on Epic and the ship has so much to offer.

[youngestof9]

I enjoyed reading your review. It's always great to read a review of a ship from a completely different perspective (solo vs. family, suite vs. inside/balcony/studio, etc.). I loved your perspective!

 

I sorta feel the same about my upcoming Gem sailing. We sailed Epic in a suite with kids and are sailing a balcony on the Gem just the 2 of us. 2 completely different sailings and different expectations. Bottom line - it's vacation and am looking forward to it! I think your Pearl sailing will be just fine!

[halos]

I have yet to sail EPIC, but I can say in all honesty that the crew/service I have received on my 5 NCL cruises has been so far and above any other cruise line that I think you'll be just as happy on the Pearl :)

 

I also fully believe that writing to NCL and telling them how fabulous their crew is, makes them more apt to continue doing whatever they are doing to keep their crew happy and efficient. SO WRITE TO THEM!! Give them the names of the crew people who you thought made your cruise so exceptional. They need to know what they are doing is working so that they'll keep doing it :)

[Hikini]

Very nice review - love the details!

 

I haven't been on the Epic but we have been on the Pearl and loved the staff there.

 

Enjoy your next cruise, wherever, whenever, on whichever ship! :)

[Oldsweets]

Great review that brings up once again an interesting point. That is while one person may love a ship and its experience another person may dislike it, while for a third person it might just be ho hum. As a regular Cruiser on NCL I found the Epic just so-so and while I may book it again at sometime in the future I enjoy the other NCL Ships more. I found that the Epic took to much planning and had to many people for the spaces (other than the Casino) they had aboard. We found the Main Dining Rooms very noisy and it very much felt like a Mall Food Court with decent seating. Buyer Beware because this is indeed an area that really is about "To Each His Own"

[CruisinMaterial]

Nice review and I couldn't agree with your more about the EPIC being geared towards the young and the young at heart, especially after the sun goes down. I had a blast a month ago onboard and cannot wait to sail her again when she's back state-side (after her Europe season). :)

[Medtech2]

Thanks for the note! The thread title was a little bit tongue in cheek, but it did give me pause and I have been debating on whether to change our Fall cruise over to Epic instead of Pearl - it was simply that good on Epic and the ship has so much to offer.

We too enjoyed the Epic so much that I have wondered whether it is NCL we like or just the Epic so we have booked a cruise on the Sun in order to compare and contrast the two. We are in the "fun-loving 50 something :o group" and found the Carnival cruise we did before, well, boring...

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Nice review, after reading yours and Don's megalith review my thoughts are swinging towards the EPIC after thinking she'd not be the ship for me. ...

 

Do it... do it!! :D

 

To the OP: thanks for the review!! Can't wait to get back onboard later this year!!

 

Tom

[NeilD]

Very informative review...thanks. We are booked next February. Can't wait...We love just hangin at the bars and chillin....early 60's couple, but young at heart.

[www3traveler]

Hi,

 

I have sailed on The Pearl a number of times. I just came back to cold Pacific Northwest from my latest Pearl adventure. She is a great ship and a wonderful staff. I have written NCL a couple of times about Pearl cruises and particular staff members. It may take awhile, but you will hear from NCL. I have at least one more Pearl cruise planned for this year and possibly one on The Sun. I hope you enjoy your family reunion on The Pearl. Mandy

[DGP1111]

Thanks SO much for sharing your exceptional recap!! :)

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I'm "worried" about the Pearl not because Epic didn't please. On the contrary - Epic was so fantastic, and exceeded my expectations so consistently that I have a slight worry as to whether the other ships in the fleet are delivering the same high standards as I found on Epic. Legitimate concern! But if the team aboard Pearl are half as dedicated, and genuinely caring as the team aboard Epic, we'll be off to a great start.

 

I really like the way you put that, and have to admit a very similar thought runs in the back of my head for my two upcoming NCL sailings later this year.

 

 

After stopping off for some comedy or music with Howl, next stop was Shakers martini bar, where a great pianist had a crowd strumming their fingers and tapping their feet. Unlike a previous NCL Pearl cruise, the drinks are not meanly measured in tiny measures here - you get a generous pour.

 

Definitely my favorite EPIC 'beverage hangout', as well.

Did you have Armando waiting on you there??

 

 

Playing poker one night, one guy announced that his wife was up having a late night spa treatment, the kids were at the late-night kids-club movie/pizza party, and he was able to kick back with a beer and play some poker - "Life is good!" he commented.

 

Great story - - Thanks for sharing.

 

The service culture at Epic was easily of a comparable level of premium lines like Celebrity or HAL. 95+% of the crew I interacted with were either "very good" or "outstanding"

 

In total agreement with that sentiment.

 

I can only hope that NCL keeps up the good work from Epic on the rest of the fleet, and considers rolling out some of the Epic concepts to other ships (Legends or Howl at the Moon would be awesome!).

 

Absolutely!! :)

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Nice review, after reading yours and Don's megalith review my thoughts are swinging towards the EPIC . . .

 

Don's megawhat???!!

 

:D . . . :D . . . :D

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[YYC F/A]

Thanks so much for all the positive replies!

 

I'm glad to hear that folks recently back from Pearl have found similar great service and experiences - good to hear!

 

To be honest, for our family reunion, I think Pearl is better. I'm in my mid-thirties, and my parents definitely prefer a "ship to look like a ship", so the Pearl will probably be a happy medium for all of us... I do certainly appreciate the sentiment, I thought the Promenade deck on Epic was pretty crappy and not somewhere to sit and read and contemplate or take a nice stroll. The ship definitely "faces in" a fair bit so that you don't have the same connection with the ocean as some of the other ships.

 

On the flip side, you've got choices for nightlife and entertainment that are pretty much unrivaled at sea. Oasis was good - but I still give the nod to Epic, especially for music... did I mention how good Slam Allen was? ;)

 

It seems like the main dining room cuisine is a lot better than from about 2 years ago - and I'm guessing the menu selections and quality of ingredients and preparation are fairly uniform across all the fleet. Certainly hoping it is!

[slotaddict]

I haven;t done the Epic yet..leaving next week....but the Pearl, my most favorite ship, I just loved her. I don;t think you can go wrong on the Pearl...

 

I enjoyed your review of the Epic and hopfully my experience will be just as enjoyable...