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Epic- forward outdoor public areas?

oceanseagle12

By oceanseagle12,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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oceanseagle12

oceanseagle12

Posted
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Can anyone tell me about the outdoor areas on the front of the Epic, beneath the bridge? I would have thought these would be areas were people can stand and enjoy the ocean/wind/etc. I have enjoyed doing this on my other (non-NCL) cruises. I am booked in an inside forward cabin, and thought I'd be able to easily walk to front of the ship to enjoy the breeze and view.

 

But I seem to be reading that this isn't an option on the Epic. I hope I am misunderstanding...

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Medtech2

Medtech2

Posted
Posted
Can anyone tell me about the outdoor areas on the front of the Epic, beneath the bridge? I would have thought these would be areas were people can stand and enjoy the ocean/wind/etc. I have enjoyed doing this on my other (non-NCL) cruises. I am booked in an inside forward cabin, and thought I'd be able to easily walk to front of the ship to enjoy the breeze and view.

 

But I seem to be reading that this isn't an option on the Epic. I hope I am misunderstanding...

No, they do not exist....

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Emmaizzy

Emmaizzy

Posted
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There is an area free to use somewhere up on the 18th or 19th decks. We had access to the POSH bar which is a child free area and well policed - it had plenty of beds and the service was good. You would need to pay extra for it if you are a non suite guest but I am sure I read about another area up there which is free to use but personally I didn't visit it.

 

There is also the area where the climbing spider is which is free to access - we did visit this and it was fairly breezy but can't remember there being any amazing views.

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VideoTech

VideoTech

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Thanks Medtech, although that isn't what I wanted to hear. So is this something unique to Epic, or is this an NCL thing?

What are those areas used for?

 

I can't think of any NCL ship that has forward public areas below the bridge. Most the other ships have forward viewing areas above the bridge on the decks above the pool deck. Most of the other ships also have forward facing cabins with large balconies, but of course these aren't public areas. And finally, most of the other ships have a promenade deck that circles the entire ship, but the area at the bow of the ship is not open to the wind and sea for good reason.

 

As for outdoor areas on the Epic, she has a sort of a promenade deck on Deck 7. You are correct that the rest of the outdoor public areas are on decks 15 to 18.

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time2cruise1

time2cruise1

Posted
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I can't think of any NCL ship that has forward public areas below the bridge. Most the other ships have forward viewing areas above the bridge on the decks above the pool deck. Most of the other ships also have forward facing cabins with large balconies, but of course these aren't public areas.18.

 

The Dawn, The Star, and all the Jewel class ships have forward facing outdoor space on deck 14

 

The Epic deck 19 forward space is for Havens passengers only. The starboard side of deck 19 is a public sun deck.

 

From the Jewel:

 

 

1451669398059187889S600x600Q85.jpg

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oceanseagle12

oceanseagle12

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Thanks for the responses everyone. I know the bow is not open to the public on most ships. But the cruises I've been on had public areas in the front on the decks between the bow and the bridge.

When I read the posts before about the Epic promenade, I didn't really understand why that was a big deal to people, because I was so used to having so many other outdoor areas. Now I get it.

Just an adjustment that I will have to make.

 

Thanks again.

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VideoTech

VideoTech

Posted
Posted
The Dawn, The Star, and all the Jewel class ships have forward facing outdoor space on deck 14

 

The Epic deck 19 forward space is for Havens passengers only. The starboard side of deck 19 is a public sun deck.

 

From the Jewel:

 

 

1451669398059187889S600x600Q85.jpg

 

The OP was asking about forward areas below the bridge.

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VideoTech

VideoTech

Posted
Posted
Thanks for the responses everyone. I know the bow is not open to the public on most ships. But the cruises I've been on had public areas in the front on the decks between the bow and the bridge.

When I read the posts before about the Epic promenade, I didn't really understand why that was a big deal to people, because I was so used to having so many other outdoor areas. Now I get it.

Just an adjustment that I will have to make.

 

Thanks again.

 

My lasting impression of the Epic was that it was a ship that looked in on itself, not out to sea. Much of it felt (to me) like being in a mall or a big casino hotel on land. I cruise because I love being out at sea, and I like to know I'm at sea when I look around. The Epic didn't do that the way other ships do, and I missed it.

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Medtech2

Medtech2

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My lasting impression of the Epic was that it was a ship that looked in on itself, not out to sea. Much of it felt (to me) like being in a mall or a big casino hotel on land. I cruise because I love being out at sea, and I like to know I'm at sea when I look around. The Epic didn't do that the way other ships do, and I missed it.

Which is exactly what Allure and Oasis of the Seas seem to be....and yet people do not complain about them....just the Epic...

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Newleno Great Review Rare

Newleno

Posted
Posted

medtech2, video tech i agree with your assessment, EPIC reminded me of a smokey containership, never again, actually because of that experience i look to other cruiselines first. EPIC a great hype PR job, no substance or delivery - epic not a real cruise experience.

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sdmike

sdmike

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medtech2, video tech i agree with your assessment, EPIC reminded me of a smokey containership, never again, actually because of that experience i look to other cruiselines first. EPIC a great hype PR job, no substance or delivery - epic not a real cruise experience.

 

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Enjoy your other lines. I just sailed Carnival and can't wait to get back on NCL, especially the Epic.

 

To the OP. Yes, it's true. The Epic really doesn't have any forward facing outside areas. I think this is one of the shortcomings of the ship, but in total I loved my trip on her. If you look at some of the pictures of her arrival in NY or MIA the first time you can see people out front. Those are crew. There's access to an outdoor balcony structure that spans the front of the ship, but only from the crew-only access doors. I tried to get up there but was unable.

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flashdog_1

flashdog_1

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When the plans first came out for Epic I noted that you would have to get a balcony cabin if you wanted to watch the sea go by. I now stand corrected, since there is a sunning area. If that floats your boat, fine. It does not mine. I'll have to get a balcony if I sail on Epic.

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sdmike

sdmike

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When the plans first came out for Epic I noted that you would have to get a balcony cabin if you wanted to watch the sea go by. I now stand corrected, since there is a sunning area. If that floats your boat, fine. It does not mine. I'll have to get a balcony if I sail on Epic.

 

There are actually a lot of areas to watch the sea. The large sun deck looks out over the ocean outside, plus the Garden Cafe and other inside venues have great views. I think people mostly miss having a big outdoor area at the front of the ship. We enjoyed standing up front on our Carnival cruise and others, but quite frankly didn't really miss it on Epic. Here are a few places to see the ocean

 

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Newleno Great Review Rare

Newleno

Posted
Posted
When the plans first came out for Epic I noted that you would have to get a balcony cabin if you wanted to watch the sea go by. I now stand corrected, since there is a sunning area. If that floats your boat, fine. It does not mine. I'll have to get a balcony if I sail on Epic.

 

Just make sure your balcony has a roof you know, some dont on the epic, some are open, so hot sun and french fries come down on you all day and night, well not the sun at night but the fries. I guess as long as no one drops a bowling ball you probably will be alright.

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sdmike

sdmike

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Just make sure your balcony has a roof you know, some dont on the epic, some are open, so hot sun and french fries come down on you all day and night, well not the sun at night but the fries. I guess as long as no one drops a bowling ball you probably will be alright.

 

Yeah, I really don't get the concept of the uncovered balcony. Seems more negatives than positives (bowling balls not withstanding).

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  • 4 weeks later...
Newleno Great Review Rare

Newleno

Posted
Posted
sdmike- thanks for the great pictures and comments on your experience. A quick question about the second to last picture- the one with the lifeboat in it- from where was that taken? Were you on a balcony in that pic?

 

OH no, that is your "promenade" deck

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sdmike

sdmike

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sdmike- thanks for the great pictures and comments on your experience. A quick question about the second to last picture- the one with the lifeboat in it- from where was that taken? Were you on a balcony in that pic?

 

That's outside on Deck 7. A public area midship between the two sets of lifeboats. Not really good for sunbathing or anything other than checking out the ocean

 

This is the view from Deck 14 balconies

 

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skiwee

skiwee

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Posted
OH no, that is your "promenade" deck

 

Seems like Newleno had a not such great time on the Epic. Perhaps next time you will research before booking so as to know what you are expecting. We LOVED the Epic. We booked the aft Balcony on a floor we knew would have a roof over it. It was great. So much that we have it booked again for next year. OP, always remember to research your cruise before you chose. You will be a much happier camper then Newleno.

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kerrytens

kerrytens

Posted
Posted
Now ya all got me worried- We are going with both our parents and parents friends- total of 8 people in 4 cabins. The only low floor cabins we could get all together are uncovered. I booked them. Are they going to hate them?

Hey fellow roll caller!

 

Honestly, I wouldn't be worried. Princess has tons of uncovered balconies and people love them. I, for one, never spend my time looking straight down on my neighbours below ... the sea is what I pay to see:D

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JamesIlsley

JamesIlsley

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Hey fellow roll caller!

 

Honestly, I wouldn't be worried. Princess has tons of uncovered balconies and people love them. I, for one, never spend my time looking straight down on my neighbours below ... the sea is what I pay to see:D

 

Well we wont be looking down at neighbors! They will be looking down at us!!!

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