Norwegian Epic - penalising solo passengers?

[Single Cruiser]

Other than the meetings when the bar opened for a hour (no drinks specials) the lounge was empty. As others have said at the meetings someone lets you in.

 

The meetings are "solo gathering" just like they have friends of Dorothy/Bill meetings for LGBT/AA etc.. The venue for the gathering is the studio lounge. Once you meet up with others and arrange dinners/ice bar etc. They can help.

 

Out of meeting hours the breakfast/snacks/perks are for all studio guests although more often there were more officers in there to use the drinks maker!

[TomCruises]

Hi!I'm new to NCL and am traveling solo (at this point).I specifically chose NCL EPIC because of the STUDIO PROGRAM!Cost and features are of interest to me.When traveling duo,I enjoy a Balcony or Suite on AFT.I certainly understand concerns that have been brought up,but........it is what it is.This is one circumstance where paying more gets you less.If one person is permitted to access,then whats to prevent other folks single or not from gaining access!

[April_2000]

...more often there were more officers in there to use the drinks maker!

 

I guess they didn't fancy the 'officer lounge' then? ;)

 

Also, I should point out that travelling solo does not mean that one is a single, looking for "singles bars". Some of us have partners who just don't enjoy cruising holidays. Meeting up with new friends of either sex is something I'm looking forward to.

 

cheers

 

Avril

[cliffd64]

I guess they didn't fancy the 'officer lounge' then? ;)

 

Also, I should point out that travelling solo does not mean that one is a single, looking for "singles bars". Some of us have partners who just don't enjoy cruising holidays. Meeting up with new friends of either sex is something I'm looking forward to.

 

cheers

 

Avril

 

Anytime you need a traveling companion just let us know... Either my wife or I will happily fill in for any partner who dislikes cruising! ;)

[laxlove6]

NCL has marketed the studio cabins heavily as an option for solo travellers. What I want to know is there a lot of hooking up going on in the studio lounge?

[TomCruises]

NCL has marketed the studio cabins heavily as an option for solo travellers. What I want to know is there a lot of hooking up going on in the studio lounge?

 

I sure hope so!;)

[dread_pirate]

If you can use the studio lounge without staying in a studio, does that mean I can use your balcony? After all, why should they discriminate against me just because I didn't book a balcony room?

 

The studio lounge is to make up for the fact that the studios are so small.

[che5904]

If you can use the studio lounge without staying in a studio, does that mean I can use your balcony? After all, why should they discriminate against me just because I didn't book a balcony room?

 

The studio lounge is to make up for the fact that the studios are so small.

 

I get your drift, but I don't think it is the same thing, since a balcony is sold as private and the studio lounge is an accessible semi-public area to those that book allowable cabins, like the haven/courtyard.

 

The OP did come back to explain that all they wanted in there for was a solo social gathering. "I would only want to be in the lounge in order to partake in the early evening get-togethers, so problem solved." Since this is ship based, there is no guarantee that every sailing has and always will have a solo gathering held in the studio lounge. But it appears that this has been the norm up to now.

 

I really think it was the OP's initial post and the next few that came across that the OP sounded like they felt entitled to this, even though they did not book a cabin that had this. With words accusing NCL of penalizing her and bad customer service because they would not allow her in.

 

But it now seems to be all good.

[Single Cruiser]

NCL has marketed the studio cabins heavily as an option for solo travellers. What I want to know is there a lot of hooking up going on in the studio lounge?

 

On my cruise in the studios there was a lot of older single/solo cruisers (I.e. divorced/widowed) and a few in the below-40 category.

 

Even though my username is single cruiser I'm probably more solo and it was more meeting other solo cruisers to say eat together or go on tours together..

[TomCruises]

On my cruise in the studios there was a lot of older single/solo cruisers (I.e. divorced/widowed) and a few in the below-40 category.

 

Even though my username is single cruiser I'm probably more solo and it was more meeting other solo cruisers to say eat together or go on tours together..

 

 

Well put!My first comes next year and I'm not interested in a loud young party thing although the hair is not yet blue!I think it should be fair,if folks can enjoy our Studio Program,lets enjoy their balconys,hot tubs etc.:D

[kirsty_r]

Although this question has been heavily answered, just to add, I've purposely booked a studio for my cruise, the one before your own. I booked this for access to the hopefully quiet lounge during the day whilst other bars/areas might be more rowdy. I certainly would not appreciate extra non-studio guests using it. I'm aware of the meet ups in the lounge and these are the best times for solo guests to meet others.

[laxlove6]

This is a lounge, not a library.

[portagyplaya12]

If you can use the studio lounge without staying in a studio, does that mean I can use your balcony? After all, why should they discriminate against me just because I didn't book a balcony room?

 

The studio lounge is to make up for the fact that the studios are so small.

 

This is exactly right. The lounge is an incentive for those staying in studio rooms, to help compensate for the fact that their rooms are not as large as others. It's more of a "compensation" then a "perk". This is a place for these passengers to stretch out and relax, whereas you have your balcony for that.

 

Personally, if I booked a haven suite, I would not want others in my haven courtyard. If I booked a balcony, I would not want others on my balcony. And if I booked a studio, I would not want other passengers crowding my lounge. I think it's nice to see that they open it to the public in the afternoon, but when that is your perk and others are stealing it from you, that's sort of unfair.

[laxlove6]

This is exactly right. The lounge is an incentive for those staying in studio rooms, to help compensate for the fact that their rooms are not as large as others. It's more of a "compensation" then a "perk". This is a place for these passengers to stretch out and relax, whereas you have your balcony for that.

 

Personally, if I booked a haven suite, I would not want others in my haven courtyard. If I booked a balcony, I would not want others on my balcony. And if I booked a studio, I would not want other passengers crowding my lounge. I think it's nice to see that they open it to the public in the afternoon, but when that is your perk and others are stealing it from you, that's sort of unfair.

 

a lot of my my my's

[Single Cruiser]

This is a lounge, not a library.

 

During the day they do have the two big TV screens on with the news channel etc.. But only one or two ppl would be in there playing a board game or reading a book.

 

It was busier late night post drinks to grab a cookie or two and a hot chocolate :)

[Single Cruiser]

Well put!My first comes next year and I'm not interested in a loud young party thing although the hair is not yet blue!I think it should be fair,if folks can enjoy our Studio Program,lets enjoy their balconys,hot tubs etc.:D

 

But you do realise that Epic is geared to loud young party thing don't you? Check out my video clip of life onboard

[cabincop]

Ok just in general whenever people take advantage of a cetain system the people who really were suppose to benefit from the system lose out. Ie people letting friends use the Haven the studio loung and even the casino, now because people used the casino for their atm's there is now a 3% fee, isn't there a charge for the Haven? just sayin you should use what yo are entitled to not expect. I sail solo all the time and never had trouble meeting people who sail either solo or couples I am not trying to find a singles cruiser either I just wanna have fun, go to your meet and greet best place to meet nice people

[TomCruises]

But you do realise that Epic is geared to loud young party thing don't you? Check out my video clip of life onboard

 

YIKES!As mentioned,I have not yet sailed with NCL mainly because I told myself I never would.However,NCL is the only cruise line at present that has a product geared towards solo travelers.Since I fit this category at present,the Studio Program was very appealing for fun and new friends etc.However,I am not interested in a 24/7 obnoxious party!So hopefully,their will be some quality folks aboard that are interested in a quality time including fun experiences and a shot of tequilla or two.Studio Program would be great at 45-55 demograghic.I guess will see what happens........

[kirsty_r]

YIKES!As mentioned,I have not yet sailed with NCL mainly because I told myself I never would.However,NCL is the only cruise line at present that has a product geared towards solo travelers.Since I fit this category at present,the Studio Program was very appealing for fun and new friends etc.However,I am not interested in a 24/7 obnoxious party!So hopefully,their will be some quality folks aboard that are interested in a quality time including fun experiences and a shot of tequilla or two.Studio Program would be great at 45-55 demograghic.I guess will see what happens........

Don't worry - I didn't find the EPIC anything like that!!! Ours was quite low key, kids around the pool during the day (but lovely peace in the adult only areas!!) Night time, much of the same, mixed age groups, people enjoying themselves, very few younger student groups.

 

I guess you can't predict it,depends on when and where you go (our cruise was the last med cruise of the season, and I don't expect it will be too loud on a transatlantic!) EPIC might attract younger folks, but with the price of drinks etc I didn't even see anyone drunk on our cruise. There were groups of all ages just having a nice time, chat and a few drinks here and there, and lots of social activities without the loud young teen/student parties. There are many venues so I found if one was turning into a rave, just head down to another bar...

[Single Cruiser]

YIKES!As mentioned,I have not yet sailed with NCL mainly because I told myself I never would.However,NCL is the only cruise line at present that has a product geared towards solo travelers.Since I fit this category at present,the Studio Program was very appealing for fun and new friends etc.However,I am not interested in a 24/7 obnoxious party!So hopefully,their will be some quality folks aboard that are interested in a quality time including fun experiences and a shot of tequilla or two.Studio Program would be great at 45-55 demograghic.I guess will see what happens........

 

Hmm. I see you have sailed Princess and Celebrity .. Probably polar opposites to NCL Freestyle. Very few in formal attire or ballroom dancing. No big theatre production shows on Epic each night, you'll probably go to the theatre twice in the week, once for Blue Man Group and once for Legends in Concert whereas a traditional line/ship woud be more nightly show repeated to match fixed dining times!

 

Will be interesting to see what you think!

[TomCruises]

Don't worry - I didn't find the EPIC anything like that!!! Ours was quite low key, kids around the pool during the day (but lovely peace in the adult only areas!!) Night time, much of the same, mixed age groups, people enjoying themselves, very few younger student groups.

 

I guess you can't predict it,depends on when and where you go (our cruise was the last med cruise of the season, and I don't expect it will be too loud on a transatlantic!) EPIC might attract younger folks, but with the price of drinks etc I didn't even see anyone drunk on our cruise. There were groups of all ages just having a nice time, chat and a few drinks here and there, and lots of social activities without the loud young teen/student parties. There are many venues so I found if one was turning into a rave, just head down to another bar...

 

 

Thanks for your response!I figure I'll hang out at POSH for $59 week.It appears to be an "adult" daytime & evening venue.

[Single Cruiser]

Thanks for your response!I figure I'll hang out at POSH for $59 week.It appears to be an "adult" daytime & evening venue.

 

Yes that will be one of the quietest parts of the ship, although the open decks adjacent were also quiet and empty away from the pool areas.

 

The good thing about Epic is there are plenty of smaller venues to hide away in.. Shakers for example with the piano player/singer might be more your style

[TomCruises]

Hmm. I see you have sailed Princess and Celebrity .. Probably polar opposites to NCL Freestyle. Very few in formal attire or ballroom dancing. No big theatre production shows on Epic each night, you'll probably go to the theatre twice in the week, once for Blue Man Group and once for Legends in Concert whereas a traditional line/ship woud be more nightly show repeated to match fixed dining times!

 

Will be interesting to see what you think!

 

I'll also do Cirque & POSH.Try to find edible food.:)

[HowardK]

The more the merrier!!

When I went to meet people in the Studio lounge I could have cared less who was in a studio vs a balcony room.

The only time one needs to be in the studio lounge is 5:15-6:37.

 

And guess what, sometimes people would knock on the glass door! Oh my!!

And guess what I did, I opened it and said "Hello, and smiled"

Then sometimes the people would even talk with us and even eat dinner!!!

 

To the original poster, you will be more than welcome in the gathering at 5:30 everyday.

Other than that it is empty.

Everyone here saying that balcony people shouldn't have access is overreacting.

 

I encourage you to keep your balcony and show up at the lounge 5:18 everyday.

I met a great group of people and am still in contact with them.

[TomCruises]

the more the merrier!!

When i went to meet people in the studio lounge i could have cared less who was in a studio vs a balcony room.

The only time one needs to be in the studio lounge is 5:15-6:37.

 

And guess what, sometimes people would knock on the glass door! Oh my!!

And guess what i did, i opened it and said "hello, and smiled"

then sometimes the people would even talk with us and even eat dinner!!!

 

To the original poster, you will be more than welcome in the gathering at 5:30 everyday.

Other than that it is empty.

Everyone here saying that balcony people shouldn't have access is overreacting.

 

I encourage you to keep your balcony and show up at the lounge 5:18 everyday.

I met a great group of people and am still in contact with them.

 

 

go howard!!:d