Epic review - Epicilious ? No.

[nw_man]

Hi guys, thought I would post my Epic review here as well as the main review section, to see what feedback I may or may not get.

 

Please dont flame me, I have told it like I saw it.

 

I am a big NCL fan, not a fan of Epic. I know others who are though ;)

 

I will post as a reply.

[nw_man]

OK, let me start this review by saying that we are big fans of NCL, so big that we have a deposit on our next cruise with them. It WONT BE ON EPIC !!

 

A little background to start with. 3 adults traveled this time, myself, my better half and my elderly mother. My mum has never cruised before, so we chose Epic as she has a lot of studio cabins for solo travellers.

 

We flew into Barcelona and straight to the ship ( taxi, 35 Euro from airport to port ). Embarkation was very good indeed, on board by noon ish and cabins available by 1.30pm.

 

First impressions were very good.

 

After eating at O Sheehans following advice from cruise critic that the Garden Cafe would be horrendous ( great advice ), we went to our cabin. Here is the start of why the Epic is anything but.

 

Where to start ? OK, I read beforehand that the Epics cabins did not have separate bathrooms, to be honest I was wondering what the fuss was about.Let me explain. A ' normal ' cabin has a bathroom right ? Epic has a toilet, in the cabin, behind a frosted glass screen. You can see your fellow cruiser sitting there and hear everthing...

 

A ' normal ' cabin has a shower in the bathroom, right ? Epic has a shower in your cabin with frosted glass. You can see your fellow cruiser showering in there ! Now I must say that was an advantage to me, hahaha, but come on NCL ! All joking aside, the comedy value diminishes somewhat when you realise that to actually dry yourself, you get out of the shower and step into the cabin, water is on the cabin floor, privacy = zero. They do actually have a curtain that can be pulled, so you pull it, water is still everywhere on the floor and you find yourself standing behind a curtain about 1 inch from the cabin door !

 

Great !

 

The entire cabin has been designed by someone who obviously has never cruised but has some Harvard degree in 21 st century BS grand design ! You open the wardrobe door, guess what it does ? It BLOCKS the room ! There are reading lights that have little blue circles of light on the switches, they cannot be turned off . EVER ! So, you turn off the lights but those little blue lights stay on just calling out your name all night lol.. there is light on the aircon switch, it cannot be turned off ! It calls your name all night !!

 

Our cabin steward ( excellent by the way ) must think we are crazy. We had face cloths wrapped around those crazy little annoying lights in the vain attempt to actually make it DARK ! Our cunning plan failed.

 

Did I mention the unbelievable tiny sink ? Yes, its in your room ! That grand designer strikes again. You know the guy, he never cruises, he just tweaks stuff and makes it worse. He is the guy that is responsible for you splashing water allover the place ! The same guy that puts the only 2 electric sockets under a shelf that is nowhere near a mirror so ladies cannot do their hair nor their make up. That guy !

 

Oh yes, I almost forgot. Don't forget to take your boots with you. You see, you will need your boots to stop you stubbing your toe on the footstool that sticks out into the already garbage cabin !

 

OK, fair enough, the cabin is aesthetically pleasing. But functional ? My dog could have designed a more functional room, trust me.

 

Moving on...

 

So, we love cruising as you get to meet some really interesting people and make friends. We have friends from literally all over the world because of cruises.

 

The Epic is the most anti social ship we have ever cruised on. And it is NCL's fault !

 

Firstly, the entertainment. You have to pre book or it is full. This is not conducive to meeting with new friends and arranging to go to the theatre together, you cant do this. Why ? Because they are already booked in for a show, say on Tuesday, but you are booked in for it on Wednesday, and so on.

 

Onto one of our biggest gripes about this ship, and it is about this ship as we know for a fact that this does not happen on other NCL ships. The sharing, or lack of sharing, of tables at dinner.

 

Epic is set up with mainly tables for 2, 4, 6 or more dinner guests in its 2 main restaurants, Manhattan and Taste.

 

Often time there are long lines at the Manhattan. So, when you eventually get in there, what do you see ? Two guests sitting at a table for four, 3 guests at a table for 6 and WORST OF ALL !!! ONE GUEST sitting at a table for two. The poor lonely single traveler, does Epic not actually advertise SINGLE cabins ? YES ! We met a lovely chap and he told us that he had dined alone most nights. Disgraceful Epic dining staff. Can they not at least attempt to get people to share tables ?

 

We specifically asked to share on several occasions, it was like asking a caveman for directions to the moon. Forget it. Blank looks all round. Yes, the dining room staff smile politely and tell you they will ask, so you sit there, the three of you on a table for six, and sit there, and sit there. All the time the dining room staff bring in couples and sit them at tables for four. The same couples who sit there staring into space and do not speak to each other... all they need are some new friends !! All we wanted were some new friends ! Pathetic Epic staff, pathetic.

 

One night we decided to see how far we could push the dining room staff. We arrive, ask to share a table. The staff say yes, yes, we will ask. Do they ask ? Erm, not a chance. Same old same old. I went to the bathroom and en route ( some 100 metres at most ) I counted 11 tables, all under occupied. Yet outside a massive wait line !!! So, coming back I ask for the manager and explain that some of us actually like to chat to other cruisers, it makes for an entirely lovely evening. After him looking at me strangely for a few minutes and me not prepared to move on my position, lo and behold up pops a delightful couple onto our table and we remained friends the whole cruise. They were pleasantly surprised to be asked they told us ! Oh my word is all I can politely say here.....

 

Later that week, on sitting in headliners club, we get chatting to a couple from the USA who tell us that if only they could find some table mates to share a table with... ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

 

This situation is entirely down to the wait staff on Epic. On NCL Dawn and on NCL Jade no such issues occur.

 

I am going to end this review now by saying that contrary to what you may think, we did enjoy the cruise. Its tough to NOT enjoy a cruise.

 

But NCL have tried their best with Epic to make it the least enjoyable cruise we have ever done.

 

Will we cruise with NCL again ? Most definitely.

 

Will we cruise Epic again. Not until I am crowned King of All England and England hasn't had a King Steven in about a thousand years...not to mention I am a proud pleb and about 56 millionth in line to the throne lol

 

P.S. The ship has hardly any sea views, fancy a walk around deck ? Forget about it. It ain't happening. Because you cant actually do the circumference of the deck !

 

P.P.S. Dont take NCL excursions ! They rip you off people ! You can do it yourself with some homework for a fraction of the price.

 

PORT REVIEWS :

 

Naples, easy to walk into the city.

 

Lots of taxis available.

 

Grabbed a taxi to Herculaneum for 80 Euro ( 4 of us sharing ) as we have done Pompeii many times before. Then we hired a personal guide for 50 euro, he was excellent indeed. I calculate that we saved at least 50 % on the ship excursion price to the same place.

 

Hop on hop off bus available just outside the port ( walking distance ), however a little steep price wise at 22 euro per person.

 

After Herculaneum we had a great look around the Royal Palace, 4 Euro entry ! Bargain !

 

ROME :

 

Rome, Shuttles are laid on to get you to the port entrance as it is a long way from where the ship docks. Its a little chaotic getting a shuttle though with thousands all trying to get on.

 

Why oh why people insist on taking seriously expensive ships tours to Rome is beyond me. As an example, this time NCL wanted $99 US per person just to take you to Rome, no guide, no nothing. Take you and drop you and return you back. Scandalous.

 

Previously we have taken the train ( easy ), but this time we stuck our necks out and went with a new company, smartcruisetours.com who have a number of options, including a fast train service, a Rome on your own ( same as NCL ), or a guided bus tour.

 

Rome on your own involved getting a coach and being taken from Civitavecchia to Rome centre and then you doing it yourself. Remember the NCL price, $99 per person ? Smartcruisetours.com price ? 19.50 Euros !!!!!!!!!

 

For personal reasons we opted for the guided tour of Rome by bus, this was an absolutely fantastic trip, cost ? 29.50 Euros !

 

We boarded the bus, had a little information en route to Rome and then just outside St Peters square a Roman tour guide got on board and introduced herself. She then took us on a 2 hour walking tour of Rome, visiting the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona before we jumped back on the bus and went round some other ancient sites and onto the Coliseum where we had a 20 min stop, not really enough time and certainly not enough to get into the Coliseum itself, but of course we only had one day.

 

And the final excellent thing ! We once again got off the bus and the guide took us into St Peters Basilica and gave us a guided tour.

 

I simply cannot find a fault with this tour, the price is utterly outstanding for what we got.

 

LIVORNO :

 

Livorno, gateway to Florence and Pisa. Absolutely no walking off from this industrial port allowed. Shuttle or taxi only.

 

Once again, no rip off ship tour for us. We met some fellow cruisers and got a group of 8 together and got a taxi to take us to Pisa first then Florence. 320 Euros, worked out at 40 each, bargain !

 

CANNES :

 

Cannes, in the beautiful south of France. It rained. Hard.

 

Cannes is a tender port, or it was for us. Tenders were frequent and easy and once on dry land you find that there is a land train conveniently placed about 200 metres from the tender area.

 

The little train was 10 Euro each and gave us a guided tour of the area. The film festival was on and another large cruise ship in port so the town was very full.

 

To be honest, we didn't like it too much, seemed to be a town with expensive shops, expensive yachts and a lot of crowds with little else.

 

Marseille : NCL want $20 US per person just to get you out of the port !

 

No way I was thinking until I tried to haggle a taxi driver and he would not budge from 25 euros one way into town. My haggling skills have never let me down before this lol

 

So, regretfully we took the shuttle, even though I always prefer to put money into the pockets of local people instead of multi national cruise lines..

 

To be fair, this is one seriously large port. Massive in fact.

 

Marseille itself is a big city, lovely harbour area and another little land train which we took for a bargain 7 euro per person. This gave us an over view of the area and included a delightful stop off at Notre Dame De La Garde, a very impressive cathedral / church.

 

The old town was quaint too.

[Single Cruiser]

Well your entitled to your opinion.

 

Personally I used the provided bath mat on the floor before I had a shower, thus stepping out onto it.

 

I'd swizzle the outside disc to do not disturb and double lock the door before, you can pull the curtain and it's as good as a normal bathroom.

 

The sink was perfect size for me.

 

I think the key thing is that the bathroom situation and the lack of sea views is very well documented now so most people should know before they book.

 

Why does a single pax eating alone be a problem? Some nights I ate alone, other nights with a group/others, I much prefer NCLs to say RCL where I was force assigned to a table with a group whom I had nothing in common with!

 

I made many friends on my cruise both via the solo meet and also chatting in the bars.

 

I've been on Epic twice and I know I'll go again, I'm on Breakaway next year and know that has all the best bits of Epic but fixes all the points bathroom/sea views etc..

[sdmike]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thanks for sharing yours.

 

So after the ship has been extensively documented over the last 2 years, you were still surprised by the bathrooms? You indicated you did research on CC, so this should not have been a surprise. What was surprising about it?

 

Where on CC did folks day that the Garden Cafe would be horrendous? I think most have said it's been outstanding for a buffet. I'd like the link please, as I could show you at least 10-15 to the contrary. Again, food is incredibly subjective and you very well might have hated it. However, the vast majority of reviews are most positive about Epic's buffet than others.

 

Single travelers have every opportunity to ask for a shared table (if available) or meet others to share meals with at the daily meetings in the Living Room. Did you consider that most of these folks may have WANTED to eat alone? Just sayin. However, you do point out an issue with ships that cater to singles. The pax must take steps to meet people through methods other than forced dining partnerships. This is true of freestyle on any NCL ship. I certainly don't consider this NCL's responsibility, especially since they DO provide events that do encourage single travelers to interact.

 

I've said this before...some people like the Epic and others don't. Clearly you're in the later group, which thankfully for NCL is the vast minority of those that have sailed on her.

 

Hope you have a better cruise next time!

[willise]

I am booked on the Epic and, if I'm being honest, I am a little nervous about it. I've only been on the Dawn and Spirit (absolutely loved them), but I've read as much as someone can possibly read about the Epic, and it still leaves me a little "intrigued":)

 

But I am going to try it. I may end up with the same opinion as you, or I may love it more than any other ship. I think you are entitled to your opinion and I think it was a lucid, well written review.

 

From my reading, people are split down the middle with the Epic - love it or hate it - there doesn't seem to be an in-between.

 

Thanks again for your review! :)

[Let'sGoNow]

I sailed the Epic last summer and loved it. The "wave" design of the cabins and the bathroom layout was poorly designed. Thank goodness I didn't have four people in our cabin. Toweling off and dressing in the foyer is silly. Believe me, I'd do it again because I had a great time on the Epic. However, I noticed the new ship has a logical cabin design.

[mrdrdoso]

i am not also a fan of the epic, i love ncl and am going to continue to sail with them. I didn't like listening to my dh bodily functions also and am 6 ft tall so my feet hung off the bed. But what I thinked the epic lacked was the 7th or 8th floor outside deck. I love walking around the outside without going to top deck. I also loved the healiners but there was nothing besides that, i like the nightly variety shows. we loved cirque dreams, that was out favorite thing about the epic besides the company. Did we have a good time, but it was my least favorite ship of all of them, granted I have only been on 5 and plan on continue to sail just not on the epic.

[kerrytens]

So sorry that the Epic was not to your liking.

 

I can't agree with your anti social comment though especially when I base it on my particular sailing. I have never met more people on a cruise than I did onboard the Epic. Again, sorry that your cruise seemed different.

 

The 'horrendous' comment about the Garden Cafe has me totally scratching my head too. I stalked this ship from the point it was released from the shipping yard up to my cruise a few months ago. I read every word written about it during that time and I don't recall once reading that the buffet was 'horrendous'. I, myself, loved it and that is saying a lot since I truly dislike anything to do with buffets. We chose to use it (most of the time) because my special need's daughter was with us and fast meals are the way to go with her:D

 

Again, I do wish that you had had a better experience.

[nw_man]

The Garden cafe horrendous bit was on embarkation day. Not other days. We ate in there plenty of times and the food was excellent.

 

On embarkation day however, I would describe it as heaving, packed, full to over flowing. Hence the comment.

 

SDMike you miss my point about single travellers. I am sure that some wish to dine alone. My point is that they can ask the dining staff to share but if the dining staff do not ask any other guests if they wish to share, the problems occur.

 

It seems to me that 2 people on a table for 4 x numerous tables etc, and long wait lines outside, simply does not make sense.

[sdmike]

 

It seems to me that 2 people on a table for 4 x numerous tables etc, and long wait lines outside, simply does not make sense.

 

Do other ships have tables for 3, 5, etc.? Seems this would be an issue with all ships, not just the Epic

[kerrytens]

The Garden cafe horrendous bit was on embarkation day. Not other days. We ate in there plenty of times and the food was excellent.

 

On embarkation day however, I would describe it as heaving, packed, full to over flowing. Hence the comment.

 

.

Thanks for the clarification - that makes total sense. I had read about how busy the Garden Cafe was on embarkation day too and all of the suggestions to go to O'Sheehans, which we did.

 

Then again, all cruise ship buffets are a nightmare (IMO) in those first few hours onboard so it was nice to have another option on the Epic.

[david_sobe]

Thanks for the review

Love hearing different perspectives. Epic is not for the traditional cruiser for sure. She is radical and different in every way. The only flaw IMO is the cabins. I agree they are small and very odd layout (i.e. telephone in the bathroom in a penthouse). But they are funky and new and completely different than any other cruise ship.

When the Epic creators sat around and talked about creating Epic, I think the only motivator for them was being different. They threw out so many unconventional ideas that sometimes worked and sometimes did not work so well. I can see them sitting around and saying "how can we be different and epic..... lets put an ice bar at sea.........lets have dinner and a show together in a circus tent......... lets have the biggest spa and gym at sea........lets have 20 restaurants.........lets have private single areas and private suite areas with a restaurant, etc

Lets bring in Vegas shows, etc. Lets have the first tube slide at sea, etc

 

My fear is this wild creation of Epic is going to make the new ships Breakaway and Getaway so boring. The new ships look very nice but there is nothing new on them. The deck plan looks like a Carnival Ship with mini golf,plank walking, etc. This is not new or innovative. It is very safe and traditional. That is why despit its flaws, Epic is still my favorite ship.

[soaringfalcon]

I would NOT want to be asked to share. My DH and I are both shy and not good at the small talk that's needed to get conversation started, especially with perfect strangers. Different strokes for different folks.

[GUEST080219]

I would NOT want to be asked to share. My DH and I are both shy and not good at the small talk that's needed to get conversation started, especially with perfect strangers. Different strokes for different folks.

 

Totally agree, I liked it that I was never pushed to share when I asked for a table for myself. By the way it was totally the same on the Jade for me dining alone as a solo traveler.

[BadKitteh]

Thank you for sharing.

 

DH and I spent 2 weeks on the Epic and since we already looked at photos and read reviews, we knew how the cabins were set up. We are married so it isn't like we haven't seen one another shower or use the toilet before. No biggie. This should only be a problem with travelers who are less intimate.

 

I am forced to socialize with strangers all day at work and sometimes I wish I could run away so I would hate to sit with strangers during my meals. When we go to Tepanyaki we know that there will be several folks nearby and are fine with that, but in MDRs we prefer to share our meals as a couple.

 

All of this information is available on CC and on the web, so my opinion of your opinion is just that if you knew about this set up and still went on the ship, then you have no leg to stand on when complaining about such things.

[beetle9]

thanks good write up and i would agree on most but would still go on epic again:)

[Medtech2]

I think your review actually points out what makes NCL so great--and that is the very different ships available. Imagine how it would be if they were all the same? Then you would like or dislike an entire fleet!

 

This way, all the people who enjoy NCL's Freestyle are spread out amongst the different ships, enjoying the basic company philosophy but having different experiences and accomodations.

 

I loved the Epic. I also really enjoyed the Sun. Two totally different ships. My plan is to eventually try all the ships.

 

BTW I did enjoy your pointers about the destinations. Don't know if I'll ever make it across the pond but good information nonetheless.

 

As far as the shower, they do provide a tub mat...

[Agent999]

Where to start ? OK, I read beforehand that the Epics cabins did not have separate bathrooms, to be honest I was wondering what the fuss was about.Let me explain. A ' normal ' cabin has a bathroom right ? Epic has a toilet, in the cabin, behind a frosted glass screen. You can see your fellow cruiser sitting there and hear everthing...

 

A ' normal ' cabin has a shower in the bathroom, right ? Epic has a shower in your cabin with frosted glass. You can see your fellow cruiser showering in there ! Now I must say that was an advantage to me, hahaha, but come on NCL ! All joking aside, the comedy value diminishes somewhat when you realise that to actually dry yourself, you get out of the shower and step into the cabin, water is on the cabin floor, privacy = zero. They do actually have a curtain that can be pulled, so you pull it, water is still everywhere on the floor and you find yourself standing behind a curtain about 1 inch from the cabin door !

 

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion about your experience.

 

 

Being that you commented on it twice (see red-highlighted text above), I just have to ask: While it is true that you "CAN" see your cabin mate while they are using the toilet and/or shower, I have to wonder if this is REALLY an issue? I find it hard to believe that your cabin mate is standing outside the door while you are using the shower and/or toilet and trying to actually watch you while you are doing it! There would have to be something SERIOUSLY wrong with a person who would do that to you!

 

Are you trying to tell us that this actually happened to you?

 

 

BTW...if you don't like this style of bathroom, then I would strongly suggest that you NEVER stay in one of the Haven Suites on the Jewel Class ships...especially if you are traveling with a "peeping Tom" cabin mate!

[DMH15]

I like NCL too. I cruise with my mom so when We read about the Epic's unconventionality and it's sheer size we said, "no thanks". Reading your review helps confirm it.

 

Ever since our Jewel cruise we will not sit with random strangers. Sorry. Long story short, another pax complained he was sick and before I could stop my mother she accepted the bread basket from him after he had sneezed a wet juicy one on his hands. Gross! She ended up seeing the doctor on the ship and several times in Athens.

 

We will dine with folks we meet in trivia, lectures or in other venues. We too like making friends at sea and continue to keep in touch with several.

 

Why didn't you just approach strangers outside the dining room entrance and ask if they wanted dinner companions?

 

I respect your opinions and thank you for sharing them. I have loved all my NCL cruises, including the ships. The older, smaller Sun is my favorite... So I am not planning to try Epic. If I want to see Blue people I will go to Vegas.

 

Happy cruising.

[mjsshipboy]

Everyone talks as though the cabin design on Epic is revolutionary... maybe for a ship, but I have stayed in many different hotels in Barcelona and all of them have not had bathrooms, the bathroom is inside the room. One of them didn't even have a door for the toilet - and this was a 4 star hotel.

 

Many European chain hotels are this way as well, if you stay in an Etap or Ibis hotel, this is the design.

 

Europeans (I am British by birth and don't consider British people to be true Europeans) are less prudish than North Americans and Brits.

 

As many people have stated, pays your money, takes your choice.

 

And I also would rather eat room service in my cabin than share a table with strangers. Especially not a small table with one other couple.

 

I believe on the Epic the Studio Lounge host arranges a group dinner every night for those solo travelers who want company.

 

The thing I dislike about Cruise Critic reviews is people lambasting for something which is just their personal opinion.

[david_sobe]

Everyone talks as though the cabin design on Epic is revolutionary... maybe for a ship, but I have stayed in many different hotels in Barcelona and all of them have not had bathrooms, the bathroom is inside the room. One of them didn't even have a door for the toilet - and this was a 4 star hotel.

 

Many European chain hotels are this way as well, if you stay in an Etap or Ibis hotel, this is the design.

 

Europeans (I am British by birth and don't consider British people to be true Europeans) are less prudish than North Americans and Brits.

 

As many people have stated, pays your money, takes your choice.

 

And I also would rather eat room service in my cabin than share a table with strangers. Especially not a small table with one other couple.

 

I believe on the Epic the Studio Lounge host arranges a group dinner every night for those solo travelers who want company.

 

The thing I dislike about Cruise Critic reviews is people lambasting for something which is just their personal opinion.

No one is lambasting anyone. The OP review was fair and pointed out what he/she did not like about Epic. People should feel free to express views different than most on the NCL boards without the feeling of being critcized for just expressing their opinion.

 

Calm down everyone ;)

[AttilaTheFun]

While I agree with you on some of the Epic complaints, I (like others) strongly disagree with you about being seated with others. I also prefer not to sit with others and would find it rude for NCL to ask me otherwise, unless there was a long wait. If other people wanted to be seated with strangers, they can request to do so, but don't be upset with there aren't other strangers who wish to sit with you. I didn't find the Gem any different in this regard, so not sure why you're blaming the hard-working Epic staff for this. There are plenty of other ways to meet people on Epic - just strike up a conversation ANYWHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE AROUND YOU.

 

To the posters who say it's just NCL cheerleaders putting down someone with other opinions, let's take some of the most dramatic phrases I've seen about Epic...

 

All joking aside, the comedy value diminishes somewhat when you realise that to actually dry yourself, you get out of the shower and step into the cabin, water is on the cabin floor, privacy = zero. They do actually have a curtain that can be pulled, so you pull it, water is still everywhere on the floor and you find yourself standing behind a curtain about 1 inch from the cabin door !

 

As others have noted, there is a BATH MAT provided and unless you leave the shower door open while you shower, how did you bring that much water out anyway?! The curtain is between the shower/toilet stalls and the sink, so it's much more than 1 inch from the cabin door. Dramatic much? :rolleyes:

 

I didn't like that when someone is using the bathroom space that it blocks the cabinmate from leaving/entering for lack of privacy, but if you're traveling with a spouse or partner, I wouldn't find this an issue.

 

The entire cabin has been designed by someone who obviously has never cruised but has some Harvard degree in 21 st century BS grand design !

 

My dog could have designed a more functional room, trust me.

 

...or maybe they were just trying something different in the way of design. If this isn't lambasting based on his own personal opinion, I don't know what is!

The Epic is the most anti social ship we have ever cruised on. And it is NCL's fault !

 

I didn't find this to be the case at all. There are only 3-4 shows to pre-book (and aren't required either). Plus, are you going to talk with your new friends throughout the entire show? To me, if I'm going to a show, it's to watch the show, not share quality time with strangers/new friends.

 

You already know how I feel about the sitting with strangers option.

 

The poor lonely single traveler, does Epic not actually advertise SINGLE cabins ? YES ! We met a lovely chap and he told us that he had dined alone most nights. Disgraceful Epic dining staff. Can they not at least attempt to get people to share tables ?

 

NCL Epic holds a single traveler meeting every day for those in Studio cabins or otherwise traveling alone. Ever think that people are are eating alone PREFER eating alone?

 

We specifically asked to share on several occasions, it was like asking a caveman for directions to the moon. Forget it. Blank looks all round.

 

Pathetic Epic staff, pathetic.

 

These sound like normal, rational insults for staff that work so hard for such little pay. :rolleyes:

 

I am going to end this review now by saying that contrary to what you may think, we did enjoy the cruise. Its tough to NOT enjoy a cruise.

 

But NCL have tried their best with Epic to make it the least enjoyable cruise we have ever done.

 

So a "unique" bathroom design and the fact that you couldn't find people to share a table with was Epic actively trying to make sure you had the least enjoyable cruise ever? Do we all need to look up the definition of "lambasting"? Didn't the OP ask not to be flamed but then go on to make grand, sweeping generalizations and insulting staff? Are we reading the same thread?

 

I'm all for other opinions (and trust me, I did NOT love everything about Epic and appreciate the differing viewpoints), but often times it's not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it.

[xenagurl]

Thanks for your review OP. I'm glad you enjoyed some of your cruise. It's always interesting hearing different opinions.

 

 

I think you may find though that most people that sail Norwegian list not having to share a table or even being asked to as one of the top reasons that they enjoy being on this line.

Quick example. I travel solo and with my husband. On the occasions that I cruise alone and am asked by the Maitre'D if I'd like to share I feel a tad obliged. If I wanted to share a table I would have cruised with someone else or made friends elsewhere and arranged to eat together later in the evening, not over a dinner table, I find that whole concept bizarre.

 

I'll always ask if there would be a wait if I didn't want to share and if there's not I'll happily sit all by myself eating my meal in peace. If there is, sometimes I share. When I travel with my husband the last thing I want to do is talk to complete strangers across a table when the only person I'm interested in conversing with is him. If we want to share a table, we'll make friends and come to the dining room with other people.

 

So all in all IMO Norwegian really does cater to the desires of most of the people that sail with them. There are so many other lines that do forced association and I'm so glad there's one that doesn't or else personally I wouldn't cruise at all. :)

[DMH15]

Thanks for your review OP. I'm glad you enjoyed some of your cruise. It's always interesting hearing different opinions.

 

 

I think you may find though that most people that sail Norwegian list not having to share a table or even being asked to as one of the top reasons that they enjoy being on this line.

 

Quick example. I travel solo and with my husband. On the occasions that I cruise alone and am asked by the Maitre'D if I'd like to share I feel a tad obliged. If I wanted to share a table I would have cruised with someone else or made friends elsewhere and arranged to eat together later in the evening, not over a dinner table, I find that whole concept bizarre.

 

I'll always ask if there would be a wait if I didn't want to share and if there's not I'll happily sit all by myself eating my meal in peace. If there is, sometimes I share. When I travel with my husband the last thing I want to do is talk to complete strangers across a table when the only person I'm interested in conversing with is him. If we want to share a table, we'll make friends and come to the dining room with other people.

 

So all in all IMO Norwegian really does cater to the desires of most of the people that sail with them. There are so many other lines that do forced association and I'm so glad there's one that doesn't or else personally I wouldn't cruise at all. :)

 

Very nicely stated. Like you, we like to make friends but on our own terms... not by forced association. I do not need a "friend matchmaker".

 

I actually travel with my mother. She is a night owl and I am an early riser. We have developed a system that works for us. I am up at the crack of dawn and in the gym. Then I shower and have breakfast in Il Adagio (on the Sun it takes the place of Cagney's suite venue for breakfast and lunch). I LOVE sitting alone at my little window table looking out at the ocean. I wil smile or chat, but that is my alone time. As I am leaving my mother comes dragging in. And she likes her breakfast alone. Just like me.

 

And, you may be like my brother and his wife who both work so hard (she travels) that they enjoy any time they can spend just the two of them.

 

Happy cruising.

[xenagurl]

It's a good thing NCL is around to suit tastes like ours. :)

Happy Cruising to you as well!

 

Very nicely stated. Like you, we like to make friends but on our own terms... not by forced association. I do not need a "friend matchmaker".

 

I actually travel with my mother. She is a night owl and I am an early riser. We have developed a system that works for us. I am up at the crack of dawn and in the gym. Then I shower and have breakfast in Il Adagio (on the Sun it takes the place of Cagney's suite venue for breakfast and lunch). I LOVE sitting alone at my little window table looking out at the ocean. I wil smile or chat, but that is my alone time. As I am leaving my mother comes dragging in. And she likes her breakfast alone. Just like me.

 

And, you may be like my brother and his wife who both work so hard (she travels) that they enjoy any time they can spend just the two of them.

 

Happy cruising.