Epic review - Epicilious ? No.

[debris]

If anyone doesnt want to go on the epic after reading these reviews then id be happy to take your place! I quite liked the design of the rooms but we had a disabled balcony on deck 13 which was very big,we arent disabled we just booked the room at the travel agents,and happened to say to the room steward that we were impressed by how big the room was and he said it was because we were in a disabled room.The bathroom was quite big so being just the two of us we were spoilt,I really enjoyed my time aboard the epic and it will be a few years before we can afford to go again .

[ClaireAndMike]

LOL!!! Haha your style of writing is hilarious!

 

The bathroom thing would freak me out if I was traveling with anyone other than my husband or, as I am in this case my sister. We're pretty unorthodox with our potty humor together and I imagine we'll have a few laughs over the non sound proof/frosted glass door.

 

I don't care if she sees me in all my nude glory but I know she will want to preserve her sense of sight and avert her eyes.

 

Sis and I are antisocial by nature for some reason now. I'm not really sure how that happened. I tried to make it a goal of ours to make at least one friend on our Hawaiian cruise last December but we weren't super successful other than gaining handful of acquaintances that we'd stop and chit chat with in passing. Most of them were from our CC meet and greet and then there was an older couple we shared a couple shore excursions with that referred to us as their "daughters" because the first tour guide thought we were.

 

Anyway, we don't cruise until January so we definitely have awhile to wait.

[jjohnboy32]

Some people are just happy to moan about anything.

 

Did I like the bathroom layout? It was ok. Was the sink too small? Yes but dont turn the tap on full! Did the blue lights on the reading lights bother me? No, it just meant that I found the WC easier in the night. Did the wardrobe door being open bother me? No.

 

I could go on and on like the reviewer. Dont blame the EPIC for the ports rules like the shuttle bus etc.

 

I loved the EPIC and would defo, defo, defo go again.

 

Dont be nervous about it folks, make up your own minds.:)

[Pushka]

Hmm. Bathrooms are important to me. Small basins? Nope. See thru screens? Yep.

 

 

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[GriffinAlexander]

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...

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

...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!

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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.

 

 

 

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?

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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.

 

I really loved the Epic. It was our first cruise, and we are a gay couple so I was a little nervous that there'd potentially be some bashing. But we made a lot of friends and didn't really have any issues. There will always be someone who doesn't like you because you're gay, older, younger, slower or faster than someone else, but most people are friendly. I think that cruisers tend to be cheerful and friendly for the most part.

 

I agree that being forced to sit with the same people for meals isn't what I'd want to do. I like that on The Epic we can eat when and where we like with no problems. We made friends with a lot of the people we were seated next to at premium dinners and shows, and even in the garden cafe for breakfast or at taste for dinner. While we weren't seated with anybody, there were always chatty people nearby that made for some nice dinner/meal conversation.

 

After reading the horror stories of people hogging deck loungers, cutting in buffet lines etc, I expected some unpleasant moments. But it's all about ones mindset. The few times I noticed someone behaving with a lack of courtesy, I just ignored it. There are different cultures and people don't always see things the same way, but as long as you're a reasonable person you will enjoy your trip.

 

We actually made friends with a couple from cruise critic that we hit it off with, and we had one excursion booked together but spent just about the entire trip hanging out with these same people. We felt comfortable and had a mutual feeling that when our schedules didn't mesh or we wanted to change up our plans a bit it was no big deal. We would all either change or do our own thing that day.

 

There were a few groups that made for good opportunities to meet others. Our Friends of Dorothy group had a lot of good people, and the premium dinners and shows were wonderful places to make friends with people. We are very friendly people and enjoyed chatting with all different types of people from seniors to different cultures. Cheerfulness can be catching and I try to spread as much as I can.

 

 

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[SASA13]

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.

 

I was on the same cruise as Kerrytens and the "weird" bathroom set up was known ahead of time ( due to research ) and we knew exactly what to expect. I had a blast on this cruise, everyone was so friendly, the food was great, the entertainment was fantastic, and I am hoping to sail her again this December. Sorry your cruise experience was not what you expected.

[4774Papa]

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.

Your concerns are valid. How much that affects the pleasure of cruising is personal.

Here is my review on cc.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=103808.

[halos]

Some people are just happy to moan about anything.

:confused: I didn't find the review to be 'moaning' at all. It was a review with this person's opinion. I don't know why people get so defensive.

 

Let's be real here...enough passengers gave enough not-so-great feedback on the Epic design that NCL is NOT going to repeat it ever again.

Also, there are even more people who just don't care all that much...either way, they are only opinions.

[Warmer Climes]

Cheerfulness can be catching and I try to spread as much as I can.

 

I liked your whole post but I loved the last line.

[GriffinAlexander]

I liked your whole post but I loved the last line.

 

Thank u!

 

 

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[melodyesch]

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.

 

 

My husband and I are shy as well and like to eat by ourselves, but I certainly wouldn't mind being ASKED to share. I wouldn't imagine the average cruiser to be so socially enept that they can't decline politely. A simple "thanks, but we'd rather eat alone" would be sufficient.

 

I think the freestyle cruising is great for all types of people. DH and I would rather eat alone. Others might want to eat with different people. But the best way to get those people paired with others is for the staff to ask "Would you to be seated alone or would you like to be seated with other diners?"