Going from the Sun to the Epic ??

[BlueJai]

As you can see from my signature, I am a Sun Girl! She is my most favourite ship and when I board I feel like I am coming home.

 

My DH just found out that he will have an extra week off before returning to work in the New Year and sent me a text - "I am off until Jan 13, we should cruise!"

 

After doing some research, and knowing we have to be home for Christmas and New Years, our options are the Sky for 4 days or the Epic for 7! Well, I am all about quantity! We have to pay for the flights anyway, and the price for flights is the same whether we go for 5 days (will always go to Miami one day prior) or 8 days and the Epic has really good pricing for balconies because the ship leaves after New Years - January 4.

 

So here is my worry, We have been on the Sun and Pearl class ships. I love the smaller ones so thinking about the Epic is crazy to me. For those who have gone from small to large, what do you think? We are experienced cruisers but my gosh - 19 levels!

 

DH is going to confirm tomorrow that he does indeed have the time off (and we will have to book really good cancellation insurance in case his company changes their mind). So tomorrow I may be in a position to book for Jan 4 - aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! So excited but OMG :eek: the Epic is so big! Please - any words of wisdom!!

 

Thank you!

[debnjoe1438]

I would do the Epic for no other reason than 4 day's on the Sky is not long enough:D Other than the bath room set up, the Epic (IMHO) is a great ship.

 

I've been on the Jewel, Pearl, Dawn, Sun & Epic. I personally preferr the Jewel class size. That being said, I would do the Epic agian, (hope to someday do the Getaway)

 

Plenty to do, and you won't be able to do it all.

 

The only time I noticed the amount of people on the ship was on Embarkation and disembarkation.

 

Either way, enjoy your trip:D

[BlueJai]

Thanks for your comments, I agree with the idea of 7 days vs 5:)

 

I don't even think we would try to do it all, coming from the smaller ships I think the Epic will be overwhelming. But on the other hand - very exciting I think!

[debnjoe1438]

Thanks for your comments, I agree with the idea of 7 days vs 5:)

 

I don't even think we would try to do it all, coming from the smaller ships I think the Epic will be overwhelming. But on the other hand - very exciting I think!

 

Could be overwhelming, or not. Just go with the flow and do what you please. You don't have to try to do it all. Yea, exciting.

[BlueJai]

Could be overwhelming, or not. Just go with the flow and do what you please. You don't have to try to do it all. Yea, exciting.

 

Thanks for that! We met the Bar Manager on the Sun a few years ago and he had been on the Epic. He told us that it is something that we should definitely experience - that the Epic was so unique that we would be remiss if we didn't try it. So now we have this opportunity to try it and it seems that the timing is right!

[kjquilts]

We love the Sun too - she was our first Norwegian ship back in 2006 and we just sailed on her again in June 2013. Truly wonderful trip to Alaska that I'd love to repeat.

 

Besides the Sun we've been on Spirit, Star and Pearl and Epic. We were on Epic her first year and had a great cruise. Epic wowed us with entertainment and dining options. We enjoyed our stern balcony wave stateroom and had no problem with the bathroom setup. Loved the bed by the balcony arrangement versus bed by the closet door.

 

We're booked on Epic again for the 8 day caribbean Jan 25th. This time we've booked a large B6 balcony with bed by balcony. Our friends are trying an inside for the first time but our balcony is big enough for all of us. Our cruising buddies who have only been on the Star and Sun share your concern about her size. We experienced and told them that Epic is BIG and the passengers are spread out so most of the time it didn't seem any more crowded than the smaller ships. For us the extra options outweigh the "big ship" fear and reduced open exposure to the sea. We do have four port days and are looking to new ports to explore since Hurricane Earl interfered with our first Epic cruise.

 

Why not try Epic? There's surely enough about her that you will have an enjoyable cruise and get more sailing time for your $$. If you don't like her you can always go back to the smaller ships.

[BlueJai]

We love the Sun too - she was our first Norwegian ship back in 2006 and we just sailed on her again in June 2013. Truly wonderful trip to Alaska that I'd love to repeat.

 

Besides the Sun we've been on Spirit, Star and Pearl and Epic. We were on Epic her first year and had a great cruise. Epic wowed us with entertainment and dining options. We enjoyed our stern balcony wave stateroom and had no problem with the bathroom setup. Loved the bed by the balcony arrangement versus bed by the closet door.

 

We're booked on Epic again for the 8 day caribbean Jan 25th. This time we've booked a large B6 balcony with bed by balcony. Our friends are trying an inside for the first time but our balcony is big enough for all of us. Our cruising buddies who have only been on the Star and Sun share your concern about her size. We experienced and told them that Epic is BIG and the passengers are spread out so most of the time it didn't seem any more crowded than the smaller ships. For us the extra options outweigh the "big ship" fear and reduced open exposure to the sea. We do have four port days and are looking to new ports to explore since Hurricane Earl interfered with our first Epic cruise.

 

Why not try Epic? There's surely enough about her that you will have an enjoyable cruise and get more sailing time for your $$. If you don't like her you can always go back to the smaller ships.

 

Great post, thank you and you are right! When looking at the options available I was also looking at the B6 balcony. I like the location of them and hopefully the balconies are a little larger! The price is certainly good for that week so if DH confirms the time off tomorrow (just double checking!), we may be off on a new adventure!

 

At this point, there are lots of availability on the ship, so it will just be a matter of the availability of flights. Thanks again!

[newmexicoNita]

Thanks for your comments, I agree with the idea of 7 days vs 5:)

 

I don't even think we would try to do it all, coming from the smaller ships I think the Epic will be overwhelming. But on the other hand - very exciting I think!

 

We haven't done the Epic, but have done the Sun and the Sky. I think it would be fun just to give the Epic a try. Of course it will be a totally different experience, but you will find out of mega ships fit your personality. We did do a mega ship on Princess a couple of years ago, it was trendy like th Epic, but it was mega. We did not like it: smaller, is our style. Still if I had the choice you have, I would give it a shot. As for the Sky, we were on it, shortly after I did my first Sun cruise. I wasn't impressed. I would feel different today, I am sure. It is just I loved the Sun so much, nothing would have completely satisfied me at that time.

[polySeraph]

We were surprised at how much we loved the Sky. Really, it should have come as no surprise since we love the Sun and the ships are very similar.

 

Here's another option if you want to stay with a smaller ship... Why not combine the 4-day Sky cruise with 3 days in the Keys? We did that last year and had a great time. We called it "our 3-day shore excursion". The highlight was riding the National Park Service's high-speed ferry from Key West out to the Dry Tortugas. It was an all-day adventure and when we returned we drove back up the Keys and stayed in Key Largo. The next morning we drove to one of the Everglades NP visitor's centers.

 

On the other hand, the Epic opportunity sounds intriguing as well....

Edited November 5, 2013 by polySeraph

[BlueJai]

We were surprised at how much we loved the Sky. Really, it should have come as no surprise since we love the Sun and the ships are very similar.

 

Here's another option if you want to stay with a smaller ship... Why not combine the 4-day Sky cruise with 3 days in the Keys? We did that last year and had a great time. We called it "our 3-day shore excursion". The highlight was riding the National Park Service's high-speed ferry from Key West out to the Dry Tortugas. It was an all-day adventure and when we returned we drove back up the Keys and stayed in Key Largo. The next morning we drove to one of the Everglades NP visitor's centers.

 

On the other hand, the Epic opportunity sounds intriguing as well....

 

We also love the Sky, only been on her once but it was a great trip. That was what we originally were going to do - but we can't do both 3 and 4 days on the Sky because we have to be home on the 12th. If we go earlier it hits New Years and the prices are higher too. So it is either do the 4 day on the Sky or 7 day on the Epic. I am thinking the Epic wins, and although looking forward to a new adventure, it is overwhelming to think about how big she is.

 

Just waiting for confirmation from DH and then will look at booking!

Thanks

[DMH15]

I love the Sun too. My fave. I have not wanted to book mega ships... But, I like a 4 day cruise, However I LOVE a 7 night one. Epic would be my choice!

[BlueJai]

I love the Sun too. My fave. I have not wanted to book mega ships... But, I like a 4 day cruise, However I LOVE a 7 night one. Epic would be my choice!

 

Looking for the LIKE button! :D

[BlueJai]

We love the Sun too - she was our first Norwegian ship back in 2006 and we just sailed on her again in June 2013. Truly wonderful trip to Alaska that I'd love to repeat.

 

Besides the Sun we've been on Spirit, Star and Pearl and Epic. We were on Epic her first year and had a great cruise. Epic wowed us with entertainment and dining options. We enjoyed our stern balcony wave stateroom and had no problem with the bathroom setup. Loved the bed by the balcony arrangement versus bed by the closet door.

 

We're booked on Epic again for the 8 day caribbean Jan 25th. This time we've booked a large B6 balcony with bed by balcony. Our friends are trying an inside for the first time but our balcony is big enough for all of us. Our cruising buddies who have only been on the Star and Sun share your concern about her size. We experienced and told them that Epic is BIG and the passengers are spread out so most of the time it didn't seem any more crowded than the smaller ships. For us the extra options outweigh the "big ship" fear and reduced open exposure to the sea. We do have four port days and are looking to new ports to explore since Hurricane Earl interfered with our first Epic cruise.

 

Why not try Epic? There's surely enough about her that you will have an enjoyable cruise and get more sailing time for your $$. If you don't like her you can always go back to the smaller ships.

 

Just talking about the balconies and looking on NCL. Have you stayed in a B6 Large Balcony before? I was chatting with NCL this morning but didn't get too much information about how much bigger the balcony was. Will it fit a lounger (ok, I know I am asking for way too much to have a lounger but a girl can always ask!)?

 

Thanks

[BlueJai]

We haven't done the Epic, but have done the Sun and the Sky. I think it would be fun just to give the Epic a try. Of course it will be a totally different experience, but you will find out of mega ships fit your personality. We did do a mega ship on Princess a couple of years ago, it was trendy like th Epic, but it was mega. We did not like it: smaller, is our style. Still if I had the choice you have, I would give it a shot. As for the Sky, we were on it, shortly after I did my first Sun cruise. I wasn't impressed. I would feel different today, I am sure. It is just I loved the Sun so much, nothing would have completely satisfied me at that time.

 

Oh I missed your post! We were going to sail with you and your husband a few years ago but you had to cancel. I am so glad to see you will be back on the beautiful Sun in no time! If all works out, we will book the Epic and I will report back (assuming I find my way off!) on just how different it was!

 

Thanks

[Mrs. Squirrel]

http://s17.photobucket.com/user/mrssquirrel2000/library/Epic%20Family%20Cruise

 

The B6 has plenty of room for a lounger as you can see from the above photo. We asked for the third chair, but didn't know we could ask for a lounger, because Epic was our first NCL cruise.

 

I say go for the Epic! It was great fun. You may miss some of the personal, more intimate service on a smaller ship like Sun, but Epic has charms all its own. Plus, I'd always go for the 7 day over the 3-4 day once I paid for airfare!

Edited November 6, 2013 by Mrs. Squirrel

[300dtc]

Dear Blue Jai,

We are doing the opposite of you! We sailed the Epic in July of this year and it was our first cruise and loved it! Now we are sailing on the Sun in June, 2014. Since there are so many Sun people that are on this thread, what kind of "Sunny" advice do you have for someone who has only cruised on the large ship before?

As to the Epic, if 2 newbies could find their way around and have a great time, I think that a seasoned cruiser such as yourself would really appreciate all that there is to offer on the Epic!

Thank you for any Sun tips:)

[halos]

We love the Sun too - she was our first Norwegian ship back in 2006 and we just sailed on her again in June 2013. Truly wonderful trip to Alaska that I'd love to repeat.

 

Besides the Sun we've been on Spirit, Star and Pearl and Epic. We were on Epic her first year and had a great cruise. Epic wowed us with entertainment and dining options. We enjoyed our stern balcony wave stateroom and had no problem with the bathroom setup. Loved the bed by the balcony arrangement versus bed by the closet door.

 

We're booked on Epic again for the 8 day caribbean Jan 25th. This time we've booked a large B6 balcony with bed by balcony. Our friends are trying an inside for the first time but our balcony is big enough for all of us. Our cruising buddies who have only been on the Star and Sun share your concern about her size. We experienced and told them that Epic is BIG and the passengers are spread out so most of the time it didn't seem any more crowded than the smaller ships. For us the extra options outweigh the "big ship" fear and reduced open exposure to the sea. We do have four port days and are looking to new ports to explore since Hurricane Earl interfered with our first Epic cruise.

 

Why not try Epic? There's surely enough about her that you will have an enjoyable cruise and get more sailing time for your $$. If you don't like her you can always go back to the smaller ships.

 

Thanks for your comments. I am a Sun worshipper' so this made me feel good about possibly going Epic :)

[BlueJai]

Dear Blue Jai,

We are doing the opposite of you! We sailed the Epic in July of this year and it was our first cruise and loved it! Now we are sailing on the Sun in June, 2014. Since there are so many Sun people that are on this thread, what kind of "Sunny" advice do you have for someone who has only cruised on the large ship before?

As to the Epic, if 2 newbies could find their way around and have a great time, I think that a seasoned cruiser such as yourself would really appreciate all that there is to offer on the Epic!

Thank you for any Sun tips:)

 

Wow, where to start!!!! Ok, so she is small, but you know that. We typically book a BC cabin at the front of the ship (not the front but the side but usually the first or second cabin). The cabins on the Sun are bigger and the balconies are bigger than the Jewel class ships. I think probably bigger than the Epic too. Lots and lots of storage area - we have done a couple of B2B and with all of our stuff there lots of places to put things. Only downside to the room is the shower curtain - many complain about it. Annoying yes but workable.

 

The pool deck is wooden. So nice. There isn't the glitz and glamour, that is for sure. No lit up palm trees or waterfalls. But a stage for the band, lots of seating around the pool and the deck about the pool offers lots of room for loungers as well.

 

Bar service at the pool area has always been top-notch. Not in your face but a friendly check to see if all is ok.

 

The Observation Lounge at the front of the ship is lovely, but the best part is that you can go outside onto a deck and have stunning views. Even better is to go up at night time and see the stars - amazing!

 

Il Adagio is lovely - on deck 5 with lovely tables for 2 along the windows and then banquettes (sp) up a level so everyone gets a great view.

 

Shopping - not a huge amount of shopping on board but usually whatever you need you will find.

 

Casino - small but dandy.

 

Le Bistro - amazing! Deck 12 aft so lovely views out the back and side of the ship.

 

Officers/Staff/Crew - the same as all the ships but we have never had a bad experience with anyone on the Sun. Even going back a year later and are greeted with hugs from past cabin stewards or servers.

 

Sports Bar - there isn't a Blue Lagoon but there is a sports bar serving the same type of fare and Popcorn!!! Perfect for a late night snack.

 

Buffet - small! But for breakfast if you to to the Great outdoors - aft - they have a buffet set up out there along with cook to order eggs/omelettes. The Great Outdoors is a perfect spot for having breakfast outside, snacks throughout the day, dinner or whatever. Also a great place to sit and read if you aren't wanting to be at the pool area - usually nice and quiet throughout the day.

 

Ok, that's off the top of my head... more to come I am sure! (Can you tell I love the Sun!!)

[SliceOfLife]

I went from the Sky to the Epic and I loved the Epic so much I don't think I could ever cruise on a small ship again.

 

You only notice the crowds when the theater lets out, otherwise people are spread out all over. There is so much to do and see! I vote for the Epic, plus it has awesome water slides!

[david_sobe]

Check out my signature. I went to the Sky to the Epic and back to the Sky again. Each ship has its perks and draw backs. I love the Sky (sister ship of Sun). There are times I enjoy a traditional ship more and there are times I love the big non-stop entertainment of mega ship.

I just dont think you can compare them and it is unfair to do so. Enjoy each ship and each unique experience.

I love the entertainment and restaurants on Epic but I love the smaller crowds and peaceful feeling at night on Sky.

Edited November 6, 2013 by david_sobe

[300dtc]

Wow, where to start!!!! Ok, so she is small, but you know that. We typically book a BC cabin at the front of the ship (not the front but the side but usually the first or second cabin). The cabins on the Sun are bigger and the balconies are bigger than the Jewel class ships. I think probably bigger than the Epic too. Lots and lots of storage area - we have done a couple of B2B and with all of our stuff there lots of places to put things. Only downside to the room is the shower curtain - many complain about it. Annoying yes but workable.

 

The pool deck is wooden. So nice. There isn't the glitz and glamour, that is for sure. No lit up palm trees or waterfalls. But a stage for the band, lots of seating around the pool and the deck about the pool offers lots of room for loungers as well.

 

Bar service at the pool area has always been top-notch. Not in your face but a friendly check to see if all is ok.

 

The Observation Lounge at the front of the ship is lovely, but the best part is that you can go outside onto a deck and have stunning views. Even better is to go up at night time and see the stars - amazing!

 

Il Adagio is lovely - on deck 5 with lovely tables for 2 along the windows and then banquettes (sp) up a level so everyone gets a great view.

 

Shopping - not a huge amount of shopping on board but usually whatever you need you will find.

 

Casino - small but dandy.

 

Le Bistro - amazing! Deck 12 aft so lovely views out the back and side of the ship.

 

Officers/Staff/Crew - the same as all the ships but we have never had a bad experience with anyone on the Sun. Even going back a year later and are greeted with hugs from past cabin stewards or servers.

 

Sports Bar - there isn't a Blue Lagoon but there is a sports bar serving the same type of fare and Popcorn!!! Perfect for a late night snack.

 

Buffet - small! But for breakfast if you to to the Great outdoors - aft - they have a buffet set up out there along with cook to order eggs/omelettes. The Great Outdoors is a perfect spot for having breakfast outside, snacks throughout the day, dinner or whatever. Also a great place to sit and read if you aren't wanting to be at the pool area - usually nice and quiet throughout the day.

 

Ok, that's off the top of my head... more to come I am sure! (Can you tell I love the Sun!!)

 

Thank you so much!

[debnjoe1438]

Have you made decision/booked yet? If you do a balcony on the Epic try to get one at the start or end of the area which sticks out. Anyway the balcony, due to the angle is a little larger. :D Had one one deck 14 and doing the stairs from deck 6 or 7 is great exercise :)

Edited November 6, 2013 by debnjoe1438

[Cruzface]

Book the Epic!! You will be on with us!!! We sailed the Epic last year in a B6 and loved it! Plenty of room for 2 loungers. We actually booked the exact same room again this time.

 

If you want to see pics and advice check out my review below. Hope to see you onboard!

[Cruzface]

Just a word of caution on the B6 category. The majority that are still available are "hull" balconies. They are larger and very private, but there is no glass under the railing so it will eliminate the view and may detract from your balcony experience.

[BlueJai]

Have you made decision/booked yet? If you do a balcony on the Epic try to get one at the start or end of the area which sticks out. Anyway the balcony, due to the angle is a little larger. :D Had one one deck 14 and doing the stairs from deck 6 or 7 is great exercise :)

 

Hey Debnjoe! We thought we were good to go but DH wanted to check with work because there is a possibility that although they have given them the time off, they could change their minds and make them work :D

 

But, I think this has been a good thing because originally I was going to book 10000 - but now I know this is a hull balcony and even though it is a bit of a last minute - I want to see all of the water I can!

 

So hopefully tomorrow he will confirm, i have room 10080 on hold, and right now there are still flights available. OMG this has been such a roller coaster trying to figure this out! 10080 looks to be a good balcony. I will let you know what is happening tomorrow!!!