Our first and last Epic cruise

[bonniew88]

We got back on Saturday...traveled with another couple and we all agree we won't be sailing on the Epic again.

 

The restaurant and casino workers were exceptional, very friendly and addressed us by name. But the people at customer relations were awful. Several times I waited 10 minutes on line only to be told to come back later or tomorrow when someone would be able to help me. A lot of the staff seemed to have a language difficulty and stared blankly when we asked for directions or information. Asking anyone for information became a source of amusement after a while because we knew we weren't going to get an answer.

 

We had a mini suite and it was so narrow, my husband and I had to back up so the other person could pass. We aren't plus sized people and wonder how other oversized passengers were able to move around in the room. The tub and toilet situation is crazy. Zero privacy. The curtain is useless and toilet sounds can be heard across the room.

 

The food court was a maze of confusion with different sections offering different items. Navigating from one counter to another trying to find a piece of bread was a challenge. The main dining room is like a cafeteria, noisy and crowded and not what we've come to expect from past cruises. After the first night, we chose to eat dinner in the specialty restaurants. Cagney's was the best and we dined there twice. One night, we had a dinner reservation at La Cucina on deck 14 but couldn't find the restaurant. After walking back and forth with no success we found out we had to go to deck 15 and walk through the buffet restaurant to the back to find a staircase leading down to the restaurant. Crazy.

 

And there was the "glitch" in the stabilizers. On Thursday night, the ship dipped from side to side for about five minutes causing things to be tossed about the cabin....the shower doors were crashing from one side to the other with such force I thought they would break. I tried to cushion them with towels and had to walk uphill. My little towel monkey's head flew across the room. :( I learned since that there was chaos in the dining rooms and shops as things tumbled to the floor. Passengers were very frightened. It wasn't anyone's fault (I don't think) but it was an unfortunate incident.

 

There are some good things to say. The entertainment on the pool deck was very good...there's a female singer with a great voice and several bands including a polka band which was fun. The Great Outdoors was the best place for breakfast or lunch because the food was all in one spot and tables were always available. We enjoyed the Legends in Concert...Steven Tyler and Elvis were exceptional. A comedian/magician was also very good. The internet package I purchased worked very well. The NFL games were broadcast throughout the ship so that made my husband happy. We enjoyed playing trivia games in the atrium where they have awesome pound cakes.

 

A cruise is a cruise so naturally we had a good time despite Epic's shortcomings. But little things mean a lot so we won't be sailing on Epic again.

[enj2012]

It may have stunk but at least you got to go! A bad day away from work is still a good day hehe :)

[kcwingwalker]

Thanks for sharing your fair and balanced review...............and your good attitude:)

[kylenyc]

Thanks for your review. Glad you got to enjoy much of the cruise despite the shortcomings. Epic is a one-off built by the French... The new Breakaway/Getaway/Escape/Bliss are built by Meyer Werft Germany (as were Jewel-class ships preceeding Epic) and addresses many of Epic's shortcomings. The Breakaway's a gorgeous ship.

[asubaru]

We got back on Saturday...traveled with another couple

 

There are some good things to say. The entertainment on the pool deck was very good...there's a female singer with a great voice and several bands including a polka band which was fun. The Great Outdoors was the best place for breakfast or lunch because the food was all in one spot and tables were always available. We enjoyed the Legends in Concert...Steven Tyler and Elvis were exceptional. A comedian/magician was also very good. The internet package I purchased worked very well. The NFL games were broadcast throughout the ship so that made my husband happy. We enjoyed playing trivia games in the atrium where they have awesome pound cakes.

 

A cruise is a cruise so naturally we had a good time despite Epic's shortcomings. But little things mean a lot so we won't be sailing on Epic again.

 

Thank you for taking time to comment. I sail her in a few weeks. I appreciate all the info, esp the tips you mentioned.

 

Sorry you weren't happier with the the experience.

[DMH15]

Many of your reason keeps me off the Megaships. Try the Sun.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

[luddite]

Do you think the problems are a result of the hugeness of the Epic?

[roger001]

Thanks for a balanced review. We really enjoy the smaller ships, and although we certainly can't speak from experience, we just don't think one of the mega ships are in our cruise future. Love the NCL ships we do sail on though. Thanks again.

[only1athom]

We just recently cruised on Epic, got off the ship this past Sat. We had a wonderful time. Love the ship. The entertainment was top notch. We have cruised on Carnival numerous times, Royal Carib twice, Princess once. We will definitely go on Norweigan again! The food was excellent in the pay extra restaurants - with the exception of Cagney's - the lobster and shrimp was awful. My husband and my bro-in-law got steak in there and loved their meal. The Italian pay restaurant was exceptional, including the service. The Japanese style restaurant was wonderful.

 

The Cirque show was awesome. The dinner (included in the price) was also very good. I highly recommend anyone to go to the show! The Legends show was good. The guy that did Steven Tyler was awesome! Elvis was good as well. Katy Perry - she is not a legend, don't know why she was included in the show.

 

The comedy show was awesome as well. Also, please try to attend one of the shows of Howling at the Moon. It was so good.

 

We ordered room service twice - once for lunch snack after an excursion, and once for breakfast before leavin the ship. The good was very good.

Edited December 10, 2013 by only1athom

[MBMGWM]

Did you attend any shows in Fat Cats? Was there a jazz/blues band? I've read that the Charlie Love band was no longer on board, but I'm not sure if that is still correct.

[Love my butler]

Sorry you had to learn the hard way. All the problems you encountered, plus many others, are mentioned over and over in many reviews. I guess sometimes you have to touch the hot stove to really believe it is hot.

 

We have very low expectations for our next Epic cruise, hopefully the burns will only be 2nd degree this time.

[jonbgd]

We got back on Saturday...traveled with another couple and we all agree we won't be sailing on the Epic again.

 

The restaurant and casino workers were exceptional, very friendly and addressed us by name. But the people at customer relations were awful. Several times I waited 10 minutes on line only to be told to come back later or tomorrow when someone would be able to help me. A lot of the staff seemed to have a language difficulty and stared blankly when we asked for directions or information. Asking anyone for information became a source of amusement after a while because we knew we weren't going to get an answer.

 

We had a mini suite and it was so narrow, my husband and I had to back up so the other person could pass. We aren't plus sized people and wonder how other oversized passengers were able to move around in the room. The tub and toilet situation is crazy. Zero privacy. The curtain is useless and toilet sounds can be heard across the room.

 

The food court was a maze of confusion with different sections offering different items. Navigating from one counter to another trying to find a piece of bread was a challenge. The main dining room is like a cafeteria, noisy and crowded and not what we've come to expect from past cruises. After the first night, we chose to eat dinner in the specialty restaurants. Cagney's was the best and we dined there twice. One night, we had a dinner reservation at La Cucina on deck 14 but couldn't find the restaurant. After walking back and forth with no success we found out we had to go to deck 15 and walk through the buffet restaurant to the back to find a staircase leading down to the restaurant. Crazy.

 

And there was the "glitch" in the stabilizers. On Thursday night, the ship dipped from side to side for about five minutes causing things to be tossed about the cabin....the shower doors were crashing from one side to the other with such force I thought they would break. I tried to cushion them with towels and had to walk uphill. My little towel monkey's head flew across the room. :( I learned since that there was chaos in the dining rooms and shops as things tumbled to the floor. Passengers were very frightened. It wasn't anyone's fault (I don't think) but it was an unfortunate incident.

 

There are some good things to say. The entertainment on the pool deck was very good...there's a female singer with a great voice and several bands including a polka band which was fun. The Great Outdoors was the best place for breakfast or lunch because the food was all in one spot and tables were always available. We enjoyed the Legends in Concert...Steven Tyler and Elvis were exceptional. A comedian/magician was also very good. The internet package I purchased worked very well. The NFL games were broadcast throughout the ship so that made my husband happy. We enjoyed playing trivia games in the atrium where they have awesome pound cakes.

 

A cruise is a cruise so naturally we had a good time despite Epic's shortcomings. But little things mean a lot so we won't be sailing on Epic again.

 

Noticed you were Loyal to Royal

Our friends were the same and will never sail on NCL again due to the Epic

Us We like cruising and will sail on all cruiselines

The Epic isn't for everyone and the bathrooms still suck after 20 days:rolleyes:

But we would do her again if there wasn't so many other choices

[roger001]

Sorry you had to learn the hard way. All the problems you encountered, plus many others, are mentioned over and over in many reviews. I guess sometimes you have to touch the hot stove to really believe it is hot.

 

We have very low expectations for our next Epic cruise, hopefully the burns will only be 2nd degree this time.

 

 

WHY! Why are you going to spend your money on something that you so dislike? You puzzle me.

[enj2012]

WHY! Why are you going to spend your money on something that you so dislike? You puzzle me.

 

Very good question. It's not like its $20 or anything...

[ILCruzr]

My parents are on the epic now...I hope they are having a good cruise bc just read on carnival the seas in the eastern Caribbean are rocky! Which is why I came on here to see if any epic cruisers posted. I'm meeting them in Florida for a quick carnival cruise after their epic cruise and I can't wait to hear about it. I hear the ship is amazing and wish I could have gone.

[Keith1010]

Thanks for writing and sharing your review.

 

Keith

[bjlaac]

I guess it takes all kinds but we always had a good time on every one of our cruises. Yes there were some that absolutely pushed our limits but it is what you make of it.

 

The thing everyone should keep in mind is that they need to prioritize what they want and then choose the cruise line that best meets those needs. Sometimes there's only one line available and you should decide if the "negatives" are enough for you not to go at all.

 

Personally, NCL is my least favorite cruise line, but if its the only choice I would go without thinking twice.

Edited December 11, 2013 by bjlaac

[SMerritt]

Sorry you had to learn the hard way. All the problems you encountered, plus many others, are mentioned over and over in many reviews. I guess sometimes you have to touch the hot stove to really believe it is hot.

 

We have very low expectations for our next Epic cruise, hopefully the burns will only be 2nd degree this time.

 

Opinions Vary......Please come back and report on your Epic Cruise

 

We have sailed on a few lines now - NCL is still our favorite, we will be sailing on the Epic for the third time in a few weeks. I am excited!

 

Possibly Epic service has changed? We sailed on the Breakaway in September and found an abundance of the Epic Crew is now on the Breakaway .......time will tell

[sjbdtz]

Sorry you had to learn the hard way. All the problems you encountered, plus many others, are mentioned over and over in many reviews. I guess sometimes you have to touch the hot stove to really believe it is hot.

 

We have very low expectations for our next Epic cruise, hopefully the burns will only be 2nd degree this time.

 

Why? You already know what to expect, remember? You're an expert. 10 cruises in the last 2 years... if I recall.

 

 

.

[Love my butler]

Why? You already know what to expect, remember? You're an expert. 10 cruises in the last 2 years... if I recall.

 

Expert is your word, not mine. I consider myself well-informed with current first hand information. As much as that seems to pain you, it is indeed a fact.

[mpk218]

You lost me here ;

 

" . But the people at customer relations were awful. Several times I waited 10 minutes on line only to be told to come back later or tomorrow when someone would be able to help me. "

 

If you find yourself at the customer service desk "several times" on a seven day cruise , either your world is ending or someone didnt like the answer they got. Red flag .

 

If you dont mind , what was the "problem" that brought you to customer service several times. I get the feeling you were unhappy early on and it could not be fixed.

Just curious .

 

Thanks