Just booked first cruise on NCL Epic, anything I should know?

[frostburgern]

So I just booked my first cruise on NCL Epic. It's the western Mediterranean and leaves November 6, 2016. I know it's along ways off but I'm excited. My wife and I have been doing Carnival. We like Carnival and have one coming up in three months but wanted to try NCL. We got a great deal on an aft balcony and received the ultimate alcohol and dining package. We have never been to Europe and are looking forward to it. BTW I've done princess before and NCL way back when I was a kid so I know it's totally changed. Anything I should know about NCL, the Epic, Europe...? Anything could help. Thanks.:)

[trish1c]

We just got off the Epic & did not care for the ship. It was just too big. Read my review.

 

It's a very noisy ship based on the design. The biggest headache -- the lack of pool / deck chairs shouldn't be as much of a problem in Europe in November. Also you will have your balcony.

 

One thing I didn't realize at first: O'Sheehans is open for breakfast. It's far less crowded & therefore more civilized then the Garden Café.

 

If you want to see the shows you have to book waaaaayyyyy in advance which defeats the whole purpose of freestyle IMHO. They all sell out. We were closed out of everything when we tried to book after muster the 1st day. You can book by standing in line at the box office, through your TV in your cabin or through the phone. You have to keep track of your show times.

[ricksurf]

The views and the size of the aft balconies are amazing. You have the best of both worlds on Epic by having the dining and drink package. The specialty restaurants are wonderful. You can mix and match the restaurants as you like.

The only downside to the Epic is the bathroom situation. Guests have a love hate relationship with the suite bathroom setup. We didn't mind it and didn't let it influence our likes of the up sides to the Epic.

[sixesandeights]

The Epic is my wife and my favorite ship. I have no clue what the above poster is complaining about. The ship is big, but setup very well for easy navigation. The buffet is very easy to get to, and there is never a crowd that is not manageable (except right when you first board, but that is every ship). The bathroom setup was great for us. For some reason people hate it, not sure why as we found it much more useful then the standard tiny bathrooms. With the dining and drink package you will have an amazing trip, and the aft balconies are GREAT on the Epic. Over all the boat is a lot of fun and you will enjoy your trip very much. Enjoy!!

 

6&8

[ColinIllinois]

Epic is a great ship. Wonderful dining venues, fantastic entertainment to be found all over the ship and a great crew. I was not able to do everything, not even close actually, the first time I sailed her.

 

Despite her size, there was only a couple of times when it felt quite crowded and that's when some entertainment venues were letting out. The only "con" for me was the lack of open spaces like a promenade and a good running track.

[London-Calling]

Epic is an amazing floating resort.

 

She has the best range of dining options afloat (along with Getaway and Breakaway). The dining flexibility is great too, coupled with some great entertainment.

 

She is a busy/lively ship. If you want a peaceful, relaxing and intimate experience, she is the WRONG SHIP.

 

Personally I do find NCL's 'included' evening food to often be mediocre. You do need to try some of the alternative surcharge ones, if you want a really good meal.

 

 

The Ice Bar and Cirque Dreams show are fun.

[SaveFarris]

We got a great deal on an aft balcony and received the ultimate alcohol and dining package.

 

Getting to Taste (the less "fancy" MDR) from your room can be a little weird. You have to get off on Deck 7, traipse through the Casino and then double back on some escalators.

 

... But the gigantic Aft balcony makes up for it. Enjoy!

[dolita22]

The Epic is my wife and my favorite ship. I have no clue what the above poster is complaining about. The ship is big, but setup very well for easy navigation. The buffet is very easy to get to, and there is never a crowd that is not manageable (except right when you first board, but that is every ship). The bathroom setup was great for us. For some reason people hate it, not sure why as we found it much more useful then the standard tiny bathrooms. With the dining and drink package you will have an amazing trip, and the aft balconies are GREAT on the Epic. Over all the boat is a lot of fun and you will enjoy your trip very much. Enjoy!!

 

6&8

 

Ditto this! We also just got off the Epic on Sunday, our second time sailing that ship. We took some first-time cruiser friends along with us, and they expected to be bored but realized how much there is to do. We didn't reserve shows in advance, and looking back, I wish we would have. We also didn't reserve dining times in the MDR, because it seemed to defeat the purpose of Freestyle dining, IMO. Well, many others had reserved dining times, so we waited. It was fine, but would definitely try to reserve dining and shows in advance. You can always re-book shows or times once on board, as our friends had to do when they forgot about their Blue Man Group reservation.

 

Food in the MDRs was very good (we have yet to dine in a speciality restaurant on NCL), we loved our mid-ship balcony cabin (the bathroom setup doesn't bother us, either), and nearly everyone on the staff was friendly - they always said hello or good morning to us when passing in the halls. We just really enjoy all the Epic has to offer...though we also spent a lot of time relaxing on our balcony. That was the beauty of the Epic for us - lots to do if we wanted and quiet if wanted that.

 

The only times the ship felt crowded was when we were in the buffet a couple times -- embarkation day and after everyone had returned from shore excursions on Grand Cayman. Otherwise, everything was spread out enough that the number of people on board didn't both us much.

 

I hope you enjoy your cruise!

[BunnyLove123]

Love reading everyone's opinions! We have an aft balcony.. Can't wait!! First time on NCL, and I'm so excited! I just wish there were more recent reviews on Epic!:cool:

[AEckhardt]

I was just looking at next summers options for the Western Med on the Epic, as well. My concern is the bathroom situation, as it will be me and my 15yo daughter. We don't exactly want see through doors. Is there some trick people have come up with to resolve this, like hanging a towel, or even a temporary window cling or something? It just seems like a strange setup.

[LrgPizza]

I was just looking at next summers options for the Western Med on the Epic, as well. My concern is the bathroom situation, as it will be me and my 15yo daughter. We don't exactly want see through doors. Is there some trick people have come up with to resolve this, like hanging a towel, or even a temporary window cling or something? It just seems like a strange setup.

 

 

There is a giant, thick curtain.

[trish1c]

Love reading everyone's opinions! We have an aft balcony.. Can't wait!! First time on NCL, and I'm so excited! I just wish there were more recent reviews on Epic!:cool:

 

About 5 new ones have been posted since Sunday.

[warriorking]

:D Booked on the Epic as well for the 12day Med in March of 2016 , I too booked the Aft Balcony ...

First time on the Epic, last one was on the Jade in 2010 it should be fun....

Edited January 28, 2015 by warriorking

[AEckhardt]

There is a giant, thick curtain.

 

 

Ok, thank you LrgPizza. I still can see some issues ( coming in and out of the cabin ) I'm glad the newer ships didn't stick with that design!

[Crazy planning mom]

I am scheduled to take the Epic at the end of August. The number of negative reviews of the Epic is scary. However, some of the things such as chair hogs are less important on a port intensive Europe cruise. Some people complain that there only 3 shows but considering that some days I am going to be too wiped from sightseeing to worry about seeing shows.

I would focus on those reviews of Epic in Europe since you are going in November 2016.

[BunnyLove123]

I think a cruise is what you make of it, either it''s going to be great, because you have a positive attitude going into it, or you set yourself up to be disappointed because your expectations are too high.

 

Either way, you are on vacation.. it can't be that bad!;)

[Minoushka]

Reserve your shows online ahead of the cruise find out when you can .go to all of them esp the Cirque show

Go to all the specialty restaurants ...our favorites were the Brazilian and Cagneys but try them all .Japanese was a hoot

Organize all your tours from here ..they are expensive with private vans and long distances

I loved the Epic ...great ship

[medicalma'am]

We really enjoyed Fat Cats each evening before or after a booked show.

[Crazy planning mom]

Like your positive attitude !

[amydandrea]

I love the Epic. It's a beautiful ship. I am not bothered at all by the separate toilet/ shower as a matter of fact I like it. The water slides are awesome, staff has been great, it's an all around great time, enjoy!

 

 

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2015 Epic

2014 Breakaway

2013 Epic

2012 Gem

2011 Gem

2008 Explorer of the Seas

[mrobstad]

Another love vote for the Epic! It can't compare to the old ships with poor entertainment and amenities! Don't miss Fat Cats and legends! As for tours, there are over 2,000 recommendations for Rome in Limo for every Italian port. Set up a group with Janey on your roll call....about 70-80 euro pp plus entrance fees if you get 8 folks in your Mercedes minivan. Maybe it was dollars....even better!

 

 

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[Love my butler]

Most opinions on the Epic fall two ways, love it or hate it. I hated it. You might love it. Wait and see.

[tgallag]

Sailed Epic in December. LOVED IT. Bathrooms worked great. Lots of room in the shower and everything being separate made getting ready go much quicker.

 

Yes it is an active ship but never felt crowded.

 

We were glad we reserved our dinnertimes. We saw people waiting but we never had to.

 

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[racin_onthebrain]

We just got back from our honeymoon on the EPIC. First cruise for both of us. I thought the ship was easy to get around, other than waiting for elevators. I have walking difficulty, so stairs are only when mandatory. The ship is noisy in most common areas with LOTS of activity. The views from deck are not as good as I would have thought, but we had a balcony room and LOVED just sitting there enjoying the warm weather and beautiful scenery. The buffet is loud, but food was really good for a buffet. Lots of choices. The main dining rooms have great food. Staff was mixed. Some friendly, some were so so. Drinks are a little pricey but good, not watered down. I thought the rooms worked well. Lot of storage crammed in to make life easier. We had room to unpack ALL of our stuff so we didn't have to keep digging in suitcases. They went under the bed for the whole week.

 

Don't forget....aft elevators only go to deck 6. You have to use escalators in the casino to get to 5. Forward elevators go to 5. Hope you enjoy your cruise as much as we did!!!!

[Floridastorm]

My wife and I have been on two cruises. Celebrity Equinox, Europe, Balcony. Holland America Ryndam, Canada, Oceanview. Both cruises were exquisite. Not a complaint to be had.

 

Considering the Epic this time for basically two reasons. The pricing for staterooms is the lowest I have seen for a transatlantic cruise. A Mini Suite is a lower price than an Inside on other ships. Living in Florida and being older we can't be bothered with wearing formal stuff in order to eat. So the NCL freestyle suits us perfectly. Basically, the only thing that ever concerns me on a cruise ship is the same thing that concerns me in hotels. Being able to get a good night's sleep. That is why we choose a stateroom very carefully. So far, we've been lucky.

 

I have seen where some folks have concerns about the bathroom setup on the Epic. I have seen some videos and it seems as though there is not the complete privacy as you have in a standard bathroom at home or for that matter on other ships. I am not sure whether this would affect either my wife or myself. Would like to have feedback from some folks that have traveled on the Epic. Is the reason that the pricing is so low because of the bathroom situation? :confused: