NCL Epic Questions

[bhorv67]

Hi All - Just joined the forums here. Very helpful information.

 

I just booked my first NCL cruise for wife, myself and our 12 year old. Looked like a great deal. My recent cruise experience has been with Disney. We sailed on the Dream and Wonder over the last few years. It's ok if you really like Disney - me, not so much. I worked there for 10 years. Had enough Disney. My daughter had a great time, so why not....

 

Anyhoo... I found a decent rate on NCL on the Epic, and figured we give it a try. First thing I noticed when booking are the promotions for free of either UBP/UDP or $200 credit. I was looking for the 3/29-4/5 sailing.

 

In the sorta fine print it said, all 3 are included in all suites. I'm thinking - mini suite- hey that's a suite, I'll get all 3! To make sure, I call reservations and check it out - turns out, the three promotions are only included in Haven suites. So already, my first dealings with NCL I'm thinking this is really shady. So this is how they run their company. Ok, I'll store that in the vault for later... moving on...

 

I booked a balcony room (online) and being an f'n new guy to NCL, I didn't think to choose a category - I just picked the guarantee. I end up getting a room at the back of the bus. Really. It was the last room on the 8th floor, in the back. O no, I was not having this. I call, see what can be done and they move me. Lesson learned for next time. Second thing now to file in the vault... again, moving on....

 

After checking the website for the rates over the next week or so, I notice the fares are coming down. I could now get a mini suite for what I paid for the balcony. Maybe I can get them to move us. (hmm, how will this go?) I get a nice woman on the phone who right away said, sure! we can move you. So now I have a mini suite on deck 10 in the middle.

 

I have to say though, after looking at the mini suites, the name 'mini-suite' really doesn't apply. Maybe deluxe balcony? or the regular balconies should be called 'small balcony'? I mean these rooms are tiny. And who's idea was it to put a sink outside the bathroom? I kept thinking, Disney's cabins were much bigger, the bathrooms were huge (and a real bathroom, with a sink!).

 

But so far, NCL being able to move me - I really didn't think that was going to happen, but they earned a point. Hopefully we keep this positive trend going.

 

Something else I really don't care for - mandatory service charges, for everyone in the cabin. Even kids. Really?? Not trying to compare again, but Disney's tips are voluntary. At least they were when we went.

We could talk about this for hours, but my feelings about tips are this: if you do an exceptional job, you earn a tip. It's not assumed. I think way too many service industry companies have gotten used to relying on tips as the earnings for the employees. What should be (like anyone cares what I think), is NCL should add in the cost of the tips to the fare and be done with it. Having the service charge be extra to your fare is making me think like NCL is being cheap with their people. Just my $.02.

 

So that's my observations so far. I'm not trying to bitch. I really want this to be a great week on the Epic. Will it be?

 

Ok so, now that I brought up the issue about paying tips in advance - what about this UBP. How does this work? Granted it was included with the fare, I see you get included drinks up to $11. Is there a forced tip added to each drink? Does the UBP cover the tip if the total is below $11? I see this being a source of contention, but we'll see...

 

I also see that there's a purposely vague description of what the UBP covers - a 'variety' of spirits, wines/beer, etc... Variety? like the cheap stuff? Like names I've never heard of? Not trying to be picky here, just don't want a week of headaches drinking cheap booze. I'm not expecting Macallan 25, but I certainly hope for some Crown Royal, maybe a decent Pinot... anyone???

 

The rest I'll just wait and see what happens. Thanks for any insight. :D

[Photojunkie_I_am]

My husband is a CR drinker and having worked in the bar business for 5 years through college, I would be shocked if a Premium brand like CR would be included. I think Seagrams 7 or Weller is more probable.

[LrgPizza]

Yes, mini-suites are basically just deluxe balconies. They have none of the amenities of suites.

 

UBP covers all drinks $11 and under. That will be over 99% of all alcoholic drinks you can find, including premium spirits.

 

The bathroom situation is different. No other NCL ships are set up that way, so don't judge the cruise line based on that.

 

It's a great ship. We loved it. Our 11 year old liked it way better than DCL Magic. There was so much more to do.

 

Enjoy!

[LrgPizza]

My husband is a CR drinker and having worked in the bar business for 5 years through college, I would be shocked if a Premium brand like CR would be included. I think Seagrams 7 or Weller is more probable.

 

 

Crown Royal is absolutely included. So is Grey Goose. I've had both with UBP.

[Photojunkie_I_am]

Crown Royal is absolutely included. So is Grey Goose. I've had both with UBP.

 

 

That is great news! We typically cruise with Celebrity and that wasn't the case.

I am going to really like NCL I think. [emoji1]

[Jofishes]

OP I smiled at your post when referencing to Disney Cruise really I did because I have tried my hardest not to do this myself

 

After many Disney cruises we have just booked our first Ncl cruise on the Epic and after a little, ok I will admit it quite a bit of research i've already said to the kids " this ship ain't no Disney ship " it's huge for a start and the product itself is very, very different, the huge casino bang in the middle gave that one away

 

I've been looking at a lot of you tube videos and reading trip reports to prepare for what's to come, there is a great report on here about 24+ pages long which is very informative by a guy from Scotland travelling solo which is well worth reading i will try to find it and link it on this thread for you

[californiamomof2]

OP, we are in the same boat, literally and figuratively! We are Disney Cruiseline kool aid drinkers but trying the Epic for spring break 3/29-4/5. Same cruise same week on Disney was triple the price. My boys are 10 and 11 so I think they will love BlueManGroup and all the extra physical things to do (better waterslides, rope climbing wall, spider net climb, Epic bounce). Once NCL threw in the UBP, I booked. Estancia Pinot Noir is on their list and under $11/glass. It's not high end but totally decent. Look for us on the ship. We will be the ones with our DCL lanyards around our neck, DCL backpacks on, and have tons of $ falling out of our pockets from what we saved trying NCL. I have prepared everyone to reset their expectations (mostly worried about difference in customer service while onboard and food quality/diversity) but we expect to have a fabulous time.

[Cheddarhead Cruiser]

bhorv67:

 

We are going on the same cruise. In regards to the UBP I am also kinda foggy about the whole thing. I have heard it is drinks up to 11.00 is ok and then a 15% tip is added. I am thinking that as long as you order 11.00 and below you should be fine. Then again I am like u this is my 1st NCL Cruise. I do remember seeing that list of beverages somewhere as well. If that is the case then it looks like there will be plenty of stuff to drink. Also bhorv67 have you been on the roll call boards yet? They got one set up for the cruise you and I are going to be going on. There is a Meet and Greet/Cabin Crawl/Slot Pull set up already for 3/30 at 11:00am in Bliss on the ship.

[Demonyte]

In regards to the UBP I am also kinda foggy about the whole thing. I have heard it is drinks up to 11.00 is ok and then a 15% tip is added. I am thinking that as long as you order 11.00 and below you should be fine.

 

 

It's quite simple really, UBP includes gratuities already so as long as the list price of the drink is no more than $11, it's included (unless the drink is excluded otherwise). Also at the same time as the limit was raised from $10 to $11, the bar auto-gratuity was also raised from 15% to 18%.

 

See full terms here: http://www.ncl.com/promo/ultimate-beverage-package/terms

Edited March 6, 2015 by Demonyte

[detroitlions]

Hi All - Just joined the forums here. Very helpful information.

 

I just booked my first NCL cruise for wife, myself and our 12 year old. Looked like a great deal. My recent cruise experience has been with Disney. We sailed on the Dream and Wonder over the last few years. It's ok if you really like Disney - me, not so much. I worked there for 10 years. Had enough Disney. My daughter had a great time, so why not....

 

Anyhoo... I found a decent rate on NCL on the Epic, and figured we give it a try. First thing I noticed when booking are the promotions for free of either UBP/UDP or $200 credit. I was looking for the 3/29-4/5 sailing.

 

In the sorta fine print it said, all 3 are included in all suites. I'm thinking - mini suite- hey that's a suite, I'll get all 3! To make sure, I call reservations and check it out - turns out, the three promotions are only included in Haven suites. So already, my first dealings with NCL I'm thinking this is really shady. So this is how they run their company. Ok, I'll store that in the vault for later... moving on...

 

I booked a balcony room (online) and being an f'n new guy to NCL, I didn't think to choose a category - I just picked the guarantee. I end up getting a room at the back of the bus. Really. It was the last room on the 8th floor, in the back. O no, I was not having this. I call, see what can be done and they move me. Lesson learned for next time. Second thing now to file in the vault... again, moving on....

 

After checking the website for the rates over the next week or so, I notice the fares are coming down. I could now get a mini suite for what I paid for the balcony. Maybe I can get them to move us. (hmm, how will this go?) I get a nice woman on the phone who right away said, sure! we can move you. So now I have a mini suite on deck 10 in the middle.

 

I have to say though, after looking at the mini suites, the name 'mini-suite' really doesn't apply. Maybe deluxe balcony? or the regular balconies should be called 'small balcony'? I mean these rooms are tiny. And who's idea was it to put a sink outside the bathroom? I kept thinking, Disney's cabins were much bigger, the bathrooms were huge (and a real bathroom, with a sink!).

 

But so far, NCL being able to move me - I really didn't think that was going to happen, but they earned a point. Hopefully we keep this positive trend going.

 

Something else I really don't care for - mandatory service charges, for everyone in the cabin. Even kids. Really?? Not trying to compare again, but Disney's tips are voluntary. At least they were when we went.

We could talk about this for hours, but my feelings about tips are this: if you do an exceptional job, you earn a tip. It's not assumed. I think way too many service industry companies have gotten used to relying on tips as the earnings for the employees. What should be (like anyone cares what I think), is NCL should add in the cost of the tips to the fare and be done with it. Having the service charge be extra to your fare is making me think like NCL is being cheap with their people. Just my $.02.

 

So that's my observations so far. I'm not trying to bitch. I really want this to be a great week on the Epic. Will it be?

 

Ok so, now that I brought up the issue about paying tips in advance - what about this UBP. How does this work? Granted it was included with the fare, I see you get included drinks up to $11. Is there a forced tip added to each drink? Does the UBP cover the tip if the total is below $11? I see this being a source of contention, but we'll see...

 

I also see that there's a purposely vague description of what the UBP covers - a 'variety' of spirits, wines/beer, etc... Variety? like the cheap stuff? Like names I've never heard of? Not trying to be picky here, just don't want a week of headaches drinking cheap booze. I'm not expecting Macallan 25, but I certainly hope for some Crown Royal, maybe a decent Pinot... anyone???

 

The rest I'll just wait and see what happens. Thanks for any insight. :D

NCL puts out a great product. I will be on this cruise with a 12 year old DS. He does not remember much about NCL he was 5 when we went last. He does love Carnival. But to be honnest I like how NCL is really making a effort with all the perks they have thrown in like UBP which I think is genius. You will be able to get all the drinks you like. Today someone listed the new bar menu from the Spirit which from what I hear is fleet wide. I check all the prices there are only a hand full of beverages not included and from the sounds of what you like you will not be affected. One wierd thing I thought I would bring up is there were a couple wine lables priced out at $12 a glass and at home its a $15 Napa wine I dont get the way they price wine. per bottle is deffinately a rip. As for the food I am not real picky I think most lines have hit and miss venus I do not like most food in the buffet on any line but the MDR and the Specials all were good if the MDR menu is not my liking one day I hit the special the price is decent. The shows are the best on water and I am not a show guy. Casino just like all of them they do have a rather differnt in a good way program at the casino it seems real easy compared to the rest to build points they even refund some of your losses if they feel you lost to much. Crazy well I hope this will be fun I will be at the Meet and greet with my fam. Oh by the way I agree with alot of your points above a few people on this site jump all over you when you bring up TIPS or SMOKING so I would avoid these topics.

[Cheddarhead Cruiser]

It's quite simple really, UBP includes gratuities already so as long as the list price of the drink is no more than $11, it's included (unless the drink is excluded otherwise). Also at the same time as the limit was raised from $10 to $11, the bar auto-gratuity was also raised from 15% to 18%.

 

See full terms here: http://www.ncl.com/promo/ultimate-beverage-package/terms

 

Thanks for clearing this up. Just worried about a hidden gotcha and a big bar bill at the end of the cruise.

[hawkeyetlse]

Something else I really don't care for - mandatory service charges, for everyone in the cabin. Even kids. Really?? Not trying to compare again, but Disney's tips are voluntary. At least they were when we went.

As far as I know (never sailed DCL), Disney's current tipping policy is quite similar to NCL's. In other words, they suggest how much you should pay, and this amount is automatically added to your room account "for your convenience". If you want to adjust that amount, you have to ask at the front desk. The service charges are not mandatory on either cruise line; they are voluntary (the preferred term around here is "discretionary" :D).

[bhorv67]

OP, we are in the same boat, literally and figuratively! We are Disney Cruiseline kool aid drinkers but trying the Epic for spring break 3/29-4/5. Same cruise same week on Disney was triple the price. My boys are 10 and 11 so I think they will love BlueManGroup and all the extra physical things to do (better waterslides, rope climbing wall, spider net climb, Epic bounce). Once NCL threw in the UBP, I booked. Estancia Pinot Noir is on their list and under $11/glass. It's not high end but totally decent. Look for us on the ship. We will be the ones with our DCL lanyards around our neck, DCL backpacks on, and have tons of $ falling out of our pockets from what we saved trying NCL. I have prepared everyone to reset their expectations (mostly worried about difference in customer service while onboard and food quality/diversity) but we expect to have a fabulous time.

 

We'll try to look for you.

I wouldn't say I drink any kool aid from Disney. I used to work there for almost 10 years. Had enough. But, the ships were nice. I really liked how big the rooms are. The service on Disney was really good. We'll see how this goes...

[bhorv67]

bhorv67:

 

We are going on the same cruise. In regards to the UBP I am also kinda foggy about the whole thing. I have heard it is drinks up to 11.00 is ok and then a 15% tip is added. I am thinking that as long as you order 11.00 and below you should be fine. Then again I am like u this is my 1st NCL Cruise. I do remember seeing that list of beverages somewhere as well. If that is the case then it looks like there will be plenty of stuff to drink. Also bhorv67 have you been on the roll call boards yet? They got one set up for the cruise you and I are going to be going on. There is a Meet and Greet/Cabin Crawl/Slot Pull set up already for 3/30 at 11:00am in Bliss on the ship.

 

Hey - we'll have to look you up on board.

 

Don't know what a roll call board is. I'm totally new to this site. Can you point me to where it is?

[hawkeyetlse]

Don't know what a roll call board is. I'm totally new to this site. Can you point me to where it is?

Here it is:

March 29, 2015 EPIC

[Jofishes]

you had me curious there so i had to google Crown Royal LOL

 

this is the link for a photo review and trip report and mentioned earlier, i found it very informative and helpful (but be warned it's long)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2059296

Edited March 7, 2015 by Jofishes

[AandBmom]

I just wanted to comment about the tipping part. On other cruise lines I've very much felt that our kids needed to tip because the staff really did work the hardest for the kids. Our dining room waiters have always treated our children like gold and have worked hard to entertain them. Heck on RCCL Freedom of the Seas the assistant waiter would cut up my son's steak for him whenever he saw me helping him and our cabin steward would chat the kids up like crazy. Our head waiter would make animals out of the napkins and play with the kids at dinner. On Carnival they always worked very hard with our kids and I know my cabin needs a lot more work when we have the kids on a cruise than it does when we don't. Our baby actually caused the most work because we had diapers to get rid of and often had dishes in our cabin from feeding the wee one. So I see how the tipping applies to everyone. That being said, on the Epic I really wanted to remove the auto tip or reduce it because the service was nothing like I've ever experienced. The staff seemed disinterested, bothered almost and we are really friendly people and very easy to please. I never expected all the extras mentioned above but it sure was sweet and made me feel like tipping over the amount expected. I hope you have a better experience but it seems like there is something going on lately with the Epic b/c many of the reviews mention this. They all seem over worked, poorly trained and there just isn't enough staffing in any area of the cruise. My other advice is to follow the daily schedule closely when it comes to the activities for your child. We would often go to do an activity (rock climbing, jumpy thing, spider climb, etc) and find that it was closed. They were often only open for 2 hours in the afternoon and if you missed that time you missed it for a whole day.