Epic - tips please?

[Capella Black]

So, after trying out a one-nighter on Escape, I've now booked an eight-person ten-day cruise on Epic in April. Already quite excited, but wondering what top tips people would give my group for best enjoying this beauty of a ship? We're all between 25-35, mixture of single guys and couples.

[SuiteTraveler]

Choose spa cabins or be the first to board so you can buy spa passes.

[Cruising Golfer]

Go in with an open mind, and go with the flow. If you have only been on a one night cruise, you have no idea of what to expect. Just have fun and enjoy the wide open seas. Good Luck and Happy Sailing!!! :cool:

[hawkeyetlse]

Choose spa cabins or be the first to board so you can buy spa passes.

Spa passes are now available for purchase online (starting exactly 100/90 days before sailing) so if you are quick enough then, you can avoid the race to the spa on embarkation day. They are currently also $20 less if you buy in advance. :)

[Sauer-kraut]

Hang out at Spice2o its adults only during the day, nice loungers and a small pool up there. Bar and food as well.

[cb at sea]

Spa passes if you like the spa...not a fan....

[asubaru]

I would recommend everyone purchasing POSH passes.

 

 

 

So, after trying out a one-nighter on Escape, I've now booked an eight-person ten-day cruise on Epic in April. Already quite excited, but wondering what top tips people would give my group for best enjoying this beauty of a ship? We're all between 25-35, mixture of single guys and couples.

[fshagan]

You can escape some of the madness in the buffet by taking your food downstairs to the extra seating in the La Cucina restaurant during the day. The stairway is actually in the buffet area, so you don't have to leave the area. Few people do it, but its nice if you do end up eating there to be able to get away from the crowds.

[Capella Black]

You can escape some of the madness in the buffet by taking your food downstairs to the extra seating in the La Cucina restaurant during the day. The stairway is actually in the buffet area, so you don't have to leave the area. Few people do it, but its nice if you do end up eating there to be able to get away from the crowds.

 

Ooh, this is my favourite tip so far - I'm going to feel like such an old hand going to the secret empty area! Thanks everyone so far - really looking forward to it all! Anyone know what room service breakfast is like? Often one of my favourite things about a cruise when done well...

[debsjc]

If you aren't doing excursions take any port information you want with you, because NCL didn't provide any port info or maps.

 

Use the Interactive TV in your cabin to book restaurants, shows and tender tickets.

 

Don't bother to buy any booze in the Barcelona port duty free shop, because NCL take it from you as you board!

[BirdTravels]

You can escape some of the madness in the buffet by taking your food downstairs to the extra seating in the La Cucina restaurant during the day. The stairway is actually in the buffet area, so you don't have to leave the area. Few people do it, but its nice if you do end up eating there to be able to get away from the crowds.

 

Couple of weeks ago, the Cucina stairs were roped off and not available for buffet customers.

[BirdTravels]

I would recommend everyone purchasing POSH passes.

 

The posh club is the Havens sun deck. Didn't thing you could buy access short of booking a Havens room.

[Sauer-kraut]

The posh club is the Havens sun deck. Didn't thing you could buy access short of booking a Havens room.

 

Posh passes are available for purchase on the EPIC but there is a very limited number available.

[Pitzel]

There is a nice, public sun deck on deck 17(?) forward, on the starboard side. Most people assume that the entire forward area is part of the Haven or Vibe/Posh, but there are some great padded sun beds and clamshells that can be used by anyone. It is a tad windy there, but is usually pretty quiet and very comfortable.

[hlsess]

Following since I'll be on the epic in 5 weeks!

[Capella Black]

Thanks everyone so far! Any thoughts on which bars are best, or how to best enjoy the different complimentary dining options (we are poor, and have the drinks package not the dining package, so can't rely on the speciality restaurants!)

[hlsess]

Thanks everyone so far! Any thoughts on which bars are best, or how to best enjoy the different complimentary dining options (we are poor, and have the drinks package not the dining package, so can't rely on the speciality restaurants!)

 

from all the posts that I've read- some are very happy with the complimentary food and others prefer specialty dining.. We booked very late and since it's over Christmas we are going to Cagney's and le Bistro and doing the Cirque show on Xmas night... but I am sure you will be fine eating at MDR's and buffets and O'sheehan's

[flarad]

Is this the Europe itinerary? If so dine early the European market floods the dining rooms later at night. Be sure to make reservations for your shows too. You can always go without a reservation but it's standby basis. check out the ports boards. There are so many great tips there.

[BirdTravels]

Thanks everyone so far! Any thoughts on which bars are best, or how to best enjoy the different complimentary dining options (we are poor, and have the drinks package not the dining package, so can't rely on the speciality restaurants!)

 

I always recommend that you try and have a drink in each of the main bars. Shakers and Maltings have "quiet" music. Bliss is really nice since the Refirbishment last month. The atrium has live music nightly.

 

Both Taste and the Manhattan room give you nice complimentary dining. O'shehands isn't a pub atmosphere with a bar and restaurant area. And there is the buffet with endless food.

[cclarke12]

So, after trying out a one-nighter on Escape, I've now booked an eight-person ten-day cruise on Epic in April. Already quite excited, but wondering what top tips people would give my group for best enjoying this beauty of a ship? We're all between 25-35, mixture of single guys and couples.

 

No advice, but we'll see you onboard:) We did a short cruise on Jade last month and had the free UBP on that cruise too and it was great. We enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and international mix of passengers on NCL. Can't wait to try Epic.

[vanchelle]

Thanks everyone so far! Any thoughts on which bars are best, or how to best enjoy the different complimentary dining options (we are poor, and have the drinks package not the dining package, so can't rely on the speciality restaurants!)

 

 

We enjoyed the Epic quite a bit- if you are in a balcony room- do your research and get a room with bed near slider....trust me on this, we didn't.

We "upcharged" to la cucina- not worth it IMO, and the Brazilian steakhouse (names escaping me just now)- we loved that and found it worth it.

Other than occasional slow service, we enjoyed the dining room-Taste and buffet. You'll be able to make it work with the included food options: There's a variety and truly, if you start with one and genuinely dislike the menu or meal- you guys can move onto another option (dining room-buffet-noodles, etc)

I'm a fan of iced lattes and paid a few times for my iced treats at the Atrium bar in the mornings

We liked grabbing a drink at shakers and walking around or watching the casino. The ice bar is fun in a group and if you tip well inside, you're likely to get additional pours;) which makes it more bang for your buck!

I can also say I don't think I'd pay for Posh passes-BUT the spa pass made the trip for me...even just for quiet relaxation without the crowds or kids. Have a good trip

 

 

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