NCP EPIC Comparison to others

[cruisepig]

I hope the EPIC will bring out better reviews, I have booked
for August 2010, other ship reviews on NCL ships
have been great on Food, service etc..

[Beanie01]

I hope so too! I'm booked on the Epic 9/25/10, and I've never sailed NCL. But for $599 + $100 OBC, I wasn't about to argue!

[Brad1185]

With extrance fees for the public lounges, static menus coming, bizarre bathroom setup in the rooms, 100 sq foot rooms, I dont know if any price would be worth it, then you have the embarrassement of the look of the ship, extremely ugly.

[mttwinmom]

I'm with you, the price is awsome. I booked a garden villa for my family and think I got a steal. I'm so excited about all the venues, even if some of them require a surcharge. It's a vacation, money will be spent!

[Planer's Edge]

With extrance fees for the public lounges, static menus coming, bizarre bathroom setup in the rooms, 100 sq foot rooms, I dont know if any price would be worth it, then you have the embarrassement of the look of the ship, extremely ugly.

Where are you seeing 100 square foot cabins? Static menus are an experiment on the Dawn right now and are going through serious modifications because of feedback.

What is your problem with NCL?? If you don't like cruising NCL just say so and go and enjoy your favorite line. Your constant PITA posts do nothing to advance whatever your agenda may be. :rolleyes:

PE

[Madisonsmom]

what are static menus?

[gtalum]

what are static menus?

It's a test they're running (or maybe finished running) on Dawn where in the main dining rooms the menu is the same every night of the cruise. I think they're actually called "fixed menus". It hasn't gone over well.

[sjbdtz]

Brad:

Dude? :confused::confused::confused:

Stephen




In other news, public lounge access is included, except for some speciality lounges like the Ice Bar, which have a cover charge...which includes 2 drinks. It's no different than a bar on land, where they just want to ensure people who are causing the facility to be at capacity, are customers and not observers. That's a fair approach.

The notion of "static menus" refers to a trial on Dawn, where NCL is working to specialize in a restricted menu, with rotating options (specials) in the MDRs. Given that EPIC will have 15 restaurants, this shouldn't be an issue, even if they DO roll it out. The benefits are: consistency, less waste, improved sourcing, and more money left to invest in quality.

The 100 sq ft Studio Rooms are bedrooms which take advantage of a new concept, the "Living Room". The Studios have access to the Living Room, and are reminiscent of the spirit of European backpacking / hostel living, albeit with a far "cooler" vibe. This type of travel will appeal to singles, and young couples who would like to find like-minded people onboard.

The look of the ship in the original artists renderings looked a little top-heavy, however the photos from the shipyard clearly show that the width of the ship can accommodate the height of the Villas complex. This also enables the ship to accommodate the height of the 3-storey high waterslide!

As for the "bizarre bathroom setup", today's NCL ships have shower doors so that the shower is enclosed, and a separate toilet door so that the toilet is enclosed....both areas being separated from the sink. The only difference in EPIC is that the door to the sink area is removed, and the glass on the shower & toilet is frosted...not clear.

Bizarre would be if they didn't have toilets.

Bizarre would be where you shop for bathroom stuff, in South Africa:
http://thumb13.webshots.net/t/96/96/4/30/11/2455430110080057173RiKrxz_th.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2455430110080057173RiKrxz)

[Beanie01]

Personally, I think it's going to be awesome. It's like a new concept in cruising by doing away with standard promanades, typical cruise-style dining rooms (I love the Manhattan Room!), and standard shows (can't wait to see Blue Man and Cirque Dreams!).

But before I get too excited about cruising on this ship 9/2010, I can't wait for my upcoming cruise on RC's Liberty of the Seas on 10/10!

[mttwinmom]

I'm so excited about seeing this new ship. I haven't done a ton of cruises, so I don't have a lot to compare with but so far the pictures and basic information I have convinced me to book a courtyard villa (and then change it to an owners suite). I guess I would just say if someone is so against this ship or cruise line, don't use it. I'm sure they all have their positives and negatives. I still can't figure out the shower issue, what am I missing.

[chachi]

I still can't figure out the shower issue, what am I missing.

The shower doors are frosted. The shower is not in a bathroom. So when you are in the cabin you can see anyone who is in the shower. I would not be comfortable with this. I wouldn't mind if I were with my boyfriend, but I travel a lot with friends. I would not book a room where everyone could see what I was doing (even if it is frosted). I couldn't imagine if I had kids, I would not want them to see me in the shower.
I have never been on NCL, and this ship looked interesting to me until I read about the showers.

[jame_g]

With extrance fees for the public lounges, static menus coming, bizarre bathroom setup in the rooms, 100 sq foot rooms...

I don't get why NCL did this. One (or more) more reason(s) why I'm not inclined to book a cruise on the Epic. Maybe that will change after I see some of the reviews from the sailings. I just think that some of this may not go over well.

But overall, I hope this is not the direction that NCL will continue on future ships... I really hope they will look at what they did right on the Dawn and the Pearl for example, then take into account where they went wrong on the Epic.

[time2cruise1]

The shower doors are frosted. The shower is not in a bathroom. So when you are in the cabin you can see anyone who is in the shower. I would not be comfortable with this. I wouldn't mind if I were with my boyfriend, but I travel a lot with friends. I would not book a room where everyone could see what I was doing (even if it is frosted). I couldn't imagine if I had kids, I would not want them to see me in the shower.
I have never been on NCL, and this ship looked interesting to me until I read about the showers.

Not exactly true. There is a privacy curtain that seperates the rest of the cabin do when you are in the cabin you cannot see anyone who is in the shower:rolleyes:

[alicam]

People are spending too much time worrying about someone seeing them through a frosted glass door while in the shower....

[chachi]

Not exactly true. There is a privacy curtain that seperates the rest of the cabin do when you are in the cabin you cannot see anyone who is in the shower:rolleyes:

Where do you see a curtain?

[time2cruise1]

Where do you see a curtain?

There is a "heavy" curtain that separates the cabin from the shower and toilet area that can be opened the 95 % of the time it is not needed. I can be seen in many of the drawings and discussed in detail by NCL.

[sverigecruiser]

I don't like the bathroom setup either but to call it "bizarre" is to go too far, I think.

In my opinion, a singing waiter annoying me at dinner is much more bizarre than the Epic bathroom setup!

[sottovoce]

It's a test they're running (or maybe finished running) on Dawn where in the main dining rooms the menu is the same every night of the cruise. I think they're actually called "fixed menus". It hasn't gone over well.
This is not true. The menus are not "the same every night of the cruise." There are daily special choices every night. Lastly, as with any change, some people are unwilling to accept change. Many, however, have expressed positive reactions to not only many of the "always available" choices on the menus being test-marketed, but also the daily special choices.

[sottovoce]

In other news, public lounge access is included, except for some speciality lounges like the Ice Bar, which have a cover charge...which includes 2 drinks. It's no different than a bar on land, where they just want to ensure people who are causing the facility to be at capacity, are customers and not observers. That's a fair approach.
You wouldn't except Brad to be "fair" in anything he writes about NCL, would you? Kevin Sheehan's Q&A in USAToday also indicates that Blue Man Group will not have an extra charge on Epic. Once again, Brad's negative rant has little or no basis in reality.

[sbwmail]

I hope so too! I'm booked on the Epic 9/25/10, and I've never sailed NCL. But for $599 + $100 OBC, I wasn't about to argue!

Lucky you to be able to get those prices since it's back to school time! We are paying more than double that per person since we can only sail during August (summer vacation) and August is cheaper than July.

We haven't been on NCL since 1992 and are giving them another try with the EPIC...hoping for good results even after hearing several friend's complaints from other NCL ships, but this ship sounds too exciting to pass up! (despite the sink, shower inconveniences)

[CanadianTwosome]

I don't get why NCL did this. One (or more) more reason(s) why I'm not inclined to book a cruise on the Epic. Maybe that will change after I see some of the reviews from the sailings. I just think that some of this may not go over well.

But overall, I hope this is not the direction that NCL will continue on future ships... I really hope they will look at what they did right on the Dawn and the Pearl for example, then take into account where they went wrong on the Epic.

NCL 'did this' for people like me and my family. :) I can't begin to tell you how much we're looking forward to EVERYTHING Epic has to offer - and how much we're not going to miss a whole lot of the other stuff.

As for 'where they went wrong', don't you think it's a little early to suggest that they did? I've been reading for years here on the CC boards about how 'wrong' Freestyle is... and yet from what I read recently, NCL made a profit in the last quarter while RCCL suffered a loss... Hmmmmmm... I guess they're not so 'wrong' after all... :)

[G'ma]

Where are you seeing 100 square foot cabins? Static menus are an experiment on the Dawn right now and are going through serious modifications because of feedback.

What is your problem with NCL?? If you don't like cruising NCL just say so and go and enjoy your favorite line. Your constant PITA posts do nothing to advance whatever your agenda may be. :rolleyes:

PE

From Cruise Critic:

Norwegian Epic Studio Cabins: Too Tiny or Super Chic?http://www.cruisecritic.com/images/epic-studio-cabin.jpgThough a big focus of Norwegian Cruise Line (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/cruiseline.cfm?CruiseLineID=24)'s press conference today at the Cruise Shipping Miami Convention was the unveiling of Norwegian Epic (http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=481)'s two-deck suite complex, one -- ahem -- "smaller" detail stood out to us. During the cabin detail reveal (http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3123), NCL also announced that Norwegian Epic will feature 128 Studio cabins that are 100 square feet apiece.

[G'ma]

It's a test they're running (or maybe finished running) on Dawn where in the main dining rooms the menu is the same every night of the cruise. I think they're actually called "fixed menus". It hasn't gone over well.

Think "diner".....

[G'ma]

Bizarre would be where you shop for bathroom stuff, in South Africa:
http://thumb13.webshots.net/t/96/96/4/30/11/2455430110080057173RiKrxz_th.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2455430110080057173RiKrxz)

Some shops in South Africa may be bizarre, but they are called bazaars.

[G'ma]

Not exactly true. There is a privacy curtain that seperates the rest of the cabin do when you are in the cabin you cannot see anyone who is in the shower:rolleyes:

I've seen this set-up in older RV's, too.

[RMS Olympic]

Will all the restaurants other than the main dining room charge? If so, freestyle is not free....it should be called a la carte cruising.
Dont blast me...I go back with NCL years ago...Southward, Seaward,Norway, Leeward,Dreamward, Sky...but haven't sailed NCL since 2000.
Will I be paying to have a choice in where I dine? I can understand some surcharges like the steakhouse...just like Princess...but exactly how many dining rooms charge?

[njhorseman]

Will all the restaurants other than the main dining room charge? If so, freestyle is not free....it should be called a la carte cruising.
Dont blast me...I go back with NCL years ago...Southward, Seaward,Norway, Leeward,Dreamward, Sky...but haven't sailed NCL since 2000.
Will I be paying to have a choice in where I dine? I can understand some surcharges like the steakhouse...just like Princess...but exactly how many dining rooms charge?


See my answer on the separate thread you started.

[hat776]

I really can't understand how many people don't understand the meaning of the word 'freestyle'.
As far as I understand all NCL ships have free MDR's just like all the other lines. They also have Blue Lagoon (or similar) open 24 x 7. Then there is the action station Buffet open most of the time and the Great Outdoors and Pool bar also free.
There are also free coffee / ice cream machines 24 x 7. Room Service is free.
Other restaurants (whether 2, 10 or whatever) have a surcharge. Lots of folk stick to the free dining and are completely satisfied.

[gfog50]

Hope the design of the rooms are better than the design of the outside of the ship....especially the foward top floors. All pictures now makes the ship look like hell.

[fin]

It is somewhat bemusing to see 170 posts about the bathroom of a ship which has not been built yet.

It looks like they have decided to target an entirely different demographic than their current customer base. Someone said their ads look like Logans Run.

[Giorgi-one]

I am booked on the Epic but I am still trying to figure out what NCL is doing. Why would they build a ship where all the cabins are smaller than the Jewel Class - maybe the smallest balcony cabins at sea. Why would they build a ship where people questioni the layout of the bathroom / shower - had to do it becasue the cabins are so small. Sure, they will get a lot of takers for a new ship but what happens when the newness wears off? I booked a SPA suite and basically got a balcony cabin (size wise) on most other cruise lines. We really enjoyed our AE Penthouse on the Gem and the Jade but a very disappointed with the size on the Epic.

[BaltimoreChickadee]

People are spending too much time worrying about someone seeing them through a frosted glass door while in the shower....


agreed. i am so excited.....this is my 1st cruise ever. the last thing i am concerned with is my husband of 15 years seeing me thru a shower door. hell, i can't wait to get to st. marteen and run around topless!!! we're alos traveling with 2 friends and i could care less if they are in my stateroom as i shower. sheesh. it's only our earth costume people. :D

[gkbiiii]

With extrance fees for the public lounges, static menus coming, bizarre bathroom setup in the rooms, 100 sq foot rooms, I dont know if any price would be worth it, then you have the embarrassement of the look of the ship, extremely ugly.


The 100 foot rooms are priced for singles; with no single supplement and have a private lounge with bar & concierge service.

[cruisecrazyk]

I am booked on the Epic Feb 2011. I really wanted a cruise ship that was different in many ways from the same old same old. So many ships are just a carbon copy of each other. Carnival for instance is so similar from ship to ship that you get tired of the same old floor plans etc. I also wanted different types of entertainment that you don't see everywhere and I like the speciality restaurants. I am ok with paying extra for things that are worth it. I like Carnival and NCL but I really wanted to enjoy a ship that was out side the box of the normal ship experience. Who knows, I may try Oasis of the Sea when the prices come down. NCL is a good value for your money and I have always had a good time even on some of their older ships. I think NCL did a good job thinking outside the box for this ship. Lets all just give it a chance and not worry so much about the differences.:)

[njhorseman]

The 100 foot rooms are priced for singles; with no single supplement and have a private lounge with bar & concierge service.

The pricing for singles is a very recent change...probably because these cabins were not selling well because of their size. It's questionable whether there will be concierge service. That was mentioned in an early press release, but is conspicuously absent from the Epic brochure and the Web site.

[RMS Olympic]

Haven't sailed NCL in 10 years.....
Now I booked a studio,as a single.
Its still bigger than an inside with an upper and lower on the old Carla C...a closet masquerading as a cabin.
I have been lucky to have sailed on every type of ship...bucket to Seabourn.....this Epic a curiousity.
But for the low price.....why not. I suspect I will be spending money on the surcharge dining facilities.
Said I would never sail NCL again...so much for that claim.

[negc]

Haven't sailed NCL in 10 years.....
Now I booked a studio,as a single.
Its still bigger than an inside with an upper and lower on the old Carla C...a closet masquerading as a cabin.
I have been lucky to have sailed on every type of ship...bucket to Seabourn.....this Epic a curiousity.
But for the low price.....why not. I suspect I will be spending money on the surcharge dining facilities.
Said I would never sail NCL again...so much for that claim.

Our very first cruise was on the Carla C in an inside cabin that fit your description to a T. :) As the cruise went on that cramped room seemed to get bigger and sailing in it certainly didn't deter us from continuing to cruise for the next thirty years. :D Not much, other than the entertainment, might cause me to book Epic but I will be interested to read your and other's reactions to the ship when it begins sailing. I long ago realized the error of saying 'never', so who knows what will happen in the future.

[schoolmarm4]

The shower doors are frosted. The shower is not in a bathroom. So when you are in the cabin you can see anyone who is in the shower. I would not be comfortable with this. I wouldn't mind if I were with my boyfriend, but I travel a lot with friends. I would not book a room where everyone could see what I was doing (even if it is frosted). I couldn't imagine if I had kids, I would not want them to see me in the shower.
I have never been on NCL, and this ship looked interesting to me until I read about the showers.
I believe I read that there is a curtain you can pull that separates the shower from the rest of the room.

[saltandpepper02476]

I have not been on NCL for 15 years and am considering a cruise on the Epic this year. How does NCL compare with HAL and Disney in terms of food quality and service? I know food is a very subjective topic. Any help or opinions would be appreciated.

[ddakrt]

Disney is supposed to be really good in terms of service and I can't imagine HAL is that far behind. Typically NCL is behind both of those but not necessarily behind other mainstream lines. Same goes for food in the MDR, while their specialties are competitive with other line's specialty restaurants, if a tiny bit more inconsistent.

Unless you're in a NCL suite though, then apparently no other lines can compete lol.