NCL Epic vs S class

Can someone who has been on both compare and contrast for me?

We are fairly laid back...crowds turn me off...I like the concept of their private area for suite guests..built in crowd control....especially at the pool

Love X but thinking it might be time for a change...

Is this more comparable to rccl ships? Appreciate any insights.

Ouch, I am no fan of NCL personally... However, they do have a very good suite experience and the casino is better.

The things I don't like about NCL.... fair service,fair to bad food, I know it's subjective but from your postings I think we're in the same ballpark re: this subject. We just don't care for the whole "freestyle" thing... and again you can either love it or hate....

And for someone who is in the "biz" I only book NCL on request only basis

CC

Thanks cat....

I like x becuase it is more subdued...i love the specialty dining... Cancelled a cruise on Oasis of seas this year becuase it just seemed too much like an amusement park at sea...great for many, but if i am going to do that i will just go to disney!

Exactly.... If you booked a suite on NCL it would be like experiencing your suite quarters as a Nordstrom experience but the moment you stepped out of that suite...it would be JC/Penney,Sears experience:eek:

Have you looked into doing a Resort? We switch it up once in a while with a nice 4 seasons,waldorf(like the Boca raton resort and spa)....etc.

CC

Yes..a resort may be next....i love cruising but that is all we have done for the past ten years...need to decide between a few options...but really want to do Tahiti....Or Napa Valley.....for our couples vacation...will probably do Disney..eek! With our little one....

Just love the simplicity of cruising..really want to go over the top formour anniversary...tahiti is calling me....such a big world and so few vacation days!

For me I like a more private shower and toilet stall than in cabins on the Epic.

My sister in law gave up cruising on NCL when the buffet and dinner meals deteriorated to food like her high school cafeteria. She swears they lowered the quality of food to force people to pay for alternative dining.

Can someone who has been on both compare and contrast for me?

 

We are fairly laid back...crowds turn me off...I like the concept of their private area for suite guests..built in crowd control....especially at the pool

 

Love X but thinking it might be time for a change...

 

Is this more comparable to rccl ships? Appreciate any insights.

They sell everything all over the ship and the bingo push at all the shows really got annoying. Entertainment was better on NCL, food and service much better on X. Lots of announcements. Did not enjoy specialty restaurants on NCL and loved them on Celebrity.

The only way to cruise NCL is in a suite. we don't leave the area....except for shows, shopping or to walk around. Dining, pool, etc. - suite area is the only way to go....and NCL does a lovely suite experience. That being said, we didn't cruise the Epic because we knew the draw of the "amusement park" stuff would be a draw for the kids...and we wouldn't really enjoy the suite experience...so, the whole family wouldn't be happy. NCL Jewel/gem/Pearl have the suite area but not the whole.....rock wall, etc....whereas the kids would be happy in the courtyard. See what I mean???

As for land - I highly recommend Namale Resort for an adults only vacation....or Jean Michael Cousteau for family - all in Fiji....our fav vacation spot!! A lovely, not packed Caribbean place is Turks and Caicos....we rent a home there often and it boasts the most clear water!! you can also rent some nice condos right on Grace Bay beach - but we like the privacy of the homes on the other side of the island..... we also mix it up; cruise/land etc.... i do love to travel.....it's the only reason I work!

Prince Charles would call this a 'monstrous carbuncle'..........

She ain't pretty is she?

She looks like a floating brick!

Amy I will check outbthose fiji spots! Thanks! Sounds like we have similar tastes again....and that is also why i work..for vacations and our boat!

I agree about that big bump on top~!

We recently sent for some brochures for two other NCL ships--but only would go if we could afford a suite...we have been duly warned!

Is that the ph? Beats the hot tub on x! Wow!

When we sailed the NCL Jewel we had the CC party in the 3 bdrm Villa..OMG...it was over 4,800 sq ft complete with Grand piano,seperate bedrooms and a whole courtyard with huge sundeck and jacuzzi...:p We had over 50 people at our party too... plus 8 staff serving.

I could have "dealt" with those accomodations..but didn't care for NCL>.. I just don't know why NCL has such great suites and the rest of the product is mediocre.:confused:

Amy.... I looked up Namale in Fiji....looks great...I"ll have to see if they offer special rates... and that's why I do this crazy job too...

CC

When we sailed the NCL Jewel we had the CC party in the 3 bdrm Villa..OMG...it was over 4,800 sq ft complete with Grand piano,seperate bedrooms and a whole courtyard with huge sundeck and jacuzzi...:p We had over 50 people at our party too... plus 8 staff serving.

 

I could have "dealt" with those accomodations..but didn't care for NCL>.. I just don't know why NCL has such great suites and the rest of the product is mediocre.:confused:

 

Amy.... I looked up Namale in Fiji....looks great...I"ll have to see if they offer special rates... and that's why I do this crazy job too...

 

CC

Curiouscat - i agree about NCL...but, I never made the garden villa...I"m green!! NCL is one poolside contest away from Carnival - suite life excluded. That's the hard part - we continue to sail NCL and enjoy the suite "Cruise within a cruise"...hoping X is a good compromise and will be our new line of choice.

We were married at Namale back in 1993 - we thought $650/night was a rip off in 1993!!!....last time we were there (we tried for every 5 years, but have only made it 3 times....) it was getting to the point of breaking the bank....it holds such a special place in our heart though!!! Truly anywhere in Fiji is amazing (once you leave the mainland) as the people are truly magical....so untouched by tourism.....really incredible.

Is that the ph? Beats the hot tub on x! Wow!

That was the Owners Suite on the Pride of America.....huge suite, amazing balcony....we sailed Hawaii in that cabin. Funny enough - the AB suite (which is the 2 bdr suite which give kids their own room, own full bath, own closet, etc.) has a horrible balcony....LOL......but amazing cabin inside....the Owner suite is the best of both worlds....BUT...has an occupancy rate of 2....now, with that cabin I can't justify buying two....too $$$$$$....kids stayed with grandma that trip ;)

We had reserved for the Epic in january 2011 but after reading the reviews we decided to change for the Eclipse. The Epic and Eclipse are really 2 different kind of ships. If you want entertainement choose Epic. If you want to relax and good food choose Eclipse. But please read the reviews. You will make a wiser decision for yourself.

If you wouldn't go on the Oasis which gets decent reviews, why would you even think of the Epic. The reviews are awful. NCL is known for less than average food and the only way you will end up with a decent room and food is to pay the premium. Problem is you are still on an ugly ship with crowds, noise etc.

X and NCL DO have one thing in common...they both travel on water.;)

Want one of the top 10 beaches in the world? Head to Providenciales in the Caicos isalnds. (Turks and Caicos) You can walk white white cool beaches with clear turquios water and stay in wonderfuul condo resorts. Fantastic upscale restaurants just adds even more to the area. There are NO crowds. We love it and were there twice lawt year. Another trip planned for spring. Do some reearch and see what I mean.:)

We love the Turks too...but our fav resort on our fav Island is re-opening. The 4 seasons in Nevis.... most spectacular Island ...IMHO

The closest cruise ships get to it is St.Kitts...which is a good thing.It keeps it Pristine

CC