NCL Epic - Do you love her or hate her?

Just a word of warning that my mind is all over the place so this post may not be very cohesive.

Maybe I just looked at the wrong thread. :( I read this thread and my heart sank.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1800459

Of course, a lot of people came to Epic's defense but not many of them said specifically that they had actually been on the Epic.

My friends, I would really appreciate some input from you all...good bad or ugly.

This was my DS' choice for a ship (It was his turn.) and of course he chose the biggest ship he could find. :p

Let me first say that I'm not going to worry about the service on NCL. I never have a problem with their staff or their food...except towards the end of the cruise where food seems to be recycled into new concoctions. :) We've all been annoyed with the overcrowded pool areas but I thought this was normal on all ships. Is it extra bad on NCL Epic? :confused:

I'm more concerned about how crowded the ship is during non-holiday times and how awful or great the mini suites are. I noticed that the mini suites do not have curtains to divide the couch/bed from the main sleeping area. That's a bummer but we'll deal....and that the bathrooms are in some crazy configuration.

Allow me to post one review I found on fox news:

What is Wrong with Norwegian Epic?

 

Epic is widely regarded as the ugliest cruise ship in existence, as the blog UglyShips.com shows in a pictorial. Carnival’s top cruise director, John Heald, wrote on his FaceBook page, “it was a beautiful day in St.Thomas … though there were puddles of vomit along the pier. Then I realized we were docked next to the Epic.”

 

But as with the original Ugly Duckling, first impressions can be wrong, and Epic actually has some of the finest cruise ship features at sea. But first a dish of old-fashioned schadenfreude (a German word that means taking joy in the misery of others).

 

The gracious and majestic profiles of passenger ships have been celebrated for centuries. But it is hard to imagine a less appealing visage than Norwegian Epic's -- especially its protruding Frankenstein’s monster forehead dominating bow of the ship, evoking exactly the opposite impression of streamlined vessels cutting through the wind and sea.

 

Then there's Epic’s body, like a stack of Lego blocks. In an odder-than-life coincidence, I found a picture of a real 1995 Lego Toy Company box known as the Color Line Promotional Set: Cruise Ship. UglyShips.com suggests Norwegian used this picture as the inspiration for the ship design – and they could be right.

 

This actual box from 1995 contains building blocks from the Lego “FreeStyle” product, which Lego created in 1995 -- a decade before Norwegian adopted the word “FreeStyle” in a hale chorus for its style of cruising.

Ugly is Not Only Skin Deep

 

And that's not all. Norwegian Epic has the worst stateroom design ever. Norwegian boasted “a unique bathroom treatment where every area is separate, including the shower and a modern vanity sink. The walls are curved to create a modern and chic living experience.”

 

In fact, the bathroom treatments are only semi-private and not soundproof at all. The toilet and the shower are only separated from the main room by partially closed frosted glass panels. Anyone inside either “facility” becomes a blurry image with little left to the imagination. To top it off, they are each located on either side of the front door, so if your room steward walks in at the wrong time someone could get an eyeful.

 

The “vanity sink” is a high-capacity faucet directly above a rounded bowl. Like a recurring gag in a Marx Brothers movie, turning on the water often leads to mopping the floor with a bath towel followed by changing your shirt. If you are lucky, you'll avoid soaking your vanity bed. The light switch for the sink area was on the wall under the counter; I had to call reception to help me find it, and when I got down on all fours I still couldn’t see it.

 

The “wavy walls” are a contrivance to reduce the square footage of the staterooms to “just large enough for the beds,” which tall people claim are several inches shorter than standard. The end of that shortened bed is so close to the opposite wall that people have to take turns crossing the room. The walls then curve the opposite way, accommodating a convex couch that is hard as a rock and could only sleep a third person if he happens to have scoliosis.

 

The public rooms’ décor is Reno casino reminiscent with burgundy and gold paisley carpets. But most frustrating is the limited size of the ship's entertainment venues. Most of the shows fill up nightly, so making reservations online pre-departure is mandatory. If you miss your reservation, you can get in a standby line for a bad seat (if you get in at all), and you have to queue up at least 30 minutes before showtime for that. The size of the showrooms is the most serious drawback of Epic, the exact opposite of the “FreeStyle” concept F3 was supposed to embody.

So What is Right with Epic?

 

I just dished some of the worst aspects of Epic, and Norwegian is aware of these things. So let's be clear: I still highly recommend this ship for most cruisers, especially those who care about cruising solo and shipboard entertainment.

 

Single cruisers who want a cabin of their own without paying the “singles supplement" fee have never had a better ship than Epic. Not only does Epic have 128 “studio staterooms” -- small 100 square-foot cabins with queen-size beds -- but these rooms share a public “living room” where solo cruisers can meet up for dinner and shows. The concept is so simple, logical and helpful for solo cruisers that it is a wonder more ships don’t have the same setup. But they don’t. Only Norwegian Epic has the studio staterooms, and that is a point of distinction.

 

What's more, despite the tiny showrooms Epic has the best entertainment at sea, in my humble opinion (as a person who has stage-managed several cruise shows and seen the entertainment on every cruise line in North America). Epic does not hire its own cast and put on its own shows, nor does it hire a producer to create “cruise shows” like so many other cruise lines. Instead, Norwegian signs on professional entertainers who bring their land-based shows to its ships.

 

Only Epic has the hit show "Blue Man Group." This is my personal favorite New York show. Epic also has “Legends in Concert,” a Las Vegas company that creates complete tribute shows to stars like Madonna, Rod Stewart, Elvis, Michael Jackson or Tina Turner with the same choreography and musical arrangements as the originals. Then there is Second City Comedy – the famous troupe out of Chicago that sent many now-famous comedians to TV programs like Saturday Night Live.

 

Other noteworthy attractions of the Epic include water slides and Nickelodeon characters for the kids; the Fat Cats Jazz Bar that actually features blues music nightly; the frozen “Svedka Ice Bar,” where everything from the tables to the vodka glasses is made of ice; and an array of delicious alternative restaurants as options to the “included in the cruise fare” food -- which itself is not bad at all.

 

Speaking of food, one of best spots on Epic is O’Sheehan’s Pub. All the food is free and a pint of English ale is just $5. The fish and chips are delicious, and you can even get fresh omelets in the morning. O’Sheehan’s is open 24 hours with food service -- the best 24-hour restaurant on the high seas.In a funny twist, the crewmembers cannot pronounce O'Sheehan's, so it is called "Oceans."

 

Ugly Duckling?

 

In the folk tale about the Ugly Duckling, the hatchling grows up to become a beautiful swan -- but Epic is still ugly. Still, the lesson is the same: Don't judge a book by its cover. Yes, Epic has its drawbacks; but it is also one of the best values in cruising and offers excellent entertainment -- and you can take that to the bank.

 

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/03/27/norwegian-epic-best-and-worst-in-cruising/#ixzz2OCeJWN4n

Do you all pretty much agree or disagree with the critics.

I have yet to find someone who really liked their cabin (that wasn't enjoying the suite life). Input is very much appreciated.

I can cancel and rebook if necessary but I'm really hoping for some encouragement!

I have not yet been on the ship, but am planning to be. I booked last year in October and have seen a great many pictures of the ship inside and out. I see nothing ugly at all. A little different? yes. Ugly no! But then what many find ugly, I find beautiful. So...I disagree with the critics. I cant speak to the bathroom situation, as I will be in a solo studio. The other rooms have a curtain that can be drawn if modesty is a problem for some.

Epic is unique, but my absolute favorite ship to date. The cabins are small but very stylish and functional. The ship itself is beautiful inside regardless of what people think about the outside. The entertainment is best on the seas. The spa and gym are the largest on the seas. There are probably 20 places to eat. You will likely find more people with multiple sailings on the Epic than any other...at least based on the extensive reading I do on the boards. I know of several people that have sailed 3-4 times, and for a ship just launched in 2010 that's pretty amazing. The amount of repeat customers should give you a pretty good indication of how people feel about the ship.

So, what about people who don't like the ship? Well, like I said, Epic is unique. Some don't like the cabins due to several reasons. It's small. There's no coffee table. The walls are curved. It has a "European style" bathroom layout with toilet, shower and sink in different areas. There is no promenade deck that circles the ship like other ships. There appear to be fewer areas where you can "connect with the ocean" versus other ships (although with 85% balcony rooms, I'm not sure this is a real problem)

You will find that there are a lot of folks put off by the mega-ships in general that won't sail on the Epic. The bathroom layout used to be a much bigger issue than it is now. However, most love her.

There's a bunch of information about Epic in my signature area, including professional reviews of the ship. I suggest you read trip reports here in the forum and decide whether or not Epic is for you. Personally, I think you'll be amazed just how neat of a ship she is.

Epic is unique, but my absolute favorite ship to date. The cabins are small but very stylish and functional. The ship itself is beautiful inside regardless of what people think about the outside. The entertainment is best on the seas. The spa and gym are the largest on the seas. There are probably 20 places to eat. You will likely find more people with multiple sailings on the Epic than any other...at least based on the extensive reading I do on the boards. I know of several people that have sailed 3-4 times, and for a ship just launched in 2010 that's pretty amazing. The amount of repeat customers should give you a pretty good indication of how people feel about the ship.

 

So, what about people who don't like the ship? Well, like I said, Epic is unique. Some don't like the cabins due to several reasons. It's small. There's no coffee table. The walls are curved. It has a "European style" bathroom layout with toilet, shower and sink in different areas. There is no promenade deck that circles the ship like other ships. There appear to be fewer areas where you can "connect with the ocean" versus other ships (although with 85% balcony rooms, I'm not sure this is a real problem)

 

You will find that there are a lot of folks put off by the mega-ships in general that won't sail on the Epic. The bathroom layout used to be a much bigger issue than it is now. However, most love her.

 

There's a bunch of information about Epic in my signature area, including professional reviews of the ship. I suggest you read trip reports here in the forum and decide whether or not Epic is for you. Personally, I think you'll be amazed just how neat of a ship she is.

I've seen your feet around quite a bit and will be checking out your reviews when I get home. Thanks!

I, too, really like the Epic. I think there are pro's can con's of each ship but variety is nice. The entertainment is incredible. You can come and go to so many venues ( dueling piano bar, jazz/ blues band, etc). So many restaurants to choose from. Although the ship is large, very easy to find your way around. I have been on her twice and am booked again 2014. I was in a spa deluxe balcony and then a studio. Great storage and layout. The main pool deck is crowded and not my favorite layout but not a big deal.

I loved the Epic. DH would tell you it was too big for his liking. But over a year later he looks back and says it did have a lot of things he liked...such as the entertainment and he is not opposed to looking at the Breakaway or Getaway for a future cruise if the price is right.

Well - I've not yet been on her but will be in about 30 days and I could not be more excited!

I can say I have docked next to her before and not vomited!:eek:

I will have to agree with sdmike - she is unique - nothing wrong with that.

I am really looking forward to 11 nights - only 1 port - to explore all she has to offer!

Keep in mind that review you read is 1 persons opinion and John Heald HAS to say mean things about cruise ships - its his job! Trust me - if Epic were a Carnival ship - it would be brilliant!

Keep an open mind, go and have a ball and then decide for yourself.

Don't let a few bad reviews make you panic. I loved the Epic and would sail her again in a heartbeat.

I also have a review in my signature along with pictures. I had a corner aft room, I will tell you now I would not book an aft on the Epic again, I would pick a midship balcony room.

Overall I thought the food and service was great, the shows were amazing, I loved our cabin steward, and there was just so much to see and do.

The pools were crowded on sea days but if you didn't mind not being right next to the pool you could find a lounge chair. I liked the chairs that were in the shade under the overhang of the upper deck.

You can count us in the "love her" category - sailed on her in 2010 and are booked again for the 8 day next January. We were not in a suite and had no problem with the design or setup of our stern balcony. We do prefer the bed closer to the balcony door which is what we booked (10318).

SDMike gave you a really good synopsis and his review and well as the others linked in his signature are excellent.

Here is link to a very good and informative photo presentation of the Epic from Beyond Ships.

http://beyondships.com/NCLEpic.html

Here is my favorite video from contest Norwegian had some time ago ... it did not win but I love it for the fun and energy - captures spirit of the ship for me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVtDZzeOFXM

Here is a longer youtube video for the Epic - this might be the contest winner, cannot remember. Shows more of the ship.

There are videos of both types of minisuites (bed by door/bed by balcony) on youtube.

If the bathroom setup bothers you (lol didn't bother us), then book either Breakaway or Getaway for more $$. They will have even more fabulous entertainment but have gone back to more traditional staterooms while keeping best of Epic and adding to it. Getaway is definitely in our future but we're happy to be back on Epic next year.

I loved the Epic so much that we came home and booked again. We leave in 8 days. We sail Easter week every year, and if that's not a "busy time", then I don't know what is. We never had an issue with crowds. Ok, disembarkation is a nightmare, but that's about it. I never felt crowded or cramped in a restaurant, a show, getting on or off the ship in port, or walking around. We had a corner AFT facing balcony and absolutely loved it. Booked the same exact cabin again for this trip. Service was great on the Epic. Food is subjective, so I really wouldn't put too much weight on other people's opinions.

We have only cruised once, on the Epic and we loved it. So much so that we are going back for more in January. Is it the most graceful looking ship in the world? No, but Carnival's CD should be ashamed of himself for behaving in such an unprofessional manner by saying that people were vomiting at the site of her. Jealousy maybe? Maybe he wishes that his passengers looked as happy as the ones on Epic. ;)

In any case, we liked the staterooms, didn't find the bathroom setup to be a problem and were usually able to find a lounger if we asked politely if anyone was using them. The entertainment was amazing and we thought the food was fantastic. In short, we were treated like royalty for a week and I didn't have to lift a finger, so the perfect holiday. :D

Carol

I have to admit, the Epic is not the PRETTIEST of ships from the outside, but our first * real-life * sighting of her, as we arrived at the cruise terminal in Barcelona, absolutely took our breath away!! She really is awesome!!

We sailed in mid August and only on sea-day did we realise just how many people were actually on board! ( full capacity sailing )

The pool deck on sea day DID get busy, but we still managed to find a quiet space.

Entertainment and dining, we found fantastic......no complaints from us, from the buffet to the surcharge restaurants, all were fab!

Cabins.....well...we were allocated an accessible cabin, so no wavy walls for us......although we DID sneak a peek in one on our way past! Small but perfectly formed.....and tons of storage space!

I am certainly an Epic lover......my DH would be the first to admit, he DID find it a little large for his tastes, but an amazing experience.

Everyone is looking for something different from their cruise, and we went from one extreme to the other.......the little and lovely Sky......to the massive and @mazing Epic!!

Have fun deciding......and enjoy your cruise!! :)

Been on arguably the best ships on Carnival, RCCL, Holland, Celebrity and NCL (see signature)

By far, the Epic is my favorite.

I don't have much to add except to say I loved sailing Epic. The choices for entertainment, dining and rooms were just exceptional.

We've already sailed her twice (2011 and 2013) and I'm in the midst of booking again. I'm debating Breakaway Thanksgiving 2014 or Epic January 2015 and realllllly leaning toward Epic again. In the same room for the 3rd time.

There are amazing links that everyone above gave you. My only piece of advice is very often you'll hear people come back and complain because people like to spread bad reviews and complain. Very often the people who loved a cruise don't necessarily come back to review. Which is why you see negatives that aren't balanced with positives (generally speaking, not necessarily just the Epic).

Your DS would LOVE it. And I think you will too.

I have to be the one nay-sayer in this thread. :D

Unless there is a really good special or extraordinary itinerary in the future, I can't see myself cruising on her again. As one can see from my signature, I have cruised a lot on the Jewel class ships and I prefer those (maybe even the older Dawn class which I do merely because of the repo itinerary) over the Epic.

While the previous Jewel class ships still have some ship feeling, the Epic felt like a mall on the sea. Granted there are a lot of good things about the Epic but there are also a good amount of things I didn't like that much.

I didn't have any issues with the balcony cabin. While I didn't exactly love it, it was spacious enough and worked just fine as our home for a week.

What I especially didn't like about the Epic were the long distances and the lack of middle elevators.

We were on deck 10 and didn't have too much trouble with the full elevators but did see that much more than on the other ships we've sailed. The very dark themed elevators also enforced the feeling of being confined to a small place with way too many people - I just can't understand why the elevators couldn't have been non-intimidating and bright like on the most other NCL ships, I almost felt like crawling to a dark cave when stepping into a packed elevator. ;)

For me there are other cons too, but at least some of them would be unfair to say here as absolute truths because we might just have had bad luck with the waiters etc (especially in Taste during lunch, I don't think that we ate a single lunch there without any waiter-related problems like not getting water or getting wrong dishes etc, and we never had the same waiter).

Don't get me wrong, as Finns we are actually very quiet and patient, and if we feel like we have a problem with the waiter, many others would have asked to speak to the maitre'd already ages ago. :D

All in all, I would cruise on her again but it'd be only my fifth choice if I could choose from the entire NCL fleet (now before Breakaway/Getaway are in service).

Personally I don't care what a ship looks like from the pier. When I am on board her I can't see the outside of the ship. It's not like I'm gonna scrap with some drunk Carnival passenger on the pier who taunts me with "your Mom and your ship are ugly".

p.s. I whipped his butt. :)

It's all been said already but I thought it would be important to add another vote to the 'favourite ship' category:D

Like others, we have re-booked. We are really, no REALLY, looking forward to our 8 day cruise in January.

I like her enough to have booked her again. :)

Please don't let negative people, reviews and negativity in general make you worry, I find that as with most things in life how much you enjoy anything will greatly depend on your attitude. I wrote down some of my thought while cruising on her here: http://travelxena.com/norwegian-epic-transatlantic-miami-to-barcelona/

and will write more after my next trip. :)

You can count us in the "love the Epic" group. We found the staff on board to be very friendly and actually liked the cabin and bathroom layout.

We sailed with 4,400 others. We were able to find places to sit on deck without any trouble, not necessarily right by the pool, but there were places to be had. We ate in the MDR 5 of the 7 nights and only waited once to be seated, and for only 10 minutes.

We sailed the week after the reviewer you mentioned and I have to say I find that review somewhat dubious. Just my opinion FWIW.

We would definitely sail her again, but we wanted the Eastern itinerary in February and she's moving to the Western as you probably know. Maybe 2015!

I have to be the one nay-sayer in this thread. :D

 

Unless there is a really good special or extraordinary itinerary in the future, I can't see myself cruising on her again. As one can see from my signature, I have cruised a lot on the Jewel class ships and I prefer those (maybe even the older Dawn class which I do merely because of the repo itinerary) over the Epic.

 

While the previous Jewel class ships still have some ship feeling, the Epic felt like a mall on the sea. Granted there are a lot of good things about the Epic but there are also a good amount of things I didn't like that much.

 

I didn't have any issues with the balcony cabin. While I didn't exactly love it, it was spacious enough and worked just fine as our home for a week.

 

What I especially didn't like about the Epic were the long distances and the lack of middle elevators.

 

We were on deck 10 and didn't have too much trouble with the full elevators but did see that much more than on the other ships we've sailed. The very dark themed elevators also enforced the feeling of being confined to a small place with way too many people - I just can't understand why the elevators couldn't have been non-intimidating and bright like on the most other NCL ships, I almost felt like crawling to a dark cave when stepping into a packed elevator. ;)

 

For me there are other cons too, but at least some of them would be unfair to say here as absolute truths because we might just have had bad luck with the waiters etc (especially in Taste during lunch, I don't think that we ate a single lunch there without any waiter-related problems like not getting water or getting wrong dishes etc, and we never had the same waiter).

 

Don't get me wrong, as Finns we are actually very quiet and patient, and if we feel like we have a problem with the waiter, many others would have asked to speak to the maitre'd already ages ago. :D

 

All in all, I would cruise on her again but it'd be only my fifth choice if I could choose from the entire NCL fleet (now before Breakaway/Getaway are in service).

I love the Jewel. She has a fabulous, IMO, itinerary out of NOLA this fall. We were looking forward to a brief stay in New Orleans before cruising out on the River...I have stayed at the New Orleans Riverside (Hilton) and saw the ships sail by but I would love to see her make her way out to see from there. We were on the Pearl last November and had a great time then as well. But, alas, my ten year old DS got to pick the ship this time. ;) So........Epic it is!

The only jewel class ship we have not been on is the Jade but that may change...(if I'm thinking of the right ship) when we plan our European cruise.

Thank you for your candid POV. :)

Epic is unique, but my absolute favorite ship to date. The cabins are small but very stylish and functional. The ship itself is beautiful inside regardless of what people think about the outside. The entertainment is best on the seas. The spa and gym are the largest on the seas. There are probably 20 places to eat. You will likely find more people with multiple sailings on the Epic than any other...at least based on the extensive reading I do on the boards. I know of several people that have sailed 3-4 times, and for a ship just launched in 2010 that's pretty amazing. The amount of repeat customers should give you a pretty good indication of how people feel about the ship.

 

So, what about people who don't like the ship? Well, like I said, Epic is unique. Some don't like the cabins due to several reasons. It's small. There's no coffee table. The walls are curved. It has a "European style" bathroom layout with toilet, shower and sink in different areas. There is no promenade deck that circles the ship like other ships. There appear to be fewer areas where you can "connect with the ocean" versus other ships (although with 85% balcony rooms, I'm not sure this is a real problem)

 

You will find that there are a lot of folks put off by the mega-ships in general that won't sail on the Epic. The bathroom layout used to be a much bigger issue than it is now. However, most love her.

 

There's a bunch of information about Epic in my signature area, including professional reviews of the ship. I suggest you read trip reports here in the forum and decide whether or not Epic is for you. Personally, I think you'll be amazed just how neat of a ship she is.

I haven't read YOUR review yet but at this point I'm wondering how you will ever top this Don fellow....whose review I am reading right now. :D

I loved her... although not the shows as much the second time round (only because the content hadn't changed in the 6 months or so!!) The wavy design did not bother me in the slightest. She is a wonderful ship!!

Got to say I am another who liked sailing on the Epic and I would sail on her again if I was doing a Western Med sailing.

I sailed on her when she was only 2 months old and loved that new ship feel. I have to say I had been a little bit put off by NCL's rather garish decor on some of the other ships but I found the Epic to be very cool and stylish, yes even those staterooms! :rolleyes:

I never had a problem with the layout, had a mid ship balcony.

Enjoyed all the food on her esp in Le Bistro and the Chinese/Cantonese restaurant and well as the free food. Both the spa and the gym were lovely areas of the ship as well and she never felt crowded either.

Cruised Epic 3 times. Loved it each time. Love the spa; love the entertainment options, love Spice H2O, love the Epic Plunge, love the Epic Club/Haven, and love the modern feel. Perfect? Maybe not, but I doubt any ship is.

Read as much about Epic's uniqueness ahead of time, go in with an open mind, don't sweat the small stuff, and you will have a vacation of a lifetime!

I've sailed on the Epic twice and although it is a nice ship with lots to do I just don't think the vacation value was there when compared to other vacations.

We sailed in suites both times as there is absolutely no way we could deal with the usual crowds on this ship, we actually just avoided deck 15 on both of our Epic cruises. On our last trip there were several problems in the "haven" that had a significant impact when put together. In my opinion NCL's product just doesn't justify the price, we won't be on this ship again.