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Oasis of the Seas vs. Norwegian Epic: Which would you book?


Which new ship are you more likely to book? (Check all that apply.)  

958 members have voted

  1. 1. Which new ship are you more likely to book? (Check all that apply.)

    • Norwegian Epic because it's cheaper
      106
    • Norwegian Epic because of its superior entertainment options
      91
    • Oasis of the Seas for me! It's bigger and offers more bang for my buck
      197
    • Oasis of the Seas because there are better cabin options
      65
    • I'd book either -- they both offer new innovations and deserve a good look
      80
    • I'm going with the underdog -- Carnival Dream!
      53
    • Neither ship appeals to me
      114
    • I'm content sailing slightly older ships at a lower fare
      133
    • I book for the itinerary, not for the ship
      82
    • None of the above
      17
    • Something else (which I'll post)
      20


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They're big, they're certainly bold, and they're both packed with innovations. But, which ship's going to hit you hardest where it hurts the most -- your wallet?

 

We stacked the two larger-than-life ships up against each other in three categories: entry-level fares for inside cabins, balcony upgrades and the cost to sail during the pricey holiday season. Click here for the results!

 

But no matter which side you're on, there are unprecedented options on brand-new ships in the coming months -- at varying price points. What's your opinion of these revolutionary new ships, and which are you more likely to book? Vote in our poll and be sure to post your opinion below!

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Neither ship really does it for me...much too big. Like the more mid-sized ships. However, I am sailing on the Carnival Dream (the Underdog) but that is because we are having a big family reunion on her and I just had to go along! Frankly, though, I would sail anything if the money was there and work wasn't in the way!

 

A lousy cruise beats a great day at work every time!!!!!

 

Happy Sailing.

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We booked Epic because the 3rd and 4th person rates on Oasis put it completely out of our price range for a family of 4. As you can see from my signature, I do love RCCL, but given the price differential, we decided to give NCL a try. Plus, we were intrigued by the entertainment options on Epic, since we've been underwhelmed by entertainment on our past RCCL cruises.

 

We will try Oasis someday -- either after the prices begin to fall or after we win the lottery. :)

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We booked all three - the Epic, the Dream and Oasis.

 

Insides on the Dream for $550pp during spring break, a boardwalk balcony Labor Day week for $1199 a person and then directly to the Epic in a balcony for $949 a person.

 

Three new ships next year - we can't wait!

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Epic vs Oasis??? Really??? Can we compare these two as equals???? In my opinion, the only ship that will compare to Oasis is Allure!! lol Epic looks nice but is totally different in so many ways. Oasis is in a league of it's own!! Look at the poll, the results are night and day.

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I totally agree, you can't really compare the two of them, they are worlds apart! I'm sure I will get on Epic someday, but I'm on the Inagural Oasis for a reason! HUGE! Price never was a thought, just had to be on her!

 

Jon

 

btw, Spoarzy, we were on Navigator in Jan with you, I must not have noticed you were from Niagara Falls, ONT

greetings from the other side of the falls, Niagara Falls, NY USA

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I don't know where the "too big" line is, just know that both of these ships are on the wrong side of it, especially Oasis - that artist's concept pic of jillions of folks on the fantail watching a show says it all - talk about crowds and lines! I lived for 2 years in a town whose entire population could have fit on Oasis with about 2,000 berths still empty.

 

I hope that everyone who sails either of these ships will have the time of their lives - but as for me, no, thanks.

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You make a really, really great point -- the ships truly are different. But they are also similar, in that they are both pushing envelopes of innovation and size. So, we can't help but compare and contrast :) The poll results are interesting!

 

Epic vs Oasis??? Really??? Can we compare these two as equals???? In my opinion, the only ship that will compare to Oasis is Allure!! lol Epic looks nice but is totally different in so many ways. Oasis is in a league of it's own!! Look at the poll, the results are night and day.
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I would love to go on the Oasis but I have booked the Epic because I got better casino rates. ;):D I will be on the first sailing next July. I am really excited about the Blue Man Group as their entertainment.

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I don't think comparing base fares is the best way to compare between these two ships. If you look at a comparable experience between the two ships (same bar consumption, same specialty restaurant experiences, similar excursions) you will end up paying more on NCL once the final tally comes in.

 

Admission charges to get into a bar on Epic? Oh, that tab is going to be CRAZY! Like the variety of dining though...

 

Come on though...OASIS of the SEAS look much nicer than Epic. (hee-hee)

 

Mike

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I don't think comparing base fares is the best way to compare between these two ships. If you look at a comparable experience between the two ships (same bar consumption, same specialty restaurant experiences, similar excursions) you will end up paying more on NCL once the final tally comes in.

 

Admission charges to get into a bar on Epic? Oh, that tab is going to be CRAZY! Like the variety of dining though...

 

Mike

 

The only bar on Epic with a cover charge is the Ice Bar, which is one of only a handful in the world and the only one on a ship. I think that, in itself, justfies some sort of cover. But if you don't want to pay it, feel free to hang out in any of the other FREE bars where you will pay for your drinks just like you do on Oasis.

 

The price difference for our family of four was over $3,600 ($2,950 on Epic vs. $6,640 on Oasis), so I'm pretty sure we can keep our onboard charges below that, even after we pay the surcharges for specialty restaurants and the Ice Bar.

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Try to imagine 5,000 people disembarking at the same time in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. It's crazy enough with 3,200 people coming off a Voyager & Freedom class ship...now we're adding 2,000 more to the mix??? What a great way to ruin a stress-free vacation.

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I think the concept of the Oasis is great. Won't book it, though, as I don't like the idea of such huge crowds. Also, ? how the food will be in the regular venues. Will wait and see the reviews. Plus, I love Princess and HAL.

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Epic vs Oasis??? Really??? Can we compare these two as equals???? In my opinion, the only ship that will compare to Oasis is Allure!! lol Epic looks nice but is totally different in so many ways. Oasis is in a league of it's own!! Look at the poll, the results are night and day.

 

 

I totally agree....why compare Oasis to the Epic? The Freedom class ships IMO offer more than the Epic will. For the Epic to be slightly smaller than the Freedom class ships but have 600 fewer cabins as the Oasis really concerns me....:eek::rolleyes:

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Based strictly on Stats, Oasis is in a class by itself. RCCL is years ahead of the competition, as the were when the Voyager/Freedom class debuted.

 

Both Epic and Carnival Dream are worthy of comparison to RCCL's Freedom class.

 

We've yet to sail any of them but look forward to doing so soon.

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The Villas suite concept on the Epic got our vote (and our money.) The cost of an A3 on Epic was half what we would have paid for one of the two-level suites on the Oasis. I realize it's not a fair comparison room-wise, but we love the extras we can get with an NCL suite that no other mass-market cruise line can match.

 

I'd still love to sail Oasis and probably will sometime after we try the new Disney ships in 2011/2012.

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