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

[melissa@cruisecritic]

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!

[Grandpaul]

Believe me, I'm a NCL junkie with 3 dozen cruises with them but after looking at the Oasis I have to try it once anyway.

[Grandpaul]

Comes up a no hit when I click on your table.

[melissa@cruisecritic]

Hey, thanks, try now?

Originally Posted by Grandpaul

Comes up a no hit when I click on your table.

[live2dive45]

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.

[paul929207]

I know a lot of people disagree, but I have no interest in sailing either one. I don't like the big ships and I have been to the Caribbean enough.

[robmab]

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.

[Aquahound]

I'll be honest here. I don't think the Epic is comparable to Oasis.

[Grandpaul]

Originally Posted by Melissa@cruisecritic

Hey, thanks, try now?

That did the trick. Thanks Melissa.

[World Traveler 81]

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!

[Spoarzy]

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.

[KLMMD11]

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

[wwaggone]

Bottom line (no pun) is that the Norwegian Epic is just butt ugly.

[GaNavy]

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.

[melissa@cruisecritic]

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!

Originally Posted by Spoarzy

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.

[Abear2]

I would love to go on the Oasis but I have booked the Epic because I got better casino rates. I will be on the first sailing next July. I am really excited about the Blue Man Group as their entertainment.

[ottawapuppy]

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

[Druke I]

I would not book either one - both are much too big for my tastes.

I'm waiting for Oceania's Marina, which is set to debut Dec 2010.

[robmab]

Originally Posted by ottawapuppy

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.

[thompson4131]

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.