EPIC Review 1/27 sailing

A not so EPIC vacation... Norwegian Epic 1/27 – 2/3

As our first time on a ship designed to carry 4,000+ people on board for a week, we drove the five hours from our home to the port with a certain level of excitement. This soon dissolved upon arrival at the port when the driver from the extended parking lot announced that we could either sit in the van or we could unload and stand in line for an hour or more. We all chose the latter.

Once in the unload bay, the driver cheerfully asked that we all stay inside until our luggage was unloaded from the trailer. Some left the van early only to be corralled by the porters until their work was done. Then everyone was cleared to leave the van. The porter then announced: “Who wants to show their appreciation for the porters please step forward and identify your luggage” What? This classic shakedown is usually reserved for correctional institutions. I stepped forward while pushing my four-wheel trunk with a small token saying to my new luggage “I hope to see you again”. Couple hours later we were reunited, so the tip worked.

Then we were off to find the end of the line, which happen to be two serpentine columns of humanity over and down to reach the social end of the line. The social end is defined as the fair end, absence of cutting, and cheating-in where most reasonable people go to join the queue. A shout out goes to the majority of the people that respected this social norm. However, a small minority used brazen cutting and a subtle move that was straight out of Oceans Eleven. Feinting to need the rest room they jumped on the elevator away from view to be transported well ahead of the masses below. To say the process was a joke would be an insult to bad jokes. Getting to the ship was a mix of super bowl madness and animal house. Some lines were a simple “L” shaped right to the counters, while other serpentine throughout the too small terminal. For an experiment, I approached one of the line keepers and said “We are in the Owner’s suite, is there a different line?” He replied, “No, that doesn’t make a difference here”. So, we waited and waited, 120 minutes in all. In it together vibe and positive attitudes of the passengers, we endured together with a shrug and a smile. NCL really needs to look at this as it’s on the cutting edge of their experience.

Made our way to Guests Services immediately upon making it onboard. In search of the holy *Posh Pass ...the CSR walking the line nearly burst out laughing when we asked if we could. “Purchase a Posh Pass?” She replied “Oh no, we only had 20 and they sold out with the first hour”. Ok. Off we went to gather some food, it’s now 2:45pm, and venues begin to close at 3:00pm. O’Sheehands is the closest and we head there for a Ruben sandwich and fish and chips. Long wait, good service, pedestrian food.

*Posh Pass: Entry into the Haven Pool area

Finally, off to the room, a min-suite, not really, just a matchbox stood on its side. Curved walls, curved bed, curved couch, with semi-opaque glass encased toilet on the immediate right after entry. The shower is directly across from the toilet. One word on the toilet area, small. If you are over 6-foot-tall, you’ll be qualified for Cirque du Soleil

at the end of your business. Thank goodness for a strategically placed handhold. Small dimly lighted sink is located next to too short bed.

We waited for the polite knock on the door to meet our steward/stewardess, uh? Nowhere to be found, no quick hello or here’s how to reach me. Enjoy your cruise. No turn down the first night and after morning breakfast was tucked in we roamed the ship for 3 hours. Room should be made up by now don’t you think? Ahhh, no. Had to wait until well after 3:00pm to have the room looked after. Finally visited guest services after this became a reoccurring theme. Ronnie told us this was the person’s first solo run as a steward. No tip adjustments needed (though offered), everyone deserves a second chance and an opportunity to improve. Management was gracious with a nice bottle of wine and some chocolate dipped strawberries. Expected service and marked improvement after our visit.

The “Free-Style” dining is a bit of a pain if you are just a couple. They don’t take reservations for couple’s. We tried, only to be told to visit the desk down the way, to be told, “we don’t make reservation for two” you have to get in line and they hand out clickers that ping when seats are available. The lines or mobs at both main dining rooms were incredible with 90-minute wait times. Of course you could always go to the $peciality dining restaurants or the buffet, or O’Sheeands (bar food), Noodle Bar, or Chinese restaurant. Not our cup of tea. If you want a nice sit down meal be prepared to sit around like you were at the Outback waiting for your ding-ding. Update: Fourth day of freestyle cruising and since half the ship complained about the draconian procedures, NCL’s came off their high horse and “allowed” couples to make dinner reservations via phone. How thoughtful. On the sixth night when we were able to secure a rezzy at Taste (6:45p), a floor supervisor stopped by for a chat. “How are you enjoying the freestyle dining experience?” she said smiling. My wife and I locked eyes and I could see that “Oh, Noooo...” look in hers. I suggested the reservation procedures for couples should be revisited, what if someone had plans or a show to see, only to be told it would be a 90+ minute wait for a table? How does that translate to convenience? What’s the message, travel in a group or be prepared to stand in line, or visit the bar for a $10 cocktail? The floor supervisor listened attentively and wrote down my feedback, which was very good. She promised to forward our concerns to her superiors. We were awarded a glass of wine for our honesty. The food in Taste was good; service was appropriate for the churn of guests pouring through dinner service.

This was our first and last foray into the large ship category (4,000+) expect lines for everything, elevators, food, shows. The battle for the pool chairs was being played at its highest level. People after breakfast, clipped their towels and close the chairs not to return until high noon. This selfish practice is not reserved for NCL it’s practiced among passengers from all cruise lines to the inconvenience of those that chose to play by the “encouraged” sailing etiquettes. How do you police rudeness? Well, I’m not saying whom, but after scoping the field out for an hour or so you might just move the ships towels off the saved lounges and move in for some sun and fun. If the scoundrels return play dumb and enjoy your seats. The waiters are interested in selling and delivering drinks not enforcing social rules. I mention this because 4,000 people put a hell of a strain on the overall ship amenities. Oh almost forgot, to those of you that purchased the drink package, guess what they charge full tip (18-20%) on your libations. What a great deal! There is an adult pool (Spice.H2O) aft that has NO children squealing and splashing it up. Wasn’t a problem to get a couple chairs. Good place to sun and read.

One note on service, well maybe a couple notes, floor officers were very cordial and smiling when encountered, however, the frontline service personnel had well worn looks on their face and acted as if this was the last sailing on their contract before going home. The normal short happy engagement from all levels we experienced on other cruise lines was noticeably absent. Most especially noticed restaurant gatekeepers at all complimentary venues. Neutral to stern looks abound with the occasional “your card please” with the flavor of checking ones’ papers. Off putting. One bonus is the photo- group in much tamer than on other lines, a simple wave of the hand will call them off. You don’t have to hunt for your pictures, as the binder is marked on your keycard and you can quickly check them on a computer station in the photo area. Maybe it has to do with the size of the ship, 4,000 are a lot to handle for a week. When you consider the level of difficulty to secure couples reservations at either of the main venues, maybe it’s contrived to push you towards either the pay to eat places or shuttle you to the cheaper buffet option. Money saved no servers, just cooks, busboys/girls over waiters. Serve the same type of food you can purchase at your local Kroger’s deli department. Even the “specialty” restaurants push the drinks, as the margins on alcohol are ridiculous. But hey, free ice cream!

Running neck-and-neck for first place annoyance is the price of goods and services. A bottle of water is $4.45. Most cocktails and beer is $15-$5-dollar range. You cannot bring your own bottled water onboard, the “Quarantine” bins were full of half empty water bottles collected prior to carryon inspection. Spa costs are crazy. The cost to gamble is up with a minimum of $10 at all table games. Lots of empty tables with dealers bored out of their minds. How they survive without tips is beyond me. The slots were the tightest we’ve ever seen; the casino supervisor did make a big win announcement of $25.00 win on a penny machine. Smoking is allowed in the casino and not policed in the “non-smoking” areas. Which like the restaurants of the late 80’s and early 90’s would have non-smokers immediately adjacent to smokers without barriers. Second hand smoke and smelly cloths are guaranteed. Yuck.

In summary, the trip was pleasant, not over the top. Room was neat and clean (when it got done), plenty of hot water. The storage in the room was many and varied in place and shape. The boarding process is broken beyond belief and needs immediate attention to streamline. Additionally, NCL should have an observer to monitor the porter’s shakedown for tips scheme. Crew disposition needs a bit of inspiration, especially the almost supervisor types that seemed to be bothered at the slightest request (our perception). With 4,000 plus, be prepared to WAIT in lines. The feeding frenzy at the garden buffet is something you have to experience for yourself. The highlight is the “washy washy, happy happy” girl that sprays germ killer on your hands as you enter the Garden Buffet. The disembarking walk off was an absolute breeze when compared to the death march when boarding. Again, no more ‘free styling” for us, 4,000+ passenger ships, and sadly; no more bookings on NCL in the future. Bon Voyage folks.

We sailed the week before you, and I agree 100% on the boarding being a joke. We’ve gone on Escape and Getaway and it was much easier and a much shorter wait to get through security and to a line to check in. Whatever Port Canaveral is doing needs to be revisited.

Also with the casino. The two above mentioned ships had $5 tables, yet Epic never did. Even when the dealers were bored out of their minds.

I’d encourage you to give one of the away ships a chance. There were less lines and easier boarding on them.

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Thank you for your review. I was wondering about the boarding process with so many people there and was hoping that with people choosing different times, it wouldn't be quite so congested.

I'm sorry the cruise wasn't to your liking. We're looking forward to our first "big ship" cruise with NCL in a week. We've always sailed on the smaller, jewel class ships and really enjoyed them. Hoping to enjoy the Epic, too!

~Joanne

We will be boarding the Epic in 30 days. Do you have any tips for us that might make embarkation simpler? What time would you suggest? Earlier or later? Also, when we board, we usually skip the buffet and go straight to the main dining room for lunch while we wait for our room to be ready. Is the main dining room open on the Epic after boarding?

Thank you

You touched on my pet peeve at the beginning of your review, tipping the porters. Although I tip them (don’t want my suitcase in the ocean) I hate doing so. Why? Because most ports that I know of in the USA, dock workers are members of the Longshoresmen’s Association or other union and are paid a better than average wage.

I cruised on the Epic in December of 2016 and it didn’t take long for me to realize I’m not a mega-ship fan. I continue to cruise with NCL, but I will never book a cruise on a mega-ship again.

We were on the epic at the same time and we didn’t have any issues making dinner reservations for two. I think we ended up making reservations every night but one and that one night we went to taste and were seated right away.

And all but 1 reservation were made on the ship. (And the one was the only specialty restaurant we did).

Also we got there around noon and had a wait to get on... but I heard from others on the ship that it was quick to get on at 2 or 3.

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Thank-you for the interesting and detailed report.

I've heard reports of things being bad at Port Canaveral-the reviews of disembarkation from the November transatlantic were very bad with bottlenecks in the terminal

However I understand they are port employees not Ncl although it does reflect badly on NCL

How many shiplines use Port Canaveral as Embarkation /Disembarkation port?

Is it because staff are not used to dealing with crowds of people efficiently as in bigger/main ports such as Miami?

OP what time did you arrive at the port?

we usually aim to get there about 10.30 in other ports but will be sailing on Epic transatlantic in April from Port Canaveral

someone asked whether a main dining room will be open on embarkation

Yes one is always open although staff always tend to direct people to the buffer which ends up packed

alternative is O Sheehans which we have managed to get seated at quickly

However this is not much help to the OP who didn't get on board till 2.45 and limited options

Around 7pm is peak eating time so longer waits

Unless something is going on that night we decide to eat when we are hungry and if main dining rooms are too busy head for buffet or O Sheehans

The smaller NCL ships cope better with the turn up when hungry idea but on a mega ship not as easy

We never ate in the specialist restaurants until we got the free meals as lattitudes rewards but they do accept and encourage bookings for 2 people

You touched on my pet peeve at the beginning of your review, tipping the porters. Although I tip them (don’t want my suitcase in the ocean) I hate doing so. Why? Because most ports that I know of in the USA, dock workers are members of the Longshoresmen’s Association or other union and are paid a better than average wage.

 

I cruised on the Epic in December of 2016 and it didn’t take long for me to realize I’m not a mega-ship fan. I continue to cruise with NCL, but I will never book a cruise on a mega-ship again.

I can't speak to that terminal but I know the DCL terminal has signs that say along the lines the porters are on wages and no need to tip yet it still is one of those shakedown situations.

I've heard reports of things being bad at Port Canaveral-the reviews of disembarkation from the November transatlantic were very bad with bottlenecks in the terminal

 

However I understand they are port employees not Ncl although it does reflect badly on NCL

 

How many shiplines use Port Canaveral as Embarkation /Disembarkation port?

Is it because staff are not used to dealing with crowds of people efficiently as in bigger/main ports such as Miami?

 

OP what time did you arrive at the port?

we usually aim to get there about 10.30 in other ports but will be sailing on Epic transatlantic in April from Port Canaveral

 

someone asked whether a main dining room will be open on embarkation

Yes one is always open although staff always tend to direct people to the buffer which ends up packed

alternative is O Sheehans which we have managed to get seated at quickly

However this is not much help to the OP who didn't get on board till 2.45 and limited options

 

Around 7pm is peak eating time so longer waits

Unless something is going on that night we decide to eat when we are hungry and if main dining rooms are too busy head for buffet or O Sheehans

The smaller NCL ships cope better with the turn up when hungry idea but on a mega ship not as easy

We never ate in the specialist restaurants until we got the free meals as lattitudes rewards but they do accept and encourage bookings for 2 people

Port Canaveral can be a mess when they have several ships there. It has only gotten worse over the years as there are more ships and they are bigger. The traffic flow totally snarls up.

A not so EPIC vacation... Norwegian Epic 1/27 – 2/3

As our first time on a ship designed to carry 4,000+ people on board for a week, we drove the five hours from our home to the port with a certain level of excitement. This soon dissolved upon arrival at the port when the driver from the extended parking lot announced that we could either sit in the van or we could unload and stand in line for an hour or more. We all chose the latter.

Once in the unload bay, the driver cheerfully asked that we all stay inside until our luggage was unloaded from the trailer. Some left the van early only to be corralled by the porters until their work was done. Then everyone was cleared to leave the van. The porter then announced: “Who wants to show their appreciation for the porters please step forward and identify your luggage” What? This classic shakedown is usually reserved for correctional institutions. I stepped forward while pushing my four-wheel trunk with a small token saying to my new luggage “I hope to see you again”. Couple hours later we were reunited, so the tip worked.

Then we were off to find the end of the line, which happen to be two serpentine columns of humanity over and down to reach the social end of the line. The social end is defined as the fair end, absence of cutting, and cheating-in where most reasonable people go to join the queue. A shout out goes to the majority of the people that respected this social norm. However, a small minority used brazen cutting and a subtle move that was straight out of Oceans Eleven. Feinting to need the rest room they jumped on the elevator away from view to be transported well ahead of the masses below. To say the process was a joke would be an insult to bad jokes. Getting to the ship was a mix of super bowl madness and animal house. Some lines were a simple “L” shaped right to the counters, while other serpentine throughout the too small terminal. For an experiment, I approached one of the line keepers and said “We are in the Owner’s suite, is there a different line?” He replied, “No, that doesn’t make a difference here”. So, we waited and waited, 120 minutes in all. In it together vibe and positive attitudes of the passengers, we endured together with a shrug and a smile. NCL really needs to look at this as it’s on the cutting edge of their experience.

Made our way to Guests Services immediately upon making it onboard. In search of the holy *Posh Pass ...the CSR walking the line nearly burst out laughing when we asked if we could. “Purchase a Posh Pass?” She replied “Oh no, we only had 20 and they sold out with the first hour”. Ok. Off we went to gather some food, it’s now 2:45pm, and venues begin to close at 3:00pm. O’Sheehands is the closest and we head there for a Ruben sandwich and fish and chips. Long wait, good service, pedestrian food.

*Posh Pass: Entry into the Haven Pool area

 

 

 

Finally, off to the room, a min-suite, not really, just a matchbox stood on its side. Curved walls, curved bed, curved couch, with semi-opaque glass encased toilet on the immediate right after entry. The shower is directly across from the toilet. One word on the toilet area, small. If you are over 6-foot-tall, you’ll be qualified for Cirque du Soleil

at the end of your business. Thank goodness for a strategically placed handhold. Small dimly lighted sink is located next to too short bed.

We waited for the polite knock on the door to meet our steward/stewardess, uh? Nowhere to be found, no quick hello or here’s how to reach me. Enjoy your cruise. No turn down the first night and after morning breakfast was tucked in we roamed the ship for 3 hours. Room should be made up by now don’t you think? Ahhh, no. Had to wait until well after 3:00pm to have the room looked after. Finally visited guest services after this became a reoccurring theme. Ronnie told us this was the person’s first solo run as a steward. No tip adjustments needed (though offered), everyone deserves a second chance and an opportunity to improve. Management was gracious with a nice bottle of wine and some chocolate dipped strawberries. Expected service and marked improvement after our visit.

The “Free-Style” dining is a bit of a pain if you are just a couple. They don’t take reservations for couple’s. We tried, only to be told to visit the desk down the way, to be told, “we don’t make reservation for two” you have to get in line and they hand out clickers that ping when seats are available. The lines or mobs at both main dining rooms were incredible with 90-minute wait times. Of course you could always go to the $peciality dining restaurants or the buffet, or O’Sheeands (bar food), Noodle Bar, or Chinese restaurant. Not our cup of tea. If you want a nice sit down meal be prepared to sit around like you were at the Outback waiting for your ding-ding. Update: Fourth day of freestyle cruising and since half the ship complained about the draconian procedures, NCL’s came off their high horse and “allowed” couples to make dinner reservations via phone. How thoughtful. On the sixth night when we were able to secure a rezzy at Taste (6:45p), a floor supervisor stopped by for a chat. “How are you enjoying the freestyle dining experience?” she said smiling. My wife and I locked eyes and I could see that “Oh, Noooo...” look in hers. I suggested the reservation procedures for couples should be revisited, what if someone had plans or a show to see, only to be told it would be a 90+ minute wait for a table? How does that translate to convenience? What’s the message, travel in a group or be prepared to stand in line, or visit the bar for a $10 cocktail? The floor supervisor listened attentively and wrote down my feedback, which was very good. She promised to forward our concerns to her superiors. We were awarded a glass of wine for our honesty. The food in Taste was good; service was appropriate for the churn of guests pouring through dinner service.

 

 

 

This was our first and last foray into the large ship category (4,000+) expect lines for everything, elevators, food, shows. The battle for the pool chairs was being played at its highest level. People after breakfast, clipped their towels and close the chairs not to return until high noon. This selfish practice is not reserved for NCL it’s practiced among passengers from all cruise lines to the inconvenience of those that chose to play by the “encouraged” sailing etiquettes. How do you police rudeness? Well, I’m not saying whom, but after scoping the field out for an hour or so you might just move the ships towels off the saved lounges and move in for some sun and fun. If the scoundrels return play dumb and enjoy your seats. The waiters are interested in selling and delivering drinks not enforcing social rules. I mention this because 4,000 people put a hell of a strain on the overall ship amenities. Oh almost forgot, to those of you that purchased the drink package, guess what they charge full tip (18-20%) on your libations. What a great deal! There is an adult pool (Spice.H2O) aft that has NO children squealing and splashing it up. Wasn’t a problem to get a couple chairs. Good place to sun and read.

One note on service, well maybe a couple notes, floor officers were very cordial and smiling when encountered, however, the frontline service personnel had well worn looks on their face and acted as if this was the last sailing on their contract before going home. The normal short happy engagement from all levels we experienced on other cruise lines was noticeably absent. Most especially noticed restaurant gatekeepers at all complimentary venues. Neutral to stern looks abound with the occasional “your card please” with the flavor of checking ones’ papers. Off putting. One bonus is the photo- group in much tamer than on other lines, a simple wave of the hand will call them off. You don’t have to hunt for your pictures, as the binder is marked on your keycard and you can quickly check them on a computer station in the photo area. Maybe it has to do with the size of the ship, 4,000 are a lot to handle for a week. When you consider the level of difficulty to secure couples reservations at either of the main venues, maybe it’s contrived to push you towards either the pay to eat places or shuttle you to the cheaper buffet option. Money saved no servers, just cooks, busboys/girls over waiters. Serve the same type of food you can purchase at your local Kroger’s deli department. Even the “specialty” restaurants push the drinks, as the margins on alcohol are ridiculous. But hey, free ice cream!

Running neck-and-neck for first place annoyance is the price of goods and services. A bottle of water is $4.45. Most cocktails and beer is $15-$5-dollar range. You cannot bring your own bottled water onboard, the “Quarantine” bins were full of half empty water bottles collected prior to carryon inspection. Spa costs are crazy. The cost to gamble is up with a minimum of $10 at all table games. Lots of empty tables with dealers bored out of their minds. How they survive without tips is beyond me. The slots were the tightest we’ve ever seen; the casino supervisor did make a big win announcement of $25.00 win on a penny machine. Smoking is allowed in the casino and not policed in the “non-smoking” areas. Which like the restaurants of the late 80’s and early 90’s would have non-smokers immediately adjacent to smokers without barriers. Second hand smoke and smelly cloths are guaranteed. Yuck.

 

 

 

 

In summary, the trip was pleasant, not over the top. Room was neat and clean (when it got done), plenty of hot water. The storage in the room was many and varied in place and shape. The boarding process is broken beyond belief and needs immediate attention to streamline. Additionally, NCL should have an observer to monitor the porter’s shakedown for tips scheme. Crew disposition needs a bit of inspiration, especially the almost supervisor types that seemed to be bothered at the slightest request (our perception). With 4,000 plus, be prepared to WAIT in lines. The feeding frenzy at the garden buffet is something you have to experience for yourself. The highlight is the “washy washy, happy happy” girl that sprays germ killer on your hands as you enter the Garden Buffet. The disembarking walk off was an absolute breeze when compared to the death march when boarding. Again, no more ‘free styling” for us, 4,000+ passenger ships, and sadly; no more bookings on NCL in the future. Bon Voyage folks.

I guess I"m confused. You complain about people jumping line but then you ask about an owner's suite line when you aren't in a suite?

Also, did you have the beverage package or not? You complain about $15 wine cost so it sounds like you didn't but then you complain about the beverage plan surcharge so it would be either one or the other unless you were ordering a glass of wine over $15.

Excellent report.

Keith

The Epic is our least favorite NCL ship. It always seemed crowded and the pool areas were unusable.

Thank you for your good informative review. We have sailed on the Epic and although we had a decent enough time i think there are major fails with it. The silly wavy walls, the dining that is not freestyle and the blackmail water situation.

We are with NCL again in about another week the Jewel a much smaller ship.

Yikes! Thanks for your review. Definitely has me a little nervous for our upcoming sailing [emoji15][emoji51]

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Yikes! Thanks for your review. Definitely has me a little nervous for our upcoming sailing [emoji15][emoji51]

 

?

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What in particular concerns you?

we have sailed on Epic 3 times and 4th in April

We will be boarding the Epic in 30 days. Do you have any tips for us that might make embarkation simpler? What time would you suggest? Earlier or later? Also, when we board, we usually skip the buffet and go straight to the main dining room for lunch while we wait for our room to be ready. Is the main dining room open on the Epic after boarding?

 

Thank you

She sails at 4:00 pm and the eating venues close at 3:00 pm. So waiting till the last hour to board may save you some frustration, but you better pack a sandwich or wait until after safety drill to eat.

I guess I"m confused. You complain about people jumping line but then you ask about an owner's suite line when you aren't in a suite?

 

Also, did you have the beverage package or not? You complain about $15 wine cost so it sounds like you didn't but then you complain about the beverage plan surcharge so it would be either one or the other unless you were ordering a glass of wine over $15.

OK, my question was AN EXPERIMENT to see if there were any semble to order or attention to higher paid quarters... sadly there wasn't. I was in a mini-suite (a misnomer) and would have made that clear if there was a "special" line. I mentioned it to show the herding chaos called embarkation. To you mention of the costs of drinking, those with packages still have to pay 20% to have something they already paid for delivered...fair? Heard a lot of grumbling about it.

What in particular concerns you?

 

we have sailed on Epic 3 times and 4th in April

fabfortysomething, we are sailing the Epic for Christmas and we're so excited! But we keep hearing negative reviews. If you've been on it three times with a fourth coming up you must enjoy the ship. Can you give us any tips, or things we should do or stay away from? Thank you :)

I have sailed on the Epic twice out of Orlando, once out of Miami and once out of Barcelona. Almost nothing in your account mirrors my experience.

OK, my question was AN EXPERIMENT to see if there were any semble to order or attention to higher paid quarters... sadly there wasn't. I was in a mini-suite (a misnomer) and would have made that clear if there was a "special" line. I mentioned it to show the herding chaos called embarkation. To you mention of the costs of drinking, those with packages still have to pay 20% to have something they already paid for delivered...fair? Heard a lot of grumbling about it.

You only pay taxes on drinks while in port. You pay the gratuity when you book your cruise.

Thanks for your report. Just to clarify, a Posh pass does not get you into the Haven pool area, only the Posh bar area on the uppermost deck. There are special lines for embarkation for Haven suites. We had no issues making reservations for two at all. Sorry you had a bad experience, but we did not have any of those issues on our last trips on the Epic. I agree pool chair hogs are rude and I really wish cruise lines would do something to curb it. Contrary to your trip, last time we were on the Epic the casino tables were always busy. I did hear the host announcing winners of small amounts, but they weren't hits, they were for some random drawings or something. They were late at night, like 11 or midnight or so. But I agree the prizes announced were pretty small, I thought the same thing, why announce that?

OK, my question was AN EXPERIMENT to see if there were any semble to order or attention to higher paid quarters... sadly there wasn't. I was in a mini-suite (a misnomer) and would have made that clear if there was a "special" line. I mentioned it to show the herding chaos called embarkation. To you mention of the costs of drinking, those with packages still have to pay 20% to have something they already paid for delivered...fair? Heard a lot of grumbling about it.

Wow, we were on the same cruise and yet I feel as though we weren't.

I agree that embarkation is TERRIBLE but that is all that I agree with.

We did have the drinking package and no you do not pay an extra 20% on each drink to have it delivered. The only time we were changed anything was when we were in PC and had to pay taxes on the drink. So the grumbling you heard was incorrect.

We were in a mini suite also and loved the cabin. Never had a problem with our steward on this cruise but was on the Epic for 2 weeks before (was doing a b2b2b) and that cabin steward did have problems.

All of the crew members we encountered were great, friendly and outgoing.

As far as dinner reservations go, on the 2 previous weeks we had no problems making reservations for 2. On the week you were on, we winged it and did not have dinner reservations. The longest we had to wait was 15 minutes for a table for 2. We went around 7:15pm.

We love sitting by the pool and yes there were chair hogs that put their towels out at 7am and did not come back for hours but we never had a problem finding a chair. That is one thing that amazes me about the Epic is the fact that we could always find a lounger with so many people.

Sorry you did not enjoy your cruise. We enjoyed it and would have no problems going on the Epic again!:D

Wow, we were on the same cruise and yet I feel as though we weren't.

 

 

 

I agree that embarkation is TERRIBLE but that is all that I agree with.

 

 

 

We did have the drinking package and no you do not pay an extra 20% on each drink to have it delivered. The only time we were changed anything was when we were in PC and had to pay taxes on the drink. So the grumbling you heard was incorrect.

 

 

 

We were in a mini suite also and loved the cabin. Never had a problem with our steward on this cruise but was on the Epic for 2 weeks before (was doing a b2b2b) and that cabin steward did have problems.

 

 

 

 

 

All of the crew members we encountered were great, friendly and outgoing.

 

 

 

 

 

As far as dinner reservations go, on the 2 previous weeks we had no problems making reservations for 2. On the week you were on, we winged it and did not have dinner reservations. The longest we had to wait was 15 minutes for a table for 2. We went around 7:15pm.

 

 

 

We love sitting by the pool and yes there were chair hogs that put their towels out at 7am and did not come back for hours but we never had a problem finding a chair. That is one thing that amazes me about the Epic is the fact that we could always find a lounger with so many people.

 

 

 

Sorry you did not enjoy your cruise. We enjoyed it and would have no problems going on the Epic again!:D

Good to hear!! We leave in less than a month :)

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I guess I"m confused. You complain about people jumping line but then you ask about an owner's suite line when you aren't in a suite?

 

Also, did you have the beverage package or not? You complain about $15 wine cost so it sounds like you didn't but then you complain about the beverage plan surcharge so it would be either one or the other unless you were ordering a glass of wine over $15.

I am confused as well as to why this person stated they were in an Owner's Suite then a mini-suite. The intention doesn't sound any different than the person who veered off to use the restroom only to get ahead of the masses.