best of the Epic (feedback requested)

for those that have sailed on the Epic what did you like the most about your time onboard?

i know a lot of people are less than lukewarm about the Norwegian Epic. I've read some great reviews that have me prepared not to sweat some of the stuff I will come across.

we booked an eleven night cruise late this year in spite of it's flaws. I'm kind of a glass half full guy and I have really enjoyed every cruise I've taken no matter the ship or cruise line.

I'm looking for tips and pointers from those that really enjoyed aspects of the Epic, some may be obvious and some may be less well known. all feedback is greatly appreciated!

(we have an enclosed balcony close to aft stairs. And the five free at sea offer. $100 obc. it was a fantastic bargain overall. it's my first cruise over 7 days...my wife is an at sea day gal and I'm a port of call guy.)

Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app

It has the best of the Studio lounges in my opinion. I also think their Spa is the best as it's the only one that has its own private balcony with loungers and almost 2 beds.

Having been on all NCL ships (except the Sky and Jewel) I would say the Epic has the best dining venues for their locations, windows, décor, ambience, space.

Example: we hated Le Bistro on the Aways and Escape - windowless, small and bang in lower central and very busy location where the photographers hang around outside, smoke from casino, etc. Looking forward to Le Bistro on Bliss - on deck 17 and looking out to sea and Alaskan scenery. Le Bistro on Epic is on Deck 5 and close to the forward elevators - not a busy area at all.

Teppanyaki on Epic seem brighter in décor (well, before the dry-dock renovations, that is), and Shanghai is pretty big and spacious, serving Asian.

I loved the bowl slide. The pool is too small. We thought the Garden Café on Epic is the best of all.

My 2 cents.

Each ship we have been on, has its own pros and cons, and we do not have a favourite ship.

I loved Spice H2O it was a nice relaxing spot to sit out and enjoy the sun.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I loved Spice H2O it was a nice relaxing spot to sit out and enjoy the sun.

and it has a pool.

I have an ongoing love-affair with Epic so this might be a long list... :D

I can only truly compare her with Breakaway... but she won hands down!

Starting from the top...

• Deck 18 - quiet sundeck.... right at the very front of the ship (go up the lift on the right-hand side from a mid-ship perspective) They have the fancy haven loungers - i great place to go on sea day for some RnR.
  
• Dec 16 - above pool deck - i love grabbing a lounger here on sea days.... lay back and watch uninterrupted views of the ocean whilst also being in the hustle bustle of pool deck on sea day - best of both worlds!
  
• The waves bar - deck 15.... my favourite thing to do is park at the bar here and watch the world go by.
  
• The Epic Plunge (bowl slide) .... its Epic-ly fun
  
• SPice H2O.... great place during the day, even greater at night.... the best party on-board you will find it there!
  
• The Garden Cafe - yes its hectic but if you can navigate through the crowds and grab your food - sneak downstairs to La Cucina where you can sit and eat a more peaceful breakfast in the mornings and hide from the crowds.
  
• Deck 14 - The Spa - whether its the Thermal Suite of a treatment this is my happy place during daylight hours!
  
• Shakers Martini Bar - the best cocktails can be found here.... chocolate martini's, French 75's, Cosmo's, Lavender Patches..... this is my early evening happy place... where better to get the party started!
  
• Shanghai's - whether its the noodle bar or the restaurant you will have the most amazing Asian meal in this complimentary dining spot. My tips: if you are a small group go to the noodle bar... the pot stickers are amazing. Skip desert and sneak back up to the buffet if you are in need of a sweet treat!
  
• The Atrium Bar - great cocktails, great people watching place, great for watching the crazy game shows too
  
• Headliners - the home of Howl at the Moon.... I love Howl a great way to spend an evening. Other entertainments are available
  
• Manhattan Room - I love eating in Manhattan... especially when the band is playing or Burn the Floor are doing a mini show
  
• Taste -is the other MDR and is also really good.
  
• Bliss - this is my evening happy place - Karaoke, and land of late night parties..... late night dancing and the best bartenders who will make you the most amazing shots!!!!!
  

I'm not going to lie - i have probably missed a ton of things off this list... but i think you get the idea :D

We will be on the Epic for the first time end of April. On the other NCL cruises we have been on, one of the dining rooms is casual and the other main dining rooms men must wear long pants. In researching the Epic it appears that it is okay for men do dress casual in either main dining room and long pants are not required. To those that have been on the Epic, is that the case?

I have an ongoing love-affair with Epic so this might be a long list... :D

I can only truly compare her with Breakaway... but she won hands down!

 

Starting from the top...

• Deck 18 - quiet sundeck.... right at the very front of the ship (go up the lift on the right-hand side from a mid-ship perspective) They have the fancy haven loungers - i great place to go on sea day for some RnR.
  
• Dec 16 - above pool deck - i love grabbing a lounger here on sea days.... lay back and watch uninterrupted views of the ocean whilst also being in the hustle bustle of pool deck on sea day - best of both worlds!
  
• The waves bar - deck 15.... my favourite thing to do is park at the bar here and watch the world go by.
  
• The Epic Plunge (bowl slide) .... its Epic-ly fun
  
• SPice H2O.... great place during the day, even greater at night.... the best party on-board you will find it there!
  
• The Garden Cafe - yes its hectic but if you can navigate through the crowds and grab your food - sneak downstairs to La Cucina where you can sit and eat a more peaceful breakfast in the mornings and hide from the crowds.
  
• Deck 14 - The Spa - whether its the Thermal Suite of a treatment this is my happy place during daylight hours!
  
• Shakers Martini Bar - the best cocktails can be found here.... chocolate martini's, French 75's, Cosmo's, Lavender Patches..... this is my early evening happy place... where better to get the party started!
  
• Shanghai's - whether its the noodle bar or the restaurant you will have the most amazing Asian meal in this complimentary dining spot. My tips: if you are a small group go to the noodle bar... the pot stickers are amazing. Skip desert and sneak back up to the buffet if you are in need of a sweet treat!
  
• The Atrium Bar - great cocktails, great people watching place, great for watching the crazy game shows too
  
• Headliners - the home of Howl at the Moon.... I love Howl a great way to spend an evening. Other entertainments are available
  
• Manhattan Room - I love eating in Manhattan... especially when the band is playing or Burn the Floor are doing a mini show
  
• Taste -is the other MDR and is also really good.
  
• Bliss - this is my evening happy place - Karaoke, and land of late night parties..... late night dancing and the best bartenders who will make you the most amazing shots!!!!!
  

I'm not going to lie - i have probably missed a ton of things off this list... but i think you get the idea :D

YEAH!!! You hit it all!!! I forgot about the Bliss lounge!! The Bliss lounge on the newer ships - what??? A far cry from the ones on Epic and the Jewel class ships!

The La Cucina has the best sunset dinners if sailing in the westward direction!

We will be on the Epic for the first time end of April. On the other NCL cruises we have been on, one of the dining rooms is casual and the other main dining rooms men must wear long pants. In researching the Epic it appears that it is okay for men do dress casual in either main dining room and long pants are not required. To those that have been on the Epic, is that the case?

On the Epic, men must wear long pants in the Manhattan Room MDR and in Le Bistro. Shorts can be worn, if you must, in all other dining and drinking venues (although probably not the best in the ice bar).

On the Epic, men must wear long pants in the Manhattan Room MDR and in Le Bistro. Shorts can be worn, if you must, in all other dining and drinking venues (although probably not the best in the ice bar).

I thought that would be the case but I did not see that reflected on their website.

slot pull tournaments

O'Sheehan's bar to play pool ($2.00 a game) plus great late night snacking

Noodle bar for more great late night snacking

H2O adult only area that is no extra charge!

Bed by the balcony rooms!

Cagney's Bar--great cocktails quiet location

On the Epic, men must wear long pants in the Manhattan Room MDR and in Le Bistro. Shorts can be worn, if you must, in all other dining and drinking venues (although probably not the best in the ice bar).

Just got off the Epic and guys (lots!) were wearing short and ball caps in the Manhattan room. Now most gents had pants on but there were quite a few who did not. Maybe because it was Spring Break? Changed a lot since the last time I sailed here - but we still had a lot of fun.

Just got off the Epic and guys (lots!) were wearing short and ball caps in the Manhattan room. Now most gents had pants on but there were quite a few who did not. Maybe because it was Spring Break? Changed a lot since the last time I sailed here - but we still had a lot of fun.

If long pants are required in both main dining rooms it is definitely not stated as such on their website. I see nothing wrong with wearing a collared shirt and dress shorts to dinner.

Really enjoyed the restaurants over the MDR experience. LaCuchina at sunset was beautiful! The steakhouse food was amazing and we had a lot of fun at the Japanese steakhouse. Found service and the food at the restaurants was far superior to the main dining room. Burn the Floor was a great show. Although we were not fans of the layout on Epic, The ship decor was beautiful and immaculate! If Stephan (Stefan?) is still a waiter at the waves pool bar try to find him the first day. He will do a great job of taking care of you the rest of the trip!

Just got off the Epic and guys (lots!) were wearing short and ball caps in the Manhattan room. Now most gents had pants on but there were quite a few who did not. Maybe because it was Spring Break? Changed a lot since the last time I sailed here - but we still had a lot of fun.

Was Siglo still on the ship performing in The Cavern? They are by far the best rock and roll band at sea.

There have been several threads about this over the last several years. IMHO Epic is a better ship than the Breakaway class ships. I say this for many reasons but mostly for the following"

Epic spa is HUGE - blows all other NCL's ship's spa out of the water with size and aft views. Also has an outdoor space which the other ships don't have.

Bliss lounge - Hello! What a cool and HUGE nightclub. They even have games there during the week. The nightclub on Getaway is an afterthought and one small room. No funky fun.

Spice H20 - Never mess with the original. The tiered seating is so much better for the crowds and the views. In addition a REAL pool instead of a splash station.

Haven - HUGE Haven complex on Epic. The Haven restaurant is much smaller on Getaway/Breakaway. In addition the Haven lounge on Epic has ocean views. No view in sight on the Getaway.

Gym. OMG the Gym on Epic is HUGE two story section with picture window to ocean views from all treadmills. The Gym on Getaway is so tiny and limited views.

Restaurants. This is where the Epic really stands out. Normal sized restaurants. On Epic La Cucina and Shaghais are enclosed real restaurants with picture window views. On Getaway these restaurants are open to the mass hallways and smoke from the casino. Nothing private or intimate like on Epic. All the tables are closer together too. They crammed way too many tables in Le Bistro on Getaway.

Studio lounge bigger and better on Epic

I have always said that if you could put the boardwalk waterfront on Epic, it would be the best ship in the world. The Breakaway class has 2 advantages IMHO. The waterpark and the waterfront.

Was Siglo still on the ship performing in The Cavern? They are by far the best rock and roll band at sea.

They were due to be on until end May but they’re going to bliss shortly instead

Sent from my iPad using Forums

for those that have sailed on the Epic what did you like the most about your time onboard?

 

i know a lot of people are less than lukewarm about the Norwegian Epic. I've read some great reviews that have me prepared not to sweat some of the stuff I will come across.

 

we booked an eleven night cruise late this year in spite of it's flaws. I'm kind of a glass half full guy and I have really enjoyed every cruise I've taken no matter the ship or cruise line.

 

I'm looking for tips and pointers from those that really enjoyed aspects of the Epic, some may be obvious and some may be less well known. all feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

(we have an enclosed balcony close to aft stairs. And the five free at sea offer. $100 obc. it was a fantastic bargain overall. it's my first cruise over 7 days...my wife is an at sea day gal and I'm a port of call guy.)

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app

Wanted to add that we will be on the Epic for the first time April 25 - May 2 and will we back to give observations. So far thank you to everyone for all of the features being pointed out. Our itinerary only has one sea day so I am hoping we will have ample time to experience most of the ship. We like to go to all of the shows. The dueling pianos sound great. Looking forward to the comedy shows. I am glad they did away with 2nd City. We used one of our specialty dinners to see the Cirque Show. May even bowl a game or two if exhaustion or excess UBP doesn't get the better of us.

They were due to be on until end May but they’re going to bliss shortly instead

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

thanks for mentioning that, I will have them on my look for list for the Bliss

Wanted to add that we will be on the Epic for the first time April 25 - May 2 and will we back to give observations. So far thank you to everyone for all of the features being pointed out. Our itinerary only has one sea day so I am hoping we will have ample time to experience most of the ship. We like to go to all of the shows. The dueling pianos sound great. Looking forward to the comedy shows. I am glad they did away with 2nd City. We used one of our specialty dinners to see the Cirque Show. May even bowl a game or two if exhaustion or excess UBP doesn't get the better of us.

I love The Second City, both on land and sea. Why are you glad they did away with it?

I love The Second City, both on land and sea. Why are you glad they did away with it?

Having seen them on 3 or 4 different cruises the skits for us were just not that funny. I guess we are just old fashioned but my wife and I both really enjoy a good comic. After the first time we purposefully sat towards the back so we could leave if we were disappointed. For us anyway we are happy the emphasis will be on individual comedians.

We sailed Epic last November on the TA from Barcelona to Port C. Neither of us had done a TA before, so there were many thoughts over the months as to whether we would like it, love or hate the many days at sea, what the seas would be like, enough to do, etc. etc.

Well, we thoroughly loved the entire experience! Seas were unusually calm after getting away from Barcelona. We had an Spa MS, and that was a plus for a couple with the extra spacing, a jacuzzi tub, and daily access to the marvelous spa! Don't laugh, but there were a few sea days that we enjoyed some foreign movies on the tv. Who knew they could make some great flicks?!

Most already know this, but the longer the cruise, there is a different "crowd". I'm pretty sure this ship was full, and it never felt crowded. People got along, there were no rowdies that we ever encountered, no chair hogging!

I loved the fact that groups of knitters/crocheters, would-be painters, card and games groups, all getting their quality time with each other! The staff was professional. The crew was well-trained. Bar staff and wait staff knew you in just a few days.

Having read many, many other posts about the Epic, it seems most will tell you the same things. It is a different ship to some extent, and the little things (like the bathroom arrangement) should not deter you from enjoying her. In fact, we booked onboard to return to Barcelona next November to do it all again! Hope to see some familiar faces at the bars and restaurants!

for those that have sailed on the Epic what did you like the most about your time onboard?

 

i know a lot of people are less than lukewarm about the Norwegian Epic. I've read some great reviews that have me prepared not to sweat some of the stuff I will come across.

 

we booked an eleven night cruise late this year in spite of it's flaws. I'm kind of a glass half full guy and I have really enjoyed every cruise I've taken no matter the ship or cruise line.

 

I'm looking for tips and pointers from those that really enjoyed aspects of the Epic, some may be obvious and some may be less well known. all feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

 

 

(we have an enclosed balcony close to aft stairs. And the five free at sea offer. $100 obc. it was a fantastic bargain overall. it's my first cruise over 7 days...my wife is an at sea day gal and I'm a port of call guy.)

 

 

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app

Absolutely, get a thermal spa pass

I was on the Epic a four day March 10-14. Lots of Spring Breakers which I'm certain impacted our cruise experience. This was my 12th NCL, 7th ship and first studio being a suite cruiser. Here are my suggestions:

Siglo in the Cavern Club. They are fantastic and can sing anything from Michael Jackson to Nirvana to Flock of Seagulls to Pink Floyd. They will get you dancing in your seats and onto the dance floor. If you like The Beatles, there was a group that played their music there as well that the crowd loved. I'm not a huge fan (I know, I'm weird) so we left after a few songs and people happily scooped up our seats. Small venue, my guess is it holds 75 total with standing room included? It has a small bar inside that makes a nice Ketle One extra dirty Martini.

The slides. Just do them all, so much fun!

The elevators. Don't. Even. Try. Just take the stairs if you are physically able. You will need to burn off the calories you will drink and eat anyway.

Bowling. At $7 a game (includes the shoes but he sure to bring your own socks) and you will laugh until you nearly tinkle yourself . We had some waves and wind our cruise and the ship was rocking. One gutter ball popped out and ended up knocking down several pins. Even the people in the next door lane were laughing in bewilderment!

Multiple appetizers. Don't even try to narrow it down, order as many as you would like to try. We were given the whole "One appetizer, one entree, one dessert" routine with our SDP. We ordered 3-5 total to share and I was never billed. YMMV though. Life can be short, enjoy.

All the drinks. Sounds interesting? Do you have the UBP? Try it. If after a couple of sips, you don't care for it, set it down and order something else. The Lavender Martini is wonderful at the Martini Bar. My go to drink you can get everywhere? The Toma. Lemon vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and prosecco. Yum.

Howl at the Moon. Tons of fun.

Burn the Floor. This was awesome. We had reservations but didn't need them for our cruise. We walked up 15 minutes before the show, they swiped our cards and we st in the second row, center seats. I don't know who was hotter, the guys or the girls, and I'm a 51 year old woman, ha! This show was smoking hot!

Priscilla...not for the easily offended, so it was perfect for me! Funny, heartfelt, had us dancing in our seats. Again, we had reservations but didn't need them. 10 minutes before the show, walked up, swiped cards and sat in the 5th row center. Saw a marriage proposal right before the show started. Nice evening, kind of a long show, so if you have a small bladder, go before the show starts. The chairs in the theater are very comfortable and as reported there are cup holders but they do slant forward. If you have a glass with a stem, you will need to hold it or pour it's contents into a basic glass/cup.

What we experienced that we didn't care for:

Spring Breakers at Maltings. I had read this was an area they didn't seem to seek out. Our cruise, however, this bar was always packed. Too bad because they have some awesome drinks on their menu I wanted to drink and other bars would not make them because they didn't have the ingredients or just didn't want to take the time to do it.

Spring Breakers at ALL bars. Well it was the season for college kids to cut loose. It was not a fast process to get a drink at any bar. Yes, you could walk to another bar, but there was going to be two to three to five deep people around the entire bar. Just had to be patient. I likely drank less than I thought I would.

Ball caps in The Manhattan Room. Yes we had a couple seated beside us and the man, in his late 30's was wearing a ball cap. I am Platinum Plus and had met the Assistant Maitre d earlier in the cruise. He asked about our experience dining that evening and I pointed out my displeasure in seeing the ball cap. He said he didn't see it but that there is a strict policy against hats of any kind. He said he would speak with the front hostess, as it is their job to ask they be removed and stay off during their time in the dining room. If they are put on again at the table, it is the waiter's job to ask they be removed. If it comes on again, it would be the Maitre d's job to have it removed or they would be told to leave. Hopefully this will be enforced going forward. There are other places where a person can eat and wear a cap/hat. Let's leave a "dining" room a bit classier.

The Manhattan Room food. Not good, not hot, overcooked medium rare steak, a non flavorful and dry dessert. Sigh. I had not eaten at an included restaurant for supper since cruise number three. I was reminded why I haven't and have choose to grab food at O'Shehans or the buffet if we didn't have a specialty or wanted to eat in the Haven.

Best suprises:

The studio room. I'd would do this again! It was so quiet and secluded. A nice space to come back to at 2 a.m. and crash in. I found it to be just the right size for me and my sister had the room next door. I was next to a large white space on the deck plans and thought it could be noisy crew space. Nope. I don't know what was in that space as I never heard a sound. We did take advantage of the lovely coffee machine at different times of the day. That espresso kept me going.

The Spring Breakers. Yep, I said it. They surprised me. I have been on the Sky during Spring Break and St Patricks Day. Let's just say sloppy drunk. Lots of vomit. Loud. Dirty. These kids on the Epic were not as loud. Not as sloppy. Not as drunk. I didn't see any vomit. And they were some of the most beautiful people I've ever seen. The girl's dressed nicely (yes sexy but nicely) for dinner and many guys dressed up in pants and nice shirts and or jackets. Surprise!

I hope everyone enjoys their time on the Epic. It was slightly bigger than I would like to cruise on again but...it had the best entertainment of any of the other 6 NCL ships I've been on and the restaurants were large and not crammed into a small space like on the Getaway.