I gave in.

After year's of saying the mega ships hold no interest for me, I gave in today and booked a Pacific coastal on the Bliss for April. I gave up an owner's suite on the Sun, I know foolish right, but after thinking about it a bit the 3 hour time shift for 3 days didn't make much sense to us plus in the back of my mind was a memory of a Carnival booze cruise many years ago. So onto the Bliss in a mini suite. I figure the pluses outweigh the minus' on this one. Well except for the San Francisco stop, but at least I know where not to go in the City.

We avoided the mega ships too, until the Bliss did the inaugural TA & Panama, loved it so much we are doing Alaska Sept 1 & we are bringing our DD, SIL & GD on the April 30 sailing.

Good thing Bliss isn't a mega ship. Have a great time and don't feel guilty.

What are your reasons for avoiding the mega ships? I'm curious because I've almost only been on mega ships and now I'm afraid to try a smaller ship!

After year's of saying the mega ships hold no interest for me, I gave in today and booked a Pacific coastal on the Bliss for April. I gave up an owner's suite on the Sun, I know foolish right, but after thinking about it a bit the 3 hour time shift for 3 days didn't make much sense to us plus in the back of my mind was a memory of a Carnival booze cruise many years ago. So onto the Bliss in a mini suite. I figure the pluses outweigh the minus' on this one. Well except for the San Francisco stop, but at least I know where not to go in the City.

Congratulations! The Bliss is a beautiful ship. Have a great cruise.

What are your reasons for avoiding the mega ships? I'm curious because I've almost only been on mega ships and now I'm afraid to try a smaller ship!

Mostly crowds. I never really thought that the ship should be the destination either, the amount of things to do on the ship shouldn't overwhelm where your going, kind of thing, I guess.

Me too, never been on a ship this size, just booked the Bliss for next year Alaska and am both excited and nervous!

The mega ships had always made me a little wary, however excited to be sailing on the Epic in November. I’m sure I’ll have a great time

Since I began cruising when ships were what are now considered small, there was still assigned dining and the midnight buffet was a "thing," I too had mixed feelings about these massive ships.

When I saw a video on the construction of the Oasis, I couldn't believe how big the ship was going to be and didn't think I'd feel comfortable on it. A few years ago hubby and I did cruise on the Oasis. There were some features that I really liked (the multiple pools, the central park area, MDR food was outstanding) but out of my 14 cruises, this was among our least favourites.

However, we absolutely LOVED both the Epic and Escape - the Escape so much so that we are cruising her again this December (first time we repeat a ship). As the Bliss is similar to the Escape, I hope that you enjoy NCL's big ship experience as much as we did. Make sure to keep an open mind and enjoy! I am keeping an open mind too - we have a family cruise booked for March break 2020 on the Anthem...

Tend to agree. My first megaship sailing was on the Epic. Went into that sailing with some trepidation. Came away loving it. That turned into sailing the Breakaway and in a few weeks, the Getaway (again)!

That said, I sailed on the GEM several months ago. Loved her as well, just for different reasons.

Waiting for the prices to settle down before booking the Bliss. But, that’s at the top of my list to sail.

Don't be afraid of mega ships.....but do your research as some are definitely better for 'crowd control' than others. The biggest ships on the seas are RCI's Oasis class and they were the LEAST congested ships we have ever sailed on, due to the many different "neighborhoods" for passengers to spread out on (Boardwalk, Central Park, Promenade etc). On the other hand, we found the Epic to be the MOST congested (and smoky) due to the layout (casino open to main deck etc) and narrowest cabin corridors, very few windows, locations of entertainment venues etc. So to each their own and what you are looking for. But we love the bigger ships as they have more choices and things to do.

Here's my school of thought: You can always make a big ship "feel" smaller, but cannot make a smaller ship "feel"bigger. On a big ship, if you prefer to get to know crew and have them know you, than you should visit the same bars, dining venues, etc. and you will get to know the crew there. One reason some people prefer smaller ships because the crew remembers them and they know them. On smaller ships, if you don't like the bar or venue, there aren't as many options to try a different one. On a bigger ship, if you book your cabin closer to the dining venues, you won't need to walk too far every time you need to go to the dining venues, which is the area of the ship you will be walking to the most. Anyway, big ships, small ships, any cruise ship is good for me :)

our prefernce is the smaller ships. but we do enjoy the larger ones. that said, id like to try to get in the Haven for large ship sailings. We are in Haven for our upcoming Getaway, hoping to get an upgrade for our NYE Escape sail.

I gave in as well and took a huge chance.........Epic in 2013, not my favourite >>>>>>>

Encore inaugural 11/02/2019, hopefully will be my favourite. ;)

Mostly crowds. I never really thought that the ship should be the destination either, the amount of things to do on the ship shouldn't overwhelm where your going, kind of thing, I guess.

You will find the mega ship feel less crowded and board faster than on traditional ships.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums