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Best Deluxe Owner's Suite on the Epic?


ashleyriley
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As many know, these suites are very pricey. Would love some opinions on the DOS. We are considering 17004 because it seems like a great full on view forward and would be peaceful. However, the balcony does seem small compared to the other suites. Also, please weigh in on what ship has the best Haven? We were told Epic has the best Haven in the fleet and it is easy to drive to for us. We are also consdiering the Escape but that would entail the added expense and time of flying. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

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How important is the ship's itinerary for you? Are you interested in the larger ships only?

Some of the Jewel class ships (smaller) have fantastic DOS with a private hot tub, but no Haven. There are also Garden Villas on the smaller ships but again no Haven.

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How important is the ship's itinerary for you? Are you interested in the larger ships only?

 

Some of the Jewel class ships (smaller) have fantastic DOS with a private hot tub, but no Haven. There are also Garden Villas on the smaller ships but again no Haven.

 

 

Being a bit pedantic, the Jewel ships do have a Haven, although it is smaller than the Epic, and is missing things like the restaurant.

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Hi, thanks for the replies. Itinerary is fairly important, we are not stay on the ship while in port people. We have not been to Tortola or Great Stirrup Cay, which is why Epic and the itinerary looked good. We were thinking about the Escape because of the Bermuda itinerary. We have never been.

 

We actually have been on the Jade for the Venice/Greece itinerary. Absolutely loved the size of the Jewel class and the OS with 2 balconies. We wanted to try one of the larger ships and the larger Haven that goes with it. This trip is for our 20th anniversary, no kids. [emoji3]

 

 

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Being a bit pedantic, the Jewel ships do have a Haven, although it is smaller than the Epic, and is missing things like the restaurant.

 

You are right KeithJenner! I should have clarified that the Haven is smaller and the Moderno/Cagneys breakfast/lunch on the smaller ships is not as good in my experience as the Haven Restaurant on the Breakaway plus class ships....

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Hi, thanks for the replies. Itinerary is fairly important, we are not stay on the ship while in port people. We have not been to Tortola or Great Stirrup Cay, which is why Epic and the itinerary looked good. We were thinking about the Escape because of the Bermuda itinerary. We have never been.

 

We actually have been on the Jade for the Venice/Greece itinerary. Absolutely loved the size of the Jewel class and the OS with 2 balconies. We wanted to try one of the larger ships and the larger Haven that goes with it. This trip is for our 20th anniversary, no kids. [emoji3]

 

 

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The Epic's Haven is the largest and many rave about it. I personally also really enjoyed the Escape Haven. Do remember children will be in the Haven (how many depends on time of year of your cruise)... We love Aft suites on the Escape, the balcony is huge but there is a bit of a walk to the Haven... I have also been in the Escape DOS and it was huge. I would avoid the H5 Courtyard Penthouse, not as much room as DOS or Aft.

 

How much space do you want/need? If it is the two of you, on either ship, if price is not a factor I would suggest DOS or Aft suite... Depends if you mind walking from the Aft to the Haven... I personally would get an Aft Suite and buy the Spa pass.

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As many know, these suites are very pricey. Would love some opinions on the DOS. We are considering 17004 because it seems like a great full on view forward and would be peaceful. However, the balcony does seem small compared to the other suites. Also, please weigh in on what ship has the best Haven? We were told Epic has the best Haven in the fleet and it is easy to drive to for us. We are also consdiering the Escape but that would entail the added expense and time of flying. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

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After reading many reviews here and looking at a few online videos, we booked 17007 for our cruise next year. Everyone's preferences are different of course, but we enjoy the forward facing view. The balcony on 17004/17007 is really not that small; it fits 2 loungers, 2 chairs, and a small table; plenty of space for the wife and I.

 

For those who like the forward facing view, you can't beat 17004/17007; on the other hand for those who don't mind some crowd noise and want to be closer to the action and people watching from their balcony, then 17030/32/33/35 are better for them. They all have slightly different configurations so look around for videos online. Also, there are 2 more DOS on the 16th floor, but those have the enclosed-type balcony, which I'd imagine would be great if cruising in Alaska or a cold weather destination.

 

 

Happy hunting; remember regardless of the differences, you really can't go wrong with any of the DOS'!

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bww11, you read my mind about the aft suite if we chose Escape. I was just looking at youtube videos and they look amazing. We are big fans of the relaxing and less windy wake view, we did an aft suite on Princess and loved it.

 

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Ashleyiley, you brought up a very valid point regarding wind. When we went out on the DOS balcony area it was very windy and even when we were in port. I am sure this varies by weather, destination, etc but it is important to remember if booking a DOS.

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I have sailed the NCL Epic Haven twice but never in a DOS. I was an Epic stalker and saw all the DOS's. My first opinion the forward ones were the nicest. However, I love the corner aft balconies of the 2 rear DOS. It could be a bit noisy by the pool deck but sitting out on the balcony with watching the pool, entertainment on deck and the water going by is more appealing to me than a narrow solitude balcony. So I would probably go with the corner aft ones. But I really don't think you can lose except the 1 center aft one. They have small balconies, face the pool, and the set up is weird with no shower views to the ocean like the corner ones. Pick any corner and I don't think you can lose

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Thanks everyone, great feedback! I think if we do Epic it will be 17004 or 17007 based on the forward view and being more peaceful. If it's Escape then an aft Haven suite on deck 11. I like that bathroom configuration. Now to look at the overall pros and cons of the two ships...lots of research but it's fun to do!

 

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Hi, thanks for the replies. Itinerary is fairly important, we are not stay on the ship while in port people. We have not been to Tortola or Great Stirrup Cay, which is why Epic and the itinerary looked good. We were thinking about the Escape because of the Bermuda itinerary. We have never been.

 

We actually have been on the Jade for the Venice/Greece itinerary. Absolutely loved the size of the Jewel class and the OS with 2 balconies. We wanted to try one of the larger ships and the larger Haven that goes with it. This trip is for our 20th anniversary, no kids. [emoji3]

 

 

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I just booked Venice/Greece on Star OS with two balconies. Were you on 9 or 10? I could only get 9 but wondering if 10 is better and I should keep my eye open? Sorry to go off topic.

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It's ok. Not sure how the Star compares to the Jade. For the Jade, 10 had a larger dining area but 9 had a slightly larger forward balcony. The thing with either room on the Star or Jade are the two balconies are the best feature. We loved the unobstructed full forward view when sailing down the Grand Canal in Venice or into Greece. For a less windy experience and for dining we used the covered side balcony. You will love it! One of our favorite vacations ever.

 

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I just booked Venice/Greece on Star OS with two balconies. Were you on 9 or 10? I could only get 9 but wondering if 10 is better and I should keep my eye open? Sorry to go off topic.

 

On Dawn/Jewel class most say 10 are better due to dining nook although a slightly smaller front balcony.

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We were on the Epic in April and while we did not stay in the Haven we were lucky enough to meet some staying in the DOS and was invited to come in and enjoy their cabin. OMG we fell in love with it, now my hubby wants me to book that cabin for his milestone birthday next year.

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We stayed in one of the corner rear DOS suites on our first cruise, I think 17033, and it was our favorite room so far. We loved the huge balcony with loungers and daybeds watching the pool activities. Having the glass doors open and hearing daytime live music. People watching from our own private Haven. There was no noise issue at all at night. Bathroom was amazing. We will definitely book that room again in the future. The only bad thing was we didn’t want to leave the room at all!

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We stayed in one of the corner rear DOS suites on our first cruise, I think 17033, and it was our favorite room so far. We loved the huge balcony with loungers and daybeds watching the pool activities. Having the glass doors open and hearing daytime live music. People watching from our own private Haven. There was no noise issue at all at night. Bathroom was amazing. We will definitely book that room again in the future. The only bad thing was we didn’t want to leave the room at all!
Shidah, I love the size of those balconies also! We were the same way in the OS on the Jade, we never wanted to leave. One can really get used to the stocked bar, afternoon snacks, and those amazing balconies!

 

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Off the Epic Haven from 16002 in July. It was amazing. Only downside is the enclosed deck....but the views from the bedroom, living room, shower and the gummy bears make up for all of that. It was an amazing experience...thought a once in a lifetime...but after doing it, I want to do it again.

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We stayed in one of the corner rear DOS suites on our first cruise, I think 17033, and it was our favorite room so far. We loved the huge balcony with loungers and daybeds watching the pool activities. Having the glass doors open and hearing daytime live music. People watching from our own private Haven. There was no noise issue at all at night. Bathroom was amazing. We will definitely book that room again in the future. The only bad thing was we didn’t want to leave the room at all!

 

We were in 17032 and would have preferred 17033 as both do have the extra large balconies but ours had no direct view down to the water....only towards the pool deck. Now of course the room itself was great and if it was the only DOS suite we would not hesitate to take it....and we also enjoyed being able to watch/listen to the poolside entertainment when desired. We did have some noise issues from the sundeck above...whatever that private bar/sun area is called.....but nothing to really complain about. And you are right....the people watching was the best!

 

Haven suites NOT located in the actual Haven area are not appealing to us.....just my personal opinion. We enjoy the ease of dropping by the Concierge desk when we have a question, the ease of finding staff to be escorted off of the ship to "skip" the lines of getting off of the ships in port and the proximity to the Haven pool, restaurant, bar and other facilities.

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Love all the Havens, love the forward penthouses on Jewel Class in Caribbean, aft penthouses in cold weather and love Owner’s Suite on Sky and Sun. Doing DOS on Breakaway for my 70th cruise. Can’t wait !

 

Been in that room on BA. Note you may get noise leak from OS next door via movable wall. YMMV.

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Hi There

Had 17007 twice and again in a months time..... we have sailed in owners suites on NCL 6/7 times and RCL 4/5 times and this room is by far one of our favorites.... Its quiet location is a big plus but we also LOVE being at the front of the boat. To open our curtains first thing in the morning, with the floor to ceiling windows is just spectacular. A very unique place in the cool after a busy day of excursions..... even the bathroom is glorious with a view from every window.

The closest second would be the Jade with the two balconies..... one at the front and the side.

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