!! HONEST Views of EPIC !!

[Jerseyboy1]

OP...thanks for the review. It seems pretty fair to me from what I have read from previous cruisers.

 

As far as dressing for dinner goes, It seems strange to me that the people that have made the effort to repect the tradition of dressing up for dinner have to be concerned about how they may fit in.

 

The vacationers/fellow passengers that dress like slobs make zero effort and aren't concerned about anything but themselves....just my opinion.

 

Oh, I love modern cruising....:rolleyes::)

[lee101224]

1. Why did you mention that the seating upstairs at cirque you couldn't see half of what was going on - but then mention you actually sat at a booth ? Did you have friends that sat up there ? Previously I had heard upstairs was the best spot... just wondering what the deal was on that....

 

2. Why was the food at cirque not so good ? Was it that you didn't like steak or shrimp.... or you typically would like steak/shrimp but that they were just prepared poorly ? Or maybe the portions were small ? Just wondering....

 

3. Where did you eat dinner each of the 7 nights and what did you wear ? My girlfriend and I are also in our 20's and this will be her first cruise. I bought her 5 dresses and we're wondering how smart of a move that is. A lot of people have said, "do what you want, wear what you want..." but just wondering what you did since we're in the same age group :) My anticipation is that dresses will be fine in Manhattan, but just a little unsure.....

 

4. When you say you spent double.... is that because of alcohol.... or ? Just wondering if there were things you spent money on but then wish you wouldn't have ??

 

5. Any pictures you wouldn't mind sharing ?

 

THANKS!!

 

 

 

Thank you all for your comments . To answer some of the questions -

 

In Cirque We sat down stairs , But could see up stairs and I watched as many people were having to lean over to see certin parts , not all of it but personally when I pay to see a show , I like to see 100% of it , not 90 % . we also had 'Acts' doing things right by us in the booth that no way the people above us would have been able to see. Like I said , Most people just looked very uncomfortable throughout. On a main stage with everyone looking forward the show would have been must better.

 

The cirque food - Because its a set menu , not even a choice of say 2 per course , It is clearly all cooked on mass and sent out. It wasnt disgussting , I ate most of it , but Cruise food (in our opinion) is usuallysome of the finest food around , yet this was just ok at best, It was definatley not an upgrade considering it came with an upgrade cost ( i.e - when we paid for Moderno , I could see why there was a charge and was happy to pay it for the better quality meal)

 

WE ate at the manhatton room most nights, Moderno 1 Night and Osheeans 1 nigt. Regardless of where we ate we always dress relativelysmart - Trousers and and open collar casual shirt for me , My Wife in a variety of small outfits ( Withoutbeing Tuxedo and dinner dresses ) - AS other have said , every night you will see someone dressed up really smart and other walking around in shorts . I would guess around 75 % of people dress to at least smart casual , the sort of level that a nice meal back home would demand. However it is your choice.

 

The money - I drink very little , Probably had 6/7 Bottles of Bud all week, So nothing to do with Alcohol, but almost everything comes at a cost . Im not complaining too much about this as your on holiday and money should come second in your worries ( within reason of course ) But I just want people to realise that you may end up spending more tan you thought. I wish I hadnt of bother with Cirque , but if I hadnt i would have probably come home thinkin I may have missed something , so I cant Win :rolleyes:

 

As for pictures - My Wife is a Photography Fanatic, We have around 900 pics from the trip, If you let me know what sort of things you want pics of I will post them no problem.

 

Hope this helps , Any other info needed , feel free to ask.

 

Lee

[marinaro44]

 

The cirque food - Because its a set menu , not even a choice of say 2 per course , It is clearly all cooked on mass and sent out. It wasnt disgussting , I ate most of it , but Cruise food (in our opinion) is usuallysome of the finest food around , yet this was just ok at best, It was definatley not an upgrade considering it came with an upgrade cost ( i.e - when we paid for Moderno , I could see why there was a charge and was happy to pay it for the better quality meal)

Don't you think the entertainment provided was an "upgrade" from what you normally get--actually don't get--in the standard cruise ship main dining room? That's what you're paying for. We had no issue with the food served to us at Cirque. Nice, well-prepared filet.

[lee101224]

Don't you think the entertainment provided was an "upgrade" from what you normally get--actually don't get--in the standard cruise ship main dining room? That's what you're paying for. We had no issue with the food served to us at Cirque. Nice, well-prepared filet.

 

 

Honestly - No , not really . Of all the shows we watched , I would not put cirque better than blueman , legends , or any of the others. and its not about personal taste either , I have paid to see similair shows ( I think I have been to 6 Cirque du soleil shows ) and Cirque dreams is not even in te sma eleague - To be honest , When we sailed on the NCL JEWEL , the cirque show on there on the last night on the main stage was much better than the cirque dreams. Iv also been to MANY dinner shows in USA and Europe and they were much better.

 

Maybe my expectations were to high , like I said , Some of the acts are talented , by the Venue is ill designed and doesnt work , put the show on the main stage and watch the reviews across CC change.

[Madisonsmom]

Let me reiterate: Slobs - folks walking around in cut up jeans and tee shirts at dinner. And even though the casino takes up 20% of the 6th deck (which i think it takes up more) the smell of cigarette smoke was awful.

[dalgirl]

tap = water faucet in bathroom

 

That is what I thought, but WHY would they have to change out the faucets - have I missed some problem with the Epic faucets? I thought it was only the size of the sink??

[beetlebomb]

Thanks for posting this. I have always sailed on a 90,000 ton or smaller ship so I've been hesitant to try the Epic. I will in the future just for the experience.

Tks for the post. We leave on Nov 6 and am so looking forward to the vacation

[AnnArbor_707]

Thank you all for your comments . To answer some of the questions -

 

In Cirque We sat down stairs , But could see up stairs and I watched as many people were having to lean over to see certin parts , not all of it but personally when I pay to see a show , I like to see 100% of it , not 90 % . we also had 'Acts' doing things right by us in the booth that no way the people above us would have been able to see. Like I said , Most people just looked very uncomfortable throughout. On a main stage with everyone looking forward the show would have been must better.

 

The cirque food - Because its a set menu , not even a choice of say 2 per course , It is clearly all cooked on mass and sent out. It wasnt disgussting , I ate most of it , but Cruise food (in our opinion) is usuallysome of the finest food around , yet this was just ok at best, It was definatley not an upgrade considering it came with an upgrade cost ( i.e - when we paid for Moderno , I could see why there was a charge and was happy to pay it for the better quality meal)

 

WE ate at the manhatton room most nights, Moderno 1 Night and Osheeans 1 nigt. Regardless of where we ate we always dress relativelysmart - Trousers and and open collar casual shirt for me , My Wife in a variety of small outfits ( Withoutbeing Tuxedo and dinner dresses ) - AS other have said , every night you will see someone dressed up really smart and other walking around in shorts . I would guess around 75 % of people dress to at least smart casual , the sort of level that a nice meal back home would demand. However it is your choice.

 

The money - I drink very little , Probably had 6/7 Bottles of Bud all week, So nothing to do with Alcohol, but almost everything comes at a cost . Im not complaining too much about this as your on holiday and money should come second in your worries ( within reason of course ) But I just want people to realise that you may end up spending more tan you thought. I wish I hadnt of bother with Cirque , but if I hadnt i would have probably come home thinkin I may have missed something , so I cant Win :rolleyes:

 

As for pictures - My Wife is a Photography Fanatic, We have around 900 pics from the trip, If you let me know what sort of things you want pics of I will post them no problem.

 

Hope this helps , Any other info needed , feel free to ask.

 

Lee

 

Thanks so much for the info / reply! Well one thing I would love pictures of is meals at manhattan or Moderno. Those are the two places I figure we'll end up eating for dinners. Since everything seems to book up quickly on The Epic I want to try to reserve the "specialty meals" next week when my "45 day advance" comes up. I was contemplating adding another meal just to make sure we get something "fancy" enough to wear a dress at. Any "romantic" nitch or table you found or something like that would be cool to see. also, pics at the white party or any "night out" you guys had on the ship ? I suppose I can always change my mind and cancel the reservations once we're on board..... but pictures say a 1000 words. Just anxious to see what the dinner scenes are like at different dinner venues as well as the night club!

[AnnArbor_707]

Actually I have never been on Epic, only the Spirit, but we only did Le Bistro one night (the only pay -extra we chose to do) and ate in one of the two MDRs each other night (I think Manhattan room counts as an MDR on Epic, but you may want to ask another poster about that). I wore the tux to the larger, more ornate MDR (Windows on Spirit). Other nights I either just wore a button down shirt and dockers with or without a light-colored sport coat (depended on the night). I have to admit I was overdressed in the tux (but that made it more fun), but the other nights I did not feel out of place as there were enough others dressed like me. My GF was equally on par in both her nicer cocktail dresses and her more casual outfits due to the real mix of dress on board. Your GF won't stand out unless she wears a really expensive gown or something out of Lady Gaga's wardrobe.

 

I'll try to find some pics and post them later, but the main idea is that black tie apparel may cause you to stand out, but even business casual bordering on formal wear is within the average style range on most sailings.

 

For now here is an example of how were were dressed one night, and neither of us stood out as overdressed (note: even spf 70 sunscreen is not a guaranteed protection, hence my red face):

 

Thanks man!

[gb58]

Thanks so much for the info / reply! Well one thing I would love pictures of is meals at manhattan or Moderno.

 

Here is a link to Food Pictures. Ejoy.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1279119

[AnnArbor_707]

Thanks so much for the info / reply! Well one thing I would love pictures of is meals at manhattan or Moderno.

 

Here is a link to Food Pictures. Ejoy.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1279119

 

I should have been more specific. I dont care about the food as much as i do about the atmosphere of the different venues and the locations of "good tables" on the water. Thanks though! :)

[RangeRoverCruiser]

We dressed each night, capris, nice top and wore dresses on two nights. You will see everything from the slobs (short and tees) to tuxedos. It all depends on what you like to do. .

 

 

I really think It's a bit of a double standard for you to say people wearing shorts and tees are slobs as us "slobs" may think that you are over dressed, but we don't as we accept It's your choice. I have sailed a few NCL ships and on most I wear nice 3/4 length shorts and a nice shirt. This was along with the majority and we only saw a couple of people really "dressed up".

[Madisonsmom]

I assume you didnt see where I posted that slobs = ripped shorts and tees. Read before you speak.

 

Let me reiterate: Slobs - folks walking around in cut up jeans and tee shirts at dinner. And even though the casino takes up 20% of the 6th deck (which i think it takes up more) the smell of cigarette smoke was awful.

[marinaro44]

I assume you didnt see where I posted that slobs = ripped shorts and tees. Read before you speak.

 

Let me reiterate: Slobs - folks walking around in cut up jeans and tee shirts at dinner. And even though the casino takes up 20% of the 6th deck (which i think it takes up more) the smell of cigarette smoke was awful.

You can "reiterate" your rude comments (and how offensive is it to call others "slobs") all you'd like, but it won't change the fact that the casino takes up about 20% of deck 6. I'd suggest you get in touch with reality by checking the deck plans.

[Madisonsmom]

Sounds to me like you need a cruise to get rid of that bad attitude. And the ship still stinks of cigaretts no matter how much room it takes up.

[Medtech2]

 

I should have been more specific. I dont care about the food as much as i do about the atmosphere of the different venues and the locations of "good tables" on the water. Thanks though! :)

If you want a nice free dinner, go to the Manhattan Room when the band is playing and sit near the dance floor--just like a New York Supper Club...

Also, try a later dinner when Legends Unplugged will be there at 9:30 pm. As far as dress, I wore a long crinkle skirt with gold threads and a beaded top and felt fine. My husband would not wear anything dressier than a new Polo shirt so there ya go...

I did not like the fact that my husband one night was blocked from wearing nice golf shorts into Manhattan but they allowed people with beachy flip-flops and jeans in. However, once I saw them my attention quickly returned to what mattered--my own table...I ended up writing a letter to the F & B director explaining that if you are going to ban the former, you should ban the latter!

[sjbdtz]

Sounds to me like you need a cruise to get rid of that bad attitude. And the ship still stinks of cigaretts no matter how much room it takes up.

 

 

YOU'RE the one going around calling fellow cruisers 'slobs'.

 

 

I could care less if they were wearing bikini briefs, it's their life....and it isn't up to me to live it for them, or to determine what is 'right' or 'wrong'.

 

And no, my jeans aren't ripped.

[RangeRoverCruiser]

I assume you didnt see where I posted that slobs = ripped shorts and tees. Read before you speak.

 

Let me reiterate: Slobs - folks walking around in cut up jeans and tee shirts at dinner. And even though the casino takes up 20% of the 6th deck (which i think it takes up more) the smell of cigarette smoke was awful.

 

Nowhere In that post did you say "Folks walking around with ripped jeans and tee shirts" You Implied that everyone with shorts and tees are slobs. You're attitude mam Is alot to be desired. You are Insulting and think everything has to be YOU'RE way. Also look at the deck plans, the casino does not take up a full deck and Is struggling at 20% of deck 6. I think you need your eyes tested.

I too hate smoking but I cannot do anything about It. I agree that they should not be allowed to smoke In public areas also, especially as I will be walking past It with a 15 month old and 5 year old at the time, not only that but It's a fire hazzard. I read It fully and I am explaining you're disrespectful and Insulting. Does it make you feel good hiding behind your computer thinking your the big guy? Nobody Is perfect and you should know that more the most. Go onto Celebrity If you want everyone to be wearing tuxedo's and summer dresses. If you are an adult I'm seriously not Impressed.

[Madisonsmom]

So sorry I am not perfect as you seem to think you are. I did reiterate and it just proves my point, that no matter what you say on these boards, there is always someone there to bite your head off.

 

HAPPY CRUISING!!!

[onebzyldy]

So sorry I am not perfect as you seem to think you are. I did reiterate and it just proves my point, that no matter what you say on these boards, there is always someone there to bite your head off.

 

HAPPY CRUISING!!!

What an attitude ! ! ! :rolleyes:

 

Happy Cruising.........

DonnaF :D

[coffeebean]

Let me reiterate: Slobs - folks walking around in cut up jeans and tee shirts at dinner. And even though the casino takes up 20% of the 6th deck (which i think it takes up more) the smell of cigarette smoke was awful.

Just off Epic today and I noticed plenty of the Oreck air revitalizer machines lined up all along both sides of the casino. Maybe these machines weren't in use for your cruise but they certainly were in full force for the Oct. 16th sailing. I was truly amazed how the casino was not in a cloud of cigarette smoke as I was fully expecting after reading so many reviewers comments about it. It was actually a pleasant surprise.

[sdmike]

Didja have fun? :)

[coffeebean]

Didja have fun? :)

Mike...it was AMAZING!!! I'll be writing about my thoughts and feelings about the ship and all it has to offer soon. I've got to organize my thoughts (and do lots of laundry, LOL) before I post though.

 

I will say, after seeing your picture with the monkey, we did visit the Victor Bodden monkeys and had a great time there.

[sdmike]

Mike...it was AMAZING!!! I'll be writing about my thoughts and feelings about the ship and all it has to offer soon. I've got to organize my thoughts (and do lots of laundry, LOL) before I post though.

 

I will say, after seeing your picture with the monkey, we did visit the Victor Bodden monkeys and had a great time there.

 

I'm glad you had such a wonderful time! Post lots of pics. I love re-living my Epic experience through others posts. :)

[kerrytens]

Just off Epic today and I noticed plenty of the Oreck air revitalizer machines lined up all along both sides of the casino. Maybe these machines weren't in use for your cruise but they certainly were in full force for the Oct. 16th sailing. I was truly amazed how the casino was not in a cloud of cigarette smoke as I was fully expecting after reading so many reviewers comments about it. It was actually a pleasant surprise.

Good to hear Coffeebean and so happy you had a great cruise too. Can't wait to hear more about it.:D