EPIC---Myth Busters

[erdoran]

I was REALLY concerned about the Posh situation before we sailed. On a previous thread I defended Erdoran's position that NCL had unilaterally changed the terms of its deal with those who had booked during a period when NCL promised exclusive use of POSH.

 

She (and I) paid a lot of money for our staterooms. Maybe I don't want to be around "riff-raff" (like my boys, lol); maybe I'm concerned about access and convenience for a special needs passenger (like my mom); maybe I won the Powerball and have more money than I could ever spend (I can dream, can't I). Whatever my reasons, if I buy a product or service, I expect to receive that product or service. Having said this, I can only report that POSH was a ghost town most of our week. The bar was completely dead. There must have been at least 5 open lounges for every person I ever saw there. I remarked to my wife several times that so much real estate was devoted to so little use.

 

I have explained that our cruise was at less than capacity (3200 vs 4800), but the courtyard area had multiple staterooms (such as mine) with high occupancy. Since congestion in the courtyard and Posh would seem to be more influenced by the density of suite passengers, I really can't explain the difference in our experiences.

 

I have a question: How utilized was the Epic Grill (I think that's the name), during your cruise? This is the wonderful sheltered, but open air, space between one end of the Epic Club restaurant and the courtyard. I thought this was a great spot, yet there were hardly ever any folks there. There was a full bar, free coffee, juice, cookies...but no people. Was your experience different?

 

First of all, THANKS for the support when the NCL cheerleaders were flaming me en masse!

 

Regarding your question, my experience was exactly like yours for the Epic Grill--almost empty. I never saw more than one or two tables occupied, or perhaps a couple of people on one of the couches. And this WAS at a time when the ship was really, really crowded! It's actually an excellent venue for lunch (at least) because you can have your choice of either Epic Club menu or their menu.

 

And I, too, love the way you are doing your review, and I check back regularly for each installment--what a creative way to do things!

[sdmike]

The only thing I heard was because of the curve you could not sit on the couch & watch TV comfortably. I'm guessing the layout of the cabin, in terms of where the bed is may alter that though. I can't speak from experience, just what I read. I'll find out next month.

 

The tv is in front of the bed, not the couch, so watching tv from the couch would have to be done at an angle. As a couch, or bed for lightweights, it's fine

[Darthdaddy]

I know I already shot my Grand Finale, but sometimes I just can't help myself.

 

A poster noted that he is going on Epic's 3/19 cruise. I hope this info is not too late for him; it should apply to all other sailings, as well.

 

Myth #16--Cirque, Dreams & Dinner is a drag...

When first announced, I could hardly wait to check out Epic's Cirque show. As the reviews came in, I began to worry. "The theater is too small." "The story is incomprehensible." "Sight lines are terrible." "The food is horrible." Most have us have read the same things on these boards.

 

First: if you don't like Cirque du Soleil-type shows, don't go...you probably won't like Cirque, Dreams & Dinner either.

Second: If you have never been to a Cirque, check it out. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Third: If you do like Cirque, by all means go...you will be wildly entertained.

 

True, the story is thin. So what! You're not there for Hamlet. The story is merely an excuse for all the acts that swirl around you.

 

The food was surprisingly good. After the complaints on these boards I didn't have high expectations. The menu is fixed...no hemming and hawing...no high maintenance requests. It really MUST be this way. Consider that the entire theater must be feed DURING the show. Jugglers, acrobats, tight rope walkers, are all performing while the wait staff must serve (and clear) the meals. This must be done efficiently and SAFELY. The choreography between the wait staff and the performers is impressive. Was it the best food I had all week? No. Was it very good? Absolutely.

 

The performers are incredible. There has been discussion about where to sit. Some like the balcony; some hate it. Some like being on the show floor; some hate it. Some claim that they were seated with their backs to the performers. We sat on the show floor and enjoyed---no, ENJOYED---ever minute of it. Sitting within feet (or inches) of the performers gives a spectacular appreciation of their talent and athleticism. My advice? Sit on the show floor, if possible.

 

Based on the negative reviews, my plan had been to send my mother, sister and kids to the show. My wife and I were willing to skip the show in order to save some $$$. In the end I caved and decided that we all should go. I am sooo glad that we did.

 

Check out the cost of a ticket to Cirque du Soleil. I realize the scale of the shows is not strictly comparaable, but they are more alike than not. It would be impossible to get a seat comparable to what we had for Cirque Dreams, but the most comparable seat in Vegas or Orlando would be 4 or 5 times what we paid on Epic. NCL has already raised prices for this show. I hate giving NCL the idea that an even higher price could charged. I will say that my family received fair value.

 

Is the Cirque, Dreams & Dinner show a drag? All together now...This myth is BUSTED!

[Darthdaddy]

Myth #17--The Murder Mystery Lunch is no good...

As usual, here is my disclosure: I did NOT attend the Murder Mystery Lunch.

 

I made surprise reservations for my wife, 20-yr old daughter, mother and sister to attend this event. Frankly, I was just looking for something fairly tame that my mom could enjoy during a sea day. To my relief they all had a wonderful time and I looked like a hero.

 

It's probably not for everyone, but if you think you might like this type of thing, go for it.

 

Is the Murder Mystery Lunch no good? No. Don't let my double negative confuse you...this myth, too, is BUSTED.

[coffeebean]

Myth #11--Curved sofa in Epic "wave" cabins is bad news...

I, too, have read complaints about the curved sofas, but I need some help on this one. My group was in a courtyard villa and an inside cabin (don't ask how we determined who stayed where...my boys are still grumbling!). Neither of these levels features the wave design, so I have no first hand experience to share.

 

The whole wave thing strikes me as yet another designer inspiration that looks good in pictures, but doesn't add value to the cruise experience.

 

There must be folks out there who have stayed in the wave cabins and who can confirm or bust this myth.

I stayed in a wave standard balcony cabin. From what I have deduced and read about is that the wave design allows for more cabins in the amount of space that is available. More cabins...more revenue for the cruise line. It's all about the bottom line.

 

So NCL gets more revenue when all cabins are filled and the passengers get a smaller space with a curved couch. Oh well...the couch was not comfortable and certainly not set up to watch TV. The TV faced the bed and the couch is off to the side of the bed.

 

Even with the smaller space in the cabin, the wave design and separate components of the bathroom...I absolutely LOVED staying in that cabin. The storage space is so ample...I couldn't fill all the space if I tried. (It was just DH and me). I loved the lighting in the cabin and the modern tone of the cabin. Very well appointed. LOVED the bathroom set up too.

 

I know that was a lot more information than you requested but I just had to give NCL a thumbs up for their standard balcony cabins.

[KandJCruising]

I fully concur on Cirque Dreams. It was an entertaining show and the food was good- not the best thing we ate all week, but by no means horrible/inedible/etc. Do I think it's possible an occasional bad plate makes it out the door? Probably, but we didn't get one.

We knew what to expect going in, so there weren't any real surprises. Once was enough, and we likely won't see it again during the May TA unless they significantly change the show/plot.

[Sea Monster 2]

We also loved both!! DS, 8, did, too. We were seated at a table right next to the show floor both times, so no doubt this helped-- we could really see the effort the Cirque performers were making, plus they interact with the crowd, making eye contact and little faces at you-- it feels like the intimate performance it's meant to be. I didn't think the food was very good, but if I had been hungry I could have eaten it-- it was not unpalatable as some have said. However, you're also on a ship with 20-ish restaurants, so if you don't like one you can just hit another... We thought the show itself was worth the fee.

 

Same holds true for the Murder Mystery lunch. DS got so hooked on Second City that he insisted on going with us, and even he loved it!! It's not so much about solving the mystery as it is about the performance that goes into it, and we just really enjoyed it and spent a lot of time laughing out loud!

 

I love that Epic has such a variety of entertainment and that so much of it is family-friendly!!

[bbensonr]

Thanks Darthdady for your fantastic report on your cruise. Me and my wife will be doing the Epic on September 25 2011, and further to your report it is like if I know the boat inside out. As it is our first cruise ever, I was reading a lot of bad comments on this site, but now, after having read yours, i simply find September too far away..........

 

Thanks again for this fantastic job :D

[housepeepers]

I stayed in a wave standard balcony cabin. From what I have deduced and read about is that the wave design allows for more cabins in the amount of space that is available. More cabins...more revenue for the cruise line. It's all about the bottom line.

 

So NCL gets more revenue when all cabins are filled and the passengers get a smaller space with a curved couch. Oh well...the couch was not comfortable and certainly not set up to watch TV. The TV faced the bed and the couch is off to the side of the bed.

 

Even with the smaller space in the cabin, the wave design and separate components of the bathroom...I absolutely LOVED staying in that cabin. The storage space is so ample...I couldn't fill all the space if I tried. (It was just DH and me). I loved the lighting in the cabin and the modern tone of the cabin. Very well appointed. LOVED the bathroom set up too.

 

I know that was a lot more information than you requested but I just had to give NCL a thumbs up for their standard balcony cabins.

 

We concur with coffeebean...loved the design, storage and bathroom arrangement.

[lgfromdg]

Darthdaddy - I have really enjoyed your review - very balanced and entertaining. I just want to see that you sound like a terrific son - your mother must be a wonderful woman to have raised you so well.

[Law5Guy]

Thanks, bbensonr for the kind remarks. All I can say is that even a blind squirrel (moi?) finds an acorn once in a while.

 

Regarding posts on these boards, here is my thought. You are from Quebec, so perhaps you will remember this. In the old days of Olympic figure skating scoring (before the French judge's "questionable" rating of Sale & Pelletier) the system was to "throw out the high score; throw out the low score; average the rest. Keep this in mind when reading posts on these boards. The good is probably not as FANTASTIC as reported and the bad is almost never as HORRIBLE. Throw out the high; throw out the low and average the rest.

 

Since this will be your first cruise, I say just relax and enjoy. It is hard to imagine that Epic will fail to meet your every expectation. You will be far more than satisfied with the food---at every venue. You will be amazed at the level of entertainment (This is really Epic's distinguishing factor--no feather and sequin shows). The level of service will be impressive. You will be surprised by the variety and number of activities throughout the day and evening. You will be exhausted (in a good way!).

 

Some things may be less than perfect, but overall you and your wife will be happy with your cruise experience.

[Darthdaddy]

Just realized that I had earlier been logged in on this computer using a screen name from a soccer (football) referee's site that I enjoy. Law5Guy = Darth. Nothing nefarious, just my goof. Sorry for any head scratching.

[CruzinMel]

Darth, I think this has been one of the best and most lucid threads I've read - thank you for the reviews (which have eased my mind about our April 30 sailing) and for stimulating some good conversations.

 

What is the difference between Posh and the CY?

[coka]

Hey Darthdaddy, loved the title, loved the style, loved the account of your experience. Thanks for taking the time to write it and to share with us!

 

coka

[YYC F/A]

Thanks for the great reviews and I love the Mythbusters style :)

 

Some disclosures: I'm the owner of a cruise specialist TA, and I was an invited guest of NCL onboard the pre-inaugural of Epic.

 

I am fortunate enough in my line of work to have travelled both on personal vacation, and in the role of group escort etc. on business travel, to have sailed on close to 40 cruises, running the gambit from contemporary lines like NCL and Royal through to luxury lines like Crystal and Silversea.

 

I firmly believe in the mantra "the right tool for the job". It's how I approach my consultations with my clients, and it's how I look at things when making my own personal travel purchase decisions.

 

While I love Crystal (and I really do), I also love and appreciate NCL and Epic for what it offers. Is Epic (and NCL for that matter) for everyone? Of course not. Just like there are folks that love Vegas, and there are folks that detest it - Epic will be the right shoe for some and a horrible fit for others.

 

What I will say is that Epic is a unique, and somewhat divisive anomaly in the industry. There will be folks whom will sail on Epic who will love her, just like there will be those whom get back and post (very) negative reviews.

 

The bathroom layout - I like it. I like how two folks can get ready at the same time, I like having a shower that is larger than an upright coffin, and I don't mind the privacy issues. That said, I appreciate that it's not for everyone.

 

I thought the balcony staterooms on Epic were compact, but well designed and had an upscale modern feel. I love that you get duvets and premium bedding (unlike many other cruise lines). I like the large balconies. I do however think the sofas are a bit of a waste of space - I found it too hard, and the curve made it awkward to sit on and relax.

 

I'd highly recommend folks keep an eye out for the various sales that pop up on Epic offering an upgrade to a "minisuite" for the same price as a balcony. While I think that "minisuite" is a terrible misnomer for what is ultimately about the same square footage as a standard balcony cabin on RCI etc., I do think that these staterooms are significantly better for those with concerns over space. The extra depth allows for more closets, extra space to maneuver, and a significantly larger vanity/dressing area where the sink is located.

 

While there are things about Epic that I think are far from perfect (the Promenade deck, jogging track, lack of sea-view areas etc.), there are many things I love. I would not have booked a Caribbean voyage in a few weeks, and the Transatlantic voyage in May if I didn't. ;)

 

Thanks again for the great review!

[erdoran]

Darth, I think this has been one of the best and most lucid threads I've read - thank you for the reviews (which have eased my mind about our April 30 sailing) and for stimulating some good conversations.

 

What is the difference between Posh and the CY?

 

The CY is a private area that is only for people who have booked a suite. Here is a picture of it.

 

 

Posh is a "fancified" sundeck that was marketed for a while as "exclusive to suites & villas occupants" but ultimately NCL started selling passes to it, so although it has the cachet of being an exclusive area, for $60 or so for a one-week sailing, anyone can buy a pass. They do limit the # of passes sold,so it's very much the "early bird" who gets one. Here's a picture of some of Posh.

[Canuck-Ottawa]

Darthdaddy:

I agree with all the folks who thanked you. This is one of the best reviews I have read, and the BEST that I have seen about the EPIC.

 

YYC F/A:

I too am a TA, and you are absolutely correct in your statements. My wife and I are also on the May "crossing", and we were fortunate enough to get a CY Villa for the cruise. What you state about sales is so true. Last June, the CY Villas were going for less than 50% of today's price on the May TA cruise! We are REALLY looking forward to May 7!!

[erdoran]

I'm on the October TA and I also got a CV for less than half of what they are going for now!! Timing is everything!

[Canuck-Ottawa]

I'm on the October TA and I also got a CV for less than half of what they are going for now!! Timing is everything!

The funny part is NCL more than doubled the price of CY Villas and Deluxe Owner's Suites within a week of my booking. I don't think they expected the cruise to be very popular. I'm just kicking myself for not taking the DOS, as it was only about $1000 more at the time! There's still one available on the May TA. Maybe the "upgrade fairy" will come calling if a family needs my CY Villa! :D

[Darthdaddy]

Thanks for any kind remarks. Special thanks to those who posted their thoughts and helped breathe life into the thread. I've been using the number of "views" as a guage for interest in the thread. On that basis I think the topic was fun for a bunch of people without deteriorating into a cycle of repetition and flaming.

 

I have one last myth that I would like to take a crack at.

 

Myth #18 Courtyard Villas & related NCL suites are worth the money...

Often I see posts asking if the courtyard suites are "worth it." Generally, the responses come back in the affirmative. At times it seems that the posters are trying to convince themselves that they made a smart choice. A substantial number of negative responses focus on the fact that one can cruise several times in a lower level accommodation for the premium price of a suite. A few compare NCL suites to the product available on other cruise lines.

 

Here's how I feel: in various combinations my family have sailed on NCL and Disney. We have had inside cabins, obstructed views, balconys and a Courtyard Villa. We have enjoyed them all. We paid a premium (quite a high premium, actually) to sail Disney. We had a great time and got a lot for our money. We tried NCL because of (a) price (b) convenience of sailing from NYC and © Bermuda itinerrary. Again, we have enjoyed Dawn, Pearl & Epic. I feel that NCL has given us a different cruise each time, while maintaining a good product. We have received a lot of "bang for our buck." Someday I hope to be able to make fair comparison between NCL suites and the general level of a "premium" or "luxury" cruise line.

 

I could have booked 2 balcony staterooms on Epic for considerably less than I paid for the CV (A3 under the old classification system). Why did I opt to give NCL more of my money? As stated several times, my mom has some health problems that make it difficult for her to get out and do the things she would like to do. She accompanied us on a Disney cruise 6 yrs ago and had a good time. Since then her health has deteriorated to the point that we really didn't think she would be able to join us again. When the seed for this trip was planted last summer, I started to think about how to make things work.

 

Based on early CC reports concerning Epic, I identified several potential problems.

Waiting in line for embarkation was one concern. Long lines to get into entertainment venues was another. Ditto for restaurants. Chair hogs? Have I mentioned my hate of chair hogs? I did not want mom to have to fight for a place to sit while enjoying the outdoor public spaces of the ship. Finally, with a wheelchair (collapsible) and an oxygen concentrator she needed some extra "elbow room" in the cabin.

 

The CV addressed our needs very, very well. Priority embarkation shortened the process and gave mom a place to rest during embarkation. Concierge escort allowed her to access shows such as BMG, Legends and Cirque without having to wait in a long line or worry about getting trampled in the rush to enter the theater. The courtyard provided a nice place for her to sit comfortably with shelter from wind, sun and chaos. Access to the Epic Club afforded convenient (and very high quality) meals with no hassle. The large bedroom in the CV gave mom room for her equipment. It also gave her a bathtub---which she absolutely loved!

 

Would my wife and I enjoy staying in a CV by ourselves? Of course, who wouldn't? Do we feel that nothing else will ever be good enough again? No, we would sail in an inside cabin at 5:00pm today, if we could.

 

At the same time, we recognize that the CV and its amenities allowed my mom to join us. It made all the difference in the world. For this we are grateful.

 

Through the course of this "Myth Busting" exercise, I have tried to give you my thoughts about Epic and our entire 3/5-12 cruise. The CV and suites will provide a high quality experience. You will receive a lot of value for your money. Nonetheless, you can visit the same ports of call, get the same entertainment and enjoy most of the same food for far less money in a different level of stateroom. At many times my choice would be to save the money and sail in a less expensive cabin. For this cruise and with our particular needs the Courtyard Villa was wonderful. Are the Courtyard Villas and related NCL suites worth the money? It would be presumptuous of me to answer that question for you. You will have to weigh your own circumstances. With that understanding, for this cruise my answer is a resounding, "Yes, it was worth it." This myth is CONFIRMED!"

[Sea Monster 2]

Thanks for any kind remarks. Special thanks to those who posted their thoughts and helped breathe life into the thread. I've been using the number of "views" as a guage for interest in the thread. On that basis I think the topic was fun for a bunch of people without deteriorating into a cycle of repetition and flaming.

 

I have one last myth that I would like to take a crack at.

 

Myth #18 Courtyard Villas & related NCL suites are worth the money...

Often I see posts asking if the courtyard suites are "worth it." Generally, the responses come back in the affirmative. At times it seems that the posters are trying to convince themselves that they made a smart choice. A substantial number of negative responses focus on the fact that one can cruise several times in a lower level accommodation for the premium price of a suite. A few compare NCL suites to the product available on other cruise lines.

 

Here's how I feel: in various combinations my family have sailed on NCL and Disney. We have had inside cabins, obstructed views, balconys and a Courtyard Villa. We have enjoyed them all. We paid a premium (quite a high premium, actually) to sail Disney. We had a great time and got a lot for our money. We tried NCL because of (a) price (b) convenience of sailing from NYC and © Bermuda itinerrary. Again, we have enjoyed Dawn, Pearl & Epic. I feel that NCL has given us a different cruise each time, while maintaining a good product. We have received a lot of "bang for our buck." Someday I hope to be able to make fair comparison between NCL suites and the general level of a "premium" or "luxury" cruise line.

 

I could have booked 2 balcony staterooms on Epic for considerably less than I paid for the CV (A3 under the old classification system). Why did I opt to give NCL more of my money? As stated several times, my mom has some health problems that make it difficult for her to get out and do the things she would like to do. She accompanied us on a Disney cruise 6 yrs ago and had a good time. Since then her health has deteriorated to the point that we really didn't think she would be able to join us again. When the seed for this trip was planted last summer, I started to think about how to make things work.

 

Based on early CC reports concerning Epic, I identified several potential problems.

Waiting in line for embarkation was one concern. Long lines to get into entertainment venues was another. Ditto for restaurants. Chair hogs? Have I mentioned my hate of chair hogs? I did not want mom to have to fight for a place to sit while enjoying the outdoor public spaces of the ship. Finally, with a wheelchair (collapsible) and an oxygen concentrator she needed some extra "elbow room" in the cabin.

 

The CV addressed our needs very, very well. Priority embarkation shortened the process and gave mom a place to rest during embarkation. Concierge escort allowed her to access shows such as BMG, Legends and Cirque without having to wait in a long line or worry about getting trampled in the rush to enter the theater. The courtyard provided a nice place for her to sit comfortably with shelter from wind, sun and chaos. Access to the Epic Club afforded convenient (and very high quality) meals with no hassle. The large bedroom in the CV gave mom room for her equipment. It also gave her a bathtub---which she absolutely loved!

 

Would my wife and I enjoy staying in a CV by ourselves? Of course, who wouldn't? Do we feel that nothing else will ever be good enough again? No, we would sail in an inside cabin at 5:00pm today, if we could.

 

At the same time, we recognize that the CV and its amenities allowed my mom to join us. It made all the difference in the world. For this we are grateful.

 

Through the course of this "Myth Busting" exercise, I have tried to give you my thoughts about Epic and our entire 3/5-12 cruise. The CV and suites will provide a high quality experience. You will receive a lot of value for your money. Nonetheless, you can visit the same ports of call, get the same entertainment and enjoy most of the same food for far less money in a different level of stateroom. At many times my choice would be to save the money and sail in a less expensive cabin. For this cruise and with our particular needs the Courtyard Villa was wonderful. Are the Courtyard Villas and related NCL suites worth the money? It would be presumptuous of me to answer that question for you. You will have to weigh your own circumstances. With that understanding, for this cruise my answer is a resounding, "Yes, it was worth it." This myth is CONFIRMED!"

 

Darthdaddy, I like the way you handled this "myth." I loved my cruise in the CY enough to book another one for next year in the same cabin, but I've also sailed in all sorts of cabins before and could do *most* of them again (not the first-- that was an exercise in cruise deterrence!!:eek:). I find the Epic CY very expensive, but I also feel that we got a lot that appealed to us for the money. In our case, we spent far more time in this cabin than we've ever done before, simply because it was, for us, the greatest area on the ship! We also spent quite a bit of time using the CY facilities during the day, although in the evenings we were out and about on the ship. Because we used the CY and our cabin so extensively, we felt that it was worth the investment. It might not hold the same appeal, or value, for someone else. I think everyone just has to evaluate the situation for themselves.

[probuilder2007]

Nice Job, and thanks for the excellent info on the Epic.:)

[CruzinMel]

Thank you for the pictures - that helps enormously.

 

Can you go see Posh before you try to get a pass? It looks like it's a great place to do sailaway, given the comments I've heard about Epic's lack of sea-view decks.

[erdoran]

Thank you for the pictures - that helps enormously.

 

Can you go see Posh before you try to get a pass? It looks like it's a great place to do sailaway, given the comments I've heard about Epic's lack of sea-view decks.

 

I don't know if you get a preview and I also don't know if non suite people are allowed in Posh for sailaway. I've heard yes and no for that one. My advice would be to check into things as soon as you board - ask about a tour of Posh AND ask whether you have access for sailaway if you buy a pass.

 

Here are some shots of the views from Posh:

 

\\

 

Looking backwards over the ship

 

 

 

New year's Eve, looking back over ship from lower level of Posh

[HokiePoq]

Thanks so much for the wonderful mythbuster review! Thanks also to the person who posted the great pictures.

One question for anyone who's been on the Epic: Is there any difficulty with show reservations made onboard? Is it better to book in advance or is it hard to change if your plans change once onboard?

Thanks again for the wonderful info. Can't wait for the TA!