Recap of first-time-ever NCLer going on EPIC . . .

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

 

 

Don - Cheryl pointed out in a one of your photos posted yesterday that they will apparently cook burgers to order. I HAD NO IDEA, otherwise - I would have been right on that (not pleased with well-done burgers)!!

 

That is a cruise ship FIRST as far as I can recall. One time, purely by accident, I received a m-rare burger on Carnival.

 

Tom

[DGP1111]

Some more lunch schtuff, including desserts . . .

 

 

Yep, wine and liquor available in the location as well:

 

 

 

[DGP1111]

Hey, no pounds gained by just looking, right??

 

 

 

 

 

.

I scream. You scream. We all sceam for . . .

[DGP1111]

... and they even let them sit down the other six nights as well! :p

 

:D

 

Tom

 

Ooops, that did sound rather exclusive, now didn't it. :o

:) :)

[ColinIllinois]

The fresh breads in the Garden Cafe were fantastic. Unfortunately in my opinion while the desserts always looked good my taste buds were underwhelmed for the most part. Great ice cream selection though, both of the soft and hard varieties.

 

Great review Don, I feel like I'm back on the Epic once again. Thanks.

Edited March 28, 2011 by ColinIllinois

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

.

I scream. You scream. We all sceam for . . .

 

 

OK -- another thing I'll have to add to my to-do list for our next Epic adventure!!

 

Keep 'em coming Don (how did you find all the time to take these pictures?)!!

 

Tom

[ColinIllinois]

Don, I almost forgot that you were in one of the same rooms I've stayed in. Could you hear that glass door outside 12516 closing inside the room? That was an issue for me back in June but when I went in January it seemed like they had adjusted it.

[kitsapgal]

Hi Don! I’ve been waiting for your review and I must say, you’re doing it up right!! It was fun comparing notes with you on the cruise, someone who was obviously enjoying it every bit as much as I was. Only 40 days til I head back for the TA:):):) And a bit of dessert advice for future cruisers, grab that Chocolate Decadence whenever it comes out. It doesn't happen often enough and it "sells out" quick.

[housepeepers]

Had read about the Bridge Viewing Room on this ship, and decided to check it out as well that morning. I don't recall seeing any earlier pictures, so what I was expecting was a small window and a map that listed the various bridge stations, and everyone would just take turns getting a sneak peek.

 

Nope, it's a much bigger experience for sure, and I appreciated NCL for making that available.

 

 

 

 

Went back a short while later with T-n-C when they expressed an interested in seeing it as well.

And isn't it amazing when you realize they steer this mammoth ship with a joystick. Kind of puts the whole thing in a different perspective...no Gorton's Fisherman type guy with the big wheel ;)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

And isn't it amazing when you realize they steer this mammoth ship with a joystick. Kind of puts the whole thing in a different perspective...no Gorton's Fisherman type guy with the big wheel ;)

 

Nor an open window to appreciate the breeze and salt spray!!

 

Tom

[halos]

It was one month ago today, that I boarded Norwegian EPIC in Port Of Miami for what would be my very first experience with this cruise line, and this really new, and large, vessel.

 

For those who (like me) have CC signatures turned off in hopes of speeding up the pages, I'll advise that this was my 72nd cruise on a variety of lines. On one I've reached the highest level in its loyalty program, and also high on others. Prior to this cruise vacation, this largest ships I'd been on was Queen Mary 2 and Carnival Dream. Both were for Caribbean voyages.

 

Since early 2006 I've done all of my sailings as a solo passenger, but very rarely has it ever felt that way due to meeting numerous great people onboard, including lots from Cruise Critic. It was the fact NCL had advertised they were now looking to cater to the needs of a solo cruiser that I even began looking at their fleet of ships. It was that notorius "the food sucks" comment that repeatedly raised its head that was my own personal turn-off during my research. I would seek to find out the truth on my own. So in early March 2010, I took the plunge and booked me an NCL cruise.

 

I know the usual 'rule' is to try to start things on a positive, but I'm not going to so that. ..I'm going to initially offer a Big Disappointment.

 

If you are what is often referred to as a "Line Specific Cheerleader" (every line has them on these boards), and you'd like to attempt to punch holes in every single opinion offered in post-review of an NCL cruise vacation, you are going to have your work cut out for your this time - I promise that. .Get your claws sharpened.

 

From even right before embarkation until I was back in the shuttle service the morning of debarkation, almost every single thing onboard the ship had that same feel, and tone, and offereings, over and over and over again . . . .

 

It was totally non-stop freakin' awesome!!!

 

Hey, I didn't say the 'big disappointment' would be mine, now did I??? :p

 

(so Cheerleaders, sit back, save your energies, and enjoy this short journey along with me). :)

.

.

 

:D

LOL!

Was this to prepare the CCL people who hate NCL??? You know they wanted you to come back and say you had a horrid time........ :p

 

I'm going to start reading......

[lynnquenby]

.

And in case you've had sleepless nights wondering about the brand of shampoo and shower gel used onboard . . .

 

 

 

What Happened to the Elemis that we had in June??!! Hope they haven't removed it completely??

 

 

I had this (below) one day, and it was superb and a bit spicy. Just like I'd like it.

 

MMmmmm Curry!!!! I know 1 person that's going to love that......my DH!!! He'd live on curry if I let him ;)

[halos]

FABULOUS review! I seriously need to book a cruise on that ship. :)

I do want to let you know that the service you recieved and the way the NCL crew made you feel is not just an EPIC thing. You get that on all NCL cruises. It's how they won me over.

 

So happy you had such a great cruise! :)

[slotaddict]

I think that I am going to book the Eastern Carribbean, before I even sail to the West....Epic.....here I come.....:D

White Chocolate Cream Caramel....OMG

Edited March 28, 2011 by slotaddict

[RomeOrBust]

I have read review after review of the Epic in anticipation of our cruise later this year. I have to say, this is one of the BEST!

 

I appreciate all the photos and humor as well as the facts you have shared with us.

 

Keep it coming!

[newmexicoNita]

It was one month ago today, that I boarded Norwegian EPIC in Port Of Miami for what would be my very first experience with this cruise line, and this really new, and large, vessel.

 

For those who (like me) have CC signatures turned off in hopes of speeding up the pages, I'll advise that this was my 72nd cruise on a variety of lines. On one I've reached the highest level in its loyalty program, and also high on others. Prior to this cruise vacation, this largest ships I'd been on was Queen Mary 2 and Carnival Dream. Both were for Caribbean voyages.

 

Since early 2006 I've done all of my sailings as a solo passenger, but very rarely has it ever felt that way due to meeting numerous great people onboard, including lots from Cruise Critic. It was the fact NCL had advertised they were now looking to cater to the needs of a solo cruiser that I even began looking at their fleet of ships. It was that notorius "the food sucks" comment that repeatedly raised its head that was my own personal turn-off during my research. I would seek to find out the truth on my own. So in early March 2010, I took the plunge and booked me an NCL cruise.

 

I know the usual 'rule' is to try to start things on a positive, but I'm not going to so that. ..I'm going to initially offer a Big Disappointment.

 

If you are what is often referred to as a "Line Specific Cheerleader" (every line has them on these boards), and you'd like to attempt to punch holes in every single opinion offered in post-review of an NCL cruise vacation, you are going to have your work cut out for your this time - I promise that. .Get your claws sharpened.

 

From even right before embarkation until I was back in the shuttle service the morning of debarkation, almost every single thing onboard the ship had that same feel, and tone, and offereings, over and over and over again . . . .

 

It was totally non-stop freakin' awesome!!!

 

Hey, I didn't say the 'big disappointment' would be mine, now did I??? :p

 

(so Cheerleaders, sit back, save your energies, and enjoy this short journey along with me). :)

.

.

 

without reading anymore, I just want to say, you have a great sense of humor and a way with words.

 

Nita

[Frosting Master]

What a great review, Don and your only on, what, day two???

 

Amazing, we are going next February.

[bclarke25]

Thanks for posting these amazing pictures. 5/29 can't get here fast enough now! Also good to know that I should bring pants with an expandable waist-band....

[catgags]

Don you are the coolest:cool::)

Can't wait for more!!

[kerrytens]

FABULOUS review! I seriously need to book a cruise on that ship. :)

I do want to let you know that the service you recieved and the way the NCL crew made you feel is not just an EPIC thing. You get that on all NCL cruises. It's how they won me over.

 

So happy you had such a great cruise! :)

I love reading what other, very trusted, CCL folks have to say about NCL. The more I read, the more excited I get about my cruise.

 

Halos, you are more than welcome to join me on the Epic:D

[halos]

I love reading what other, very trusted, CCL folks have to say about NCL. The more I read, the more excited I get about my cruise.

Halos, you are more than welcome to join me on the Epic:D

 

I don't blame you for being excited!!!!!! :) I SO wish I could join you. I really do!!

Edited March 28, 2011 by halos

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

Tom ~ thanks for your reply & the photo.:D This is not the machine they have at Casino

Arizona. Theirs doesn't have the girl but does have about 8 seats & each person has a different coloured light with their hand displayed on the screen. Bets are between $3 & 20.

 

bclarke25 ~ yes, TG for elasticized waistbands!;)

 

This thread is making me super excited to experience this Epic ship, just 50 more days 'til

I get to do so.

 

Ciao.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[DGP1111]

Hi Don! I’ve been waiting for your review and I must say, you’re doing it up right!! It was fun comparing notes with you on the cruise, someone who was obviously enjoying it every bit as much as I was.

 

Thanks SO much, and have another splendiferous upcoming sailing!! :D

 

. . .Was this to prepare the CCL people who hate NCL??? You know they wanted you to come back and say you had a horrid time......

 

La la la la la la la la la :p

 

I have read review after review of the Epic in anticipation of our cruise later this year. I have to say, this is one of the BEST!

 

I appreciate all the photos and humor as well as the facts you have shared with us.

 

Thanks for the encouraging words. :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I love reading what other, very trusted, CCL folks have to say about NCL. The more I read, the more excited I get about my cruise.

 

Halos, you are more than welcome to join me on the Epic:D

 

I tend to put more stock in those posters as well!

 

 

I don't blame you for being excited!!!!!! :) I SO wish I could join you. I really do!!

 

Since you can't sail with her.. perhaps you could squeeze in an EPIC sailing on 11/26/11! :D

 

Tom

[DGP1111]

. . . Keep 'em coming Don (how did you find all the time to take these pictures?)!!

 

Good question, Tom. :)

Until I got home and started sorting through all the photos on my memory card, I forgot how much ground I covered on the ship during the week.

 

Don, I almost forgot that you were in one of the same rooms I've stayed in. Could you hear that glass door outside 12516 closing inside the room? That was an issue for me back in June but when I went in January it seemed like they had adjusted it.

 

Colin, I'm glad to report that it was a total non-issue. :)

They'd added the hydraulic arm for a much easier close.

The next door on the other side of the upper walkway was also the same, but that main door leading out into the corridor was constantly banging when I was near that area. If I'd been in one of the two Studios between those doors I guarantee you I'd have come out swinging a stick several times during the cruise. It must have been horrible for them. :(

 

Your answer months ago about the ease of accessing the elevators was spot on. I'm glad I booked the location I did, and would immediately re-book it . . . and just might be doing that again somewhat soon.

 

Speaking of that one banging door . . . would you agree with me that it was kinda dangerous to have it open out into that corridor, since there was no window, and you could easily smack someone passing by, or waiting to insert their key card??

I was both a smacker and a smackee during the week. :eek: