Norwegian Epic - A Gay Friendly Review

[tennisfanusa]

Jake - what do they do at the FOD meetings?

[Dorothy's Friend]

Hey Dorothy's Friend,

 

I am sure Natalie, the singles Social Hostess, will be back onboard by then. She's got a vacation after the ship repo's to the Med but she'll be back by August. You're in good hands with her. Try and attend those single social events so you can connect with your fellow cruisers a bit. Not everyone is a dorothy friendly but you can feel it out and make lasting friendships! Heck, you might even get pulled for the singles Dating Game show!! :D Yes it's straight but it was a ton of fun for me on my cruise! :) NEVER would have thought it would be either!

 

12 days is a long time. There's a lot to see on the EPIC and with that much time onboard I have a good suspicion you will see it all and get to repeat somethings you enjoyed too. I can't imagine Spice H2O being such a hopping venue with her hard to sea. The winds up there will be fierce I'm sure. Bliss is a great substitute lounge.

 

You also get some European Legends in Concert so that'll be good too. The wildcard will be the Cruise Director. I don't know who it will be but if you like to get out and about, knowing who he/she may be is key and getting to know them as a solo traveler means you get to have the MOST fun! That's my little secret! ;)

 

If you have any EPIC questions, don't hesitate to ask!

~Jake

 

Thanks!:D

[CruisinMaterial]

Jake - what do they do at the FOD meetings?

 

NCL's Friends of Dorothy gatherings are generally unhosted social events where fellow GLBTQ members show up and just strike up conversation with each other. Each ship holds it in different venues though so you do have to check your FreeStyle daily. On the Epic it was at the Shaker's Martini Bar, on the Spirit it's at Mahrini's Bar (on the other side of the casino on Deck 7 forward) and on the Jewel it's at the Star Bar.

 

Just bring your extroverted self and have a great time. I do hope you have some fellow GLBT folks on your sailing. I've only been on one sailing where it was a dud and that was quite boring in the disco too! :eek:

 

You'll have a great time! What ship are you sailing on?

[tennisfanusa]

NCL's Friends of Dorothy gatherings are generally unhosted social events where fellow GLBTQ members show up and just strike up conversation with each other. Each ship holds it in different venues though so you do have to check your FreeStyle daily. On the Epic it was at the Shaker's Martini Bar, on the Spirit it's at Mahrini's Bar (on the other side of the casino on Deck 7 forward) and on the Jewel it's at the Star Bar.

 

Just bring your extroverted self and have a great time. I do hope you have some fellow GLBT folks on your sailing. I've only been on one sailing where it was a dud and that was quite boring in the disco too! :eek:

 

You'll have a great time! What ship are you sailing on?

I'm on the Spirit on 7/24/11 (New Orleans). I started a roll call about 10 days ago but no replies as of yet :eek:

 

Thanks for the quick reply! All of the friends that you did things with, you met on the cruise or you had pre-established relationships with?

[CruisinMaterial]

I'm on the Spirit on 7/24/11 (New Orleans). I started a roll call about 10 days ago but no replies as of yet :eek:

 

Thanks for the quick reply! All of the friends that you did things with, you met on the cruise or you had pre-established relationships with?

 

When you cruise frequently you get to know staff onboard the ships and they help you meet people right off the bat. Using social forums like this and a few other websites out there (some geared to the gay community and some not) are great ways to find connections. Sometimes you'll not find anyone online before hand and it happens more often than not. Doesn't mean you're sailing as the only gay person onboard. The Spirit actually used to have a very flamboyant and incredible concierge who made the ship that much more lively to be on - even if there were no other gay passengers around. You're also doing a different itinerary. The Boston to Bermuda run which I've done twice on the Spirit is not popular with the gay community because Bermuda isn't known for it's embracing of the gay community. :(

 

However, you should be good to go here! The Spirit is a quaint ship. The Oriental Lady is her nickname since she started out as the SuperStar Leo in Asia. Maharini's Nightclub Bar will be the location of the FOD meeting nightly. I thought I saw your roll call some where which is why I thought you were on the Spirit. Just go with an open attitude and I'm sure you'll make new friends - gay or straight! :)

[tennisfanusa]

Will do -- thanks again for the positive attitude.

[Ms. B]

JAKE - thanks for your awesome review of EPIC. I have never cruised on Norwegian Cruise Lines before but your review now makes me want to give them a try. Since my husband does not like to cruise as much as I do, EPIC seems to be a great alternative for a solo traveller. I think I'll give them a try and when I do I'll tell them Jake sent me!:)

[DavyB]

Ridin’ Solo – An EPIC Spring Break Review!

At night there is a bartender available and a happy hour coinciding with a social for singles hosted by a fabulous woman named Natalie Hammond. Without her help and some others who will be mentioned later, this week would not have flowed smoothly and nor would I have met any of the people who are now friends for life!

 

 

Natalie was the best ever. Absolutely amazing. I told her she should be the next cruise director if Paul leaves. ;) She's currently on Holiday back in Australia but will be coming back to the Epic. I can't wait to see her again in November.

[CruisinMaterial]

JAKE - thanks for your awesome review of EPIC. I have never cruised on Norwegian Cruise Lines before but your review now makes me want to give them a try. Since my husband does not like to cruise as much as I do, EPIC seems to be a great alternative for a solo traveller. I think I'll give them a try and when I do I'll tell them Jake sent me!:)

 

The EPIC is a great alternative and it's great for solos! Tons of people made connections the first night so people had others to dine with. Cruising single is always an interesting thing when you're on a mainstream cruise (not a gay charter) and you're all by yourself. I liked the EPIC and specifically Natalie for helping me have people to dine with every night. :)

[CruisinMaterial]

Natalie was the best ever. Absolutely amazing. I told her she should be the next cruise director if Paul leaves. ;) She's currently on Holiday back in Australia but will be coming back to the Epic. I can't wait to see her again in November.

 

Paul Scalley did leave the EPIC just before she re-routed to Europe. He's on vacation now too. Some of the other crew gave me a head's up about it. I don't know if he'll be returning to EPIC but I do know he's not headed back to his other ship - Norwegian Spirit from where he came to EPIC from.

 

I know Natalie was excited about spending a few days post cruise in Miami before heading home and yes she's back home safe and sound. Quite the incredible lady. I was so mad when I couldn't re-book the EPIC for August 28th because the airfare just didn't work. The flights on the way home were GONE... POOF! :(

 

I'll be back on the EPIC, probably in 2012. :D

[Silverman]

My first post here. But after reading your review I have finally made up my mind. The Epic it is! Thanks for a great review!!

[CruisinMaterial]

My first post here. But after reading your review I have finally made up my mind. The Epic it is! Thanks for a great review!!

 

Hello and welcome to Cruise Critic! Glad I could help you out on making your decision. If you have any questions, I'd be glad to help if I can! :)

[BenjiRodney]

NCL offered to move us to the Jewel since they changed the route from Western to Eastern for our sailing. I choose to stay on the Eastern as they protected the price, it was 540 more expensive then the Western and I really want to see the Epic. They have even called us to make sure that we are okay with the change. Again I am so impressed with their service.

[flspeedo]

I'll be on board the Epic on the November 5th sailing and am really looking forward to experiencing NCL after the review here.

[CruisinMaterial]

I'll be on board the Epic on the November 5th sailing and am really looking forward to experiencing NCL after the review here.

 

Are you sailing solo? If so, be sure to say hi to the Social Hostess named Natalie! She's incredible and so cheery! :D

[irishmangh]

Hi. I am going on my first cruise ever and it on the Epic (2nd.Oct) . Cant wait and it sounds very gay, for a first time gay solo cruiser.

Gerry.

[CruisinMaterial]

Hi. I am going on my first cruise ever and it on the Epic (2nd.Oct) . Cant wait and it sounds very gay, for a first time gay solo cruiser.

Gerry.

 

Hi Gerry,

 

Natalie Hammond will be onboard in the Studio Lounge area, so be sure to say hello to her on the first night's social hour event. :) Also, the Friends of Dorothy is another good venue for meeting other GLBT folks. Be sure to bring your white as the White Hot Party is an incredible time up at Spice H2O! :)

[irishmangh]

Thanks for the tips. Very much appreciated.

Gerry.

[jasonpinelap]

Hi, great review there.

 

I'm on the Epic Transatlantic sailing from Barcelona on Oct 23rd 2011 to Miami.

 

Question: Although I'm travelling solo, I'm in a balcony stateroom, not a solo one. Can I still have access to the lounge, to meet other solo travellers, or is this not allowed?

 

cheers

 

Drew

[AttilaTheFun]

Hi, great review there.

 

I'm on the Epic Transatlantic sailing from Barcelona on Oct 23rd 2011 to Miami.

 

Question: Although I'm travelling solo, I'm in a balcony stateroom, not a solo one. Can I still have access to the lounge, to meet other solo travellers, or is this not allowed?

 

cheers

 

Drew

 

The Studio Lounge is only for people staying in the Studios.

[DavyB]

Hi, great review there.

 

I'm on the Epic Transatlantic sailing from Barcelona on Oct 23rd 2011 to Miami.

 

Question: Although I'm travelling solo, I'm in a balcony stateroom, not a solo one. Can I still have access to the lounge, to meet other solo travellers, or is this not allowed?

 

cheers

 

Drew

 

 

Drew - You will be able to attend the daily solo gatherings in the "living room" since they open the solo gatherings up to everyone on board. Natalie Hammond does a fantastic job with this group. Have a great cruise.

[CruisinMaterial]

Question: Although I'm travelling solo, I'm in a balcony stateroom, not a solo one. Can I still have access to the lounge, to meet other solo travellers, or is this not allowed?

 

cheers

 

Drew

 

Hi Drew!

 

You wrote while I was on a cruise again... this time the Norwegian Spirit... as another poster mentioned you can attend the daily solos gathering in the studio lounge. Since it happens right by the studio lounge door all you have to do is knock or on our sailing it was slightly ajar for the sailing. Otherwise, you will not be able to hang out in the studio lounge as it's just for the Studio guests. However, during the solo gathering time all solos onboard are invited to attend there. :)

 

Bon Voyage to you and enjoy the Norwegian Epic!

~Jake

[kollegekreed]

Thanks for this GREAT review! Im from NH and flying out of Boston Saturday as a gay solo cruiser...however, they offered me an inside room instead of a studio room as it was $100 cheaper and I took it...so im glad to hear I can still get into the studio lounge for the solo meetups!

[southerndude39]

Thanks for this GREAT review! Im from NH and flying out of Boston Saturday as a gay solo cruiser...however, they offered me an inside room instead of a studio room as it was $100 cheaper and I took it...so im glad to hear I can still get into the studio lounge for the solo meetups!

 

Did the Epic have the Friends of Dorothy meeting? Did you attend? or did you meet most of your cruise mates at the singles get together?

 

I'm planning to do a solo cruise this fall on the Epic.

[KevinIntel]

Great review. I often cruised solo and loved it. I wish more options existed for gay cruises and groups that do the European market. I've not done the RSVP and Atlantis as I don't want to come in on the "gay" ship as they are often referred to from the locals.