Second Thoughts on the Epic

[ch7012]

Let me start by saying I know everyone has different opinions and likes different things. That said, I am booked on the Epic first week of December and now having second thoughts.

 

I am mid 40's and BF is 50...we usually do our own things, see some shows, casino, pool and may or may not get off the boat in port depending on how many times we have been there.

 

I was thinking of changing from the Epic to the Jewel from New Orleans. We would be in a mini-suite on either ship. (Still more than 75 days out and cost will be pretty much the same) Have cruised out of Miami a number of times but never out of New Orleans (although have been there a few times for work).

 

As far as ports go - Epic (St Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau) - been there done that - and also am booked on the Getaway for next May with the same ports. (Would not be a deal breaker to stay on the boat - and maybe I'd enjoy the Epic more when most pax were on shore??)

 

Jewel (Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) - haven't done Montego Bay yet. Have been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel a number of times.

 

I guess I'm wondering if I'll be overwhelmed with the Epic. Will I find it too crowded compared to the Dawn/Jewel class ships? I have sailed NCL maybe 10 times - between the Gem, Dawn, Pearl and Jewel (Jewel was my first NCL cruise a few years ago)...and have also sailed 3x with RCL.

 

I've searched CC posts for days but still undecided...hoping to get a few opinions from people who have been on both (or one) of the ships.

 

Thoughts??

[ColinIllinois]

If you don't ever get out of your comfort zone you miss out on all sorts of new adventures. I found the Epic to be a wonderful ship with great entertainment and abundant choices for nightlife and eating.

 

As far as crowds only a couple of times did I find it crowded and that's when some of the entertainment venues were letting out.

 

Life is all about exploring new possibilities. :D

[KeithJenner]

I have been on the Epic and the Pearl this year. The only time I have felt crowded on either ship was in the Buffet, on the Pearl.

 

There are more people on the Epic but also more places for them to be.

[soccersharon]

We will be on the Epic a few weeks before you. First time NCL cruisers, and Epic will be the biggest ship I've ever been on. That said, from what I have read (and that's a lot!), I can't wait to board her! I'm really looking forward to a different cruise experience, and a new line.

 

I've been to Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten before myself - with the exception of Nassau (yawn), I'm really looking forward to visiting these ports again. Why not book an excursion you haven't done before, for example.

 

Good advice to visit the Ports of Call board - great ideas there.

 

Good luck with your decision :)

[Demonyte]

I'd say that go and experience Epic. It's not a ship for everyone and after trying it, I still prefer Jewel class (as you can see from my signature, the only exceptions from Jewel class for me are Star and Epic) but I wouldn't say that the Epic cruise was bad - it was just different.

 

I also would choose the Epic for the itinerary, St. Maarten is one of my favourite islands and Jewel's stop at Jamaica would keep me on the ship that day.

[kcwingwalker]

Let me start by saying I know everyone has different opinions and likes different things. That said, I am booked on the Epic first week of December and now having second thoughts.

 

I am mid 40's and BF is 50...we usually do our own things, see some shows, casino, pool and may or may not get off the boat in port depending on how many times we have been there.

 

I was thinking of changing from the Epic to the Jewel from New Orleans. We would be in a mini-suite on either ship. (Still more than 75 days out and cost will be pretty much the same) Have cruised out of Miami a number of times but never out of New Orleans (although have been there a few times for work).

 

As far as ports go - Epic (St Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau) - been there done that - and also am booked on the Getaway for next May with the same ports. (Would not be a deal breaker to stay on the boat - and maybe I'd enjoy the Epic more when most pax were on shore??)

 

Jewel (Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) - haven't done Montego Bay yet. Have been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel a number of times.

 

I guess I'm wondering if I'll be overwhelmed with the Epic. Will I find it too crowded compared to the Dawn/Jewel class ships? I have sailed NCL maybe 10 times - between the Gem, Dawn, Pearl and Jewel (Jewel was my first NCL cruise a few years ago)...and have also sailed 3x with RCL.

 

I've searched CC posts for days but still undecided...hoping to get a few opinions from people who have been on both (or one) of the ships.

 

Thoughts??

 

Epic would be a new experience, but you will be repeating your ports on the Getaway.

 

For the Jewel your new port would be Montego Bay and it can be rough there. My DD and son-in-law ventured out and said it was no place to be alone and certainly to avoid after dark. There some very good excursions in Montego Bay and some of negative remarks about Montego Bay could be exaggerated.

 

The plus of leaving from New Orleans for me is cruising the Mississippi, it's something I look forward to. You'll be traveling slowly coming and going on the river and there's lots to see. Some might not call it scenic, but it is interesting.

 

Laissez les bons temps rouler ("Let the good times roll")

[nhtraveler313]

If you stay with Epic, I'd recommend trying for Posh Passes. They are limited, so I'd arrive early and head straight to the reception desk when you board.

 

I was on Epic the first week of last December and loved that adult-only space. I don't know if it was an unusual week, but it was never crowded and very comfortable. I'm not an early riser (and not a chair hog!), so it can be difficult to find a lounger on the public decks. Plus, the buffet was just a glass elevator ride below if I wanted an ice tea or snack. (There's also a bar there, and food can be delivered.)

 

Cabin location also might make a difference. I purposely picked a cabin close to the fore elevator, the same end as the Posh area. If you'd rather relax at the spa, picking an aft location might be important. (There are no middle elevators on the cabin decks)

 

I thought Epic was great for entertainment, but I did miss the connection to the sea from the public areas. I think the ship's size is fine for an itinerary with multiple sea days. There's no hurry to get anywhere. But its size might be an annoyance on a port-intensive European cruise.

 

I had a wonderful, relaxing week on Epic, but I think the Posh Pass made the difference, at least in the daytime.

 

Hope that helps.

[cruizecrazygramma]

I went on the epic last year and chose the cruise based on the ship not the itinerary. I found the pool area to be very crowded but we also sailed during a US sprink break which being Canadian I had no idea. There were lots of kids which i dont mind but they were not well supervised but thats another story altogether lol. We bough posh passes so we always had a lounger and just went up and down one deck to cool off in the pool. My only real complaint about Epic is the size of the pools for the number of passengers. I think that Norwegian does entertainment off the charts. We didnt have time to do everything, we had a blast. Im sure that all the ships have great entertainment but one thing that I love most about the newer ncl ships is the Howl at the Moon duelling pianos. We went every night. You will be overwhelmed by Epic but in a really good way. Its a great ship and the buffet was the best i've ever experienced. I say go for it.

[Zeta3]

We have been on the Epic the first and second weeks of December and booked again this Dec 7. Those weeks are not crowded at all. The Epic is a fun ship and the crew are great.

[ch7012]

Thank you everyone!! I appreciate all of your responses!!! I will do a bit more research this weekend but am leaning towards staying on the Epic - definitely with the Posh Passes!!! I have read up on those and that would be perfect!!! I agree that its great to try something new.

 

Quick question - can you really see through the doors of the bathroom areas when people are in there? They appear frosted (so you can somewhat see through???) Or am I (hopefully) wrong?

[Demonyte]

Quick question - can you really see through the doors of the bathroom areas when people are in there? They appear frosted (so you can somewhat see through???) Or am I (hopefully) wrong?

 

They are frosted, you can see vague figures through them if the person is away from the glass but get better silhouette if the person is right by the glass.

[crimmper]

Thank you everyone!! I appreciate all of your responses!!! I will do a bit more research this weekend but am leaning towards staying on the Epic - definitely with the Posh Passes!!! I have read up on those and that would be perfect!!! I agree that its great to try something new.

 

Quick question - can you really see through the doors of the bathroom areas when people are in there? They appear frosted (so you can somewhat see through???) Or am I (hopefully) wrong?

 

Sorry.....

 

[sdmike]

I'm not sure why that person in that one picture is so easy to see, but that wasn't our experience at all on the ship. It looks like the frosted glass is steamy/wet, which will impact the light refraction (however, I'm not sure how the inside of the toilet would get steamy. lol)

 

We had 4 in our room and the bathroom was never an issue. You can draw a curtain, go to the balcony, etc. and never once even have to look towards the toilet, alone try to make out the figure. Again, while "pictures don't lie", I think that one is a bit deceptive versus what you really see (or don't see)

[SissasMomE]

I've been on Epic twice, both during spring break, and I never felt crowded at all!

[4774Papa]

Let me start by saying I know everyone has different opinions and likes different things. That said, I am booked on the Epic first week of December and now having second thoughts.

 

I am mid 40's and BF is 50...we usually do our own things, see some shows, casino, pool and may or may not get off the boat in port depending on how many times we have been there.

 

I was thinking of changing from the Epic to the Jewel from New Orleans. We would be in a mini-suite on either ship. (Still more than 75 days out and cost will be pretty much the same) Have cruised out of Miami a number of times but never out of New Orleans (although have been there a few times for work).

 

As far as ports go - Epic (St Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau) - been there done that - and also am booked on the Getaway for next May with the same ports. (Would not be a deal breaker to stay on the boat - and maybe I'd enjoy the Epic more when most pax were on shore??)

 

Jewel (Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) - haven't done Montego Bay yet. Have been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel a number of times.

 

I guess I'm wondering if I'll be overwhelmed with the Epic. Will I find it too crowded compared to the Dawn/Jewel class ships? I have sailed NCL maybe 10 times - between the Gem, Dawn, Pearl and Jewel (Jewel was my first NCL cruise a few years ago)...and have also sailed 3x with RCL.

 

I've searched CC posts for days but still undecided...hoping to get a few opinions from people who have been on both (or one) of the ships.

 

Thoughts??

We prefer the Gem and Jade to the Epic, but I am glad that we did a cruise on the Epic.

The larger ships seem more crowded, but they do offer more activities. Also, we found the food served in the MDR on Epic was better.

[david_sobe]

The Jewel is a much more traditional cruise ship. If you like going to one show every night before dinner and less activities than the Jewel would be for you. There are crowds at the pool even on the Jewel and all other cruise ships. The Epic is overwhelming with entertainment and restaurants. There is always something to do.

 

I understand about wanting to try new ports though. You need to tender in Grand Cayman which is always a challenge. Not much to do there on that tiny island IMHO. On the flip side, I stay on the ship in Nassau.

 

I have been on both ships and would pick Epic. I love the first 3 days are sea days on Epic.

[cruisecritiquer]

Let me start by saying I know everyone has different opinions and likes different things. That said, I am booked on the Epic first week of December and now having second thoughts.

 

I am mid 40's and BF is 50...we usually do our own things, see some shows, casino, pool and may or may not get off the boat in port depending on how many times we have been there.

 

I was thinking of changing from the Epic to the Jewel from New Orleans. We would be in a mini-suite on either ship. (Still more than 75 days out and cost will be pretty much the same) Have cruised out of Miami a number of times but never out of New Orleans (although have been there a few times for work).

 

As far as ports go - Epic (St Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau) - been there done that - and also am booked on the Getaway for next May with the same ports. (Would not be a deal breaker to stay on the boat - and maybe I'd enjoy the Epic more when most pax were on shore??)

 

Jewel (Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) - haven't done Montego Bay yet. Have been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel a number of times.

 

I guess I'm wondering if I'll be overwhelmed with the Epic. Will I find it too crowded compared to the Dawn/Jewel class ships? I have sailed NCL maybe 10 times - between the Gem, Dawn, Pearl and Jewel (Jewel was my first NCL cruise a few years ago)...and have also sailed 3x with RCL.

 

I've searched CC posts for days but still undecided...hoping to get a few opinions from people who have been on both (or one) of the ships.

 

Thoughts??

 

Just my opinion but if it weren't for my DS (10) picking the Epic this year (we take turns), I would be on the Jewel out of New Orleans as well. First of all, I'd just love to spend more time in New Orleans before or after a cruise. Second of all, the Hilton Riverside down town is virtually right next door to the cruise terminal and it has my favorite seafood restaurant Drago's on the first level of the hotel as well as my beloved Cafe Du Monde and a host of other wonderful eateries nearby. I am also partial to the Jewel and the Pearl. I love the layout, I love the colors, and the ship is just the perfect size in my opinion.

 

I am looking forward to the Epic (November) because of all the wonderful things we heard about as far as entertainment but I am not thrilled with the ports either. When we go, it will be solely for the entertainment and to experience a "megaship" just once to see if it agrees with us.

[cruisecritiquer]

The Jewel is a much more traditional cruise ship. If you like going to one show every night before dinner and less activities than the Jewel would be for you. There are crowds at the pool even on the Jewel and all other cruise ships. The Epic is overwhelming with entertainment and restaurants. There is always something to do.

 

I understand about wanting to try new ports though. You need to tender in Grand Cayman which is always a challenge. Not much to do there on that tiny island IMHO. On the flip side, I stay on the ship in Nassau.

 

I have been on both ships and would pick Epic. I love the first 3 days are sea days on Epic.

 

That's a good point. We are always exhausted because we end up with itineraries with 4 ports so I will certainly enjoy 3 sea days. I only wish there was a sea day on the way back to MIA. Instead we have AquaAdventure with our DS and boy oh boy...we barely survived this weekend at Great Wolf Lodge. :on LOL

[ch7012]

Wanted to let everyone know that I did decide to change to the Jewel. I will try the Epic at some point - but as one poster pointed out, being able to spend a few days in NOLA before the cruise is awesome, and I am flying in 2 days early just for that!! Not to mention cruising down the Mississippi (can't wait to see that even if just once). And with the Perks Promotion that started a couple days ago I couldn't pass up the change! (2 specialty dinners, choc strawberries and wine!)

 

And I was invited to a slot tournament on the Jewel sailing, which was the icing on the cake for my decision...everything just fell into place in favor of the Jewel this time.

 

Thank you very much to everyone that took the time to write! Your thoughts really helped!

[cruisecritiquer]

Wanted to let everyone know that I did decide to change to the Jewel. I will try the Epic at some point - but as one poster pointed out, being able to spend a few days in NOLA before the cruise is awesome, and I am flying in 2 days early just for that!! Not to mention cruising down the Mississippi (can't wait to see that even if just once). And with the Perks Promotion that started a couple days ago I couldn't pass up the change! (2 specialty dinners, choc strawberries and wine!)

 

And I was invited to a slot tournament on the Jewel sailing, which was the icing on the cake for my decision...everything just fell into place in favor of the Jewel this time.

 

Thank you very much to everyone that took the time to write! Your thoughts really helped!

 

Have a great trip! Epic will always be there whenever you are ready. :D Have a beignet for me please! :D

[coaster]

Any ship that does not go to Nassau would tip the scales in it's favor. I say go with the Jewel.

[ThreeDancingMatthews]

I've been on the Dawn, the Jewel, RC's Explorer of the Seas, and the Epic, and I was surprised how much I enjoyed Epic. I booked it this winter to try out the megaship experience, but I assumed that after trying it, I'd head back to Jewel-sized ships. Epic was easily my favorite ship so far. I think NCL did a great job managing the crowds- I never felt like Epic had that many more passengers than the other ships I've been on, and it had a lot more amenities. I also thought the food was better, even than other NCL ships.

 

One caveat though- I'm not really a pool deck person. I usually find a nice quiet deck chair away from the pool where I can lounge and read. The pool deck on Epic was noticeably more crowded than other ships I've been on. It didn't bother me, but your mileage may vary. There could also be a bit of congestion in the casino hallway. I think I noticed the extra crowds two or three times the entire cruise.

 

The spa on Epic was spectacular. A bit more crowded than Dawn or Jewel, but much nicer. The waterslides are also lots of fun.

 

I can't speak to the ports- I've never done the western Caribbean. I enjoyed St. Thomas and St. Maarten, but I can see how you'd want to try something new.