jetexpress Posted August 24, 2013 #1 Share Posted August 24, 2013 We have been booked on Glory for 2/2/14 for a while now and we just found out our friends booked a sailing on NCL Epic for the same date. Both sailings are leaving from Miami the same day. They are trying to convince us to switch and give NCL a try. Right now we are in an 8F balcony on Glory for $749 p/p with $100 OBC for the cabin. We could book a guarantee balcony on the Epic for $749 and essentially just lose the OBC. For what it's worth, we do have FTTF booked on the glory as well so I am essentially only figuring it as $50 OBC. Does anyone have thoughts or opinions? Should we make the switch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayinAZ Posted August 24, 2013 #2 Share Posted August 24, 2013 Epic has so much more to offer onboard than Glory, if that's what you're in to. I like to have lots of options which is why I'm considering the Epic. I haven't been on Glory but have been on sister ships. But a guarantee Epic balcony could mean an obstructed view of a giant lifeboat. Check out some pics to see what you may get and if you can live with it. Bathrooms are also a concern for many on Epic where there is little privacy. On a positive note, you can share your vacation with friends so that should count for something. After 21 cruises on 5 major cruise lines I have found them to all be very similar. IMO I wouldn't be concerned about NCL being too different. And if the vacation turns out to be crappy, you can always blame it on your friends :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinIllinois Posted August 24, 2013 #3 Share Posted August 24, 2013 Epic has so much more to offer onboard than Glory, if that's what you're in to. I like to have lots of options which is why I'm considering the Epic. I haven't been on Glory but have been on sister ships. But a guarantee Epic balcony could mean an obstructed view of a giant lifeboat. Check out some pics to see what you may get and if you can live with it. Bathrooms are also a concern for many on Epic where there is little privacy. On a positive note, you can share your vacation with friends so that should count for something. After 21 cruises on 5 major cruise lines I have found them to all be very similar. IMO I wouldn't be concerned about NCL being too different. And if the vacation turns out to be crappy, you can always blame it on your friends :eek: Jay, I don't believe there are any balcony cabins on Epic where the view is blocked by lifeboats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debnjoe1438 Posted August 24, 2013 #4 Share Posted August 24, 2013 Just now I was reading a post regarding Carnival rationig bacon, with that in mind, I'd definately go EPIC. At any rate, the EPIC is a great ship, plenty to do and see. I don't believe any of the balcony's are "obstructed". The life boats hang on the side of the ship. Maybe on deck 8 the life boats are a couple feet below the level of the balcony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JayinAZ Posted August 24, 2013 #5 Share Posted August 24, 2013 Jay, I don't believe there are any balcony cabins on Epic where the view is blocked by lifeboats. I guess I worded it wrong. Many deck 8 balconys have lifeboats under them that protrude out from the side of the ship thereby blocking much of the downward view. NCL might not called it obstructed but I would still consider it an obstructed view. Here's a good video showing it, go to the 1 minute mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sauer-kraut Posted August 24, 2013 #6 Share Posted August 24, 2013 OP do the ports interest you? The clincher might be the ports visiting on EPIC and Glory. I can say that my Epic cruise was nothing like any of the Carnival cruises I've been on (never sailed Glory), if you like to have assigned dining times and have the waitstaff know your 'usual' you will not find that on an NCL ship. If you like interesting shows, laid back atmosphere and some genuine good fun, you will like Norwegian. Just a head's up--the cabins will be smaller than what you are used to on Carnival but they do offer a lot of storage. Good luck on your decision! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinIllinois Posted August 25, 2013 #7 Share Posted August 25, 2013 I guess I worded it wrong. Many deck 8 balconys have lifeboats under them that protrude out from the side of the ship thereby blocking much of the downward view. NCL might not called it obstructed but I would still consider it an obstructed view. Here's a good video showing it, go to the 1 minute mark. Gotcha. I wouldn't call that obstructed. Pretty much every balcony no matter the deck looks down on them. To me obstructed means if I'm looking straight out and I can't see the horizon, that's an obstruction. Either definition, I think the O.P. would be happy with the Epic. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted August 25, 2013 #8 Share Posted August 25, 2013 Bet you were surprised to get as many THUMBS UP (as you did) for the Epic over on the Carnival board ! It's pretty much a no brainer, IMHO !! (Epic, btw ;)) Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sauer-kraut Posted August 25, 2013 #9 Share Posted August 25, 2013 Bet you were surprised to get as many THUMBS UP (as you did) for the Epic over on the Carnival board ! It's pretty much a no brainer, IMHO !! (Epic, btw ;)) Tom LOL actually Tom, I was surprised at the positive responses for EPIC over there! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksimpso3 Posted August 25, 2013 #10 Share Posted August 25, 2013 I sailed on the Glory in July. I found the ship to be okay overall (did like Serenity and spent the sea days up there), but I thought it was kind of gaudy. I have sailed the Norwegian Dawn (twice), Pearl, Sun, and Spirit. I have also sailed Carnival years ago. I think Carnival is somewhat gaudy with the design. I prefer NCL over Carnival mainly for the freestyle dining. I don't like eating with strangers and at the same time every night. Food was similar on both lines. I have not sailed the Epic yet, but I understand it is much bigger than the Glory. I don't know if that will be a problem for you or not...some people prefer smaller ships. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong. If you chose NCL, at least you will have your friends onboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanderingjew Posted August 25, 2013 #11 Share Posted August 25, 2013 Bet you were surprised to get as many THUMBS UP (as you did) for the Epic over on the Carnival board ! It's pretty much a no brainer, IMHO !! (Epic, btw ;)) Tom Tom Mr Menu must be seething LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonbgd Posted August 25, 2013 #12 Share Posted August 25, 2013 Tom Mr Menu must be seething LOL So true Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanderingjew Posted August 25, 2013 #13 Share Posted August 25, 2013 I think if it was any other line but CCL each board would push its own ship LOL:eek: :D :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tom-n-Cheryl Posted August 25, 2013 #14 Share Posted August 25, 2013 I think if it was any other line but CCL each board would push its own ship LOL:eek: :D :) Interesting point. There seem to be enough people who frequent the Carnival boards that have branched out to see that some other lines/ships offer a good experience, and they don't mind making specific recommendations. We had a very good experience on the (Carnival) Freedom last week, though have no doubt that we'll be wowed next month on the Breakaway! OPTIONS are nice things to have! :) Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medtech2 Posted August 25, 2013 #15 Share Posted August 25, 2013 I guess I worded it wrong. Many deck 8 balconys have lifeboats under them that protrude out from the side of the ship thereby blocking much of the downward view. NCL might not called it obstructed but I would still consider it an obstructed view. Here's a good video showing it, go to the 1 minute mark. I don't know about anyone else but when I am on my balcony I am looking OUT to sea.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medtech2 Posted August 25, 2013 #16 Share Posted August 25, 2013 We have been booked on Glory for 2/2/14 for a while now and we just found out our friends booked a sailing on NCL Epic for the same date. Both sailings are leaving from Miami the same day. They are trying to convince us to switch and give NCL a try. Right now we are in an 8F balcony on Glory for $749 p/p with $100 OBC for the cabin. We could book a guarantee balcony on the Epic for $749 and essentially just lose the OBC. For what it's worth, we do have FTTF booked on the glory as well so I am essentially only figuring it as $50 OBC. Does anyone have thoughts or opinions? Should we make the switch? You will love, love, love the Epic! Now if it was me, part of me would think, "gee friends, why didn't you just book the Glory with us..." but the rational part would realize the Epic is just such a winner entertainment wise... We did 2 weeks on the Epic and could have done 2 more... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetexpress Posted August 25, 2013 Author #17 Share Posted August 25, 2013 So in all of your professional NCL experiences and knowledge...what do you think my chances are of getting assigned one of the "in-hull" balconies towards the bow without the plexiglass railing or a deck 8 "exposed" balcony if I book a guarantee? I am now thinking if we do switch to the Epic, I might be better off to go ahead and pay some extra money for an assigned cabin of my choice. However that is kind of defeating the purpose of switching for the same amount of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyc2tropics Posted August 25, 2013 #18 Share Posted August 25, 2013 If you've sailed Carnival before I'd go Epic. I've been on the Glory twice and do like her but given the option would rather sail the Epic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DevCruise Posted August 25, 2013 #19 Share Posted August 25, 2013 If you've sailed Carnival before I'd go Epic. I've been on the Glory twice and do like her but given the option would rather sail the Epic. I've been on the Glory as well. Never been on the Epic. Enjoyed my Glory cruise, but would pick the Epic in a heartbeat... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Umbarger Posted August 25, 2013 #20 Share Posted August 25, 2013 I am off Carnival. Since all the cutbacks I will not book them. I will take my business elsewhere until they value their customers. Since you have not done NCL before I encourage you to try it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sauer-kraut Posted August 25, 2013 #21 Share Posted August 25, 2013 So in all of your professional NCL experiences and knowledge...what do you think my chances are of getting assigned one of the "in-hull" balconies towards the bow without the plexiglass railing or a deck 8 "exposed" balcony if I book a guarantee? I am now thinking if we do switch to the Epic, I might be better off to go ahead and pay some extra money for an assigned cabin of my choice. However that is kind of defeating the purpose of switching for the same amount of money. Let me look through my crystal ball.... :D I'll let someone else adress that, as you know its always a crap shoot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted August 25, 2013 #22 Share Posted August 25, 2013 I would definitely go with the Epic. There is so much more in the way of entertainment and food choices. Why not try something different? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vols_159 Posted August 25, 2013 #23 Share Posted August 25, 2013 Does the glory have the blue man group or a brizilian steakhouse? Choice is simple Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail2sea Posted August 25, 2013 #24 Share Posted August 25, 2013 Last year I essentially did the same thing your friends are doing. I convinced my friends to join us on Epic, switching from Carnival Liberty because the prices were the same. They loved Epic. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halos Posted August 25, 2013 #25 Share Posted August 25, 2013 We have been booked on Glory for 2/2/14 for a while now and we just found out our friends booked a sailing on NCL Epic for the same date. Both sailings are leaving from Miami the same day. They are trying to convince us to switch and give NCL a try. Right now we are in an 8F balcony on Glory for $749 p/p with $100 OBC for the cabin. We could book a guarantee balcony on the Epic for $749 and essentially just lose the OBC. For what it's worth, we do have FTTF booked on the glory as well so I am essentially only figuring it as $50 OBC. Does anyone have thoughts or opinions? Should we make the switch? Dear Lord, that's a no brainer. Choose Epic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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