Epic Photo Review – Specialty Dining - Menus - Freestyle Dailies - Deck Tours

[megacruiser]

To finish off Day 4, I’ll mention a couple of tonight’s shows...

 

 

 

 

Graffiti Classics, for no obvious reason, was given top-status billing by appearing in the Epic Theatre. I expected they must be quite a special act... Sorry they weren't my cup of tea. They may be perfectly accomplished classical musicians, but the manner in which they had chosen to perform was a distraction from, rather than an enhancement to, the music they played. I guess they wanted some crossover appeal to non-classical music-lovers by being a bit edgy and non-conformist; but it didn’t work for me. After tonight’s show they were relocated to Headliners for future appearances...

 

 

 

 

 

The Aussie Boys are an Australian vocal trio who put a lot of work into their performance. They appeared a number of times in Headliners, which seems to be the most multi-functional venue aboard... They are not the strongest vocal group I have ever heard and I suspect much of their appeal stems from their personality and good looks; something that seemed to win them some admirers in the audience... They certainly looked very comfortable not conforming to traditional Aussie macho-stereotypes... Entertaining; if rather kitsch at times...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry things have slowed up. Got distracted yesterday booking the Getaway for January. I am now going to work on photos for the Deck 5 Tour and, as I have a day off tomorrow, I hope they will be posted by the evening.

 

Then Day 5 with my review of Moderno and Soul Satisfaction.

 

Thanks to all those who have taken the time to give feedback. Much appreciated.

[LrgPizza]

We just booked the Epic, now I am playing catch-up with research. Your review is wonderful, and I love all the pictures!

[tradewinds traveler]

I am loving every minute of your review, it is outstanding! I really like the pictures & explaining where you are on the ship w/the pictures. It will be a big help for me when we cruise. Many thanks!

[BritChickBN1]

Following and enjoying as well.

[cateringkalimas]

Following…forever. Mahalo for not only taking the time to do this but for making it such a virtual experience. We sail from Rome on October 15th - Anticipation!

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

The final remaining deck with public space is Deck 5. It feels like it’s only half-a-deck long, for two reasons...

 

Firstly, furthest aft is Taste, which is actually located immediately adjacent to the mid-ship escalators. (Behind Taste are the kitchens that also service the more formal “Manhattan Room” above) Secondly, the forward-most part of Deck 5 is the lower level of the Epic Theatre to which there is no general access; disabled entry only...

 

So really on Deck 5 there is only Taste, the Atrium Cafe-Bar with Video Wall, Guest Relations, Future Cruise and Shore Excursion Offices, Photography Studio, Art Gallery, Le Bistro, Photo Gallery and the Internet Cafe. If I were designing the ship the Casino would have been on Deck 5 whilst Guest Relations, Le Bistro and Atrium Cafe would have been on Deck 6...

 

 

 

Taste...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taste , which is the second main dining room, has a very casual family-restaurant sort of ambiance. It feels more like a place to eat than a place to dine, and I didn't really care much for the decor... The lack of atmosphere is exacerbated by the open ceiling that rises through the noisy Casino all the way up to Deck 7.

 

 

Open above to Casino...

 

 

And then up to Deck 7...

Edited July 12, 2014 by megacruiser

[megacruiser]

View toward Atrium Cafe as you leave Taste...

 

 

 

Atrium Cafe – wide angle view front and side...

 

 

 

Atrium Cafe is home to Carlo’s Bakery. Don’t blink – it extends to only one display cabinet... An afterthought it would appear...

 

 

 

Coffee menu...

[megacruiser]

Guest services...

 

 

 

Future Cruise Bookings to Port side...

 

 

 

Portrait Studio off Atrium to Starboard...

 

Two-storey Video Wall at Atrium...

 

 

 

Entertainment Staff entertaining themselves with a Wii Video Game utilising the Video Wall...

 

 

 

The World Cup began during this cruise and games were shown live...

[megacruiser]

Art Gallery...

 

 

 

Le Bistro is in the middle of the Art Gallery...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click Photo Gallery and I-Connect Internet “Cafe”, but not sure if beverages are on offer...

 

 

 

View your photos on screen...

 

 

 

Computer terminals with priceless view on this ship - daylight and the sea...

 

 

 

Next time, Day 5 - Moderno - better than expected, and Soul Satisfaction - really excellent...

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jazzzy]

following....

 

Just found this review. Pictures look amazing. Loving the review.

 

Thank you for sharing :)

[Blondie008]

HI Megacruiser

 

Thank you for the amazing review - many people viewing who perhaps don't take a moment to thank you. Much appreciated!!

Edited July 13, 2014 by Blondie008

[moopig]

Wow! I feel like I am on that cruise! Thanks for the great review. Now I really really really want to sail on the Epic!

[glittergal1]

SOOOOOOOOOOO glad I found your review I have booked Epic May 31st leaving from Barcelona Ive a studio cabin deck 12

[megacruiser]

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my first ever visit to a Churrascaria. It’s a Brazilian meat feast with a variety of barbecued cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, sausage and ribs brought round one at a time by gauchos, and carved from the long skewers at your table.

 

 

 

Every table has a green and red card used to indicate whether you want more meat or not...

 

[megacruiser]

Salad Bar located between Moderno and Cagney’s as you enter...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Firstly you are invited to visit the Salad Bar and I must say there was a delicious selection there; quality ingredients, beautifully prepared with really excellent dressings - no comparison to the salads on offer at the buffet.

 

 

There was also a hot soup; Clam Chowder if my memory serves me correctly...

 

 

 

Food on salad bar competes with Oceania’s buffet...

 

 

 

I had to exercise restraint; otherwise it would have been easy to fill up on the salad. I think this is the hope... Make the salad bar extra-delicious as an intentional ploy to reduce how much meat is later consumed. As it happens, I am not keen on vast quantities of meat; I’d rather have four ounces of top quality, than stuff myself with indifferent cheap offerings... hence my lack of enthusiasm to try one of these places at home.

[glittergal1]

can I ask about the shows in the theater as I am getting very confused :confused: Are the shows free?? also do you have to book in advance ? if you do book in advance but dont turn up at booked day/time can you book again ?

 

On Jade we didnt need to book anything and the shows are free I thought it would be the same on EPIC I know the circus show and dinner is a paid event its the others I wondered about?

[megacruiser]

Rice, Black Beans, Mash and Fried Bananas...

 

 

 

The sides are all brought to the table without having to select only some... They were fine. I really liked the fried bananas which brought back memories of a Western dish served in Chinese restaurants in the sixties and seventies called Chicken Maryland... the novelty of having banana and pineapple included within a savoury dish...

 

I didn’t sample everything but, for what it’s worth, I would say the only beef that was anywhere near acceptable was the Filet Mignon; even then it was only ok, and on a par with the same cut served at the adjoining Cagney’s... I did enjoy the Lamb Chop which was more tender than I expected. My favourite meat was the Chicken Leg marinated in lime juice; that really was juicy and flavoursome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicken Leg, Lamb Chop and Fried Banana...

 

 

Don’t miss out on the Roast Pineapple, also carved from the skewer. Pineapple cooked this way is delicious - and a little Chorizo for good measure...

 

 

Fruity Custard – is it just me or can you also see a face in the custard?

 

 

 

I asked for a recommendation for dessert and this proved to be a mistake... I had the Papaya and Vanilla Cream with Creme de Cassis. This was a fruity-flavoured custard with a little zing from the liqueur. Too sweet for me and lacked any texture – seemed like a dish that would appeal to a child with its resemblance to baby food...

[KeithJenner]

can I ask about the shows in the theater as I am getting very confused :confused: Are the shows free?? also do you have to book in advance ? if you do book in advance but dont turn up at booked day/time can you book again ?

 

 

 

On Jade we didnt need to book anything and the shows are free I thought it would be the same on EPIC I know the circus show and dinner is a paid event its the others I wondered about?

 

 

You have so book the Blue Men, and I believe Legends (not sure on that one, I've never bothered). I think that Graffiti Classics may also have needed reservations on some nights when we were onboard. Those shows that need reservations can be booked beforehand on MyNCL or onboard at the box office or with your TV/iConcierge.

 

If you don't arrive by 10 minutes before the show then you forfeit your place and people in the reserve queue can get in instead.

 

I'm not sure if you can rebook if you miss a show (I've never missed one). You can't rebook if you have attended, but maybe you can rebook if you miss it.

 

You can cancel and rearrange reservations though, so if you know you aren't going to make a show then is recommend going to the box office to reschedule.

 

All the shows are free, other than the circus.

[Zhane's mum]

On the strength of your photos we have now booked the UDP :)

[IdRatherBCruisin]

REALLY appreciate this review and pics. Very thorough. What are your thoughts on Epic not receiving any high reviews in the 2014 Cruisers Choice picks?

[WouterC]

Hi megacruiser, we're going on the epic very soon and have started to pack. We're not sure if we should bring our gala clothes though. Did you notice many people that dressed up their best on the Dress Up Or Not night?

[redbaron]

Hi there, I just booked for the Epic, sailing from Barcelona on the 27th. Thanks for your great photo tours and information. I'm going solo so was interested to see what to expect onboard and the studio cabins. I'm really looking forward to it now. And may be tempted by the UDP! Mmm Yum!

[megacruiser]

Hi megacruiser, we're going on the epic very soon and have started to pack. We're not sure if we should bring our gala clothes though. Did you notice many people that dressed up their best on the Dress Up Or Not night?

 

Hi WouterC,

 

I didn't even notice there was such a night. Never noticed anyone dressed to the nines. NCL is one line where no one need ever feel out of place if dressing no more than smart casual on any night.

 

It is quite possible some folk dining in the Manhattan Room made the effort but I didn't go there. It would be pointless in Taste.

 

I wouldn't bother taking your gala clothes unless it's something you would enjoy doing for its own sake - rather than to be part of a dressy night.

 

Regards

megacruiser

[ShelleyQT]

I see you had two appetizers at Le Bistro. Do they always allow people to choose two appetizers?

 

Thanks!

Shelley