Norwegian Epic

[ShanLeigh77]

Looking for the pros and cons of this ship from people who have sailed on it... my husband and I found an itinerary we like... but would like to hear about the ship... any feedback is welcome!!

 

 

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[debnjoe1438]

Looking for the pros and cons of this ship from people who have sailed on it... my husband and I found an itinerary we like... but would like to hear about the ship... any feedback is welcome!!

 

 

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Con, the bathroom set up. With that being said, I've been on the Epic 3 times. :) Even though it's a bad set up, it's workable.

 

Ship is beautiful on the inside, shows are generally great, dinning rooms, sometimes better than others. Plenty to do on the ship.

[The Other Tom]

It's a big ship. Lots of people. Lots. Some say "too many"

You can use the search function to look at Epic reviews.

[Kelliastrubberg]

Following. We are booked on the epic for thanksgiving week this year. Two previous cruises have been on Disney fantasy. Comparable size ship so I think we won't have a problem. With the number of people. Just wondering about kids clubs and food mostly as compared to Disney.

 

 

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[sweetlillym]

We booked the Epic for December.

 

I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews. Most of the complaints are about the separate toilet and shower in the rooms and poor lighting in the inside cabins.

 

None of the negatives were enough to keep me from booking. We have been on a small ship and are looking forward to trying out a big one. :)

[samiam0403]

Just off the Epic almost 2 weeks ago. I had read so many bad reviews that I was a little apprehensive about my choice. :eek: I shouldn't have worried - Epic was AMAZING and I had the best time. Yes, the ship is large with only 2 banks of elevators, fore and aft. I mostly viewed that as a positive, as with all the walking and stair climbing, I gained no weight at all. :D And I ate - a lot! Food was great (Le Bistro - fantastic as always), entertainment was the best I've seen on a ship, and the crew and staff were so friendly and helpful! The spa/thermal suite pass was probably the best purchase I made for this cruise - the Epic thermal suite is heaven. (And I'm not a spa gal typically.)

 

I had a studio, so can't comment on the bathroom setup, but that definitely does appear to be the source of most of the complaints. I also saw a lot of complaints about the crew, but shockingly, if you're friendly to them, they'll be friendly to you. :) Lastly, the comments about the wait for food/service at O'Sheehans aren't terribly exaggerated. But once you remember it's a complimentary 24-hour restaurant in the central walkway of a 4000+ passenger ship, it's at least understandable.

 

Overall, I had one of the best cruises of my life on board the Epic. Very much looking forward to sailing on her again next year.

[BirdTravels]

Epic is a beautiful ship. We have sailed on the epic six times and I have enjoyed every cruise. We wouldn't hesitate to sale on the epic again. On the epic, we have done Western Caribbean, eastern Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Iberian Peninsula.

[BLACKBURNROVERS]

You may find something useful in my recent post:

http://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showpost.php?p=52049310&postcount=42

[ready2cruzagain]

Did a b2b on the Epic 2 months ago and absolutely fell in love with the ship. So much that we booked another b2b on her.

 

Loved O'Sheehans, only had slow service once and that was at 6am. I really liked the MDR menus.

 

Cabin stewards were not friendly and forgot something everyday, like left one wash cloth for 2 people, no beach towels, no hand towels, etc. It was a PITB. Otherwise, I found the staff to be very friendly and observant.

 

Taste had slow service for breakfast and lunch but not like we were going anywhere. If I wanted to eat in a hurry would have ate at the buffet. Buffet was very good. Loved the Seafood night (mostly shrimp).

 

The bathroom setup is not to my liking but dealt with it.

[drb247]

I have sailed on the Epic 4 or 5 times. The first time I really disliked it. Subsequently (now that I know what to expect in advance) I actually quite like it.

 

Pros

-Entertainment is far better than you would get on smaller NCL ships. On a par with Escape / Getaway / Breakaway.

-Food is better also imho.

-Restaurant choice is excellent.

-Fitness center is excellent.

-Spice H2O is a nice adult only area that the older ships wont have.

 

Cons

-Lack of open space. There is no deck where you can do a complete circuit of the ship. Even the top deck is protected by 8 foot high safety glass. It can feel claustrophobic.

-Entertainment has to be booked in advance. You need to be organised. Not a problem if you are that sort of person.

-Swimming pools are pathetically small. Fine if you want to get yourself wet but forget trying to have a swim.

-Jogging / walking track equally bad. Very small, Sea view obstructed by lifeboats. Air polluted by extractor fans from the ships restaurants. Clearly an after thought.

-Loads of people. Hard to make friends as you rarely see the same people twice. Lifts and common areas can get crowded especially on embarkation and disembarkation days.

-Few few folks like the room design. I'm not a fan either, but it doesn't bother me enough to even consider this when booking.

-Some folks complain about smoke coming from casino, but I personally haven't had a problem.

[mickeysgal]

Cons -

The bathroom set up. Just crazy and I hope they don't design a cabin like this again.

No central soaring atrium

 

Pros -

Le Bistro

Cagneys

Howl at the Moon - incredible talent

The Beatles tribute band with the Cavern Club remodel

The Great Outdoors - back part of the buffet.

[SquishTheWhale]

I'm probably weird but I liked the bathroom setup on the Epic. It was our first cruise but obviously I know what a normal bathroom setup is like in a cabin/hotel room! Suits me that one of us can be in the shower and the other in the bathroom or using the sink without any fighting or bathroom hogging. The 'clear' (not clear at all) glass doors didn't bother us, but we have lived together a long time so aren't cute about pretending we don't have bodily functions. However I can certainly see how it would be a problem for anyone except a couple. I wouldn't want to share the cabin with friends due to the lack of bathroom privacy.

 

I totally agree about the cabin lighting- we had an inside so no natural light and it felt like living in perpetual twilight. Makes putting on make up hard! My other big negative is the size of the atrium and their insistance on holding events in there. Impossible to get a seat and the area is way too small for dance classes. They did hold one dance class in Bliss and it worked SO much better.

 

Food and entertainment was amazing. Loved it all. Wouldn't hestitate to cruise on her again.

[Oakman58]

Here are some of the positives we experienced on our Epic cruise.

 

When we cruised on her the overall food quality was very good and the service at the restaurants was very good too but there were a few exceptions. Our cabin steward did an excellent job although we never did meet or even see him.

 

Adult beverages were good and for the most part bar service was good too. You just shouldn’t expect fast drink service when venues are crowded such as the Waves Bar on the pool deck during the afternoon. We always had great drink service at the Maltings Bar and also at Shakers Martini Bar.

 

Overall the entertainment on the Epic was pretty good and Priscilla and Burn the Floor were outstanding. The casino was very large with plenty of opportunity for you to donate your money to NCL via the slot machines and table games.

 

Spice H2O was our favorite area of the ship. There is a small pool, plenty of deck loungers, a large video screen, two hot tubs, a bar, and a small buffet in the Spice H2O section.

 

Here are what I considered some of the negatives on our Dec 10th Epic cruise.

 

The bathroom in the balcony cabins isn’t in a separate enclosed area in the room. Instead the shower and toilet are exposed in the cabin and each is enclosed with frosted glass. Many people complain about the frosted glass of the shower area and the toilet area. While it wasn’t an issue for us we always made sure we threw the deadbolt on the cabin door when using the toilet and shower. We didn’t want a cabin steward to enter while using the bathroom.

 

The elevators were an issue for us. We were on a fully booked cruise and waiting for an elevator could be frustrating. This was even more pronounced on embarkation and debarkation days when passengers had luggage with them.

I am always amused when some CC members say the elevators weren’t an issue for them on the Epic because they took the stairs. To me that means the elevators really were an issue so to deal with it they used the stairs. I mean really, do these people always take the stairs when they stay for a week at a 12 story land-based hotel? I doubt it.

 

The lack of a promenade deck was a negative for us too. Even though we always have a balcony cabin, we always enjoyed walking the promenade deck for the ocean air and views on other cruises we’ve taken. For the most part, the lifeboats on the Epic block the views of the ocean on deck 7.

 

Walking through decks 5, 6, and 7 always gave me the feeling of walking through a land-based mall or Vegas casino rather than a cruise ship. Speaking of casino, on our cruise the Bliss Lounge was closed and used solely for the NCL sponsored Poker Challenge.

 

Keep in mind that my wife and I are senior citizens so our opinion might vary from others. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed our cruise but the Epic would be my last choice for going on another cruise.

 

I wrote a trip report of our December Eastern Caribbean cruise. Here’s the link if you care to read it. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2436056

[Tutontow]

I can't really comment because I haven't sailed her yet but I do want to comment. It is always interesting to read the reviews of any cruise.

 

I can't tell you how many times one person hated the cruise and ship and someone else that was on the same identical ship absolutely loved it.

 

The above has actually happened to me more than once.

 

I won't sail the Epic until March 2017, yes that is spring break. We are both sixty years old. Let me tell you, we will have an absolutely wonderful time. We always do. I think some people expect to be entertained 24/7 and also they will let one or two things ruin a whole cruise.

 

If something is causing you grief be polite and address it. If you still don't get satisfaction move up the food chain. Don't expect all of the employees to be your new best friend. A lot of them of overworked and can barely keep up. As long as they get the job done you really can't complain. I know on CCL the cabin stewards and most employees are extremely friendly. I know when I stay at a hotel I never really get to know the maids so I don't expect it to be any different on a ship. If they do turn into a new friend it is an added bonus.

 

In my long winded way go with an open mind, make your show and dinner reservations ahead of time and try to be laid back and patient and you will have a good time.

[clementine01]

We are sailing next weekend and have reservations at the Moderno, Cagney's and the Teppanyaki specialty restaurants.

 

Are long pants REQUIRED for men, or would nice dress shorts and shirt be allowed?

 

I've read the FAQs, but the are a bit ambiguous. If you've eaten in these and can respond, I'd really appreciate it.

 

Thanks

[Sauer-kraut]

We are sailing next weekend and have reservations at the Moderno, Cagney's and the Teppanyaki specialty restaurants.

 

Are long pants REQUIRED for men, or would nice dress shorts and shirt be allowed?

 

I've read the FAQs, but the are a bit ambiguous. If you've eaten in these and can respond, I'd really appreciate it.

 

Thanks

 

Shorts are fine for all those venues you mentioned.

[BermudaBound2014]

The biggest con for me was lack of connection to the ocean. Missed promenade and lots of windows. I also feel the epic doesn't handle crowds well, including elevator placement.

 

The absolute biggest pro for me is the thermal spa. It's huge- multiple steam/sauna and a exterior aft facing balcony with 8 padded loungers. Best thermal spa at sea in my experience,

 

We also enjoy freestyle and felt that the buffet area was excellent. There were 8 omelette stations so no waiting. We thought the drinks were excellent also. We felt posh was necessary to avoid the crowds and it probably tipped the scale on us enjoying epic.

 

 

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[Askmelanie]

I can't really comment because I haven't sailed her yet but I do want to comment. It is always interesting to read the reviews of any cruise.

 

I can't tell you how many times one person hated the cruise and ship and someone else that was on the same identical ship absolutely loved it.

 

The above has actually happened to me more than once.

 

I won't sail the Epic until March 2017, yes that is spring break. We are both sixty years old. Let me tell you, we will have an absolutely wonderful time. We always do. I think some people expect to be entertained 24/7 and also they will let one or two things ruin a whole cruise.

 

If something is causing you grief be polite and address it. If you still don't get satisfaction move up the food chain. Don't expect all of the employees to be your new best friend. A lot of them of overworked and can barely keep up. As long as they get the job done you really can't complain. I know on CCL the cabin stewards and most employees are extremely friendly. I know when I stay at a hotel I never really get to know the maids so I don't expect it to be any different on a ship. If they do turn into a new friend it is an added bonus.

 

In my long winded way go with an open mind, make your show and dinner reservations ahead of time and try to be laid back and patient and you will have a good time.

 

We cruised on the Epic 3 weeks ago and had a fantastic time. I agree with this above poster about different peoples experiences on the same ship. Some people are just negative or hard to please. For example, we were by guest services one night booking the airport transfer, and this older couple were yelling and upset. I asked what was wrong, and they told me that the photographer ruined their whole cruise!!! lol! Apparently it was their 50th wedding anniversary and he took some bad pictures. WOW.. If that is what it takes to RUIN a cruise, imagine what the rest of the marriage is like. Just relax, and enjoy. But hey, it is free style, so maybe some people like to complain.

 

And the bathrooms were fine.

[Mjasp]

Here are some of the positives we experienced on our Epic cruise.

 

 

Here are what I considered some of the negatives on our Dec 10th Epic cruise.

 

The bathroom in the balcony cabins isn’t in a separate enclosed area in the room. Instead the shower and toilet are exposed in the cabin and each is enclosed with frosted glass. Many people complain about the frosted glass of the shower area and the toilet area. While it wasn’t an issue for us we always made sure we threw the deadbolt on the cabin door when using the toilet and shower. We didn’t want a cabin steward to enter while using the bathroom.

 

The elevators were an issue for us. We were on a fully booked cruise and waiting for an elevator could be frustrating. This was even more pronounced on embarkation and debarkation days when passengers had luggage with them.

I am always amused when some CC members say the elevators weren’t an issue for them on the Epic because they took the stairs. To me that means the elevators really were an issue so to deal with it they used the stairs. I mean really, do these people always take the stairs when they stay for a week at a 12 story land-based hotel? I doubt it.

 

The lack of a promenade deck was a negative for us too. Even though we always have a balcony cabin, we always enjoyed walking the promenade deck for the ocean air and views on other cruises we’ve taken. For the most part, the lifeboats on the Epic block the views of the ocean on deck 7.

 

Walking through decks 5, 6, and 7 always gave me the feeling of walking through a land-based mall or Vegas casino rather than a cruise ship. Speaking of casino, on our cruise the Bliss Lounge was closed and used solely for the NCL sponsored Poker Challenge.

 

Keep in mind that my wife and I are senior citizens so our opinion might vary from others. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed our cruise but the Epic would be my last choice for going on another cruise.

 

I wrote a trip report of our December Eastern Caribbean cruise. Here’s the link if you care to read it. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2436056

 

We just booked this, and when I saw the room layout, I thought it was good to have a split bathroom, thought it was like the Disney split bathrooms. However, can you see the other person showering and using the bathroom through the frosted glass?

[mark290]

Shower - Hope so. Bathroom - Hope not.

 

 

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[samiam0403]

I am always amused when some CC members say the elevators weren’t an issue for them on the Epic because they took the stairs. To me that means the elevators really were an issue so to deal with it they used the stairs. I mean really, do these people always take the stairs when they stay for a week at a 12 story land-based hotel? I doubt it.

 

Oakman58 had some great points in his pro/con list above, but I wanted to address this. No, the elevators weren't an issue because I took the stairs. Do I take the stairs at a 12-story land-based hotel? Only sometimes. Do I take the stairs on every single cruise ship, regardless of elevator availability and ship size? Absolutely. LIke I said, helps keep the pounds off from all of the extra food and drink. I do realize that not everyone has that ability, option, or desire, but wanted to clarify the assumption that people who take the stairs do so because of those darn elevators! :D

[SquishTheWhale]

We just booked this, and when I saw the room layout, I thought it was good to have a split bathroom, thought it was like the Disney split bathrooms. However, can you see the other person showering and using the bathroom through the frosted glass?

 

It's opaque glass and while you certainty can't see through it, you may be able to see an outline of the person inside. It's worth noting that there is a gap under the glass door and no lock, so although you can't see the person I have to agree it doesn't allow for the greatest degree of privacy. Not an issue for most couples, but not ideal for friends. However, there is a curtain you can pull across to seperate the bathroom area from the bed area. Just set your door to 'do not disturb' incase the steward walks in lol.

[SquishTheWhale]

 

The elevators were an issue for us. We were on a fully booked cruise and waiting for an elevator could be frustrating. This was even more pronounced on embarkation and debarkation days when passengers had luggage with them.

I am always amused when some CC members say the elevators weren’t an issue for them on the Epic because they took the stairs. To me that means the elevators really were an issue so to deal with it they used the stairs. I mean really, do these people always take the stairs when they stay for a week at a 12 story land-based hotel? I doubt it.

 

 

Yes, in a 12 story land based hotel we take the stairs Mr Doubter! It's usually quicker and we are young and fit- but I can understand the frustration for those who can't do the stairs. Didn't find the elevators an issue on the Epic the few times we chose to use them but we cruised in Europe. Probably a younger demographic than in the Caribbean I would venture, so maybe more people using the stairs. There wasn't a lot of people on board using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

[KeithJenner]

I am always amused when some CC members say the elevators weren’t an issue for them on the Epic because they took the stairs. To me that means the elevators really were an issue so to deal with it they used the stairs. I mean really, do these people always take the stairs when they stay for a week at a 12 story land-based hotel? I doubt it.

 

I am always amused when some CC members make assumptions about the reasons for other peoples decisions.

 

Yes, I use the stairs in hotels. In fact, I only use elevators anywhere if there is little other choice. At a hotel I will use the elevator when we have our bags, or if we are more than about 10 floors up.

 

On ships I have used the elevator just a couple of times (when I'm with staff members for example) in the past 5 years.

 

I also walk to places wherever possible rather than get in the car.

 

One of the benefits of using the stairs rather than just getting into the elevator is that as a result, using the stairs is not a problem.

 

Personally, I would hate to be reliant on the elevators. Many people have to do so because of health issues, but I don't understand why anyone in good health would want to get in an elevator to go up a few floors. It is more often than not quicker to walk up, and the health benefits are huge. That applies everywhere, not just a cruise ship. I usually get there quicker than the people using the elevators.

 

I don't go to the gym. No need to.

Edited February 10, 2017 by KeithJenner

[BBT]

Con (minor): One of the windiest ships I have been on. Blew my flip flops off my feet while walking from Spice H2O forward coming around the port funnel. :D

 

Great ship, great entertainment.

 

Enjoy your cruise!