Opinions of the Epic

[azbaby8062]

I booked a balcony room for a seven day cruise out of Rome in June 2022. I figure by that time, things shall hopefully be back to normal. However, I am traveling with my (will be) 21 year old son.  I did not know that the Epic had such a strange bathroom setup. What have been others experiences with that bathroom setup? I am not really loyal to any particular cruise line. We have been on eight or so cruises and I still haven't sailed on the same ship more than once. So far, NCL has been the only cruise line that has fares out for Europe for 2022. With the low deposit, I figure I have time to change Thanks for the feedback.

[luvincruising]

  We had the same thought when we looked at this same cruise.  It was between this sailing and the 10 day Italy/Greece from Rome on the Escape.  When I asked my TA, he said that he sailed on the Epic 2 years ago and would never do it again.  He was ok with the cabin and its unusual layout.  He felt that the ship seemed cramped with narrow hallways.

 

  We booked the 10 day on the Escape which was a better deal [7 days/ Epic - $9000.00 or 10 days/ Escape - $10000.00].

 

Happy sailing. 🙂

 

[BirdTravels]

The Epic is a fine ship. We have sailed on her 7 times in the past (including 3 cruises in the Med). 

 

The "bathroom" separates from the "bedroom" with a privacy curtain. We never had any issue with it. Pull the curtain, lock the front door, and you'll be as private as any other bathroom on a cruise ship. 

[NutsAboutGolf]

Don't let it ruin your vacation yet there are concerns for those who don't have suites.

1)  Sink/vanity is outside the dividing curtain

2)  In some staterooms, the sink is literally right next to a bed (middle of the night issue)

3)  The dividing curtain isn't opaque (another middle of the night issue)

 

Check your stateroom, you want this layout:

 

NOT this layout:

[Budget Queen]

11 hours ago, luvincruising said:

  We had the same thought when we looked at this same cruise.  It was between this sailing and the 10 day Italy/Greece from Rome on the Escape.  When I asked my TA, he said that he sailed on the Epic 2 years ago and would never do it again.  He was ok with the cabin and its unusual layout.  He felt that the ship seemed cramped with narrow hallways.

 

  We booked the 10 day on the Escape which was a better deal [7 days/ Epic - $9000.00 or 10 days/ Escape - $10000.00].

 

Happy sailing. 🙂

 

You haven’t any first hand information.   

[Budget Queen]

I’ve sailed the Epic multiple times and for my preferences,   I really like it. 🤩.   There is a heavy curtain that works well and you’ve got to remember to hang your towel outside the shower 🤩🤩🤩🤩.   Made that mistake a few times.    
 

But the difference,  I enjoy.  It’s the “Epic”. One of a kind.    
 

Your itinerary is also very port intensive.  I actually did 3 cruises on the Epic last fall along with 1 Jade and 1 Pearl. (3 separate months in Europe ).    Very very enjoyable- per usual.    

[azbaby8062]

9 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

Don't let it ruin your vacation yet there are concerns for those who don't have suites.

1)  Sink/vanity is outside the dividing curtain

2)  In some staterooms, the sink is literally right next to a bed (middle of the night issue)

3)  The dividing curtain isn't opaque (another middle of the night issue)

 

Check your stateroom, you want this layout:

 

NOT this layout:

How do you know which stateroom has which setup? 

[azbaby8062]

8 minutes ago, Budget Queen said:

I’ve sailed the Epic multiple times and for my preferences,   I really like it. 🤩.   There is a heavy curtain that works well and you’ve got to remember to hang your towel outside the shower 🤩🤩🤩🤩.   Made that mistake a few times.    
 

But the difference,  I enjoy.  It’s the “Epic”. One of a kind.    
 

Your itinerary is also very port intensive.  I actually did 3 cruises on the Epic last fall along with 1 Jade and 1 Pearl. (3 separate months in Europe ).    Very very enjoyable- per usual.    

Yes, this is the first cruise that has so many ports. I have never sailed an itinerary like this. I normally like some sea days. 

[redlock]

Been on the Epic 4 times, great ship and like Budget Queen, the bathroom set up didn't bother us at all.

 

I also thought the main pool deck is a lot better designed than the breakaway (+) class.

Although there can be a lot of people up there on sea days, it never seemed as cramped as the breakaway class ships.

 

Great ship.   

[G-DawgMN]

 The Epic has some really nice features since it was NCL's first Megaship, I felt the staff and entertainment was fantastic on the ship, and as others said, the bathroom situation isn't that big of deal, just close the curtain.

 We had a cpl of dislikes which is why I wouldn't do the Epic unless it was a fantastic itinerary.

 

 1.  The Promenade just runs along the side of the ship and the lifeboats block the outside view. The jogging track is also on the promenade so you get a few runners also. Views of the ocean are why we cruise. Having an inside room would be really rough on this ship.

 2. Having to go through the casino to get places. Most ships it's down below the main level, we were in an aft balcony and had to trek through the casino to get to most places.

[Ragdollbd]

I was on this ship in February.  Had the best time.  First time cruising on NCL and it definitely won't be the last.  I had an inside room.  Bathroom set up is not a big deal.  I'm only in the room to sleep so I didn't mind.  Met a lot of nice crew members, entertainment was great, food & drinks were good also.  Not one complaint at all.  This was a port intensive cruise so I didn't really get to enjoy the ship but would definitely book it again.

[Tedj6050]

The Epic is a wonderful ship that folks seem to love or hate.

I think it has the best spice h2o in the fleet.

the nightclub bliss is large and busy with activities.the spa is aft facing with a large balcony,also one of the nicest on ncl.In addition it has the largest studio complex and lounge of any of the ships.

 

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, azbaby8062 said:

How do you know which stateroom has which setup?

 

In addition to sink location, there is also bed location. Some Epic balcony staterooms have the bed near the balcony...

 

 

...which I'd prefer if I was sailing in a standard balcony stateroom on Epic. 

 

If you look at the Epic deck-plan, the wider part of the stateroom is where the bed is located. The walls are curved so if the curve "opens" near the balcony, that's where the bed is. If the curve "opens" in the middle of the stateroom, the bed is near the "bathroom". 

[Cruising Lynne]

I agree with Two Wheels about the bed near the balcony being the better room layout. We had no problem with the bathroom layout, though it is a bit odd. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this ship. We enjoyed all the shows and entertainers on the ship and other features mentioned above such as pool lay out and Spice H2O. We also enjoyed eating breakfast in the La Cucina which was used as extra seating space when the Garden Cafe was too crowded. Very relaxing down there. I do recommend a balcony room for views of the ocean without life boats in the way. I also recommend trying the bowl water slide. Very fun, but not too graceful getting my "getting too old for this" butt up at the end😄.

[Nclcruise1415]

My least favorite of the big ships we’ve been on. I like the Escape and Bliss a lot better. The room setup was fine for us. I don’t like the lack of public space in the evenings. It’s like you have a whole ship worth the passengers crammed into three floors.  We loved the southern Caribbean itinerary out of San Juan but I’ll like pass on sailing the Epic again. 

[BonnieJeanne]

I booked a balcony room for a seven day cruise out of Rome in June 2022. I figure by that time, things shall hopefully be back to normal. However, I am traveling with my (will be) 21 year old son.  I did not know that the Epic had such a strange bathroom setup. What have been others experiences with that bathroom setup? I am not really loyal to any particular cruise line. We have been on eight or so cruises and I still haven't sailed on the same ship more than once. So far, NCL has been the only cruise line that has fares out for Europe for 2022. With the low deposit, I figure I have time to change Thanks for the feedback.

I have been on the epic twice. No problem with the bathroom. In fact, it was nice to be able to brush my teeth while someone else was showering or using the toilet. However, I did miss not having a promenade.


Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[JourneyDS]

Was on the Epic February 2019. We were on the cruise dubbed the "EpicFail" which made international news due to engine problems then hitting the pier in San Juan. That being said, we loved our cruise and the ship! It was quite an adventure.

The unique cabin layout is referred to as European style. Did not bother us at all. But we do let others know as it seems to bother some. Attached is a photo of our balcony room. 

We also missed the deck called the Waterfront on some ship such as the Escape. But we loved Spice H2O-two hot tubs and a small pool on the Epic. There is a public sundeck outside of the Posh Beach Club on Deck 18 for great views!

We are booked again on the Epic for January 2021.

[david_sobe]

The Epic is probably my first or second favorite NCL ship.  OMG.  She is 10 years old and still has better features than brand new ships.

Biggest and best spa at sea - No comparison

Best Spic H20 with a REAL pool and tiered seating

Best Haven (excluding Joy, Bliss, and Encore)

Best Nightclub with all kinds of private seating with private TV's

Best buffet with forward views

 

If you have been on any ship post Epic, so much of the design is from Epic.  The center chandelier (Ocean Place) and the casino being front and center.

 

Yes she does not have a Waterfront and outside restaurant seating.  However, I may be in the minority but except for a quick walk around we never prefer to sit outside.

[ECCruise]

85 cruises on 8 lines on 7 continents. Only one was a bummer.  Guess which?

Absolutely hated the Epic.  Spa Suite with Haven access.  Worst cabin ever, bar none. Huge soaking tub in the room, which takes up about 40% of the real estate.  Even though the deck plans show a chair in the suite, there is none.  No couch.  To watch the television you had to sit on the bed or in the tub.

Noisiest cabin ever by far (not all are as noisy before someone starts).  Banging and dragging started every morning at 3-3:30 AM for 30-45 minutes, just enough to fully waken you.  After falling asleep for a couple hours, the monstrous noise started again at 6-6:30.

Lines for everything.  Cavern Club never big enough to accommodate even half the pax that wanted to see the Epic Beatles (who were very good).  Tickets for all the shows often difficult, even with Concierge.  

Haven access was the only positive point.  Staff excellent throughout.  

Loved every other NCL shp we've sailed, going back to the Dynasty and most since.  But wouldn't sail Epic again if it were free.  

There is a reason why NCL paid big bucks to not build the 2nd ship in the class.

 

[david_sobe]

2 hours ago, ECCruise said:

85 cruises on 8 lines on 7 continents. Only one was a bummer.  Guess which?

Absolutely hated the Epic.  Spa Suite with Haven access.  Worst cabin ever, bar none. Huge soaking tub in the room, which takes up about 40% of the real estate.  Even though the deck plans show a chair in the suite, there is none.  No couch.  To watch the television you had to sit on the bed or in the tub.

Noisiest cabin ever by far (not all are as noisy before someone starts).  Banging and dragging started every morning at 3-3:30 AM for 30-45 minutes, just enough to fully waken you.  After falling asleep for a couple hours, the monstrous noise started again at 6-6:30.

Lines for everything.  Cavern Club never big enough to accommodate even half the pax that wanted to see the Epic Beatles (who were very good).  Tickets for all the shows often difficult, even with Concierge.  

Haven access was the only positive point.  Staff excellent throughout.  

Loved every other NCL shp we've sailed, going back to the Dynasty and most since.  But wouldn't sail Epic again if it were free.  

There is a reason why NCL paid big bucks to not build the 2nd ship in the class.

 

Yes but NCL copied most of Epic's design including the spa suites for future ships.  Most of your complaints can happen on any ship.  Your cabin had both unlimited spa access and Haven access and you complain that a chair is missing?  Most inside cabins or balcony cabins have you watch TV in bed.  Noisy cabins can happen on any ship.  I totally get valid complaints about Epic.  She has many quirks but your complaints are the typical cruise ship complaints.

Edited July 11, 2020 by david_sobe

[ECCruise]

7 minutes ago, david_sobe said:

Yes but NCL copied most of Epic's design including the spa suites for future ships.  Most of your complaints can happen on any ship.  Your cabin had both unlimited spa access and Haven access and you complain that a chair is missing?  Most inside cabins or balcony cabins have you watch TV in bed.  Noisy cabins can happen on any ship.  I totally get valid complaints about Epic.  She has many quirks but your complaints are the typical cruise ship complaints.

Not on the other 84 cruises we've been on.   Maybe we spent 1200 days missing them.

So do I go to the spa to watch TV?

[Budget Queen]

1 hour ago, ECCruise said:

Not on the other 84 cruises we've been on.   Maybe we spent 1200 days missing them.

So do I go to the spa to watch TV?

You seem to think numbers of cruises or days sailed means anything?   
 

Simply-  you don’t like the Epic-  for your reasons.   Some people do like it.   Great choice for you to never sail it again.  
 

Hope you continue to have positive experiences with your future cruises.   

[BirdTravels]

6 hours ago, david_sobe said:

The Epic is probably my first or second favorite NCL ship.  OMG.  She is 10 years old and still has better features than brand new ships.

Biggest and best spa at sea - No comparison

Best Spic H20 with a REAL pool and tiered seating

Best Haven (excluding Joy, Bliss, and Encore)

Best Nightclub with all kinds of private seating with private TV's

Best buffet with forward views

 

If you have been on any ship post Epic, so much of the design is from Epic.  The center chandelier (Ocean Place) and the casino being front and center.

 

Yes she does not have a Waterfront and outside restaurant seating.  However, I may be in the minority but except for a quick walk around we never prefer to sit outside.

100% agree. We have been on the Epic 7 times and had no problems with the standard cabins and loved the Haven. The Haven with the Posh Club, large restaurant, large outside restaurant are all pluses. The lack of a retractable roof, however, leaves you in the rain on stormy days.  

[azbaby8062]

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I still have time to think about it. NCL is the only cruise line that has an itinerary for June 2022. As I said before, I do not have an allegiance to any particular cruise line. My dad, made the comment that with this type of port heavy itinerary, ship isn't all important. I have even looked into MSC Grandiosa. I may ask my cruise specialist through NC about making sure the room that I choose has the set up with the bed by the balcony. It might give us a little moore distance when I am showering.

[ECCruise]

39 minutes ago, Budget Queen said:

You seem to think numbers of cruises or days sailed means anything?   
 

Simply-  you don’t like the Epic-  for your reasons.   Some people do like it.   Great choice for you to never sail it again.  
 

Hope you continue to have positive experiences with your future cruises.   

I only mentioned days and cruises because I was being schooled on how things work on ships. I don't need education on that subject.