My friend Toni loves to cruise, and often complains about not having a cruise companion available when she wants to travel. Paying the extra single supplement, or having a stranger as a cabin mate are not acceptable to her.
So when I sent her info on the Epic, she was game!
Upon her return, Toni had LOTS to say -
CABINS:
- Prior to the booking, Toni was aware that the cabin space would be small - and in her opinion the cabin only has ample space for one average sized person.
- The large bed was far too big for one person, and takes up valuable space, making it difficult to move around the cabin.
- No balconies are available in the Solo cabin cateogry - all cabins are inside with a small frosted window that face a neon hallway. Many of the solo cruisers felt the frosted window was a joke, and the cabins would be better without the neon glare.
- Solo cabins have lots of lighting and cubbies for storage - however there is no room diagram provided on where to turn on/off the lights. Most of the solo cruisers complained of not finding the hidden cubbies, or being able to turn on/off lights until well into the cruise.
- The shower in the Solo cabins was a plus, and offers more space than your average cabin bath room.
- Toni was able to view several cabins of fellow cruisers. The Deluxe Balcony Stateroom would be great for a couple, but way too small for 3-4 people. And the regular Inside Cabins were enough to make her appreciate her solo cabin. She says the cabins are very small - the shower is located on one side of the cabin, while the toilet is on the other side - with the sink in the middle. Very strange configuration!
ENTERTAINMENT:
- The Studio Lounge and Bar - reserved for the Solo cabins - was a good place to meet and mingle with other solo travelers.
- The entertainment areas like the Epic Theatre (800 seats) and Spiegel Tent (120 seats) are much too small for 4,100 passengers. You definitely have to book everything as soon as you get onboard - as the performances sell out for the entire cruise.
- AND be prepared to pay a cover for the onboard entertainment such as the Ice Bar, Cirque Show, Murder Mystery Lunch!
DINING:
- While Epic offers many dining venues (20 restaurants), only 3 are included in your cruise price. The other "specialty restaurants" have cover charges. Toni recommends the specialty dining at Le Bistro ($20 cover), however declined the other specialty restaurant cover charges to stay on budget.
- The main dining venues that are included in your cruise price offer good food, but not much of a variety from day to day.
FACILITIES:
- The Gym has great facilities, and also one of the few places to view the sea! It's difficult to imagine a cruise ship that offers few sea view.
- Jogging path has no sea views! Path is located on Deck 7 between the lifeboats and exhaust vents - providing little fresh air.
- The 2 pools are narrow, small and crowded. Water on the pool deck does not have proper drainage - an accident waiting to happen.
- Epic offers no Library, Study or Secluded Lounges.
All in all, Toni says she had a great time, and met up with a lot of great people. Being a long time cruiser, she has seen the best, along with the worst.
How does she rate the Epic overall?
Great price for solo cruisers, however she would not recommend for families - unless they are well aware of the small cabin spaces/odd bathroom configuration, and the many nickel and dime charges for entertainment/activities that quickly add up on your room cabin bill.
Would she sail Epic again?
Maybe - with one travel companion, and a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom.
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