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I can eat in a different restaurant every night of my cruise and schedule my evenings entertainment based upon my mood, since shows repeat several nights. I think the Aqua Park looks more interesting than Epic's pool areas. The cabins, whether successful or not, are the most unique we've seen in a decade of newbuilds.
I do acknowledge that both RCI and Disney's software (food & service) surpasses NCL, but I'm really intrigued about Epic... exterior looks aside.
Then again, Oasis and Equinox classes are no beauties on the outside. "Interesting" is about the best complement you can pay to them.
Maybe she just arrives at the next port late having used twice as much fuel as normal.
From NCL.com's Image Gallery.
It looks like NCL will be painting half of the villas blue...most likely to improve the line/flow (notice its diagonal from the balconies to the equipment above...
Regards,Brian
quote:Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:Paint tricks can often do wonders but I'm not so sure w/this beast it matters much.
Yes, even David Copperfield and a magic pot of paint could not improve this monstrosity.
Michael
quote:Originally posted by H.M.S.Bonaventure: Is how you all critique each and every ship that comes out... but then when it it is finally delivered by the shipyard you all talk about how wonderful the ship is.
No, Epic (and Pride of America) will always be ugly ships externally. Although it is subjective, in my opinion that she is the ugliest cruise ship ever purpose built and that will not change.
NCL also know that she is ugly, that's why they delayed the exterior renderings for so long and marketed the cabins and interiors first. In 2008 NCL’s then CEO Colin Veitch admitted: “…they (the F3’s) may not end up as the most beautiful ships on the outside. Our goal is to build the best, most innovative ship, not the prettiest to watch sail by.”
However the interiors of Epic and the on board experience may well be excellent. That can only be judged if/when I get on board.
However, I do recall that many peoples opinions changed of the Queen Mary 2's appearance. I think the real ship looked better than the original renderings and many of us got used to the short funnel.
So yes we can change our minds a little, but that's over privilege. It's a discussion forum after all. We have to talk about something!
[ 01-03-2010: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
I also talked with Bob Dickinson and asked him about the rather plain / functional appearance of the Carnival ships and he said passengers don't look over the side of the ship and say, "oh what a nice looking ship". To some degree I agree with him, but mostly I don't because I have heard on a number of occasions when I was in Nassau for example, and I overheard passengers from a Carnival ship looking up at a Royal Caribbean ship docked right next to each other, and say things like, "that ship looks more expensive or more classy". I have even heard some passengers from Carnival say they want to book themselves on that ship next time (the RCI ship). So there is something to be said for the exterior appearance.
quote:Originally posted by LeBarryboat: I edited out my question or comment about the ugly appearance of the Epic and he said it was a matter of opinion.
Sounds like the politically correct answer. Exactly what you would expect from a senior executive of the line.
Ernie
quote:Originally posted by LeBarryboat: I overheard passengers from a Carnival ship looking up at a Royal Caribbean ship docked right next to each other, and say things like, "that ship looks more expensive or more classy". I have even heard some passengers from Carnival say they want to book themselves on that ship next time (the RCI ship).
I agree completely, and it's not always from Carnival to Royal Caribbean. People are just impressed by large, beautiful, and cool looking ships. Many people have no clue about the cruise industry and just book what their travel agent recommends. Then when they are on a cruise they see other ships in port, and become more exposed to what the industry offers.
I've heard many times "I want to cruise on that ship next time".
quote:Originally posted by eroller: Sounds like the politically correct answer.
At least Colin Veitch admitted it: “…they (the F3’s) may not end up as the most beautiful ships on the outside".
I think we all agree that the external appearance of a ship does not affect the on board experience and is irrelevant to perhaps the majority of passengers. In the same way that the appearance of a car does not necessarily affect it's technical performance - but it does matter to some of us geeks!
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:At least Colin Veitch admitted it: “…they (the F3’s) may not end up as the most beautiful ships on the outside".
And we see where he is today!
quote:Originally posted by eroller:And we see where he is today!
Well he's still doing better than me, you and Barry et al.
(Mind you, he also said something like "It will happen" about the SS United states.)
quote:Originally posted by H.M.S.Bonaventure:You know what I actually find interesting? Is how you all critique each and every ship that comes out (and how yo u all think it looks ugly, etc, etc.),
Of course we critique each and every ship that comes on line and yes MOST cruise ships today won't win any beauty contests. As for Epic, she is one of if not the ugliest of the lot!
But the inside is what counts and what I have seen on the artist impressions is very good. And I'm looking forward to see those interiors in real.
Greetings Ben.
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