I always considered myself not "picky"...but I guess I learned a few things about myself with this latest cruise on the EPIC. We are a gay couple and we went with another gay couple (lesbians) on this cruise. I booked this cruise back in May of 09...got a great deal on a spa balcony room...or so I thought. I read the reviews on this ship and thought..wow...these people are just too picky...they are complaining about small stuff...well...they were right...I was wrong....

Embarkation....We live near Tampa and drove to Miami...arrived about 11:30am and were onboard about noon....we were told rooms were not available till 2pm...we peeked in on ours and was able to drop off the carry on luggage....then went up one deck to the Garden buffet. I have to say that I totally disagree with some reveiws...the buffet was excellent...the variety was great...we ate here almost everyday for breakfast and lunch.....this area is large enough to serve all guests..never had a problem in getting a table....when we got to the room...we were impressed at first...its totally different from any other ship with the wave design. At first glance, the room was nice...until you start using it....the toilet area felt like a porta potty that flushes...way small.....the shower is on the other side....it had enough room....the sink was right across from the bed...there is about 8 inches from the sink area to your bed...very cramped...if you are at the sink...no one else can get by...the sink was small...like a spaghetti bowl...the whole idea of the bathroom being in the same room as the bed..is just dumb..dosn't work...thank god we know each others bathroom habits....i can't imagine going on a cruise with someone I don't know that well....although there is a curtain that will separate...the NOISES go right through the curtain....the couch that was in the room was a waste....it also curves..can't watch tv from that position....and speaking of tv's...remember when they would play movies...well..no more you have to PAY $10 for each movie....they give you some cnn, and fox news channels...but the nice flat screen tv is pretty much useless....the bed is very comfortable...but i heard that if your over 6 feet...you feet will hang over the bed...the closet space is great...balcony was great...

FOOD....the food is another area of concern...the "regular" dining rooms..taste, and Manhattan have the same exact menu night after night except for a special chef selection...so if you want variety....it's not here...on carnival...you get a night of chateaubriand....filet mignon....lobster tail....if you want that on the EPIC..you have to pay extra....we went to shanghai...while my meal was great.....the orange beef that my friend ordered was junk...the best paid restaurant was moderno....they bring around meats sausages chicken...etc....that was $18...the food must have changed in the cirque tent....it was beef and shrimp...it was good...but was cold....the show was good. Read more