Need to see a broader view of Taste to draw an opinion. It's certainly like no other main dining room afloat.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dutch:
Need to see a broader view of Taste to draw an opinion. It's certainly like no other main dining room afloat.[/URL]

---

It looks like they're going for a "gentrified warehouse district diner" feel here-- definitely a deliberate play for a hip, younger crowd.

It's a huge risk to attempt to artificially replicate that sort of diner's endearing funkiness-- much of which is tied to the local history of the town the diner is in-- on a gleaming new cruise ship.

I know that type of restaurant patron, and the verdict on whether Taste is either a success or "the cruise ship restaurant that tried too hard to be hip" is, simply enough, in the food quality. That type of patron sets the bar pretty high and wants to have his/her mind blown by the menu.

Of course with Central Parks, multiple dining rooms and entertainment venues, my measure does not easily apply.

Never the less, I look forward to seeing Epic's atrium, theatre and biggest dining room in the flesh.

[ 05-10-2010: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

Never the less, I look forward to seeing Epic's atrium, theatre and biggest dining room in the flesh.

---

Don't expect to be wowed, at least not by size. EPIC has a small atrium and theater. They will be nothing like OASIS. Also, because of the all the dining venues the biggest dining room will not be impressive in size. Again nothing like the main dining rooms on Royal Caribbean.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
I am begining to wonder what is so innovative about Epic? I think much of the innovation is marketing.

---

The marketing has been very innovative, perhaps more than the ship but that remains to be seen.

EPIC will offer the biggest water slide, at least until the DISNEY DREAM makes her debut. The entertainment and dining options are quite varied, and the first "ice bar" at sea will be unique. There is also a greater use of outdoor areas such as the aft pool which turns into a nightclub, the sports complex, and the Posh area. There are also the curved staterooms which are innovative, whether you like them or not and the key card Studio access ... a first for a ship.

Lastly, the ship within a ship concept is really taken to the next level with EPIC and the Courtyard. It will be fully contained with it's own pool, fitness center, restaurants, clubs, lounges, and outdoor deck areas. There will hardly be a reason to leave except to get on and off the ship.

For the most part, EPIC itself is a fairly traditional ship design. There is no split superstructure, impressive speed, or new propulsion design. It's all fairly traditional. It's how NCL is designing the passenger space that I suppose makes EPIC innovative?

quote:

---

Originally posted by eroller:

Don't expect to be wowed, at least not by size. EPIC has a small atrium and theater. They will be nothing like OASIS. Also, because of the all the dining venues the biggest dining room will not be impressive in size. Again nothing like the main dining rooms on Royal Caribbean.

Ernie

---

Correct me if I'm wrong, but IIRC the model had an outdoor ampitheater located aft on the observation deck, spanning the beam of the ship. Considering Epic's younger target audience, I assume this is functionally the "main theater."

As for the dining options, they only make sense. You're on vacation. Is it really worth "harshing your mellow" fussing over being dressed and on time for dinner just to be in a huge, cool-looking dining room? That depends on whether you prefer to "be a part of ocean liner history" aboard QM2 or just come and go as you please aboard Epic.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lubber:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but IIRC the model had an outdoor ampitheater located aft on the observation deck, spanning the beam of the ship. Considering Epic's younger target audience, I assume this is functionally the "main theater."

---

That is not a theater. It's a sunbathing and pool area during the day, and at night the pool is covered and becomes a dance floor as the area transforms into Spice H20 (a nightclub). To my knowledge no shows will be performed here like the Aqua Theater on OASIS.