Sunday, December 4, 2011

AN 'EPIC' LOOK SEE

If you want a realistic 'smack in your face' look at today's class structure, take a familiarization tour of any major cruise ship.


Ok, you can't. 


Why? There's no financial upside for the big ship bosses to let the great unwashed (you) see how the top 1% - & a few of their less fortunate friends - travel on every vacation.


However, there is the possibility of a 'decent dollar gain' to give travel consultants a look see. 


The hope is that we will be so wowed by the over the top opulence   that we'll convince sailing clients that it's worth 3 to 6 times their normal freight to sail like the Rockerfellers.


And who cares if they miss this year's IRA contribution, their kids college fund payments or even next months rent, because for 7 days they will be sleeping on a round bed in a suite of lavish rooms & showering in front of floor to ceiling windows with a breath taking sea view.






Hopefully not when passing a high rise or another 19 deck ship with equally as big windows.


Anyway, that's how - today - Sandy & I got to inspect the 3rd largest cruising ship in the world - & the brand newest of the Norwegian line - the Epic.





Ok, the boat does have the 1st at sea ice bar, a Blue Man Group AND Cirq de Soleil show, a nifty water slide park...



... full basketball court, an impressive climbing wall...






 a 2nd City comedy room, dueling pianos, 2 2 story TVs...




& more restaurants/clubs than you'll find on any typical big city block.



But we only saw these things for the 45 minutes we were allowed to bumble about the ship on our own.


And, granted, they did take an hour to serve us a lavish feast - from their best on ship restaurants - that was yum, yum delicious.  And the wine did flow & flow & flow.


But the 'Norwegians' spent the greatest part of the day hawking the grandeur & splendor of their elite, top priced, multi-roomed digs...






... that feature both a butler & concierge, 7 bottles of name brand booze in your private bar, his & her 'powder rooms' & use of the exclusive 'Haven' - a suite & villa guest only private area consisting of a large lounge...





... a private pool...




 two whirlpools, a gym, sun deck...




... and the posh Epic Club restaurant.





If you were to sail next Saturday, these rooms would set you back $3,000 or so per person as opposed to the $599 for a lower interior cabin - that in the Titanic's time might have been called steerage class.


But are these palatial accoms worth the outlay? That's up to you, your desired lifestyle & your pocketbook. 


If you'd like to live in an ocean viewed suite of rooms (stocked with booze, servants & private spas, lounges, sunning spots) that are fit for Charles & Carmilla - & the price won't cause you (the very next week) to check in to debtors' prison - then why not? 


However, to me a room is a room. It's the journeys that matter. I'd rather take the tiny $599 windowless interior & do 5 cruises this year instead of just 1.





But this private, sunny lounge did feel awfully nice.

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