This was our 12th cruise and 3rd in a row with NCL - the 2 previous cruises being on the Breakaway and Getaway. We booked quite late, and having previously seen the 'ugliness' of this ship, plus having read multiple reviews and recently experiencing the 2 newest ships in NCL's fleet we travelled with limited expectations. Maybe that's why we enjoyed it so much. Due to a very early flight we were almost first on board which did allow us to purchase passes for the Posh Beach deck - a private sun deck with comfy cushioned loungers and bar area and without doubt this made a big difference. For $59 pp for a week it was absolutely worth it but there is a very limited number so you do need to get in quick (desk services). Failing that, there is an equally comfy deck area right at the front of the ship which is FREE. It's not obvious to find, but anyone studying the deck plans before they go can clearly see it and it's just a questioning of finding how to get there. It's peaceful, no music, few kids (even in August) and has showers for cooling down. So if the admittedly manic pool deck isn't for you then be assured there are quiet areas to sit.
As for the pool deck, I actually found it to be one of the best designed I have seen - but each to their own I guess. Entertainment wise we found there was loads to do. Deck parties in Spice after dinner were usually well attended, the Beatles tribute band were probably the best quality band I've ever seen on a cruise ship and well worth seeing, and the casino was absolutely enormous (and unusually friendly!).
I still rate NCL's food as the best we've had at sea (above RCCL and MSC anyway) even in the main dining rooms. Shows aren't really for us so can't comment on those. The one thing I didn't like and have seen someone else mention is the beds - an odd shape and at 6 foot tall unless you lie dead centre of the bed you're feet hang off the end. The cabin was also showing a few signs of its 5 years of age but nothing offensively so. The fact NCL never built another one of these ships probably speaks for itself, but personally I thought the Pool deck and also bar/restaurant layout on decks 6&7 were better than the Breakaway class. The ship is in dry dock shortly and after a refurb I'm sure it will be looking as good as new. Yes it was busy, yes there were kids everywhere, but there were plentiful quiet areas if you bothered to look. Every ship I've ever been on slaps on a service charge for drinks so why people still moan about I don't get. It is what it is. We had a great week and would definitely consider sailing the Epic again one day. Quite honestly some of the poor reviews leave me puzzled.