Norwegian Epic Review

Epic by name, epic by nature

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic
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Smileyman
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Nov 2015
Cabin: Mid-Ship Inside

My wife and I travelled for a week on the Norwegian Epic, and indeed this ship is Epic by name and Epic by nature. OK, it’s one of the largest cruise liners afloat, with a capacity of over 4000 passengers (full on our trip) but this offers the benefit of there being so many different things to do, places to eat, activities to join and entertainments to enjoy. It is very American; there are not too many announcements, and the signage mostly in English only. The crew were happy, friendly and helpful souls, hailing from around the world including Philippines, Indonesia, Caribbean Countries, South Africa, Peru, Serbia, India and even the UK (eg spa / gym). I’m sure I’ve met the lift lady somewhere in the UK too.

Hat’s off to Norwegian, (almost) everything was so well planned it was a joy to be on board. There are two main staircases, forward and aft, each with 2 banks of 4 lifts, most of the time I’ve waited longer for a lift at the local shopping centre. Everything was super clean, it sparkled, the casino massive (felt like being at Las Vegas) with some non-smoking sections, a large well equipped gym and super spa (also super relaxing but expensive spa treatments). Being freestyle there was no pre-allocated dining time / table; instead the many restaurants offer the option of advance booking. We saw 3 excellent shows - all free – Priscilla, Burn the Floor and Soul Sensation, with great dancing and singing, but do get to the theatre early as only entry (not specific seats) can be booked in advance – bookings can be made using the NCL web site (before travelling) on-board using the mobile phone app (on-board wifi is free to use the app) or using the screens found on-board the ship.

For us food was a little tricky. Eating vegetarian was sometimes a challenge, plenty of meat & fish (or shellfish) options on the various menus, some veggie too, but there is not the level of labelling as seen in the UK and some hidden ingredients surprises too, so check with the waiter first. On deck 15 the Garden Café is a great place for informal dining, again lots of choice with separate Indian & Asian options, carvery, ice cream, pizza, fruit, diabetic deserts and so much more, but no separate section for veggie foods.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Inside

Cabin IB

Our cabin was a decent size, (mid-ships inside deck 13), plenty of wardrobe and storage space including under the very comfortable bed for the suitcases , fluffy towels, TV, fridge, and USA / European (but not UK) style power sockets. However, there is no bathroom as such, instead the shower is a spacious cubicle with an opaque glass door on one side of the cabin entrance door and a toilet behind another opaque glass door on the other side, with a curtain between these and the sleeping area of the cabin. It’s a curious arrangement, with the hand basin is on the ‘bed’ side of the curtain. The downside to all this is the sound of showering/toilet flushing may disturb anyone sleeping and teeth brushing is done in front of anyone in bed.

Port Reviews

Florence (Livorno)

Organised an impromptu mini group to share a taxi to the railway station then went to Florence by train, met up with friends from London and joined them for a private tour of some of the delights of Florence, but had to break off early to catch the train back to Livorno and the ship. Florence is worthy of a long weekend break in its own right!

Rome (Civitavecchia)

Walked from the port to the railway station and took the train to Rome. There was a long queue for tickets, but the self-service machines are easy to use, and the fare is very cheap.

Spent a few hours walking around the city, been there before but always more to see, new areas to explore.

Cannes

This was a first, taken ashore by tender (it's a lifeboat). Been here before so just walked along the promenade, looked at the yachts docked in the harbour.

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