Norwegian Epic Review
Less than Epic European cruise: Great Itinerary, Frustrating Ship
Rating by category
Additional details
We just returned from an 11 day western Mediterranean cruise on the NCL Epic (January 13 sailing from Barcelona). The ports of call were great but the ship was frustrating. Epic is a very large ship with no indoor space to view the ocean. Considering it was a January cruise, and it was too cold to be outside, the only time we could enjoy the ocean view was in the Garden Buffet, in the sauna, or sitting on our bed looking out at our balcony. We have cruised many different cruise lines and on every other ship, we have found comfortable places indoor to enjoy ocean views.
Food - we dined in specialty dining rooms 6 nights and they were all ok - but better than the main dining room. The French restaurant is located under the Cirque Dreams venue and the ceiling would shake under the loud banging of the dancers above us.
Entertainment - We had a hard time getting tickets to shows. Too much of our time was spent trying to figure out which shows were available when. The comedy was good. The dance show was good. Not sure why they have a drag show on board. The channel selection on the TV was limited.
Cabin Review
Aft-Facing Balcony
Stateroom - We were in 10318, an aft balcony. It was nice looking but the smallest stateroom we have ever had. Next time we will spend the extra money to get a bigger room. Pros - quiet with no foot traffic. As we made the very long walk down the corridors, we noticed a significant difference in the noise levels. Little movement except when pulling into port and during high sea weather. Cons - Half of the days we had high seas and for some reason, the waves would slam against the back of the ship causing the ship to jerk with a loud banging sound. Also, several days we could smell cigarette smoke on our balcony. It is possible someone was smoking on their balcony or on the staircase on the back corner of the ship.
Port Reviews
Naples
Based on the recommendations of many cruise critic reviews, we booked a private tour for 4 through Livornonow.com. We communicated with Sarah Thompson who personalized a tour to Pompeii and Sorrento. It was a wonderful tour with a great guide.
Sardinia
We took the one hour bus tour (10 euros per person). It wasn't worth the time.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
We enjoyed walking around town, had a great meal on the boardwalk, and some great coffee and hot chocolate.
Palermo (Sicily)
We just walked around town. Beautiful churches and great coffee!
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
Beautiful port with an incredible cathedral! Skip the bus offered by the cruise lines. There are many taxis waiting to take people into town. The cruise bus cost $15 per person round trip and the taxi costs 12 each way for as many people as can fit.
Barcelona
We spent the morning of embarkation walking around Las Ramblas. Beautiful
Florence (Livorno)
Based on the recommendations of many cruise critic reviews, we booked a private tour for 4 through Livornonow.com. We communicated with Sarah Thompson who personalized a tour to Pisa and Florance. It was a wonderful tour with a great guide.