We have cruised 8 times but this was the first with NCL. We benefitted from a discounted price which was a feature of why we booked this trip. We also booked this cruise because of the itinerary and the embarcation port of Barcelona. We travelled independently and spent 2 nights in Barcelona pre cruise and 1 day post cruise. We took the port shuttle bus from Columbus Statue to the port @ E2.00 each, a simple and cheap option for us. The Epic is the largest ship we have been on and we were on deck 10 forward in an inside cabin. The cabin was spacious enough we spend very little time awake in any cabin so inside is never a problem for us. The outside cabins were very pleasant with full size patio doors and a decent sized balcony.
Food on board was very good, we ate in the 2 main dining rooms, Manhattan and Taste several times each and once in O'Sheehans and a few times in the Garden Cafe in the evenings. Breakfast and lunch was always taken in the Garden Cafe. We had a drinks package as part of our holiday which was just as well, as drinks on board are generally expensive, especially with 18% service charge and 10% VAT on top of the base price.
Evening entertainment was of a high standard and we enjoyed several high quality shows, some of the best on board entertainment we have seen.
Our inside cabin was more than adequate and comfortable but the sink is tiny and impossible to keep water in it while shaving. The lighting for shaving/makeup is poor for a new ship and this could be easily addressed with 2 more LED bulbs suitably placed. Wardrobe space is decent and cubby and other storage was plenty for us. Temperature control is good but there is no provision to increase/deacrease air flow.
We used hop on hop off bus to get around and got off several times in order to explore the extent of this large spread out city
We walked around the city centre taking in all the principal historic sites and sights independently.
Palermo is an easily walkable city and all main sights are accessible on foot within 2 to 3 hours.
Naples can easily been walked, if fit, and all the principle sights of the historic city centre are accessible if you are prepared to put a bit of effort in. Allow 5 to 6 hours to do the main sights.
Palma is a compact and easily walkable city and best done independently in my opinion. Lots to see in the immediate area around the cathedral.