We recently completed a 13 night crossing from Barcelona to Florida on the NCL Epic, and the ship was beautiful. Not glamorous, but clean and pleasant throughout. The ship also provided us the best shows and entertainment we’ve ever experienced on-board a cruise ship. Broadway show, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, was stunningly performed and the Burn the Floor dance show was incredible. This cruise would have received 3 stars from us just on entertainment alone. In fact, it practically did.
Many of our fellow travelers were disturbed by the Epic’s totalitarian attack on beverages being brought on-board. All bottled water was confiscated and disposed of – from half empty bottles to entire sealed cases. OK, I accept that a case of water could contain something nefarious and didn’t mind tossing my half bottle. Heck, we had already purchased the “Ultimate Beverage Package.” However, we were very disappointed to learn that water is not included as an “Ultimate” beverage and that we would have to pay $7 per bottle of water. Fortunately, bottled beer was included in the package so we stayed well hydrated. It seemed bizarre to us but one of the senior staff shrugged and said NCL has an deal with (or perhaps owns) their exclusive water vendor.
The food, not much to say, it was mostly dull, poorly cooked, and tasteless. We did experience some tasty food that was also even warm when it was served at both the Chinese noodle bar and the Irish restaurant.
Clean and well kept along the voyage. A Funky style of curved cabinets almost guaranteed I'd knock my head reaching for anything on the counter below. The design was intended to make things appear more roomy but failed.
Storage was excellent with plenty of closet, shelf and hidden spots behind the sofa back.
Show was large with room to sit. Toilet space was funky with a noisy spastic shutter for a door that assured no one ever had any toilet privacy and all nighttime visits were sure to wake the spouse.
Mechanicals were an issue with - Air Con not working, electricity going out, etc.