Norwegian Epic Review

4.5 / 5.0
4,409 reviews

EPIC Enjoyment

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Epic
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frozencdn
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Oct 2010

Let me start by saying that after reading so many negative reviews, I was quite concerned that we had made a bad decision booking our cruise on the EPIC. Hopefully this review will help others who are also feeling nervous about choosing this ship. I do realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and some people may have had a bad experience for whatever reason(s). Happily I can say that we, for the most part, had a wonderful time. I have also noticed a trend of more positive than negative reviews in the past few weeks. This may be attributed to Norwegian and the EPIC getting their "sea legs" with each subsequent cruise aboard this new ship.

EMBARKATION:

This was the worst experience and bad first impression of our cruise. We arrived at the port from MIA by taxi ($24+tip) at 10:40 am. We were directed by a curbside baggage handler to the terminal indicated on our documents, only to find it closed. (The baggage handlers should have been made aware that the terminal was closed). From there we were directed all the way back to another terminal. We were amongst the first 50-75 people in line outside beside the terminal building. At about 11:15 am the line began to move, and we quickly passed through security. We then proceeded to check-in. The agent who served us did not seem very confident or competent. He kept having to ask other agents questions during our check-in. After all the paperwork was completed he told us he would be getting us our cabin key cards/cruise cards. Then after conferring with someone else he told us that someone was going to get our cards and would be back shortly. When, after several minutes, our cards did not arrive, the agent checked with a supervisor (I think) and we were told our cards would be waiting for was upstairs. We proceeded to the top of the escalator, only to find the area congested with others looking for their key cards. There were two Norwegian representatives there asking for our cabin numbers and writing the information down on a scrap of paper. They told us we would have our cards in a few minutes, and they kept insisting that everyone "sit down". My wife and I sat for about 20 minutes and watched in amazement as some people came up the escalator with their cards already in hand; and others were given their cards after only a few of arriving upstairs. I finally lost patience and approached the woman who initially asked for my cabin number. When I enquired how much longer we'd have to wait, she asked if I had giver her my paperwork. I said " no you asked for my cabin number not any papers". She replied "paperwork is always better". (Why didn't she ask for them initially?). After finally receiving our key cards we were directed to the first waiting area (which was full). From there we were directed to a second waiting area (which was full). Then we were sent to a third area and directed where to sit. After about 35 minutes people were allow to board in groups. Again we watched in amazement as some just strolled into the waiting room and were allowed to board; and others who sat long after we did were also allowed to board before our group. Now remember we were initially among the first people in line at the port and we finally got on the ship about 1:30 pm. I have to say that getting on the EPIC was very poorly organized, and frustrating.

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