This was the first time we tried NCL and sample the "third largest cruise ship" in the world that got us taking this cruise. Also we like to experience what free style cruising is all about.
The EPIC has 21 dining options and 20 bars and lounges. Every night there are lots of choices of shows to see (though you have to reserve your seats either pre-cruise or arrange via the interactive TV in your stateroom). There are lots of bars to visit and of course which restaurant to eat at (we tried the French specialty restaurant and the Spiegel Circus Dinner - worth paying the $25/person). We had pre-booked on-line the Blue Man show and the Legend (both complementary and well worth it). We liked the flexibility that came with freestyle - as one can be dinning any time with no preset sitting.
The check-in in Barcelona was very quick and efficient, and then off to the buffet Garden Restaurant for our lunch. The buffet restaurant is very busy all the time and we found this was always the case when the ship was at sea and at the beginning and end of the cruise.