First off, thank u to the reviewers that said a good attitude is the best thing to bring on the trip. I remembered this often. I traveled with my wife and another couple, both in our late 30s. We booked a flight to arrive at noon on the day of the cruise. I agree that if u have the time get there a day in advance but we did not have enough vacation time. I have read everything on this site about the epic, so my first hint is to take a taxi to the port, it is a 24 dollar flat fee, pretty cheap for the 4 of us.
Embarking
We got to the terminal at 1 pm and was at our room by130.
8024, balcony. We left our balcony door open each night and fell asleep to the ocean. Only heard noise from bliss lounge on one night, but not for very long. Rooms balcony does not have a cover on it and sticks out from other rooms, we liked this because we laid out here rather than the pool deck on some days. I liked the bathroom set up, largest shower I have had at sea, not possible with out splitting them. Loved room on 8th floor. Closer to public areas on decks 5-7. Also easy to get off ship on port days on deck 4.