After cruising on the Royal Carribean Allure and Oasis, we hoped that the mega Norwegian Epic would live up to at least those standards. Instead, the Epic disappointed on almost every level.

Worst offenses: the bed is short with rounded edges. If you are over 5'10", you will not be able to stretch out without your legs hanging off the edge - unbelievable. There are only two shows in the large theater, only one is free. We saw Blue Man Group (eh), and skipped the Legends. The Second City improv was funny but very short. The lunch mystery show was not funny, and the food terrible. We had four days at sea, and for the first time ever on a cruise (we have cruised around 10 times or so), we were bored! The ship feels claustrophobic, loud, smokey, and there isn't much to see or do. Some areas of the deck are downright ugly: completely without decor. There is no promenade deck - you cannot walk without reaching a staircase or dead end. The "running track" is a bad joke: it spans one side of the ship. You must run back and forth like a caged tiger! On top of it, there is no view of the water because it is blocked by the lifeboats. Again - unbelievable.

On the positive: the food was decent. If you want to relax, you never feel like rushing from one activity to another. The spa was quiet at times and is large. If you need a retreat, it is worthwhile to join the spa. Otherwise, you may be left with only your cabin as a sanctuary from the smoke and crowds.