this was our 2nd time on the EPIC, we went last year as well, but this year we were a group of 16 people. I can honestly say that we chose the perfect ship to have such a large group of all ages, as there is something for everyone. the kids LOVE the splash academy so much, they spend all year talking about the counselors and how much they miss them, and saw some of the same counselors this year again! honestly, they are the best people to deal with kids, and have so many creative activities for them to do each day and night! its great to know they are in good hands! I found that the ship is still in perfect condition, everything in working order, all staff very attentive, some of them went out of their way to please us, and even recognized us after a year! we chose the EPIC again because we loved everything so much last year, the waterpark and we wanted to see things we didn't have time for last time. the waterpark, pools, Jacuzzis are still amazing, the music, dancing and activities by the pool are always entertaining. the inside cabins are perfect for us as we are never there cause there is too much to do on the ship, so cabins are perfect for showering and sleeping, plus they were close to academy for dropping off/picking up kids! the food was always changing and excellent everywhere we went from the buffet to manhattan to taste to o'sheehans...we loved revisiting the Noodle Bar (yummy potstickers), Wasabi (best sushi/sashimi ever), having made to order Nutella crepes even and went to Shanghai restaurant for the first time (loved the chicken and shrimp noodles) and discovered you can order all you want off the menu, which is great for just $15 cover charge! this time around we did the Cirque Dreams and Dinner and it was SPECTACULAR!! I mean, there are no words really, you are just astounded at what they do in such a space, truly incredible! I recommend that to everyone, it is worth more than 39 dollars....we also went to Nickelodeon's Slime Time Live and it was so entertaining, funny and has audience participation..i also took my youngest daughter to Nickelodeon's Pajama Jam Breakfast and it was awesome!! Dora, Diego, SpongeBob, Patrick, and the Fairly Oddparents were there, along with the Nick team, of course and it was amazing! breakfast buffet included was the best breakfast and a photo with characters was included! Blue man group was phenomenal as always, legends was great, they are identical to the real life singers, wow!! we went to visit the bridge viewing room on our last day and its very interesting to see and the view is great as well. I honestly don't understand and cant believe ANY of the negative reviews I have seen before. everything was more than perfect and I love the epic and Norwegian cruise line, there is nothing better than freestyle cruising to me, where you can go eat when you want, wherever you want and dress as you want! its on your terms! it works best for my family. also, the 3 ports we visited were great!

Jamaica we went to Dunn's river falls and climbed up the river, which was a once in a lifetime experience! I had waited many years to do it, and it was better than expected. Grand Cayman tender was very easy, short boat ride to dock, and did the Trolley Roger tour which is very informative about the island, then went to 7 mile public beach which is gorgeous, clean, clear, great food and local beer. Cozumel was great also, we took a taxi and went to Paradise beach club which is only $3 per person to enter, and you have access to pool, lounge chairs inside pool and around pool, changing rooms, restrooms, beach, pier, chairs and umbrellas. plus, delicious nachos, tacos and drinks! (which are extra) This is truly the way to travel, you have your transportation, hotel, food, drinks, and entertainment included for 1 price. and yes, some things are extra, but its not NECESSARY, its OPTIONAL. to me, its all worth it! We are definitely Norwegians, and are already booked on the Escape in November! cant wait to cruise like a Norwegian again!