This was our first cruise. We are both in our early sixties and have toyed with the idea of a cruise for a few years, my husband was not keen due to the number of people and I had reservations, but overall it was a success. Initial impression was off putting - arrived at Barcelona, to the Epic, huge ship looked like an office building in the sea and thousands of people milling about, however the organisation was impressive somehow we were all on the ship quickly and the staff were very helpful. We found our cabin which surpassed our expectations and then went on the top deck to find some lunch. There was little information about orientation on the ship at this stage. We found a rather meagre buffet which served basically beef burgers - was not very impressed but we needed to eat as my husband diabetic and didn't have time to wander about. Whilst we were eating we realised there is a much nicer buffet called the garden restaurant where we ate on several occasions. Couldn't fault it - food excellent and great choice - but did get overcrowded on several occasions. We ate there and at Taste twice and the main dining room (too big and overcrowded, not a good experience). Taste the smaller of the formal dining areas was very pleasant but food choices were exactly the same as main dining room. We only used the dining areas which were included and really cannot see why you would need to pay extra when there is plenty of food. Service was overall very good, staff pleasant and helpful on nearly all occasions.

We went to the Burn the Floor dance show which was excellent, and although there were other shows from what we could hear they were nowhere near as good. I had been looking forward to the Fat Cats Blues Club and was greatly disappointed. A lost opportunity, the music was run if the mill pop/ rock by a rather poor band. No hint of blues or jazz despite the obvious attempt to make it like a jazz club. It would have been nice to chill out to some jazz late into the night, even recorded music would have been an improvement as to what was on offer. There is a huge casino which we found obtrusive and unpleasant, you had to walk right through it to get to other places so could not avoid it. Due to the poor entertainment we spent some time in our cabin in the evening and it was excellent. Well though out, comfortable and the English speaking TV channels were appreciated. A balcony is, in my view, essential, loved it and would never go on a cruise without one. Coming into the harbours early in the morning whilst sitting on your own balcony was magical.

We had two organised trips purchased through NCL - Florence on your Own and Herculaneum. They both had pluses and it would have taken some effort to organise the Florence trip but I would probably travel independently if re went again - really did not like being herded to and from the meeting place in Florence like a group of school kids, or the fact that the meeting place was a shop where we were encouraged to buy leather goods. Nothing wrong with the shop I just don't like being organised! Same with Herculaneum we stopped at a cameo factory which was ok but took up precious time from Herculaneum which meant the trip was rushed, although I did think the guide was good - he put his own emotions into the presentation of facts which I liked. Read more