Norwegian Epic Review

4.5 / 5.0
4,413 reviews

Bigger can be fun, and cold means less kids & tourists!

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic
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PuryEnd
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Jan 2016
Cabin: Studio

My second time on the Epic, first being summer 2012 and things have improved IMO. Let me start by saying it's the people and ports that make or break a cruise and January Western Med itinerary was surprisingly great. Never done a cruise round the Med in the winter so even though it was cold with a couple rough sea nights with outside decks closed twice due to high winds overall it was a very successful Epic experience, I think also helped by the small number of children onboard and the average age being 40, mixed British/European with a high number of Americans/Canadians that all seemed to get along very well.

I fell unluckily into the busiest Embarkation timeslot so had to que awhile to check-in, timing does really count as others told me they breezed on through just an hour earlier or a couple of hours later so avoid heavy traffic round 14:30 – 16:00 and you should be laughing.

Travelled solo in the studio cabins and again loved the stateroom, yes its small but did not spend a lot of time there – it has great storage….not one but two hanging spaces (bring your own extra hangers) large wicker baskets hidden under the bed that do not impede you storing two large suitcases behind, so everything is tucked away out of sight. The cabin attendants really want to help just ask and they will happily provide – extra towels, pillows, ice – get to know them its well worth the 2 min conversations every day. The beds in the studio are very comfy, leave a card permanently in the light slot for ease of use, just remove at night to ensure all the lights go out for pitch black sleep, but do bring earplugs as you can be disturbed by fellow solos or the odd ships creak, I was in 11570 located conveniently near the rear lift/stairwell but further from the Lounge which did not bother me. Yes arriving early morning into port you get juddering but so does every cabin it is what it is, you're on a ship!

Cabin Review

Studio

Cabin T1

Studio cabins loved it, yes its small but did not spend a lot of time there – it has great storage….not one but two hanging spaces (bring your own extra hangers) large wicker baskets hidden under the bed that do not impede you storing two large suitcases behind, so everything is tucked away out of sight. The cabin attendants really want to help just ask and they will happily provide – extra towels, pillows, ice – get to know them its well worth the 2 min conversations every day. The beds in the studio are very comfy, leave a card permanently in the light slot for ease of use, just remove at night to ensure all the lights go out for pitch black sleep, but do bring earplugs as you can be disturbed by fellow solos or the odd ships creak, I was in 11570 located conveniently near the rear lift/stairwell but further from the Lounge which did not bother me. Yes arriving early morning into port you get juddering but so does every cabin it is what it is, you're on a ship!

Bring conditioner girls the shampoo and shower gel are provided but no conditioner so be prepared. Hairdryer provided works well and you have ample mirrors and good lighting for makeup in the Studios much better I'm told then the regular cabins elsewhere. Studio Lounge is well stocked with hot drinks and free cookies early evening but get there fast as they are all gone by after dinner, plus the Lounge bar is only manned during the solo gatherings.

Port Reviews

Barcelona

Spent the night in the H10 Marina Hotel as part of the package. Surprisingly solid hotel, spacious rooms good complementary toiletries, fantastic breakfast buffet could not fault. Location whilst away from dead center still easy to get to from the metro and on the bus route to Sagrada Familiar so super convenient

Sardinia

In winter not much to do the HOHO bus is a waste of money and being open topped icy cold don't do it. Shopping ladies is great hit when they had 70% sales so huge win, bought half of Sardinia back to the boat. Not much to see sightseeing wise and its hilly and hard to work out public transport. In summer assume everyone hits the beach but being January did not venture there.

Palermo (Sicily)

Secrets of Palermo

Great catacombs very spooky jet hypnotic you gotta experience it to understand that I've never seen anything remotely like it before. Guide gave just the right amount of information. Do go into the cemetery beside the catacombs as the tombs are lovely and some sculptures very photogenic.

Florence (Livorno)

Florence & Leisure

It is a long bus ride but worth it, had a short but informative tour round Florence before 4 hours freetime which I spent in the Uffrizi Gallery.

No lines in January you can just walk on in and so little crowds almost felt like I had the entire place to myself and I still could not get round all the exhibits its vast but so worth the entry fees.

Florence ladies is great for leather gloves do go try on some excellent quality but you have to haggle to get the best value.

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