Norwegian Epic Review
Barcelona, Western Med cruise; good, but some things need improvement.
Rating by category
Additional details
I chose this cruise because 10 other friends had already booked and my elderly mother was desperate to go on a cruise.
The initial signs were not good! The queue to board the ship at Barcelona was monstrous, and it was very difficult for my Mum (elderly and frail) to stand for over an hour waiting to be processed. There appeared to be no fast track system for elderly or disabled guests and, had we taken this cruise later in the year, I doubt my Mother would have been able to stand for an hour in hot temperatures waiting to board. This could have been better organised, with every guest given a boarding slot.
I booked a stateroom on Deck 9 for the duration, and was pleased with the quality of the room but did find it all a bit of a squash (I get more room travelling Commodore Class on a France to UK cross channel ferry!).
Cabin Review
Family Mini-Suite with Balcony
Housekeeping services were excellent. Room was too small and I am still not exactly clear what was "extra" in my upgraded cabin - it certainly wasn't square footage!. The position of the wash basin (right next to one of the beds) is inconvenient.
Port Reviews
Sardinia
Quite dreadful. We were surrounded by offers from operators when we left the boat, and definitely chose the wrong trip. After an interminable wait (almost an hour) we were crammed on to a mini bus and saw nothing for the whole duration of our sightseeing tour as the windows on the bus were so badly positioned. Buyer beware. Better to walk into the town and take an open topped bus running from the centre.
Naples
This was pre-booked with an independent operator. Absolutely excellent. Tour was well planned, well organised, good value for money. The guide was exceedingly well informed about his subject. The real bonus was the wonderful coach trip around the Amalfi coast afterwards.
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
Used the disabled bus to get into town which was free. The normal bus costs 15€ per person and so it is cheaper to group together and pay for a taxi (and more comfortable, I would imagine). Palma cathedral is very interesting, the shops are excellent. Very enjoyable.