We are Disney cruise lovers. We love really the disney ships. They are gorgeous. We decided to give a chance to NCL because of the outrageous prices on Disney Cruises. First of all, embarkation is super fast. We love that. second, the first impression you have of the Norwegian Epic compared to any Disney ship is what in the world you are doing in such an ugly structure, but once you are inside things start changing. The layout of the ship was fantastic, the entertainment, the dining options were our favorite part, we have more options, and more relax. Bars were excellent, love the library, but most importantly our daughter LOVED the kids club. She is a tween and disney cruise has been just horrible with tweens. Even when she was younger she hated the oceaneers club because according to her it was beautiful but boring. That was not only her account but after 5 disney cruises and going with relatives and friends all the kids either like other activities in the boat specially the ones we will do for them because the boat is honestly not super fun. But in the Epic it was just activity after activity, not stopping, the counselors at the club were always amazing and dedicated. Our daughter made incredible friends and just because of this NCL won for us.
Two things that I hope NCL takes care of are: service is inconsistent, with this I mean that some people were fantastic and did their job above and beyond expectations, and some were just like tired or distracted. They were not rude but I found that this was almost a 50/50 .
The other thing, I have never been in other NCL ship but in Epic the bathrooms in the room are a no no. Sorry but the sliding glass doors, the curtain are not my favorite thing, but the sink actually in front of the bed? oh no that was really bad. I would have preferred real doors and sink closer to the toilet and behind a door!!. that current design just make you ask but why??? despite this we have the best time and that's why i give an overall 5 stars.