Norwegian Epic Review
Norwegian EPIC - 7 night Western Caribbean, Embarkation Jan 14, 2017
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Additional details
About us: DH and I travel as a couple only, with the exception of an Alaska cruise in 2012, when one of our sons, and his wife, traveled also. (He liked it, she found cruising too rough… both of them LOVED Alaska!!!). We’ve tried several cruise lines, but tend to enjoy NCL most. This cruise had been booked for almost two years (with multiple changes, since NCL altered ships/itineraries), so we had tremendous anticipation for this trip and cruise!
Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal: We were dropped-off at 11:10 AM. We gave our luggage to a porter, tipped, and got in line at 11:15 AM. Passing through Security took less than 10 minutes. Getting to a port agent’s desk (Platinum line) took only a few minutes. Check-In at that desk took another 7-8 minutes. We were directed to take a seat until they called Platinum guest. (Boarding was based upon 1) Haven (separate waiting area), 2) Platinum, 3) guests needing assistance (Wheel chairs, etc.), 4) Gold, 5) Silver, 6) Bronze.
Embarkation: Around 11:45 am Platinum guests were called. As we headed toward the gang-way, there was a ship’s photographer offering to take pictures. However, it did not appear that any special screen was set-up.
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
10274 is a great mini-suite. Close to the stairwell and elevators, but quiet!
We had no storage problems. The bed was comfortable for us. The room steward, Barry, was great.
Port Reviews
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Other than some traffic back-ups, this was a pleasant port! The facility did get a bit crowded, but we felt that they did there best to keep things orderly.
Cozumel
We walked to the Money Bar and went snorkeling on our own. Beautiful fish and coral.
Several excursion boats choose this area for their snorkeling.
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
We have also been to Grand Cayman several times, so again, we ventured O.O.O. Carrying our snorkel gear, we headed to Sunset House at 390 S Church St, via Church Street, for about 1 mile. We enjoyed the sea life we found here, but decided to head to Seven Mile Beach. Once we walked past the port, we hailed a bus, which took us only as far as Calico Jack’s (cost: $5 US for both of us, one-way). We headed to the beach to enjoy some beautiful warm sand and sea! When we had enough of that, we headed back towards town, walking along the beach. Overall, we figure we walked about 6 + miles this day. IF you want to walk from the port to a close public beach, it is easily done by turning left after leaving the pier. Walk north until you see a small sign that says public (or beach) access. I remember there was one of these just north of the Burger King, but if you are inclined, there are more along the way as you head further north.
Ocho Rios
If you go out on your own, be aware that you are likely to have many offers for taxi service or purchasing of goods or services.
The Turtle River Falls and Garden is lovely!
Great Stirrup Cay
Tendering takes a good amount of time because of the number of people they load onto the vessels. The island is lovely and seems to be getting better with all of the planned additions. We loved snorkeling in the lagoon near the Small Cabanas! The Tacos at Abaco Taco were good... we enjoyed the selections available.