We did a back to back cruise on the Epic ... first week Western Caribbean and then Eastern Caribbean. We've cruised with Norwegian before but this was our first "big ship" experience. People need to keep in mind that there are over 4000 people on these cruises - it's a process to embark and disembark and patience is needed but we didn't see it with many people. Our taxi driver got us to the ship in a timely manner despite the volume of traffic with so many ships in port. The line up was long to embark but moved along nicely, again it is a LOT of people to process and NCL as far as we were concerned handled it very well.
Once on the ship we found there were many very polite personnel who gave directions when asked .... we didn't experience anyone who didn't speak english on the ship as I've read complaints about - various accents yes, but you only have to listen a bit more carefully to understand. The cabins were ready around 2 p.m. and we had lunch in the buffet while waiting - it was very busy as we expected. Our cabin was clean and had more than enough storage for our belongings. The shower and toilet areas are separate with the sink on it's own but worked for us .... better than all in one unit we thought. The cabin is small of course but how much time do you actually spend in there and the balcony had two chairs and a table which was great for relaxing.
We didn't eat in any of the specialty restaurants but went to the buffet, Manhattan Room and Sheenan's .... tended to eat later on to avoid the crowds. Breakfast at the buffet was very busy but we always found seating downstairs in the Italian restaurant which had great views, comfortable seating and soooo quiet - not too many people seemed to know it was there. The entertainment was fantastic - had no problem reserving for Burn the Floor, Priscilla or the Beatles show. I booked the Cirque dinner and show before we left home and it was well worth the extra money. We enjoyed the music of Paolo and Mac and Cheese very much and there was always something to watch or listen to during the day and evenings.
Cabin was very adequate for our needs. Lots of storage room, great service from our steward (always ice in the bucket) and despite complaints about the beds I've read we like a firm mattress so it was great for us. I requested a bath robe which which was delivered right away.
We enjoy walking around the port areas and looking in stores but don't like the aggressive vendors that are common in Caribbean countries.
This was our favourite port of call ..... lovely walk into town along waterfront.
Appreciated the security in the port area to avoid aggressive vendors
Beautiful beach ..... loved relaxing in the quieter area away from the main beach.
Enjoyed our visit to Tortola. Walked around the town without being approached by vendors.
Busy place due to all the ships in port but enjoyed our time there.
Stayed in Port Canaveral the evening before our cruise. Good hotel and were able to walk to a restaurant for dinner.