We had previously sailed on the Epic and determined that it was not the experience that we wanted in cruising, but the date coincided with our anniversary and the price was good. The reason that we do not like the ship is that the ship does not do an adequate job of accommodating the number of passengers that it carries. For example, the main atrium and atrium bar area seats less than 100 passengers on a ship that carries nearly 5000 passengers. When you board the ship day 1, you need to make reservations for the comedy club and entertainment in the main theater in order to be guaranteed a seat. Burn the floor and Priscilla are excellent productions and worth standing in line for a reservation to the main theater. There are no reservations available for the cavern so do not plan on seeing entertainment in the cavern as it fills up beyond capacity long before the show begins. Seating in the bar areas is difficult to find in the evening. If you are planning on eating at the specialty restaurants which are excellent, make reservations prior to boarding or there may be no availability. There can also be a long wait for the complimentary dining options. The decor of the ship is beautiful, but it does not function well for the number of passengers that it carries. I believe this is the only ship in the NCL fleet that does not have a similar sister ship. I can understand that decision.
The cabin was in need of maintenance. The balcony did not lock and the balcony door handle would fall off unless the door was carefully opened. The shower head leaked. The sofa/sofa bed was dirty and stained. The room steward covered the sofa with a sheet so that it was usable. The carpet was stained and worn. I am 5'4" and found the bed very comfortable. My husband is 6'. His feet extended beyond the end of the bed. I did not mind the separate shower and toilet compartments. However, the sink in bedroom at the foot of the bed was awkward. Also the sink is extremely small and shallow. It is adequate for washing your hands or brushing your teeth. It is too small and shallow to use for washing your face or rinsing out even a pair of socks.
Beautiful swimming and beach area.