Norwegian Epic Review

4.5 / 5.0
4,413 reviews

Europe, 1st trip

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic
User Avatar
mblahut
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2018
Cabin: Balcony

We chose Epic because it had the Italy, France and Spain experience. It was port intensive with one sea day. We arrived in Barcelona a day early and stayed at the Royal Ramblas Hotel. There were 7 of us from 3 years old to 76 years old. The hotel was adequate although expensive. We had 2 triple rooms at 250 euros each without breakfast. Rooms were small but we managed. View our our window was of buildings.

The day we arrived we explored the Ramblas pedestrian street mostly. The next day we went by taxi to Sagrada Familia basilica. It was crowded but we had a 2 hour tour with viator which was great. Awesome place to visit. There is a food market next to the hotel. We got snacks and souvenirs. Had dinner at a small place Tappas, excellent food and breakfast the next day at McDonalds, also very close to hotel. We had a transport company pick us up to go to the ship, Epic and arrived about 2pm. Embarkation was very fast and easy and we went immediately to our rooms. Lunch was at the buffet and dinner at Modernos. Buffet was quite good, plenty of variety. We all found foods we liked. Modernos was fair. 2 of our group enjoyed it a lot. Some of us didn't. I thought it was fair. Wouldnt rush to get reservations again. The ship is hugh. I got exhausted going from one part of the ship to the other part and trying to find areas. The toddler water play area is excellent. As is the Guppy play area. We didn't have him in any programs by himself. (Over protective). We had 3 adjourning balcony rooms and they were roomy and plenty of storage space. The curvy shape of the room was fine but the 2 areas of the shower and toilet was only enclosed by clear frosted glass doors. Crazy but not really a problem as there is a pull curtain that allows sort of privacy. Our room steward kept our room clean and came twice a day. We went to Cagney twice and food there was outstanding. Truly a good experience. (I'd rush for reservations there anytime) Had dinner at LaCuchina once and was quite good. The main dining room, the Taste, was good also. Food was hot and choices were more than adequate. O'Sheeans was very good grill meal, The black and blue (cheese) burger was excellent. The Great Outdoors buffet was similar to the indoor buffet... We rarely went to entertainment as we were all exhausted after 8 - 10 hour excursions in Naples, Rome, Pisa, Monaco or Palma. We did viator tours for Naples, Rome and Monaco. They were excellent and cost about 1/2 of NCL excursions. We did Pisa and Palma Aquarium with NCL excursions as theirs was better suited to us than the ones offered by Viator. Tendering in at Monaco was chaotic. Try to get reservations when you first get on the Epic. Disembarcation also was very easy. Some of us did the walk off with our luggage and others did the luggage outside bedroom and claimed it outside. That went very smoothly. There are only elevators in 2 parts of the ship and we seemed to have to wait a long time for elevators and even longer for one that had room for a stroller. The epic uses dollars and the rest of Europe uses euros. We had purchased at home before we left. The epic does not break big bills or big euros. There are places to buy euros at each port but the fees are steeper than if you do it at home. We did Mt Vesuvius, Herculaneum and Pompei in Naples through Viator. All fabulous places. In Rome we did the coliseum and the vatican and Sistine Chapel as well as a city tour through Viator, Both days were excellent. We did the rolley and Pisa through NCL. Quite good. Did Monoco and Eze and Monte Carlo with a beach visit through viator and the Palmer we did the Aquarium through NCL. Excellent for children and also adults. Had an awesome time. NCL and Epic were great but would choose a smaller ship next time if possible.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BF

The balcony is larger than most. It was wonderful. The room was adequate. Layout of the separate shower and toilet area is weird but we dealt with it. Plenty of storage space. Bed was fairly comfortable. Only has a few tv channels. 2 movie channels, one cartoon channel, lots of epic promotion channels.

1 Helpful Vote
previous reviewnext review

Find a Norwegian Epic Cruise from $298

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.