Norwegian Epic Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise to give Norwegian a chance, and because we like the itinerary for the holiday. We've previously cruised with Carnival and Royal Caribbean. We had high expectations for this cruise, but they fell flat from the beginning at embarkation.
Embarkation, we arrived at the beginning of our time slot, to find the line went outside, and around the bus/shuttle drop off area... twice.. and then across the driveway, and down the side of the terminal. We waited over an hour to get into the terminal building itself and then another 30 minutes to check in, it was harried, disorganized, and way, way overcrowded.
Dining. Norwegian calls it "freestyle" and advertises that you can eat what you want when you want..... except you can't. all the main dining rooms require reservations that you can only make onboard, and if no one tells you this, you face 45-90 minute waits for a table. oh wait, but the reservations for the entire cruise in the main dining rooms are completely booked before the end of the first day. O'Sheehan's sadly, had the best food of the non specialty dining locations.
Cabin Review
Mini-Suite with Balcony
The curved walls are a little funky, but there was plenty of storage in our Mini Suite. However, the separated weird bathroom design falls flat. I am a large person 6'3" and around 350lbs (1.9meters and around 159kg for those of you that use metric) and found the toilet unusable as is, had to speak to the Guest Services Manager and get them to remove the sliding glass part from the toilet cubicle.
Port Reviews
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
Embarkation and debarkation, wouldn't really call this a port
Great Stirrup Cay
Tendering process is a little quirky, but the Island was relaxing and comfortable with good services and reasonable prices in the straw market. Sadly it was cloudy and kind of blah the day we went.
Falmouth
Slightly over-crowded and the tour guide was ill-prepared, but it was still enjoyable and fun!
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
We had an easy time tendering in, it's a very short trip, and we enjoyed lots of shopping in this port. We had a great lunch at a local-ish kind of place called the cabana just outside the main port area, with delicious conch fritters, jerk chicken, and oxtail. Overall, probably our favorite port of the cruise!