Prior to sailing on January 12th, I researched the Epic and was not expecting much. My wife and I are experienced cruisers, and we took the cruise because the itinerary was nice, and the value was outstanding. Most of what was written was accurate regarding the ship's layout. Public areas forward and aft were opposite from most ships layouts, and the design throughout the ship had the feel of an upscale Euro train station hotel. It was hard to tell you were on a ship...the ocean is there, but it is not featured. Even on the deck, the 'water park' didn't really feature the ocean. Sounds strange, but the extensive use of dark tinted glass strips provided windbreak, but sort of enclosed virtually all of the open deck areas.
I will give high marks to the Thermal Suite. It was the best Thermal area we have experienced at sea. Note that some had complained of pre-mixed drinks. Unless you drink frozen drinks only...fear not, drinks are mixed with skill by the bartenders at all the bars.
Everything else that has been said regarding too many people and this not really being a freestyle ship are true, but when all is said and done, we had a really fun time aboard Epic. The weather was great, and we were positioned well, aft near the spa and H2O Spice. It was definitely OK.
Super small, but has adequate storage for 2 adults. Lighting is dim. No privacy for bathroom. Very awkward opening room door directly in to 'bathroom' area. Bathroom area is a joke. I used the facilities in the Thermal Suite area for all my bathroom needs.