We arranged for a group booking for some of our family and friends. There were 21 of us. We have cruised many times and this was the first cruise for the rest of our group. I understand the operational marketing behind the mega ships. This was our 2nd cruise on big NCL ships (Breakaway in Jan this year). All of the public venues are to small and always filled to overflowing. Epic theater only seats 800-900 with a passenger load of 4000+. Ridiculous. Having to make reservations for a show? Really? Main dining room food was good as usual. But service was slow. Seems there were significantly fewer waiters and even fewer asset waiters. Really evident when we went to specialty restaurants. Could only make late night reservations. On a tip we went to the restaurant at an earlier time only to see well over half the restaurant empty and were told they were hoping for more wait staff. Happened to us twice and on both mega ship cruises. Again the food was very good. Like the wait staff reduction, there apparently was a staff reduction for bar service and bar tenders on deck. You were better off pushing thru the throng around the bar to get s drink. Waiting for a server was a waste. Tiny pool area and surrounding sun deck. Spice H20 hard to get to. As for the room, smallest we have had. And the bathroom was in the room! Sure there was a frosted glass wall around the toilet and shower, but they are still in the room, and you are backlighted so you are visible to someone in the room. Yes there is a curtain, but why not a separate bathroom. I fail to see what was gained. The only venue that wasn't too small was the shops on board. But selection was the usual and just as pricey. We love sailing NCL and have several times. But I seriously doubt we will ever sail on the Epic again or recommend the Epic. No thanks.