Norwegian Epic Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We were guests on the “NCL Epic Failure” cruise 2/12/18. (Just Google it!) I’m going to try to be as honest as possible, both about our ship experience and our "unfortunate experience". This was our third NCL cruise, our first on the Norwegian Epic.
We booked a Fly, Snooze and Cruise package with the Quality Inn and Suites Port Canaveral. This included pickup at the airport, transfer to the hotel, one night's stay, transfers to the port and transfers back to the airport. All went smoothly except for confusion about transfers back to the airport because of late arrival back to port. Overall, I would recommend this package.
Boarding: We were lucky to have arrived early. We checked in with no problems and had boarding group 3. The seating area was already almost full. After two announced delays, boarding started about 12:30. When our group was called, they stopped halfway through. They were closing the main gangway because a semi had run into the top and they weren’t sure if it was safe. We were redirected to where they board passengers in wheel chairs and told it would slow boarding. We talked to other passengers who arrived later who waited outside for hours because there was no room in the terminal for them to sit and there were evidently some computer checkin issues. Our rooms were ready about 2:30. By the way, at our Cruise Critic meet and greet, we were told that the Epic is just too big to be sailing from the Port Canaveral terminal (because it couldn't handle the passenger capacity) and would be transferring to San Juan next year.
Cabin Review
Aft-Facing Balcony
Aft balcony 11314. We researched the room ahead of time, so few surprises. Small. Little room to pass each other, especially by the bed. We had the room layout with the bed next to the balcony doors. Seemed much better than the other layout (with the bed by the bathroom/door) that we walked past regularly. The bed is very short, with curved edges at the bottom. I’m 5”7” and my feet were off the edge. Otherwise, bed was comfortable. Lots of storage, even a cubby over the bed. Only two outlets, no charging ports at all. The lights are operated only with the key in the slot by the door. Usual sized safe, with a four digit code. The refrigerator was locked the entire time, but we did not bother to ask that It be emptied.
The split bathroom was not a problem for us long married couple (no surprises here!) If you were traveling with a friend or in-laws, be aware that even with the “privacy curtain” drawn, you can hear everything and there is little space to dress after showering. The light in the cabin was very dim. Difficult to apply makeup or use eyedrops. Balcony was large enough for two regular chairs, a lounger and the small table. Balcony guard wall was glass. Back of ship is straight, so unless someone is leaning on the rail, no visibility of other decks. Our cabin steward was very helpful.