This was my 9th cruise, and the 3rd with NCL. My past NCL cruises were really great, especially on the Escape. The Epic is oddly designed, which creates a poor flow and an uninviting presence. For example, one main dining room, Taste, has been placed on the 5th floor in the middle of the ship. To get around Taste, you must go up an escalator to the 6th floor, and than stairs to get back down to 5th. Some elevators don't have a 5th floor option button. Another odd design is within the basic balcony staterooms. Upon entry into the stateroom, you stand between the toilet and the shower. There is no separate bathroom, just a curtain that separates the toilet and shower from the rest of the room. A sink, mirror, and medicine cabinet have been placed in the sleeping area of the stateroom. The bed is short, leaving my feet to dangle off the edge, and I'm 5'11. The Epic was by far the most crowded cruise I've been on, making it difficult to do many things, such as, get a cocktail, find seating by the pool, find seating at the theater and comedy club, and find seating at any eatery. The elevators were slow to arrive, and usually too full to ride. There were many good things to mention as well. The food was tasty and the variety was satisfying. The staff were helpful and friendly. The ship was clean and tidy. The bars made good drinks and I enjoyed the cigar selection and lounge. I recommend NCL, but not the Epic. The ship just has too many flaws.