Norwegian Epic Review

Cruisers Beware

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic
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korma1551
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Jun 2022
Cabin: Large Balcony
Traveled with children

I chose this cruise because of its beautiful European destinations and the cruise industry's repeated reassurance that COVID protocols were being successfully followed and transmission rates were low. The countries visited were amazing and had so much history. I truly enjoyed spending time with my family and all the perks that come along with cruising. I had waited 2 years to rebook this cruise after the outbreak of COVID-19 and my March 2020 cruise was canceled. I was hopeful that this was the right time because the cruise industry was back in full swing and COVID restrictions were being lifted. CDC had decreased its risks and warnings to cruisers. However,. we did need to provide proof a a negative test before embarking on the cruise (this requirement was dropped during the cruise). There were 5 family members in my party. 4 of the 5 family members had never had COVID and all were fully vaxxed and boosted. By the end of cruise, after staying masked for the majority of the time, (even on port days) all 5 had COVID. We knew what the risks were getting on the ship and that contracting COVID could be the outcome. I am not trying to debate whether or not people should be vaccinated or wear a mask. But, I was shocked that all 5 members contracted the virus! This is important for any future cruisers to know. Here are the concerning parts about how this situation was handled:

1) Lack of Acknowledgement/Ownership: My 76 year old mom first contracted the virus on day 5 and was immediately told that she would have to disembark the next day in Barcelona. The cruise line offered no support with this process and delivered the news in a very cold and uncaring manner. I discussed this situation with the ships doctor for an hour to which he told me that the ship is completely safe for everyone to travel and that my mom did not contract the virus from the ship because they have the best safety protocols around. The doctor also insinuated that my mom contracted the virus at the port. He also touted that his staff was fully vaccinated and wearing masks at all times. That is true, but they are still getting sick. Why? He refused to acknowledge the numerous staff members that I witnessed in the medical center being check for COVID the 3 days prior to the end of the cruise. I expressed my concerns about my mom navigating getting off of the ship in a foreign country. The doctor said it is not their responsibility to take care of her arrangements. It was the family's responsibility and she could no longer stay onboard per CDC's rules. I made her arrangements to travel home from Barcelona the next day.

2)Faulty COVID Protocols: The same day my mom was confirmed positive, they moved her to quarantine room on the 8th floor where they keep all of the COVID positive patients. She was NOT the only one. She waited for 3 hours in the medical center before gaining access to the room, without food or medication. She was required to leave the ship the next day. I made arrangements for my mom to fly out the next day and requested food for her. The ship provided a staff member to bring her food during the day. They told me if I was concerned about her flying alone to leave with her and without a refund. After an hour discussion with the ship's doctor, he finally agreed to give her transportation to the airport in Barcelona for free. For the next 3 days, the remaining 4 of us tested to see if we were still negative for COVID. All 4 of us were negative until the end of the cruise. NCL Staff does wear their masks faithfully, however passengers do not at anytime. By the end of the cruise large amounts of guests were sick and coughing across the ship.

Cabin Review

Large Balcony

The cabin is very narrow and not a good fit for 3 people. The shower and toilet have no privacy, except by a curtain.

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