Norwegian Epic Review
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I have cruised about tan times in the past 8 years with multiple cruise line companies. This was my third time cruising with Norwegian. NCL had good prices and had three perks (drinks, specialty dining, and $50 off excursions per cabin per day) that attracted me to the cruise. What they did not disclose were all of the hidden costs they would tack on. Even though you have a “free” drink package they charge a tax on every drink. The specialty dining (Cagney’s) served sub-standard meats (Costco meat is much higher quality). They also limit guests to one item in each food category. If you want a Porterhouse or a Lobster tail you must pay another $25 on top of the Specialty dining charges! The Premium drink package does not include bottled water. You have to pay for the separately. $45 for 12 cardboard bottles or still water. Room service is also a $10 up charge. There are no separate bathrooms in Balcony cabins on the Epic. Your toilet and shower are enclosures in the corners of the room. No privacy, guests can hear everything you do in the bathroom. Extremely narrow rooms with a curved couch that is useless. The beds are very short (I am 6’ tall) so my feet hung over the end. Also not included in the cruise are the bus transfers all guests must have to get from the place the ship docks to the nearest city center. These transfers literally drop you off the dock or at the nearest city center (about a 5 minute bus ride) and cost $15/pp RT. We woke up one morning and found no hot water was available in the showers. The toilet stopped working three times. The flusher completely stopped working and then the water stopped.
The pool areas were overcrowded and you have to check out pool towels and check them back in or pay a fee for the towel. There are no padded chairs or loungers. During my entire 9 day cruise, I never had a single server ask me what I would like to drink outside of Specialty restaurants. The service was pathetic. The adult pool area closed before sunset.
When you order a Caesar salad they do not come with anchovies. If you ask for anchovies they tell you they are unavailable. This was the case in both complimentary and specialty dining areas.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Very narrow, no separate bathroom, bed too short for 6’ person, hot water was not always available, toilet stopped working,
Port Reviews
Florence (Livorno)
Liverno was one hour train ride away from Florence. No transportation from Liverno is provided with cruise, you are on your own.
Barcelona
Extremely crowded city. Had to book transport off port, then take subways to real destinations.
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
Palma de Mallorca was not too touristy and was a clean city. Would return
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Extremely dirty and large city. People trying to get you to eat in their restaurants or shop in their stores everywhere. Pick picketers are everywhere. Avoid this city at all costs.