Before you begin reading this missal, just remember this was my view of the Epic. Someone else on the same cruise may have something totally different to say on the same matter. This was cruise #46 for me, and #13 on NCL.

Embarkation was exceptionally smooth. We arrived pierside @ 130pm, and were physically in our stateroom 20 minutes later. Upon boarding the ship, there were two people who greeted us, but didn't see anyone directing passengers just boarding on where to go/etc. We were too late for lunch in Taste, so we schlepped up to the Garden Cafe for something to eat. Hint: embarkation staff aren't one to talk about sending guests to Taste for lunch, but it's the way to go if you want to start with a relaxed first meal on board.

Back to the cabin. There were 4 of us (yes FOUR) in a standard balcony cabin on deck 13. We had a great view, and even a slanted balcony for a little extra space. I can honestly say I spent more time outside on this balcony than any of the other ones I've taken before. I had read on Cruise Critic about the +/- of the cabin, so I knew what to expect when the door opened for the first time. Here's my take on the cabin: beds were reasonably good, and didn't hear anyone complaining. We asked to have the top bunk left in the down position always, so we could all 4 take a nap if we wanted, and we could close the bunk halfway ourselves to still use the couch immediately below. Speaking of which, we learned something new that I didn't see posted here before on said couch; that is the fact that the bottom cushion (your bed) will pull OUT from the back of the couch by a couple of inches, and give you some much-needed space from that horrible curved back! There were lots of spaces on board for clothes, and even with 4 of us, we still had spaces left over after everything was out of the luggage! We managed with the sink situation, and always left a towel around the basin to keep the water from getting over everything. Even the toilet/shower design didn't stop us; although twice we had to stop the cabin steward from entering our fine bathroom (I mean GRAND FOYER, oops!) and interrupting personal time! Having a balcony with 4 people had another plus. On sea days/nights, we just went outside to change clothes, and back inside. Epic needs some more variety in the TV channels however, and having to pay for a movie is kinda sad; considering even Motel 6 has free HBO? Read more