EPIC FAIL.

My family and I went on NCL's Epic last week. We like cruising and I have been on 6 cruises with 3 different companies.. 

Huge ship, terrible layout with one single purpose fit as many people as possible resulting in over crowded common areas and tiny cabins. Our balcony cabin took an Epic adventure to even reach it, following endless maze-like corridors with continuous turns. The lifts are located at the AFT or Forward sections of the ship, leaving all those cabins in the center in the middle of nowhere. Once inside your cabin you are greeted with your toilette and shower covered by tempered see-through rattling plastic. Our cabin had the bed just next to the toilette separated only by a curtain, try a midnight flush of the toilette and you will scare the life out of your partner on the spot.. Not enough storage space in a tiny cabin, even with everything set aside only one person can walk sideways.

The ship was "designed" to have the casino right in the middle, even from the deck above you could overlook the activities ongoing there, the constant deafening sounds of the machines and the lingering smoke scent ruined the experience for those who wanted to just have a drink whilst listening to some music. The shopping area, is just a couple of stores nothing too special. 

The pools were too small and to few for over 5000 guests. The "adult area" was packed with kids since the "adult only" appears to be a mere suggestion. The tables and floors were always dirty. The common toilettes were dirty and messy regardless of the time. 

It seems that the crew members were permanently overwhelmed by the crowds everywhere. And we received an overall unfriendly treatment, not very helpful or welcoming. We dined every night in the Speciality Restaurants, we had nice meals every evening. Specially at Cagney's and Wasabi, where good food with great service (from only 2 crew members) made a nice enough experience. 

The musicians at bars and pool area leave a lot to be desired. The pianist at one of the bars was even replaced in two occasions by a 12-year old guest with a lot more talent, and by another guest who could actually sing. And the guitarist, although really good had a stinking attitude.

The destinations this cruise offers are really good and popular although the excursions seem a bit overpriced (cost-value). To be honest, the same destinations can be reached by other cruises, so if I would recommend something I would say the itinerary is a must as long as it is on a different line. 

NCL never again.