Worst cruise ever - way too crowded, long lines everywhere, tenders/excursions were a cluster of unhappy people. Spoke to many people who said they will never cruise EPIC again. The staff tried so very hard, but there just weren't enough of them. Ship layout was just horrible. Two tiny pools, no wading/siting pool and the H20 pool was also tiny and always filled with diesel smoke.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Boarding went fairly smooth but waited 4 hours to get into room with jammed packed bars
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Speciality and main were excellent, required pre-cruise reservations; buffet breakfasts blah and a zoo
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Wish I could give a zero. Ship was too packed to ever do anything other than casino.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Wish I could give a zero. Ship was too packed to ever see any entertainment. Lines began 2 hours ahead.
Children's Programs
No children and there were too many on board
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff did their absolute best but there simply were not enough of them.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Layout was horrible. Pool bar often had 15-20 minute lines into the dance floor. Public restrooms often had no TP or empty soapholders.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
Small room. Toilet located in old shower. Tub had 30-inch step in height that was impossible for ADA and ship refused to accommodate us. Bed was so bad I had to request a foam topper that was flat. Only 2 outlets that were located on the floor level inside a cabinet.
Took nearly an hour to get off ship due to lines. Walked and walked to packed buses. Jamaica was so disappointing with trash everywhere you looked. Not at all what I expected.
Most beautiful island I've been to. Did the Land and Sea Tour that I would recommend. Included submarine tour and bus tour to Hell, with some shopping. Disembarkation and waiting for buses was a discoordinated nightmare.
This was the best because we did NOT book an excusion, but rather explored on our own and used the hotel loungers on the beach with top notch service at Hotel El Cid
We chose to walk off with bags early morning. However that got us to Orlando airport 8 hours before our flight which could not be changed because we did not book through NCL. Total travel time home ended up taking 29 hours - total nightmare!!
Love the EPIC! You did not do your homework, never cruise during school vacations, and you should also research the ship you are booking. Itinerary may be to your liking but also check ship facts. Just my 2 cents
Thank you for your straightforward review. When things happen not to my expectations I try to remember, "the worse day cruising is much better than the best day Not cruising. "!!!!
We have been on the Epic twice and had a great time.
Spring break, summer, and any holiday is not a good time to cruise. We have done this twice on Royal and regretted it.
Jamaica is not a good port. The last time we were there, we were robbed.
I hope you try NCL again when it is not spring break in the carribbean.
So you are angry you had to wait at the airport because you booked a late flight? And that a cruise ship was crowded during spring break? The toilet is not in an old shower, it is in its own little space. Not all cabins have a tub, most just have a shower. You should have made sure to get one of those if the tub was an issue. Essentially a lack of planning led to a lackluster cruise.
Looks like you didn't do much research, never cruise during spring break if you don't want to experience long lines and wait times. These cruises are really a revenue increase for the lines since they assume families will pack all available beds on the ship at $20/day/person DSC
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