October is a great month for Mediterranean cruise

Item: Norwegian Epic
Rating: 5
Author: jimloisweeks6

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

jimloisweeks6

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 60

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 05, 2014

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9141

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 10 years ago

Review summary

My husband and I loved our cruise on the Epic. The food was excellent, and with three sides of glass in the Garden room (buffet style) we hated to go elsewhere to eat, though we did enjoy a few meals in dining rooms. We loved having a balcony, both while in port but also if I would wake up during the night I had somewhere beautiful yet private to read or watch the moon over the waves for a while. Entertainment favorites were Blue Man Group, Cirque, and Graffiti. Tours were excellent though tiring, but there was so much to see. After several days of architecture, ancient sites, and statues, we enjoyed a scenic tour of Majorca. (Our feet appreciated that break also.). Temps in October were low to mid 70s. Perfect for being outside. We started in Barcelona and had 5 days there first. The subway system is fantastic and we could stay in a hotel in a non touristy area but one block away was the very efficient subway to everything we wanted to visit. We fell in love with their balconied buildings and anything Gaudi built.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Loved having a balcony. Great views even at night. Moon on water is spectacular.

Ship tip

We did travel with carryon only so coming and going was easy. The only downside was limited space for gifts.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Barcelona, Spain Did not visit port

Close to port so fast to get into town. Hop on hop off bus is helpful. There are two routes. The one that includes Gaudi's a Familia Sagrada is the more important route.we loved the Catalon dancing in front of the Cathedral at noon Sunday and anything Gaudi did.

Thumbs Up 2

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy Did not visit port

Pompeii is fascinating.

Thumbs Up 1

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

3 out of 5

We were tired by then so just went into town on our own. We missed some of what others considered favorites.

Thumbs Up 0

Cannes, France

3 out of 5

Took the local bus tour and then wandered in the sailboat area. Had a great lunch at an outdoor cafe and returned to the ship. Tenders worked very efficiently.

Thumbs Up 1

Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands

5 out of 5

Took a scenic bus tour. The island is beautiful! We had some time to wander a town then took the train back through 13 tunnels. Our feet needed a break by then.

Thumbs Up 1

2 Comments

KenandJanet 9 years ago

I agree that October or even last of September would be an ideal time for this cruise. We went during last week of July and it was way too crowded and hot everywhere. And too many kids too. The off-season would make much more sense.

Thumbs Up 0

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glomarrone 9 years ago

Yes, I, too, run out of room in my suitcase for souvenirs. I now learn to leave room for some. I bring magazines and books to read. When I discard them or share with other passengers, I then have extra room for my souvenirs.

Thumbs Up 0

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