Wonderful experience on Mediterranean Cruise

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

cdroberts4

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 50

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 17, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8168

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

Barcelona --a wonderful city! People are friendly and hospitable. The port is clean and efficient--the easiest check-in ever. The ship's crew was wonderful; the upscale restaurants onboard were good, particularly the French one. The ship design isn't the best; you must walk through the casino on your way to several other destinations, the view from the promenade is restricted by the hanging life boats, and the promenade does not circle the ship. But our suite was huge and very comfortable. The structural limitations of the vessel are quickly overcome by the great crew and the excellent ports of call. I

recommend the excursions you can book onboard, as it can be tiresome and time-consuming to make your own way in unfamiliar cities. Our guides in Pompeii, Rome and Cannes were top-notch. Great surprises: the monastery, wine and view in St Honorat, the cathedral in Palma, and the amazing architecture, sights and food in Barcelona. I would consider taking this cruise again, perhaps leaving from Rome next time. It was a great vacation and an excellent value.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Specialty restaurants excellent, particularly French (Le Bistro). Main dining and buffet also excellent; there are ample opportunities for the adventurous or the consertative diner.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Loved the Soul-Sation show. Dance show excellent quality if a bit odd in concept. Guitar soloist absolutely amazing. Beatles show crowded--could use a bigger venue.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our steward, Lorenzo, was wonderful. Housekeeping and room service were tops. The ship is always clean and the crew is unfailingly polite and helpful.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Didn't particularly care for the layout of this ship; too much centered around casino and not enough places to get a quiet drink with a view--not nearly as much observation area as some other ships I've taken.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Large comfortable suite; but shower/toilet often results in wet bathroom floor

Ship tip

Definitely book excursions through the ship. World-class cities available, but some ports are far removed from the sights you want to visit. It can be time-consuming, expensive and frustrating to make your own way in a strange city. It's well worth the price to book through the cruise line.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Barcelona, Spain

5 out of 5

We boarded here. It is a great city, clean and welcoming, and we spent several days there. It may be my new favorite city (it's been Paris for 30 years).

Thumbs Up 0

Naples, Italy

3 out of 5

Naples is grimy and dingy. Go to Pompeii or take other excursions.

Thumbs Up 0

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

5 out of 5

We took a LONG (10-hr) excursion, "Rome and Coliseum"--included lunch, Trevi, Forum and St Peter's Square and Basilica. I can't imagine a better introduction to Rome.

Thumbs Up 2

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

1 out of 5

We took round trip shuttle to train station. Had been to Pisa before and wanted to go straight to Florence. Train problems; all trains cancelled that day. Livorno is nice but we had a full day planned in Florence and were deeply disappointed. Suggestion: include one or more excursions which do NOT include Pisa for those of us who want more time in Florence.

Thumbs Up 0

Cannes, France

5 out of 5

We took a great walking tour--we didn't realize we were there the week of the Film Festival. Then we went to St Honorat --it was amazing! Great surprise.

Thumbs Up 0

Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands

5 out of 5

Loved this city. Wish there was a little more time here. The cathedral was renovated by Gaudi--we had no idea. It was beautiful. We took a taxi to centre but walked back by the gorgeous marina--quite pleasant.

Thumbs Up 0

Traveler Photos

1 Comment

glomarrone 9 years ago

Barcelona is one of my favorite port cities. I will visit it again next year. Thanks for including a photo. Thanks also first r posting your first review here.

Thumbs Up 0

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Other reviews of this sailing

Good 7 days to relax and enjoy the tours.

Huge Ship full of very helpful staff

Great Vacation!!