Norwegian Epic Mediterranean Cruise
Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean
7 Night Western Mediterranean (Rome Roundtrip)
Sail date: May 27, 2015
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 11149
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 9 years ago
Review summary
I have mixed reviews regarding this Cruise. Although the ship was only 5 years old it's seen soooo many families that it no longer had the feel of a newer ship.
We were surprised at the amount of families traveling with small children with the destination of Europe. The ship at times felt like Grand Central Station on the Sea. Although we've cruised on Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity none of the trips we took ever felt this crowded. Perhaps it was the fact that this ship actually runs 2 cruises at once with one group departing from Rome and the other departing from Barcelona. It was an incredible experience to meet people from the UK, Sweden, Israel, Canada etc all sailing on the same ship and we thought the food quality in the 6 regular restaurants was very good. It was the crowded, cramped feeling that we enjoyed the least. The state-room/cabin was also very small and the layout was strange not to mention impractical and allowed no privacy whatsoever. I'm a small person but when attempting to get from one side of the cabin to the other either my husband or myself had to climb over the bed to get around one another.
The staff was efficient and friendly and the talent on the ship was better than most. We absolutely loved the guys who played at the Howl at the Moon piano bar along with Marisa and Tony who played in the Blues/Jazz club.
The first half of the cruise which was far less crowded until 2,500 more boarded in Barcelona was much more enjoyable than the later half.
Excursions were also quite pricey on the ship but if one does their homework prior to traveling there are several ways to experience these excursions on your own.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
If traveling with family this is the perfect ship with several activities for everyone to enjoy. If you'r e looking for more of an adult trip with relaxing, quiet evenings I would say that it can be done but you have to look a bit harder for the quieter areas.
Ports of call
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy
Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands