Norwegian Epic - 7 day Rome round trip cruise
Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean
7 Night Western Mediterranean (Rome Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 26, 2015
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Cabin type: Inside
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
Our cruise on Norwegian Epic was preceded with our normal pre-cruise mini-break, this time we stayed in Rome for 4 days. Extra special for us as this holiday was our honeymoon.
Having visited Rome before on a cruise day tour, we’d both really wanted to be able to visit again with more time to really take in the city and sights. We stayed just along from the Coliseum and could enjoy views from our bedroom window and hotel roof top terrace.
One day tours to Rome are brilliant, but it was great to enter the sites like the Coliseum, Vatican, St.Peters Baslica on our own agenda and time. Rome won’t disappoint, but if possible, if you’re planning a trip, best days when number of tourist seems lower are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The train from central Rome down to Civitavecchia was not too much of a problem to arrange, little less than an hour. At Civitavecchia station it’s a little complicated to the catch another bus to a port drop off location to then have to re-board another bus to get to the terminal building. So wasn’t the best start to the day humping cases on and off trains, buses several times. Once inside terminal though the check in was prompt and we were on board with 45mins.
This was our first time on board NCL bigger ships (been on ‘Jewel’ class vessels prior). So the size and scale of the Epic was impressive. As a consequence of the size, it has a few more deck/outside facilities than other ships. The extended children’s slides and play areas are great for families plus teens and the rear pool/bar area for adults only a great feature. During early evening the massive rear display panel in this area has a movie and at other times screens images of spectacular views from around the globe. This area even has a disappearing pool night times converting into an al-fresco dance floor! NCL’s ubiquitous ‘White Hot Party’ works well in this area when darkness falls.
Also impressed by the additional night time entertainment areas they’ve squeezed in on board the Epic. We both liked the ‘Howl at the moon’ bar for the improv music/comedy relaxed vibe. Also fun to experience their Ice Bar with matching ice sculptures and shots served in ice tumblers, even the seating is blocks of ice. As space inside is limited they have a pre-booking option for evenings so make sure you get time booked if you want to enter into the deep freeze experience!
As a consequence of such a big ship and volume of fellow cruisers, some things are of course compromised. At some times of an evening such as when a show finishes or at peak morning breakfast times, their elevators can be swamped. Just easier to take the stairs if you are able. Working off a few of the cruise calories gained each day not such a bad thing I guess. But this could be annoying if you are less mobile and not able to take the stairs. One idea/tip, especially just as show finishes, is to exit theater and head straight out past first stairwell and elevators and head for midships or stern stairwell areas instead where there's normally less fellow cruisers converging at same time.
To manage the availability of the various dining options on board, Epic also operates a range of displays around the ship showing how busy various restaurant are at times throughout the evening and also provides an option to pre-book tables reservations. This was good if you can think ahead and pre-plan your evening a little. Was also easy to do via NCLs Concierge free app….. recommend you getting that downloaded and installed before you cruise to help manage your on board activities.
Finally, if you like a nice wine with your meal but perhaps are put off from ordering a whole bottle so only instead order single glasses, then you may not know that NCL offer a free service to save your opened bottle (that you may not of completed (labeled with your number & name)) until the next evening. At your next evening meal, no matter which of the main restaurants you have chosen to dine, very cleverly they can retrieve your bottle from the night before. We often utilized this option and greatly appreciated the flexibility this offered without any add-on charges either!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Don't bother waiting for the elavators at peak breakfast times or just as a show finishes. Way quicker to take the stairs if you're able. Barista style coffees available from the mid ships atrium coffee kiosk.
Ports of call
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy
Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands
Traveler Photos
