Disappointed with the Epic

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 45

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Epic

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 28, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 10133

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

I've sailed on most lines many times and while the room was fine, the food was great, I felt crew to passenger ratio was inadequate and the facilities/layout/passenger handling processes need improvement.  My observations are as follows:

 

The port slip size, traffic flows, etc are simply not adequate to handle a ship with this many passengers - we drove right up to the unloading area and waited an hour before we were directed to a spot where our shuttle could unload.  We then stood in what seemed to be a very unorganized line wrapping several times around the baggage handling area for another almost 2 hours until we got to the security and eventually the check-in desk, got our room keys and could head up to our room.  We got to the elevators and waited another 30 mins before we could get on one to go up.  I thought it might just be the business of everyone boarding but found long lines and wait times to be the norm throughout the cruise.  From constant lines from elevators, to dining, shows, going in and out of ports, etc.  There were shows we couldn't see, activities we couldn't do and services we couldn't take advantage of.  My advise would be to make reservations for everything you might want to see/do online ahead of your cruise but you should still plan on fighting crowds for all the first-class, first served dining opportunities, for activities, loading/unloading exercises at embarkation, each port, disembarkation, buffets, elevators, bars, casino, etc. etc.  From my experience, you will find yourself standing in a line, waiting for something for no less than 8 hours during the week.  You may also find yourself unable to do or see something's onboard or participate in certain shore excursions as well.  In short, I think they need to repurpose certain areas, change assanger flows/processes and extend activity hours, number of shows, and/or increase crew/decrease passenger count to make the cruise more enjoyable.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

3 out of 5

George Town, Grand Cayman

3 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 45

6 Comments

cece1951    7 years ago

I have all my stuff booked for July 16th!

PaulAndLin    7 years ago

I don't recognise this ship as being the Epic...our experience wasn't like that in April with 4800 passengers...

france2017    7 years ago

friend just off the Epic and loved it! we go on in September. maybe you just need more patience!

bcfl0bb    7 years ago

love the epic never had a problem

bluemoonies    7 years ago

I have been on the Epic and never experienced any waits or problems. You can make dinner resevations prior to cruise or do it as soon as you board the ship, along with entertainment reservations.

jljn    7 years ago

Are referring to the ncl epic ( on her 4 times ) it was fantastic

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