I rated this Norwegian cruise a 6/10. I'm thankful my next cruise is on the Sun, a ship half the size, where I hope I will once again get the service I expect and appreciate at Norwegian. With 4,000 guests, I was just one of the many and I did not like that experience. I will not choose a large ship again.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
We moved onto the ship without trouble but could not find elevator space to reach the Garden Cafe. We could not find any information about muster stations for nearly 2 hours. We could not hear the emergency program due to noise in the theater. We wanted to watch the ship leave but could not get elevator space to a high enough spot.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Missing were peeled and cut fruit pieces, tasty meat options in Garden Cafe. One night a dried out roast should have been removed from presentation. Food was repeated, not flavorful, I've eaten on Pearl and Jewel and LOVED the food but not on the EPIC.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
In the past I've played many trivia games but where were those choices? Where were meeting the crew the dancers? Multiple activities revolved around GAMBLING.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Burn the Floor was great, Priscilla was unique but not for me, the Beatles were OK, Cirque was OK, Mike and Julie were strong comics but Mia was weak, Howl at the Moon was good, Joe Enock was good, The Big Top was good fun.
Scheduling events and tickets was confusing and time-consuming.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Many staff walked by without a word. I never saw the captain. I was not greeted or welcomed throughout the trip. My steward thought she should receive a "hero" paper but I did not see any reason to offer her one. Compared to other Norwegian ships, I expected constant attention, smiles, recognition, how is your day, etc.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Getting onto an elevator was very difficult. I don't know how to move around 4000 people but EPIC hasn't mastered the way yet.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Our cabin was cleverly designed. I LOVED having the toilet separate from the shower and the sink. Having a plastic basket for towels is a smart idea.
Our curtain had a torn hook and was difficult to open and close.
Ship tip
Search out alternate elevators when the one you want is full.
Tendering was unacceptable. Returning to the ship people waited in the hot sun for 2 1/2 hours . Norwegian has to think of a better way.
With that said, The island itself was fine. We visited HELL and a turtle sanctuary.
Foxmanb71 try a cruise on one of NCL's smaller ships before you give up. I sailed the Epic last February and did not enjoy it nearly as much as when I was on the Star. Just a suggestion.
Took this ship last month. Don’t listen to the haters. I agree with you on the elevators, the food, and that the staff didn’t seem as outgoing compared to other cruises. It was my first experience with NCL and It was fine, though I’ll probably not sail on them again. I’ll stick with RCCL and Celebrity.
Seems you don't like very much. I love cruises. Have been on a cruise a year since 2014. Carnival Liberty, then Royal Caribbean Freedom of, then Norwegian Star last year and this year the Carnival Magic.
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