Wonderful ship, Not so wonderful time of year.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 42

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Epic

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 13, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 16016

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

On a scale 1 - 10, this was a 7. Not because of anything the cruise line did but the weather was not good. Also, my husband got a chest cold and was not feeling well. Going forward April or May are our go to months. I would cruise the Epic again and certainly Norwegian.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Our embarkation was phenomenal. We had booked the Haven and the embarkation was a delight. The only thing that was missed was the onboarding photograph. Because we boarded early, the photographers were still setting up. I know most people don't care for that photo necessarily, but I missed it.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
The food and drink was excellent as well. Cagney's and Moderno were wonderful. I wasn't overly enthralled with the Italian restaurant but it was OK. The Haven's restaurant was excellent and staff were top notch.

The Epic Club Lounge

5 out of 5

The Epic Club Lounge was awesome and the bartender (whose name I knew until 2 seconds ago) was so wonderful.

Spiegel Tent - Cirque Dreams and Dinner

5 out of 5

This was absolutely the best show!!! I held by breath for most of the show and the Ringmaster was wonderful.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
We didn't do a lot of the on-board activities. The wine tasting was wonderful and we actually did that twice. We still swirl and sniff trying to decide what we are smelling. The lady that led the tasting was great. Due to the weather, we couldn't spend a lot of time outside although my spouse did the water slide and said it was great.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
For the most part the entertainment was excellent. Burn the Floor was awesome as was Cirque Dream Epicurean. Priscilla Queen of the Desert had to be cancelled due to the weather and the rocking of the boat. They supplemented with their comedians who were, for the most part, good. I totally understand the need to cancel as walking out of the theater was challenging. Unfortunately, the evening parties had to be moved inside due to the weather. We went to the 1st nights dance party but skipped the rest due to the crowding. No fault of the cruise line, but you just can't get 4,000 people inside.

Children's Programs

We don't children with us.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
OH my gosh. I can't even begin to tell your how great the staff is in the Haven. From Hanno the Concierge to Alfredo in the restaurant, they all make you feel like you are the star of the show.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
The Epic gets high stars for cleanliness but I don't necessarily love the ships design. I wish it was more like the Getaway with the wrap around walking area.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
If you can at all swing it, stay in the Haven. The room was absolutely gorgeous. It has a wet bar, bathtub, large balcony, two bedrooms, tons of storage area. Oh my.....

Ship tip

Take the stairs when you can. The elevators are slow.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida Did not visit port

Only came for boarding.

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5
Not a big Nassau fan. Went to the straw market and Senor Frogs. Senor Frogs was fun :)

Falmouth, Jamaica

4 out of 5
We went to Bamboo Beach. This was our second time there. It is a wonderful place but do the VIP experience. It has changed a lot since the 1st time we came and I think I would have been disappointed if I hadn't done the upgrade. I also want to mention Kimone Mitchell specifically. She was our guide both times we have been there and is just the sweetest person.

George Town, Grand Cayman

4 out of 5
Our excursion was cancelled due to the weather so we went shopping. We had a good time. Visited Margaritaville which always a treat.

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

4 out of 5
This is a nice port. The buffet was really good. The weather was chilly when we tended so we didn't bring our bathing suits. That was a mistake as it turned out really nice and I regretted not being able to lay out and swim. I could have gone and gotten my stuff but instead spent some quality time in the Haven area.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Smooth as silk. I felt guilty walking past everyone in line truly. Once again the Haven experience.
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3 Comments

cece1951    6 years ago

May is better. Still some spring breakers in April.

tateroola    6 years ago

We’d like to watch Cirque, but unsure about whether we should do floor seats or standard seating. Any thoughts?

tateroola    6 years ago

We’re staying in the Haven, did they offer excursions & entertainment offers, or do we need to go to the booking desk? I can’t find a lot of good info, just generalized info. This has helped. Thank you

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