Think twice about booking this ship...I shall NEVER sail EPIC, and will think twice about NCL! Compared to problems of other guests we should have been happy. Took cruise for a relaxing time, but it was anything but.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
An hour and a half " standing" in the hot sun before reaching the building...no pace to sit and no water provided. You would think this was their maiden voyage for the EPIC. They can't handle 4100 passengers, and no we didn't arrive early for our designated embarkation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Below fair...buffet meats were covered with heavy gravy to hide the inferior quality. The hamburgers at the outdoor grill were pre cooked, I watched them bring burgers from under the counter and reheat on grill. Dining rooms were crowded and very noisy, with dinner service taking 1-1/2 to 2 hours...and that's with a reservation! Was told at an 8:30 PM reservation lasting to 9:45 that I couldn't have a decaf coffee with dessert because the pots had already been washed! Get he picture?
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Most activities were trying to sell something, and the venues for the lecturer could not accommodate the number of guests. The majority of guests were 65+ age category. Very few used the small pools, water slides, rock climbing walls or regular action size basketball court.
Epic Casino
1 out of 5
Casino stretched half the length of deck6, and was opened to deck 7 where noise and smoke was very annoying. Waiting Lines for the Epic theatre also stretched through the casino.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Had to make reservations for any performance you hoped to see. Even then lines were extremely long and the noise in the theatre pre-show was deafening! Most performers were very talented, but the material they were given was very poor. A lot of guests took exception to the production of "Priscilla" and walked out.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
They did the best they could with the over-crowded conditions.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
I say they need to go back to the drawing board. EPIC cannot handle 4100 passengers, period. Even staff and managers admitted as much.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
If you like your shower, sink and toilet exposed as you enter the cabin, then you're in luck. Sink lighting was poor at best...try to shave or put on makeup, and you've accomplished a lot. Plenty of storage but so scattered throughout cabin it was difficult to remember what was where. Worst cabin I've ever been in after years of sailing!
I was on the ship 4 yrs ago at that time 3/21 included, and yes if you want a sitdown I’m sure you had no problem for breakfast, as I said the buffet had a shortage of tables for families of 10+ !!
Nyrpack, Garden, Taste, Manhattan, Osheehans, Shanghai all complimentary, that’s 5, and as far as breakfast is concerned you can be served in one of the restaurants if you think buffet too busy. Or go early or later for breakfast when not so busy.
Didn’t like ncl epic as well , at the time they had21 restaurants and only 3 were included with the price of cruise, I know they make money on specialty dining but 18 our of 21 is a little much, and good luck trying to get a table at buffet for breakfast, very difficult!!
It pays to pre order all you want for the cruise before you sail. Also make sure you become friends with the person greeting you at the restaurant. You can put you preferences in the first day for the whole week. Then you never wait in line to be seated.
1 1/2 hour for dinner? So what? You’re on vacation. Take the time. And you’re complaining about the layout of the stateroom and having to book shows. Didn’t you research before booking? Simple things that could’ve been avoided with a minimum of research. Sorry you didn’t like the Epic. I loved my cruise on that ship. Sailing on that ship again next year. Hope your next cruise is better.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
