Decent Cruise but Never Again During Spring Break!!!!!

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 30

Overall rating:

3.5 out of 5
Norwegian Epic

5 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 11, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Overall, myself and 2 daughters had a good time on the cruise but we are not hard to please. But unless you enjoy long lines and unruly college spring breakers, this is not the cruise for you! Would cruise on Norwegian again but not on the Epic and never over Spring Break!!! Ship is tired and run-down....needs major overahaul.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Long line but it moved quickly. Used parking garage - easy in and out. Paid $102 for 5 nights.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Food was okay....nothing spectacular. Long lines at the bars. Ate at a buffet a few times for breakfast and lunch- lots of variety and staff kept food items well stocked. Enjoyed Manhatten Room for dinner. Ate at Cagney's and Tepanyaki for dinner - nice ambiance in both but food quality was not any better than the main dining rooms. Kids really enjoyed the "show" at Tepanyaki.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Kids enjoyed rock climbing. Lots of activity in the atrium- games, movies, dance classes.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Priscilla Queen of the Desert was spectacular! Definitely not for kids. Music and costumes were awesome. Burn the Floor was fun to watch.

Children's Programs

2 out of 5
My girls are 17 and 12.5 and wanted to stay together but cut-off for Teen Room was 13 and cruise staff would not budge. They chose not to attend since they couldn’t be together which was very disappointing.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Steward kept our room clean and well stocked. Always acknowledged us in the hallway. Bartenders were surly. Wait staff in dining rooms very pleasant and accommodating. Guest Services very help at answering questions.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
Be prepared to do lots of walking on this huge ship. No problems getting elevators except during embarkation and muster drill which was to be expected.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Compact but plenty of storage. Had to ask for more hangers but they quickly arrived. Super clean and tidy cabin. Great unobstructed balcony. Asked for extra chair for balcony and it was promptly delivered. Had no issues with cabin.

Ship tip

Use your phone to take a picture of the day's activities. Purchased inexpensive lanyards at Walmart that carried cell phone and had a slot for your charging card....very handy.

Ports of call

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5
Fury Catamaran- boat was packed!!!!! Staff was very accommodating and lots of fun. “Margarita’s” were watered down. Beer and soft drinks plentiful. Food for purchase at private beach. My kids loved the water inflatables. Felt very safe at port shopping area with just myself and 12 yo daughter. Was not approached by anyone offering to sell me anything.

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

4 out of 5
Buffet on the island was great and lines moved quickly. Long lines at the bars. Rented a large umbrella for $21 - definitely worth it!!!!

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Carried on own luggage off the ship. Very easy - waited in a line that moved quickly.
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1 Comment

unsinkablejme    5 years ago

It's so interesting that one year after my cruise on the Epic you had a completely different experience. I loved our aft facing cabin and the entire ship. I'm glad you're not giving up on Norwegian, I love them!

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