Fun in the Caribbean on NCL Epic

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 58

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Epic

7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 15, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8104

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Overall, my husband & I enjoyed our cruise on the Epic. I had sailed on the sister Getaway and preferred that ship more. Having sailed out of San Juan vs Florida in December was better weather. Travelling before the Christmas holidays was much better value. I have sailed with NCL more than any other cruise line and they never disappoint. Could use some improvement on debarkations at ports

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Very smooth.. got onto ship later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and traffic to port. Long line of cars to drop off at ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Overall, enjoyed most of the restaurants. Avoid Shanghai Asian restaurant... extremely slow service, food arrived cold. Dining at Cagney’s, La Cucina, Moderno... all good but La Cucina was our favourite. Taste Dining room more intimate, better service than Manhattan Dining Room. Buffet very crowded, chose to dine in Taste dining room for breakfast.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Pools very small & crowded. Use Spice H2O adult only area for peace away from loud music and kids. Get there early to get beach chairs. Huge fitness area... not usually too busy. Water slides were fun but lines most of the time.. easier to access during port days

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Didn’t do any of the big shows in Epic Showroom but rather some of the smaller venues. Saw comedy show at Headliners bar, singers in bar areas. Enjoyed Cirque de Soleil show but hard to see act at time when seated in booths. Pay a little more for VIP floor seating for better experience. Meal served was very good.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Very good service most of the time. Slow in Manhattan Dining Room and Shanghai Asian restaurant .

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The walking/jogging track was located on Deck 7 blocked by life boats. Track does loop on same side of deck. I prefer walking deck on higher deck in the open which does loop around the ship. Very clean around the ship

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
A bit small but compact with enough space for 2 adults. Balcony was good size

Ship tip

For better service and dining experience, eat at Taste Dining Room.

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
We arrive 1 day prior to cruise, rented a car, went to visit El Yuenque forest. Worth the trip!

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

1 out of 5
Waste of time. Don’t even get off the ship

Castries, St. Lucia

4 out of 5
Shopping not great. Did Segway excursion with the ship.. was fun. Very congested traffic around the island due to road construction. Very annoying!

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5
Rented a car, drove to Baby Beach...loved it!

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5
Pretty island. Did Beach Express tour. Brought us to Blue Bay Resort. Beautiful beach, great snorkelling. Saw lots of fish. Great tour guides.

Disembarkation

2 out of 5
Used self debarkation which was very slow due to rain outside. Caused delays in getting off ship

Traveler Photos

Segway in St Lucia
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2 Comments

Bonnie1234    4 years ago

Was the Beach Express excursion thru ncl

Debra5623    4 years ago

Did you rent the car from the ship?

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