Like the waves of the Caribbean. Some ups and downs.
Norwegian Epic Cruise Review
7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 15, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 14112
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 4 years ago
Review summary
Highs and lows. Highs...Spa, specialty restaurants and entertainment. Lows.. overcrowding, main dining and cabin bathroom.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Spiegel Tent - Cirque Dreams and Dinner
A highlight of the cruise. Thankfully we had the 3 specialty restaurant option. We had so much fun. As a side note pay the extra upgrade charge for premium seating. Secondly sit on the second level as many of the Cirque acts will be at eye level. The talent was terrific. The unexpected surprise was the meal! The filet was one of the best I’ve ever had. Treat yourself to this unique experience.
Taste
A major disappointment. Just came off the Celebrity Summit and the way a main dining room should be. Missed the waiter and assistant waiter experience. The main waiter had too many people. So service lacked. When ordering a simple ice tea, then reminded her during appetizers, again during the main course that I hadn’t received it. Finally getting a simple ice tea after receiving dessert. The main courses had a number of options including bratwurst. You would never find that on most main dining room menus. I ordered a meal with scallops. They were petite and rubbery. We were so disappointed that we never returned as the food was better at the buffet.
Cagney's Steakhouse
This is what I expected of an upscale restaurant!
O'Sheehans Neighborhood Bar and Grill
Fun bar but once again overcrowding caused longer than expected wait times.
Garden Cafe
Better than expected food made up for the long lines.
Teppanyaki
A good Benihana type experience.
Ice Bar
What a fun experience. Glasses, bar, chairs and sculptures all made of ice. 1/2 hour max but fun.
Onboard Activities
Spa
By far the best part of our cruise. I upgraded my cabin to a balcony with spa privileges. The spa is incredible. The only place of the ship that was not overcrowded. The men’s sauna and the sauna overlooking the ocean is amazing. The stone like heated chaise loungers were heavenly. Many people fell asleep. My traveling companion spent hours on the lounges on the open air back balcony. The pinnacle was the hydro spa. Many jets at various strengths.
Epic Casino
Surprising number of machines. Downside is smoking is allowed.
Entertainment
Epic Theatre
Priscilla Queen of the Desert was also Queen of the Seas. It was great to see people so open minded and appreciative of the show.
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Book the specialty restaurants as the main dining is not up to par. Expect a lot of people.