The Haven did not disappoint…

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 8
Helpful Votes: 198

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Norwegian Epic

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 17, 2022

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 16023

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

We enjoyed the cruise very much, NCL did not disappoint

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Embarkation was very easy, approximately 15 minutes from port to ship. We were escorted to the Haven lounge and had then the opportunity to grab a drink, get a tour through the Haven complex or go to lunch until the rooms were ready. Nice and relaxing way to start the cruise.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Overall the food was very good. We once ate at the Manhattan Room and the service as well as the food was disappointing. Our daughter’s gluten free diet was well taken care of and the variety was good. What we did not like was that the menu in the Haven restaurant stays the same and is very limited. You can change the dishes and order from the lunch menu for dinner but we prefer more variety.

Cagney's Steakhouse

5 out of 5

From start to end - wonderful

Teppanyaki

4 out of 5

Very nice experience with a hilarious cook. Taste and presentation of the food was very good. Sadly the hostess was very rude.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Not much to do on a rainy day. The onboard activities were a bit limited and seemed outdated.

Posh Beach Club

5 out of 5

Very quiet and comfortable. We liked that you can watch what was going on on the pool deck from the venue.

Epic Casino

5 out of 5

Fun way to spend the night. Staff always very friendly and attentive.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Make your reservations as soon as you are onboard!! All shows were really good and entertaining.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Service was awesome - very friendly (except for the one hostess) and attentive. Everybody saying “Hi” and always up for a quick chat.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
It was our third time on the Epic and it is one of our favorite ships. It was always very clean, easy to navigate and well-maintained. Nothing to complain.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
The cabin was spacious and well equipped. The balcony was a bit small with only two chairs and a small table. Be aware the there is a huge window in the shower and it feels strange to shower in front of a window. After a while you start to enjoy the views while in the shower!! The second bedroom is small and dark. You have to crawl over the bed. Our cabin steward said, that the room is designed for kids and adults might have some issues sleeping in it.

Ports of call

NAPLES (POMPEII), ITALY

4 out of 5
We visited the St. Gennaro catacombs (booked with get your guide) and toured the city on our own. The catacombs were impressive, but the tour group was very large and you could barley understand the guide. If you are really interested in the history of the catacombs google it before the tour and you will enjoy it much more.

Barcelona, Spain

5 out of 5
Beautiful city! Parking at the port is a bit difficult. We decided to park the car at the World Trade Parking Barcelona (about 80€/week) and then take a taxi to the port (about 10€).

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

4 out of 5
Since we have visited Florence and Pisa, we decided to visit Livorno instead. It is a small city with some good shopping options. For the gluten free cruisers - there is a gluten free bakery in town with delicious Italian treats!!! You have to take a very crowded, chaotic and expensive shuttle bus from port to city. You are not allowed to walk.

Ajaccio, Corsica

5 out of 5
Nice city within walking distance from the port. You can get a map from the tourist center at the port with a suggested walking tour to all historical places.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

5 out of 5
Took the train to Rome and toured the city on our own. Train was 12€ and took about 1 hour to the Vatican.

Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands

2 out of 5
For us too crowded and way too touristy

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Just as the embarkation, easy and quick.
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