Not so wonderful Caribbean Cruise on NCL

Item: Norwegian Epic
Rating: 3
Author: pbateman8

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

pbateman8

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 11, 2022

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9211

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

I found it very disappointing to enjoy this cruise experience from ones I took on NCL in the past. Overall Pricing, Food, Room and ship design were a huge problem for us. Specialty Dining restaurants food pricing was super high, wine drinks at $18-24 for a single glass was a rip off. Balcony cabin was smaller than a shoe box. Deck furniture was trash. The ship needs a complete do over. Location of elevators were another inconvenience. It appears the cruise ship was only designed to increase their profits and not for the comfort of its passengers.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Processed timely

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Food in all venues was mediocre at best. Liquor prices were way too high. Up charge for specialty dining restaurants were excessive.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Pools were jammed with cruisers and limited sun loungers prevented us from finding a spot to sun.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Burn the Floor was excellent. Ben Woodard was funny first time around then got boring. Violinist was very good but his dancer was not. Beatles revue was very good.

Children's Programs

Because we do not have any with us on the cruise.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

All onboard service personnel were great.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

I have never seen such a small balcony cabin. The design features prevented any kind of enjoyment as the built in sofa bed limited easy movement within the cabin. The areas were clean but soiled carpets were a turn off.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Refer to my comments above.

Ship tip

Take another cruise line.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Barcelona, Spain

4 out of 5

Ajaccio, Corsica

3 out of 5

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

4 out of 5

NAPLES (POMPEII), ITALY

4 out of 5

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

3 out of 5

Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Easy to disembark the ship

9 Comments

AuntPinkie 2 years ago

Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations.

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Dumfy75 2 years ago

We were on the Epic in April, the ship was spotless. Cabin bathroom design didn’t bother us as we were all good friends but I can see how it may annoy some people, you just have to time showers right. We had the free at sea which included all drinks up to $15 and we were drinking good quality wine and spirits for that included price, so if your tastes are more refined than that you must be used to paying for it anyway so why complain. If you don’t want to pay for specialty steak house then eat at one of the many complimentary options, they do steak every night for free in the MDR. I felt fortunate to be back cruising so maybe overlooked a few things that weren’t perfect, but seriously nothing was that bad.

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javawoody 2 years ago

Interesting

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1960cruiser 2 years ago

@cruising4gramma, well said. I'm sick and tired of reading "reviews" on this app from people who voice their petty complaints. I dont understand why people do it, since the only thing they accomplished was ruining their own cruise. I will say that I did not like how the cabins were designed on the Epic. For a single cruiser, it might be fine, but a little weird for families or friends cruising together.

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Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

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crusin4gramma 2 years ago

I call BS!!! I was just on the Epic and the ship is not in need if any refurb!! Some people just want to complain, the Epic is an incredable ship. Yes, the steak house is more expensive on every cruiseline. If you can't afford it, don't eat there!! Problem solved!

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CruzeFan 2 years ago

Thanks for the review. This is the new cruise experience after Covid and it likely will never be the same again. Lowered expectations, extra patience and a larger bank account are needed.

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weezer1957 2 years ago

I have to agree with you norweigen use to be a good cruise line but they have changed they nichole and dime you every time they can they are the reason why I stopped cruising the last cruise was so horrible that I will not cruise again I find it more enjoyable to do a all inclusive resort

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RetiredRay 2 years ago

Welcome to the ‘new’ cruising, hopefully until the debt is paid down and the world supply system is fixed.

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