Very disappointing cruise - NCL in decline

Item: Norwegian Epic
Rating: 2.5
Author: pgmazarakis

Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

pgmazarakis

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 17

Overall rating:

2.5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 23, 2022

Ship: Norwegian Epic

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Feel like NCL has worsened significantly. I bought a suite (and paid $250 more per person) that was essentially a balcony with no special benefits (some in cabin cookies and sparkling wine). Was a joke, Feel like they took advantage of us.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Abysmally bad. Long lines, very poorly planned. They ran out of internet and had no backup....Pitiful!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Just OK, have taken 15+ cruises, food was bland and unimaginative. Service was good.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Nothing special. Just the basics....

Entertainment

1 out of 5

The main entertainment was a joke. Not good at all. Their level of entertainment has significantly declined

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

This was a strong experience. People tried hard and worked very hard. Appreciated their wfforts.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Had booked a suite and instead they gave me a balcony. If this was a "suite", I felt deceived.

Ports of call

San Juan, Puerto Rico

3 out of 5

Oranjestad, Aruba

3 out of 5

Willemstad, Curacao

4 out of 5

St. George's, Grenada

2 out of 5

Castries, St. Lucia

3 out of 5

Basseterre, St. Kitts

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Very disorganized

6 Comments

NCLARRY 1 year ago

I think you had a problem with the bidding for an upgrade.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Oops sorry 😞 thanks

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

grayghost 1 year ago

"... 15+ cruises" yet profile says ZERO!

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Jerrec 1 year ago

Did you upgrade to a suite, or a “club balcony suite”? The latter is a bit deceiving as it isn’t a suite at all and has no benefits. It is a slightly larger balcony room. Actual suites do have a number of additional benefits including butler service, concierge, priority seating at shows, etc.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your feedback. Sorry this cruise didn’t meet the NCL standards you’ve come to expect. Unfortunately post Covid cruising isn’t as good. We just have to decide if we still consider it a worthwhile adventure.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

CruzeFan 1 year ago

Cruising is not the same as it was previously. As someone with 15+ Cruises, I would’ve thought you would’ve researched and understood what was and was not included with a suite. A suite many times is just a slightly larger room. Try the Haven if you want additional benefits.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Great Service and the Best Food on a Cruise Ship

Okay cruise

Crowded Xmas cruise