I can get use to this ! Third Cruise in 9 Months
Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern
Contributor Level:
Third Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 46
7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip)
Sail date: March 19, 2023
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 16013
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
All and All I enjoy traveling on NCL, but I am sure it is because I travel the Haven. The entertainment on board "Broadway type shows" was always a plus for me and I miss that they have been discontinued on may itineraries . I may try RCL cruise line on my next quarterly trip just to have a better comparison. I had traveled on RCL in 2018 and was scheduled on RCL to New Zealand in 2020 but it was cancelled due to CoVid.Embarkation
Embarkation was great. I was worried with the Ironman Triathlon running, but we had no problem getting a taxi from the Sheraton Hotel and Casino. Taxi pick up at 10:45 for a Check in time was 11:00-11:30. Even with a long vehicle drop off line, our Taxi was able to maneuver through the line to have us at luggage drop off by 11:00. No problem with luggage drop-off and we were directed to the main terminal. We were Haven, so was directed to a small sitting area. There was water and juice but no other refreshments. The Haven sitting area was in the main terminal but separated from the masses. Around 11:20 the Haven Concierge arrived to tell us we would be led to an area for check in. Check in was very smooth, where documents were checked and key cards issued. By 11:45 we were being led on board. We were dropped off in the Haven lounge, where one of the butlers gave us a haven overview and tour. We then had the option to eat lunch or tour the ship. Left hotel at 10:45, on board before 12. Great experience
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The food was fine. It is a mass food delivery system for close to 4000 passengers not including staff. I think NCL does a great job overall in delivering. Being in the Haven, the Haven restaurant is still the premier of all restaurants on board. I have read folks complaining about the menu not changing, but you have multiple choices and can mix and match. They are there to give you a great experience, embrace it. Drinks were great, but as I have said on previous cruises, if looking for a blended or specialty drink I prefer to to visit one of the bars outside of the Haven I always fine them thicker and more potent. When I want my standard Grey Goose and Tonic, or chardonnay, the Haven bar is fine.. Just a personal preference. We did eat at the buffet for a quick lunch one tour day The food was standard buffet with many options . I love there noodle soup station in the buffet. Highly recommend it.
Onboard Activities
There were always activities going on where people seemed to attend and enjoy. Although we did not participate, we did sat back in the audience for several activities e.g. deal no deal, dance classes, etc. Haven has its own pool area which was always quiet and comfortable. I did not participate in any of the rock climbing, slides etc. There were quite a few children and adolescents on board due to spring break, so the outside Haven pool area and the other activities were very popular
Entertainment
Burn the Floor was good. Five Stars to the dancers. Being a frequent cruiser, this was the 3rd time I have seen Burn the Floor, but his particular troupe were spectacular. The Elton John tribute "This Ones For You" was entertaining. It was in 2 parts, part 1 one night part 2 another. The singers have a great rapport with each other and you could tell they still enjoyed performing. It is a simple show, not flash, but the singing, especially if you are a fan of Elton, were great. The Beatle shows were good, but they show on all of the ships, and I have just seen it too may times. I am disappointed that Priscilla Queen of the Desert was no longer playing.. These "Broadway" showings have always been one of the selling points in booking with NCL. I have seen Six on 2 different cruises, Jersey Boys, Footloose, and was really looking forward to seeing Priscilla.
Service and Staff
I had read complaints from people on prior cruises that the staff were not friendly and over worked and short staffed. They do work very hard, and I do believe that the staff has been cut, but the workers , everyone I encountered, always had a smile, or even a song. Whether in the Haven or outside. Even when I inquired with guest services regarding a question, they were helpful and welcoming.
Ship Quality
Someone was always cleaning, wiping down banisters, elevators etc.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 bedroom Haven Family Villa. Good room with location outside Haven pool area. Quiet, clean, Steward Siva was great.
Ship tip
Elevators are the main complaint I heard from other passengers. Elevators are forward or aft, there are none in the middle of the ship. They are often very crowded especially on port days. Of course Haven has priority disembarkation on port days by dedicated one of the elevator banks for Haven which was so great and when you return, the elevator was there to take you back up.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Loved San Juan. Visited Old San Juan, ate a great meal at a local restaurant but can not remember the name.
Have traveled to Aruba several times so just decided to do a resort day pass at the Riu Palace. Was able to get a quick cab and was checked in for the day by 9 am. Decided to have a quick breakfast which was included as part of the Riu all inclusive and then sat out by the pool as home base while others went to the beach. The drinks were, as I read another guest state, a little watered down on the first run, but after a mention to the bartender and a few dollars tip, they were much better. The staff walked around making sure everyone stayed hydrated and were very friendly. We saw no difference in treatment although we were just a day passer.
It rained this day and we were on the open bus fun day bus. Everyone was getting soaked, but believe it or not we had a good time. You have to make the best of it. I would not take this particular tour again. We drove through traffic, maybe because of the rain, and it was stop and go. We then stopped at a beach which was ok, but I am sure not the most picturesque of the beaches on the Island. But, it's vacation. Life is short. Enjoy.
This was our shortest port stay, so we toured the Island a bit, and ended up at another beach for another hour.
Disembarkation
Haven priority disembarkation helped with having an express elevator to get to the luggage area. After that we were on our own, but the line moved very smoothly. They used face recognition technology for customs so it was a quick process, as long as the outlined around your face turned green ! Once we left the terminal, there were the usual groups with shuttles asking you if you needed a ride to the airport they were charging $10 pp and it was a mini van bus. We opted for a cab for the 4 of us. flat rate of $27 (we had some xtra luggage)