In summary, the EPIC has tainted 12 years of loyalty for us with NCL. We have absolutely loved every other ship. We do prefer the Breakaway + ships - but have loved every other cruise we've been on with NCL. That said, I'll reiterate the title of the review - a bad day on a cruise ship beats a good day at work.
We love NCL - we love the Haven, and will continue to choose them. After we sent a message to NCL shoreside leadership, they took good care of us so nothing to complain about there.
In the Haven, our Concierge (Aza) and Butler (Dennis) were amazing. The Cruise Director (Daniel) is also incredible. I don't recommend the EPIC - but I do recommend Norwegian.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Chaotic. Ship was being inspected by coast guard and DHS and the entire process was chaotic.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Haven Restaurant was inconsistent. Service was bad, food was good then terrible then good again. Specialty restaurants were all good as expected.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Haven courtyard was very nice. Not crowded and quiet. Thermal spa is best in the fleet.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Burn the Floor is probably among the best shows on any cruise line. Very action packed and just a really good show. Epic Theater staff really does an amazing job with sound, lights, effects.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Haven restaurant staff was either badly trained or they didn't care. Either way, they changed the Maitre'D mis-cruise because of so many complaints. Otherwise, Concierge and Butler were amazingly responsive. Other staff throughout ship was not overly friendly, but also not "mean". Just did not have a very welcoming experience overall.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Ship layout is ok. Most shared services are on 5/6/7 decks. Pool is 15 and above. The ship is not well maintained. Rust everywhere, damaged stairways in the outdoor spaces, Posh sundeck really worn out and parts of it literally damaged. The ship feels old - and looks shabby. Not scheduled for drydock refurb until 2025 so buyer beware for 2024...
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin itself was nice. Shower is bigger than a typical stateroom, but the showerhead is the same as all the rest. Also, water pressure wasn't great. The AC didnt work in our cabin until Thursday - and the engineering staff struggled with the entire starboard aft side of deck 14 and HVAC.
Disembarkation as part of the Haven is always good. However, somehow, there was a $50 balance on the account - despite NCL having our credit card information. They refused to use the card, insisting on cash. This is probably the biggest issue I have is the anxiety of "will I be able to get off the ship"... They never did explain what the $50 balance was for, but they had no problem with the $1200 onboard account or the $14,000 cruise fare.
We were on the same sailing as you and your review could have been written by me, right down to contacting the shoreside leadership. The only difference was we were in a balcony so I can't comment on the Haven. And it's been 18 years of loving NCL. But I was not happy with Cagney's. It was not up to the standards we have had on NCL's other ships.
Most of the time, embarking and disembarking delays are port issues, not cruise line issues. We say the cruise does not start until you get on the ship.
I agree with you. Ncl does a great job and is a good value.
Embarkation, food and quality of ship not good.. Hum, those are amongst the most important for many people... but your are right... Bad food is better tgan no food.... Cheers
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