Everyone on board was complaining about the lines and long waits for everything (bars, dinner, shows, tenders). It was still a nice cruise, but the Epic layout and ratio of guests to staff made it seem so overcrowded. We joked about how NCL commercials show an attractive couple enjoying the pool all to themselves - hah, never saw that on the Epic!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Fastest embarkation we've ever had!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Specialty restaurants were great. The mani dining was pretty good but many times the food was only assembly line warm. The buffet was OK, but lacked some of the specialty areas we've seen on other cruises
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Dance show was very good, Beatles show was excellent but twice they held it in a venue so small that half the people were turned away. Some of the lounge singers were sub-par
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Too may people and too few service areas. One pool bar for the entire pool area and there were always long lines for the bar. The casino area was a constant (and smoke filled) choke point for trying to get across the main floor.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Steward service was not as great as past cruises - I'm thinking they're being asked to do more and more. I actually liked the layout of the cabin - the toilet, shower and sink were all separate, so no blocking others. But, only 2 outlets in our cabin and no USB ports
Ship tip
I would not book the Epic again unless I had some inside info that it was not going to be full. I think this particular ship has too many passengers compared to crew (and too few amenities - like outside bar areas)
We had a great time on the island. We found a more secluded spot with reasonable waits for food and drink. People who stayed more towards the main area complained about lines. We also left a couple hours before the last tender and had no issues - people who stayed toward the end reported awful waits for the tender. Norwegian should hurry up and build a pier here
I really wanted to visit St Croix (part of the reason I booked the cruise). Then Norwegian changed the itinerary after I booked. We walked into town but nothing exciting here
The Beatles show is great but unfortunately the Cavern Club is a small venue and quite often standing room only even if you’re there well in advance. Really disappointing when you can’t get in. Hope you enjoy future cruises better.
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