1st. Time Cruising the Mediterranean - The Cradle of Civilization????
Norwegian Epic Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 21
10 Night Greek Isles: Malta & Italy (Rome Roundtrip)
Sail date: May 29, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Epic
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 12308
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 2 months ago
Review summary
I had a great time and planing a last minute cruise anywhere they don't celebrate the 4th. of July.Embarkation
My embarkation began at FCO airport as I had transportation to the port of Civitavecchia. I have been to this airport many times so navigation was a no brainer. My common sense told me to walk to the left towards the buses; when I remembered I was supposed to meet the cruise representative at Door 2. So after reaching Door 9 I turned to the masses and headed to door 2. On approach I noticed a Rep w/NCL sign and joined the group which walked everyone to Door 16. As I only had a carry on for the 10-days. I let the gents take my bag, got a number for the bus and waited approximately 35-minutes for my assigned bus with a nice couple I don't remember their name and never saw them again or perhaps I did not recognize them. I met two sisters from Texas Deborah and Diane The ride was approximately 45-minutes and walking directly into the check-in which was organized by khaos followed by the line at security was also a mess. With multiple people asking for information with no laptop to verify. Language was not a barrier, everyone spoke excellent English. Checking in at the Port of Miami is a breeze. I headed directly to the TASTE for a wonderful lunch and rose.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Samshoi Howard. Stephen Machamacha, Darpan Vyas, Austin at Starbucks, Putu at LeBistro, Lawrence and Bernard at O'Sheehan's and everyone at the Martini Barall delivered great service and elevated the dining experience. They kept me coming back to dine / drink at their locations. There were a few waiter that were lackluster at Moderno's, Manhattan ( I only visited once and never returned the waiter and loud band - turned me off!), Taste (Stephanie was a terrible waitress and was not friendly she argued with me about my shrimp allergy, and ordering bottled wine). Le Bistro it seemed a couple of waiters had an issue serving bottle wine to solo female guests -- Neiva and Stephen rectified this). I was even addressed by a sommelier as Mr. when dining with other solo travelers. Thus my overall rating is just Good/OK. The worst experience was at the Moderna -- 5 adults with a reservation were squeezed into a table that only accommodated 4 people. The gaucho kept bringing our table rations of the smallest amount of meat on stick. At one point the hostess brought small saucers of pre-sliced meat to our table. The table was agasp. The entire table agreed it was a terrible experience so much so, I did not use my dining credit -- I simply paid for a cheap meal. The best thing on our plate was the grilled pineapple.
One morning after breakfast at the Taste, I got sick from over salted food. While running to the ladies room trying not to vomit at the restaurant or in the public space of the atrium, holding my mouth and heaving not one of the staff member offered to help or get help even a lady standing at the ladies room door cleaning -- I had to move my had holding in spew to open the door outward. She never came in to check on me. That was the morning of June 01, 2024 at the bathroom near the Starbucks. After speaking with the Asst Maitre'D I realized that I could order prepared meals for restaurant dining -- which was a wonderful solution for my shrimp allergy -- based on port of call, planned excursions and interactions / dinner with other guest I could not guarantee which restaurant I would actually dine in as my schedule is flexible.
Just a note;
I invested in the Free At Sea Plus+ Premium package, purchased an additional 2-specialty restaurants for a total of 6, Premium Drinks, a bottle of wine at restaurants (for me no calculator needed -- it is not about how much I drink -- this is a necessity for control of the quality of what I consume and I don't want to hear "It is a upcharge or it is not in your package."), Unlimited Pellegrino, Starbucks, Wi-fi (which worked perfectly) and $50.00 off shore excursions all gratuities included.) Sorry I don't recall how much this cost :-)
Wait staff and leadership may be different on your cruise date based on staffing contract rotation.
I did not eat in the buffet -- I cannot even tell you what deck it was on. Nor did I eat at any venue on deck 7. It was way too noisy between multiple musicians playing at the Martini Bar and Maltings at the same time and groups of people sitting around talking about where they are going for dinner, did the kids call, what time is there excursion tomorrow or how much ever drinks or specialty dining cost. I could not fathom eating at the Teppanyaki, Noodle Bar or Sushi during this cruise. The acoustics were really that dreadful on this ship.
One morning after breakfast at the Taste, I got sick from over salted food. While running to the ladies room trying not to vomit at the restaurant or in the public space of the atrium, holding my mouth and heaving not one of the staff member offered to help or get help even a lady standing at the ladies room door cleaning -- I had to move my had holding in spew to open the door outward. She never came in to check on me. That was the morning of June 01, 2024 at the bathroom near the Starbucks. After speaking with the Asst Maitre'D I realized that I could order prepared meals for restaurant dining -- which was a wonderful solution for my shrimp allergy -- based on port of call, planned excursions and interactions / dinner with other guest I could not guarantee which restaurant I would actually dine in as my schedule is flexible.
Overall, I enjoyed some exceptional meals such as escargot, filet mignon, lobster thermidor, surf and turf, butterscotch cheesecake, endive salad, great bottle of red wine, champaign, and a few others. The dining experience was a C+.
Onboard Activities
The fitness center great unfortunaly it is not open 24-hours. The Spa is amazing.Mai and Charm were the best and kept me coming back for multiple treatments. The specialist and only person who did the consultation for the Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction looked dirty and unkept, I would not let her touch me with a 10 ft. pole. I love an early morning workout and utilize the fitness center daily. It was apparent, due to the cabin configurations many guests were using the SPA and Gym restrooms to shower, I even opened an unlocked stall to see a woman sitting on the toilet reading a book. Since I was in the middle of a workout I had to use an accessibility restroom and I did not even know how to open or lock the door for 2-minutes -- I can report no accidents occurred.
Entertainment
The DJ on the ship was fantastic. I enjoyed the Howl at the Moon show which I have seeen serval times in many cities on land. I did not go to any shows. I grew up in Manhattan going to Broadway, Ballet, Opera an Musicals thus I had no interest in the ships branded show entertainment, not to mention the show schedule alway collided with my dinner reservations.
Children's Programs
I don't have children
Service and Staff
I stayed in an AFT Balcony, and my cabin stewart G. Vincent room 12308 was the best and provided stellar service to me daily including ice nightly. I loved room service. Not to mention I have mention memorable staff members above.
Ship Quality
All in all the itinerary was great. So many UNESCO sites to visit and great on shore restaurants and people. I'm glad I made the journey this summer. I found the SHIP (not the cruisers) to be too OLD for me after the last 4 months of traveling on new ships. I can say reservations were easy to make electronically pre-cruise and while on board. However, in person most of the staff over several outlets always answered questions with what they cannot do first. That always makes for a hampered experience. Yes for most part the ship was clean and well maintain in the areas I frequented.
Everyday, at port I went on NCL Shore Excursion except for the following cities Rome, Naples and Malta -- they were hit or miss. I discovered I experienced better lunch meals in cities where I picked my own restaurants on shore. Only the buffet and O'Sheehan's were open while in port for lunch and neither were appealing to me thus it was advantageous to get off the ship. Room service was TOPS and I recommend it over the two outlets mentioned.
I stayed in a Club Balcony, alone and it holds up to 4 people. I love it , as it was just the right size for me. With storage I did not need to use as I only had a carry on. In my opinion this cabin is too small to share. It was the smallest cabin I ever stayed in. Privacy is PRIMO for me.
Cabin / Stateroom
I stayed in a AFT Balcony, and my My cabin stewart G. Vincent, he was the best and provided stellar service twice daily including ice nightly. And my cabin was always spotless and clean towels were in abundance. I will was the smallest balcony cabin I ever stayed in and I had no issue wtih sink in the room and separate shower and toilet closets. The curved walls and decor did not bother me as there were storage spaces I never utilized. The balacony was in a great area and gave me the view to people watch below as capture great views of sea and many islands passed as we cruised port to port. The were no recliner. Just two chairs and a
Ship tip
If available opt for an accessibility cabin they are so much larger.
Thumbs up
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Ports of call
I have been to Rome on several occasions so I took the airport transfer as I arrived the same day of the cruise. Prior to my crusie I scheduled a 75-minute "Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub and Massage" to kick off the cruise. Which was wonderful and refreshing after a overnight flight. Priorities! Dinner at the Manhattan with Solo travelers was fun. The dining experiences teribble and the music too loud. We were yelling to have a conversation. I never went back.
Time zone change, Starbucks, Workout and breakfast at the Taste. I did the EPIC "Behind the Scenes" tour early in the morning -- which was AWESOME! Followed the Volcano Hiking and Thermal Pool. A beautiful boat / tender ride to black sand and rock volcano. Then over to a sulfur thermal pool which was freezing cold as I was cruising at the end of spring. I live in Miami we don't do cold water. Not to mention I had no interest in the tram/funicular or the 600 steps sharing with donkeys and their feces to the top of center city. I suggest a 3-day return trip by airplane. This was a great sample day of insghts. I based this review by speaking with friends who did not cruise to this island. Dinner at Le Bistro priceless. This is the only place on the ship where you can get Veuve Clicquot on the ship included with dinner by the bottle.
After a workout I grabbed a starbucks and breakfast at the Taste and listened to a couple debate over the difference between grits and cream of wheat (so stupid but I guess they were in love) sitting next to me. The messed up a peaceful breakfast with their drama. I don't eat grits or cream of wheat. I got many spankings over it. I did not want to spend too many hours off the ship based on my prepaid amenities and activities so I chose the "Panoramic Athens" tour. While this was an early day and besides breakfast bistros/cafes nothing was open at 9AM in the morning. Acropolis park was lively and beautiful. Again just a sip of Athens. Dinner at the Taste was on par. I had two fish dishes and a fine bordello.
Mykonos was beautiful. After breakfast at Taste, we ferried to "DELOS Birthplace of Artemis and Apollo" -- mostly an island of rocks and ruins. Our tour guide talked way too much and there was no time for self exploration. After an hour in, I just went back to the ferry and waited for my travel companion and others to return. It was way too hot to listen to her babble (about history I learned in junior high school) on with a dark sense of humor. Another Unesco site off my bucket list. Back in Mykonos, we found a restaurant which came highly recommended in which we delved into chicken gyros and lamb kebabs -- simply delish!
Today kicked off nicely, I watched the pilot approach the ship as we cruised into port during my workout. I indulged in a deep tissue muscle massage and then joined my party for the "Olympia & Greek Flavors" tour. As a fan of the Olympics I was no stranger to this site. This was an afternoon tour at 11:50A when we arrived at lunch we received bits and pieces of peasant food. It was terrible and 3-tours had dined before our group arrived.. I did not eat and drank the bottle of Pellegrino I brought from the ship to sustain me. The dancers at this venue were very authentic in their performance. I enjoyed it! Spice H20 had no shade and no spice.
I opted for a nap before dinner. Unfortunately the day ended at Moderno which the entire group of my 5- companions did not take pleasure in. At 1230AM most of us ended up eating at O'Sheehan's. I had 3 bites of the pastrami which is the best thing on the menu.
Rise and shine -- working out as we cruise into port. Breakfast at TASTE and a Spa Topia Stones massage. I scheduled a shore excursion credit for the "BEACH TRANSFER '' (included in my package) . It was a rainy day and I did not use it. I went with a travel companion -- we jumped in a mercedes benz sprinter to Mdina (season 1 of GOT was filmed here). It was historically beautiful but not very exciting or interesting. The City looked like a tourist trap in the desert. I will never believe dragons and dinosaurs live on the earth with people. LOL! The strange part is we were with 3 other very awkward couples who seemed to take more interest in us than the people they were traveling with -- we shook then as soon as we got out of the sprinter. Go Figure! Dinner tonight was a Le Bistro I had the sole which was a great and I finished the evening with the flight from the Martini Bar with other cruisers.
Up and at'em! Cruising into port during a workout. Breakfast at the Taste literally, 5-minutes before my excursion I got sick from over salted salmon. I cleaned up and made it to the bus to see the "Highlights of Messina '' The tour featured interesting sites. However, we were touring so early in the morning most of the seafood restaurants were preparing to open so I took lots of pictures. We had a snack/rest stop: I did not eat at this recommended cafe. I don't eat at gas stations so I would not eat here. I went two door down to another establishments where they very welcoming and indulged in Focaccia Norma with Pomodora DOP, San Marzano, Flor di Lalte, Melanzane Fritte, Ricotta Infornaia, Basilico, and Olio Evo made to order while I watched and it delicious as I sipped on Leonardo Di Vincy brought from the cruise ship. Everyone in the group that followed the leader (tour guide) was envious as they settled for pastries like Cannolis and sugar. I ended the day with a quiet dinner at Cagney's. The surf and turf was delectable.
I have visited Naples, Pompie and Visuvus during a land trip 5 years ago. So I did not book an excursion. We walked the piazzas and the took a taxi to an establishment way up in the ghetto 20 minute from town. The restaurant was Starita 1909 for Arancino di riso and Margherita -- Passata di pomodoro, fiordilatte campano, basilico. Bene bene! Back to ship for 90-minute Swedish Massage Top to Toe and then a nap. I ended the evening with a birthday dinner for one of the other solo travelers who was turning 40, at Le Bistro. This was a very intriguing day of people observations and I laughed myself to sleep. I cannot make this stuff up!
Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy
What a wonderful trip and this is the last day. We cruised into port without issue. Myself and a couple of others decided on the "Gourmet Tour- Quarrying Carrara Marble''. This was eye opening based on the cost of white and black marble prices when shipping to the USA. Loverna is not close to anywhere 1 hr from Florence and 1.5 hours from Pisa. This trip was 55-minutes away from the cruise port with nothing to see except for Pisa at 150K distance from the bus. The marble was magnificent. I eat out for dinner on average 3-nights a week. The food was not gourmet . The first course was a plate full of lardo ( I was really???) I didn't eat it. The second course was Lasagna. It was delightful. The 3rd., the course was cornbread with some jelly (compote) you could not pay me to eat on any day. After taking a nap, I ventured to Le Bistro where I had the same staples as the escargot, endive salad and I do not remember the entree' that does not mean it was not good, apologies.
Disembarkation
I worked out. Went to Starbucks and returned to my cabin to workout before room service arrived. I ordered a cheese platter and fruit plate to be delivered at 630AM as I was scheduled for the last group for disembarkation. I waited around my room until 930p. Finally, I just went to my area and waited for another 20 minutes. Finally, I breezed through customs and entered a warehouse facility and had to find my new carry-on battered and worn in a long confusing line to get on a bus. Nevertheless, I checked in at the airport lounge at FCO at 1130AM. Next time I will schedule a excursion as arriving to the airport terminal 3 -- six hour early and enjoying access to two lounges was totally boring.
Traveler Photos
