Introduction to EpicReviews

At Norwegianista, we read reviews from around the internet and summarize them to give you an unbiased look that isn’t sponsored. The Norwegian Epic is a unusual-looking (some might say pretty ugly) vessel with the capacity to accommodate over 4,100 passengers, making it a veritable floating city on the sea. Launched in 2010, this ship is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s freestyle cruising experience, providing passengers with a wide array of dining options, innovative entertainment, and unique onboard activities. One particularly intriguing feature of the NCL Epic is its innovative studio staterooms designed specifically for solo travelers, a concept that revolutionized the cruising industry when the ship set sail. But as you will see below, cabin design is one of the most controversial things in the NCL Epic reviews. In our latest roundup, we’ve gathered reviews from various sources to give you a comprehensive look at what people are saying about their experiences aboard the Epic.

Upcoming Itinerary for Epic

In the coming year, the Norwegian Epic will take passengers on enchanting voyages through some of the world’s most captivating destinations. From the sun-kissed beaches of the Bahamas to the ancient wonders of the Mediterranean, here’s a glimpse at where this magnificent ship will be setting sail:

• Bahamas – October 2024
• Miami and Caribbean – January 2025
• Barcelona and Mediterranean – May to October 2025
• Greek Islands – June 2025
• Transatlantic Reposition – November 2025

Dining reviews for Epic

Dining aboard the NCL Epic has left some guests with mixed reviews. One reviewer praised the buffet for its assortment of fresh food, noting that the main dining rooms offered excellent service and top-notch meals. However, they found Le Bistro to be less impressive, though Cagney’s and Teppanyaki were standout experiences, particularly the latter, which they enjoyed so much that they planned to book it twice on future cruises.

Conversely, another reviewer found the fine dining options on the Epic disappointing, mentioning that the menus remained the same throughout the week, and the atmosphere felt dark and less inviting compared to other ships. Despite this, they appreciated the versatility of the Market dining area and its options suitable for vegetarians. Reviews for other venues such as the Irish bar and Chinese restaurant were mixed, with the Ice Bar providing a unique experience with strong drinks and memorable photos.

Entertainment on board NCL Epic

The entertainment offerings aboard the NCL Epic have garnered varying feedback from cruisers. One reviewer found the shows enjoyable, with “Burn the Floor” and “Priscilla” offering memorable experiences. They noted that the lounge bar performers were talented, but the limitation lied in the attendance. Although they tried to attend a “Buble tribute” performance, it was fully booked, suggesting its popularity. With frequent port stops, the need for daytime entertainment wasn’t a pressing concern.

In contrast, another reviewer felt the entertainment didn’t meet expectations. The Beatles tribute failed to impress, both in look and sound, drawing negative comments from attendees. The lack of music in the Champagne bar and the uninspiring performances in the Whiskey bar led to overall dissatisfaction. The review highlighted a lack of engaging music and entertainment that inspired audience participation, leaving some guests hoping for more lively offerings.

We were originally a little concerned at the size of the Epic, as we were used to the smaller South Pacific sized ships, but we never felt overwhelmed by the numbers and I believe that the cruise was at around 80% capacity.

Cabin Reviews for Epic

The cabins on the NCL Epic elicit mixed opinions from the passengers. Some, like a reviewer who stayed in Cabin 13245, found the accommodations quite satisfactory with a well-sized Club Balcony and ample storage space. They appreciated the inclusion of both a bath and a shower, noting, however, that the bath’s high side could pose a challenge when showering. The overall impression was positive, highlighting the spaciousness and practicality of the cabin.

Conversely, other passengers had a markedly different experience, citing maintenance issues and configuration quirks as detractors from their stay. A second reviewer pointed out visible rust on the balcony, worn wardrobe doors, and sandy glass on balcony doors, alongside limited TV channel options. The unconventional cabin layout, with its divided bathroom setup featuring frosted glass doors, was also a point of contention, especially for those placed in connecting rooms, which lacked the ample storage seen in other cabins. Many, mayn reviews cite the unusual cabin configuration and generally the reviews seem to say that people dislike it. But it could just be because it’s not what they were expecting. Despite these concerns, the cleanliness of the cabin was a redeeming factor.

What’s the Crew Like on Board NCL Epic

Passenger experiences regarding the crew on the NCL Epic vary significantly. One passenger recounted their encounter with the staff, noting a less-than-enthusiastic attitude, particularly from the Future Cruise representative. They felt the interaction was perfunctory, leaving them underwhelmed. The feeling of being understaffed seemed pervasive, as they observed the crew appearing rushed and downcast. Despite this general impression, they singled out their Cabin Steward for praise, implying a more personal and positive interaction with them during their stay.

In contrast, another passenger held a more favorable view of the service they received. They experienced excellent service overall, with only minor exceptions noted. Their time on the pool deck was particularly memorable due to the attentive waiters, earning a specific mention for Anthony, who stood out as a favorite. While they did encounter queues at guest services and the main restaurants, the wait for drinks was minimal, further underscoring their overall satisfaction with the onboard service.

Norwegian has become dull and average, no longer are the free welcome drinks, no chocolates on the pillow, no towel animals, no lobster nights, no famous NCL chocolate buffet and they have even taken away the coffee machines in the cabins. It now feels like they are just trying to grab every penny out of its customers.

Above: Epic’s unusual solo interior stateroom was a new and exciting prospect when introuced to the industry back in 2010. 

How Crowded is NCL Epic

Based on reviews, the overall perception of the NCL Epic’s crowd management varies. One reviewer expressed initial concerns regarding the size of the ship, as they were used to smaller vessels. However, they found that the Epic, operating at approximately 80% capacity, did not feel overwhelmingly crowded (source). This suggests that their experience on board was comfortable with sufficient space for guests despite the ship’s larger size.

Contrastingly, another review highlighted issues related to staffing, which led to undesirable crowding in public areas. The reviewer noted a serious lack of crew in public spaces, resulting in long queues at the Spice H2O bar, where patrons faced wait times of up to 30 minutes for drinks. This pattern was reportedly prevalent across various bars on the ship, creating a congested atmosphere (source). While the enthusiasm and friendliness of the staff were praised, capacity-related challenges in service areas seemed to impact the overall experience.

I do have to give credit to the staff. They were great, enthusiastic and friendly. The best thing about this cruise is the staff

Spa & Gym Reviews

The spa and fitness amenities on NCL Epic received a mixed set of reviews. One reviewer found the spa to be a relaxing escape from the crowds, featuring a range of facilities like a hot pool with jets, cooler hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas. Although they praised some of their massage experiences, there was an issue with one massage being cut short, hinting at inconsistencies in service. The reviewer noted aggressive sales tactics for spa-related products, which slightly detracted from the otherwise soothing experience (source).

In contrast, the pool experience on NCL Epic seemed far less enjoyable with logistical issues. Another reviewer was disappointed to find the adult pool within the Spice area closed, and the main pool under repair. The compensatory $50 onboard credit did little to alleviate their frustration, particularly because the ship’s small pools were overcrowded with children, and the water temperature soared above 90°F amid external heat of 100 to 104°F. The presence of loud music added to a generally unsettling and noisy vibe, making the pool deck an unviable option for post-excursion relaxation (source).

General Comments

Reviewers of NCL Cruise Lines’ Epic ship provide a mixed bag of experiences. One reviewer expressed significant dissatisfaction with their cabin, noting issues such as a malfunctioning shower, refrigerator, and closet door, along with an overall outdated room in need of updating. They described the food at the restaurants as subpar and the bars as inconsistent, with guest services being notably dismissive and lacking urgency when addressing complaints. They highlighted a disparity in attention towards guests in staterooms compared to those in higher-tier suites. The reviewer criticized the ship’s excursions for being more challenging than advertised and lamented the cleanliness of the pools, with one remaining closed throughout the entire cruise. Overall, they strongly urged potential travelers to consider alternative cruise lines due to their unsatisfactory experience.

In contrast, another reviewer shared a more positive perspective of their 10-day Mediterranean cruise on the Epic. Despite initial apprehension due to negative reviews, they described their trip as a great experience, asserting that while no ship is perfect, their cruise was delightful. They found the bathroom arrangement convenient, praised the staff for their hard work and friendliness, and enjoyed meeting a diverse array of people aboard the ship. As a picky eater, they were pleased with the food served at various venues, such as the buffet, Manhattan Room, Taste, and La Cucina, despite acknowledging that the latter was in an unusual location. Activities and performances like the Beatles in the Cavern and Burn the Floor were highlights of their journey, contributing to their overall enjoyment of the cruise.

Now, it’s over to you. What do you think of these divergent reviews of the Epic? Would you still consider sailing on this ship after reading them, or perhaps you have already been on the Epic and can share your own insights? Are these reviews a fair reflection of the onboard experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment and discuss in the comments section below.