Cruise Specialists Blog

Luxury Cruise News & Reviews

Blog Home / Cruise Lines / Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews

Norwegian Epic Ship Review

Teresa Tennant

 After reading our cruise reporter, Ralph Grizzle’s report of his experience on the new NCL Epic, I wasn’t sure what I would think about the boxy, noisy ship.  My experience was a calmer one, and I found the ship to be fun, exciting, and beautifully decorated with excellent service, cuisine and entertainment.

The ship has attractive glass, photography, paintings, and murals throughout the vessel.

Glass bubbles at the champagne bar
Glass bubbles at the champagne bar
Artwork at the Garden Café Entrance
Artwork at the Garden Café Entrance

I was able to visit staterooms in every category – the Courtyard villas were ready for viewing and truly impressive.  I could easily adapt to the floor-to-ceiling view of the water from the Owner’s Suite bedroom or the equally enjoyable view from the bath! 

Owners Suite Bedroom
Owners Suite Bedroom
Owners Suite Bath
Owners Suite Bath

The balcony, inside and studio staterooms were all beautifully appointed with glass art panels, attractive curtains and throw pillows, duvets and colorful coverlets on the beds.  We found the new divided bathroom concept convenient for two people getting ready at the same time in the morning.  It’s also nice to have the sliding glass door for the shower instead of a shower curtain sticking to you.

Balcony Cabin BF
Balcony Cabin BF

 The new studio staterooms are small, but made very good use of their space.  Guests in these staterooms have their own private Studio Lounge area if they want to get away from any crowds, too.

Studio Stateroom
Studio Cabin
Studio Cabin's Community Lounge
Studio Cabin's Community Lounge

The fitness center is huge and includes separate rooms for Pilates, spinning and TRX equipment.  The spa is the largest at sea and the “Recess” area for kids in several age groups is also very large.

Pulse Fitness Center - Cardio area.
Pulse Fitness Center - Cardio area.

In the 90 degree weather we experienced in Miami, the Aquapark was a big hit with adults and kids alike.  The three water slides were compared and contrasted – most felt the Epic Plunge was the best – and I have to say it was my favorite, too!

The Epic Plunge!
The Epic Plunge!

With only two days onboard, we were not able to sample all 20 restaurants and lounges.  We enjoyed lunch at the Garden Café and dinner at Shanghai’s the first day – very attentive staff and great food in both.  On the second day, it was breakfast at O’Sheehan’s, lunch at Taste, and dinner at La Cucina – another successful round!

La Cucina Restaurant
La Cucina Restaurant

I absolutely agree with Ralph’s opinion that The Blue Man Group put on one of the best shows I have ever seen at sea!  My friend and I also enjoyed The Second City comedy improvisation show and found the Nashville Songwriters session a totally unexpected gem!  These four Number 1 hit and/or Grammy winning singer/songwriters performed their music in the Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club while telling the stories behind them – the crowd started out small and just kept growing – they were fantastic musicians and entertainers! 

All in all, it was a very enjoyable mini cruise!

For more pictures please visit our Facebook Fan Page.

More from my site

  • Seabourn Odyssey Cruise ReviewSeabourn Odyssey Cruise Review
  • Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam Review and ChristeningHolland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam Review and Christening
  • Oceania Cruises Regatta Ship ReviewOceania Cruises Regatta Ship Review
  • Regent Seven Seas Voyager Ship ReviewRegent Seven Seas Voyager Ship Review

Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews, Ship Reviews Ship Reviews

Comments

  1. mike g says

    March 20, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    My experience on the epic was horrible. Staff was rude and service was slow.

  2. Alysia Murillo says

    March 29, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    We’re sorry your cruise did not live up to your expectations. This was not the experience that our staff had onboard. We value your response and we would be happy to pass on your comments to the cruise line. Could you provide us with the cruise date and some more details on your experience. Thank you.

SEARCH ARTICLES

Article Categories

  • Cruise Destinations
    • Africa Cruise Reviews
    • Alaska Cruise Reviews
    • Amazon Cruise Reviews
    • Antarctica Cruise Reviews
    • Arctic Cruise Reviews
    • Asia Cruise Reviews
    • Australia/New Zealand
    • Baltic Cruise Reviews
    • Canada/New England Cruise Reviews
    • Caribbean Cruise Reviews
    • Cuba Cruise Reviews
    • Europe Cruise Reviews
    • Galapagos Cruise Reviews
    • Grand Voyages
    • Hawaii Cruise Reviews
    • Iceland/Greenland
    • Mediterranean Cruise Reviews
    • Mexico Cruise Reviews
    • Panama Canal Cruise Reviews
    • Scandinavia and Northern Europe Cruise Reviews
    • South America Cruise Reviews
    • South Pacific Cruise Reviews
    • Transatlantic Cruise Reviews
    • World Cruise Reviews
  • Cruise FAQs
  • Cruise Lines
    • Abercrombie & Kent Reviews
    • AmaWaterways Cruise Reviews
    • American Cruise Line Reviews
    • American Queen Voyages Reviews
    • Aqua Expeditions Reviews
    • Atlas Ocean Voyages Reviews
    • Avalon Cruise Reviews
    • Azamara Cruise Reviews
    • Celebrity Cruise Reviews
    • Celebrity Galapagos Cruise Reviews
    • Cunard Cruise Reviews
    • Cunard World Cruise Reviews
    • Disney Cruise Reviews
    • Explora Journeys Cruise Reviews
    • Holland America Line Cruise Reviews
    • Holland America World Cruise Reviews
    • Hurtigruten Reviews
    • Lindblad/National Geographic Reviews
    • Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews
    • Oceania Cruise Reviews
    • Oceania World Cruise Reviews
    • Paul Gauguin Cruise Reviews
    • Ponant Cruise Reviews
    • Princess Cruise Reviews
    • Quark Expeditions Reviews
    • Regent Cruise Reviews
    • Regent Seven Seas Cruise
    • Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
    • Royal Caribbean Cruise Reviews
    • Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yacht Reviews
    • Scenic River Cruise Reviews
    • Seabourn Cruise Reviews
    • Seabourn Expedition Cruise Reviews
    • Silversea Cruise Reviews
    • Silversea Expedition Cruise Reviews
    • Silversea World Cruise Reviews
    • Star Clippers Cruise Reviews
    • Tauck Cruise and Tauck Land Tour Reviews
    • UnCruise Adventures Reviews
    • Uniworld River Cruise Reviews
    • Viking Cruise Reviews
    • Viking Expedition Cruise Reviews
    • Viking Ocean Cruise Reviews
    • Virgin Voyages
    • Windstar Cruise Reviews
    • Zegrahm Expeditions
  • Cruise News
  • Cruise Ports
  • Cruise Specialists Benefits
  • Expedition Cruises
  • Hosted Cruises
  • Ralph Grizzle
  • River Cruises
  • Ship Reviews
  • Solo Cruising
  • Tom Mullen
  • Tours, Trains & Resorts
    • Palace Resorts Reviews
    • Safari Reviews
    • Shore Excursions
    • Trains

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Maggie Blehert

Her ideal travel day: venturing to a new place, learning something interesting and sharing a smile.
View My Blog Posts

Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
Cruise Specialists Voyage Hosts reporting on their round the world journeys.
View My Blog Posts

Ralph Grizzle

The Avid Cruiser. Well-traveled and insightful. Helping you make informed cruise decisions.
View My Blog Posts

FOLLOW US ON

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter