By: Mlb Destinations
NCL EPIC STATS: 155,873 GT 1,081 Ft 4,100 Occupancy
I sailed on Norwegian Epic March of 2018. It was a 3 day Bahama Cruise. A 3 day Bahama cruise is a great opportunity to see how you like a ship before spending 7 nights or longer. I have to be honest and say that I had read a lot of negative reviews on the Epic just prior to our Embarkation day. In fact, I was wondering at the time if I had made a mistake by booking the ship. The answer would be no, I didn’t. In fact to us it was a great ship, a great time, service was excellent and there is really nothing I can complain about. The white party was fun and we played Bingo the entire cruise, O’Sheehan’s was one of our favorite places to grab a quick bite or play some bowling.
Embarkation at Port Canaveral Cruise Port was 2 hours for us from car to boarding. Apparently, the ship was late due to a woman that had fell over board and that caused the ship to arrive late and things got behind. Thats ok, things happen and it is perfectly understandable. So, I can not tell you if the embarkation is fast, we did not experience it on this sailing. Once on board, we were in awe at how big the ship is. The Atrium had a large movie screen, seating , coffee and bar services nearby, guest services, it was beige with a rich dark wood trim, additional seating was available on the upper level.
Our Stateroom
We had a mini suite stateroom and it was really nice. It was very clean and cozy. It was a quite different setting then we are used to. The bathroom was not in a closed room with door like what I am used to. Instead it is open and split. The shower is as soon as you walk in the room to the right and the toilet to the left. A curtain is provided for privacy from the other part of the cabin. The sink is joined with the cabin. It offered a lot of storage areas and the balcony had a small table and two chairs. The room had a king size bed that converted to two twins, a sofa that turned into a bed, vanity area with stool, refrigerator, a lot of storage areas including a closet. Our stateroom host was really attentive and made our stay really nice.
Turn Down Towel Animal 
pre ordered water
Activities
The ship had a wide variety of activities for the whole family. There was entertainment always going on in the Atrium, a large outdoor movie, the pool area had hot tubs and an aqua park area that included water slides, water bowl, and a kids water area. Live shows in the theater, casino, game shows, along with a sports deck that included Rock climbing, basketball, bungee trampoline, climbing cage. There is also a video arcade and a bowling alley near O’Sheehan’s. You will also find on board an Art Gallery and Art Auctions, several bars and an Ice Bar that serves your drinks in an all ice room. You will have capes and gloves provided and does cost an up charge. Music Entertainment is also found on board the Norwegian Epic with a nice night life, don’t forget to join the fun at the White Party too. Everyone dresses in all white and has glow sticks while a DJ entertains. You will also find a Fitness Gym for all your fitness needs. The spa will deliver up some serious relaxation with the amazing spa services.
The casino offers a smoking and non smoking section. The ship also had duty free shopping available along with Photo gallery to view and purchase photos and gifts.
Hot tubs 
Lido pool area 
Lido pool area 
Rock Climbing 
Outdoor movie 
Kids splash area 
Kids splash area
Dining on NCL Epic
The Norwegian Epic dining was plentiful. There were many choices to choose from. With the freestyle dining, you were able to dine when you want, how great is that? Specialty restaurant reservations can be made prior to boarding in the reservation area of your online account. It is always best to book your specialty dining before sailing since space books up quickly. If you do not have a reservation, stop by the restaurant anyway, perhaps there was a cancellation or they may have seating available. Taste and Manhattan are the two main dining areas and the Garden Cafe Lido buffet that are complimentary. Specialty restaurants include, O’Sheehan’s, Shanghai noodle bar, Teppanyaki, La Cucina, Cagney’s, Le Bistro. Room Service and a specialty coffee shop is also available.
Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian’s private island located in the Bahama’s. There is no docking which makes it a tender port. Tender boats will transport you from the ship to the island. Usually takes about 10 minutes once you are on the tender. The island was very good size, had beautiful palms and white sands. There were 3 beach areas and a life guard was on duty. If your hungry they have a buffet lunch available with picnic tables to sit. Restroom facilities and some local vendors for shopping. The vendors do not accept credit card so bring cash. There were also cabana’s for rent. Those can be rented in the shore excursion section of your online account prior to boarding.
When we visited there was construction going on so I am sure there were things added since we have been. I had heard rumor to a zip line being put in. I will be sure to do an update on what is new when I go back for my next visit to the island. The island had 3 different beaches, clam shells and loungers were available first come first serve. Snorkel or swim with the sting rays are some of the activities. The island does have a few sand wheelchairs that are first come first serve. I look forward to my next stop at Great Stirrup Cay.
Beach area 
Life Guard 
Beach area 
BBQ Pavillion 
Restrooms 
Bar area
We had a great time on board the NCL Epic, I would like to sail on her again in the future. If you or your family would like to sail on the NCL epic visit the website of Norwegian Cruise Lines at http://www.ncl.com
~Michelle
Mlb Destinations 