NCL Epic Cruise Itinerary and Onboard Experience

The NCL Epic cruise is a 4,100-passenger ship that offers a variety of itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.

You can choose from a range of onboard experiences, including fine dining at the Epic's main restaurant, Taste, which serves up to 1,000 guests per sitting.

The Epic features a wide range of accommodations, from cozy interior rooms to luxurious suites with private balconies.

With 20 dining options, you'll never go hungry on this ship, including the popular buffet, Blue Lagoon, which offers a variety of international cuisine.

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NCL is an American cruise line and everything is paid for on the ship in US dollars, making it a cash-less ship where everything is charged to your room.

They have a huge range of ships, from small to mega, and you can cruise around most places in the world, including Asia, New Zealand, South America, Alaska, Canada, and more.

NCL operates on a Freestyle Cruising basis, which means you can do what you want, wear what you want, and eat when you want. There's a dress code called 'cruise casual', but it's pretty relaxed.

The Freestyle Cruising concept is perfect for those who like to do things their own way, and we found it to be absolutely convenient when we got back late from sightseeing and could grab some food straight away without having to change.

If you're planning to book a cruise with NCL, I'd strongly recommend choosing a Premium All-Inclusive option, which includes a wide choice of premium alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, dining, entertainment, and service charges and gratuities.

Note: Unfortunately, NCL no longer offers the Premium All-Inclusive or Just Cruise schemes, but you can still take advantage of the Free At Sea scheme, which lets you pick speciality offers for 2 people per cabin at a reduced rate.

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The NCL Epic cruise is a fantastic way to see the world, and the ship itself is a major part of that experience. With a capacity for over 4,200 passengers, the Epic is one of the largest cruise ships in the world.

The ship has a wide range of onboard amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools. The Epic also features a variety of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual buffets and cafes.

One of the standout features of the Epic is its innovative use of space, with many public areas and amenities designed to be easily accessible from the ship's central atrium. This makes it easy to get around the ship and find what you're looking for.

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Our Stateroom was a great experience, and we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of storage room in the Mini-Suite with Balcony we opted for.

The layout of the ensuite was unique, with a curtain before the door, a separate bath with shower head, and a separate toilet, each with its own space.

We debated getting a balcony room, but it was worth it for the sunsets and arriving and leaving harbours from our own little space.

Our stateroom steward, Allen, was amazing, creating towel animal creations that my mum and I even went to a demonstration to learn from.

The balconies were a great feature, allowing us to watch dolphins playing in the wake on two separate occasions on our day at sea.

The large pool deck on Norwegian Epic is a real showstopper. It's a great place to relax and soak up the sun, especially on a warm-weather cruise.

You'll find two pools on the main pool deck, plus several hot tubs to unwind in. The Spice H2O venue at the back of the ship has an additional pool and two more hot tubs, perfect for those who want to lounge in a more secluded spot.

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For a fun twist, head to Deck 19 and check out the Aqua Park, which features three water slides, including the 200-foot Epic Plunge, the first-ever bowl slide at sea.

Aqua Park is a great place to let loose and have some fun, especially on a sea day when you're not exploring ports.

Shipboard Entertainment Options are plentiful on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. You'll find a range of activities to suit all tastes and ages.

The entertainment options include Broadway-style shows like Burn the Floor and Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, which are of a high standard. I've seen some great shows in the West End, and these productions were up to par.

Escape the Big Top is an escape-room style group activity that's a lot of fun. It's a great way to challenge yourself and bond with your fellow travelers.

One of the highlights of my cruise was the Deck Parties, which are a staple of Norwegian Cruise Line. The Glow Party on the Friday Night after Cannes was a particular favorite, with its pitch-black deck, laser lights, and glow sticks handed out to light the way.

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There are also live music performances in various areas around the ship, including the Beatles cover band at the Cavern Club venue and the performers at Howl At The Moon. You'll find something to suit every musical taste.

Comedians are also on board, performing family-friendly shows, PG-13 shows, and adult-only shows. There's even a card magician and a hypnotist to keep you entertained.

The entertainment options on Norwegian Cruise Line ships are diverse and plentiful. You'll never be bored, with something happening every evening.

On the NCL Epic cruise, dining is a highlight with a wide range of complimentary and speciality options. You can enjoy buffet-style meals at the Garden Cafe or Great Outdoors, or try menu-style restaurants like Taste and the Manhattan Room.

One of the best things about the complimentary options is that they're included in the price of the cruise, so you can eat happy without breaking the bank. The Garden Cafe has amazing desserts, but be warned, diet starts Monday!

If you want to get fancy, speciality dining is the way to go, with options like Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina, and Moderno Churrascaria. The Cirque Dreams Epicurean is a three-course meal with a theatrical circus show, but be aware that the marketing may not always match the experience.

The entertainment options on the NCL Epic are endless, with shows like Burn the Floor and Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical that rival West End standards. The cast was incredible, and as a musical geek, I was thoroughly impressed.

You can also enjoy activities like Escape the Big Top, a fun group escape-room style game, or Howl at the Moon, a duelling piano bar with comedy shows. The Deck Parties are a must-see, with themes like ABBA and the 90's, and the Glow Party is a new feature that's not to be missed.

On NCL Epic cruises, dining is split into complimentary and speciality options. Complimentary dining is included in the price of the cruise and offers a wide range of choices.

The Garden Cafe and Great Outdoors are amazing buffets, and O'Sheehan's is an Irish Pub. Shanghai's is a Chinese and Noodle Bar, and Taste and the Manhattan Room are menu-style restaurants.

You can also have 24 hour room service, although there is a convenience charge to pay. I made an effort to try and get round all of the complimentary restaurants, and the only one I was kind of disappointed with was Shanghai's.

Speciality Dining is for those who want to get fancy. With a choice of Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, Teppanyaki, or Wasabi, it's a foodies paradise.

The Cirque Dreams Epicurean is a three course set-menu meal and a theatrical circus show. Unfortunately, we had issue with the fact it was mis-sold to us, but the show and meal itself were amazing.

The entertainment options on a cruise ship are endless, and Norwegian Cruise Line is no exception. You can catch a Broadway-style dance show like Burn the Floor or Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, which are both of high standard.

The ship has a duelling piano bar called Howl at the Moon, which is a lot of fun, and also hosts comedy shows at the Headliners Comedy Club. There's also a magician and various bands and musicians playing throughout the night.

One of the highlights of the entertainment options is the Deck Parties, which are legendary on Norwegian Cruise Line. The Glow Party is a new feature that's taken over from the White Hot party and it's amazing, with laser lights and glow sticks handed out to light up the deck.

You'll also find live music performers in several areas around the ship, including the Beatles cover band at the Cavern Club venue and the performers at Howl At The Moon. There are comedians performing family-friendly shows, PG-13 shows, and adult-only shows.

A card magician and a hypnotist will also keep you entertained, and with so many options, you'll never be bored.

The Norwegian Epic offers a range of itineraries, including the 6-day Mediterranean Italy, France, and Spain cruise, which starts at USD 544 for double occupancy rates.

You can choose from various destinations, such as the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, and the Caribbeans, with some sailings even crossing the Atlantic. If you're planning to explore the Western Mediterranean, you can embark from Barcelona or Rome (Civitavecchia), and visit ports like Naples, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Cannes, and Palma.

If you're looking to make the most of your time ashore, consider booking organised excursions through NCL, which can be a good value despite being expensive. These tours can be a great way to see the sights, like St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and even include perks like fast-tracked entry and a 3-course lunch in a historic ballroom.

The Epic offers a massive choice of destinations, including the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. You can even cross the Atlantic on selected dates.

The Western Mediterranean itinerary is a popular choice, and it's available from Barcelona or Rome (Civitavecchia). Our 7-Day Western Mediterranean cruise started from Barcelona.

You'll have a day at sea, which is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities. The itinerary includes stops at Naples, Civitavecchia (for Rome!), Livorno (for Pisa & Florence), Cannes, and Palma.

The Epic sails to various ports in the Mediterranean, giving you a chance to explore different cultures and histories. From the ancient ruins of Naples to the art museums of Florence, there's something for everyone.

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We stopped at 5 different ports, not including Barcelona, and I highly recommend making the most of your time ashore.

If you're short on time, consider booking an organised trip through the cruise line, as they can be a great way to see the sights without worrying about logistics.

These trips can be quite expensive, but they're often extremely good value, especially if you're short on time. We did organised trips in Civitavecchia (to Rome and Vatican City) and Livorno (to Florence & Pisa) because the ports were quite far away from where we wanted to go.

In Vatican City, we got fast-tracked into St. Peter's Basilica, which was a real bonus. In Florence, we had a 3-course lunch in the most beautiful historic ballroom.

If you're planning to do multiple organised trips, it's best to limit them to 2-3 per day, as they can be tiring. After Florence & Pisa, I was absolutely exhausted and headed to the spa for some relaxation.

In some ports, like Naples, Cannes, and Palma, the ship docks right in the centre of the city, making it easy to have a wander and explore on your own.

If you're docking outside the port, like we did in Cannes, be sure to follow the instructions for tendering in, as it's usually well-organised and hassle-free.

Re-boarding the ship involves going through airport-style security, which can be a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it to ensure everyone's safety.

The only exception to this rule is if you've bought wine, in which case you can pay a corkage fee and have it stored until you disembark.

The Norwegian Epic cruise ship is a unique vessel class with no sisters by design. It was built in 2010 and was the fleet's largest vessel until the arrival of the new Breakaway-Plus class ships.

The Norwegian Epic is currently Bahamas-flagged, with an IMO number of 9410569 and a MMSI number of 311018500. It's registered in Nassau.

The NCL Epic cruise itinerary has a lot to offer, but here are some tips to keep in mind.

The ship has a variety of dining options, including the buffet, which serves international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Be sure to try the specialty restaurants, such as Cagney's Steakhouse and La Cucina, for a more upscale dining experience.

Book an oceanview cabin for the best views, but be aware that these cabins can be more prone to motion sickness due to the increased visibility of the waves.

You can save money by booking an inside cabin, but don't expect to save on food costs since dining plans are often the same price regardless of cabin type.

Consider booking a balcony cabin if you want to enjoy the ocean views without the increased risk of motion sickness.

If you're prone to seasickness, book a cabin in the middle of the ship for the smoothest ride.

Choose a cabin near the elevators to minimize walking distances and save time getting to and from the ship's amenities.

The higher the deck, the more wind you can expect, so consider booking a cabin on a lower deck if you're sensitive to wind.

Keep in mind that cabins near the ship's engines can be noisy, so it's best to avoid these areas if you're a light sleeper.

If you're planning a Norway cruise, here are some key facts to keep in mind. Norwegian Epic, a popular ship in the NCL fleet, has been making headlines in recent years.

In 2024, Norwegian Epic inaugurated its Europe travel season on April 19th, docking in Civitavecchia/Rome. This marked the start of a busy season for the ship.

If you're looking for solo travel options, NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has got you covered. They've announced plans to introduce nearly 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across their fleet, starting this week in October 2023.

Norwegian Epic has a history of making stops in the Mediterranean, but it's worth noting that the ship will bypass Corfu Island for the second consecutive year during its 2025 Mediterranean season.

If you're concerned about safety, you should know that a comprehensive search was conducted for a 51-year-old male passenger who went overboard on December 26th, 2024, during a Norwegian Epic cruise.

The Norwegian Epic offers a variety of itineraries to choose from. You can select from Mediterranean voyages that depart roundtrip from homeports in Civitavecchia-Rome and Barcelona.

Their 6-day Mediterranean Italy, France, and Spain cruise starts at $544 per person (double occupancy rates) and takes you to ports like Naples, Italy, and Cannes, France Riviera. This itinerary begins on May 8, 2025, and ends on May 14, 2025.

In addition to Mediterranean voyages, the Norwegian Epic also offers 7-day Caribbean itineraries out of homeport San Juan Puerto Rico. You can also consider transatlantic crossings between Europe and the Caribbean, which are offered seasonally in spring and fall.

If you're looking for a unique cruise experience, Norwegian Epic is a great option to consider. This ship offers a variety of itineraries that can't be found on many other cruise lines.

Norwegian Epic sails to the Caribbean and Bahamas, Mediterranean, and Greek Isles, making it a great choice for those who want to explore different parts of the world. You can also find Transatlantic sailings on this ship, which can be a rare find.

One of the highlights of Norwegian Epic's Transatlantic sailings is that it docks at two relatively rare cruise ports: Gibraltar, United Kingdom and Alicante, Spain. This is a great opportunity to visit places that not many other cruise ships get to visit.

Keep an eye on Norwegian Epic's itineraries, as you may just find a great and affordable vacation option for you.

The Norwegian Epic offers a variety of itineraries, but its main focus is on Mediterranean voyages, leaving round-trip from homeports Civitavecchia-Rome and Barcelona.

These Mediterranean voyages can range from 6 to 7 days, visiting ports in Italy, France, and Spain. The ship's current itinerary, for example, is a 6-day round-trip Mediterranean cruise that starts at $544 per person for double occupancy.

You can also sail the Caribbean and Bahamas on the Norwegian Epic, with 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries available. These itineraries typically visit NCL's Bahamian island Great Stirrup Cay, as well as other popular island destinations.

The ship's itineraries are updated frequently, and you can find the current and future itineraries on the Norwegian Cruise Line website. You can also download a full year-round itinerary of the ship in a PDF format, which is intended for the cruise ship crew and their families.

Here are some of the specific ports of call for the Norwegian Epic's Mediterranean voyages:

The Norwegian Epic also offers Transatlantic sailings, which can be a great option for those looking for a unique cruise experience. These sailings can be rather rare, and the ship's Transatlantic cruise will dock at two relatively rare cruise ports: Gibraltar, United Kingdom and Alicante, Spain.