Norwegian Epic - review of Western Mediterranean Cruise, 2-9 October 2016

Rather than complete a review in chronological order, like a ‘Day one’, ‘Day two’ breakdown, my review (which will be spread over several posts) will cover the following areas:

- Embarkation and Disembarkation (or Debarkation as Norwegian call it)

- Staterooms

- Restaurants

- Bars and Entertainment

- The Ship – facilities, layout and service

- Itinerary and Excursions

- Support of Cruise Critic users and NCL

 

So before the details, let’s give you the bottom line. We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

Does this mean everything was to our taste? – of course not. A ship with over 4000 passengers has to cater for wide tastes, so there were some things that were not for us – but that also meant that the ship provided for MY taste even if that might not please others. I welcome that diversity.

 

I will give my honest personal opinion – not everyone will agree – and I’ll endeavour to be balanced. My thoughts of the Epic cruise are overwhelmingly positive, but I’ll also mention where I think things could improve.

 

I have read many reviews – some of the more critical reviews I consider to be inaccurate and unfair – I will comment on other reviews as I go through.

 

Happy reading.

Embarkation

This was the area that I was a little dubious about in advance and worried how it would all work. I needn’t have been concerned – it all worked very smoothly. So why was I worried? Well there is very little information given in advance of how this all operates. Perhaps more experienced cruisers are just used to the routine?

 

Let me explain (the following information is hopefully of use to less experienced passengers):

On arriving at cruise terminal in Barcelona – before we even went into the building, literally as we got out of our cab, our cases were taken by NCL porters. The cases were delivered to our cabins around 3pm that afternoon. So from arriving at the terminal we didn’t need to move our cases at all.

Immediately inside the terminal the first thing was an ‘airport style’ security scan, and then a long bank of ‘check-in desks’ – again, akin to an airport.

 

Although this was a busy area, and this was a ‘peak’ time (around 12 noon) the queues were short. As my mother uses a walking stick we were directed to the ‘special assistance’ check-in – just one person in front of us.

 

Check in took a couple of minutes. Our photographs were taken and we were provided with a ‘credit card’. This is used on board for identification, to charge anything to your account, and to access your cabin. (Appreciate many readers may know all this bit!)

 

We were given a boarding ‘number’. It was explained that we would hear a call for our number, at which point we could board the ship. We were in group number 11. There was plenty of seating provided and we waited no more than 10 minutes and were then allowed to board. Then up the escalator, across the footbridge and into our home for the next 7 days.

 

All of this now seems very straight forward and simple – but very little of this procedure is explained in any documents provided prior to the cruise. Perhaps a simple ‘one page guide’ to embarkation process could be included with the tickets?

 

Disembarkation

The day before we left the ‘freestyle daily’ confirmed that we could collect luggage labels from ‘by the Guest Services’ desk on board the ship. The daily gave a list of colours of tags and the time each colour would disembark.

 

Cases which had a luggage tag could then be left outside your cabin by 11pm (night before leaving) and would be taken ashore for collection. You also had the option to ‘walk-off’ with your own suitcase (no need for the luggage labels).

 

I went to the Guest Services desk to collect our labels – had to queue for about 15 minutes – only to be told you didn’t need to queue, the labels are BY the desk, not AT the desk (they are in fact in a display stand at the far end of the counter). Perhaps a sign next the queue might help to say “Don’t’ need to queue to collect labels” – and a pointer to where they were. Or perhaps the daily should clearly state where the labels are and that you don’t need to queue at the desk to collect them.

 

I had a question about timing that was not answered in the information provided. Our cab was collecting us at 8am – so this would determine what lime we disembarked – so how long did the process take? Would our cases be on the carousel for collection at the disembarkation time stated…or was there a chance we would be waiting for them?

 

The first NCL person I asked told me it could take about an hour for the cases to arrive. The second person told me we’d be off and have our cases in around 5 minutes! In the end, the second information was accurate.

 

So what happened? We decided to take ‘purple’ labels (which are for disembarkation at 7.15am). Our cases were collected the night before. At 7.15 am we left the ship with our hand luggage. Down the escalator – and there are several carousels (about 5 I think). Each of the carousels had a display saying which colour labels would appear on it. Our cases arrived about 5 minutes later. There were porters on hand (with trolleys) to provide assistance taking cases to taxis/coaches – with the car park immediately outside of the terminal door. We had our cases and were outside sitting waiting for our cab by 7.35am. Again this was all really smooth – but not clearly explained in the ‘daily’ or in tickets.

 

Summary: The actual process would get full marks, it all worked really well. But the information and explanation of the process could be clearer. I did far prefer the system on a cruise last year (P&O) where we checked in at Manchester airport and the next time we saw our cases was at our cabins – and the reverse procedure going home. That was such a great way to do it.

Staterooms

One of our reasons for choosing the Epic was the availability of ‘solo’ cabins. This is a great facility, and of course we’d read a lot (and seen a lot of pictures) before we got there. So there was little to surprise us – and everything lived up to expectations.

 

We had two cabins next door to each other. Although the solo cabins is (obviously) for single occupancy it has a full king size bed – this allowed for very little space between the bed and the wardrobes, and insufficient room to take the stool out from under the dressing table. There was ample hanging and cupboard space, wash basin, shower cubicle and separate WC. Everything you’d need as a solo room occupant.

 

In cabins for two or more occupants you can understand that the option is available to have twin beds – or have the beds can be put together to give a ‘double’. In the solo cabins there is no room to separate the beds (you always get the double layout) – it would be better if they actually had one mattress – rather than two singles, with the inevitable gap/ridge down the middle.

 

In the solo cabin, just to give a little extra room, maybe a queen size bed (with one mattress), would be better than two singles taking up the limited space?

The bed was very comfortable. Two pillows provided (I’m sure more would be provided on request if required)

 

The shower had really good water pressure. I have read reviews which raised concerns about the toiletries provided – I don’t understand this. There was hand wash, body lotion, shower gel conditioning shampoo and good size bar of soap – everything seemed catered for.

 

The solo cabins are inside rooms. This was fine, good air conditioning – and good night’s sleep in a black out! Turned TV on in mornings (channel 22) to see ‘view from the bridge’ – nice to see where we are, see us arriving at a port, and get a good idea of the weather.

 

Many reviews have mentioned the lighting in the cabins. After a week…I’m still not sure how it all works. The cabins have ‘mood lighting’, so the colours keep changing. There is a panel next to the bed with four buttons. But what do the buttons do? Each has a symbol – to me these looked like a shower; a moon; a heart; a sun – but your guess is as good as mine! I just wanted plain white lighting that didn’t change colour…I think this was the ‘shower’ symbol. But when you got back to your room and the lights came on it always defaulted to the multi-colour changing lights. Why can’t it stay at what you’ve set?

 

The ‘heart’ I’m guessing is ‘romance’ setting (as the lights went pink!) – but as this is a room for solo passengers this seems a little irrelevant!!! Perhaps a leaflet or sticker by the light switch might help – it’s not relaxing to be on holiday and not even understand how to turn the lights on your room.

Oh – and the light switch for the light above the wash basin is under the socket which is inside the shelving unit next to the basin!

 

You need to use your key card to access the corridors which have the solo cabins. This may give some peace of mind to anyone a little nervous about travelling alone.

 

Within the solo ‘complex’ there is a lounge which provides tea/coffee/water, continental breakfast, evening drinks – and is a meeting place (6pm each evening) for solo travellers to gather, where, if they choose, they can arrange to have dinner, attend shows together etc.

 

Our cabin steward was Mark – excellent service. On the first day, he saw me in the corridor and greeted me by name before we’d even met or he’d seen me in my cabin – how did he know me??? I asked for extra coat hangers and they were immediately delivered.

The cabin was kept spotlessly clean and the regular animal/towel displays bring a smile to the face.

 

Summary: Really admire the facility of solo cabins. More lines should be following Norwegian’s lead in providing such accommodation. Minor changes to use of the space (more relevant size bed!) and getting rid of the disco lights would be a welcome enhancement.

We did not use any speciality restaurants. My comments are based on the complimentary inclusive full board options.

 

O’Sheehans

On boarding the ship we took the advice of other posts on Cruise Critic to avoid the buffet in the Garden Café (as it was likely to be very busy) and (after a quick first drink in Maltings) headed for O’Sheehans. This is a ‘pub grub’ type venue – for British readers, I’d compare this to Wetherspoons (but with waiter service). We were immediately seated and our orders taken. A large beef burger and fish & chips later we left, well sated.

Food was tasty, great portions and served quickly.

 

Main dining rooms – MDRs

We ate at each of the MDRs on three evenings during our week. Each venue seats well over 500; tables are well spaced, plenty of room to move around

Manhattan - light and airy; centres around a dance floor with a small stage for musicians and entertainment, with a backdrop of a window a couple of floors high looking out of the rear of the ship

Taste – centres around a two storey area open to the next deck – this section feels open and bright, although a little noisy. Away from this central area feels more intimate and is certainly quieter

 

The service in both was excellent. A couple of evenings we were asked to take a pager to be notified when a table was available – we never waited more than 5 minutes. Most nights we were seated immediately.

 

Our waiters always introduced themselves, were polite and friendly and the meals served at just the correct pace (never rushed, but enough time between courses).

 

The menus for the two MDRs change daily and include a really good selection of starters, mains and (separate menu) deserts. There were some ‘classics’ available (choices that don’t change). There really was always something to please every taste.

 

I have read several reviews that complained that you ‘had to pay’ in these complimentary restaurants. No, you don’t have to. Yes, in addition to the excellent selection of complimentary meals there were options of extra choices that had a charge. But this did not limit the wide choices of complimentary fare. There was never any pressure, in fact the waiters never ever mentioned or encouraged us to have anything chargeable. Our choices were fully respected without question.

The food we had in both restaurants was first class. Beautifully presented, well cooked, delicious, with perfect portion sizes.

 

All of the waiters were dressed in uniform (black trousers/skirt, white shirt and tie). Might seem a small thing but we noticed just how smart and clean everyone was. How can you work in a food environment and never have a splash, or stain on a perfectly white shirt? No mark or crease ever in sight. Pride in appearance. Impressed.

 

 

Shanghai

We ate in this Chinese restaurant once. As with the MDRs we only had a couple of minutes to wait for a table. This venue has a lot less capacity than the MDRs, is nicely decorated and had a warm and friendly vibe.

 

There was a very much smaller menu choice than you would normally get in a Chinese restaurant. The food was quickly served and was acceptable but not the tasty experience we were hoping for. Overall this was the only meal we had on board with which we were a little disappointed.

 

 

Garden Café

This is the large buffet available on deck 15. It is right at the front of the ship with picture windows looking out – great view.

 

We ate here every day for breakfast, most days for lunch, and several times during the week for afternoon snacks (yes we did come back heavier than when we went!!). Again we had read reviews that it’s ‘too packed’ and that you can ‘never get a seat’. This just isn’t true.

 

Of course there are a lot of passengers around using this buffet – but there is a lot of capacity to cope with the numbers. We never failed to immediately get a table/seat. I’m sure if you have a favourite seat, and want to have a view, then you might find that particular table isn’t available – but let’s be honest here, there are enough spaces. As we used the buffet and many different times during the week (as early as it opening at 6am…through to later breakfasts around 10am, lunchtime, afternoons) I can honestly say that space isn’t a problem. And this was on a cruise sailing at full capacity.

 

As for the food – what a wonderful selection. Breakfasts in any format – English, American. ‘Continental’ – great choice of everything. Huge variety of food at lunch time – and delicious sweets/deserts.

 

Immediately outside the Garden Café is ‘the great outdoors’ (this is really just an extension of the buffet) where breakfasts are available or snacks (burgers, hot dogs, pizza - and a lot more) during the day. Right next to this is the ice cream machine, grab a cone and swirl your ice cream – lovely!

We sampled a few of the bars – but by no means all, there is such a wide choice – but my comments can only be on the venues we visited (or tried to get in)

 

Maltings

Whisky bar – just where we joined the ship, on deck 7. We only drank here once, as we boarded. Very nice leather comfy chairs. Passed through here most evenings, regular relaxing music (e.g. guitarist).

 

Shakers

Went to this bar at some point most evening. This is a bright and open martini/cocktail bar. Comfortable easy chairs, although this was a popular venue and sometimes a little difficult to get a seat. Great service, and well-made cocktails.

 

Bar has a baby grand-piano and most evening there was a pianist/vocalist entertaining the bar. Music was ‘easy listening’ style. Good background entertainment, but (usually) not so loud you couldn’t hold a conversation

 

Spice H20

On deck 15 at the rear of the ship is a large, tiered, adult only’ sunbathing area, with a small ‘dip pool’ and a huge video screen. Great place to relax during the day – and avail of the bar to cool off!

During the evenings the pool was covered and became e a dance floor and there were several party nights (e.g. Abba themed, White party etc.). Good alternative to being inside – I can imagine in the heat of high summer this area would be particularly popular in the evenings

 

 

Epic Theatre and shows

Lovely venue. Standard curved auditorium theatre setting. Chairs were very comfortable and had a holder to place drinks in. Lots of leg room so passengers could pass through rows without being disruptive. There is a bar at the back of the seats – and waiter service also provided.

 

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Epic Theatre)

This show contains adult content. This was announced multiple times (in multiple languages) before the show started - yet there still seem to be people who complain about it being risqué.

The show was performed to an extremely high standard – worthy of any theatre. The theatre used their facilities to the full – performers flown in on wires; areas of the stage disappearing on hydraulics.

Costumes were wonderful and totally in keeping with the show. The direction and choreography were brilliant.

The show was performed in one Act of 90 minutes (no interval) – and this worked perfectly. This version is abridged from the full west end show – but this did not detract from this performance at all. This really was an excellent production – I could have happily watched it a second time.

 

Burn the Floor (Epic Theatre)

This is a one hour dance show. I cannot praise the performers enough. Their energy and versatility were breath-taking. Everyone gave it 100% and their talent shone.

However, the show itself was not to my taste. There was no theme or story. The dances went from one random style to another with little reason. There was also a couple of guitar players who were featured – this just seemed out of place.

There was one dance section where the performers (for no apparent reason) were all dressed as schoolchildren – boys in blazers/shorts, girls in tartan skits and white school blouses, hair in pony tails – you get the picture. Still dressed as school girls, this then became a raunchy dance where the school girls’ blouses were ripped open - this simulated seduction of schoolgirls is just inappropriate. I am surprised this content was included.

 

Headliners

Smaller venue than the Epic Theatre this is a ‘comedy club’ type setting – good intimate atmosphere for small shows.

We went in twice and saw:

- Christian Miro Spanish comedy magician/ventriloquist. He had the audience in the palm of his hands, thoroughly entertaining

- ‘Duelling pianos’ – clearly talented musicians, with good line in banter, performing songs at the request (and payment!) of the audience. Whether you enjoy what they play will depend on the audience rather than the performers. There were two baby grand pianos on stage (well, that’s how it looked – seemed actually to be two electric pianos placed within false shells of grand pianos – perhaps I’m being picky!). So if you get the right audience, making requests of your taste, you’ll have a very entertaining time in here.

 

Cavern Club

Only went one evening. Full, so couldn’t get in.

Before we went on the cruise we had read many reviews and seem some rather mixed comments. We came home thinking that there’s no pleasing some people – and there do seem to be passengers who try to find things to complain about.

I doubt there is any ship, or any holiday for that matter, that is to everyone’s taste, so of course there will be elements that each of us prefer, but some of the complaints I have read seem way OTT.

I again can only comment on the facilities we used (so, for example, no comments on gym or casino)

 

Size / capacity

We sailed at capacity. We never had any problem (at any time of day) getting a sunbed in any area of the ship. There were always sunbeds available. We saw virtually no sunbeds ‘reserved with towels’. There are thousands of sunbeds – more than enough for the size of the ship.

The sunbeds were really good – very comfortable, and in excellent condition. If you were up really early you’d also see the cleaning regime on deck as they were power-hosed in the mornings.

 

We didn’t ever book for evening meal – and never waited more than a few minutes (if at all) to be seated. More than enough space in the (large number of) restaurants to cater for the number of passengers.

 

Favourite sundecks

- Spice H20 – great sun trap on deck 15 at the rear of the ship. Adult only.

- ‘Quiet Space’ – take the forward lifts to deck 17 (as far as they go); come out of the lifts and walk up one flight of stairs (that’s as far as they go!) – on your right is the entrance to ‘Posh’ (paid) sundeck – on your left is the entrance to the ‘Quiet space’ (complimentary) sundeck. This is very extensive – loads and loads of sunbeds. At the very front of this area a small number of the sunbeds also have mattresses. This whole area is (as the name suggests) ‘quiet’ relaxing, secluded – there is no bar up there, but waiters brought ice lollies around – and you can always take a drink with you.

 

Quiet areas

I have read reviews which claim there are no quiet areas. Wrong.

As above there is a whole sun deck which is a ‘quiet space’; on deck 5 there is a card/game room, and library (silent – shhhh); the adult Spice H20 was very relaxing

In fact during the day the only area that was lively was on the central main deck around the main swimming pools.

 

Condition and cleanliness

Everywhere we saw on the sip was in excellent condition and well maintained. There was always some little thing being done to maintain this standard (e.g. one day the handrails by the pool were being re-varnished; another day the safety mats by the claiming wall were being replaced etc.) – clearly every effort is taken.

 

The ship was spotless both in our cabins and in all public areas. On boarding the ship, and entering any restaurant there are not only self-service disinfectant hand gel dispensers, but staff with hand gel sprays to make sure you do it! This is taken seriously.

If something is dropped in a restaurant there is someone there before you can draw breath to clean it up.

 

Sailing

The cruise was very smooth – for most of the time you wouldn’t know you were moving. When docking in the mornings (and this was most mornings as this was a port intensive cruise) there was noise/vibration, as to be expected.

 

We sailed on time every day – and arrived at each port on schedule.

 

When out on deck there are plastic/glass screens above the handrails at the side of the ship. Sure this is both a safety feature and does give a good windbreak on board. You can get a great view – but I did miss the feeling of the wind in my hair and the salt spray on my face which makes you actually feel like you’re cruising.

 

 

Lifts

8 lifts forward, 8 lifts aft. Again, how many reviews have I read which complained of the terrible delays in waiting for lifts? Not this week. Very little wait, good capacity, and quick lifts. Seem plenty enough for the ship.

 

Even when disembarking (when you think lots of passengers would be using lifts) we had no wait at all.

 

Layout

Prior to boarding we had been provided with a ship ‘map’ (and were given another at check in). The ship was very easy to navigate (like the nautical term?).

 

The carpets and lift numbers on one side of the ship are in blue, and on the other side are orange. However the signs outside the lifts (telling you what is on each floor) and the signs on the floors (e.g. saying what cabins are on the deck) are all in blue – perhaps these should also have the orange/blue theme?

 

Everywhere was well maintained and functional – but there is nowhere on ship that has that ‘wow’ factor. Whether from personal experience (mine is limited) or from looking at pictures and reviews there are many ships which have the likes of a central atrium, staircases, glass lifts – an area to give some pizzazz and sparkle. The Epic had everything needed to be functional – but nothing to make you look twice.

 

Service

The service we had throughout the cruise was exceptional – from boarding, cabin stewards, bars and restaurants – all first class.

 

What was particularly noticeable was the complete culture within the crew of wanting to help. For example, my mother has a walking stick, and if she used the buffet (without me there) she tells me that she had no sooner picked up a tray that there was a crew member offering to carry it for her. She never had to ask for assistance.

 

The crew were always smiling, polite and attentive (without being intrusive). Our cabin steward, Mark, always greeted us by name.

 

The service charge (which worked out about £10per day) was worth it.

 

 

Drink prices

We were fortunate to have had the ‘ultimate beverage package’ (UBP) included in the deal we got for the cruise. This included all drinks up to $15. Good job we had this package. The price of drinks on board is exorbitant.

 

Now of course it depends how much you drink – and whether you need the package. It would not have been us worth paying for the UBP (which I think was $79 per day) – we wouldn’t have drunk enough to make that worthwhile.

 

The drink package did not include coffees (but there was free coffee in the buffet all day, and in the solo lounge, so had all we wanted), nor bottled water. Iced water was available in the buffet, the solo lounge, or from any bar by the glass – you really only need to pay for this if you insist on it being provided in a new plastic bottle!

 

We have seen numerous cruise deals available which include the UBP – we’d be more than happy to cruise on NCL again (if we can get the UBP included!)

 

‘Nickle and dime’

How often do you see this expression in reviews?

We were determined to enjoy our cruise and do what we wanted – if that meant an additional cost because we wanted something ‘extra’ or ‘special’ – so be it – no complaints, we’d pay and enjoy it. We were not going to penny pinch on our holiday.

 

We didn’t need to.

 

Accepting we had the UBP…everything else we wanted was included. Great entertainment; delicious food in the complimentary restaurants; all the facilities of the ship (who needs ‘posh’ when we had choices of sunbeds anywhere we wanted all week).

 

We had a wonderful week. We paid the service charge…and other than that, on board my account was the grand total of £0

 

If a passenger chooses to have extras, then they get paid for. But there really is no need – you can have a wonderful holiday enjoying the wide range of things that are included. All I would day is that if you end up spending money – that was your choice – don’t blame NCL!

Clearly in choosing a cruise you know the itinerary – so no surprises here, it suited us perfectly. Seven days round the Mediterranean visiting six ports – all with wonderful places and cities worth visiting. Our start/end port of Barcelona is less than two hours flight from our home city. Ports were Barcelona; Naples; Civitavecchia (for Rome); Livorno (for Florence and Pisa); Cannes, Marseille – and we had one sea day.

 

Excursions

The cost of the NCL’s own excursions is out of all proportion and totally unrealistic. Excellent quality, independent, professional excursions are available at a fraction of the cost. Of course if you are on an NCL excursion the ship will not leave without you – but how necessary if this guarantee and the price you pay for it?

 

I know there are examples of passengers missing cruises (and quite a selection of videos on YouTube of passenger running after ships!). These appear to be individuals, couples or small groups being very late back – almost always travelling privately/public transport – and there is a risk of missing the sailing.

 

We were looking at organised, professional excursions. These were larger groups and coach parties of reputable companies who are used to ensuring passengers are returned on time. If one of these companies with 50 passengers on a coach missed a sailing they’d be out of business with the reputational damage! And I do think the ship is less likely to sail if there are large numbers of passengers delayed than if there are two passengers late back.

 

I’ve seen comments about traffic problems – well if there are traffic problems they affect they NCL coaches as well as any private coach.

 

So on balance, I wasn’t going to risk pubic transport – but was happy to take independent organised excursions – at competitive costs. And this worked out wonderfully.

There are many threads on Cruise Critic recommending independent companies, so anyone can look at a good selection – I can only comment on the companies we used.

 

Rome (from Civitavecchia)

Booked with http://www.cruisingexcursions.com

Tour of Rome, including tickets for tour of Vatican and Sistine chapel.

NCL price £209. Cruisingexcursions price £91

 

Full details of arrangements for collection were provided in advance. This included taking the (free) ship shuttle bus to the port coach park – this was about a 10 minute drive. Many different private excursion coaches went form this car park

 

Cruisingexcursions had at least two coaches (depending on the exact excursion that was booked). Our guide was Erik – a wonderfully knowledgeable young man who guided us from the moment we boarded the coach and throughout the day. We left the port just after 8am and were in Rome for 9.20am.

 

Our tour included a full guided tour through the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, and visiting The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon the Coliseum – and various other sites, squares, monuments and buildings that we passed on the walking and coach tour of the city. If you want to go into the Sistine Chapel you do need to ensure your excursion included pre-booked tickets – on the day we were there the queue (to buy tickets on the day) had an expected waiting time of around 2 hours

 

We had been provided with headphones for the tour so Erik could give us a commentary as we walked around (and there was a lot of walking, as you’d expect). We had about half hour break to grab some lunch – but this was a very full day.

 

Can you see everting of Rome in one day – of course not – but this provided visits to key sites and a wonderful flavour of a fantastic city.

 

We left Rome at 3.15pm and were back at the port for 4.40pm to get the 10-minute shuttle back to the ship)

 

 

Florence (from Livorno)

Booked with http://www.cruisingexcursions.com

‘Express’ coach to Florence. This was solely transport to and from the city – we did not book the guided tour (that is available)

NCL price various £100-£150 – including some guided element, and some include museum entries.

Cruisingexcursions price £42 coach to city only (or £65 if the guided tour were included)

We also booked the hop-on hop-off bus tour via Citysightseeing / isango - £18 each

 

There are several shuttles from the ship – going to the coach park (free); or paid shuttles to Livorno city or to Pisa. For this excursions the free shuttle to the coach park is taken.

NCL crew were on hand to ensure you took the correct shuttle – whether you had an NCL our or a private excursion booked. Shuttle took 5-10 minutes. We left the port around 8.30am and were in Florence around 10.15am.

 

During the coach trip we were given guide and commentary from Sami who was really helpful and provided a lot of useful information. We were provided with maps and given full details of the meeting point. Sami then took those passengers who were on the ‘guided’ tour.

 

We used a good guide book (Frommer’s ‘Day by Day – Florence & Tuscany), and had a delightful day touring this city. After a good walk we then took the HOHO bus for a tour round the city (the central part doesn’t take buses, so this tour takes you round the outside of the city). One of the highlights was the Piazza Michelangelo – this is on the opposite side of the River Arno, and is a raise piazza with a wonderful view of the whole of Florence.

 

The bus dropped us off at the station and we met Sami and our party for the return trip. We left Florence around 4.10pm and were back at the port for 5.45pm

 

Cannes

We didn’t do a formal excursion here – just a walk down the wonderful promenade.

The ship anchors in the bay and there are free shuttle boats to transport passengers to Cannes.

You can book a place on a tender (need to do this if you want a tender before about 10.30am – although if you have an NCL excursion the tender booking is included). After this time you just need to queue for the next tender along. The tenders are actually the lifeboats – and each one holds nearly 300 people so there’s plenty of space and little waiting needed.

 

The tender took less than 10 minutes to land. Out of the tender port you immediately get to the bus stop for the ‘little train’ if you want that tour of the city. Turn right...and you will pass the yacht harbour and then come to the Film Festival centre and the lovely prom. There is a public beach – as well as a number of private/hotel beaches.

 

On this trip all we did was stroll – very relaxing day – but there are other excursions available from here if you wish to go further afield. I would recommend visiting Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Juan les Pins, Grasse, Eze – all within easy traveling distance.

 

We went back to the Epic around 2pm for lunch and to catch some sun – lovely afternoon sunbathing in Spice (and yes, there were plenty of sunbeds available!)

 

 

Marseille

This was the port that hadn’t really inspired me before the cruise. I had considered staying on board the ship and just having a relaxing day. I am SO glad I didn’t.

 

Shortly before our cruise I saw (on cruise critic) mention of an excursion around Marseille on e-bikes. These are peddle cycles with some ‘power assistance’ – not motor bikes. I took the plunge – and it’s the best decision I made.

 

Booked with http://ebiketours.fr/en/reservations

Tour of Marseille – with guide, e-bike, crash-helmet

Price 62 Euros - including free shuttle collection and drop off from ship

 

If you are on a cruise make sure you book the 'Gadjo' version of the tour (which includes this shuttle). I was collected from the ship as arranged at 9.40am – the driver, Emmanuel, waiting for you as you leave the ship with names displayed on a card, and took us to the centre of the city where the bike ride starts. This was about a 20 minute drive.

 

At the centre the bikes were ready and waiting, with crash helmets provided. The bikes were adjusted for size and the use of the 'power assist' was explained (it’s very easy!). We were introduced to our guide, Ludovic – who was so very knowledgeable and clearly proud of, and passionate about, his city. We were given a chance to have a go and get used to the e-bike. Then off!

 

The tour started around 10am and finished around 2pm and what a wonderful way to see this beautiful city. The tour was in about 10-15 minute sections before stopping for an explanation of a view, or monument, and a picture or two.

 

We were taken to castles, churches, monuments, views, the huge yacht marina, city squares and a church on top of a hill I would never have dreamed we could have cycled up. We saw places that you'd never get to see on a coach trip.

 

I have never used an e-bike before - but I definitely will again. It takes the effort out of cycling. Doesn't make you go faster...just gives power to your peddling. After a 20km tour, in Mediterranean sun, I didn't break a sweat! There were 6 in our tour (plus the guide) with a wide age range. Basic cycling skills are more than enough.

 

Ludo made sure the tour went at pace to suit everyone in the group and was constantly checking everyone was OK and keeping up.

 

After the tour we were driven back to our cruise ship. This was a fascinating day, a really memorable experience, and I highly recommend it.

 

 

Shuttles in Marseille

The NCL shuttle from the ship to town centre is $15pp.

Immediately you get off the ship the NCL coaches are waiting in the car park.

If you walk out of the car park you can get a taxi.

If you walk out of the car park, turn left…walk about 100 yards…there is the free port shuttle bus.

We really benefitted from the any reviews and ‘board’ comments from CC users which we had read before our cruise – with some wonderful hints and tips. Of course everyone is looking for slightly different things on holiday so some comments you take with a pinch of salt and accept we have different tastes. I know not everyone will agree with my review either!!!

 

Roll Call

I saw the roll call facility on CC and made contact with some fellow travellers. Special thanks to Evie (meandmaboy) for organising a ‘meet and greet’ on the cruise.

 

NCL laid on a private room (we used the Cavern club) with coffee and pastries for a group of CC roll call users to meet up and say hello. We all had name badges and around 20 or so CC users turned up. It was organised on the sea day so we were all aboard ship (but it was a gorgeous sunny day, so I think some people took the option of a day in the sun!).

 

This was a great chance to share experience, tips and hints. You would have expected maybe one NCL crew member to turn up – what I didn’t expect was the whole troop who came – there must have been 10 – all in their full white uniforms – and we were introduced. This included the hotel manager, entertainment manager, guest service manager, and food and drink managers – the full array. I know these people must be really busy but they put themselves out to all come and say hello. This really made you feel like NCL valued your custom and wanted to make you feel welcome.

Thank you to everyone at NCL – this was most impressive customer service.

 

It was great to meet fellow passengers, thank you to everyone we met.

Evie & Carol and Debbie & Bob we bumped into many times over the week on board. Thank you for the conversations and company.

 

I would recommend any CC users to avail of an opportunity for a meet and greet – and strongly urge you to go if you put your name down – NCL went to a lot of trouble, but they’ll only do this if passengers turn up.

Fantastic review.

 

Thank you.

 

 

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Thx doing this cruise for the 2nd time next week. 7th time on the Epic. Loved your review and info on excursions!

Loved your review and info on excursions!

 

Thank you.

If you do choose to have a look at the http://www.cruisingexcursions.com website you enter your ship name and dates and they will give you details of all of their excursions that are available for you ports of call.

They also do discounts/packages if you book several excursions.

 

Really worth having a look.

Thanks for taking the time to post this excellent review Mark.

We were on the same cruise, except that we boarded when you reached Civitecchia.

We agree with everything you said and can't understand the poor reviews.

We didn't know about the quiet area up the stairs from deck 17 front so that will have to wait till next time.

We didn't know about the quiet area up the stairs from deck 17 front so that will have to wait till next time.

Good excuse to book yourself another cruise!!! Go back and enjoy :)

Great review, I loved how you organized it! You did a great job providing us with a great feel for the ship. Thank you.

Very well done review, glad you enjoyed!

Thanks for a nice review of my favorite ship (so far).

 

I keep intending to cruise The Med, but am a bit intimidated navigating European ports and airports by myself. I love cruising solo; I bet the European aspect wouldn't be an issue at all. I just need to take the plunge and book! :o

I keep intending to cruise The Med, but am a bit intimidated navigating European ports and airports by myself. I love cruising solo; I bet the European aspect wouldn't be an issue at all.

 

Go for it! There are so many wonderful places to visit in Europe - and the excursions I used were SO well organised there really was no worry travelling solo.

Great, detailed review! And nice job getting all your messages out in a row before everyone else jumped in to nit-pick you to death. And now, here are my nit-picks: :p

 

Where to get luggage tags for disembarkation: In my Epic Dailies (in the "You'll be leaving soon" leaflet"), they do say "Luggage tag are located in the Atrium by the Guest Service Desk, deck 5, Mid starting Saturday from 4:00pm onwards."

 

About the plastic/glass screens protecting the upper decks: I would be quite concerned if there were any salt spray reaching up this high, the seas would have to be very rough indeed! :eek: There are no screens on the "promenade" deck 7, and there are a few gaps where you can see the water without looking through a lifeboat. There's a chance of feeling some spray there. :)

Great, detailed review! And nice job getting all your messages out in a row before everyone else jumped in to nit-pick you to death. And now, here are my nit-picks: :p

 

Where to get luggage tags for disembarkation: In my Epic Dailies (in the "You'll be leaving soon" leaflet"), they do say "Luggage tag are located in the Atrium by the Guest Service Desk, deck 5, Mid starting Saturday from 4:00pm onwards."

 

About the plastic/glass screens protecting the upper decks: I would be quite concerned if there were any salt spray reaching up this high, the seas would have to be very rough indeed! :eek: There are no screens on the "promenade" deck 7, and there are a few gaps where you can see the water without looking through a lifeboat. There's a chance of feeling some spray there. :)

 

:)

Feel free to nit-pick! I did say in my first post 'not everyone will agree' !

 

I said the instructions were ‘by the Guest Services’ - for the luggage labels. When I queued up, while in the queue, an NCL chap came along and I asked about my query of the timings - even HE did not tell me you didn't have to queue for the labels. My only point is it COULD be made clearer.

Its a little thing - but making those little things go smoothly makes a difference and is easy to resolve.

 

If you had approached the area from one end of the ship I'd have come across the label display before arriving at the desk - I approached from the other end and got the desk first.

 

 

As the for promenade deck - you get little view of the sea hidden behind the lifeboats, which act as a screen there!

Wonderful review! My favorite cruise ever was the Epic in the Med:D

We were on the very same cruise (our first) and had a great time! Great review :)

 

We did get nickel and dimed though, we ate in Le Bistro and there was a 3oz taster glass of Vueve Clicquot on the menu for $9. We assumed as it was not listed as a promotion and was under the $15 cap of the UBP it would be included. Unfortunately it wasn't although to be fair to our waitress she did explain it wasn't included when we ordered, we were then upsold as she told us she had a better deal for a 5oz glass at around $24.95 (exact price escapes me) which would come out at roughly the same price given we had the UBP but for a larger glass.

When I queued up, while in the queue, an NCL chap came along and I asked about my query of the timings - even HE did not tell me you didn't have to queue for the labels.

That is bad, but not quite as bad as the staff member who told you that you would have to wait an hour for your bags in the terminal!

 

There are some problems with the self-service luggage tag system that they have in place for disembarkation. People help themselves to many more tags than they need. I once found a stack of 50 tags that someone had ditched in the casino (no worries, I'm sure they just went downstairs and swiped 50 more). The front desk staff do replenish the colors up to a point, but eventually they will say that that certain colors are no longer available and you have to choose from what's left. (If you tell them that you will miss your flight if you choose from what's left, the unavailable colors will magically become available again.)

 

Also, if you follow instructions and put the tags on your checked luggage, once they take your luggage away, it's easy to forget what color you had! (Of course the solution is to grab a bunch of extra tags… :p)

That is bad, but not quite as bad as the staff member who told you that you would have to wait an hour for your bags in the terminal!

 

It was the same chap.

It was the same chap.

:D That's good, at least there aren't two of them running loose on the Epic wasting everyone's time!

We did get nickel and dimed though, we ate in Le Bistro and there was a 3oz taster glass of Vueve Clicquot on the menu for $9. We assumed as it was not listed as a promotion and was under the $15 cap of the UBP it would be included.

Their line has always been that it is indeed a promotional price (which is true, if you compare it to the price per ounce for a full glass). You are correct that it is not explicitly indicated on the menu, which means that the staff have to explain it to people probably 100 times per cruise. It must be annoying for them, and it's definitely awkward for the customers. Exploiting that awkward moment to upsell them from a drink that they thought would be free, to a drink that costs them $9.95 + 18% and telling them that it's a "better deal", I wouldn't exactly call that nickel-and-diming, I'd just call it disgusting. :mad:

Their line has always been that it is indeed a promotional price (which is true, if you compare it to the price per ounce for a full glass). You are correct that it is not explicitly indicated on the menu, which means that the staff have to explain it to people probably 100 times per cruise. It must be annoying for them, and it's definitely awkward for the customers. Exploiting that awkward moment to upsell them from a drink that they thought would be free, to a drink that costs them $9.95 + 18% and telling them that it's a "better deal", I wouldn't exactly call that nickel-and-diming, I'd just call it disgusting. :mad:

 

You live and learn I guess, we did have a fab time although the meal overall in Le Bistro was probably our worst of the specialty restaurants we ate in (also tried Cagney's, Teppanyaki and Moderno). Possibly I ordered badly as some other plates looked very nice.

 

All in all I'd certainly cruise with NCL again :)