Epic 12/21 - 12/28 Random Thoughts

We have sailed Epic before 2 years ago so knew what to expect so far as the ship layout, etc. We are young seniors and were without children, of course. We booked this week knowing there would most likely be a lot of kids on board. Husband has forced leave this week so rather than just sit at home we said "let's do it!". We were BLOWN AWAY by the number of young children that were on board along with as many strollers! Fortunately we were able to get POSH passes, what a gift! We could still look down at the mayhem at the pool deck and hear the band, but could enjoy "adult" time. FYI: RUN, RUN to guest services when you board if you are intent on these passes. We boarded with group two and were sold the last two passes! There are only 36 loungers/beds so passes go quickly. What I did not know is the POSH bar closes at dark, so after that you have to go elsewhere for a drink. Fabulous bartenders there. Shout out to Roe, Wish, Priscilla, Jellta from Jim and Linda. If they were working a different bar after POSH closed and saw you, poof, your usual drinks would magically appear.

Limited lunch menu there but it is really good food, try the swordfish burger. Food comes from the Haven.

Second at sea day at night there was a medevac. With winds at 35 plus in the dark a Coast Guard chopper hovered over the bow, lowered a basket, and then a Coast guardsman. Then after about 30 minutes both were raised up and into the chopper. Quite an amazing event to witness. God bless our service men and women for what they do!

If you do slots the wild banana machines over by the Casino Services desk were hot! Smoke did not bother us while in the casino but the next morning we both woke with raspy voices.

We upsold to an aft for $90 on deck 13, corner 13287. While the view was great we were just not in the cabin enough to sit out to enjoy. Plus there is an enormous amount of walking when in an aft. Not sure I would do it again. Would feed that money in the slots next time instead.

FYI: if you deposit world points OBC pre cruise just be aware it is not refundable. We had way more OBC than we needed so a couple of times we withdrew $100 at the casino. The charge for that is 10% or a mere $3. Better than leaving it on the table, that's for sure. Final bill we owe Norwegian $3.

We prepaid the UBP and are so glad we did. Did we spend as much as it cost? Doubt it, but were probably close. It was just so psychologically liberating to order whatever you wanted whenever you wanted without having to think about that dreaded final bill. The bartenders are thoroughly knowledgeable about the package. At the martini bar I ordered the lavender martini and he was quick to note it was not in the plan but suggested one similar (watermelon martini, yummy).

Food: it is all good everywhere. We are not big eaters and are easily satiated so we eat until comfortably full. Breakfast at o"Sheehans was the best. They will make whatever you want, not just what is on the limited menu. Hot and fresh. We ate Italian, Steak an Japanese..all excellent. Just a word of caution at Japanese: if you are on low sodium be aware they cook with a HUGE amount of soy sauce. Our legs were like tree trunks the next day. Buffet on at sea days is a mad house. I was amazed at how many people piled on mounds of food as if it was their last meal or that they couldn't go back for more! Just saying.

My only real negative has nothing to do with Norwegian. In the evenings there were packs of rude, obnoxious preteens roaming out of control in the venues. Actually witnessed a group interrupt the piano player mid song for his signature as part of a scavenger hunt. Also at one of the bars a young man came up and started to tap his soda card over and over to get the bartenders attention. He got a lecture from me on rudeness and waiting until he was recognized by staff. Don't think he was expecting that.

Cleanliness: amazing!! These are hard working people and it shows.

Staff: Across the board happy, smiling, friendly. Christmas morning as I walked down the corridor from our cabin I dropped handfuls of candy on the cabin stewards carts. Big smiles and thank you.

We will sail Norwegian again, probably Breakaway or Getaway next.

Linda:)

Thank you for your review! Sounds like the Epic I know and love.

The charge for getting cash at the casino cage is 3% with a minimum of $100 withdrawn.

Sounds like a great cruise except for the urchins everywhere. Posh is a godsend.

Thanks for sharing.

It's good to hear you have a good time on Epic.

Keep cruising!