REVIEW – EPIC - Western Mediterranean from Barcelona May 28 - June 4

[kleibo]

First time NCL cruisers here and found NCL and EPIC to be pretty good. Other than the bathroom which has been discussed at length, we were happy with most everything else. As this is a port intensive cruise, we didn’t have the time to really review the entire boat. I will only comment on my own experience. We only did the Balcony Guarantee, so we did not have the extra packages. We did get cabin 10060 and it was in a perfect location.

 

First the itinerary was perfect. We started in Barcelona – went a day early so landed on Saturday morning. Took a cab to the hotel, dropped our bags and immediately went walking thru Las Ramblas as that’s where we were staying. Great area – weather was beautiful and although a bit crowded, it was not packed. Went to this large indoor market which was the coolest thing ever – should not be missed - http://www.boqueria.info/ . Then over to Santa Maria Del Mar church – took the quick tour and walked up the belltower for fantastic views of Barcelona - http://irbarcelona.org/barcelona-churches/santa-maria-del-mar/ - really loved it. Then we headed back to the hotel for a quick nap. At about 5 we went to dinner – Tapas of course and then headed over to Park Guell (need to book tickets before you go for Park Guell and LaFamilia Sagrada) for our 8:30pm check in. Fun and interesting Park –really enjoyed it and again great views. After Park Guell we headed back to Las Ramblas for a nightcap before bed. Funny, we were walking and all of a sudden notice tons and tons of either Army or Police with machine guns and vans lining the streets. My husband and I thought for sure there must have been a terror attack somewhere but no, turns out this is what they do when Barcelona plays football (soccer) and await the fans to flood Las ramblas. I guess it can get rowdy. My husband and I quickly got our drink and went back to the hotel.

 

Next Morning (Sunday) – we went to the boat at 11 and was on by about 12:15. We went to the Taste Dining Room to eat to avoid the buffet. No lines – perfect spot next to a window. After lunch our room was ready so we went back to unpack and get ready for the night. That night we went to Moderno – which is the Brazillian BBQ – it was just average. My husband likes everything medium rare, all the meats were either medium to medium well. But it was not rushed and we did have an enjoyable dinner. Then we went to Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar for a drink and ended up staying there for a few hours. Guitar player – nice atmosphere – generous alcohol in the drinks.

 

Monday – was a sea day so we slept in a little and then went to lay out in the sun. All deck chairs were already taken by about 11 am. Tip – on deck 15 there are 2 glass elevators that go to deck 18. Go up there – people think it is for Haven but anyone can go up there. Mostly empty and got 2 chairs immediately. That night we went to Taste and my hubby went back to Maltings and I went to the Casino. Called it an early night – about 1030 /1100. I think we caught the Beatles show that night too. They were great – we saw them 3 times.

 

For the tours I have listed – we did all with italytours.eu

 

Tuesday (Naples) – Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. Great excursion – 8 people in a minivan. Picked us up at the port and took us right to Pompeii where we met a guide for a 90 minute walk thru Pompeii. Excellent tour, not rushed at all. We then went to Vesuvius, took the hike to the top and loved it. Views were great. Hike is a bit hard only because the ground is so slippery with a mixture of ash, dust and rocks. Then after we came down, our guide took us to a place with a beautiful view for a really nice lunch with the group, which we all really enjoyed. I bet it was a good 90 minutes or so for lunch. We then went around Naples to see some other sites. A really great tour.

 

Wednesday (Rome) – Vatican and Colosseum. We started at the Vatican where we met our guide for a 2 hours tour of the Vatican. St Peter’s Basilica was closed (we knew that might happen), but the tour was just fabulous. Just a wonder to see everything. We then had a grab and go lunch – literally grabbed a slice of pizza and ate in the van to save time (we all agreed to do this so we could see more sites). We then headed around Rome to various stops including the Spanish steps and trevi fountain. The driver also pointed out numerous other places as well. He then took us over to the Colosseum – wow what a site to behold. Had plenty of time to visit. Loved the whole tour. Back on theboat, we ate at Taste again I think – of course after a nap and then didn’t do much – maybe a drink and watched the sun set. Gorgeous.

 

Thursday (Pisa/Florence) – We started by driving to Florence (OMG – beautiful) and went immediately to see David at the Galleriadell’Accademia in Florence and then went on a walking tour of Florence. OMG – just wow – I’d go back to Florence in a minute. Every corner, everystreet – just fantastic!!! After the tour we ate at a nice outdoor café, hubby bought some Cuban cigars, I bought a leather crossover bag and we ate gelato. Great time in Florence. Then we headed back to go to Pisa. Pisa was actually nicer than I thought. We had only about 20 minutes there – probably could have used an hour or so. Another great tour

 

Friday (Cannes, France) – We started by going to Nice – geez traffic nightmare – lost a lot of time here. But views were beautiful. We then headed to Monaco and Monte Carlo. Money,Money, Money LOL Gorgeous area. Stopped at lots of places up high for great shots – driver pointed out many many things along the way. Just this one tour we got back to the boat at 4:45, last tender was scheduled at 5:00 pm, so there was a bit of stress there even though the driver said we had plenty of time. Turns out the tenders ran till almost 6pm – I guess that’s why he wasn’t worried, but all on the tour were. Tour was still good.

 

Saturday (Palma,Mallorca) – walked off the boat at 1:30 and took a cab (right outside the port) to Palma Cathedral Le Seu – wow what a site –just fantastic https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187463-d244037-Reviews-Palma_Cathedral_Le_Seu-Palma_de_Mallorca_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html we then had a drink and a bite at a local café – lots of places eat and shop –then walked to the Arabic baths https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187463-d244036-Reviews-Banys_Arabs_Arab_Baths-Palma_de_Mallorca_Majorca_Balearic_Islands.html Took only 15 minutes to tour – there is a little video. Worth it for us, some may not think so. But they did have a bathroom, so that was good. We then started to walk back to the boat and grabbed a drink at the Shamrock Irish pub and then decided to take a cab back to the boat. Cost like 7 euro – well worth it. Great day in Palma.

 

Few items – we met some great people on the cruise, especially a wonderful couple that we shared some great times with and very enjoyable meals and drinks - hopefully we can meet up with them again. A family from Tennessee (I think) – great fun and a couple from Portland – young travelers and a few others from the tours – all great people and great fun. I found the food to be above average, not spectacular, but I always could find something I liked. O-Sheehan’s is great. The only place I liked the coffee. I loved it was open 24 hours - especially to get breakfast before the early tours. Bartenders at Maltings were superb - always working hard. We didn’t see much of the entertainment, so I can’t really discuss that –Beatles shows were great and we saw the Four Seasons – great too!!. We did the Ice Bar - it was fun - I would recommend it - but not with sandals. LOL We saw a comedian once – he was average.

 

All in all – it was a fantastic trip – and weather was great – not a drop of rain – 80-85 each day. Hope you enjoyed the review and please feel free to ask any questions. Kathy

[CantSwim63]

Thanks for the review Kathy.

 

We are on the June 18 cruise, so very timely and informative for us.

 

Did you book a tender time for Cannes (if yes, when and where)? And what was your experience regarding leaving the ship at Cannes (lines, boarding process, etc.)? Let's just say that there are varying degrees of experience expressed on these boards and would appreciate a current viewpoint.

 

Cheers!

Roehl

Edited June 9, 2017 by CantSwim63

[kleibo]

As soon as you get on the boat, schedule the tender, depending on if you have a tour booked and when you need to meet that tour, you may need tender A (first tender for non-priority was 8:00 am). We had an early meeting time for our tour, took tender A at about 7:50 – they were running early and we had no trouble meeting our tour. There are people doing reservations – I think it was in the Cavern – and then you can also do it on your TV in your room. But either way, do it the first day if you want an early tender. There was no issue boarding the tender - no back up at all for the early tenders. They used the lifeboats for the tenders.

[Linda the Book Lover]

You seemed to enjoy your first cruise and your time on the ship. We booked through Italy.EU as well based on so many great reviews. We did book Cannes with Viator which had good reviews so we have our fingers crossed that it will be wonderful.

[CazV]

Thanks for sharing. :) Going in two weeks time for my first cruise experience. Very excited and your review is very helpful... especially the tip about deck 18 as I've been confused about whether that was available to all or not.

[fabnfortysomething]

Thanks for sharing. :) Going in two weeks time for my first cruise experience. Very excited and your review is very helpful... especially the tip about deck 18 as I've been confused about whether that was available to all or not.

 

there are 2 lifts/elevators

 

the right hand side one needs key card access available to Haven or if you have purchased Posh pass

 

the left hand side one will take anyone up to deck 18 public space area which is usually quieter because of confusion as you have mentioned

[pe4all]

Thank you for your review. We are doing this cruise in August, and are always looking for info!

[CazV]

there are 2 lifts/elevators

 

the right hand side one needs key card access available to Haven or if you have purchased Posh pass

 

the left hand side one will take anyone up to deck 18 public space area which is usually quieter because of confusion as you have mentioned

Thank you! (y)