Honest Review of NCL's Norwegian EPIC Cruise Ship

[@myrnaesguerra7679]

Thank you for your honest review.We were on the Epic in 2010 for the first voyage & enjoyed our trip. Looking forward to another voyage in May in the Mediterreanean for my sister’s 60th Bday.This is my 8 cruise Platinum latitude member,my sister’s first.Keep those reviews coming.They are a big help

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my word, you will love it! How exciting for your sister. Thank you for watching!

[@fredbeagle307]

Awesome, I could listen to you for hours

[@Chrissy85308]

The cruise looked amazing! I am so glad you had fun.

[@cindyschroyer326]

Hi Laurie, my husband and I were on the Epic last October. We had a great time too. We went on some wonderful excursions too.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

So glad! We love loved loved it! Thanks for watching!!

[@LovingTheKittys11]

We're coming from England on the Barcelona cruise on the 22nd of October for my 18th birthday! So excited!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

EEEEK! You're going to love it. I hope you have glorious weather! Cheerio! If you have time, visit Rupit in Barcelona. Thanks so much for commenting!

[@diywithkirsty5896]

I am aswell

[@LovingTheKittys11]

Oh cool. Where you coming from?

[@kristinachang5192]

We're going from Barcelona in early October...thanks for the great video!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yay! It will be wonderful and not hot haha. Thank you so very much for commenting!

[@chanroobi7460]

Wow- great review!! We sail in March and April on the Epic to Bahamas, Virgin Isles and cannot wait. If we like the cruise then we may consider a Transatlantic cruise later in the year. I am not a fan of crowds so I hope that doesn't ruin it for us.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Spring Break can have alot of drunk crowds fyi. I hope you enjoy your time; a transatlantic one sounds awesome too. Thank you for watching!

[@Younglady861]

We’re going June 6, 2019 in Barcelona Spain can’t wait 😊 out of Charlotte nc

[@alisonjordan303]

Going on the Epic in March! Thanks for the review!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

WOW! You will love it. So happy for you!

[@delbrett2257]

Going to be on the Epic Mar. 17-24 whoo hoo

[@cdw2682]

I'm going on the Epic in September Western Mediterranean! So looking forward to it!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

You are going to LOVE it! I was so impressed with the ship and where it stopped. I wish I could go again this summer. Have a great time!! Thank you for commenting!

[@Tucanaldeinversiones]

Great review I will be in the Epic Europe in 2 weeks 😊

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my word, I'm so excited for you! Enjoy! Thank you for watching.

[@dr.geraldcase-blanchard4904]

My app had a map of the ship. I was on the ship last summer for a Mediterranean cruise.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Gerald, it very well could have been my mistake. But my husband, who is techy, and I couldn't find one. We loved so much about the EPIC and will happily sail on it again if we can swing it. Thank you for watching and for commenting! I appreciate it.

[@evolvewithmonette]

Excellent review!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I really appreciate you saying that. Happy sailing.

[@GabyMonster]

Loved your video!

[@midlifemom5829]

Great review! Family and i are going this july for western Mediterranean. Our first time on NCL Epic. Question, is there a fan in the cabin toilet area?

[@mcbeeze]

FYI - guest Services and the shops will punch a hole in the card bc pulling it out over and over from the tight plastic pouch to scan it is super annoying!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, wow. I didn't know that. Thank you for watching!

[@rdking8001]

Just don’t ever go during school vacation, could move! If you wanted a deck chair you needed to get up at 5:30 am and put your stuff on it if not you were out of luck. I liked the room some, the bed was the best yet. Could not get into dining rooms unless you waited in line an hour before they opened and forget about getting a drink

[@laurafuentes6021]

Going on the epic next year to the Mediterranean usually cruise Royal Caribbean

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We are going to do a RC one next spring. I hope you enjoy. It was so nice to only unpack once!

[@laurafuentes6021]

Thanks

[@saahibavirk7042]

Thanks a lot this is the best vlog

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks so much!

[@Crazy.Sheller]

We did the NCL Star to Alaska and loved it. Princess cruises not so much

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I cannot WAIT to do Alaska. It's really a great way to see it all! Thanks, Angie, for commenting!

[@hasounihasan4289]

Angela Raymond

[@mcbeeze]

We will be there early in 2019. We loved the Haven 2b2b Suite on the Jewel to Alaska in June, amazing all the way around!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh my, it is going to be wonderful! Although I've heard the Alaska trips are more top notch than anywhere. I hope you have a fantastic time!

[@laladeallford8673]

We started taking pictures on our cell phone everyday of our daily sea paper and would write down our food/entertainment reservations. That way we wouldnt have to carry that big paper around all day.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Lala, that's a fantasitc idea. I'm so doing that on my next cruise. Have a wonderful vacay, whereever it is this year and thanks for watching!

[@laladeallford8673]

LauriePOP you’re welcome 😁😁

[@hmskld238]

I've heard they also offer single cabins for solo travelers .. and even a lounge just for the "go it alone" traveler. That would be something I'd like to find out about as it would be a good deal for one person. Grt vid, xlnt . thnx.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That would be awesome; would you ever go on a Singles Only cruise or would that feel weird? Thank you for watching!

[@tysona23]

Hi . Loved your video x

[@bestronginhim]

tysona23 So glad you shared about your mom and how she walks with a cane and also uses a wheelchair. You know safety and ease of mobility is important! Thank you!

[@brandylgott]

Going to Carib in April 2019. Seems some love this ship and some hate it. Only other cruise we’ve been on was the Escape. Not sure this will compare.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

We found the same opposite comments on resorts in Mexico. People absolutely hate some things or love some things. It's so hard to tell. It looks like the slides on the Escape are newer than the ones on the EPIC. Hope you have a wonderful time just because you are seeing the ocean! Thanks for watching again!

[@karishmakhullar7385]

Hello Laurie, Loved your video. I am taking the cruise from Barcelona and I am very confused about things to do at every port in a very less time, the restaurants to eat in, places to visit etc. Could you suggest how to go about it?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Karishma, I'm so excited for you!!! We paid for our own private tours through trip advisor recommendations. They are about the same as booking a tour through the cruise ship. But my husband felt confident in doing that. The ship will allow you to book tours that leave early in the morning and get you back to the ship around 3 in the afternoon. Rome and Florence were the farthest away from the port. It took an hour to get to the city from the ship. But the ride into Florence is breathtaking and beautiful! You will be in the middle of high tourism areas , so restaurants will be all around you. You will have plenty of time to eat, and the food is fantastic. I recommend seeing the Coliseum in Rome, and in Florence, the city center (very busy). For the private tours we chose, the emails will tell you exactly where to meet your driver. They will pick you up in a car or a van. My favorite was in Naples, we booked a tour to Vesuvius with a lunch in a nearby vineyard. The views! The wine! The bread! My favorite. Hope this helps! This is your vacation so spend your money and enjoy your treat! Thank you for watching!

[@nicoleebbesenrowan6578]

Thanks for this! Very informative! Are there only the two pools though? Just curious. Doesn't seem like much for 4000 people!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

There are two pool on this main deck; there is an adult only pool, another pool and I believe another one that only big spenders can get to. Like if you join their premiere club. But don't quote me on that. Surprisingly there were never more than around this many people in the pool at all times. They had several water slides and kids' programs and things to do that these were fine. Thank you for commenting!

[@sah4739]

We're going to Barcelona in Sept(repeat trip to Barcelona) This is first on NCL and wait. Your review is so helpful. Did you review your Barcelona trip? Thanks for your NCL review

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

S James, thank you so much for saying that! I hope y'all have such a wonderful time! I did not review our days in Barcelona. But we've twice done a hike and food tour in Rupit. 1500 year old kitchen with AMAZING food. Moderate hike in tennis shoes. But you don't have to do the hike. Can't remember the company we used. So good and authentic! Happy sailing and thanks for commenting!

[@lewisbyrd7547]

Try Crystal or Regent you will see what fine cruising is all about

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thanks for watching!

[@markanderson4163]

yeah because they dont have staplers anywhere but merica......and cruise tip...NEVER put the ship luggage tags on until you get to the ship or hotel the night before

[@lorriewhitfield4238]

Looked up the plug on Amazon and it says it's a surge protector, will carnival confiscate this?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

They did not take mine, and I've been on two cruises with this. Maybe you could call your cruiseline? Thank you for watching!

[@anakerose]

I had one of these and it was confiscated because of the surge protector. We bought a pack from IKEA that have no surge and so far so good.

[@mcshiggitypilot5901]

sailing in january for my 4th EPIC cruise

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, how wonderful!!

[@whourdadie]

You should never bring a power strip on board with a surge protector. The reason they don't want you bringing on power strips with surge protectors is because the electricity is being sent to the rooms differently and has a somewhat different method of grounding then a standard house. In a standard house if you break the hot connection, then power isn't sent to the outlet anymore. This is what a surge protector basically does. If it finds a problem is breaks the hot connections. HOWEVER, on a cruise ship the hot line can come from either line. Thus, if there is a problem with the power strip, it's still getting power and could actually be the cause of a fire. Cruise ships have their own way to handle when an electric item isn't working right, but by using a surge protector you could actually be interfering with that and cause a fire.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Cliff, thanks for watching. Is a power strip the same as a surge protector? Or are you giving an extra tip? Bon Voyage!

[@whourdadie]

A power strip CAN have a surge protector as part of it. In fact the one you have linked to Amazon has one. That one would NOT be recommended and some cruise lines may take it from you at the beginning of the cruise and give it back the last night. I had one taken from me on Carnival and that is how I found this out. There are power strips that are cruise approved and don't have surge protectors built in. I would suggest checking with the cruise line directly on their policies and what they suggest. I THINK at one time Carnival took ALL power strips (if they found it in your luggage, sometimes things slip by). But I've checked on their website a few cruises back and now it must be one without surge protector. I've taken different types that didn't have surge protection with no problems since I had one taken away. We are going on the Epic (first time on NCL) in April. Thanks for the review. BTW, my description of how the electrical works may not be 100% right, but that's the just of it from what I researched a while back after they took mine. Basically don't have one with a surge protector as it COULD be what causes a fire.

[@midlifemom5829]

I just called NCL to review “prohibited items list”. It does not list power strips or extension cords . I have packed a non-surge power strip with longer cord, because i noticed the outlet is under the countertop -very inconvenient to reach underneath. The longer cord will go thru the countertop hole and be within reach

[@mapleLIFE]

I will be on this ship coming April 2018!!!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yay! Have a wonderful vacation!

[@JoseRodriguez-py7fl]

mapleLIFE tell me how it goes! I'm going in June!

[@eccehollandcollege7922]

Laurie, do you know if the Svedka Ice Bar allows under-age children? We will be traveling with a 12 yr old, and she would LOVE that experience! I know they have non-alcoholic beverages, but I cannot find any comment re age requirement. Thanks!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Hi, Kim. They do not allow them in. We were bummed too because our son was 12. I hear there's one in NYC, but it may be the same rules. Happy travels! You might want to call them. We booked through Costco so if you're going through them, they may know. Thank you for watching!

[@markanderson4163]

book The Haven.....they will send you luggage tags that are kinda like the airlines....peel and press

[@joanerdelyi4807]

I wouldn't like the shower right by the door to enter the room...ugh I hate the way their legs on the lounge chairs stick out....I tripped on one, saw other people trip too

[@susandiekmann]

Love your videos, Laurie! That awesome power strip is listed on Amazon as a surge protector, and I know some cruise lines will confiscate them. Did you bring it with you on Carnival, by chance?

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I haven't taken it on a Carnival ship. It's never been taken out at all to be looked at by other ships. Hope that helps. Thank you for commenting Susan! Are you cruising soon? Hope it's wonderful!

[@susandiekmann]

Cruising on the Glory in March (not looking forward to the Spring Break party crowds, but it's the only time we could go). Thanks for the great videos! I'm getting great ideas from you!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

If you're near the ocean, you can put up with anything ha! Have fun planning. We're big fans of private tours instead of doing the ones through the ship.

[@whourdadie]

The reason they don't want you bringing on power strips with surge protectors is because the electricity is being sent to the rooms differently and has a somewhat different method of grounding then a standard house. In a standard house if you break the hot connection, then power isn't sent to the outlet anymore. This is what a surge protector basically does. If it finds a problem is breaks the hot connections. HOWEVER, on a cruise ship the hot line can come from either line. Thus, if there is a problem with the power strip, it's still getting power and could actually be the cause of a fire. Cruise ships have their own way to handle when an electric item isn't working right, but by using a surge protector you could actually be interfering with that and cause a fire.

[@markanderson4163]

go up or down and around the casino...problem solved Cagneys is one of our favorites

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I want to go back! Thank you for watching!

[@mapleLIFE]

Our COSTCO dont have travel.....

[@markanderson4163]

its called a "life boat"

[@markanderson4163]

Barcelona 2021.....only 745 days to go.....lol!!!!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

It will be wonderful!! Thanks for watching.

[@chriswhite3198]

thx mam!

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Thank you for watching!

[@GeometricMason]

Disappointing to hear they still allow smoking in the casino. Some things will never change.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

I think so too especially since ships move to across the world where smoking inside is still done. Thanks for watching!

[@deniseallen6964]

I had a horrible cruise on the Epic. Cabin was dirty upon arrival, toilet still had feces from previous guest, cabin steward did not greet us until day 3, dining room staff gave us very dismissive service, everything we wanted to do cost extra, came home with Norovirus. NCL could care less.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Awww, that would ruin my trip too. Hope you find a good one next time, Denise.

[@RagingRapids311]

The area where you kept your waters is for dirty towels lol....

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Yep! Smart, huh? Thanks for watching!

[@scotscotty8075]

A lot of people like the Epic. I was not that impressed, too many people, strange room layout, embarkation at Canaveral was excruciating, too much walking to get around the ship.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Oh, we loved the layout of the room, but when we were researching the ship, we saw that many people did not. Thanks for watching!

[@markanderson4163]

hot tubs.......people soup!!!!

[@johnstoutley2046]

There's nothing good about the Norwegian Epic. The cabins are badly designed (thanks to the French). Too many people. Couldn't even get an elevator. Had to book for everything, including the shows. Dining was always a wait. Boarding and debarking was a nightmare. Don't get me wrong, other NCL ships are fine, it's just this one "The Epic" needs to be fully refurbished. Sorry, but this review is misleading.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

CherylJohn, I wonder what year you went. We went a couple of years after it had been refurbished. We were impressed, and every opinion was honest and backed by pictures and video. Loved our experience on this ship. Thank you for watching though.

[@johnstoutley2046]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie The year was 2016, 3rd January, 12 night cruise to the Canary Islands.

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

That stinks if you had an awful experience.

[@joangysel2351]

@@TravelTipsbyLaurie I went in March 2019 This ship was not fun. The beds were very comfortable, the employees were very friendly. The elevators were horrible. a lot of stuff went on in the Atrium. 5 thousand people! Terrible! Not enough seating. There was not a lot of shows to go to. Shopping was almost nothing. Food in the buffet was good most of the time. I will try Norwegian but I would never recommend Epic.

[@joannfarrell312]

That stinks...we just booked a 10 day cruise with our friends...@@joangysel2351

[@keeperzero]

This lady talks a lot a lot

[@TravelTipsbyLaurie]

Have a great trip!