11 Must-Know Things About the Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship

Table Of Content

• Posh Beach Club
• 10 of 4,418 Norwegian Epic Cruise Reviews
• Norwegian Epic Ice Bar
• We Make Vacation Planning Easy
• Where does Norwegian Epic sail from?
• Things You Didn’t Know About Norwegian Epic

In March of 2022, Norwegian Cruise Lines announced that in 2023, the Epic was to be redeployed from its current summer itinerary and that all cruises aboard the ship from May through October were cancelled. Major renovations were done to the Mandara Spa (deck 14), Bliss Ultra Lounge (promenade deck 7), Marketplace (lido deck 15), Epic Theater (deck 5), Casino (deck 6). The Haven Suite exclusive complex (decks 16-17) was updated with new furniture, lighting, wall covering, artworks.

Posh Beach Club

With a small pool and stadium seating, it’s a nice place to get away from everyone and relax. At night the bar changes to more of a venue for music and sometimes movies on a big screen. Just like Bliss, the staff sometimes doesn’t enforce the age restriction, a disappointment. The bar is a great place to sit outside and enjoy the good weather and have any number of daily frozen specials. See our 360-degree photos of the large balcony cabins on the Epic.

10 of 4,418 Norwegian Epic Cruise Reviews

With so much going on, Norwegian Epic is a cruise ship with broad appeal. The ship was one of the first at sea to be referred to as Las Vegas-esque and it's no wonder. From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Norwegian Epic has enough onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Visit Aqua Park and feel the exhilaration as you slide down 200 feet on The Epic Plunge – the only bowl slide at sea. Heat up your day or night at Spice H20, our adults-only beach club at the back of the ship.

Norwegian Epic Ice Bar

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The Spa Staterooms on the Epic come in three varieties including the Haven Spa Suite, Spa Balcony Suite, and Spa Balcony. The Spa Balcony and Club Balcony have nearly identical floor plans as the regular balcony cabins but have a more “serene” decor and upgraded bathroom accessories. Most importantly, any stateroom marketed as a “Spa” room has unlimited access to the Thermal Spa Suites (Mandara Spa) included in the cruise fare. (Available on Norwegian Escape, Breakaway Class ships, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Epic) You can see more about the Spa Staterooms on NCLs website.

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

For karaoke, billiards and late-night dancing, there is adults-only Bliss Ultra Lounge, featuring three bowling lanes, non-stop music and plasma screens. The Cirque Dreams & Dinner show is set in the 2-floor Spiegel Tent. The show is a mix of shrill singing, acrobatics and food, with tickets starting at $29.99. This space also hosts the Second City's 3-times-a-cruise and murder-mystery lunch for $20. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).

Where does Norwegian Epic sail from?

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. These 11 things to know about the Norwegian Epic cruise ship just scratch the surface. There’s still a ton to explore and discover among this one-of-a-kind, totally-unique ship, and you never know when you’ll get another chance to cruise a vessel that’s truly the only in its class.

Things You Didn’t Know About Norwegian Epic

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These Mid-Ship Balcony Staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony. With room for up to three they include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a sitting area and additional bedding to accommodate one more. These staterooms also feature curved walls, a unique bathroom treatment where every area is separate, including the shower and a modern vanity sink.

In Conclusion Our opinion of the Norwegian Epic:

Epic's SplashGolf was designed by Adventure Golf Services (a company specializing in the design and construction of mini-golf courses). Instead of traditional solid mini golf balls, SplalshGolf's balls are larger and floating. Most Norwegian Epic shows, even the free ones, need tickets though these can be booked at the box office on Deck 6 or online. The later the show, the smaller the audience, so better go later if you are in a big group and prefer to sit together.

In addition to the private balcony with a fantastic view, you will also have exclusive access to the Courtyard area, Concierge Lounge and private restaurant and bar. The ship offers two separate main pools (with four hot tubs), a kiddy pool area and a pool for suite guests. The 4200-passenger ship Norwegian Epic is the latest cruise ship owned by Norwegian Cruise Line before the launch of Norwegian Breakaway (2013).

These performers know how to heat up the theater and will showcase the classic ballroom styles. Have a pint at O'Sheehans Bar & Grill which is open 24 hours. You can also chow down on plenty of Irish comfort foods, including prime rib and all-you-can-eat ribs. Shaker's Martini Bar is the perfect spot to unwind at night with a martini or two. If these aren't enough to keep you busy every night, you'll also find a Teppanyaki restaurant and Wasabi sushi and yakitori bar. La Cucina serves up the freshest pasta and Italian specialties, such as Veal Scaloppini with Marsala sauce.

Children have access to the dedicated clubs and adults will find solitude in the adult-only Spice H2O area. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Enjoy Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard entertainment, including Broadway productions, comedy clubs, dueling pianos and much more. Mom and Dad will definitely sneak away from their family cruise on Epic for a romantic date night at Le Bistro, an upscale French eatery, hailed as the most elegant restaurant on the ship. Italian food is a family favorite in most households and a cruiser favorite onboard ! La Cucina serves up fresh fare, made with classic Tuscan recipes and the guidance of expert NCL chefs.

These suites feature a queen-size circular bed, in suite hot tub, spa decor and entry to the Mandara Spa experience, including complimentary access to the thermal suites. In addition to the private balcony with incredible views and luxury bathroom, you will also have exclusive access to the Courtyard area, Concierge Lounge and private restaurant and bar. Norwegian Epic suites with room for up to four, boast all around floor-to-ceiling windows. They include a separate bedroom with king-size bed, a living room, separate dining area and a private balcony with an amazing view. Norwegian Epic cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 2114 staterooms for 4228 passengers (max capacity is 5074) served by 1720 crew-staff.

“Burn The Floor” show is also offered on the NCL newest ships Breakaway and Getaway. It is a ballroom dancing type of theatrical entertainment, with 14 professional dancers and 2 singers performing together with a live band. Follows the complete list of Norwegian Epic restaurants and food bars. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH).

Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation. A Sail Away Balcony stateroom guarantees a Balcony stateroom or better! Looking for a getaway without the need to fly far, then Norwegian has options for you. The cruise line has ships leaving from New York, Boston, Miami, New Orleans and Seattle.

The entire area including the proprietary dining rooms and bars received a refresh. With new neutral wall treatments, upholstery and even new dinnerware, The Haven updates resulted in a contemporary, modern and more elegant space. Other parts of the ship received new carpeting and other updates. Whether you're looking for a beach party or a club, Norwegian Epic has both. Spice H20 is an adults-only beach club inspired by the hotspots of famous beach destinations like Ibiza. At night, the pool floor rises to feature a dance floor with giant screen projecting hypnotic visuals.

Certain ports of call may have specific health requirements, which should be confirmed by the individual passenger. As of September 2022, fully vaccinated travelers will not have to test prior to boarding. Passengers who are unvaccinated will need to present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of boarding the ship. Children under 12, however, have no testing or vaccination requirement.

Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Amenities Onboard Experience Norwegian Cruise Line

Table Of Content

• Family ship?
• Photo Gallery for Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship
• Norwegian Epic Departure Ports
• Norwegian Epic Ice Bar
• NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line to introduce 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across its 19-ship fleet
• Key cruising tips

Whatever your favorite form of entertainment, you can probably find it happening at some point during the day aboard Norwegian Epic. You also have access to the buffet on a complimentary basis, as well as the pub, O’Sheehan’s, which offers more American-style food than pub fair. In other words, if you’re worried you might be bored on a cruise, go with this ship. As such a unique ship, Norwegian Epic has certainly enjoyed its share of the limelight. The result of the dispute was that the shipyard would go ahead with constructing the first ship, but that the second and third ships simply would not be built.

Family ship?

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As such, in 2015, Norwegian Cruise Line announced plans for a two-year, $400 million, fleet-wide refurbishment program, and Norwegian Epic was a part of this program, which was dubbed The Norwegian Edge. Launched in the summer of 2009, Norwegian Epic is truly a one-of-a-kind cruise ship. While you can say that about plenty of other cruise ships across the world, it really is the case when it comes to this vessel — and that’s because the Norwegian Epic cruise ship is the only one of its kind. There are no other cruise ships that are like it in, literally, the entire world, no matter where you sail. Engage in Norwegian Cruise Line's onboard activities, including water parks, casinos, dance clubs, arcades, ropes courses, sports courts, duty-free shops and more. A Sail Away Inside stateroom guarantees an Inside stateroom or better!

Photo Gallery for Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship

To get your cruise ship planning started, here is a look at some of the exciting activities, dining options, and things to do you'll find on board Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Epic was the first ship to include The Haven when it was built, and it's now more luxurious than ever. Extensive renovations were completed during the recent refurbishment, including redesigned suites and experiences. If it's exclusivity you're after, Norwegian Epic has it all. I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years).

Norwegian Epic Departure Ports

This includes the aqua park with huge water slides (three of them!) and a 200-foot-long tube ride into a funnel/bowl. In September 2008, a dispute over the price of the first F3 vessel (at the time approximately 25% complete) arose between Norwegian Cruise Line and STX France. Reportedly, the sale of 50% of NCL to Apollo Management in August 2007 resulted in Apollo making several changes to the designs, resulting in a higher cost for the first vessel. A dispute between NCL and STX initially resulted in the construction of both ships being placed on hold until a new agreement was reached. NCL Norwegian pioneered the freestyle dining concept (eat whenever, with whomever and wherever you want). Expect to pay extra for the speciality restaurants, though there are plenty of spots included in the cruise fare.

Norwegian Epic Ice Bar

Gratuities for the hard-working staff are added on to the cost of the cruise. Some guests tip extra to crew who have gone over and above their duties. Policies change frequently, so guests are advised to keep up with current protocols on a particular sailing.

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line to introduce 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across its 19-ship fleet

Don't miss out on other repeat guest favorites such as the Parmesan dusted truffle fries or the made-from-scratch jumbo lump crab cakes. Pools, a waterslide, an aqua park, a rock climbing wall, and huge sun decks are among the many things to do on the Epic. Unfortunately, NCL made the choice to chop off a significant portion of the bar and make it a Starbucks. Where the Atrium Bar used to be a gathering point for social activity and pre-dinner meetups, it’s now just an afterthought and feels like it should be in the lobby of a cheap hotel.

Cruisers always have the option of dressing up or not and for some, a cruise is the perfect time to dress-up. The full gamut of appropriate styles will be seen in the more formal dining rooms on the ship. Norwegian’s Night Out is one of the optional nights for dressing up and the White Party is another popular event to wear all white – or not! Before you experience “Freestyle Cruising” with Norwegian check out this photo gallery which features many of their ships, specialty dining options and innovative staterooms. Norwegian Epic Spa Mini-Suites with a Balcony can accommodate up to three guests. They feature two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, a sitting area, shower or luxury bath with shower, additional bedding to accommodate one more guest and soothing spa decor.

Top 10 Norwegian Epic Cruises

NCL Epic offers a variety of cabins ranging from the small Studio cabins (100 square feet) for solo travelers to the Deluxe Owners Suite at 852 square feet, in The Haven. Haven suites allow use of the exclusive Haven area, but may not always be physically located within this enclave. The list of new (redesigned) facilities includes a photo gallery (deck 5), library (deck 7), card room (deck 7) and the new SplashGolf (kids mini-golf course). The SplashGolf is a retrofit to the ship's existing splash pad (part of the Aqua Park area). It is located under the waterslides on pool deck 15 and combines 2 water fun attractions (splash pad and miniature golf) into one interactive water play facility for toddlers and small kids.

A new club lounge was opened under the name “The Cavern Club”. The venue is via a partnership with the original British club’s owners. It offers music inspired by "The Beatles" (live performances by international musicians). Epic is NCL's unique "F3 Project" liner and has no sisterships. The vessel is exactly 32% smaller by GT in comparison to Royal Caribbean's (and world's) largest Oasis-Class ships.

Diverse cultures, outstanding historical attractions, and intriguing peoples are a few of the features of a cruise to Europe. This unique concept is devoted to treatments that benefit the mind and body. Start off with a dip in the Thalasso Therapy Pool which will give you a feeling of weightlessness. Dip in the hot tub to start relaxing your body even more and go straight into the steam room to alleviate pain, relax stiff joints, and improve your immune system. Norwegian Epic lives up to its name with lots of exciting things to do and top-notch entertainment. It was awarded Best Ship Entertainment by Frommer's and continues to set the bar high.

The cabins on the Norwegian Epic are where most passengers have a strong opinion. The layout is unusual by cruise ship standards with a split bathroom (the toilet is separate from the shower) and where the sink is in the room. With only a curtain divider, people often feel that privacy is lacking. The design is very “European” by nature, which is why it’s not well received by the customer base in America. While the design of the bathroom is polarizing when it comes to opinions, the overall room design is quite good, albeit funky with rounded elements throughout. The rooms are still in style, even 10+ years after the launch of NCL Epic.

Their stateroom, while beautiful, was an aft cabin and not connected to the main Haven area on the ship. Beyond the unique design elements and slightly more spacious cabin (with a proper bathroom layout), the Haven offered a Butler and Concierge that they rarely used. The consensus regarding the Haven on Norwegian is the value exists primarily in the private dining, lounge, and bar areas as well as other exclusive-use outdoor spaces. Most people who I know that have booked in the Haven suites tell me that they’d probably not pay full price for the experience but rather bid for an upgrade when possible. With a maximum capacity of two, these Penthouses include a queen-size bed and luxury bath with separate shower.

So let’s start out with the most intriguing thing about this ship. While other cruising vessels usually have at least one other ship in its class — a ship that shares its vibe, facilities, amenities, etc. — Norwegian Epic is all on its own. Participate in Norwegian Cruise Line's fitness centers, training programs and relax at spa treatments, including massages, body wraps, acupuncture, facials and more to relax and soothe. Learn how Norwegian Cruise Line takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Whether you are considering a Mediterranean cruise, island hopping in The Caribbean, or embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime Transatlantic cruise, Norwegian Epic might be the ship for you. If you can get over the layout of the cabins and bathrooms, the rest of the ship is great.

With two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, these Mid-Ship Inside Staterooms can accommodate up to two guests. They also feature a separate bathroom with shower and access to some really great amenities. And because they are mid-ship staterooms, you'll have easy access to everything on board.

Don’t forget, if you’re really a spa person and expect to make heavy use of the spa, sometimes the Spa Staterooms are less expensive than a balcony cabin plus buying a pass, so definitely compare when booking. The main dining restaurants on the Epic with a menu that changes regularly as well as a daily / nightly fixed menu for those who don’t appreciate change. New evening entertainment options are also introduced at the ship’s theatre (deck 5).