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Departs Barcelona aboard Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Epic
- Featuring The Haven By Norwegian! |
| Sailing Date(s):
May 2013, Jun 2013, Jul 2013, Aug 2013, Sep 2013, Oct 2013 |
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 Expert Review |
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| | | | | Dining
NCL pioneered the freestyle dining concept (that is, eat whenever you want with whomever you want and wherever you want), and it's taken it to a new level on Epic. Expect to pay a little extra (or a lot, depending on your perspective) for the specialty restaurants onboard, though there are plenty of places to nosh that are included in the cruise fare.
Whereas most mega-ships feature a massive, swanky dining hall where strangers mingle at large tables under glistening chandeliers, Epic goes another route. The closest you'll find to the standard here is the fee-free, 592-seat Manhattan Room, an Art Deco-esque maze with gorgeous two-story windows looking aft and a polished dance floor (there's frequently music for hoofing, and the Legends in Concert show takes place here three times a week). It's a beaut, but it offered up one of the least satisfying meals I encountered thanks to an overwhelming din and sub-par food (for the record, a soggy salad, cold prime rib and a rock-hard baked potato).
Oddly enough, I preferred the chow and the atmosphere at the Garden Caf, the ship's buffet-style eatery awash with flowery dcor and made-to-order food stations. As crowded as Epic was, I never had a problem finding a seat, plus there's a plethora of window tables -- so even if you're eating alone there's something to watch outside. Steps away and almost poolside is the Great Outdoors, an extension of the buffet offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with easy access to well-spaced tables tucked under attractive tent-like canopies.
There are two other open-to-all, fee-free options onboard. Because I'd heard mixed reviews from fellow Epicureans about Taste, which proffers eclectic fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner, I approached the atrium restaurant with some skepticism. No worries: I loved the unconventional dcor -- a modernistic mix of twisted wood, a giant LED chandelier and free-form walls -- and the sophisticated vibe, and the food wasn't half-bad (tip: try the fish and chips). Less sophisticated and more fun is O'Sheehan's, a new concept for NCL: a sprawling bowling alley-cum-eatery that's open 24 hours and decked out in dark wood and stained glass. It dishes out breakfasts (scrambled-egg wraps, create-your-own omelets and the like) and pub grub.
Still, the gratis options never really measured up to the offerings at the for-fee specialty restaurants. Several new-to-NCL venues make their debuts here: Shanghai's is a compact, dinner-only Chinese restaurant ($15 per person) decorated in deep reds and greens; it has an adjacent a la carte noodle bar that was always packed (prices from $2) for lunch and dinner. Both are worth a stop, though I'd advise ordering the more exotic fare at Shangai's (read: no lo mein) to shake things up a bit.
Meanwhile, passadors hauling towering skewers of beef and other carnivore cravings make the rounds at Moderno Churrascaria, an all-you-can-eat meatfest ($20 per person) sharing space with Cagney's Steakhouse, an NCL dinner-only stalwart. Two words: Go hungry. But perhaps the latter should have its own space -- Moderno's giant salad bar looks out of place within the classy Cagney's ($25), which on this vessel is too bright, too busy, too loud and too crowded. While the food was fine, the atmosphere suffers in comparison to Cagney's on other NCL ships.
More successful is the $20-per-person, dinner-only Le Bistro, another NCL standard-bearer that gets the royal treatment on Epic. Delicious French fare is presented with panache in a dining room bedecked with sculptures, gorgeous flowers and paintings. Interestingly, this was the only tough reservation I had while onboard. Even more interesting: I could only nab a 5:30 p.m. reservation on the night I wanted to go, but when I finished dinner at about 7:30 p.m., more than half the room was empty.
Looking for romance? Ok, I wasn't, but La Cucina, a relatively low-end Italianate tucked under the Garden Caf, was a lovely surprise. A crack team of servers wove in and out of comfortably spaced tables that either hug expansive windows or sit under a faux tree adorned with lanterns. Add in subtle lighting, a quiet vibe, good food (including a grade-A bread basket) and a relatively $15 surcharge, and you have a winner.
Two other for-fee options fill the bill admirably if you want something a tad more exotic. Wasabi -- featuring tile floors and comfy high-top chairs set at counters sporting fake wheatgrass in little wooden pots -- offers expertly prepared a la carte sushi and sashimi, plus a full sake menu. I had a delicious, filling combo plate at lunch for $10, and it would have been even cheaper except I wanted to try the vegetable roll. NCL expanded its popular Teppanyaki lair for Epic, which you'll either love or hate depending on your tolerance for knife play, singing, cheering and other non-sedate meal antics while a master chef performs at a grill. I adored it, and at $25 I'm torn over whether the fee is for the food or the entertainment.
Guests bunking in the private Courtyard Villas complex can also choose to dine for free in the Epic Club, a chic nook on Deck 16 swathed in splashy colors, modern furniture and beaded curtains. Its outdoor component, the Courtyard Grill, serves breakfast and lunch and is similarly light on seating (the Club accommodates 62, the Grill 36).
Finally, don't scoff at the 24/7 pizza advertised everywhere on the ship (seriously, you can't avoid the signs for it). I tested out the delivery service by ordering a veggie pie at 3 a.m. one morning and marveled at a) how quickly it arrived, b) how large it was and c) how good it tasted. For $5, it's one of the best bargains onboard.
Additional for-fee room-service options include a jumbo-shrimp platter ($20) and a cheese selection ($42, serves four). Otherwise, there's standard gratis fare available for delivery, including breakfast (juices, coffee, cold cereals, yogurt, breads, etc.) and all-day selections like chicken soup and a three-egg omelet. For the most part, I found service prompt and pleasant. | | |  top | | | | Fellow Passengers
Since I was on the ship in the fall -- off-season and deep into the school year -- I was surrounded by adults, most in their 30s to 50s. But with Nickelodeon activities aplenty, free kids' programs, the teen club and an onboard waterpark that ranks among the industry's best, Epic is a natural for families. That vibe is reinforced by the plethora of connecting and family-specific cabins. Still, Spice H20 and numerous other venues (Fat Cats, Le Bistro, etc.) lend an air of sophistication to the ship, while more adventurous types will dig the climbing and rappelling walls. Even Blue Man Group seems more geared to Mom and Dad than Junior, but the fact that Disney flicks like "Wall-E" and "The Princess and the Frog" were screened late at night on the atrium's giant video screen give credence to the fact that families will find plenty to enjoy onboard.
| | | | top | | | | Cabins
 Norwegian Epic Cabin Photos
If Epic stands out in one particular area, it's in its cabin design. From its funky "new wave" staterooms and its wildly popular solo Studios to the fact that every outside cabin has a balcony (an industry first), there's a lot to admire -- and question -- on the ship.
Making the biggest splash by far are the 128 Studios, a two-deck complex of inside accommodations accessible by keycard. Geared toward solo travelers and priced at about $800 to $1,000 for a seven-night sail (considerably less than the traditional single supplements that lone cruisers have to pay), each cabin comprises about 100 square feet of living space and contains a full-size bed, separate shower/toilet and sink, a surprising amount of storage and nifty lighting effects that let you change the room's hue depending on your mood. I liked the large round window in each cabin as well; it looks out into the corridor (so no real view), but there's a shade you can close to ensure privacy. I talked to about a dozen Epic voyagers bunking in Studios, and everyone said they loved the concept -- and the execution. Bonus points for the Living Room, where solo-istas can gather to watch TV, drink some coffee and have a drink before heading out.
Meanwhile, tongues have been wagging since Epic's launch over the "new wave" design worked into most cabins (with the exception of inside accommodations, villas and some suites). Think curvy walls, recessed ceilings, rounded queen-size beds and arched sofas. However, it's the revolutionary bathrooms -- which split the commode and the shower into two components, which are separated by the foyer and ensconced in smoked glass -- that are giving some folks fits. Two problems: The stand-alone sinks can be disconcertingly close to beds. And you can see the shadow of the person using the facilities, so unless you close the curtain dividing the enclosures from the rest of the cabin, a simple pre-dinner shower becomes a peep show.
One puzzling side note: While many cabins feature the see-through loos and showers, the Studios do not. The toilets lie behind solid doors, giving the solo passengers, uh, more privacy than those traveling with others. The translucent showers are a Studio staple, however.
Overall, I was more than pleased with the design... and the bathroom configuration. Who doesn't want a little extra roominess? However, I was struck by the difference in the standard Balcony and Deluxe Balcony staterooms (having the chance to sleep in both varieties), encompassing 216 square feet and 245 square feet, respectively (including the balcony). At 6 foot 1, I felt a little cramped in the smaller space (the bed nearly touched the built-in vanity), and I was traveling alone. An upgrade to the larger stateroom included a bevy of extra cubbyholes for clothes, a larger shower, bathrobes, a full range of toiletries and room to move. Both cabin classes accommodate three, but I'd spend the extra money if I were part of a trio.
In any event, cabins come with flat-screen TVs (with a pitifully small range of viewing options); roomy safes; a complex but wonderfully intuitive phone that simplifies setting alarms, making reservations and ordering room service; and a paucity of electrical outlets (be prepared to crawl on the floor to plug in your iPod). The lighting effects are lovely throughout, though it took me two days to figure out how to turn on the light over the sink -- so ask your steward. The curvy couch, alas, looks cooler than it is comfortable. Closet space is fine, though borrowing an iron from housekeeping to de-wrinkle some shirts was an ordeal that took several phone calls and 75 minutes to untangle.
Families can pick and choose among a variety of staterooms, including Balcony and Deluxe Balcony accommodations within close proximity to the Recess Kid's Crew activity area. They're the same size as other balcony cabins, only with an extra upper bed. Many are connecting, so the whole brood can be together.
In addition, NCL has introduced 39 spa-themed Balcony, Deluxe Balcony and 322-square-foot Suites into the mix. Clustered near the Mandara Spa, each lodging offers complimentary access to the ship's hydrotherapy area and thermal suite, while passengers in the Spa Suites can take advantage of the Courtyard Villas concierge lounge.
That lounge is just one of numerous amenities offered to splurgers ensconced in the Haven complex, the largest "ship-within-a-ship" enclave in the NCL fleet. Nestled atop the ship on Decks 16 and 17, the space also includes a private pool, two whirlpools, a gym, sun deck and the posh Epic Club restaurant. The 60 accommodations include 46 Family Villas, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and separate living and dining areas (up to 506 square feet); eight Deluxe Owner's Suites, with king-size beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and his-and-her powder areas (up to 852 square feet); and six Courtyard Penthouses, with queen-size beds, separate living and dining areas and a luxury bath (up to 322 square feet). | | | | top | | | | Entertainment
The nighttime is the right time on Epic, which is clearly taking aim at Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class show-a-paloozas. One difference, though, is Epic's smattering of distinctive, relatively compact venues for the entertainment, which ranges from off-Broadway stalwarts (Blue Man Group) and Chicago transplants (Second City Comedy Troupe) to Vegas imports (Legends in Concert) and kiddie crowd-pleasers (anything with Nickelodeon).
Just remember that most shows need tickets (even the free ones, which are in the majority), though I had no difficulty getting into anything. Worrywarts can book online in advance of their cruise, while there's a spiffy box office/gift kiosk on Deck 6 outside the Epic Theater with a digital sign that provides an update of ticket availability. Generally, the later the show, the smaller the audience, so go later if you're in a big group and want to sit together.
The plush Epic Theater is home to the iconic Blue Man Group eight times a sail and Legends in Concert three times (Legends moves to the Manhattan Room for an "unplugged" version three times a week). Without giving away too much, the Blue Man show -- a hilarious mix of performance art, percussion and audience participation -- was almost identical to the show I saw in New York. Legends is a fun, loud, best-after-a-few-margaritas stage spectacular featuring a trio of talented celebrity impersonators. Take your camera if you want a shot with one of the faux celebs afterward in the foyer. Both are free.
Hop into the 259-seat Headliners for the Second City improv comedy show. This one's better with a larger audience, and sit closer to the front if you want to see the performers on the tiny stage -- otherwise, you'll be watching them on the TV screens strategically scattered about the room. Better yet, don't miss the Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos show on the same stage. I saw the unpredictable sing-along twice and would have gone again if I had time (useless fact: Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" is the duo's most-requested song). Both are free.
There's also gratis blues in the 160-seat Fat Cats (reminiscent of a Big Apple basement club and often jam-packed) and lounge acts throughout the ship, plus the Nickelodeon offerings (see Family below). For karaoke, late-night dancing and billiards, there's the adults-only Bliss Ultra Lounge, where partiers are greeted by statues of horses with lampshades on their heads -- stay long enough and you'll end up in the same state. The pulsating lights on the walls were enough to make my head spin, as was the fact that the ship's "library" is composed of a scant number of tomes that share the same kiosk used to dispense shoes for the club's three bowling lanes.
Bar Central, a familiar NCL concept, is enlarged on Epic. Along with a cigar bar and beer, scotch and martini meccas, passengers can literally grab a cold one in the Svedka Ice Bar, a stunningly beautiful, freakishly cold (17 degrees) and unique-to-Epic hot spot. Reservations are required, and the $20 cover buys you two drinks featuring the namesake vodka. Most in my group of 10 didn't last more than 10 minutes in the icebox, even covered in the complimentary faux fur, but I still consider it a ship highlight. Don't miss it.
You may want to consider missing the Cirque Dreams and Dinner show, however. It engenders true love-hate responses among passengers; I'm among the latter. Set in the 217-seat, two-floor Spiegel Tent, the theater-in-the-round show is a weird mix of shrill singing, so-so acrobatics and forgettable food. Tickets start at $29.99 ($39.99 for the best seats); I'd rather go back to the ice bar and down more vodka. The space was put to better use during the Second City's three-times-a-cruise, frequently hilarious murder-mystery lunch, also $20.
Note: During Epic's Europe itineraries, the Second City shows (including the murder mysteries) will not be performed. | | | | top | | | | Public Rooms
As with many mega-ships, it can be hard to remember that you're on the open ocean. It's no different on Epic, whose grand outdoor spaces are almost entirely confined to the top decks (hence, no wrap-around promenade midship to burn off some calories).
Most of the main activity in the ship's interior centers on Decks 5, 6 and 7, where three levels of restaurants, entertainment venues and shops compete for attention. True, it all seems a bit mall-like, but you can't dispute the convenience.
Depending on the time of day, the three-story atrium and its giant video screen is either a hub of activity or a drowsy dead zone. When the sun is up, expect to see folks playing Wii golf or chatting up friends as tranquil videos backed by zither music light up the screen. At night, sports or movies are the featured attraction -- watch from plush chairs in the Deck 5 atrium coffee bar or, one flight up, on barstools at O'Sheehan's. (I opted for the latter and its eight beers on tap, free grub and perfect sightlines.)
In fact, the area surrounding the coffee bar is an ideal place for some quiet time, containing as it does the chi-chi Le Bistro; Epic's art gallery/auction house; the i-Connect Internet caf; guest services; and the Click photo gallery. One cool thing about Click: There's no need to stare at hundreds of strangers' mugs when looking for your own. Just swipe your keycard at a kiosk to see your pictures, then find them in the binders located nearby.
For more action, head to Decks 6 and 7, which become packed with passengers at dinnertime and beyond. One place you won't find packed is Tradewinds. The ship's selection of duty-free -- and oft-deserted shops, offerings include the Pointe, which sells all things NCL and Epic (including a $39.95 ship model); Jetties, for beachwear, cabana shirts and the like; and the Sandbox, a cute kid's store with stuffed critters and a wall of candy that can be yours for $11.96 a pound.
Be aware that the Epic casino slices right through the middle of Deck 6, so slot machines are unavoidable, particularly if you're heading to Shanghai's and several other venues. It's a curious design decision, inasmuch as the clanging sounds from the machine are jarring, and lingering entrails of cigarette smoke drive some passengers away from an area rich in culinary and entertainment options. Even when the area is empty-ish, you can still smell the smoke in the air, making it a real drag (pun intended). That said, the Vegas-esque gambling den is a risk-taker's dream, and at 13,000 square feet the largest NCL casino afloat. Choose among 340 slot machines, plus the requisite tables games, all of which make money go "poof!" | | | | top | | | | Family
Nickelodeon at Sea, which originated on Norwegian Jewel in April 2010, is now an integral part of the Epic experience as well, and darned if adults won't have as much fun as the kids. Don't be surprised if you run into SpongeBob SquarePants and Co. at some point, at events ranging from Dora's Dance Party and character meet-and-greets to Slime Time Live! (yes, someone gets "slimed" onstage in the Epic Theater) and a Nickelodeon arts-and-crafts session.
Me? I'm a Patrick the Starfish fan from way back, so I wasn't ashamed to check out the Nickelodeon character breakfast ($10 for 2 - 12s, $15 for 13 and up) with a friend in the Spiegel Tent. If you can get past the icky green goop that's poured over the pancakes, the breakfast is decent, but it's far surpassed by the energy provided by the characters and the onboard Nick team. Kudos to the picture-taking service offered: Hand the staffers your camera, and they'll snap a photo of you with Diego, Dora and the rest of the gang (Mom and Dad will appreciate the money saved from not having to purchase official ship photos).
Elsewhere onboard, the Recess Kid's Club is the hub for NCL's "Splash Academy" program, which divides kids into four groups by age: Guppies (6 months to 3 years, with parent), Turtles (3 - 5), Seals (6 - 9) and Dolphins (10 - 12). When I peeked in (adults aren't allowed in past the door), I saw a bevy of happy young'uns racing around the brightly lit area.
Teens have their own dedicated space on Deck 16, Entourage. The glass-enclosed enclave features air hockey, foosball, flat-screen TVs and plush couches that encourage chilling. A video arcade is situated just below.
Both Splash Academy and Entourage feature a different theme every day, like pirates, space cowboys, jungle fever or circus. Specific emphasis is placed on active offerings -- soccer, physical challenges -- through a partnership with The King's Foundation and Camps, a United Kingdom-based organization that provides sport and activity programs designed for kids. For teens, bowling tournaments, soccer challenges and dodge ball under the stars are just a few of the active offerings. Other typical activities might include arts-and-crafts, trivia, a cake-eating challenge, video games, even an Olympics for the older kids, and face-painting, puzzles and a treasure hunt for the wee ones.
For parents who want to wander the decks after midnight, the for-fee Late Night Fun Zone provides activities from 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.; families pay $6 per hour for the first child, $4 per hour for siblings. | | | | top | | | | Dress Code
Casual dress will easily get you through a seven-night sail on Epic, as it's what freestyle cruising is all about. Though passengers are encouraged to "dress up" one night (read: suits for men, cocktail dresses for women) for pictures, few actually do. On my trip, khakis and polo or cabana shirts were de rigueur for men at night, while sun dresses or skirts with blouses did the trick for women. True, shorts are also common once the sun sets, but resort-casual attire is the norm at posher restaurants like Le Bistro and Cagney's.
| | | | top | | | | Gratuity
Each passenger is automatically billed $12 per day, which supports an incentive program for the service staff. If a passenger is unsatisfied with service and the line can't resolve the issue, he/she can adjust the service charges. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar drinks, and 18 percent is added to spa and salon services. For passengers using concierge and butler service, NCL recommends a gratuity "commensurate with the services rendered." The bill can be paid in cash or with credit/debit cards and traveler's checks.
| | | | top | | | | Overview
When Epic debuted in June 2010, it strutted its new-to-cruising innovations proudly. The first solo studio cabins at sea! The first ice bar at sea! The first Blue Man Group show at sea! The first "new wave" cabins at sea! The first translucent bathrooms at sea! (Ok, maybe it should have stopped at its innovative curved-wall cabin design, as the howls continue over the see-through loos.)
NCL's revolutionary Norwegian Epic is big, brassy, bold and ballsy. And while opinions are mixed over the success of Epic overall, even the most jaded travelers admit the ship is a 19-deck wonder, with enough bells and whistles to keep passengers satisfied for a week (the Nickelodeon offerings alone mesmerize the little ones).
Some quick kudos and catcalls from a recent weeklong sail on Epic:
Thumb's up... for the game-changing Studio staterooms geared toward solo travelers. Add in the Living Room, a swanky communal gathering place, and you have one of the coolest, funkiest, most-welcoming spots afloat. No wonder they sell out faster than any other Epic cabin class.
Thumb's up... for the entertainment. Epic does away with cruising's familiar multi-tiered mega-theater in favor of a plethora of distinctive venues scattered around the ship. The result? Even the 681-seat Epic Theater -- home to Blue Man Group and the pulse-quickening, surprisingly sharp Legends in Concert -- seemed more intimate than expected.
Thumb's down... for the smokiness. It's a common complaint among Epic passengers, and you'll hear no defense here. The sprawling casino lies squarely in the center of the mid-ship, three-story atrium comprising most dining and entertainment venues, and you can't shake the stench if you're in the area. I noticed air purifiers scattered about, but they do little good when the casino is crowded -- which is often.
Thumb's up... for the eats. With more than 20 freestyle-dining restaurants (an NCL signature), there's a different place to chow down every morning, noon and night on Epic. Happily, even the Garden Caf buffet measures up for the masses, and who wouldn't want pizza delivered anytime -- and anywhere?
Thumb's down... for the endless winding corridors. The ship is 1,081 feet long, and it'll seem as if you're traversing every inch of it when making your way back to your cabin. It took me the better part of the week to remember that red carpeting signaled the even-numbered cabins and blue carpeting the odd. Plus, I was struck by the absence of cut-throughs to stairwells and elevators. Bottom line: Go in the right direction the first time or you'll be doing a lot of walking. Still, I have to give a...
Thumb's up... for the general layout. As big as Epic is, I never felt disoriented (after the first few hours, that is). The fact that most of the restaurants and entertainment digs are clustered together certainly helped, though the Mandara Spa's awkward location on Deck 14 aft necessitated a long, long walk down a corridor lined with staterooms. The pool complex and Aqua Park is a marvel of twisting water flumes, spraying fountains and clearly delineated paths to get you through the morass of screaming kids, noshing adults and sea of lounge chairs.
Thumb's down... to that spa. Sure, it's 31,000 square feet (making it one of the industry's largest), but its hydrotherapy and thermal suite, outdoor sun deck and locker rooms were frequently so crowded that I needed to get away from it to feel relaxed.
Thumb's up... for the service. I'm always amazed at the consistently high level of service on a cruise ship, but Epic seemed to take it a step higher, even with all those people onboard. I ate alone several times and always felt as if I were being given extra attention; at one breakfast, a server brought me an extra pastry because I "still looked hungry."
Thumb's up and down... to those controversial bathrooms. I'm a fan: I love the openness and extra space (in the large-for-a-ship showers in particular). But others seem to be split 50-50 for and against this innovation, which probably won't see the light of day again anytime soon.
So, overall, it's a mixed bag. You'll either love this hulking innovator-on-water or you'll fret that it doesn't match your expectations. One thing you won't do is go hungry, get bored or go home without a strong opinion one way or the other. | | | | top | | | | Fitness and Recreation
Who needs a waterpark while you're at sea? Just about everyone it appears, and Epic delivers. Its mammoth Aqua Park is a kaleidoscope of pinks, greens and purples, centering on the Epic Plunge, in which tube-riders zip into a giant funnel before dropping through a 200-foot-long chute into a pool below. It's crazy fun, and I think I screamed louder than most of the kids waiting behind me in line. Two other slides are just as wet, maybe not as wild, but worth the wait.
Otherwise, expect a pair of standard pools surrounded by fountains, funky sculptures and an ocean of loungers. (Tip: Head farther aft to find available seating or check out the nearly hidden -- and frequently uncrowded -- sundeck on Deck 18; take the silver cylindrical elevator to the right of the Garden Caf entrance, and don't forget the sunscreen.) Little ones have their own place to frolic in the Splash and Play Zone, a shaded oasis of fountains, wading pools and animal sculptures tucked under the water slides.
Other outdoor diversions include a rock-climbing wall (33 feet high, 64 feet wide) and an industry-first rappelling wall -- no surprise that more adventurers opted to let gravity do the work, so the rappellers (who clamber down the towering edifice) always seemed to outnumber the climbers. Still, the wait to do either paled in comparison to the lines for the bungee trampoline on the sports deck, home to a basketball court, the Spider Web (a two-story climbing cage covered in mesh and packed with sweaty kids) and more empty chaises.
To escape the frenzy of the Aqua Park, check out Spice H2O, a tiered, stage-like space that serves double duty as an adults-only pool during the day and an adults-only party space at night. (If you're worrying about whether the no-kids rule is taken seriously, in my experience it was.) For my money, the huge LED screen hugging the ship's aft detracts from the view; I'd rather see the actual ocean than a projection of waves. But the attendant bar and small buffet space was usually people-free, and there's a calming lull over the area that's fairly rare for Epic.
Alas, that's not the case at the Mandara Spa, a shockingly boisterous affair sequestered on Deck 14. Having just savored the facilities on NCL'S Norwegian Jewel, I expected the same sort of this-is-heaven experience on Epic. Instead, while the treatment rooms were lovely, the hydrotherapy courtyard and thermal suite was just short of a madhouse the half-dozen times I ventured forth. I never did get a chaise on the open-air deck, and the heated-tile loungers were almost always filled, or covered with wet towels.
All of that would have been fine, really, if the main attraction -- the therapy pool -- was actually therapeutic. But the chattering masses packed within ended that dream, and the unwanted showers provided by other guests who stuck their heads under the two super-jets spurting water into the drink mid-pool only added to the discomfort. It's too bad, inasmuch as the space itself is captivating, with an ethereal glow provided by twinkling lights embedded into the ceiling.
Better to save some money and splurge on one of 50 spa treatments (massages, facials, etc.) or hit the fitness center with its 37 treadmills and 18 cross trainers.
| | | | top | | | | | Expert reviews are provided by CruiseCritic.com, an award-winning cruise community. This objective information can help you choose just the right ship for your next cruise vacation. | |  | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Interior | | Oceanview | | Balcony | | Suite | | | | | | | Sailing Dates Shown:
May 2013 - Jun 2015 | | | |  | |  | |  | |  | | | | | Sample images only - actual stateroom may vary. | | | Dates: | | Staterooms from: | | | | |
show all dates | | Prices listed are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy. Terms & Conditions.
Additional Passengers from $449 for select dates and staterooms.
Children under the age of 21 and pregnancy restrictions | | | | | | | |
May 26-Jun 2, 2013 | | | | $599 | | N/A | | $719 | | $1,129 | | | |  | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jun 2-9, 2013 | | | | Call Now! | | N/A | | Call Now! | | $3,079 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jun 9-16, 2013 | | | | $499 | | N/A | | $849 | | Call Now! | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jun 16-23, 2013 | | | | $549 | | N/A | | $849 | | $1,199 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jun 23-30, 2013 | | | | $649 | | N/A | | $1,149 | | $1,379 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jun 30-Jul 7, 2013 | | | | $849 | | N/A | | $1,199 | | $1,429 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jul 7-14, 2013 | | | | $849 | | N/A | | $1,249 | | $1,399 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jul 14-21, 2013 | | | | $849 | | N/A | | $1,249 | | $1,399 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jul 21-28, 2013 | | | | $899 | | N/A | | $1,299 | | $1,449 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jul 28-Aug 4, 2013 | | | | $849 | | N/A | | $1,249 | | $1,399 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aug 4-11, 2013 | | | | $1,009 | | N/A | | $1,419 | | $1,599 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aug 11-18, 2013 | | | | $959 | | N/A | | $1,369 | | $1,579 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aug 18-25, 2013 | | | | $949 | | N/A | | $1,279 | | $1,449 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aug 25-Sep 1, 2013 | | | | $829 | | N/A | | $1,159 | | $1,279 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sep 1-8, 2013 | | | | $749 | | N/A | | $1,029 | | $1,179 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sep 8-15, 2013 | | | | $719 | | N/A | | $1,029 | | $1,179 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sep 15-22, 2013 | | | | $689 | | N/A | | $1,009 | | $1,149 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sep 22-29, 2013 | | | | $689 | | N/A | | $999 | | $1,079 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sep 29-Oct 6, 2013 | | | | $669 | | N/A | | $929 | | $1,079 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Oct 6-13, 2013 | | | | $659 | | N/A | | $949 | | $1,089 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Oct 13-20, 2013 | | | | $629 | | N/A | | $949 | | $1,099 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | top | | |
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