Norwegian Epic Review: Big Ship, Big Personality, Big Fun

Wondering if Norwegian Epic is the right cruise for you? Here’s my honest review covering dining, entertainment, cabins, and what to expect onboard this lively and unique ship.

First Impressions

I sailed on Norwegian Epic in August 2021, curious to experience one of the most unique ships in the fleet — and she absolutely delivered. Designed to carry around 4,070 guests, Epic first set sail in 2010 and has been making waves ever since with her bold, distinctive style.

From the moment I stepped onboard, Epic felt lively, energetic, and full of personality. While her design differs slightly from the newer Breakaway and Prima classes, Epic’s atmosphere more than makes up for it. This is a ship where you instantly feel the fun, with something new to discover around every corner.

Epic Extras You’ll Love

Norwegian Epic is packed with unique features that made our time onboard really memorable. One of the standout experiences was the Ice Bar—a frozen lounge where everything (even the glasses) is carved from ice. It’s definitely something different and a lot of fun. Although it does carry an extra charge of $20 per person, I think this is very reasonable as you get two vodka-based cocktails, and a typical cocktail will range from $12 to $20 per drink.

The Epic Plunge waterslide was another real highlight — perfect for adding a bit of extra adventure to days at sea. And when it was time to relax, we loved spending time at Spice H2O, the adults-only space at the ship’s rear. Although this area offers no shade, it was the perfect spot to chill out, soak up the sun, and take a break from the buzz of the main pool deck.

Flavours to Remember: Dining Onboard Epic

One of the best parts of cruising on Norwegian Epic was the sheer variety of dining options — there really was something for every mood and every moment.

We tried two of the speciality restaurants during our sailing and both were fantastic experiences. Teppanyaki was great fun and a real highlight — thanks to the brilliant chef at our section, it was just as entertaining as it was delicious! Cagney’s Steakhouse also lived up to its reputation, serving up a perfectly cooked steak in a stylish, relaxed setting.

We found ourselves at O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill almost daily for something a little more casual. Open 24 hours a day, it quickly became our go-to for late-night snacks and relaxed lunches, and the comfort food classics hit the spot every time.

A Quirky Stay: Cabins on Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Epic’s cabins are definitely a little different, but once you settle in, they have a certain quirky charm.

The first thing to know is that the shower and toilet are separated into two separate cubicles, with the sink positioned in the main part of the cabin. There’s a curtain you can pull across for a bit of extra privacy, which worked fine for us. However, it’s something to be aware of if you’re sharing with more than two people, as it might feel a little less private.

I stayed in a balcony cabin, which felt modern, comfortable, and cleverly designed to maximise the available space. Despite the unusual layout, once we got used to it, the cabin felt surprisingly roomy and a great place to relax after a busy day onboard.

Epic Entertainment and Where to Find It

Norwegian Epic really delivered when it came to entertainment, with something happening day and night to suit every mood.

One of the real standouts was Burn the Floor, an energetic, high-quality dance show that brought real Broadway energy to the main theatre. It was fast-paced, impressive, and a must-see during the cruise.

For a more relaxed (but just as fun) night out, Howl at the Moon was brilliant. It was a lively duelling piano show where the musicians took song requests and got the whole room singing along. It had a great atmosphere and felt like a real hidden gem onboard.

We also loved spending time in The Cavern Club, a tribute to Liverpool’s famous venue made famous by The Beatles. With fantastic live bands and a cosy, laid-back feel, it was the perfect spot to unwind after dinner with a drink and some great music.

Ready to Experience Epic for Yourself?

Norwegian Epic is a ship full of character — vibrant, energetic, and built for those who want their holiday to feel alive from morning till night. I’d recommend Epic to anyone who loves plenty of entertainment, casual dining, and a lively, social vibe. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller looking for something a little different, Epic makes it easy to have fun — and even easier to create incredible memories.

Ready to set sail onboard Norwegian Epic?

Get in touch and I’ll help you find the perfect sailing!

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Jay

Looking for a stress-free way to plan your next cruise holiday? Look no further! As a seasoned Travel Counsellor with almost fifteen years of experience in the travel industry, I have developed a deep passion for cruising and have become an expert in the industry’s ins and outs. Let me take the hassle out of planning your cruise and create a tailor-made holiday that is perfect for you.

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