In this guide, you’ll get all the essential info on the Norwegian Epic from NCL Cruise, like what makes the ship stand out, what’s included in your fare, tips for dining, entertainment highlights, and much more. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect on board.
What Makes it Different and Unique?
- Innovative cabin design – Features like curved walls and unique bathroom layouts make the cabins stand out.
- Largest spa at sea – The Mandara Spa is one of the biggest, offering a thermal suite, sauna, and treatment rooms.
- Entertainment galore – Home to Broadway-style shows, including Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Burn the Floor.
- Freestyle dining – No fixed dining times or seatings; dine wherever and whenever you like.
- Epic Plunge – A massive water slide and water park that both kids and adults can enjoy.
- Adult-only retreat – The Spice H2O area has a pool, bar, and loungers, exclusive to adults.
- Ice bar – One of the only ice bars at sea, complete with ice sculptures and drinks served in frozen glasses.
Key Ship Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Launched | 2010 |
| Last Refurbishment | 2020 |
| Passenger Capacity | 4,100 |
| Crew Members | 1,724 |
| Gross Tonnage | 155,873 GT |
| Length | 329 metres |
| Decks | 19 (15 accessible to passengers) |
| Speed | 22 knots |
| Ship Rating | ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5) |
| Homeports | Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), San Juan |
What’s Included in the Fare
- Accommodation in your selected cabin category
- Meals in main dining rooms and buffet (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Access to the pool and hot tubs
- Entry to onboard entertainment, including Broadway-style shows
- Fitness centre access (basic equipment and some classes)
- Access to the Aqua Park (slides, pools, and splash zones)
- Youth programmes (Splash Academy for kids, Entourage for teens)
- Basic room service (with limited hours)
- Taxes and port fees
- Complimentary coffee, tea, and some juices during meals
What’s Not Included
- Specialty dining – Prices range from £10 to £50 per meal, depending on the restaurant.
- Alcoholic beverages – Drink packages start around £70 per day.
- Soda and bottled water – Around £3-£4 per drink.
- Spa treatments – Massages and treatments range from £80 to over £200.
- Fitness classes – Some classes like yoga and pilates have a fee (around £12-£15 per session).
- Shore excursions – Prices vary depending on the activity and destination.
- Wi-Fi packages – Starting at around £25 per day, or less with a package deal.
- Photos and professional photography – £15-£30 per photo.
- Room service (late night) – A service charge applies after midnight (around £7.95).
- Casino games – You’ll need to purchase chips for table games or credit for slot machines.
- Gratuities – Typically £16 per person, per day, automatically added to your account.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of entertainment options | Unique cabin layout may feel cramped for some |
| Freestyle dining with no fixed times | Crowded areas during peak seasons |
| Large Aqua Park with slides and pools | Limited pool space considering the size of the ship |
| Adult-only areas like Spice H2O | Gratuities and extras add up quickly |
| Plenty of activities for kids and teens | Not the most intimate ship for couples |
| Broadway-style shows and live entertainment | Specialty dining and drinks come at a high cost |
Cruise Destinations
Here’s a list of the main destinations the Norwegian Epic travels to:
- Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, France, Greece)
Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Florence (Livorno), Cannes, Santorini, Mykonos - Caribbean (Eastern and Western itineraries)
San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands), St. Maarten, Bahamas, Jamaica, Cozumel (Mexico), St. Kitts - Transatlantic crossings
Barcelona to New York or Miami - European ports outside the Mediterranean
Southampton (UK), Lisbon (Portugal), Reykjavik (Iceland)
History and Cost to Build
The Norwegian Epic made its debut in 2010 and was a game-changer for Norwegian Cruise Line, being one of the largest ships at the time. It was built by STX France, with a construction cost of about £920 million. The ship underwent a significant refurbishment in 2020 to update its cabins, dining venues, and public areas, keeping it fresh for passengers.
Best Suited For?
- Families – With dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, an aqua park, and family-friendly shows, it’s ideal for parents with children.
- Adults – The adult-only Spice H2O retreat and Mandara Spa provide a relaxing escape for those seeking a more peaceful vibe.
- Solo travellers – Norwegian Epic has solo cabins (Studios) with access to a private lounge, perfect for those travelling alone.
- LGBTQ+ community – Norwegian Cruise Line is known for being welcoming and inclusive, with onboard LGBTQ+ meetups.
- Couples – Whether you want an adventurous holiday or a more romantic getaway, there are plenty of options, from nightclubs to intimate dining.
- Groups – Large spaces and diverse activities make it great for groups of friends or celebrations.
Dress Code
The dress code on the Norwegian Epic is pretty casual and flexible, thanks to their “Freestyle Cruising” concept. Here’s what to expect:
- Daytime – Casual is the way to go. Shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, and flip-flops are fine when lounging by the pool or exploring ports.
- Evenings – There’s no formal night, so no need for tuxedos or evening gowns. Smart casual is recommended for dining in most restaurants (think collared shirts, dresses, and trousers).
- Specialty Restaurants – Some of the fancier dining venues may ask for smart-casual attire, so avoid beachwear and flip-flops.
- Theme Nights – Norwegian Epic often hosts themed parties (like White Hot Night), so you might want to bring along something fun to wear.
Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities (or service charges) are automatically added to your account on Norwegian Epic. If you’d like to adjust or remove the service charge, you can do so by visiting Guest Services while onboard, but it’s recommended to tip the staff directly if you feel they provided excellent service.
- Daily service charge – £16 per person, per day (applies to guests aged 3 and older).
- Bar and spa tips – A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all drink orders and spa services.
- Our simple guide to understanding cruise ship tips will help you get the hang of how it all works.
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Things to Do & Sea Activities
There’s no shortage of fun and relaxing activities onboard. Here’s a breakdown of what you can get up to:
- Spa and wellness – The Mandara Spa offers treatments, a thermal suite, a sauna, and even a hydrotherapy pool (extra charges apply).
- Fitness centre – Fully equipped gym with free weights, cardio machines, and resistance training gear. Some fitness classes like yoga or spinning have a fee of around £12-£15.
- Games – Mini-golf, bowling alleys, and table tennis are available for all ages.
- Library – A quiet space if you want to sit back with a book or enjoy some peace.
- Adventure activities – Epic Plunge (water slide), Aqua Park, rock climbing wall, and a sports complex for basketball and volleyball.
- Jogging track – Perfect for a morning run with sea views.
Entertainment
The Norwegian Epic is packed with top-notch entertainment options. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Broadway-style shows – Enjoy productions like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Burn the Floor.
- Comedy clubs – Laugh the night away at The Second City improv show or the ship’s stand-up comedy club.
- Live music – Head to the Cavern Club for live Beatles tribute bands or enjoy live performances in bars and lounges across the ship.
- Bliss Ultra Lounge – A nightclub with a dance floor and DJ, perfect for late-night partying.
- Casino – If you fancy a flutter, the onboard casino has slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack.
- Spice H2O – An adult-only venue that transforms into a club at night with themed parties and live DJ sets.
Restaurants and Dining
Here’s a table of dining options on the Norwegian Epic, detailing what’s included and what costs extra:
| Restaurant | Type of Food | Included in Fare | Additional Cost | Reservations Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste | Main dining – International | Yes | No | No |
| Manhattan Room | Main dining – International | Yes | No | No |
| Garden Café | Buffet – Variety | Yes | No | No |
| O’Sheehan’s | Pub food | Yes | No | No |
| Shanghai’s Noodle Bar | Asian cuisine | No | Yes (£12–£15) | No |
| Le Bistro | French cuisine | No | Yes (£25–£40) | Yes |
| Cagney’s Steakhouse | Steakhouse | No | Yes (£30–£50) | Yes |
| Moderno Churrascaria | Brazilian steakhouse | No | Yes (£30) | Yes |
| La Cucina | Italian cuisine | No | Yes (£25–£30) | Yes |
| Teppanyaki | Japanese hibachi | No | Yes (£25–£40) | Yes |
| Pizza 24/7 | Pizza | No | Yes (£5 delivery) | No |
| Room service | Variety (Limited menu) | No | Yes (after midnight) | No |
Dining Reservations
For specialty restaurants, it’s a good idea to book reservations in advance, especially for popular options like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki. You can make reservations through the cruise app or by calling once on board.
Dining Tips: Specialty dining venues can get booked quickly, so reserve early if you want a guaranteed spot.
Dining Packages
Norwegian Epic offers a few dining packages to help you save if you plan to try out the specialty restaurants. Here’s a breakdown:
- Specialty Dining Package – This allows you to dine in a certain number of specialty restaurants based on the length of your cruise. The cost varies depending on the number of meals included, but packages typically start around £70 for 3 meals.
- Free at Sea Promotion – If you book through Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer, you can often get dining package upgrades included, giving you access to 1-5 specialty dining experiences, depending on the promotion.
Drink Packages & Costs
If you enjoy a few drinks onboard, Norwegian Epic offers a variety of drink packages to suit your needs. Here’s a look at the options:
- Premium Beverage Package – Includes a wide range of drinks like cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, juice, and mocktails). Cost: Around £75 per person, per day (plus a 20% service charge).
- Cork and Cap Wine & Beer Package – This package includes a selection of beers and wines, but excludes cocktails and spirits. Cost: Approximately £60 per person, per day (plus a 20% service charge).
- Soda Package – Unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise. Cost: Around £7 per person, per day (plus a 20% service charge).
- Water Package – Bottled water delivered to your cabin in packs (6, 12, or 24 bottles). Cost: Starting at around £15 for 6 bottles.
Alcohol Policies
- Bringing your own alcohol – You’re allowed to bring wine or champagne onboard, but you’ll be charged a corkage fee of around £15 per bottle. Bringing other types of alcohol, like spirits or beer, is not allowed.
Cabin Choices
Here’s a breakdown of the different cabin types available on the Norwegian Epic:
| Cabin Type | Number of Cabins | Room Size | Balcony Size | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studios (Solo) | 128 | 9m² | N/A | Access to exclusive Studio Lounge, TV, safe, private bathroom |
| Inside Cabins | 571 | 12-14m² | N/A | TV, safe, private bathroom, mini-bar |
| Oceanview Cabins | 147 | 15m² | N/A | Ocean view window, TV, safe, mini-bar |
| Balcony Cabins | 1,226 | 19-22m² | 4-5m² | Balcony, TV, safe, private bathroom, mini-bar |
| Mini-Suites | 330 | 23-26m² | 6-7m² | Larger balcony, sitting area, TV, safe, bath/shower combo |
| Spa Suites | 39 | 28-33m² | 5-8m² | Spa access, premium bath products, king bed |
| The Haven Suites | 75 | 32-80m² | 6-15m² | Exclusive access to The Haven area, butler service, priority boarding |
Best Locations for Cabins
- Low noise levels – Midship cabins on higher decks tend to be quieter, away from public spaces and elevators.
- Best views – Forward-facing balcony cabins offer sweeping views, while aft-facing suites give a more peaceful experience.
- Close to activities – If you want quick access to pools and dining, pick a cabin near the centre of the ship on Decks 13-14.
Tips for Cabin Upgrades
- Upgrade bids – Norwegian Cruise Line offers a bidding process to upgrade your cabin for less. You’ll receive an email prior to your sailing with details on how to bid.
- Timing matters – If you book closer to the sailing date, you may be able to score a last-minute upgrade if higher categories haven’t sold out.
Plug Sockets
- Cabins are equipped with both US (110V) and European (220V) outlets, so be sure to bring an adaptor if needed.
Internet – WiFi Packages
Staying connected at sea comes at a cost, but Norwegian Epic offers a few WiFi packages to choose from:
- Unlimited WiFi Package – Allows you to stay online without any data limits, perfect for streaming and social media. Cost: Around £25-£30 per day.
- Unlimited Social Media Package – Gives you access to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. Cost: Approximately £10-£15 per day.
- 250-Minute Package – If you only need occasional access, this plan provides 250 minutes of internet for your whole cruise. Cost: About £85 for the full package.
Tips for Saving Money on WiFi
- Buy in advance – WiFi packages are often cheaper if you purchase them before your cruise through Norwegian’s website.
- Use port WiFi – Many ports offer free WiFi, so you can connect for free while exploring.
- Offline options – Download movies, books, and music before boarding to save data.
Swimming Pools, Water Slides
Norwegian Epic is rated 4 in our top 17 cruise ships with water slides. Here’s a breakdown of the water fun onboard the Norwegian Epic:
| Feature | Number | Water Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Main Pools | 2 | ~27°C (80°F) |
| Hot Tubs | 5 | ~38°C (100°F) |
| Aqua Park | 1 | Varies |
| Water Slides | 3 | N/A |
- Main Pools – Located on the main deck, great for swimming and lounging.
- Aqua Park – Features multiple slides, including the Epic Plunge, and a kids’ splash zone.
- Hot Tubs – Scattered around the pool area, ideal for relaxing after a long day of activities.
Shopping
You’ll find a variety of shops on board the Norwegian Epic, perfect for picking up essentials or indulging in some duty-free shopping:
- Duty-Free Shops – Perfume, cosmetics, alcohol, and tobacco products at tax-free prices.
- Clothing Boutiques – High-end brands for clothing, accessories, and jewellery.
- Souvenir Shops – Pick up Norwegian Cruise Line-branded items, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.
- Convenience Store – Offers everyday essentials like sunscreen, toiletries, and snacks.
- Jewellery and Watches – Fine jewellery, watches, and luxury accessories.
Children’s Programs
Norwegian Epic has plenty of activities for kids and teens, divided into different age groups to ensure everyone has a blast:
- Splash Academy (Ages 3-12) – Supervised fun with arts, crafts, games, and themed events like pirate night.
- Entourage (Ages 13-17) – A cool hangout spot for teens, with video games, music, movies, and even teen-only parties.
- Guppies (Ages 6 months-3 years) – Playtime for little ones with their parents in a designated play area.
- Late-night group babysitting – Available for kids ages 3-12 from around 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM (extra charge of about £6 per hour).
Safety and Supervision
- All kids’ activities are run by trained staff, and parents can relax knowing their children are safe and entertained. Wristbands with contact information are used for younger children, so parents can be reached easily if needed.
Laundry Services
There are a couple of laundry options available on the Norwegian Epic:
- Full-service laundry – You can send out your clothes for laundry or dry cleaning, with prices varying based on the item (e.g., £3-£5 for shirts, £10+ for dry cleaning suits).
- Self-service laundry – Unfortunately, there’s no self-service laundry onboard, so you’ll need to use the full-service option or bring your own detergent for hand-washing in the cabin.
- Laundry promotions – Norwegian often runs mid-cruise laundry promotions, where you can fill a bag of clothes for a flat fee, usually around £20-£30.
Photography and Video
Capturing memories onboard is easy with the following options:
- Onboard photographers – Professional photographers are available throughout the cruise, capturing moments at dinner, events, and formal nights. Photos are available for purchase, with prices ranging from £15 to £30 per photo.
- Photo packages – You can purchase a package for multiple photos at a discounted rate, which can be a better deal if you plan to buy several.
- Best spots for photos – The top decks during sunset, the Epic Plunge slide, and the ship’s iconic atrium make for great backdrops.
- Tips for your own photos – Get up early to avoid crowds or use the golden hour (just before sunset) for the best lighting.
Smoking Policies
Smoking on the Norwegian Epic is allowed only in designated areas. Here’s what to know:
- Outdoor areas – Smoking is allowed in certain sections of the open decks, typically near the pool or aft deck. Look for signs indicating smoking zones.
- Casino – Smoking is allowed in the casino, but only for passengers actively playing.
- Cigar Lounge – The ship features a cigar lounge where you can enjoy cigars and cigarettes in a comfortable indoor setting.
- Balconies – Smoking is not permitted on cabin balconies.
- Indoor areas – Smoking is prohibited in all other indoor spaces, including restaurants and bars.
Can You Take Pets
Pets are generally not allowed on the Norwegian Epic, with one important exception:
- Service dogs – Norwegian Cruise Line permits service dogs for passengers with disabilities. These dogs must be trained to perform tasks for the individual and should be registered in advance.
No-Fly UK Ports
If you prefer not to fly, the Norwegian Epic occasionally departs from UK ports for select itineraries. These departures are typically for longer cruises, such as transatlantic crossings or Northern European itineraries. Here’s a list of UK ports you might sail from:
- Southampton
- Dover
Environmental Programs
Norwegian Cruise Line has made strides in environmental sustainability. Norwegian also partners with organisations to support ocean conservation and other eco-friendly initiatives.
- Scrubbers for air emissions – The ship is equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems to reduce sulphur emissions, making the air cleaner.
- Water conservation – The ship has an advanced system for treating wastewater and recycling water for onboard use.
- Plastic reduction – Single-use plastics, such as plastic straws, have been eliminated onboard.
- Fuel efficiency – The ship uses energy-efficient engines and technologies to reduce fuel consumption and minimise its carbon footprint.
Sister Ships
The Norwegian Epic is unique in its class, but Norwegian Cruise Line has several other ships in its fleet that share some similar features. Though the Epic is a one-of-a-kind ship, these sister ships provide similar freestyle cruising experiences.
- Norwegian Breakaway – Known for its freestyle cruising and excellent entertainment options, similar to the Epic but with a more modern design.
- Norwegian Getaway – Offers a comparable range of dining and entertainment, including Broadway shows and water slides.
- Norwegian Escape – Features larger public areas and a bigger spa but follows the same freestyle concept.
- Norwegian Bliss – A more recent ship with enhanced onboard experiences, like a race track and laser tag.
Perks for Repeat Cruisers
If you’ve sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line before, you can take advantage of their Latitudes Rewards program, which offers perks based on the number of cruises or cruise days you’ve completed. Here are some of the benefits:
- Bronze (1-19 points) – Priority check-in, exclusive offers, and a Latitudes Rewards Insider discount.
- Silver (20-44 points) – Includes all Bronze perks, plus priority disembarkation and a bottle of sparkling wine.
- Gold (45-74 points) – All Silver perks, plus priority tender, discounts on shore excursions, and a free internet package.
- Platinum (75-149 points) – All Gold perks, plus free specialty dining, complimentary laundry, and a behind-the-scenes ship tour.
- Platinum Plus (150-349 points) – Additional perks include concierge service and access to a private cocktail party with ship officers.
- Ambassador (350+ points) – The highest tier, offering all previous perks plus a free 7-day cruise once you reach this level.
Real Passenger Experiences
Here’s a mix of reviews from past passengers on the Norwegian Epic:
Positive Reviews:
- “The entertainment was top-notch! We loved the Broadway shows and the freestyle dining concept. Plenty of choices and flexibility.”
- “Fantastic service and the adult-only Spice H2O area was a great escape. The staff really made our cruise memorable!”
Negative Reviews:
- “The layout of the cabin felt cramped and awkward. The bathroom design, especially the frosted doors, didn’t give much privacy.”
- “There were too many people onboard, especially around the pool areas. It was hard to find seating, and it felt overcrowded.”
Accessibility Information
Norwegian Epic is designed with accessibility in mind, providing features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. It’s recommended to notify Norwegian Cruise Line in advance of any accessibility needs.
- Wheelchair-accessible cabins – These cabins are larger and feature wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered sinks for easier access.
- Elevators and ramps – Elevators are spacious and available on every deck, and most public areas have ramp access.
- Reserved seating – Accessible seating is available in theatres and lounges for passengers using wheelchairs or scooters.
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation – Guests with mobility issues receive priority assistance when boarding or getting off the ship.
- Service animal-friendly – Service dogs are welcome onboard, with dedicated relief areas.
- Hearing-impaired services – Assistive listening devices and captioning for in-room TVs are available upon request.
Special Pro Tips
Here are a few insider tips to make the most of your time on the Norwegian Epic:
- Book entertainment early – Shows like Burn the Floor and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert fill up fast, so reserve your spots as soon as possible through the app or once onboard.
- Go to the quieter pools – The main pools can get crowded, so try heading to the adults-only Spice H2O area or check the pool on Deck 15 for more peaceful swimming.
- Upgrade via bidding – Norwegian has an upgrade program where you can bid for a better cabin at a discounted rate. You’ll be notified via email before your cruise.
- Take advantage of free room service – Room service is free during certain hours, so it’s a good option for breakfast or snacks without leaving your cabin.
- Laundry deals – Mid-cruise, Norwegian usually offers a “fill the bag” laundry promotion. You can get a whole bag of clothes washed for a flat fee, which is way cheaper than paying by the piece.
- Avoid lines at the buffet – The Garden Café can get crowded during peak times. For a quieter, quicker meal, try going early or dining at one of the main dining rooms instead.
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