Norwegian Epic Review

Some good, some not so good...

Review for the Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Epic
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First Time Cruiser • Age 30s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Feb 2020
Cabin: Mid-Ship Balcony

Hoping you are comfortable, because this one will be a long one...

This year, we decided to try a cruise to see if it was 'for us.' With some destinations in mind, and only a specific date range free, we searched for options. We chose Norwegian because it had an excellent record for cleanliness, and high ratings for customer satisfaction, and because the Epic was going to destinations we wanted to visit. We spent a week on the Epic, departing from Puerto Rico and sailing to Aruba, Curacao, St. Lucia, Saint Kitts and back to PR.

As we had not been to San Juan before, we added two days to walk the Old Town and see the sights. We both found that really enjoyable, and appreciated the warm people and learning about the history of Puerto Rico and the role it has played over the centuries.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Balcony

Frankly, I don't see the issues other reviewers have discussed. Our cabin was probably typical of the balcony style, it had lots of storage space, the beds were comfortable, the balcony was more than large enough for two and was an appreciated quiet space during the day. Breakfast on the balcony in the Caribbean is pretty easy to take.

Yes, the bathroom design is different, but it's certainly workable. Lighting over the sink was inadequate, but the closet door opens toward the balcony and the daylight fills the cabin, so problem solved.

I have read some reviews saying the cabins were too small, but ours seemed fine. How much time do you spend in the cabin anyway? If you want small, try a hotel room in Tokyo or Paris. At least we didn't have to stack the luggage in the shower on this cruise.

One thing that was important was bringing a fan to move the air around at night. Without ours, it would have been a different story. Ours cost about $5 several years ago during a trip to South Korea, and it has travelled around the world since.

Port Reviews

San Juan

Really enjoyed a couple of days in San Juan, walking the streets and seeing the forts.

Aruba

Shopping was goal #1, so we were off the ship early. Sadly, the stores opened at around 1000, so we spent some time walking in the old town. Went to a local artist collective called Cosecha, about ten minutes from the ship and purchased a small acrylic painting. Really nice shop with art from local artists. Support local artists, people!

Went for a quick taxi ride to Eagle beach, which was very nice, and walkable. The sand was clean and the beach had plenty of open space to relax.

Curacao

Have to say, was a bit disappointed here. Yes, the buildings are all painted vibrant colours, but once you get across the water and see the town, it is pretty much the same stores you find in any mall in North America. We did find some markets behind the main tourist areas, and they were interesting, but no really big moments here.

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