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Norwegian Epic: Cruise Ship Overview [PHOTOS]

Orlando Martinez

• December 21, 2021

Norwegian Epic sailed into the cruise world in 2010, bringing several innovative features onboard.

Staterooms for solo travelers, three bowling lanes, a 24-hour grill, large outdoor waterslides, and the elimination of oceanview staterooms created excitement for this new vessel, the third-largest cruise ship when it was launched.

The Haven, Norwegian’s popular ship-within-a-ship concept, originated on the Epic.

Norwegian Epic underwent its most recent renovation in 2020. One of the major rehabs took place in The Haven.

Taken down to the steel, The Haven transformed into a light, contemporary space that exudes luxury throughout. Elsewhere throughout the ship, many carpets were replaced, including in the stateroom hallways. Take a look at the new fish design leading the way to the front of the ship.

Navigating Norwegian Epic requires no special skills, but a few tips make it easier to get around.

Norwegian’s famous fish carpet helps guests navigate the stateroom hallways. Fish swim forward, so getting your bearings is simple enough. At the elevators, the bluish carpet indicates the starboard side of the ship and the orangish color indicates the port side.

There are elevators fore and aft, but no middle elevators. From Deck 15 there are two cylindrical elevators. The port side lift goes to The Haven and requires a keycard. The starboard elevator takes guests to the Deck 18 quiet area sundeck.

La Cucina is accessed most easily via a staircase on Deck 15 at the back of the Garden Café.

Most inside activities take place on Decks 5 to 7.

MORE: Bimini Cruise Port: Everything You Need To Know

Norwegian Epic Staterooms

Always an innovator of new ship concepts, Norwegian Cruise Line introduced The Haven and Studios on Epic.

Oceanview cabins are nonexistent on this ship, which offers many balconies and a renamed category of balcony, originally known as the Deluxe Balcony. These became the mini-suites, although they were just a larger balcony stateroom and not a suite at all.

The new iteration of these is the Club Balcony Suite, which — while still not a suite — comes with a few extra perks, such as pre-booking of onboard entertainment and dining as early as 125 days prior to sail date, complimentary treats delivered to your stateroom, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, and a choice of one valet laundry or pressing service.

Curvaceous staterooms are the norm for the inside and balcony categories. The bathrooms have been controversial in these particular staterooms because they are an integral part of the cabin, with the shower on one side of the entry into the cabin and the toilet area across the aisle from the shower. Blackout curtains cover the balcony windows.

There are no USB ports, but those are on the schedule to be added. Balconies and above have coffee makers.

Some staterooms are of particular note:

The Haven includes a variety of staterooms within the actual keycard-access-only area, along with some staterooms outside of this enclosed compound. Recently updated, The Haven’s contemporary look is fresh and soothing.

All furniture and fabrics have been replaced to create a space that is both welcoming and luxurious. Even table settings and linens have been replaced and the staterooms have also been updated.

Guests in this area enjoy their own private dining area, pool area, and sundeck. Three bars are scattered throughout the different areas of The Haven. Butler and concierge service enhance The Haven experience. Toiletries in the staterooms are from L’Occitane.

The Studios

The Studios are located in the middle of the ship and take up two floors. All are inside with “windows” facing into the hallways.

At just 100 square feet in size, these efficiently laid out Studios are often at full capacity. Within the area, there is a central spot for meeting other solo guests who are booked in this enclave.

During non-COVID times, a host plans activities and events. A whiteboard serves as a message board for self-initiated activities or for requests for joining in meals, shore excursions, shows, or other onboard activities.

A bar is open during limited hours. Access to this area is by keycard only and exclusively for Studio guests.

Norwegian Epic provides plenty of dining options onboard ranging from quick snacks to multi-course meals. Garden Cafe on Deck 15 is the bright buffet that extends outside to The Great Outdoors during limited hours for late breakfast and a lunch grill.

During COVID, Garden Cafe is a full-service buffet where guests choose from the offerings and staff plate the selected items. Guests do not touch any serving items or food. Beverages are also served by the crew.

In addition to Garden Cafe, there are several additional complimentary dining venues, all of which offer sit-down service. These include the main restaurant, Manhattan, which is open for dinner only. Taste serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For 24-hour service, O’Sheehan’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It does close for 30 minutes between breakfast and lunch.

Most specialty restaurants on Norwegian Epic incur additional fees, but one dinner venue, Shanghai, which as the name suggests, serves Asian dishes, and is complimentary.

Other specialty restaurants include Cagney’s, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, Teppanyaki, Yakitori and Sushi. Except for Moderno and Teppanyaki, which currently charge $39, the specialty restaurants are à la carte. Reservations are recommended.

Room service comes with a $9.95 delivery charge. SWIFT Delivery on Demand is a new concept and is available 24/7 and brings cocktails, wine, beer, soda, and snacks to your room. Cocktails are DIY and in limited varieties.

Wine is by the mini- or full-size bottle. A limited selection of snacks is also available. These beverages and snacks are not included in the beverage package. A menu and price list are in each stateroom. There is no delivery charge, but a 20 percent service charge will be added to your order.

MORE: 25 First Time Cruise Tips

Norwegian Epic Entertainment

Many of the venues onboard Norwegian Epic function differently throughout the day. The Cavern Club, Headliners, and Bliss Lounge host seminars, trivia, art auctions, socials, and other activities during the day.

Once evening comes, the Cavern Club becomes a music venue and, as its name suggests, features many Beatles-themed sessions.

The throbbing beats of piano music emanate from Headliners as Howl at the Moon dueling pianos take over that space several times during the cruise. On other evenings, a variety of comedy shows take place. Bliss Lounge draws the game show fans early in the evening, followed by the karaoke crowd.

The main Epic Theater provides more seating for larger production and music shows. Burn The Floor, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, comedy, and musical acts take place nightly in this venue. Spiegel Tent started life as the area for Cirque Dreams® and Dinner Show.

On Epic, the new show is Zambooka!, a show and dinner with a set meal. Zambooka! features performers culled from “Got Talent” who thrill the audience with their feats of strength and skill.

Public Areas and Watering Holes

The majority of public areas on Norwegian Epic include a bar, which attract a variety of guests not just to enjoy a beverage and socialize, but to also partake of liquor tastings, talks, and games.

Maltings and Shakers Martini Bar buzz throughout the evening and along with beverages, also come with entertainers who keep the crowds glued to their seats. In fact, these two bars are so popular that finding a seat during performance times may be impossible.

Sports fans will want to venture to the popular O’Sheehan’s Pub to grab a beverage and watch one of the multiple televisions tuned to sports channels.

In the Atrium, a big screen promotes Norwegian cruises throughout the day, but also shows movies at select times. The library and adjacent card room have limited hours due to COVID, but are also very popular.

Spice H2O is a modern-day version of a Roman Theater. Outdoors at the aft of the ship, this is an adults-only beach club with hot tubs, a bar, and a grill.

Late in the evening, the venue holds themed parties and dancing. It is the only bar open to all guests that serves the Sail and Sustain cocktail, a special concoction created to use some of the usually discarded parts of food on the ship.

For example, pulverized coffee grounds may be incorporated into a drink. This program is a small part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to the environment.

There are several decks for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the hot tubs. On the 18th deck, there is a quiet area for relaxing and enjoying the fresh sea air. Deck 15 is the place to be to enjoy pools, slides, and the rock climbing wall.

Originating on Norwegian Epic, the Ice Bar requires a bit of prep before entering. Guests choose from colorful insulated hooded capes (no evidence of the original silver capes) and spend as long as they can tolerate in an icy bar. Two drinks are included with the experience.

Fitness Center and Spa

Pulse Fitness Center impresses with its large area and variety of machines. In addition to weights and machines, there is a boxing area.

Personal training and classes are offered. As the largest fitness center in the fleet, the size of Pulse along with plenty of equipment lessens the chances of having to wait for a certain machine or weight.

The entrance to Pulse is via Mandara Spa, which comprises multiple treatment rooms to accommodate the full menu of treatments. Many guests, including those who have access because they booked spa balconies, head to the Thermal Suite.

Heated loungers, a variety of different plunge pools, and a limited number of guests make this an ideal area for relaxation and renewal. Passes can also be purchased for a daily visit or for the entire cruise.

Closing Thoughts on Norwegian Epic

Norwegian Epic innovations started when it was first launched and many have been added to the newer ships in the Norwegian fleet. The ship looks almost like new; the most extensive renovations took place in The Haven — or underwater.

Having dined at most of the restaurants onboard, I can say that the quality of the food and the menu choices exceeded my expectations. The tastefully prepared dishes took the food on Norwegian Epic to a new level.

On my first sailing aboard  Epic many years ago, the headliner entertainment was Blue Man Group, so it should come as no surprise that the quality and variety of entertainment continues to impress.

A duo that played a variety of mostly international folk tunes on multiple instruments and a UK group that performed songs from the pop genre to opera were crowd-pleasers, consistently receiving standing ovations.

If I had to mention one aspect of the cruise that I know is on the list to be updated, it’s the lighting in the non-Haven staterooms. I definitely appreciate the low lights for a sleeping area, and the reading lights on both sides of the bed were useful.

But, it was difficult to see into an unlit closet, apply make-up, or read a book while seated on the sofa. I definitely recommend packing a clip-on light for reading or a stick-on light for the second closet.

It should be noted that due to COVID, several activities and areas are not functioning as usual. Those include the Splash Academy kids’ club, bowling, basketball games, and other high-touch, close-contact activities, so please keep current with what is offered on board.

The two weeks on Norwegian Epic passed quickly by, perhaps because of how enjoyable the cruise was. Attentive service by a friendly and dedicated crew, a clean and fresh ship, and an amazing itinerary added to the enjoyment of the cruise.

By Theresa Russell

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I sailed on Norwegian Cruise Line's new $1.1 billion Prima cruise ship with two Starbucks, a 10-story slide, and a go-kart track — see what it was like

• Norwegian Cruise Line's newest $1 billion Norwegian Prima ship is ready for revenue sailings in the US.
• The cruise ship is the first of six "Prima class" vessels that'll be delivered from 2022 to 2027.
• Let's take a look around the 18-deck cruise ship with amenities for travelers of all ages.

Norwegian Cruise Line's newest cruise ship — the Norwegian Prima — is finally ready for revenue sailings in the US five years after it was first announced.

Source: Insider , Norwegian Cruise Line 

And while it's not the biggest new vessel we've seen over the last few years, the 18-deck cruise liner certainly has enough amenities to keep travelers of all ages entertained.

Source: Insider

In 2017, Norwegian announced its new Prima class, a group of six ships that will be delivered from 2022 to 2027 starting with this eponymous ship that cost more than $1 billion to build.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line 

And when it first opened for bookings in 2021, the Prima quickly became Norwegian's "most in-demand ship ever" after it saw record number of bookings within the first day and week, the cruise line announced in 2021.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line

With all its onboard amenities, it's easy to see why travelers have flocked to this new ship.

So let's take a look around the 965-foot-long Norwegian Prima that can accommodate 3,100 guests and a little over 1,506 crew.

In a bid to attract families, the Prima has a long list of activities and amenities for travelers of all ages, whether it be the water park for children …

… the go-kart track for the whole family …

… or the spa and adults only lounge for parents.

The heart of the new ship is the Penrose Atrium on deck six, an airy and modern three-story gathering space that branches into bars, the casino, and the Prima Theater for live shows.

Nighttime shows are a staple cruise ship entertainment offering.

Here, the new ship brings travelers back in time with a "The Price Is Right Live" show and a Broadway-ready "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" …

… while adding a modern and fresh flair with a tap dancing and beat boxing mashup in the "Noise Boys" show.

Back to the atrium and up its stairs, cruise goers will find themselves on deck seven, the home of one of Prima's Starbucks outposts and a glass walking bridge.

Drinks and entertainment flow throughout this deck with a comedy club, a cover band bar and venue, and a cocktail bar that uses syrups and liqueurs made — some of which are made with the ship's discarded food scraps.

Above this on deck 8, the outdoor walking path and lounges are the star of the show.

For warm days at sea, travelers can relax on the Ocean Boulevard ...

… an open-air stretch of lounge chairs, pools, and a sculpture garden.

The spa and gym are then located on deck 16 …

… the same deck as "The Haven," an exclusive lounge, restaurant, and sundeck for travelers staying in the higher-end Haven staterooms.

But the Prima's true leisure and entertainment showpieces are nestled on the ship's 17th and 18th deck.

Here, Norwegian's efforts to appeal to families truly shines through with the addition of a virtual reality arcade …

… tri-level go-kart track …

… a collection of outdoor games like a mini-golf course, a modern take on traditional darts, and a pickleball court ...

... and a glass-enclosed observation lounge with an adjacent bar.

Most cruise ships have at least one pool and hot tub.

But on the Prima, there are three pools, four hot tubs …

… a petite children's water park, and a waterslide, the latter an increasingly popular addition to cruise ships.

If the waterslide doesn't provide enough thrill, there's also a freefall slide — this one's dry — that drops passengers down ten decks in just a few seconds.

And what would be a cruise trip without an abundance of food?

There are several on board and specialty restaurants scattered throughout the ship for travelers to dine on sushi, Mediterranean food, and even teppanyaki at sea.

For hungry diners who thrive in the face of decision paralysis, the Prima also has an indoor-outdoor food hall with 11 restaurants and a touchpad ordering system …

… giving travelers the chance to try an international noodle bar, Indian restaurant, and rotisserie concept all in one meal.

The multiple kitchens and two food trucks turned this expansive hall into the Prima's most expensive and difficult dining concept to pull off, Wesley Cort, the cruise line's vice president of food and beverage operations, told Insider during a media panel.

But this effort may be worth it: With all the onboard restaurants, an additional buffet, and this food hall, guests could avoid having a repeat meal during their cruise.

"[This ship] is a huge investment but the return on investment is phenomenal," Simon Murray, Norwegian's vice president guest experiences and innovation, said during the panel.

"These ships are difficult to build," he continued. "There's only so much expertise in the planet that has the knowledge and the know-how to build these things."

Throughout 2023, the new ship will bring passengers to a wide variety of destinations and climates like the Caribbean and Iceland.

The popular cruise line has several itineraries sailing for under $80 a day in 2023, according to data compiled by Cruise Sheet.

Source: Cruise Sheet

But don't expect these low rates to apply to the new Prima.

Rates per person aboard the new ship in 2023 begin at almost $780 for a week-long roundtrip from Orlando, Florida to the Caribbean, a spokesperson told Insider in an email.

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Norwegian Encore

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Norwegian Encore: Cruise Critic's 2019 Editors' Pick, Best New Ship

Norwegian encore: porthole cruise magazine 2020 editors' pick, best new ship.

• Ship 169,116 Gross Register Tonnage
• Guest 3958 Guest Capacity double occupancy
• Length 1,094 ft Overall Length
• Width 136 ft Max Beam
• Year 2019 Year Built
• Crew 1,735 Ship Crew

Plus Unlimited Open Bar, FREE Airfare for 2nd Guest, and more!

LIMITED TIME ONLY

Norwegian Encore CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHTS

NEW! Norwegian Encore Redesigned With You In Mind

Come aboard and experience the newly reimagined Norwegian Encore! Spice H2O — one of Norwegian’s most popular amenities — is the newest onboard addition awaiting your exploration. In this new adults-only venue, unwind in hot tubs or infinity pools overlooking the ship’s wake or stretch out on premium lounge chairs. You can experience true luxury at sea in the new Premier Owner’s Suite in The Haven® that features a new separate dining room overlooking The Haven Lounge. Then savor delicious meals at the expanded Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki — two of our most popular restaurants.

Starlink High-Speed Internet

Starlink provides fast Internet service at sea and is now available on Norwegian Encore. Using advanced low earth orbit satellites, SpaceX’s Starlink delivers industry leading broadband internet connectivity, which will improve the capacity, speed, and reliability of Internet on board.

Jaw-Dropping Cruise Activities

Cutting-edge technology and daring new thrills take cruising to a whole new level. Watch the ocean blur by as you zoom around curves suspended 13 feet over the side of the ship on Norwegian Speedway, the largest race track at sea. Bring the secrets of the past to life in the lost city of Atlantis, where laser tag meets augmented reality. Ready for an immersive experience of a whole other level? Step into the high-tech, virtual world of the Galaxy Pavilion.

Extraordinary Dining: Feel Free to Ask for Seconds

Each of our venues, including the all-new Onda by Scarpetta, provides its own unique experience of flavors and cuisines from around the world and every dish has been crafted to tantalize your taste buds with the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Explore our wide selection of specialty and complimentary dining options, where you’ll find your new favorite dish every day that you’re on board

Award-Winning Entertainment

Bask in the bright lights of Broadway with dazzling performances that will have you tapping your feet. Rock along to classic hits in a British pub at The Choir of Man.

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See Encore STATEROOMS

• Club Balcony Suite

Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven features our most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations as well as 24-hour butler service, concierge service and private sundeck.

Whether it’s the two of you or your family, our Club Balcony Suites are accented with the finest touches. And enough room to make memories forever.

See the world like never before. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your very own private balcony. Stylish and sophisticated appointments enhance these modern rooms.

Experience comfort all around you. These stylish staterooms feature fine appointments, which are highlighted by nice touches and clear views of the ocean.

Relax in lively style and smart sophistication. Our modern inside staterooms are highlighted with appointments like a TV, sitting area and more.

Specifically designed and priced for solo travelers, our Studios feature a full-size bed, separate bath area and access to the private Studio Lounge — no single supplement required.

Experience WHAT’S ON BOARD

• Specialty Dining
• Bars & Lounges
• Entertainment
• Onboard Shopping

Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, our complimentary dining options include three main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. Plus, our Main Dining Rooms offer a menu that changes daily, Chef's Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, guaranteeing a different culinary adventure with every visit.

Fulfill your current craving or expand your palate with the fantastic dining options on Norwegian Encore. Authentic al-dente Italian at Onda by Scarpetta will make you feel like you’re at a Tuscan trattoria. And whether it’s smoky Texas-style ribs or a succulent filet mignon, Q and Cagney’s both have you covered. With so many amazing options, you’ll come back and never have the same thing twice.

Another round is always in order at your favorite watering hole on The Waterfront or at any of the many other bars and lounges. Grab a freshly muddled mojito anytime you like at Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Looking for a taste of Napa Valley? Stop by The Cellars to enjoy your favorite vintage. Then move to the top deck for incredible ocean views and a frozen beverage at Vibe Beach Club. Or toast to an incredible day with your favorite pint of craft beer at The District Brew House. You’ll find an option to suit any mood on board Norwegian Encore.

Raise the roof every night at our spectacular shows including The Choir Of Man, where you sing along to classic rock hits.

Whoosh out over the side of the ship on Ocean Loops in our Aqua Park. Zoom around hairpin turns on the largest racetrack at sea. Wanna get lucky? Bet it all at our award-winning Casinos at Sea®. No matter which thrill you seek, there’s always something to get your heart pumping.

Welcome to Mandara Spa. Start with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 specialty treatments offered by our well-trained massage therapists. Then unwind in the Thermal Suite with a steam or a dip in the Vitality Pool. Within these tranquil walls, experience the Salt Room, a dramatic grotto surrounded with layers of body-cleansing salt crystals.

Forget to pack something? No worries! Our gift shops onboard carry everything you’ll need for fun in the sun. Shop from a variety of souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, snacks and sundry items. Treat yourself at our duty free shops full of fantastic savings on fine jewelry, accessories, perfume, liquor and tobacco.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

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Take a Shortcut

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If You Like Norwegian Encore, You May Also Be Interested In:

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Norwegian Jade Review

Jade was too hot - the club balconies are gloomy.

Rating by category

Additional details.

Major Ship Issues: My experience on the Jade was well below average for NCL and Even below average for the other Jewel Class Ships. I have sailed all of them at least once now. We were in Club Balcony. The major issue that seemed unable to be fixed was the cabin was too hot. It was too warm by 5:00 o'clock on embarkation day when we had our bags, and we were getting ready for dinner. We assumed due to having the ship all opened for loading and unloading for the day. We did let the front desk know and they sent someone to clean the filter - which was not the complaint. The air was not dirty. I estimate the temp to be around 80 degrees. The curtain and balcony door stayed closed all day and evening. We arrived back to the cabin at about 10 pm after dinner. The room was still the same temperature. We also found the recording from the front desk from the previous cruise - asking if the room was cooler now. So, it was a known issue prior to us occupying the room. They sent someone again to clean the other filter at about 12:30 am... This did not work -- So they left at about 1 am.... Of course it was still not cool about - 78 degrees... There was LITTLE Airflow from the vents in the ceiling even after cleaning. We decided to cancel our excursion that had been changed to 10:30 in the morning instead of 3:0 by NCL ---- they did accommodate this. However, my wife was day the next day from sweating in a hot room for the night. We were able to go and cool off in the pool during the day and many of the bars and guest services were cold enough to keep drinks cool. I was literally prepared to sleep in one of those if necessary. The only thing that was every successfully done was my cabin steward - Veeraj, which was the one excellent thing on this ship was able to on his own go find a person from engineering to go into the spaces above the cabin and redirect some air to our cabin. It was enough to survive for the rest of the cruise. I am guessing it probably reached 76 degrees by most mornings. I told guest services this on multiple conversations -nothing else was ever done. We sleep at about 74 dgrees at home, so it was juct uncomfortable for the remainder of the cruise.

I did find there was a lack of ability to actually talk to anyone that is actually in charge of the ship on this NCL cruise - this is not the usual case. I hosted a Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle on the 2nd day --- which was not attended by really anyone -- skipped by the Captain, Hotel Manager and Cruise Director.. This was schedule as appropriate 6 weeks ahead of time and we were given the option of changing once we boarded ---which members here know is not possible. There was about 50 members present and we had a great time but usually those members are present for questions and concerns. I still do not know who the captain was and who runs the hotel portion of the ship -- The restaurant manager and the bar manager did show --- and all those services were very good. It seems the managers would want to know, if there was anything wrong during the cruise, instead of reading it here.

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Find a norwegian jade cruise from $417.

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