Norwegian Epic First Timer

[techgirl502]

Hi everyone... booked a last minute cruise, first time sailing with Norwegian. Hoping someone can help me out with a few questions...

 

IS it best to book dining ahead of time or once on board? (We are sticking with complimentary dining)

 

Do the two main dining rooms have the same menu?

 

I saw there were only two complimentary evening shows... outside of bars/clubs, what else can we do at night?

 

We are dong one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral - what time should I book my return flight for?

 

Thanks for any help - so lost and trying to take in as much info before we sale.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

If you're planning to eat in the MDRs, there's no need to book ahead. If you go to an MDR during the busiest time, you may have to wait a few minutes, but usually not any more than that. I believe the two dining rooms have the same menus.

 

There's lots to do on board. The shows you see that you can book ahead (and I suggest that you do book them ahead if you're planning to go to them) are not the only entertaiment going on, they're just the only entertainment that you can book before you board. There will be Howl at the Moon and a band in the Cavern Club, etc.

 

I can't help you on booking flight times--I don't cruise the Caribbean anymore. :p

 

Have a great cruise!

[BirdTravels]

Hi everyone... booked a last minute cruise, first time sailing with Norwegian. Hoping someone can help me out with a few questions...

 

IS it best to book dining ahead of time or once on board? (We are sticking with complimentary dining)

While you can make reservations, no reservations are needed to eat in the Manhattan Room or Taste restaurant. Show up when you are ready for dinner.

 

Do the two main dining rooms have the same menu?

There can be small differences, but essentially the same.

 

I saw there were only two complimentary evening shows... outside of bars/clubs, what else can we do at night?

There are only two broadway shows that require reservations. There are comedy shows in Headliners (you can reserve seating for one, standby for others). Early shows are family oriented, late shows adult oriented. There is live entertainment in most of the bars and the atrium, game shows, themed nights in Spice H20. Lots and lots to do every night.

 

We are dong one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral - what time should I book my return flight for?

The ride to Orlando airport is about 1 hour (a little shorter to Melboure airport). Early afternoon is the safest,,,, depending on how you intend to get to the airport.

 

Thanks for any help - so lost and trying to take in as much info before we sale.

 

Enjoy the Epic. We have been on the Epic 5 times.

Edited October 30, 2016 by BirdTravels

[sanger727]

I only ate in one of the MDR's because we preferred the more casual dress code, but I believe they are the same menu. No need to make reservations, but believe you can do it on the ship. There are screens all over the ship to make reservations for dining and shows, as well as on the TV in your room.

 

There are the two big headliner shows that you should make reservations for. There is also the dinner show, extra cost, but we really enjoyed it. There will also be comedy shows and a variety of bands throughout the week. There is usually a "game show" every night in one of the lounges as well as karaoke, trivia, movie nights on deck. Etc. there is plenty of daytime and evening entertainment.

[techgirl502]

Thank you for the help

[newmexicoNita]

Hi everyone... booked a last minute cruise, first time sailing with Norwegian. Hoping someone can help me out with a few questions...

 

IS it best to book dining ahead of time or once on board? (We are sticking with complimentary dining)

 

Do the two main dining rooms have the same menu?

 

I saw there were only two complimentary evening shows... outside of bars/clubs, what else can we do at night?

 

We are dong one of the cruises out of Port Canaveral - what time should I book my return flight for?

 

Thanks for any help - so lost and trying to take in as much info before we sale.

 

welcome, if you are traveling on the Epic Nov. 12th you may want to join our Roll Call group. You will get lots of answers and if you want meet new people.

 

Restaurants: if you are not doing specialty dining you have no reason to book dining ahead of time except for the Manhattan room if you intend on eating there.

 

What to do? Oh my heavens, there are shows nightly not just the ones you see listed, there is always at least one piano bar and often entertainment in the atrium. Of course during the day, especially on sea days there is always something going on if you want to stay busy. And don't forget the casino if you enjoy things like that.

 

Hope this gives you some ideas.

[jgallagh1944]

MDR does not require advanced reservations and meals are all prepared in same kitchen for both dining rooms. Specialty dining is worth the price; Cagney's is as good as any NY steakhouse. Make reservations online before you cruise for the two main shows in the theater. There are activities all day and evening on the ship. If you're leaving out of Orlando, it's about an hours drive from port to airport (SR 528, the Beachline takes you from port to Orlando International). You should arrive at airport about 2 hours prior to departure. You should be ok booking a flight departure around 2:00pm. We're taking the Epic 11/19-26. Have a great cruise; its a beautiful ship.

 

 

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[techgirl502]

Thank you