First Cruise ever - NCL Epic 2019

[taraavo]

Hi everyone. My husband and I have booked a cruise, which will be our first cruise ever, on the Norwegian Epic in the Spring of 2019. We are seasoned travelers and typically do laid back vacations (think, an AirBnB on the beach), but I got a great price / opportunity through a professional organization I belong to for a great cruise rate and I can rack up some CLE's while on board. I'm a little overwhelmed by some of the lingo and details. I've been doing a lot of reading and I'm impressed with you pro cruisers and all of your tips.

I didn't even realize you could request a cabin location when booking, so it never came up. However, I *think* we ended up with a good one. We are in 10094 which is a mini suite. Is this a good location on the Epic? Any tips I need to know about the location? I am confused when looking at the deck plan about what all the categories are. For example, the section we are in, the rooms alternate MD and MC. What is that?

We have the unlimited bev package with gratuities included. I know this covers the cost of drinks up to a certain dollar value and we are charged the difference should we get a drink exceeding that value. Do we then tip on that difference? What about the mini bar on Norwegian - is it stocked and is that included in the Bevvy package?

Finally ( I think), I'm confused about Embarkation day protocol re: luggage. In reading trip reports, some people complain about lugging their bags with them while getting lunch, waiting for the room to be ready, etc. while others indicate they simply surrender their bags and then the luggage is waiting for them in the room. Do you choose? Why would you choose to lug your bags around if you don't have to?

Thanks all! I know I sound like a total Newb, because I 100% am. As I said, we are laid back and ready to roll with whatever comes our way when traveling typically. Just wanting to orient ourselves with the basics - plus planning and reading about the trip is part of the fun!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic. A good place to ask questions about your ship and cabin are on the NCL at the link below:

 

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

 

 

After you have taken that first cruise, you will be hooked.

[lauren009]

The codes for the categories are just codes for a certain room type in certain parts of the ship. They don't mean anything more. The main thing people say as per cabin location, is to not be under a pool deck, or galley, or above/below a theater as you will hear noises from those locations when you are trying to sleep. Your cabin is not near any of these so you're good on that.

 

 

Mini bar will be stocked but drinking from it costs extra. I had my fridge emptied so I could use it as a fridge and not erroneously get charged for something.

 

 

You have the option to check your bags or carry on or both. If you carry on, you have your stuff with you immediately. If you check your luggage it is delivered outside your door sometime in the evening. If you choose the latter option, you will want to bring a small carry on with anything you will want to have (i.e bathing suit, toiletries, etc.) before your luggage is delivered. The complaint about having bags with them at lunch is because the rooms are still being cleaned until 1-2pm (the previous guest leaves hours before you board). If you don't board early, this won't even effect you.

 

Here are my blog posts I wrote about NCL that you may find helpful:

Overall NCL info: http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2017/10/11-ncl-cruise-tips.html

Breakaway specific experience (ships are similar but not identical): http://laurenofalltrades.blogspot.com/2017/11/ncl-breakaway-cruise.html

[SuiteTraveler]

Epic is an awesome ship. Consider getting passes to the Spa's thermal suite if you are not in a Spa Mini Suite as the thermal suite on this ship is the best! You can buy these online prior to your cruise on the NCL website. Do make your specialty restaurant reservations in advance through the NCL website as well as reservations for show that require reservations. Other than that you should have a great cruise on this lovely ship.

[tropicqueen]

Do not read this as it is just my opinion about

the Epic, and is not good.

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, But---

 

This was our 19th cruise and out of 8 different

lines this ship was my least favorite ship.

The food was good and all the service was fine.

I hated the way it was layed out, especially

how the MDR was open and was so noisy.

I HATED the BR situation in our cabin. Having a separate, sink, shower, and toilet.

Our lighting was so dim I had to put on my makeup by using my cell phone light.

We were told it was a cost saving measure. HUH? The least storage of any ship, including

the smallest Carnival that we have ever been on.

I know many people love it. I Didn't find it a very

attractive ship inside either. Way too dark in

the public areas.

 

I hope you do have a wonder cruise and love every minute. It is really just a case of different strokes for different folks.

Tropicqueen

[taraavo]

Thank you Lauren for addressing my questions!

There are tons of reviews for me to read on Cruise Critic and I know everyone has a different opinion about the ship; this was more of an inquiry from me about specific procedures and details. I appreciate you taking the time to explain the cabins, mini fridge and luggage situation. It clears up a lot!