Eastern Caribbean Aboard The Norwegian Epic: Personal Story | Canadian Destination Photographer

Early last month, my husband and I embarked on NCL’s largest cruise ship aptly called, The Epic. This was our fourth time cruising with NCL and we were both curious to find out what all the hype about The Epic was. Our previous experiences with NCL had been great — minus the food at the Norwegian Jade (not great) — so we were really looking forward to this trip.

Embarkation

Flying from Toronto to Miami, The Epic’s port of call, was not a problem. We usually fly WestJet and they always have numerous flights daily there. One thing I like about flying WestJet is that your first baggage is free (unlike most airlines nowadays). However, Pearson Airport in Toronto didn’t have enough staff that morning for us to go through customs there so ended up going through customs in Miami instead. Just at tip if this ever happens to you. Pick the line for US citizens. Apparently, they welcome Canadians too. If you wait on the line meant for all other citizenships, you will wait there forever. I mean FOREVER.

NCL has always had an easy way of embarking their cruisers aboard their ship. The Epic lived up to that expectation.

Food

With 17 restaurants onboard, there were lots of choices for you to choose from. The sushi bar was decent though I wish it was an all-you-can-eat like the other NCL ships. La Cucina, the Italian Restaurant had one of the most amazing carbonara I’ve ever tasted though my version is still better. My favourite is The Moderno Churrascaria Brazilian BBQ. I’m not much of a BBQ person but their frango (chicken leg marinated in lime, sea salt, and garlic) was the best. I could have pigged out there all I want but I filled up with their delicious bread earlier that evening. So, so good.

Excursions

The ports we visited on the Eastern Caribbean cruise were Phillipsburg, St Maerten; St Thomas, USVI; and Nassau, Bahamas. We’ve been to St Martin before so we knew how to get around the island but the main thing we were really interested there was shopping for jewellery. And jewellery we found indeed (thanks, Baby!).

As for St Thomas, Lance, my husband really couldn’t tolerate the sun too long so hanging out at the beach was out of the question. That’s why we went with the Black Beard tour that included tours of Colonial houses in the island. That tour though was a bit underwhelming. When I think of Colonial Houses, I think of large, grand plantation-type properties. The houses we saw, while still cute, weren’t. The little town itself was charming. But not with 2,000 people roaming its tiny streets. I would have liked to visit there when there are no ships around.

At Nassau, Lance wanted to try the Segway tour. He thought it would be lots of fun. Having trusted him before on riding ATVs in Cozumel, I had my doubts. But hey, you only live once. So even though I was scared, I tried it anyway.

And you know what? He was right. It was fun. Once you get the hang of it, that is.

The Epic Experience

Our previous cruises had one Sea Days (day spent at sea). The Eastern Caribbean trip though had two. I wasn’t too keen on that but since the Epic promised lots of forms of entertainment (rock climbing, rappelling, and bowling, among other things), I thought it wouldn’t be so bad. Unfortunately for us though, the ship tossed a little bit more than what we were used to. Not sure if the sea was rougher or because the Epic was bigger. But the movement definitely did not sit well with me. I had to lie flat most of the time in bed so I didn’t have to feel it. I didn’t get to do some of the things I was looking forward to do.

As for the rooms, it’s definitely smaller than those in the Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jade. The look they are going for is quite modern. So modern that the shower is somewhat see through. It’s ok I guess if you’re a couple. Not for families. Unless your culture is alright with communal bathing, then I think that’s not an issue.

The Casino. I don’t gamble but my husband likes it. If you play slots, then it’s ok. If you play tables, don’t even bother. The person running the Casino is an egomaniac (and honestly should be fired). I’ll just leave it at that.

Fitness Centre and Spa. On the times that I went, their fitness centre is large enough that you’ll find a machine to workout. I didn’t use the spa but my husband likes spending time at the steam shower. Unlike the other ships, using the steam shower isn’t free. Which sucks.

The Epic. It is quite big. The main complaint I heard from other cruisers is that it’s too big that by the time you get used to getting around it, it’s already the end of your trip. I didn’t mind it too much. I spent most of my time in bed on Sea Days anyway so the hugeness of the Epic didn’t bother me.

The best thing about the trip is that we got to get away from the cold of Canadian winter at least for a week. It also didn’t hurt that the Caribbean islands are beautiful and charming with lots of friendly people to welcome you in their country. I would love to shoot a wedding there one day :)