Norwegian Epic has been sailing since 2010 and remains one of the most distinctive ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. With space for more than 4,000 passengers, its freestyle dining, entertainment-heavy approach, and unusual cabin layouts make it memorable — sometimes divisive — but always worth knowing about.
This overview will help you understand what Norwegian Epic offers, who it’s best suited to, and what to expect onboard.
Norwegian Epic
Homeports : Primarily Barcelona in summer, Port Canaveral or Miami in winter (itineraries vary)
Key Facts about Norwegian Epic
Launched : 2010 Refurbished : 2020 Passenger capacity : ~4,100 Crew : ~1,700 Length : 329m Decks : 19 (15 for passengers)
Cabins and Accommodation
Norwegian Epic is famous – or infamous – for its wave-shaped cabins with curved walls and split bathrooms. Some of those features were a little less visible in my interior stateroom.
Inside & Oceanview cabins : Compact but smartly designed. The design includes a frosted glass shower and toilet compartments that are open to the main cabin. Balcony cabins : Adds outdoor space, but share the same split-bathroom design and a wave-shaped wall that people either love or hate. Studios : Dedicated to solo travellers, with access to a private lounge. NCL pioneered this concept and arguably continues to lead the way for solo cruising. Suites : Located in The Haven, NCL’s exclusive “ship within a ship” with its own pool, restaurant, and concierge.
My Inside cabin was pretty dark with its red velvet curtain, bed throw and dark carpet. It has fewer of the controversial elements than higher-grade cabins, but the fact the shower and toilet both open directly into the room would be problematic for most people.
As I was travelling alone, I didn’t mind, but I’d have been annoyed if I were travelling with a friend. There’s just not enough separation between the place for your ablutions and the rest of the room. Otherwise the cabin was fine and I didn’t have to pay a supplement at the time of travel, a feature I’ve seen most from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Dining on Norwegian Epic
NCL’s signature concept is called Freestyle Dining, with no set dining times and no formal dress codes (unlike Cunard). Here’s a run down of the options:
Dining Options on Norwegian Epic:
Main Dining Rooms : The Manhattan Room (dinner with live music) and Taste Restaurant (smaller, more intimate). Buffet : Garden Cafe on Deck 15 offers a wide range of options. Casual : O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill, a 24-hour pub that’s included in the cruise fare. Cagney’s Steakhouse (classic NCL steakhouse) Teppanyaki (Japanese hibachi) Le Bistro (French) La Cucina (Italian) Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian barbecue)
In my view, the Manhattan Room was great if there was a show I wanted to see while dining, eg, there was a Ballroom Dancing act which was just fantastic. Otherwise, I found service very slow as a solo diner and thought it was moreso designed for couples to linger over a glass (or a bottle) of wine. If that’s you, you’ll love that!
In general, the buffet had most things that I wanted for breakfast and dinner. On the other hand, I ate at the Taste Restaurant for lunch on sea days, when I had more time to linger and enjoy a bigger meal (I prefer a heavier lunch, lighter dinner). There were good options too, if you’re trying to be healthy! Always a salad or a piece of fish with a side of veggies.
Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment is one of Norwegian Epic’s strongest features.
Broadway-style shows : Epic has hosted productions like Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Burn the Floor. Comedy & music : Headliners Comedy Club and Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club. The Spiegel Tent : A circus-style dinner-and-show venue. I was familiar with this concept from Dublin Fringe Festival and enjoyed the atmosphere. Bars & Lounges : Over a dozen options, including the Ice Bar, where drinks are served at -8°C with parkas provided. Recreation: multiple pools and water slides; a huge spa and fitness centre; outdoor sports courts.
What’s the Vibe Onboard?
I sailed the Norwegian Epic as a repositioning transatlantic cruise, but it was still busy and lively. You can expect families during school holidays, and a big mix of international passengers on Mediterranean sailings. I think it could feel a bit crowded at times, even without all the school children.
Expect a very casual dress code with almost no room for formal wear (if you prefer that, look elsewhere). Plus, as a solo traveller, you have to make a real effort to talk to people, otherwise the cruise may seem a little impersonal as there are so many people on board.
Who Norwegian Epic is Best For
Solo travellers – thanks to Studio cabins and solo-friendly pricing. Families – with kids’ clubs, pools, and casual dining. Groups & couples who want nightlife, shows, and flexible dining. Less ideal if you prefer a quieter ship or a more traditional, formal cruise experience.
Does Norwegian Epic have formal nights?
No. Norwegian’s Freestyle approach means there are no mandatory formal nights. Dress is resort casual, with some passengers choosing to dress up in the main dining rooms.
Is Wi-Fi available on board?
Yes, but it’s not included in the base fare. Packages can be purchased in advance or onboard. The entry level package speeds are good enough for email and social media but you’ll need the more expensive package for streaming.
Are gratuities included?
No. NCL automatically adds a daily service charge to your onboard account. Specialty dining and bar purchases include a service charge as well.
Is Norwegian Epic good for solo travellers?
Yes. Epic was one of the first ships to introduce Studio cabins and a private Studio Lounge for solo guests.
Final Thoughts
Norwegian Epic is one of the boldest, if not controversial, ships in the NCL fleet, with design choices I’ve never seen anywhere else. The split bathroom layout gets people talking, but the ship is most popular because of its high-quality entertainment options.
You should consider it if you like a bit less formality, particularly about when you want to eat, and if you value being entertained before a broad choice of bars for your nightcap. If you think you’d be annoyed by the unusual cabin design or want a more intimate, small-ship feel, have a look at Cunard or some of NCL’s other ships. I enjoyed my transatlantic crossing in an interior room, but I’d look towards Norwegian’s Prima class or Virgin Voyages for a similar route next time.