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Norwegian Epic Review & everything you need to know

When you ask someone who’s been on the Epic, they are vocal about whether they love it or hate it, for several reasons. That’s why we’re doing this  Norwegian Epic review  – based on our five (!) voyages.

The Norwegian Epic cruise ship by NCL is a unique vessel known for being one of a kind. It was built in 2009 and set sail in 2010, offering a mix of positive and negative experiences for passengers. Despite being the least favorite for some, it is frequently chosen due to its availability and affordability for last-minute vacations. The ship underwent changes in 2024, including the removal of the “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” theater show.

• The Epic, despite being a bit odd (more on that later), is a great cruise experience for first-time cruisers as well as experienced cruisers. 
• The Epic is a one-off ship that was built with sister ships planned but they never materialized because of shipyard disputes, lukewarm customer interest, and notably different design concepts that didn’t resonate with passengers. 
• The vibe of the Epic is more like that of a nice Las Vegas hotel than it is a cruise ship. When entering the ship for the first time, it doesn’t feel like you’ve boarded a gigantic cruise ship, but the lobby of something along the lines of a popular Vegas strip hotel surrounded by restaurants, entertainment venues, a large casino, and certainly no shortage of bars. With the ship being more of an inward design, wandering around, you don’t experience views out to the ocean as frequently as you would on a smaller vessel, again making it feel more like a hotel than a ship. 
• As one of the largest cruise ships in the world by size and capacity, it still feels intimate and not overrun (normally). However, some venues can get quite full and a bit too busy when the ship is at or near capacity.
• The Epic is nearly 1100 feet long and 200 feet high with 19 decks and can hold over 4000 passengers (officially 4228 at double capacity). Crew capacity is 1724±. When it was launched, it was the 3rd largest cruise ship in the world. It’s still in the top 30 largest cruise ships.
• Even though the Epic cruise ship was launched in 2010, you wouldn’t know it based on the incredible maintenance of the common areas. The cabins are well-used but very well-maintained.

About The Norwegian Epic

The NCL Epic is special to me personally because it represents a bunch of “firsts”. For example, it was my first Norwegian cruise, it was my first experience with a “mega ship”, it was my first time getting invited to meet the captain and first officer along with a private tour of the bridge and it was my first time taking an inaugural cruise and experiencing the excitement and vibe of what a new cruise ship launch has to offer. It was also the ship where I had my first PRIVATE behind-the-scenes tour of the entire ship. Quite fascinating!

That said, the EPIC is probably my least favorite cruise ship. Ironically, it’s also the ship I’ve cruised on the most. Why so many times? Primarily because the ship has been in locations around the world at the same time I have and always seems to be going somewhere I want or need to be. So when I’ve wanted a quick getaway, the EPIC always seems to be available and it’s usually quite affordable for a last-minute vacation. (I’ve also used the Epic for Transatlantic crossings to get back to America when traveling overseas).

Changes for the Epic in 2024

The biggest change for the NCL Epic in 2024 is the cancellation of the Pricilla Queen of The Desert theater show. Norwegian has decided to remove all Broadway-style shows in favor of their own in-house production shows. On a recent backstage tour, speaking with the director of entertainment, they said that the shows cost millions to license and it just doesn’t make financial sense anymore for Norwegian to pay those fees.

Cabin Overview

The cabins on the Norwegian Epic are where most passengers have a strong opinion. The layout is unusual by cruise ship standards with a split bathroom (the toilet is separate from the shower) and where the sink is in the room. With only a curtain divider, people often feel that privacy is lacking. The design is very “European” by nature, which is why it’s not well received by the customer base in America. While the design of the bathroom is polarizing when it comes to opinions, the overall room design is quite good, albeit funky with rounded elements throughout. The rooms are still in style, even 10+ years after the launch of NCL Epic.

For anyone who’s cruised in the past, the vast amount of storage in the cabins on the Epic will be a welcomed surprise. Storage is literally EVERYWHERE. Behind the seatbacks, under the bed, in the large closets as well as plenty of other cubbies for storing used laundry and small luggage items. 

Balcony Cabins

A quick tip on balcony cabin selection on the Epic. Look at the configuration and select a cabin with the bed closer to the balcony door. Having the bed immediately upon entering the room makes it feel smaller, so the configuration with the bed closer to the balcony window just feels more spacious, even though they’re the same size.

Is the Norwegian Epic large balcony room worth the extra cost?

In short, no. See our 360-degree photos of the large balcony cabins on the Epic . Because of the ship layout and strange angles of the exterior, you will end up (usually) with a balcony that may be 50% larger but not as enjoyable. For one, you end up looking into the neighbor’s balcony/cabin when stepping out to the railing. So the reality is there is no benefit to the larger balcony staterooms on the Epic. 

Interior Cabins

Interior staterooms are cozy yet well-appointed. If you’re a cruiser that is usually not inclined to book an interior stateroom, the Epic might change your mind about that in the future, as they are equally comfortable, unlike some other cruise lines where the interior cabins almost seem like an afterthought and downgrade. 

Solo passengers/cruisers have never been a priority on most cruise ships. Expensive solo and single supplements are often normal on cruises, however, Norweigian changed that with their solo insider cabins of which more than 100 were introduced on the Epic. The choice to cater to passengers who traveled alone or with friends not wanting to share a cabin was a huge hit for NCL. They’ve become so popular that all future ships built for Norwegian Cruise Line have included solo cabins.

The cabins to support solo cruisers will not disappoint! Not only are the cabins well thought out for only 100 square feet, but they’re also well-designed and comfortable for single passengers with no corners cut on the design. 

In addition to the solo cabins, NCL has gone through extra effort to support passengers traveling alone with designated areas for solo cruisers to meet and mingle. 

The Haven Staterooms on The Epic

The Haven is more than just a room, it’s an experience on board Norwegian ships. The Haven never disappoints with its beautiful modern-designed suites. In 2020, the NCL Epic had some refurbishment and refit work done mainly to accommodate an upgraded Haven area. But, not all Haven suites are the same. On a recent Epic voyage with friends who bid, and won an upgrade to the Haven. Their stateroom, while beautiful, was an aft cabin and not connected to the main Haven area on the ship. Beyond the unique design elements and slightly more spacious cabin (with a proper bathroom layout), the Haven offered a Butler and Concierge that they rarely used. The consensus regarding the Haven on Norwegian is the value exists primarily in the private dining, lounge, and bar areas as well as other exclusive-use outdoor spaces. Most people who I know that have booked in the Haven suites tell me that they’d probably not pay full price for the experience but rather bid for an upgrade when possible.

Norwegian Haven Gallery – NCL Epic

Other available cabins

The Epic has a huge variety of cabins to choose from including Spa suites, Club Balcony Suites, family Balconies, etc. 

The Spa Staterooms on the Epic come in three varieties including the Haven Spa Suite, Spa Balcony Suite, and Spa Balcony. The Spa Balcony and Club Balcony have nearly identical floor plans as the regular balcony cabins but have a more “serene” decor and upgraded bathroom accessories. Most importantly, any stateroom marketed as a “Spa” room has unlimited access to the Thermal Spa Suites (Mandara Spa) included in the cruise fare. (Available on Norwegian Escape, Breakaway Class ships, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Epic) You can see more about the Spa Staterooms on NCLs website .

A Club Balcony (Formerly Mini-Suite) is essentially just the balcony stateroom with a few extra perks. Some of the perks of a Club Balcony Room include a free bottle of sparkling wine, early access to booking reservations, treats in-room such as chocolate-covered strawberries, upgraded linens, coffee and tea setup, priority seating in restaurants and some include a full-size bathtub rather than the typical shower. Most passengers I’ve met who have upgraded to a Club Balcony don’t really see the value, especially if booked at the full rate.

The Family staterooms are simply rooms that are closer to activities for children and many are connected rooms.

Dining Options & Restaurants On the Epic

The Epic has no shortage of restaurants and places to eat!

• See our Guide to the Norwegian Restaurants and Menus

O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill

Casual pub-style restaurant/bar open late serving everything from fish and chips, burgers, and chicken wings to healthier options like salads and soups.

Garden Café

The ship buffet is open for all meals. Self-service with theme nights and rotating lunch. menus.

Shanghai’s Chinese Restaurant

A very good Chinese restaurant with classic Chinese dishes and soups.

Shanghai’s Noodle Bar

Attached to the Chinese restaurant, is a bar serving traditional dumplings and dim sum. We love the concept and wish it was on more ships. Here’s the noodle bar menu:

Taste & Manhattan Room

The main dining restaurants on the Epic with a menu that changes regularly as well as a daily / nightly fixed menu for those who don’t appreciate change.

The Haven Restaurant

For exclusive use by the Haven Guests. Basically, a restaurant where anything is possible.

Moderno Churrascaria

A bottomless meat event with a full buffet and salad bar full of appetizers, bread, and salad options. See the Moderno Menu

Modern Italian food. Not just your spaghetti and meatballs! Amazing rustic & high-end Italian. See the La Cucina Menu

Cagney’s Steakhouse

As the name states, it’s a full steakhouse at sea. Every cut of meat is available along with a plethora of appetizers and salads. See the Cagney’s Menu

The loved NCL French restaurant with classics like steak tartar and French onion soup. See the Le Bistro Menu

Amazing show cooking in small groups that rivals any land-based Teppanyaki. Watch the chef prepare everything on a large hot plate in front of you. See the Teppanyaki Menu

Traditional (and affordable) sushi bar. Quick tip : Don’t use a dining credit from your Free at Sea on Wasabi. It’s inexpensive and you’re better off dining a la carte.

Bars & Lounges on the NCL Epic

There’s no shortage of watering holes on the Epic. In fact, the huge presence of bars and lounges is so prominent that it again makes the ship feel more like a Las Vegas hotel than a massive cruise ship. Here’s what you can expect to find on the ship:

• See : All of the NCL Bar Menus

Maltings Whisky Bar

While Maltings is supposed to be a “whisky” bar, it is actually a full bar with just about every spirit, beer, and wine served that is available on the Epic. The only thing the guys and girls don’t really like to do at Maltings is make Martinis. For this, they’ll point you over to the Martini bar just a few steps away.

Martini Bar

The Martini Bar has a great vibe with lounge chairs placed well for the random live music that plays in the space. It also has a decent-sized bar to sit at where the bartenders will make you a martini of choice. I find that the skill level of the bartenders is lacking with good martinis, unfortunately.

Just like a typical Las Vegas bar, there are video gambling machines embedded in the bar and you can get just about anything you want. This bar tends to get busy with walk-up traffic from the restaurants in the evening as it’s faster for diners to get a drink sometimes.

This used to be our favorite bar on the ship. Dead center of the atrium and great for people watching. Unfortunately, NCL made the choice to chop off a significant portion of the bar and make it a Starbucks. A HUGE mistake in my opinion. Where the Atrium Bar used to be a gathering point for social activity and pre-dinner meetups, it’s now just an afterthought and feels like it should be in the lobby of a cheap hotel. I can’t say that I’ve stopped even once for a drink there since this change happened.

The bar at O’Sheehan’s

A huge bar made to replicate an Irish Pub. It’s great for just about everything you could want. The bartenders that work at O’Sheehan’s hustle and will make you just about anything you can imagine. When it’s slower during the day, and you’re up for experimenting, they’ll usually make you something off the menu for you to try.

A great spot on the Epic is the adults-only Spice H2O at the rear of the ship. With a small pool and stadium seating, it’s a nice place to get away from everyone and relax. At night the bar changes to more of a venue for music and sometimes movies on a big screen. Just like Bliss, the staff sometimes doesn’t enforce the age restriction, a disappointment. The bar is a great place to sit outside and enjoy the good weather and have any number of daily frozen specials.

Not much to say about the pool bar, other than it’s convenient when you’re at the pool or in the Garden Cafe for a quick bite. I don’t find the staff here to be terribly engaging or the drinks to be anything special.

Bliss Lounge

Bliss is the “Ultra Lounge” or nightclub brand on Norwegian Ships. The Bliss Lounge on the Epic is quite impressive given it’s essentially a well-done night club at sea. When you’re there, you wouldn’t know that you’re on a cruise ship. The lounge is what you’d expect in the evenings and is adult-only starting around 9 pm. Other than serving the purpose of a bar, club, or lounge, Bliss is also used during the day for private events and gatherings.

My only complaint with Bliss on the Epic is that the age restriction hasn’t been enforced in the past 2 voyages I’ve had. While other ships seem to do a better job at keeping the 18+ rule, staff on the Epic didn’t.

Most people don’t realize that there are only a handful of Ice Bars in the entire world. It’s said that there are less than 20 ice bars in existence, and one of them is on the Epic!

Admittedly, this is a strange concept and I can’t quite figure out the reason behind it but it’s fun to try it once, just to say you did. The cost is about $20 per person which includes two branded drinks (Now it’s Skyy, it was Svedka). The entry is time limited to 45 minutes and you’re provided with a parka to wear in the sub-freezing room. It’s fun and makes for a great photo opportunity with the funky lighting and ice sculptures.

Spa by Mandara

One of my favorite spaces on the Epic is the Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite. When it was introduced, the spa was the largest at sea! While it’s no longer the biggest or the most fabulous, it’s still an incredible retreat. Modeled after traditional Turkish Baths, it features hot tubs and a relatively large therapy pool with various jets for aqua therapy. The Thermal Suites also feature everything you’d expect to see in a high-end spa including a steam room, sauna, heated chaise loungers, and rain showers. The changing rooms have lockers and are gender specific with gender-specific steam rooms and saunas, but the rest of the spa is mixed-gender.

The cost of using the spa varies. It used to be when you had a service / massage, a day pass was included. On a recent trip, when I inquired about this, I was told that is no longer the case. (Confirmed again on a December 2022 Transatlantic). It also used to be typical if the ship was not busy, that a day pass could be purchased. Again, it doesn’t seem to be the case now, or may depend on who you speak with at the spa (Updated, the day pass was recently sold for $79)

The current pricing to use the Mandara Thermal Suite is about $300 for a week (On a 9-day transatlantic crossing, it was $319 including all fees). However, the price can vary a bit if you purchase after you’re on board. If the “spa pass” really is of interest, check online regularly after you book, as they sometimes run promotions. On a recent 7 days NCL Dawn cruise, I was able to get the full week for only $139. That promotion only lasted a few days and there was no notice of the discount. It was just visible when selecting the spa package as an add-on.

Don’t forget, if you’re really a spa person and expect to make heavy use of the spa, sometimes the Spa Staterooms are less expensive than a balcony cabin plus buying a pass, so definitely compare when booking.

There is a downside to the Thermal Suite on the Epic, however. On Transatlantic cruises, they tend to oversell the pass. It’s stated that the pass is only sold to a limited number of passengers, but I’ve experienced otherwise, unfortunately.

On a Transatlantic cruise in 2017 on the NCL Epic, the Thermal Suites were almost unusable due to capacity. It certainly wasn’t relaxing. To add to the oversold spa pass, a group of passengers had discovered how to “sneak in” to the spa since it was not well monitored. Mid-cruise, I finally decided it was a real problem and did what I rarely do, complain. It took the entire second part of the cruise to connect with the elusive spa manager and eventually get a full refund, even though they were extremely unwilling (initially) to a refund for the pass. This probably won’t prevent me from buying the pass again for another Epic Transatlantic, but I’ll definitely be watching for a discount online. Note: In 2022 for the same cruise, it seemed to have been managed better and was more enjoyable to use.

Things To Do on the Epic

The Epic cruise ship has more than enough to keep passengers from getting restless during their vacation. 

Pools, a waterslide, an aqua park, a rock climbing wall, and huge sun decks are among the many things to do on the Epic.

The ship was the first “Mega” ship for Norwegian Cruise Line and features the first generation of wild and crazy activities that have now become the norm on large ships. This includes the aqua park with huge water slides (three of them!) and a 200-foot-long tube ride into a funnel/bowl.

In addition to the outdoor activities, there’s an indoor bowling alley, Ice bar, video games, library, casino, theater, nightclub, shopping, and more.

Entertainment on board

The ship has a large theater that currently presents Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Musical) and Burn The Floor.

UPDATE ABOUT NCL ENTERTAINMENT

Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced big changes in the large-scale shows on their ships. The entertainment listed may no longer be available (mainly Priscilla). We are unsure if this is permanent or not, so please verify with the cruise line if these entertainment options are still available (As of Jan 31, 2023)

Burn the Floor – A sort of variety show full of dancing featuring accomplished dancers from around the world.

Howl at the Moon – A dueling piano show.

The Cavern Club – Music, entertainment, and sometimes comedy

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The Epic Casino

The casino on the Norwegian Epic is huge, absolutely huge compared to other cruise ships and lines. It’s NCL’s largest casino at sea and adds to the feeling of being in a Las Vegas hotel. While the size of the casino and how prominent it is maybe a turn-off for non-gamblers, it manages to co-exist with other spaces without feeling like it’s the sole purpose of the ship. It’s large and present but doesn’t ruin adjoining spaces with its size. 

Itinerary for the Epic

The Epic spends the summers in the Mediterranean departing from Barcelona and visiting some beautiful locations such as Corsica, Cannes, Palma, Naples, etc.

During the winter Epic spends time in the Caribbean and will be making San Juan its primary departure port.

Posh Beach Club

The 18+ space on deck 18 is a limited space sundeck (no pool) area that is available by purchasing access. It’s comfy, has a private bar, and is away from the crowds. It’s a good alternative for people who want private outdoor space that doesn’t have access to the Haven areas. Access is generally been sold as day passes or a week-long pass (for around $59) and needs to be purchased quickly when on board as they sell out. (It’s free for Haven guests)

What about Kids?

While we don’t have children or travel with other couples who do, we’ve met plenty of families that love the activities on board the Epic. The Entourage Club is a great gathering space for teens / tweens with video games, consoles, etc. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities outside of the Entourage like the water slides and water park.

A few thoughts on the overall experience – Our Norwegian Epic Review

Generally, the service is quite good. There are a few areas of the ship where service could improve and is inconsistent with what you’d expect with NCL. Mainly this was found among some of the bartenders throughout the ship who looked like they were just overworked and tired. Based on a pandemic cruise early in 2022, the employee morale just wasn’t what I’ve experienced on other cruises, but with staff shortages and a challenging work environment, it’s not at all surprising.

The food quality is usually very good, a notable feature of NCL. Again, however, on a recent cruise, there were more misses than normal, especially in specialty dining. I believe this is temporary due to all of the supply chain issues. After a planned Transatlantic in December 2022 on the Epic, I’ll confirm if the dining has improved.

The value that the Epic provides on most itineraries is quite good. Considering that there is nothing “cheap” about this cruise ship, the prices are incredibly affordable. With cruises in a balcony cabin regularly being less than $800 per person for 7 days, the cost of a vacation with Norwegian on the Epic is unbeatable, especially when considering the “Free at Sea” promotion is usually included!

Tips – a few fun things to know

In passenger hallways, the carpet is made of swimming fish! Since the ship is so large, it’s easy to get lost or turned backward, so use the fish to guide you. They swim forward toward the front of the ship.

Additionally, each side of the ship and stairwells are color-coded. So take note of what color your side of the ship is and you’ll never end up wandering too far in the wrong direction.

Did you know? There was an entire FaceBook group dedicated to the Norwegian Epic ? Check it out!

Do you have anything to add about the Epic?

Did we miss something? Do you want to add an idea? Just submit a comment below!

In Conclusion Our opinion of the Norwegian Epic:

We think the Norwegian Epic is a great option for first time cruisers . The sheer size of the cruise ship makes it feel like a large hotel and a bit less of a typical cruise ship. So for people who want to try a cruise, it might be one of the best options.

Additionally, with the cost usually lower than similar itineraries, it’s a great way to try cruising on a budget!

If you can get over the layout of the cabins and bathrooms, the rest of the ship is great.

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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10 Comments

Thanks for all the info! Are the water slides an additional cost? Is the rock climbing wall an additional cost?

Thanks for the question! The water slide is free, but I’m not 100% sure about the rock wall! I’ve only seen it used a couple of times as it’s usually not open (from my experience). But I do not think they charge for the wall either to the best of my recollection.

I asked Google the following question as I was curious to know how many life boats were on board the Epic, and how many passengers does each one contain ?

Unfortunately, it did not answer the question Posed ?

Good question 🙂 – I’ve never counted them. So I’ll rename the article “Almost” everything you need to know!

They do provide shower and hair shampoo?

Hello! They do provide a sort of all in 1 shampoo, and a shower gel, but they’re not great. There is not conditioner provided.

Very disappointed in the size of the pools. Plus it looked cloudy and dirty. The water was too warm to be refreshing. We hate the bathrooms. The food at the steak house (filet) was like pot roast! The waiter said it was from the light in the window. No more NCL for me. One and done.

It’s unfortunate you had such a bad experience. I try to tell people not to judge NCL based on a single Epic experience. (well, Epic, the ship not the epic experience! :). – Their other ships do seem to be quite a bit better, or at least more consistent. The NCL Epic is pretty hit or miss.

We just finished a cruise on the Epic in Spain, France, and Italy. It was the worst cruise we have ever been on, constantly things breaking, not working, not clean or maintained like other cruise ships are. Slowest elevators ever. Activity director needs to go on other cruise lines just to see how it’s done properly, we sat by the pool for one day and they had no music playing, it was just quiet unless you were talking to someone next to you and I asked several time to please turn on some music but they just joked about it, they had one short contest then nothing at all till after diner and the activity’s are short and end as soon as everyone gets started. The food was Ok at the start of the cruise but got worse every day after like they reheated everything each day even serving warm beer at the Irish bar. We felt like they nickel and dime everything and were charged over $900.00 at end of cruise. We have talked to over 100 people on our cruise and they all seemed to feel the same way, NCL does not get it!!

I’m really sorry to hear that you had a bad experience on the Epic. In general, it’s a polarizing ship – but regardless, service and food should be consistent across the brand. I’ve been on a lot of NCL cruises and always find the Epic “acceptable” but not amazing, so what you’re saying doesn’t surprise me at all, unfortunately. I think what I’ve noticed most, and this is across all the NCL ships, is that there is no music by the pool, and it’s quite boring. I recall them having good music nearly all day at one or more pools, and now it’s very sterile, so I agree that’s a disappointment. It doesn’t take much to pipe in some chill music as background noise. In the end, I (and fellow travelers we cruise with)… feel like accountants have gotten ahold of NCL and started squeezing everything out of the brand that they can, especially after the pandemic shutdown. Norwegian has been my “go-to” for 15+ years, but this past year, I’ve started trying other lines more frequently, and glad I have!

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Cruising the Norwegian Epic Review

Cruising the Norwegian Epic and sailing the Western Mediterranean? In this Norwegian Epic review, you will find everything we loved and didn’t love about this cruise ship and its itinerary.

This year we were not going to cruise. We planned to spend it exploring parts of Spain and maybe even hop over to Portugal. We played around with the idea and a few itineraries, but nothing that overly excited one or the other.

That was until I found a great deal on Norwegian Cruise Line for a week cruising the Western Mediterranean on the Norwegian Epic.

It fit our budget and is docked at multiple ports of interest. Plus, it started and ended in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

We wouldn’t be able to explore Southern Spain with our limited time, but at least I would get to check off Barcelona and some other nearby areas off my bucket list.

On this cruise, we chose not to take advantage of Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion and only purchased a soda package on embarkation day. We also chose not to participate in the cruise roll call activities, which probably was not a good idea.

The Epic is Norwegian’s cruise line’s first mega-ship. It launched in 2009, and at the time of its christening, it was the 3rd largest cruise ship in the world. It was last refurbished in 2015.

In the past couple of years, the Epic has been exploring the Mediterranean before returning to the Caribbean during winter.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

Before booking this cruise, we discussed the mixed reviews of the ship. We had heard about the weird ship layout, the closed-off public spaces, and the oddly shaped cabin with the not-so-private bathroom.

We decided the itinerary was enough for us, and we’d judge the ship later. In the past, we read many mixed reviews on certain ships due to the variety of personalities and expectations and found it was far from what we ended up experiencing.

We now understand what makes this ship different from the others and noticed the service’s downfall compared to all our other cruises.

While the itinerary was fantastic, we can’t say the same for the cruise ship itself. The Epic left a lot to be desired. We will be honest about our experience cruising on the Norwegian Epic.

Was it the worst cruise that we have taken? No.

Did Norwegian lose points with us? Yes.

Table of Contents

7-Day Western Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary

Day 1- Embark in Barcelona, Spain Day 2- Sea Day Day 3 – Naples, Italy Day 4 – Civitavecchia, Italy Day 5 – Livorno, Italy Day 6 – Cannes, France Day 7 – Palma de Mallorca, Spain Day 8 – Arrive & disembark in Barcelona, Spain

See how we spent Three Days in Girona, Spain , after disembarking in Barcelona.

Book a NCL Cruise

Barcelona Cruise Port Embarkation

We were pleasantly surprised by how painless the check-in process was at the Barcelona cruise port. Lines were short, close to non-existent. A rarity in our experience on cruise embarkation day . They were also efficient and informative.

For the first time, we were given a ship map (we later find out that a map is desperately needed to get around). We waited 15 minutes for our number to be called to embark. It was a relatively great start.

Nothing exciting to report. The ship sailed away at the expected time. We watched the sunset from the top deck and popped into the sail-away party at Spice H20. We decided to explore the ship’s interior when it started to rain.

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Our Balcony Cabin: Cabin # 10163

Our cabin was mid-ship on deck 10, cabin # 10163 . Sadly, we did not get a proper room video this time. We wouldn’t book a room mid-ship if you would like to be near the elevators.

As mentioned, the cabin is oddly shaped in curves, like the room was one big wave. We don’t think anyone would be comfortable sleeping on the curved sofa in that room, but there is storage space behind it if needed.

The bathroom was different, and if you’re sharing the cabin with someone you are not 100% comfortable with, you may be in for a rude awakening. There is no actual separate room for the bathroom itself. As soon you enter the room, you’ll find the shower to your right and the toilet to your left.

Both have frosted slide doors you can close for “privacy.” The sink is next to the shower for all in the room. We didn’t have any issues with this arrangement, but I can see others who would.

The cabin is modern, with a flat-screen television. A plus is all the storage space in the room to put away your belongings. You can shove your luggage underneath the bed for storage space.

There were two outlets available, but no USB outlets. Don’t forget to pack a USB adapter.

Cruise Packing List

Add these items to your cruise packing list. Don’t forget to pack these cruise items that will help enhance your cruise vacation.

Service on the Norwegian Epic

Service was hit & miss throughout the ship. O’Sheehan’s had the worst service. We usually love this establishment on the other ships, but there was always a problem at the 24hr pub on the Epic.

The main dining room depended on where you sat and who your waiter was for the night. Some waiters seemed severely overwhelmed and spread out thin, which we can only blame the management for.

Our room steward was great. We met him a few days after our cruise started, but that didn’t bother us. He always cleaned up our room during the day while we were gone and turned it down for us at dinner time. He did ask us multiple times if there were any special requests he could take care of for us.

Many crew members on the ship were kind & hospitable, but there were plenty that seemed miserable to be there.

We understand we are all human and have days we don’t even want to get out of bed in the morning, but when you keep facing the same attitude throughout the ship, you have to wonder what the management is doing wrong.

As always, our favorite crew members were the washy-washy folk. Thank you for always being cheery and brightening my day before we even had our coffee.

NCL Epic’s Spa & Barbershop

I convinced hubby to treat himself to the spa because he works his butt off and rarely gets to do nice things for himself like this back home. He did a men’s facial with a shave and a hot stone pedicure.

The pedicure turned out to be fantastic and better than he expected. The fire and ice pedicure is highly recommended. The facial and the shave, not so much.

There is a cute old-school-looking barbershop on this ship that looks great for a nice shave. This is where the facial took place, not at their spa. The problem with this barbershop is that it’s open to everyone passing by it and not far from the casino.

So as you’re trying to relax during your facial and shave, you hear casino bells and rings going off in the background. Far from the relaxing spa environment, they have an upstairs.

The staff there was wonderful; they did their best with what was available. In my honest opinion, they shouldn’t offer spa facials that will take place at the barbershop.

Cruise vs All-Inclusive Resort

What’s the difference? Check out our breakdown of the pros and cons of each option to help make your decision easier. Plan your cruise or all-inclusive resort vacation with these travel tips and tricks.

Tasty Itinerary: Norwegian Epic Restaurants

The food is the heart of our travels, and sadly, I do not have much to report under this section of the Norwegian Epic review. Perhaps it’s partially my fault for not purchasing a specialty dining package and not eating at their finer dining establishments. However, that is a splurge not everyone can make.

When you’re on a cruise vacation, you expect even the food included to be up to par with all their other dining establishments. On their other ships, I had wonderful meals all around.

Cirque Dreams Dinner

We booked this dinner show in advance, and the pre-fixed menu is the same as the magic show from our Norwegian Getaway cruise .

O’Sheehan’s

They could never get the order right. Their hot dogs were not edible. Their fries were nibs of soggy potatoes. We tried eating here a few times, even once sending an order back multiple times because the description on the menu did not match what they served us.

Nowhere on the menu did it say the item comes with chili, but they argued it was the way it came. Well then, folks, if you’re going to contradict your menu description, update it. That’s a big no-no to add-on to add to anyone’s order just because you feel it belongs.

We had our embarkation lunch here, which should have been a sign of things to come – the food was tasteless. The fried chicken they served hubby tasted like they tossed the chicken in some breadcrumb, fried it, and forgot to add a dash of salt or seasoning.

My lamb was tough and needed extra TLC.  We returned for dinner a few more times that week, and there were a few highlights worth mentioning: popcorn shrimp, crab cake, baked ziti, and crème brûlée.

Manhattan Room

Overall the best service and food, compared to the other restaurants. Not sure why there is a discrepancy because they serve the same menu from Taste and probably from the same kitchen.

We were given a table right by the stage on the last night and had a fantastic meal with wonderful service.

Highlights: prime rib, onion crostata flatbread, and scallops.

Shanghai’s

On the night we tried Shanghai’s, we tried to get reservations at one of the specialty restaurants to no avail. We wanted something different, so we decided to try the included Chinese restaurant.

We had it on the Norwegian Pearl , which was fairly good, so we thought it would be the same. Well, this was barely edible. Everything was severely salty. The service was severely lacking. Skip this one.

We mostly ate breakfast at the buffet, and it was always great. It’s the same every day, so it does get old after a while. We always found something to eat. When we’re on a cruise, we snack, especially in the late evenings, way past having dinner and spending time in the casino.

Unfortunately, their late-night snack section was not up to par with what they served on the Norwegian Pearl. It was the same poor choices every night.

Don’t Miss: What’s included in a Cruise Ship Vacation?

Entertainment on the Norwegian Epic

Beatlemania.

The cover band for the Beatles dressed sounded and acted very close to the real Beatles. The band is even fitted with the appropriate wigs.

As a huge Beatles fan, my husband loved this show. We watched The Beatles the first night in the theater, and then they played in one of the smaller lounges throughout the week.

We suggest you get there early if you want to see them on one of the other nights outside the theater. It fills up quickly. Norwegian should give them a bigger space.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

We loved this drag queen show! It reminded me somewhat of the movie Birdcage with Robin Williams. Have you seen it? It was flamboyant, hilarious, and fun. We enjoyed every minute of the show.

*Do not recommend if you’re easily offended.

Cirque Dreams

Fantastic circus act. We enjoyed this show immensely—a talented acrobatic cast with unhuman-like skills that we’ll never have in our lifetime. We closed our eyes many times. Cringed. Gasped. Gawked. My heart leaped into my throat a few times.

Our only gripe was the seating arrangement. They should have the tables horizontally facing the center of the room. Instead, they have them vertically, and you’ll have stiff necks to try to see around the person in front of you.

We guess they fit more seats in this way. There is a surcharge for this show.

What to Do Before Going on a Cruise

Booked a cruise, or are you thinking about booking one soon? See our 11 cruise prep tips to prepare for your next cruise.

Other Observations Cruising the Norwegian Epic

• Andre, the cruise director of the ship, is fantastic. He’s personable, funny, and engaging. We loved when he took the stage at any event.
• The ship is closed off, and it is the biggest downside. There isn’t enough outdoor space for a ship that carries over 4500 passengers. We are unsure how this ship does during a Caribbean itinerary, where most people like to lay out on the deck and sunbathe. At least the Getaway and the Escape have the waterfront and a deck that almost wraps around the ship to walk through.
• We appreciate the pool and hot tubs in H20, the adult section of the ship. That extra pool is missed on the other mega-ships. This area does feel cumbersome, though, compared to the Getaway.
• We felt very at home on the ship on our past two cruises. Not on this ship. It was due to the crew, the layout, and the vibe. There was just a complete disconnect.
• The layout is a messy flow. We couldn’t help but wonder when this ship was designed if all they thought about was how many cabins they could cram onto each deck.
• While we may favor the itinerary, the ship is also part of the vacation. This time, it simply served as our transportation from place to place. When it was time to disembark, we were ready to leave. That’s a first for us with Norwegian.

Disembarkation

Unlike previous cruises, we were ready to get off and continue our extended time in Spain. As requested, we didn’t rush to disembark but were out of our cabin by 8 AM. We had breakfast and walked off the ship with our luggage by 9 AM.

Read more: 12 Tips for a Smooth Cruise Disembarkation Day

Final Thoughts of the Norwegian Epic

This ship did not live up to its name. It was not as Epic as we expected it to be.

Due to our disappointment with the Epic, we did not buy Cruise Next vouchers. We also weren’t even compelled to take photos of the ship.

This was our third cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, and it may be our last for a while as we would like to try other cruise lines in the future.

Now, don’t completely hold me to that.

If we see an interesting NCL itinerary at a great rate, it will be difficult for us to stand by this self-imposed NCL break. We can’t help ourselves when we see a great price combined with a brilliant itinerary. Unless it’s on the Norwegian Epic, then most likely not.

We will not cruise again on the Norwegian Epic ship. It wasn’t a terrible cruise, as we’ve heard horror stories of other ships, but it lacks all the wonderful things that other Norwegian ships have and was dearly missed.

You are probably reading this Norwegian Epic review in preparation for your upcoming Epic cruise… don’t fret . Just take the knowledge I provided and use it to your advantage. Learn from it. You will have a completely different experience than we did. It is a ship people either love or are disappointed with.

122 Quick & Helpful Cruise Tips

We’ve gathered 122 of our top cruise tips and hacks to help make your planning process smoother and your cruising experience even more fabulous. From cruise packing tips and hacks to what to do on the cruise ship and at the cruise ports, we have everything you need to know to ensure your cruise is unforgettable.

Don’t Miss These Other Cruise Ship Reviews:

• Cruising the Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship Review
• Cruising the Celebrity Solstice Review
• Cruising the Norwegian Joy Review
• Cruising the Celebrity Equinox Review
• Cruising the Norwegian Pearl Review: Our Favorite Ship Yet
• Cruising Norwegian Getaway and Staying in the Haven

🚢 Book a Cruise with NCL

Quick Cruise Planning Guide

Where to book a cruise? We like to shop around before booking by going directly to the cruise line and checking out the deals on GoToSea , CruiseDirect.com , Costco Travel , and Cruise Compete . Ultimately, the best advice is to find a travel agent you can trust to help you book a cruise.

Hotels for pre-cruise and post-cruise stays We always use Booking.com or Hotels.com to book international accommodations and Expedia or Hotels.com for US accommodations. Airbnb or Vrbo for vacation rentals.

Can I book my own shore excursions? Yes, you’ll save money booking your own excursions and not with the cruise ship. We like to use Viator or WithLocals . Don’t forget to read up on our tips for booking .

Car Rentals We like to rent a car at cruise ports and for the freedom to explore on our own when the destination makes sense. We also sometimes rent cars during our pre-cruise stay or on embarkation day.

Should I book cruise insurance? Yes! Cruise insurance is essential. We always book with a third party rather than the cruise line. Compare pricing on Insuremytrip.com .

Packing for a Cruise? Don’t miss our essential cruise packing list .

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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20 Comments

Looks & sounds amazing! I didn’t even know that you have to make reservations in advance on these cruises. I love acrobats and circuses so much. 🙂 I’m sure it was an amazing show!

I don’t know about every cruise line, but for Norwegian you should make reservations for the speciality shows like the Cirque Dreams and their specialty restaurants. I posted some acrobatic boomerangs to stories on Instagram. I should probably update a few to this post. 🙂 It was a great show.

I really got hung up at the beginning of this post. TWENTY bars and lounges?! As you know, I don’t cruise for tummy reasons, but is that typical? Also, I would have to personally try ALL 20 lounges for myself. Please tell me you tried quite a few for me? What did you drink? Any signature cocktails? I hope they had fall ones! I read your foodie list so I’m sure a few of these count as some of the lounge/bar spaces.

P.S. I love the Tasty Itinerary heading ; ) Definitely use it for every post! AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THOSE SHIRTS IN THE SIDE BAR!?!!?! LOVE IT!!!!

90 days in advance for reservations for a cruise ship restaurant seems crazy?! That doesn’t sound incredibly relaxing, and I wouldn’t love getting screwed if I forgot to make them. Which I would. Then again, I live near Disney, and one year out, I am already toast. Do they penalize you if you cancel? Can anyone sneak in without them if there are cancellations? But then again, why would people cancel, and where would they go. Unless they are seasick, already drunk, or passed out asleep…

Thank you for an honest review. The shows sound nice, and I love your pictures. I am sorry the boat was not EPIC. Pun intended. A room shaped as a wave would make me seasick. I don’t love curved couches either. No privacy bathrooms, I can semi-deal.

I vote Portugal next time…by foot!!! In fact, I’ll come with.

Yes, there are lounges and bars throughout the ship. They want you to drink and buy as much alcohol as possible. Some groups get together and do a bar crawl on the first night. Sadly, I was mostly sober during this trip. Glass of wine here and there for me. I can’t hold my liquor like I used to and I wanted to be able to get up in the mornings. I know, I know, boooo… boring! It was my choice though. Hubby doesn’t drink either – he’s sober because he functions better without alcohol in his life. I do recommend getting the all-you-can-drink package!

Yes, I’m definitely keeping the Tasty Itinerary heading.

You are too funny! I would love to be able to read your mind for a day =D

Bummer. I’m sorry this ship was such a letdown. At least you had good shows and a cool cruise director. But did you have towel pets? That’s what I’d really like to know! I forget now if you put one in your insta stories. I’m so forgetful! What really stinks is that you had such bad food. That is such a mood crusher. Did you find good stuff to eat when you left the ship? That will probably be in another post, right? ? This was a great honest review! Very helpful for anyone who needs to decide on a cruise. Do you have any posts on the other cruises you’ve been on? I’ll have to read those if I’m ever going to be brave enough to step on a cruise line. ?

Yes! We had towel pets every night. I’m sorry I didn’t include it. Gonna try to gather up those pictures for you. 🙂

The food was either bad or edible, not amazing. It sucks. That’s okay cause we ate some amazing stuff off the ship. We didn’t starve. There is always something to eat. I mean, worse case you just get simple stuff to eat.

I have two other reviews on my blog for Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Pearl. Only Norwegian. That’s why I want to try other lines. Stay away from Carnival though, that’s the biggest advice I can give you.

Thanks so much for always stopping by and commenting! Hugs.

I’m going to read your other posts soon! They will be my Thanksgiving holiday reads. ?

Don’t forget the towel pets! ?

What a bummer that the ship left something to be desired, but the ports sound amazing! Would love to read more about what y’all did at each! KB

Hey KB! I totally thought I had responded to your post, but obviously I did in my head. Sorry for the delay! It is a bummer, but at least we know the Epic ship is not for us and we won’t return to it. I like to be honest with my posts, good and bad, you know? I will definitely be posting about each cruise port. I’m writing about our first port as we speak. So, stay tuned!

I agree with you there! It’s always important to be honest with your readers. I am SO excited to read about your stops at each port!

oh man how disappointing! i always have wanted to go on a cruise but it certainly won’t be on the epic. if they can’t even cook a hot dog right- yikes! 🙁

Hi Joy –

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Yes, we were very disappointed with the ship and the service. I try to give a fair review and be honest. I know others who have had a great time on the ship, so you just never know what experience you’re going to get. Thankfully there are many other cruise ships out at sea. =)

My daughter and I also sailed on the Epic – the exact route. We were blessed to have booked a suite in the Haven. The best bang for the buck. Service was impeccable, food was amazing. Sorry that yours wasn’t as great!

Hi Karen – The Haven is spectacular. We were able to experience it on the Getaway and it was fantastic. If we had booked the Haven, I think our experience would have been a little different. Our cruise before this on the NCL Pearl, we did not do the Haven and the service was top-notch and so was the design of the ship. Unfortunately for us, the Epic fell flat. Thankfully, it wasn’t the most terrible experience and we had a wonderful time off the ship.

Happy to hear you had a great time!

I have a 7 day cruise in April on the Epic hoping g things are better. I am in the single cabins. There is a lounge just for us so wonder how that will be. The website and app were not working day 90 out to book restaurants or shore excursions. Will definitely take a pic of the map and carry it with me as well as my phone. It is a strange looking ship and there is only one like it. Guess the NCL people realized it looked good on paper but doesn’t work in Practice.

Hey Tammy – So excited about your cruise! The Epic is one of those ships that people either love or hate. But I hope that it surprises you and that your experience surpasses what we experienced.

It is a great tip to take a picture of the ship’s map and put it on your phone!

I have only heard great things about the single cabin and its lounge. Plus, you have the rest of the ship to enjoy if it’s not your cup of tea.

Have a great cruise! Hopefully, NCL is reading all our comments, taking notes and applying them where they see fit.

I totally disagree with you. I did this western Mediterranean cruise on the Epic and everything was perfect. The staff was the best friendly attentive caring. The cabin was beautiful…the food amazing as well as at O’Sheehans. Delicious. Everything was perfect!! Sorry you don’t agree.

Hi Sharon – That’s fantastic! We are happy that you had an amazing cruise on the Norwegian Epic, as you should have and is expected when going on a cruise vacation.

And you are welcome to disagree with our cruise ship review, but that doesn’t change the experience WE encountered during OUR TIME on the cruise and what this review is based on.

It wouldn’t be authentic if we didn’t share the bad and the good.

As we stated at the beginning of this post, this is a cruise ship that people either love or hate. However, we encourage cruisers to book a cruise on NCL Epic and experience it for themselves.

Love to hear everyones experiences! Happy Cruising! – Kathy

You should try NCL Pride of America. Gorgeous. So much so we’ve done it 5 times now

We would love to sail NCL Pride of America. Love Hawaii! It’s on the list of cruises to take in the future.

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Cruise Ship Details

Norwegian Epic

• DESTINATIONS
• Mediterranean
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Norwegian Epic cabins and suites

Norwegian epic staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Norwegian Epic cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Norwegian Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Norwegian Epic cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite

Layout (floor plan), the haven 2-bedroom family villa, the haven penthouse suite, the haven spa suite, club balcony mini-suite.

In 2020, NCL recategorized fleetwide the Mini-Suite cabin category, renaming it to "Club Balcony Suite" and adding free perks. The change didn't affect the staterooms' deck locations or cabin numbers.

NCL's Club Balcony Suite's new (bonus) amenities include pre-booking onboard dining and entertainment 125 days prior departure, room service (food-beverage delivery twice per cruise), free laundry service (1x bag) and pressing service (once per cruise), Welcome Aboard gift (1x bottle of sparkling wine).

On Norwegian Epic, the Club Balcony Suite category was introduced on November 8.

Balcony Cabin

Interior cabin, studio interior single cabin.

Each Studio is fitted with a full-size bed (sized 54x74 inches / 140-190 cm), wardrobe, drawers, mirrored vanity table with chair, en suite bathroom (glass door, window, WC-toilet, shower, washbasin), a small window (looking to the corridor).

NCL's Studio cabins are designed for solo travelers. No single supplement is required for category T1.

Studio passengers enjoy exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (indoor relaxation and dining venue).

Norwegian Epic cabins review

Of all NCL Epic cabins, 75 are located in the signature all-suite complex “The Haven”. The Epic cruise ship has the world's largest number of Studio rooms (single-occupancy cabins for solo travelers) available for booking – a total of 128 studios. The ship is also unique with the lack of any Oceanview cabins (outside staterooms with Picture Window or Porthole Window). The number of all cabin categories is 38.

Follows the review of NCL Norwegian Epic staterooms as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services:

All staterooms as amenities feature sleeping area with standard twin/single beds (convertible to Queen-size double bed, with leather headboard and above-bed, lighted recess), en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, sink, shower stall, bath products, hairdryer), lounge/sitting area (full-size wardrobe, vanity area, ample storage space), smart HDTV (26-inch, infotainment system, with recessed under TV nook), electronic safe box and life jackets (in the closet), mini-refrigerator, direct-dial phone, writing desk with 4 power outlets (2 American, 2 European), individual air-conditioning, keycard access (lighting control).

Cabin bathrooms with sink (storage space underneath), glass-door shower, shower dispensers, luxury bath products (Elemis in Haven and Spa rooms). Each of the cabins features a uniquely designed bath with separately located shower and WC/toilet and vanity sink.

The highest grades NCL Epic accommodations are The Haven suites. Guest in those suites can enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s Courtyard (relaxation complex) with its own swimming pool and whirlpool, sundeck (sunbathing area) and a private fitness center.

Suite guests also have Exclusive Lounge access (The Haven Lounge, The Epic Club, Concierge Lounge) and Courtyard valet service. The list of special perks for suite guests (bonus amenities) includes: key card access, butler / concierge service (luggage unpacking, suites-only room service menu, in-room dining /full breakfast menu and afternoon treats), luxury bedding sets (pillow menu, deluxe mattresses), welcome gifts (Champagne, bottled water, fruits, flowers), espresso coffee maker, complimentary specialty restaurant dining (breakfast and lunch only), cotton bathrobes, slippers, terry towels, priority services (embarkation, disembarkation, ports of call tender boarding).

All suites and balcony cabins have sliding doors opening to a private veranda.

• The Haven Owners Suites (category H2) have floor-ceiling windows, separate bedroom (king bed) and dining area.
• The Haven Courtyard Villas (category H4), offer a master bedroom (queen bed), a separate kids bedroom, combined lounge room/dining area, 2 bathrooms. The larger (main) bathroom is facing forward (overlooking the bow). Forward-facing villa suites have a separate solarium room. This is a glass-enclosed balcony room overlooking the ship’s bow. Weather permitting, the solarium’s sliding windows can be opened. Suite solariums are air-conditioned (with a thermostat) and furnished with 2 lounge chairs and a small round table.
• Each of The Haven Courtyard Penthouse suite accommodations has a large bedroom featuring a circular queen bed, TV (CD/DVD player, library), bathroom (separate bathtub/shower) and a large-sized balcony/terrace (with 2 chairs and a small round table).
• The Haven Suites (categories H6 and H9) feature uniquely curved walls. Of those, Spa Suites (category H9) have an in-room bathtub, dome ceiling, individually controlled colored lighting, round-shaped bed.

Mini-Suites have 2 twin beds (convertible to queen), and also feature curved walls. Family suites (categories M2, M3 and M4) have 1 upper berth plus single sofa bed. Spa suites (category M9) feature dome ceiling, individually controlled colored lighting, bathtub.

Balcony cabins in deluxe categories are with curved walls (aka “wave balcony”). Family balcony cabins (categories B2, B3 and B4) are with a location closer to the kids' area and additionally have sofa beds. Know, that all forward-facing balconies on each of the decks are with an in-hull design.

All Spa cabins (in categories H9-The Haven Spa Suite, M9-Spa Suite, and B9-Spa Balcony) have key-card access to Mandara Spa and the Fitness Center, plus 24-hour Thermal Suite access. Spa Balcony rooms are similar to the Deluxe (“wave”) Balcony cabins and feature tub/shower bathrooms, separate lounge area with mini-bar, flat TV, coffee maker, spa amenities.

NCl Epic's Studios are designed for single passengers and are available for booking as single occupancy cruise cabins. Each one of these special category staterooms has a queen bed (full size), corridor window view, mood/special lightning. Special amenities are the exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (2-tiered private lounge for Studio guests only, with bar service, large TVs, ample seating.

Since May 2015, the Norwegian Cruise Line charges US$7,95 for room service dining. This is an extra service charge implemented fleetwide (including on the NCL Epic ship). Passengers exempted from the new (uncommon for the industry) room service fee are only the occupants of “The Haven” suites. Still, as an exception, all passengers can order (for free) their room-service morning coffee and Continental Breakfast. After implementing the new service charge, NCL upgraded the room service menu, adding more hot food items for Breakfast and a wider food & drinks selection (available for ordering 24 hours a day).

Norwegian Epic cabin and suite plans are property of Norwegian Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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The best new cruises in the world: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: every spring when we pull together the Hot List, our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of travelling the globe – to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage – it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali . We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that makes a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From around £574 per person for a seven-night sailing. Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara, Emerald Cruises

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August , the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles . Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia, has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From around £3,112. David Dickstein

Explora I, Explora Journeys

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where ageing meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic – curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From around £564 per person per night. Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with a capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map – forgetting your sunscreen , for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the speciality seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crewmembers dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From around £1,818 . Charlie Hobbs

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Olivia Morelli , CN Traveller

MSC Euribia, MSC Cruises

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the Italian cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details – this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevvy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. Itineraries from around £420. Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Cruise Line

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima. There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over-the-top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From around £791. Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilisers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience – Vista’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley , and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year, Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year, it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul , Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025. From around £2,182. Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse. Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs – and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveller. From around £6,025. Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Cruise Line

Pursuit is a small, “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear – or damp Arctic expedition gear – in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From around £8,729. Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek islands , and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travellers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving speciality pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jewelled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From around £3798. Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova, Silversea Cruises

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool , the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate – as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture and place before even disembarking. From around £2465. Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton, Viking River Cruises

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio – designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration – just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt ’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travellers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real-time to shepherding travellers through modern night markets with endless fervour. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen – and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travellers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton, and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until that is, your next Aton sailing). From around £4849. Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai . Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship – 20-plus to be exact – and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From around £1616 . Rachel Dube

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass. Back in your cosy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant – think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favourite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From around £1495. Celeste Moure

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12 Themed Cruises You Should Have On Your Radar In 2024

T aking a cruise is an experience unlike anything else. Days at sea on a ship full of entertainment and relaxation make for a fantastic vacation. But what if you want even more from your cruise? A theme might be what's missing. In addition to all the usual cruise experiences, themed cruises allow fans of a particular artist, lifestyle, hobby (or even animal), to celebrate their passion on the high seas with activities, events, surprises, and sometimes special guests.

There are dozens of themed cruises on offer each year, usually hosted by major cruise lines like Norwegian , Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. But don't let their numbers fool you. According to  Business Insider , themed cruises are rapidly climbing in popularity, and some trips are selling out in record time. That means it's important to find your dream-themed cruise and reserve your tickets as early as possible.

Fortunately, even if they're sold out, most themed cruises will let you join a waiting list, so there's still hope! Here are 12 themed cruises that will set sail in 2024 and are well worth boarding, either now or the next time they hit the high seas.

Read more: Under-The-Radar Beaches You Need To Visit In The Caribbean

The Emo's Not Dead Cruise

If you truly know it's not a phase, the Emo's Not Dead Cruise is perfect for you. Gather with fellow emo fans for four days (and nights) of concerts, activities, and even a private party at Great Stirrup Kay in the Bahamas. Over a dozen bands will perform, including Yellowcard, Senses Fail, and Armor for Sleep. Alongside themed activities like a masquerade ball, cruisegoers can also enjoy surprisingly cheerful activities like a bellyflop competition in the ship's pool.

The first Emo's Not Dead cruise was in 2022. Cruisegoer and emo fan TheReelChris shared highlights on  YouTube , calling it "EPIC." Fans in the comments section agree, with Schecterplayer92 adding, "This was one of the best experiences of my life." With a killer lineup and entertaining activities scheduled, it seems like Emo's Not Dead 2024 will also be a rad experience. The cruise will be hosted on the Norwegian Pearl, leaving from Miami on February 26 and returning on March 1, 2024. But what would an emo-related cruise be without a little sadness? Unfortunately, the cruise is already sold out. If you're interested, you can  sign up for the waiting list  and hope.

Meow Meow Cruise

Some of us know that no matter how great a vacation might be, cats would make it even better. Meow Meow Cruise has solved that problem. While guests unfortunately aren't allowed to bring their own furry friends aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, the four-day cruise will give them their feline fix in plenty of other ways. 

Activities include cat-themed trivia and a scavenger hunt. But the best part may be communing with fellow cat people (many of whom stroll around the ship wearing cat ears). You'll also be able to mingle with real cats -- one of 2024's ports of call is Key West, where you'll find the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and its community of about 60 friendly polydactyl kitties, many of them descended from one of the author's own pets.

It's hard to find reviews for Meow Meow Cruise, but the fact that this themed cruise has been going on annually since 2015 speaks for itself. The 2024 Meow Meow Cruise sets sail from Miami on February 21, with a return date of February 25. Tickets are still available, but to be sure you don't miss out, consider booking right now.

In My Cruise Era

Sure, cruises are great — and cruising is a multi-billion dollar industry — but is anything more popular than Taylor Swift? For those who can't imagine anyone saying "no" to that question, there's no better cruise than In My Cruise Era. While not officially affiliated with Taylor Swift, this themed cruise is a passionate fan homage. Swifties will be able to dress up in their favorite Taylor-inspired looks, exchange friendship bracelets, perform their idol's songs during karaoke sessions, and more. We're also guessing there will be of lots impromptu song breaks throughout the ship from Taylor's extensive catalog.

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas will host this cruise, which sets sail from Miami on October 21, 2024 -- which, as People Magazine points out, is one day after the Eras Tour will be in the city. Fans lucky enough to attend the concert can continue their Taylor euphoria for four more days on the high seas. Since this is a new themed cruise, there aren't any reviews, but based on the positive fan vibes from Eras Tour concerts and movie viewings, among other events, we're guessing it's going to be a great time for Swifties. Swifties must agree, since the cruise is already sold out. Cancellations do happen, though, so hopeful fans can join the waiting list.  Contact the cruise's organizers to sign up.

Disney's Halloween On The High Seas

Go on just about any cruise-related blog or website and you'll see that Disney Cruise Line's Halloween-themed cruise, officially called Halloween on the High Seas, is a popular favorite. As you probably expect from Disney, this themed cruise is perfect for a family vacation , so it's not too scary. The cruise is hosted on multiple Disney Cruise Line ships, and each one is decorated with the care and attention to detail you'll find in most Disney-related enterprises. The Pumpkin Tree is the highlight of the decor, with pumpkins that eventually appear on its branches and transform into lit and unlit jack o'lanterns.

Halloween on the High Seas also features Halloween activities (including a trick-or-treating night) and exclusive Halloween-themed desserts. Disney cruises in general are known for their opportunities to meet the studio's beloved characters, and during the Halloween on the High Seas cruises, some of those characters are in costume. Notably, Disney Cruise Line's official site tells us, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck, and Clarabelle Cow will be dressed as the Sanderson Sisters -- who wouldn't want to see that? 

This magical mixture of whimsy, fun, and exclusive opportunities is the perfect way to cast a spell on Disney fans of all ages. Luckily, Halloween on the High Seas is held during a number of different times in September and October, so you and your family should be able to find a place on board!

The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Sure, Hallmark Channel Christmas movies might be a little on the cheesy side, but let's be honest: lots of us dream of being in one in real life. You can get a little of the real-life Hallmark movie experience by visiting some of the movies' filming locations , but now there's a way to have an even more immersive experience: The Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise.

Passengers will get to meet Hallmark Channel movie stars, attend panels and photo ops, and get to see a new Hallmark Christmas movie before its world premiere. Maybe best of all, passengers can take part in lots of Hallmark Christmas movie-inspired activities, including tree lighting and cookie decorating -- all while wearing their favorite ugly Christmas sweaters.

2024 is the first year of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise. It was originally intended to be just one cruise, but a second one was added after the first one sold out. As of now, two Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruises are scheduled for 2024. Both go from Miami to the Bahamas and back and last four days in November. ... And both are sold out. But Christmas is a time of miracles, so if a Hallmark Channel Christmas experience on the high seas sounds like your dream come true, sign up for the waiting list as soon as you can!

Hurtigruten Northern Lights Cruises

Themed cruises are often about fandoms and hobbies. But Norway-based cruise line Hurtigruten offers a themed cruise that's about something even bigger: the Northern Lights . There are several Northern Lights-themed cruises out there, including some luxurious options by Cunard. Unfortunately, the Northern Lights aren't always visible, but Hurtigruten stands out by offering a Northern Lights Promise for cruises scheduled between September 26 and March 31 and lasting longer than 11 days. If the Northern Lights aren't visible during your cruise, they'll give you another one. So if you're serious about seeing the Aurora Borealis, this is the company to choose.

The Northern Lights are the focus of Hurtigruten's eponymous cruises, but there are also other things to do on board, including scientific lectures and photography lessons. There are excursions, too -- notably a dog sledding option. Passengers who've taken one of Hurtigruten's cruises unanimously praise the stunning fjords and landscapes you can admire from the ship and during excursions, not to mention their experiences of seeing the Northern Lights. Some warn that the ships aren't as luxurious or modern as many other cruise ships, primarily because Hurtigruten's ships are also functional vessels intended to transport and deliver mail to various points on the Norwegian coast. Still,  Cruise Critic reviewers like cmolaison praise the friendly crew, the surprising level of comfort, and the "stunning vistas" you'll see, saying he and his family "highly recommend" taking a Hurtigruten cruise.

Cruise & Crop Crafting Cruises

If the perfect vacation for you is a combination of R&R and crafting, you're in luck! There are several crafting-themed cruises. One of the most popular is organized by Cruise & Crop, with ships around the world hosting different crafting- and arts-themed trips. This makes them the most accessible themed cruises on our list, with different price ranges, departure points, itineraries, and ports of call. One thing all crafting cruises have in common, though, is groups of like-minded people exploring their creativity amid the other joys of cruising.

For instance, one of Crop & Cruise's 2024 offerings is a Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, featuring scrapbooking and other papercraft classes taught by artist Barb Warne. The ship departs from Los Angeles on April 19, returning April 26. Many Cruise & Crop cruises sell out quickly, so if this idea has sparked both your wanderlust and your creativity, be sure to check their list of 2024 cruises and reserve as soon as you can.

Star Trek: The Cruise

For seven days and nights every year, thousands of Star Trek fans gather to be a part of a fandom extravaganza at sea. Star Trek: The Cruise is an experience that features celebrities aboard (2024's guests include LeVar Burton and Wil Wheaton, among many others), costume and cosplay events, and lots of fun activities. 

But what makes Star Trek: The Cruise truly unique is that audience participation is very much encouraged. Passengers and celebrity guests are all considered the crew of one great, big, intergalactic vessel. Passengers get to interact with the guest stars in events like karaoke battles, and stars share parts of their earthly lives with Q&A sessions and even glimpses at other projects they may be involved in.

The first Star Trek: The Cruise was held in 2017 and since then it's been a fan favorite. Star Wars and cruising aficionado Aaron Bossig writes on  Trek Movie.com that many fans go on the cruise every year, and proudly wear t-shirts from the previous ones. He calls Star Trek: The Cruise "an extra special convention experience." 2024's edition will be held on the Mariner of the Seas, departing from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on February 22 and returning on February 29.

Literature Festival At Sea

Once a year, aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2, passengers can mingle with writers, poets, journalists, and critics in a full-blown literary festival in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Literature Festival at Sea invites writers in all genres to host round table discussions, participate in Q&As revolving around their work and areas of expertise, host workshops, and converse with passengers.

Whether passengers want to participate as much as possible or just attend a few events, the Festival seems to be an excellent addition to a typical Queen Mary 2 voyage. On TripAdvisor , passenger Artemis C writes of her experience at a previous Literature Festival at Sea that "the whole week was a joy". 

2024's lineup features crime novelists, journalists, historians, and more, for what's sure to be a fascinating week of discussion and discovery. If you'd like to combine an elegant transatlantic cruise and a literary experience, 2024's Literature Festival at Sea will take place from November 13-20, departing from Southampton, U.K., and arriving in New York. Cunard has also launched an Australian Literature Festival at Sea, scheduled from December 11-16, 2024, on the Queen Elizabeth, which departs from and returns to Sydney. 

Chefs Making Waves

Many cruise lines are proud of their food offerings. Some cruises feature dishes created by world-famous chefs, and others even host food and wine festivals. But no culinary cruise event seems quite as, well, fun, as Chefs Making Waves. This culinary-themed cruise will set sail for the first time in 2024. Onboard will be a number of beloved celebrity chefs, including Anne Burrell and the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. Cooking demos and, of course, food tastings of all kinds (including sit-down meals, desserts, and street food) are on the menu. Best of all, Chefs Making Waves is an all-inclusive cruise, so everyone can eat and drink without having to pay extra!

There will be all of the usual cruise-related fun, from swimming to excursions, to help you work up an appetite. There will also be unique games, with some of the chefs participating in events like bingo and a celebrity chef sing-off. If this sounds like an awesome cruise, you're not the only one who feels that way. Chefs Making Waves will take place from March 25-29, departing from Miami with excursions in Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas ... and it's already sold out. But you can still  sign up for the waiting list . With a little luck, you'll be able to enjoy this delicious, themed cruise experience.

Soul Train Cruise

Imagine a festival with a lineup featuring some of the best soul and R&B acts of all time. Now imagine it's on a relaxing cruise ship. This dream is actually reality -- it's called the Soul Train Cruise. The popular themed cruise will be celebrating its 11th year in 2024 and the lineup is on fire. Dozens of groups and artists will perform, including The Temptations, Boyz II Men, and En Vogue. Passengers can also learn how to dance like people did back in the old school days of Soul Train's TV show, with lessons from some of the show's actual dancers. There will also be wine tastings, Q&A's, comedy shows, and a lot more.

With all of this on offer, it's no surprise that the Soul Train Cruise is sold out. But sign up on the waiting list and keep your calendar free from January 27-February 3, and you may get lucky. If you do, the cruise leaves from Fort Lauderdale, with ports of call in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and St. Maarten.

The Gothic Cruise

The Gothic Cruise is an annual event held on an ordinary cruise ship. Goths mingle with "norms" but have their own private events on board, mostly DJ sets and concerts. There's also a masquerade ball, with Goths decked out in their finest Victorian-style garb ... as long as it meets ship safety requirements, that is. The cruise's website specifies that simulated weapons aren't allowed and notes that hoop skirts are fine for the ball but not in the ship's dining areas, "due to the close proximity of the tables". And yet, the Goth community thrives on these cruises -- and even gains norm fans along the way. 

In a Porthole Magazine article about the Gothic Cruise, longtime attendee Spike Pittman says that many mainstream passengers are wary of the Goths at first, "But by the end they're begging to get into our private events." Some even book their future cruises to coincide with the Gothic Cruise, even if they don't plan on attending every event. 

The Gothic Cruise has been held since 1989. Cruising doesn't seem very Goth, but in the end, the article points out, it comes down to what all themed cruises offer: a sense of community (in this case, one that often stays up all night and sleeps during the day). If this moves your little black heart, the 2024 Gothic Cruise will be held on the Norwegian Escape (but book through the Gothic Cruise's website for private event access), departing from Orlando on March 2, and returning March 9.

Read the original article on Explore .