Cruising on the Norwegian Epic is a unique experience. The ship is massive, the entertainment is next-level, and the itineraries offer an exciting mix of ports. But no cruise vacation is perfect, and even experienced travelers like me make mistakes—some of which I only realized halfway through the trip.
Whether you’re considering a cruise booking with Norwegian for the first time or you’re a seasoned cruiser curious about what makes the Epic different, this article will give you a real-world look into what went right (and very wrong) during my time onboard.
Here’s a breakdown of the 5 mistakes I made and the 4 things I absolutely nailed, so you can cruise smarter.
🚫 5 Mistakes I Made on My Norwegian Epic Cruise
1. Not Researching the Cabin Layout Before Booking
I usually don’t sweat the cabin details too much—clean, quiet, and ideally with a balcony is good enough. But the Norwegian Epic’s cabin design is, well, unique. The bathroom area is split up with a toilet on one side, a shower on the other, and a curved sliding door that doesn’t fully seal off either space. There’s very little privacy, which can be awkward if you’re traveling with someone you’re not intimately familiar with.
What I should have done:
Looked up cabin walkthrough videos or photos before confirming my cruise booking. Not all cabins are created equal, and knowing the layout could’ve saved me some discomfort.
2. Skipping Early Reservations for Shows and Specialty Dining
The Epic is known for its cruise ship entertainment—Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, and themed bars that fill up fast. I figured I could book shows and restaurants once onboard. Big mistake.
By the time I checked the app after embarkation, most prime dinner reservations were gone, and the shows I wanted were either full or offered seats with poor views.
Lesson learned:
Reserve entertainment and dining before you even pack your suitcase. Many options open up weeks before your cruise vacation begins.
3. Not Budgeting Enough for Onboard Extras
While Norwegian Cruise Line offers “Free at Sea” perks, like drink packages or Wi-Fi, that doesn’t mean everything’s included. I didn’t account for daily gratuities, specialty coffees, upgraded meals, and internet access beyond the basic plan.
My onboard account crept up quickly—especially with cocktails at poolside bars and a spontaneous decision to upgrade to the thermal spa.
The fix for next time:
Set a daily spending limit. Read the fine print when booking those “free” perks. And factor in gratuities when calculating the real cost of the cruise.
4. Winging It at the Cruise Ports
We docked in places like Palma de Mallorca, Cannes, and Livorno—all amazing ports—but I didn’t plan much in advance. I assumed I could find something to do on the fly. Turns out, some ports are harder to navigate without a plan, and I ended up wasting precious time figuring out transport and directions.
In Livorno, for example, I missed the early bus to Florence and had to scramble for a backup shore excursion that cost more and delivered less.
What I’ll do differently:
Book at least one shore excursion in advance for each cruise port, especially if it’s your first time visiting. And always leave a time buffer before the ship departs.
5. Bringing the Wrong Outfits
This might sound minor, but I packed too heavy on pool gear and not enough on comfortable shoes and evening clothes. Norwegian has a more casual vibe, but I still felt underdressed at a few specialty restaurants. I also underestimated how much walking would be involved in the ports and around the ship itself.
Note to self (and you):
Pack versatile outfits you can dress up or down. Prioritize comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for breezy nights, and yes, still bring the swimsuit—but maybe not four of them.
✅ 4 Things I Did Right on My Cruise Vacation
1. Arriving a Day Early in the Departure City
Our cruise left from Barcelona, a city that deserves more than a rushed walk from the airport to the port. By flying in a day early, I had time to unwind, explore the Gothic Quarter, and sleep off the jet lag. Plus, I didn’t have to worry about delayed flights causing us to miss the ship.
Why it worked:
Stress-free boarding. And I got an extra mini vacation out of it.
2. Using the Norwegian App Strategically
Even with the booking hiccups I mentioned, the cruise ship app was a lifesaver once I got used to it. I used it to check daily schedules, see what restaurants had open tables, and even chat with fellow cruisers (for a small fee).
Cruise Tip:
Download the app before you get on board and familiarize yourself with the features. It helps make the most of every hour on the ship.
3. Booking the Thermal Spa Pass
After long shore days and crowded buffets, the quiet spa area felt like a dream. The thermal spa on the Epic has heated loungers, a hydrotherapy pool, a steam room, and views over the ocean. It was my sanctuary, especially during sea days.
Was it worth the extra cost?
A hundred times yes. If you’re debating which splurge to make on a cruise, this is one that pays off in mental peace and physical comfort.
4. Saying Yes to Solo Experiences
I took a pasta-making class in Italy. I wandered Cannes solo with no agenda. I went to a comedy show alone when no one else in my group felt like going. Each of those ended up being highlights of the trip.
Cruises offer so many options that you don’t have to do everything as a group. Lean into what you want to do—even if it’s by yourself.
Why this matters:
You’ll have a richer cruise vacation if you give yourself permission to break away from the herd sometimes.
What This Means for Your Norwegian Epic Cruise
Every ship is different, and every traveler brings different priorities to their trip. But the Norwegian Epic stands out in both good and challenging ways. It’s not a traditional design, and it caters to an energetic, flexible crowd. If you embrace that, and plan just a little more carefully than I did, it can be a fantastic cruise vacation.
So before you finalize your cruise booking, take a moment to:
- Look up your cabin layout
- Reserve shows and restaurants early
- Plan at least one shore excursion per port
- Budget for the “extras” you’ll definitely want
- Pack smart—not just light
And don’t forget: some of the best moments come when you throw the plan out the window and follow your curiosity. That’s the magic of cruising.
Got questions about the Norwegian Epic or planning your own cruise ship adventure? Drop them in the comments—I’ve probably made the mistake you’re trying to avoid.