‘Join John’ Onboard The Norwegian Epic 2016

After his latest ‘Join John’ adventure, John Cooper told us all about his latest trip onboard the Norwegian Epic.

Whenever I do a ‘Join John’ cruise I am always excited, as I know I am going to meet some lovely people, who share my passion for cruising, and more importantly people who have never cruised, but are taking the plunge.

When we first arrived, I held a welcome cocktail party in the Cavern Club, which was a great place to start, and meet up with my fellow cruisers, and it just got better, as we toured the ship.

The Beatles tribute act in the Cavern have to be heard to be believed, making sure the night club was as packed on a nightly basis as the original one in Liverpool, back in the 60’s with a jumping atmosphere. But the Norwegian Epic is like no other ship.

Firstly, as it’s Norwegian, you eat where and when you want, I took in a couple of the premium dining experiences, firstly the Tappanyakkie, which was just truly wonderful. The showmanship, the fun, and the excellent food! Another night we ate at ‘Moderno’ the Brazilian Steak house. I have never eaten, and enjoyed so much meat in my life. Peter, who was also with me, ate as much as most local butchers have in stock!

John onboard the Norwegian Epic

But it was not just the premium restaurants that where good, the Garden Café, which is the Buffet offering had specialities every night, we also ate in the Chinese restaurant which was as good as any I have ever had, we had entertainment included in Manhattan, and great atmosphere and service in Taste. Along with what must be the biggest steak I have ever had at sea, or anywhere for that matter!

When it comes to entertainment, where do you start? There are West End style offerings like ‘Burn the Floor’ and ‘Pricilla Queen of the Desert’ plus the awe inspiring ‘Cirque Dreams & Dinner’ alongside that are the game shows, they guest artist shows, and never forget the ‘Howl at the Moon’ where we spent many an night singing and laughing, you have to go to find out more..

A Couple of my favourite hang outs where in the daytime, the adult only ‘H2o spice’ area at the back of the ship which was a sunny place to relax, chat and sip cocktails, whilst of an evening they showed films on the massive screen. Of an evening O’Sheehan’s, which is in the centre of the ship becomes your neighbourhood bar, where everyone meets, and everyone knows your name. It is also open 24 hours a day, and serves everything from prime rib, to the most succulent chicken wings I have ever tasted.

We had a few single travellers with us who had their own studio’s in a special area, which included a small meeting café area exclusively for single travellers, where you could meet other’s to take trips ashore etc. or find someone to dine with. The fact that most people who book early benefit from the Ultimate Drinks Package, also meant you felt more relaxed, not dreading the final day’s bill to pay, as virtually everything was included.

I spoke to some guests who had upgraded to the ‘Haven Suites’ and they were loving the exclusivity of it all, and for those with children, the water park, and the kids club, had the poor little things worn out by time the evening came.The Epic is a truly multi-generational cruise, with something for everyone, from Singles, Mum’s & Dad’s and the ‘Young at heart’.

This was my second tip on the Epic, and to quote Arnie: ‘I’ll be back!’