Norwegian 7 Day Caribbean Cruise
~San Juan Round Trip~
Matt’s Take
“I’m excited for an Epic adventure.”
Heather’s Take
“This boat better not be too weird!”
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Our Accommodations
Ship and Amenities
The Epic
Where they Really Vow2Wow:
Pending Review
Itinerary
Day 1 — San Juan, Puerto Rico (Embarkation) — Board the ship in the heart of the Caribbean. The Norwegian Epic departs the port of San Juan at 7:30 PM. Old San Juan's colorful cobblestone streets, El Morro fortress, and vibrant local dining make for a great pre-cruise arrival day.
Day 2 — Tortola, British Virgin Islands — Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, this exotic, peaceful island is home to both towering mahogany trees and white-sand beaches, and offers a challenging hike that extends 1,780 feet up Sage Mountain.
Day 3 — St. John's, Antigua (Arrives 7:00 AM / Departs 4:00 PM) — See the baroque towers of St. John's Cathedral and visit the historic Fort James and the Antigua Lighthouse. Antigua is famed for its 366 pristine beaches — one for every day of the year.
Day 4 — Bridgetown, Barbados — Stroll Bridgetown's inviting beaches of Carlisle Bay or tour one of the popular rum factories. Snorkeling, diving, and sampling fresh local seafood are also highlights of the island.
Day 5 — Castries, St. Lucia (Arrives 8:00 AM / Departs 5:00 PM) — Outdoor enthusiasts will love discovering the natural beauty of Castries, where you can experience the world's only drive-in volcanic crater at Sulfur Springs or linger in the picturesque Diamond Botanical Gardens.
Day 6 — Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Arrives 9:00 AM / Departs 6:00 PM) — Come aboard a 5-star catamaran in Philipsburg and cruise along the island's incredible coast as the boat staff serves you a gourmet lunch with an open bar and fantastic vistas. Duty-free shopping along Front Street is another popular draw.
Day 7 — Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI (Arrives 8:00 AM / Departs 5:00 PM) — Elegant dining, exciting nightlife, and world-class duty-free shopping are abundant in Charlotte Amalie. St. Thomas also offers stunning natural scenery, including the famous Magens Bay beach and panoramic Caribbean views from 1,500 feet above sea level.
Day 8 — Return to San Juan, Puerto Rico (Arrives 7:00 AM) — Disembarkation morning back at the home port where the journey began.
Sails from San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Norwegian Epic is one of Norwegian Cruise Line's flagship vessels, joining the fleet in 2010 and undergoing a significant refurbishment in 2020. Carrying more than 4,100 guests, she is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. The ship was awarded Best Ship Entertainment by Frommer's and continues to set the bar high for onboard experiences. True to the name, the Epic lives up to the billing with world-class dining, Broadway-caliber entertainment, and a massive aqua park — all delivered in Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising style, which means no set dining times and no formal dress codes. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, the Norwegian Epic offers something for every type of traveler.
Amenities
Aqua Park with two pools, a kids' pool, five hot tubs, and three multi-story water slides including the 200-foot Epic Plunge — the first bowl slide ever at sea
Vibe Beach Club — an exclusive adults-only sun deck with premium loungers and ocean views
Spice H2O — adults-only outdoor venue that transforms from a tranquil daytime retreat to a lively evening party space
Mandara Spa & Salon — full-service spa offering massages, facials, body treatments, and a full range of beauty services
Fitness Center — fully equipped gym with cardio machines, free weights, and fitness classes
Climbing Wall — a towering rock climbing wall for guests of all skill levels
Epic Casino — a full-service casino with slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, and a dedicated casino bar
Headliners Comedy Club — live stand-up performances from top comedians via Levity Entertainment Group
Live Broadway-style shows — spectacular production shows featuring singing, dancing, and high-energy choreography
Spiegel Tent — a unique circus-style big top venue hosting live performances and special events
Shaker's Martini & Champagne Bar — a classic cocktail lounge with a rotating menu of creative martinis
22 bars and lounges throughout the ship, including pool deck bars, sports bars, and specialty lounges
Arcade — a full arcade with interactive games for all ages
Gift shops — onboard retail offering jewelry, perfume, duty-free liquor, and souvenirs
Behind-the-Scenes Ship Tour — a walking tour of restricted areas including the bridge, engine control room, galley, and theater backstage
Kids' programming — dedicated activities and spaces for younger guests
Solo staterooms — purpose-built cabins for solo travelers, a first for a major cruise line when the ship debuted
The Haven — an exclusive ship-within-a-ship luxury complex with private dining, a courtyard pool, and premium suite accommodations
They Could Vow 2 Improve:
Pending Review
Pre-Trip Tips
Our experience prior to Vacay
Booking, Payment and Travel Experiences and Gotchas
The NCL App
Generally slow, but usable on Android for Matt. Heather got stuck at several points on Apple.
Booking excursions
Booking through the app worked well. However, it didn't use my saved card on file and we ended up having to manually enter all of the credit card info. Not a big deal, just a good spot for improvement.
Travel to San Juan
TBD
Entertainment
Activities on land an sea
Where they Really Vow2Wow:
Pending Review
Where they could Vow 2 Improve:
Pending Review
Food and Drink
Delights on the move
Where they really Vow2Wow
Pending Review
The Manhattan Room — One of two main dining rooms on the ship, the Manhattan Room offers a sophisticated New York supper club atmosphere complete with panoramic ocean views. Menu highlights include Warm Spinach Salad, Create Your Own Pasta, Beef Wellington, Veal Oscar, and New York Style Cheesecake. It is included in the base cruise fare.
Taste — The second of the ship's two main dining rooms, Taste shares the same rotating menu as the Manhattan Room but features a distinct ambiance. The decor is an interesting juxtaposition of brick and brightly colored stained glass, with an open atrium and self-playing piano in the center. It's a complimentary venue and reservations are recommended for prime seating in the atrium.
Garden Cafe — Norwegian's main buffet venue, offering a large selection of international dishes, carving stations, fresh salads, and themed dinner nights throughout the cruise. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it's the go-to spot for casual, all-hours dining with something for everyone.
O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill — Open 24/7, O'Sheehan's serves pub-style comfort food like burgers, wings, and Fish n' Chips in a relaxed, casual setting ideal for anytime dining. It's a fan favorite for late-night bites and catching a game on the big screen, and it's included in the cruise fare.
Cagney's Steakhouse (Specialty) — A classic steakhouse featuring premium cuts of beef, seafood, crab cakes, and truffle fries, all served in a warm, elegant atmosphere. Starters range from Crab Cakes to Ahi Tuna Tartare, with mains including Slow Roasted Prime Rib, Petite Filet Mignon, and Ribeye.
Le Bistro (Specialty) — An upscale French dining experience offering refined classics like escargot, filet mignon, and rich desserts in a romantic setting with elegant décor and soft lighting. Le Bistro is one of NCL's most celebrated signature restaurants and has been a staple across the fleet for years.
La Cucina (Specialty) — A vibrant Italian restaurant serving freshly made pasta, pizza, and traditional favorites like lasagna, risotto, and creamy tiramisu. The attention to detail is impeccable, and the space has a romantic, intimate feel, making it the most vegetarian-friendly specialty dining restaurant on board.
Moderno Churrascaria (Specialty) — A Brazilian steakhouse where servers bring endless cuts of fire-roasted meats to your table, plus a large salad bar with fresh sides and accompaniments. The restaurant has a wonderful location with huge windows looking out the stern of the ship.
Teppanyaki (Specialty) — An interactive hibachi-style dining experience where guests sit around a large communal table while a chef prepares meats, seafood, and fried rice on a grill right in front of them. It's as much of a performance as it is a meal, making it a popular choice for groups and families.
Wasabi (Specialty) — Norwegian Epic's yakitori and sushi bar, seating 25 guests, located midship. It offers top-quality sashimi, rolls, and sake in a sleek, intimate setting tucked inside the ship's Asian dining area.
Shanghai's Noodle Bar — A complimentary casual Asian restaurant serving freshly prepared noodle dishes and Chinese-inspired fare. It's a quick and satisfying option for guests looking for something lighter and more casual than a sit-down specialty meal.
Spice H2O Grill — A casual outdoor venue located at the aft of the ship near the adults-only Spice H2O area. It opens for continental breakfast with lunch selections ranging from burgers, hot dogs, and chicken wings to Indian dishes, desserts, salad, and fresh fruit.
Where they Could Vow 2 Improve:
Pending Review
Service
Friendly Faces
Where they really Vow2Wow
Pending Review
Where they Could Vow 2 Improve:
Pending Review
What to Do
Activities on land an sea
So many opportunities to relax, party or play onboard and ashore!
EAT & DRINK
Review Pending
PLAY
Review Pending
EXPLORE
Review Pending
Overall Ring Rating
TBD
Where in the world is..
San Juan Cruise Port