In this post, we take a look at all cabin classes available on board Norwegian Epic. I traveled in an inside cabin on Norwegian Epic and part of my family stayed in a balcony cabin.
Norwegian Epic's cabins are among the most controversial.
The bathroom design is unlike any other and I personally really liked it, although many people don't. So make sure you are happy with the following points before booking.
In this post we examine:
- inside cabins
- Cabins with balconies
- bedroom
- individual cabins
We will also see huts to avoid.
Norwegian Epic was built in 2009 and the cabins have remained largely unchanged during that time.
How many staterooms are there on Norwegian Epic?
Norwegian Epic has 1,912 cabins, 128 of which are studio cabins for solo travelers. 75 of the cabins are in Haven.
For a cruise ship, more than 100 individual cabins are incredibly high. On many cruises you will only find 10-20 single cabins.
Norwegian Epic's bathrooms have a unique design
When considering a Norwegian Epic cruise, it is important that you are comfortable with the bathroom situation. Norwegian has created a unique bathroom that is not replicated on any of their other ships.
In a typical cruise ship cabin, you'll find the bathroom in the corner of the room. In the bathroom you will usually find the toilet, sink and shower. On Norwegian Epic you will find the shower in a room in one corner of the cabin and a toilet in a small room in the other. The sink is in the main cabin and there is a privacy curtain.
The diagram below shows the layout of Norwegian Epic.
Note: the edges of the rooms are curved, but you get the idea.
I was on a cruise with my brother and the unique design of the bathroom didn't bother me at all.
That being said, a lot of people don't like it and I can understand why. If you're sailing with a friend, it would be a bit strange to walk into the cockpit after a shower with only a curtain between you and your friend.
It was a bit odd having the main sink in the cabin because if someone wanted to brush their teeth or shave they just stood in the main cabin, which was a bit odd but no big deal.
Inside cabins on Norwegian Epic:
sleeps up to 4
We stayed in an inside cabin on deck 10. The inside cabins on decks 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 can only accommodate 2 people, but the inside cabins on 13, 14 can accommodate up to 4 people. If the cabin sleeps 4, they are fold-down beds from the roof.
| Size | covers | |
| family inside | 11 subways2 | 13, 14 |
| Within | 11-17 subways2 | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 |
It can be quite difficult to share a cabin with 2-3 other people but it can be done and I have done it in the past.
Folding beds, called Pullman beds, are most commonly used for children, although they are also suitable for adults.
However, if you are particularly tall, your feet may end up dangling and there are weight restrictions! I have previously shared a cabin with 3 other adults, not ideal but not a problem for a short cruise.
The inside cabins are quite small: they reach 11 m2
Inside cabins start at 11m2and the cruise industry average is 15 million2. In many interior cabins you will find a separate armchair or even a small sofa. In Norwegian Epic's cabins, beds take up most of the space with no additional seating area.
I never felt the cabin was too small and I didn't feel claustrophobic inside.
The cab's clever design means that despite its small size, it offers plenty of floor space and storage space.
What I loved about my inside cabin on Norwegian Epic:
- The cabin had plenty of storage space.
- The floor area felt large
- I love the overall design and the curved lines.
- The bed was very comfortable
In ALMOST all cabins the beds can be arranged as single or double beds. If you arrive and the beds are not set up as you would like, simply let the cabin steward know and he will rearrange them for you.
A few friends of mine didn't realize the beds had been pushed apart and ended up unintentionally sharing a bed for a whole week.
The cabin offers plenty of storage space
To one side is a large cupboard with hanging space and drawers. Baskets for small items such as accessories are located on the inside door of the cabinet.
My suitcase fit snugly in the bottom of the closet but could have fit under the bed in the cabin.
Our life jackets were in the locker as it was safe. Use of the safe is free and you set your own code the first time you use the safe.
Do Norwegian Epic cabins have TVs?
All staterooms on Norwegian Epic are equipped with televisions. In most cabins these are mounted high up.
Do Norwegian Epic cabins have kettles?
Norwegian Epic cabins do not have a kettle. Tea and coffee are available free of charge at the buffet and are available for a fee in many other bars and lounges.
Sleeps up to 4 (most balcony cabins have a maximum capacity of 3)
During my cruise on Norwegian Epic, some of my family stayed in a Standard Balcony Stateroom and I spent a lot of time here.
If you're traveling in a group it can sometimes be worth buying a balcony to save money, you'll likely be spending most of your time in a cabin anyway.
Norwegian Epic had 4 types of balcony staterooms available. The Standard Stateroom, the Family Stateroom which accommodates an additional person, a large balcony which is slightly larger and a Spa Balcony which offers additional spa benefits.
| Size | accommodates | covers | |
| Normal balcony | 17-33 subways2 | 3 | 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 |
| family balcony | 17-23 subways2 | 4 | 11, 12, 13, 14 |
| large balcony | 18-24 subways2 | 3 | 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| balcony spa | 18-21 subways2 | 3 | 14 |
The cabins with balconies are of average size: they reach 17 m2
The average size of a cabin with a balcony is 18 m.2, Norwegian Epic's balcony staterooms are just below at 17 m2.
The shape of the balcony cabins differs significantly from other cabins, the walls are curved. Some cruise ship cabins have slightly curved walls, but the curvature (see below) is quite noticeable.
This works because the cabins are mirror images of each other and the bed is sometimes closer to the window and sometimes closer to the bathroom.
What's in Norwegian Epic's balcony staterooms?
- Twin/Queen beds
- A desk with mirror + chair
- sofa bed
- Nightstands
- Minibar
- hair dryer
- secure
- TV
The balcony cabins on board are very similar in style to the inside cabins. The sofa area seen in the middle is just an extra addition that the inside cabins don't have.
Large cabins with balconies
sleeps up to 3
The large balcony corresponds exactly to the normal balcony, but is slightly larger. Although the cabin is larger, it only accommodates 3 passengers.
Family cabin with balcony
Norwegian Epic Family balcony staterooms are nearly identical to standard staterooms. The only real difference is that there is room for a fourth person.
The sofa converts into a bed and a pullman bed is lowered from the ceiling creating a bunk bed configuration for guests 3 and 4.
Review of the Norwegian Epic Balcony Stateroom
I stayed in an inside cabin on my Norwegian Epic cruise, but my mother stayed in a balcony cabin and said:
“I have read many negative reviews about balcony staterooms on NorwegianEpic, but for me this was one of the most memorable balcony staterooms I have ever stayed in. Much more interesting than the standard elongated cab. I loved the curved walls and interesting ceilings!”
Gaynor (my mother)
Norwegian Epic Solo cabins
Norwegian Epic has 128 single cabins and the single cabins also have access to a single lounge. All of the individual cabins are grouped together in an area of the ship reserved for individual cruisers, which I like.
The design of each cabin is very similar to the regular cabins.
All individual cabins are inside the cabins but have windows to the outside corridor. These are one way mirrors so other guests cannot see into your room but you can see outside.
A friend of mine, Pete, sailed solo on Norwegian Epic, in his video report he explores the space in detail:
If you are considering solo cruising, start by reading this post which details my personal favorite cruise lines for solo cruising. Norwegian is on the list along with many others.The Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers (Pros and Cons Tested).
Do Norwegian Epic cabins have hair dryers?
All Norwegian Epic cabins have hair dryers, so you don't need to bring your own.
The hair dryer seemed good and powerful.
Tip: If it's not strong enough to dry your hair, a trip to the upper deck is usually enough when it's windy. It might not be a look you want to aim for... but it works.
What plugs does Norwegian Epic have?
All cabins on Norwegian Epic have at least 2 US plugs, 1 Euro plug and 2 USB plugs.
If you're ever in doubt about what plugs a cruise ship has, read this post.
I went through hundreds of photos and videos to put together a lookup table >>Complete Guide to Cruise Plugs: Search by Ship(It might be worth bookmarking this page next time you need it).
Do Norwegian Epic cabins have irons?
None of Norwegian Epic's cabins have irons. There is no self service laundry. So if you need something ironed, you have to pay for it. An alternative is to purchase a spray that removes wrinkles from clothing.
To learn more about Norwegian's laundry facilities and pricing, read this post:Norwegian Cruise Line Laundry: Price List, Services and Packages
Norwegian Epic: Suites
Norwegian Epic has a variety of suites located in an area called the Haven.
The following is a summary:
| Advantages | accommodates | |
| The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with large balcony | Floor to ceiling windows. Separate living room, bedroom and dining room. jacuzzi. | 4 |
| The Haven Two Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony | Separate living room, bedroom and dining room. Two bathrooms | 6 |
| The Haven Aft Penthouse mit Balkon | strict views. Separate living room. | 2 |
| Das Haven Courtyard Penthouse mit Balkon | Great balcony. | 3 |
| Garden Spa Suite with Balcony | Entry to the thermal baths and thermal bath passes. queen bed | 3 |
Staterooms reserved with Haven have access to the following benefits:
- A private pool deck and pool.
- A private restaurant.
- A private room.
- Unlimited drinks package as standard.
- 24 hour butler.
For more information on the suites available on Norwegian Epic, visit Norwegian's website here:Norwegian Epic Suites.
Norwegian Epic: Staterooms to avoid
The following cabins to avoid were provided by guests who have traveled in these cabins. I personally have not stayed in any of these cabins.
Note: Many cruise lines have cabins near the theater or main salons. All cabins are located on Norwegian Epic's upper decks, so there are fewer cabins to avoid than on other ships.
If you're concerned about noise, it's usually best to reserve a cabin that's between two other cabin decks.
Norwegian Epic cabins to avoid – Deck 14
The next staterooms on deck 14 aboard Norwegian Epic are located directly below the buffet. Some cruise lines that stay in these cabins have reported noise from things like chairs being moved.
This shouldn't be a major issue as the buffet doesn't stay open late, but it's worth bearing in mind.
If you're one of those who, like me, go to the buffet frequently, these booths might be a good idea.
All cabins on deck 14 are located below the ship's main deck. It's not uncommon to hear the sounds of lounge chairs or music coming from the pool deck. This noise generally does not last longer, but cabins on the lower decks will be quieter.
Norwegian Epic cabins to avoid – Deck 9
The cabins below are a bit strange.
They're great if you have mobility issues and need to be near an elevator, but due to their proximity to stairs and elevators, several previous travelers have suggested avoiding these cabins.
(The crosses on the boxes are the elevators and the striped rectangles are the stairs.)
There are also a few cabins like this one on deck 8.
Norwegian Epic cabins to avoid – Deck 8
The lower cabins on Deck 8 are located directly below the Bliss Ultra Lounge. Our Bliss Ultra Lounge is used as a nightclub in the evenings, so there may be noise disturbances in the deck 8 cabins.
The Bliss Ultra Lounge is open late. Usually he doesn't grow up until 11pm.
If you're planning a cruise on Norwegian Epic and haven't booked your room yet, this video will help you keep costs as low as possible (without downgrading the stateroom):
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