NCL Epic - Iberian Peninsula - Sep 2015

NCL Epic - Iberian Peninsula Cruise Sep 2015

Our first NCL experience on the EPIC and compared to the HAL Ryndam last year this is a big beast of a ship.  Initially that did worry us but in short this ship was superb.

Loved the restaurants - we ate twice in Cagneys and twice in Bistro and once in the MDR. No faults at all, you really felt like you were out for the night in a restaurant. Never been a big fan of buffets but the outside eating area was big and it was sunny and warm enough to use practically every day.

Entertainment was excellent though cut down a little due to this being a one off cruise before the ship moved to dry dock for three weeks. Special mention must go to the 'Beatles Band'  in The Cavern and 'Crystal Blue' who performed with energy and made each performance special. The 'Burn the Floor' in the main theatre was very good.

The cabin was excellent (we went for the mini suite) - and Cheldon took good care of us all week. When we accidentally left the door set on 'do not disturb' he sorted us out to collect the laundry so we would get it done in time.

Interior of Sagrada Familia and the forest of pillars

The Passion entrance to Sagrada Familia

After a night in Barcelona which coincided with a festival and a morning visiting and climbing the towers of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia (our legs ached for two days) we boarded efficiently and were on deck soaking up the sun, having lunch and riding the tubes. Fortunately this cruise did not clash with any school holidays so the boat was quite child free.  

Jackie rides the Plunge

Dinner that evening  was in Cagneys Steak House. On this cruise we had received an automatic upgrade that included premium dining and the difference was noticeable. Cagney's looks and feels like a restaurant. Intimate with low ceilings, dark wood and an American club type atmosphere - an open kitchen so you can see everything is cooked to order and impeccable service; and most importantly superb food and wine quality. Don't let the American term 'Steakhouse' put you off either, the fish and other meat choices are all excellent.

First stop the following morning was Cartagena (Spain); an old Roman city set around a natural harbour where the Epic performed a tight three point turn to position itself. Having never visited before we followed Toms ports guides and explored the Roman Theatre, the Forum and climbed to the top of the Castle. All easily walkable and a few Euros buys you a multi venue ticket. Cartagena is a really great cruise stop; it would appear that they cant dig anywhere without uncovering Roman ruins.

Epic at Cartegena with the HAL Ryndam and P&O Britannia

Roman Theatre - Cartagena

Epic docked at Cartagena

That evening we ate in Bistro - the French premium restaurant hidden behind the art gallery down on deck 5 or 6. Again a beautiful intimate room - delicious food, wine and superb service. I recommend in all the restaurants to try everything - if there's a starter you fancy a taste of just ask for it and nibble on a few. Just don't fill yourself up before the main course.

Ready for Dinner

We also watched 'Burn the floor' in the main theatre that evening. It was good, fun and performed by a professional group of dancers. The Epic was missing a main theatre show (as compensation you got free admission to the onboard  Cirque Tent dinner show - more on that later) - when she resumes her schedule 'Priscilla Queen of the desert' will be added to just as long as they can cut a hole in the side of the ship to get the bus onboard!!

Cathedral Malaga

Inside the Cathedral Malaga

The following morning sees us in Malaga where a lot of people depart on the  trip to Granada. We're docked in what seems the furthest point out in the port so shuttle buses are available to take you in to town(5EU return). Having visited Granada and the Alhambra Palace before we decide to visit the Cathedral and the Alkazar. Its another very hot day and climbing to the top of the fortress, with legs still aching from descending the passion towers of La Sagrada, on foot  is quite a challenge. In fact the heat seems to have caused everyone to return to the Epic by 1pm causing a bit of chaos for the transport back to the ship, only one bus is available (the other five are waiting empty  at the ship and should have been sent back to even out the numbers).

Dinner tonight is in the Spiegel Tent. To be blunt I'm glad I didn't pay for it and would not see again.

We skip dessert and head back to the top deck to grab something - its still sunny and warm.

The following day sees us back on deck soaking up the sun and riding the tubes again. We're due in Lisbon in the afternoon. 
 

The arrival into Lisbon is quite interesting as its the Epic's inaugural visit to the port; so we are joined by two tugs spraying water in salute of the occasion. There's also the slight issue of  the '25 April suspension bridge' across the bay that has 8m clearance - it looked a lot closer in real life. 

Saluting escort for the Epic's Inaugural visit to Lisbon

8m clearance for the Lisbon Suspension Bridge

We dock right alongside the city so its a simple walk off. If your ships any taller than the Epic you will have to shuttle in from the container port. Lisbon is beautiful - classic squares and tiny tram filled streets. We just wander the streets, visit the Cathedral and climb to the view point. A definite must return city. 

Lisbon

We eat tonight in the main dining room - its feels quite strange that we have not used it until this point. Food is good; most importantly its served quickly and efficiently and is hot. The room is big but not over large and its set on one level with an atrium area over a dance floor for dinner dance nights - for a main dining room its very nice.

We leave Lisbon late in the evening and now have two days at sea until we arrive back home at Southampton. The entertainment is shuffled around a little so there are more afternoon shows. The Supremes Tribute play an excellent Motown set in the Headliners club this afternoon and we are lucky to have constant sun  (if a little breezy) all the way back to Southampton meaning we spend the last two days on deck. Its a good enough mix to ensure the days pass easily. 

We also visit more late evening shows in Fat Cats Blues club watching the excellent Beatles and Crystal Blue who keep it nice and fresh by playing varied setlists. On the last night the Beatles overrun with extra songs and are joined by the girls from the Supremes and Marissa from Crystal Blue for a last night party, the only problem is that Crystal Blue can only fit in 3 songs for their second set of the night before they have to leave and pack at 12.30am. Another mention must also go to the excellent guitarist 'Tsurita' who plays next to the Maltings bar - great voice and vast contemporary setlist.

The Epic Beast

To conclude, an excellent first experience on NCL & the Epic. We would definitely use her again (the Tangier - Madeira route is looking very tempting). Can't wait to see what the NCL Jade is like next month as we join her out of Venice.