I’ve just returned from an incredible Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Epic, combining the buzz of Barcelona, several stunning ports across France and Italy, and a few unforgettable days exploring Rome.
Our adventure began with one night at the stylish SLS Barcelona, the perfect place to start the holiday before boarding the ship.
Life Onboard a Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Epic
The Norwegian Epic is definitely a ship that caters for everyone – families, couples, solo travellers and groups alike. There is such a huge variety of entertainment, dining options, bars and activities that you could never be bored onboard.
One thing is for sure, there was a lot of eating involved!
We sampled several of the speciality restaurants during the cruise and they were all excellent.
Teppanyaki
One of my favourites, combining delicious food with entertaining chefs singing, joking and cooking right in front of us.
Le Bistro
A lovely French-inspired restaurant offering elegant à la carte dining.
Cagney’s Steakhouse
Another standout meal of the trip, with excellent food and service.
O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill
We also enjoyed a more casual dinner here, with plenty of comforting pub-style favourites on the menu.
The rest of the time we ate in the main dining rooms and buffet, where there was an enormous choice every day. The ship was particularly popular with American guests, so there were plenty of American-style dining options too.
Bars & Nightlife
The bars onboard were equally impressive, from lively pool bars to my personal favourite, the Martini Bar. There was also the famous Ice Bar and plenty of other spots to grab a cocktail or evening drink.
The Bliss Lounge, which also transforms into the onboard nightclub, was a great night out with lots of dancing and a really fun atmosphere.
Entertainment
Entertainment onboard was excellent. We only managed to see two of the shows ourselves, but everyone we spoke to said the onboard entertainment across the ship was fantastic. The casino was also huge and very popular with many of the American guests onboard.
What really stood out throughout the cruise was the friendliness of the staff. They were always smiling, approachable and happy to help, which really added to the overall experience.
Although the ship is now 16 years old, it has recently had a refurbishment and is well maintained throughout.
Our Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary
One of the best things about a Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Epic is the opportunity to visit several destinations in one holiday without constantly unpacking and repacking.
Marseille, France
Our first stop in France was the vibrant port city of Marseille, full of culture, waterfront cafés and Mediterranean charm.
Nice, France
Next came beautiful Nice on the French Riviera, elegant, scenic and full of stunning coastal views.
Livorno & Florence, Italy
From Livorno we headed off on a day trip to Florence by train, which was absolutely incredible. Seeing iconic Italian architecture, beautiful piazzas and historic streets was a real highlight.
A Relaxing Day at Sea
A well-needed sea day followed, perfect for enjoying the ship, relaxing by the pool and making the most of everything onboard.
Catania, Sicily
Catania offered optional excursions to the famous Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. While there wasn’t a huge amount to see in the city itself, it was a pleasant place to have a wander and stretch your legs.
Salerno & The Amalfi Coast
Salerno was the gateway to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, with its dramatic coastline, colourful villages and stunning scenery.
Civitavecchia & Rome
Our cruise ended in Civitavecchia before we headed into Rome for the final part of the trip.
Exploring Rome
After the cruise, we met up with three other groups who had been on different itineraries and spent a further three nights in Rome at the lovely Aria Palace Hotel.
The hotel was in a great location, around a 15 to 20-minute walk from many of Rome’s main attractions, making it an excellent base for sightseeing.
We explored the city using the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and spent lots of time wandering through Rome’s beautiful streets during our free time. Everywhere you turn there is history, stunning architecture and amazing food.
On our final day we were treated to a walking tour through some of the less touristy areas of Rome, followed by a pasta-making class, which was both fun and delicious, the perfect way to end the trip.
Final Thoughts
This really was an amazing experience from start to finish and a fantastic way to see parts of Spain, France and Italy all in one holiday.
If you’re looking for a holiday that combines multiple destinations, great food, entertainment, relaxation and sightseeing, then a Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Epic is definitely one I would recommend.
A huge thank you to Cruise Plus for hosting this fantastic trip and giving us the opportunity to experience Norwegian Epic and some of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations first-hand.