On all NCL ships, the focus is on Freestyle Cruising which means there is no set dining time each night, there’s no strict dress code, and you won’t be stuck seated with tablemates you can’t stand each night (unless they’re part of your family!).
On the NCL Epic, the Freestyle way of life really works with all of the different dining options available. The Epic has 11 complimentary dining options as well as 7 specialty dining options, which have a surcharge for dining. You can purchase dining packages or in some cases, receive a dining package for free (depending on available discounts). Children can order from the kid’s menu at specialty restaurants for no extra charge or order from the specialty menu for an additional fee.
On the Epic, you’ll find 11 complimentary dining locations (most are open to the public but there are 2 that are only for Haven guests and 1 that is in the adult only pool area). The largest of these is the Garden Café, a buffet located up on the pool deck. At breakfast, you’ll find omelet stations, fresh fruit, and breakfast favorites from all over the world. Lunch and dinner both include pasta, seafood, burgers and more. Each night tends to be themed, Italian, Seafood, etc. so you won’t miss any of your favorites. If your kids are too busy swimming to head inside, you can dine at the Great Outdoors, the 2 buffet stations located outside on the pool deck.
The other 2 large complimentary options are the ship’s Main dining rooms Taste and the Manhattan Room. These are freestyle dining means there are a variety of table sizes to accommodate parties of all sizes. In the main dining rooms, you can order appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. Can’t decide between two? Order them both! There were many nights I skipped the salad course and ordered 2 appetizers instead. Taste is usually open for breakfast and lunch as well as dinner. The Manhattan room offers live music at dinner to make your meal feel not just like an ordinary dinner.
On the casino deck, you’ll find 3 other complimentary dining options – O’Sheehans, Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, and Shanghai’s Chinese restaurant. In O’Sheehan’s, you will find not only Irish comfort food, but many American favorites such as nachos and chicken wings. O’Sheehan’s also serves breakfast, in case you want to sit down and have a more leisurely meal than at the buffet. Shanghai’s Noodle bar serves noodle dishes prepared just the way you like it while the Chinese restaurant serves wok style dishes, soups, and other favorites.
And if you’re still hungry after all of that? Try room service! NCL has an extensive room service menu that includes complimentary as well as a la carte options. Delivery is available 24 hours a day. (Please note that there is a $7.95 convenience charge for using room service delivery).
And if you are staying in the Haven, you have your own, quiet sanctuary to dine in. (Please note, the dining area is only available to Haven guests).
NCL cruises are all about Freestyle cruising, cruising YOUR way! Let’s plan your family’s getaway today! Email me at Amy@TravelWithTheMagic.com or you can find me on Facebook. You can also call me at 1-800-670-4312, ext 129. I can’t wait to plan your MAGICAL vacation!
Will.be cruising on the epic on August 12 and i just can’t Wait