An Epic Norwegian Adventure

With a week to kill in between visiting with Houston kin and the arrival of Slocombe family in Orlando we decided to try out a Caribbean Cruise. We chose the Norwegian's newest ship the Epic not for it's destinations but because it's Kids Club takes two year olds and the dates lined up perfectly.

More than any other cruise we've taken this one was super kid friendly. With lots of activities for the kids outside of the Kids Club, striking a nice balance of time together and time apart was easy.The ship's Freestyle atmosphere took some getting use to. This cruise ship in not necessarily a party ship but you can go to the buffet in your bikini and ride the elevator in your banana hammock if you so choose. We own none of the above and choose more modest attire and felt just fine in that as well.

There were pools just right for Ethan, a splash park for Graham, and water slides for Zach. Both Ethan and Zach were eligible to climb the rock wall and there was a crazy spider web of climbing bands that tested the boys' climbing and coordination.

Chris and I actually got to relax on this cruise. After breakfast we would drop the kids off and work out, clean up, relax a bit then get the kiddos for lunch. We would spend the afternoon all together and then either eat together or feed the kids and drop them off again so Chris and I could have an evening out.

Our first evening we dined together at the back of the ship watching the sun set.

Chris giving Ethan a few tips on how to use the tongs at this Brazilian Steak house.

The ship was hosted by Nickelodeon so when the kids weren't in the club we went to several character meet and greets, dance parties, and Slime Time Live shows. Zach was even chosen to participate in a pool side Nickelodeon game; where a Dad had to catch water balloons in his giant pants thrown by Zach and a friend. His team won! He was very happy he didn't have to be slimed.

By day you could meet Sponge Bob and Friends; by night this room is an 18 and up club. Ethan thought the cages were great. We decided not to go find out what they are really used for.

Unlike other cruise lines that have a main show every night that is really hit or miss as far as entertaining or seat availability. On this line you book your tickets ahead of time so everyone gets a chance to see great acts like...

THE BLUE MAN GROUP!

The bigger boys loved, loved, LOVED the show and Graham liked it OK until the end when we posed for pictures with an actual Blue Man.

The last night of the cruise there were still tickets available so the all the big boys went again while Graham played at the club and mom packed in peace.

A tradition at the end of the show is for giant rolls of paper to drop from the ceiling and then gets passed from the back of the room to the stage. During our first show there were some fuddy duddies in front of us that had no idea it was part of the show and were quite upset with our kids for sending massive amounts of paper their way. We never did get an apology for their nasty looks and sneers once they realized it was all part of the kooky show.

The boys were in heaven at the end of the second show because they had an entire row and therefore several rolls of paper to themselves.



For our adult time we ate wonderful meals in much needed peace, caught a few Second City Improv acts, played ping pong with out little helpers, watched a U2 concert on a giant screen, and drank fruity drinks at an Ice Bar.

It was a unique experience but a bit strange to have on a cruise where the majority wear little more than a bathing suit and flip flops. My exposed toes couldn't take it for too long so even though we were having a nice conversation with some fellow guests we didn't really hang out much after we downed our drinks served in ice cones.

If you are looking for a Caribbean Family getaway that balances adult time and family time - this is the ship for you.