Barcelona

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we embarked on our second cruise in 2021. It was meant to be an unforgettable experience because the impossible became possible: Three days before departure, our bid for an upgrade to the Haven Family Villa was accepted. Two bedrooms, a butler, concierge, a private restaurant and pool deck, sauna, steam room, and whirlpools. Shower and bathtub with a sea view in the room. Champagne reception with chocolate-covered strawberries and much, much more. A week in another dimension was about to begin in Barcelona.

Sea day

On the first sea day, we had plenty of time to enjoy the private pool and sun deck. Bartenders and waiters addressing you by name, fresh white towels waiting on the loungers, and the butler bringing a pillow menu after the first night for a comfortable sleep were just a few of the things we experienced on the first day. The Epic offers a variety of activities to pass the time on a sea day. Water slides, rock climbing walls, pool games, quiz shows, and much more, or you can simply laze around on the private sun deck. Here, the cruise motto comes into play again: Everything is optional, nothing is compulsory.

Livorno

The first stop was supposed to be in Livorno. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the legal requirements at the time, it was only permitted to leave the ship in Italy if you had booked a shore excursion from the ship. Since this trip took on a completely different dimension with the unexpected upgrade to The Haven, we decided together to savor this experience down to the smallest detail and to only leave the ship at a few stops. In Livorno, we observed the bustling activity in the port with a cool drink in hand from the Haven sun deck and enjoyed a relaxing day in seventh cruise heaven.

Civitavecchia

Also in Civitavecchia, the port from which you can reach Rome, we decided to fully enjoy our luxury experience. It's also quite pleasant to stroll along the otherwise crowded general pool deck and only share the large pools with a few other passengers. In the evening, after champagne and Surf & Turf at the Haven Restaurant, we visited the Broadway musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. From our own priority area in the theater, we had the perfect view of the beautifully designed and colorful stage set. After a successful theater visit, a visit to the casino rounded off the relaxing day on board the Norwegian Epic.

Neapel

Here, we booked our only shore excursion from the ship on this trip. We took a bus to the vast archaeological site of Pompeii, an absolute must-visit when in Naples. You get a fascinating insight into the daily life of ancient Roman society. The result of the volcanic eruption has preserved entire streets, houses, shops, and even the remains of people who perished in the disaster.

Cagliari

In Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, we made ourselves comfortable again on the Haven sun deck and were greeted with our favorite cocktails by the bartender. That's what makes the small but significant difference. Occasionally, fruit skewers are also served, so you're well taken care of and only need to move from the sun to find a little cooling off in one of the whirlpools. A private lift, activated with the room key, leads directly to the pool deck.

Palma

In Palma, we took public transportation, which is very easy from the port, to the city center and strolled through the streets. Typical Spanish architecture and flair can be found here. Particularly impressive is the Cathedral La Seu, built in the Gothic style, which is just a few meters from a beautiful beach. That means you shouldn't forget your swimwear to feel the sand between your toes on the last day of the cruise. After a relaxing afternoon at the beach, it was time for one last night in our family villa back on the ship. As I fell asleep in my bed with specially selected pillows and blankets, I knew this was definitely not my last stay in this paradise at sea, or as NCL calls it, The Haven.