I stayed in a $2,554 studio cabin on NCL Epic, and it was one of the best sailing experiences I ever had

I not too long ago launched into a 12-night Transatlantic cruise onboard Norwegian Epic and was in a position to check out one in every of Norwegian Cruise Line’s well-known Studio Staterooms, that are distinctive cabins designed with one particular person in thoughts.

This was my second time attempting Norwegian’s Studio Staterooms. Final yr, I sailed on a brief cruise onboard Norwegian Encore, one in every of Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships. Since I’ve sailed on lots of the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus ships, I used to be intrigued by Norwegian Epic, the only real ship within the line’s Epic Class. 

Let’s take an in-depth look into what the Studio Staterooms are like onboard Norwegian Epic and every thing that is included within the value. 

There was much less area because of the bigger mattress

One thing that I instantly seen when strolling into my stateroom for the primary time was the bigger mattress. Onboard Norwegian Epic, the mattress is sort of the scale of a queen mattress, whereas onboard Norwegian Encore, the Studio Staterooms had U.S. full-sized beds. Although having a bigger mattress signifies that there’s extra space to unfold out whereas sleeping, it comes with a price, as there’s much less flooring area contained in the cabin. 

Relating to storage passengers staying within the Studio Staterooms wouldn’t have to fret. There may be loads of storage inside these tiny but mighty cabins. Visitors can discover a small space above the mattress to retailer books, magazines, and different small belongings. Two separate closet areas come full with hangers, a shelf for footwear, and a small protected for peace of thoughts. Moreover, the mattress is tall sufficient and has loads of area beneath for friends to retailer their baggage and luggage throughout their cruise. 

One among my favourite options of the Studio Staterooms onboard Norwegian Epic is the altering temper lighting. Visitors can select from a number of completely different settings, altering the colour of their room for day, night time, and rest, all from the consolation of their mattress. The panel to take action is situated above the in-cabin cellphone subsequent to the mattress. 

Have you ever ever skilled being too chilly or heat in a lodge room? No must worry! Inside my Studio Stateroom, there was a private thermostat that allowed me to set the temperature to my liking. 

Every mattress additionally options 4 snug pillows (along with two ornamental pillows), snug sheets, and a lightweight comforter. I believed the mattress was very snug and made for the right place for an evening’s sleep or a comfy nap throughout the day. Above the mattress, there are two small studying lights for individuals who wish to get pleasure from a e-book earlier than they go to sleep.

Every Studio Stateroom additionally encompasses a tv for friends to peruse the choices and facilities onboard, in addition to buy motion pictures to look at of their cabin ought to they so select. 

Beneath the TV space is a small desk and stool, full with two water glasses and a number of other charging retailers. Fortunately, friends may have no challenge charging their units and electronics throughout their cruise, as there are three U.S. retailers obtainable, in addition to not less than one European plug.  

There are such a lot of retailers contained in the Studio Staterooms that I used to be simply in a position to cost my laptop computer, cellphone, digital camera, kindle, and iPad, extra so than I’ve in the usual inside cabins onboard a few of the different Norwegian Cruise Line ships. 

Maybe one of the distinctive options of the Studio Staterooms onboard the Norwegian Epic is the window. The window inside these staterooms opens to the hallway on the skin of the cabin. 

Onboard the Norwegian Encore, the “window” displayed a reside feed video of the environment outdoors the ship. Compared, the window onboard Norwegian Epic was an actual window that faces the hallway instantly on the skin of the stateroom. For probably the most half, passengers staying within the Studio Staterooms appeared to maintain these hallway home windows closed. 

Learn: I have been on NCL’s oldest and latest ships, listed below are my prime 10 suggestions 

The toilet portion of the Studio Staterooms is small, nevertheless it options every thing a solo traveler may must be snug throughout their cruise voyage

The toilet space is comprised of a small sink and mirror with a number of storage selves and cabinets, in addition to a pull-out trash can. Visitors may also discover a number of extra charging retailers on this space of the stateroom. 

Every Studio Stateroom has two hand towels, three make-up or face towels, and two massive physique towels. After all, if you want extra you solely must ask your cabin steward. If these towels are hung up, they aren’t changed and could be reused. If, nonetheless, friends place these towels on the ground, then the stateroom attendants will exchange them. 

The bathe may be small, however it’s good and does have a closing glass door, physique wash pump, and shampoo & conditioner combo pump. There may be additionally a tiny round shelf contained in the bathe for friends to put their private toiletries. 

Subsequent to the bathe, friends will discover a full-length mirror. This mirror can come in useful for checking your outfit earlier than going out and about for the day. That is additionally the place the door to adjoining rooms is situated. Whereas many passengers in Studio Staterooms are solo vacationers, som are touring as a gaggle of buddies or household. For that reason, some Studio Staterooms characteristic connecting doorways.

Throughout from the bathe, which is a part of the primary cabin space, there’s a small rest room room. Contained in the bathe is a small clothesline for friends to hold a moist swimsuit to dry. 

Total, the toilet portion of the stateroom, whereas small, is the right dimension and has loads of storage and facilities {that a} solo traveler may have throughout their voyage. 

Learn: Norwegian Cruise Line’s gown code, what to put on on a cruise

Maybe probably the most attractive advantage of reserving a Studio Stateroom is entry to the Studio Lounge

This non-public lounge space is designated solely for friends staying in a Studio Stateroom and requires particular keycard entry to enter. 

This lounge has some nice advantages together with a complimentary specialty espresso machine, tea, ice water, and snacks obtainable 24 hours a day.  

Onboard Norwegian Epic, there’s a small space with chairs, couches, and tables for solo vacationers to mingle with different passengers. Visitors may also be capable to discover an assortment of video games, a tv taking part in motion pictures and sports activities, and a small bar space. 

Throughout my 12-night Transatlantic crusing, I spent fairly a little bit of time within the Studio Lounge within the early mornings and late evenings working or chatting with fellow passengers. It was additionally a fantastic area to learn whereas having fun with a cup of espresso. In case you are somebody who’s booked in a Studio Stateroom, I extremely suggest testing the Studio Lounge a number of instances. 

Studio Stateroom advantages

Together with a particular room obtainable solely to these staying in Studio Staterooms, there are different advantages that cruisers will obtain. 

Typically instances as a approach to incentivize passengers to e-book these Studio Staterooms, Norwegian will give friends a number of Latitude Reward Factors. Latitude Rewards is the title of Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program. Sometimes reward factors are awarded to passengers primarily based off of the quantity of nights they spend onboard. For instance, a 7-night cruise in a typical Inside stateroom will earn a visitor 7 factors. 

Nonetheless, for some particular stateroom classes, passengers shall be given further factors. That is generally true for Studio Staterooms. For instance, on my first solo crusing staying in a Studio Stateroom onboard Norwegian Encore, I used to be awarded 3 factors per night time. Because of this I earned 12 factors throughout my 4-night cruise. 

Latitudes Rewards provides repeat Norwegian Cruise Line sailors particular offers, awards, and facilities the upper in loyalty standing they attain. Because of this staying in a Studio Stateroom may even assist you attain a better Latitude Reward tier quicker! 

Solo traveler meetups, actions, and extra

One other enjoyable and complimentary perk of both being a solo cruise traveler or reserving a Studio Stateroom is that you just’re in a position to attend the solo traveler meet ups that occur every day onboard. These occasions are usually casual in nature and are designed for friends to satisfy each other and make connections whereas on their voyage. 

Generally, the solo traveler meetups occur within the Studio Lounge, whereas different instances they occur across the ship. Control the Freestyle Day by day schedule for the precise instances and areas. 

It’s not unusual for solo vacationers to get collectively and type their very own actions as nicely. Throughout my Norwegian Epic cruise, there was a gaggle that had gathered at some point to have their very own bingo recreation! I like to recommend stopping by the Studio Lounge, introducing your self, and making some buddies in your cruise whereas staying within the Studio Staterooms. 

Why I’d suggest solo cruising

Actually seeking to fulfill that journey itch however having bother aligning your schedule with household and buddies? I say strive solo cruising! I’m a private believer that solo cruising is likely one of the most secure, most handy, and best methods to journey by your self! In case you are new to solo touring and don’t know the place to begin, I like to recommend choosing a cruise itinerary that pursuits you and attempting out a Studio Stateroom onboard an NCL ship. 

Norwegian is likely one of the main cruise traces within the business in terms of solo touring. Their solo facilities and benefits are unmatched, and due to this fact they’re my go-to in terms of solo cruising. 

Whether or not its for the entry to the Studio Lounge, the prospect to satisfy fellow solo vacationers, or the additional Latitude Reward factors, friends who select to e-book a Studio Stateroom are positive to seek out one thing they get pleasure from about this distinctive class cabins

I’ve loved each of my solo experiences with Norwegian Cruise Line, and I’m and excited to see how the cruise model expands its emphasis on solo touring now that they’ve pledged to make solo traveler staterooms obtainable on the entire ships of their fleet. 

Learn: After a 5-night solo cruise, listed below are my professionals and cons onboard the Norwegian Encore