Cruising the Med as a First-Timer! My Honest Take on Cruises...

From the sunlit islands of the Santorini Archipelago to the golden shores of Cannes, I can finally say I’ve ticked cruising off my bucket list and returned with an honest first-timer’s take on life at sea aboard the Norwegian Epic. Was it really epic or an epic fail?

The Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship.

Like many young adults in their 20s, I had always associated cruising with an older demographic. But in reality, it depends on who you travel with, and the size of the ship, of course. For me, that meant sailing with NCL on their Norwegian Epic, a ship that, according to reviews, has earned a reputation as one of Norwegian’s more ‘controversial’ vessels.

First impressions came quickly for me. Since I was travelling during peak season (the start of August, to be exact) and given the scale of the ship, I expected to be constantly surrounded by crowds and children running underfoot. To my surprise, after the first day at sea, the crowds that would swam the bars and swiming areas on the top deck melted away. Once everyone settled into their routines, I began to find the more peaceful corners on the vessel and unexpected moments of calm, places where the ship felt almost empty.

If you’re a first-time cruiser like me and the idea of inescapable crowds sends a shiver down your spine, timing and curiosity are everything. Skip the obvious queues and seek out experiences that feel a little more off-script. Take Santorini, for example, a destination as beautiful as it is overcrowded. When faced with a two-hour wait for the cable cars up to Fira, my travel partner and I decided to ditch the line entirely and book a hike around the nearby volcanic island. It was one of the best decisions we made. At first we thought we would be missing out but as soon as we steped foot on the island, we knew we found a hidden gem. The landscape felt almost lunar, with black volcanic rock crunching underfoot and plumes of steam rising from the earth. Afterwards, we took a little boat ride and dove into the surrounding hot springs, where the water shifted from turquoise to deep orange as iron minerals met the sea. It was surreal, and far better than shuffling elbow-to-elbow up a hill in the midday sun.

Nea Kameni

Back on the Norwegian Epic, I quickly learned that finding space is an art form. With more than 4,000 passengers onboard, serenity doesn’t come easily, you have to seek it out. My sanctuary became the Champagne Bar, tucked away from the main-deck commotion and blessedly free of the buffet buzz. In the afternoons, it was the perfect spot with chilled flutes of prosecco clinking softly against marble tables,  and the gentle hum of conversation replacing the chaos outside. By evening, it transformed into something even better, a slow-paced, dimly-lit lounge. For a first-time cruiser expecting crowds and chaos, it became an unexpected pocket of calm, proof that even on the largest ships, there are still places that feel cozy and atmospheric.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an honest first-timer’s review without a few caveats. For one, the ship’s layout takes some getting used to. Walking through the middle deck, you can’t miss the rows of slot machines and casino tables stretching through the ship’s centre, a setup that feels distinctly American in spirit. For US travellers, it’s all part of the fun, but as a Brit, I found it a bit jarring. I don’t mind a casino tucked discreetly to one side, but one in the heart of the ship felt oddly out of place. That said, the entertainment lineup more than redeemed things, from full-scale productions at the Epic Theatre to comedy nights, live bands, and general knowledge quizzes that filled the evenings with energy. The talent onboard was genuinely impressive, and you could easily hop from a jazz performance to a musical within an hour. Still, as someone in their twenties, I found it harder than expected to meet people my age. The ship’s social scene leaned more towards couples and older groups, so if you’re over thirty and looking for a lively yet laid-back experience, Norwegian Epic might be for you.

When it came to the cabins, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. But The Epic surprised me. For such a big ship, the room was cleverly designed, surprisingly spacious, and genuinely comfortable, especially for an inside cabin. The bed felt like a proper retreat after a day of heat and every inch of space was put to good use. Storage was simple, the lighting perfectly soft, and best of all, you’re in charge of the air-con.

TOP TIP:

Set it a little cooler before heading out for the day, there’s nothing better than walking back into a blissfully chilled cabin after hours under the Mediterranean sun. If you’re the kind of traveller who spends every stop ashore squeezing the most out of each destination, an inside cabin is a smart way to save your money. You’ll barely miss the window when your days are packed with adventures. But if you prefer slow mornings or plan to skip a few ports, consider upgrading to a balcony cabin, you’ll get the same sea views without the crowds, plus the joy of sipping your morning cocktail while watching the picturesque views.

To summarise, the excursions themselves were incredible, easily the highlight of the trip. Although our stop in Corfu was cancelled, the replacement was Kefalonia and it turned out to be my unexpected favourite. The island felt untouched compared to the busier ports, winding coastal drives framed by olive trees, caves glimmering with reflections of turquoise light, and views so vivid they looked almost over-saturated. We spent the day exploring the melessani caves, and driving through towns that seemed to belong to another era. It was the kind of place that stayed with you long after leaving port. Every destination brought something different. From the ancient ruins of Pompeii to the grandeur of Florence, the chic energy of Cannes, and the layered history of Malta, the itinerary read like a European wish list. Finishing in Rome gave it the perfect cinematic ending. And one piece of advice? Get the drinks package. It makes a world of difference when you’re hopping between pool bars and sunset lounges, and it spares you from thinking twice about ordering that third Aperol Spritz.

The picturesque coastal views of Kefalonia

Looking back, I’d say my first cruise experience was a mix of discovery, sun-soaked chaos, and pure freedom. I’d definitely cruise again, but probably not on the Norwegian Epic. While it delivered some unforgettable memories, I’d choose another ship next time, one with a younger crowd and a slightly more modern feel. Still, for all its quirks and crowded decks, it offered something I didn’t expect… the simple joy of waking up to a new horizon every morning. There’s nothing quite like stepping out on deck as a new city glows in the distance. If you’re planning your own first cruise, always do your research before booking. Think about the cruise line’s vibe, the length of the trip, the dining and entertainment options, and whether you’re happy to sail during school holidays (or smart enough to avoid them). If I have learnt anything from my first time aboard a cruise ship, it is that the right ship can completely change your experience, turning what could be unwanted disappointment into the trip of a lifetime.