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

I recently embarked on a 12-night Transatlantic cruise onboard Norwegian Epic and was able to try out one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s famous Studio Staterooms, which are unique cabins designed with one person in mind.

This was my second time trying Norwegian's Studio Staterooms. Last year, I sailed on a short cruise onboard Norwegian Encore, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ships. Since I've sailed on many of the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus ships, I was intrigued by Norwegian Epic, the sole ship in the line's Epic Class. 

Let’s take an in-depth look into what the Studio Staterooms are like onboard Norwegian Epic and everything that's included in the price. 

There was less space due to the larger bed

Something that I immediately noticed when walking into my stateroom for the first time was the larger bed. Onboard Norwegian Epic, the bed is nearly the size of a queen bed, whereas onboard Norwegian Encore, the Studio Staterooms had U.S. full-sized beds. Though having a larger bed means that there's more space to spread out while sleeping, it comes with a cost, as there's less floor space inside the cabin. 

When it comes to storage passengers staying in the Studio Staterooms do not have to worry. There is plenty of storage inside these tiny yet mighty cabins. Guests can find a small area above the bed to store books, magazines, and other small belongings. Two separate closet areas come complete with hangers, a shelf for shoes, and a small safe for peace of mind. Additionally, the bed is tall enough and has plenty of space underneath for guests to store their luggage and bags for the duration of their cruise. 

One of my favorite features of the Studio Staterooms onboard Norwegian Epic is the changing mood lighting. Guests can choose from several different settings, changing the color of their room for day, night, and relaxation, all from the comfort of their bed. The panel to do so is located above the in-cabin phone next to the bed. 

Have you ever experienced being too cold or warm in a hotel room? No need to fear! Inside my Studio Stateroom, there was a personal thermostat that allowed me to set the temperature to my liking. 

Each bed also features four comfortable pillows (in addition to two decorative pillows), comfortable sheets, and a light comforter. I thought the bed was very comfortable and made for the perfect place for a night’s sleep or a cozy nap during the day. Above the bed, there are two small reading lights for those who would like to enjoy a book before they fall asleep.

Each Studio Stateroom also features a television for guests to peruse the offerings and amenities onboard, as well as purchase movies to watch in their cabin should they so choose. 

Underneath the TV area is a small desk and stool, complete with two water glasses and several charging outlets. Thankfully, guests will have no issue charging their devices and electronics during their cruise, as there are three U.S. outlets available, as well as at least one European plug.  

There are so many outlets inside the Studio Staterooms that I was easily able to charge my laptop, phone, camera, kindle, and iPad, more so than I have in the standard inside cabins onboard some of the other Norwegian Cruise Line ships. 

Perhaps one of the most unique features of the Studio Staterooms onboard the Norwegian Epic is the window. The window inside these staterooms opens to the hallway on the outside of the cabin. 

Onboard the Norwegian Encore, the "window" displayed a live feed video of the surroundings outside the ship. In comparison, the window onboard Norwegian Epic was a real window that faces the hallway directly on the outside of the stateroom. For the most part, passengers staying in the Studio Staterooms seemed to keep these hallway windows closed. 

Read: I've been on NCL's oldest and newest ships, here are my top 10 tips 

The bathroom portion of the Studio Staterooms is small, but it features everything a solo traveler might need to be comfortable during their cruise voyage

The bathroom area is comprised of a small sink and mirror with several storage selves and cupboards, as well as a pull-out trash can. Guests will also find several more charging outlets in this area of the stateroom. 

Each Studio Stateroom has two hand towels, three makeup or face towels, and two large body towels. Of course, if you would like more you only need to ask your cabin steward. If these towels are hung up, they are not replaced and can be reused. If, however, guests place these towels on the floor, then the stateroom attendants will replace them. 

The shower might be small, but it is nice and does have a closing glass door, body wash pump, and shampoo & conditioner combo pump. There is also a tiny circular shelf inside the shower for guests to place their personal toiletries. 

Next to the shower, guests will find a full-length mirror. This mirror can come in handy for checking your outfit before going out and about for the day. This is also where the door to adjoining rooms is located. While many passengers in Studio Staterooms are solo travelers, som are traveling as a group of friends or family. For this reason, some Studio Staterooms feature connecting doors.

Across from the shower, which is part of the main cabin area, there is a small toilet room. Inside the shower is a small clothesline for guests to hang a wet swimsuit to dry. 

Overall, the bathroom portion of the stateroom, while small, is the perfect size and has plenty of storage and amenities that a solo traveler may need during their voyage. 

Read: Norwegian Cruise Line's dress code, what to wear on a cruise

Perhaps the most enticing benefit of booking a Studio Stateroom is access to the Studio Lounge

This private lounge area is designated exclusively for guests staying in a Studio Stateroom and requires special keycard access to enter. 

This lounge has some great benefits including a complimentary specialty coffee machine, tea, ice water, and snacks available 24 hours a day.  

Onboard Norwegian Epic, there is a small area with chairs, couches, and tables for solo travelers to mingle with other passengers. Guests will also be able to find an assortment of games, a television playing movies and sports, and a small bar area. 

During my 12-night Transatlantic sailing, I spent quite a bit of time in the Studio Lounge in the early mornings and late evenings working or chatting with fellow passengers. It was also a great space to read while enjoying a cup of coffee. If you are someone who is booked in a Studio Stateroom, I highly recommend checking out the Studio Lounge several times. 

Studio Stateroom benefits

Along with a special room available only to those staying in Studio Staterooms, there are other benefits that cruisers will receive. 

Often times as a way to incentivize passengers to book these Studio Staterooms, Norwegian will give guests multiple Latitude Reward Points. Latitude Rewards is the name of Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program. Typically reward points are awarded to passengers based off of the amount of nights they spend onboard. For example, a 7-night cruise in a standard Inside stateroom will earn a guest 7 points. 

However, for some specific stateroom categories, passengers will be given additional points. This is sometimes true for Studio Staterooms. For example, on my first solo sailing staying in a Studio Stateroom onboard Norwegian Encore, I was awarded 3 points per night. This means that I earned 12 points during my 4-night cruise. 

Latitudes Rewards gives repeat Norwegian Cruise Line sailors special deals, awards, and amenities the higher in loyalty status they reach. This means that staying in a Studio Stateroom could even help you reach a higher Latitude Reward tier faster! 

Solo traveler meetups, activities, and more

Another fun and complimentary perk of either being a solo cruise traveler or booking a Studio Stateroom is that you're able to attend the solo traveler meet ups that happen each day onboard. These events are typically informal in nature and are designed for guests to meet one another and make connections while on their voyage. 

Sometimes, the solo traveler meetups happen in the Studio Lounge, whereas other times they happen around the ship. Keep an eye on the Freestyle Daily schedule for the exact times and locations. 

It is not uncommon for solo travelers to get together and form their own activities as well. During my Norwegian Epic cruise, there was a group that had gathered one day to have their own bingo game! I recommend stopping by the Studio Lounge, introducing yourself, and making some friends on your cruise while staying in the Studio Staterooms. 

Why I would recommend solo cruising

Really looking to satisfy that travel itch but having trouble aligning your schedule with family and friends? I say try solo cruising! I am a personal believer that solo cruising is one of the safest, most convenient, and easiest ways to travel by yourself! If you are new to solo traveling and don’t know where to start, I recommend picking a cruise itinerary that interests you and trying out a Studio Stateroom onboard an NCL ship. 

Norwegian is one of the leading cruise lines in the industry when it comes to solo traveling. Their solo amenities and advantages are unmatched, and therefore they are my go-to when it comes to solo cruising. 

Whether its for the access to the Studio Lounge, the chance to meet fellow solo travelers, or the extra Latitude Reward points, guests who choose to book a Studio Stateroom are sure to find something they enjoy about this unique category cabins

I have enjoyed both of my solo experiences with Norwegian Cruise Line, and I am interested and excited to see how the cruise brand expands its emphasis on solo traveling now that they have pledged to make solo traveler staterooms available on all of the ships in their fleet. 

Read: After a 5-night solo cruise, here are my pros and cons onboard the Norwegian Encore