I will begin my EPIC tale by saying how disappointed I was that JETLINE recommended that my family and I travel on an unfinished ship.  The holiday began with a dreadful departure.  Long long long (need I go on) queue and waiting, waiting some more and then waited some more  (over 3 hours) after checking in before we were allowed to board a ship that was so obviously not ready for its guests.  After finally being allowed to board we were not permitted to enter our cabin as it was not yet finished.  We waited on deck 15 where food was served, music was played and sun shone.  I bet you're thinking I'm happy now.  Well I wasn't.  I had to sign two $25 deposits for my children to use the poolside towels.  WHAT!!! I hear you say.  YES Two $25 deposits just to be allowed to use the poolside towels.  What did NCL think I was going to do with their towels - bring a wet towel home with me.  I don't think so.  I wasn't getting off this ship for 7 days.  It was obvious that I was not running away on day one of this cruise with an NCL towel.  The cruise then went from bad to worse.  Our family deparure longe experience was to dominate the rest of the week.  We queued, queued again and then queued some more.  The cruise appeared to be one long queue.  A cruise ship for families with no self laundering facilities - why?  The Casino was the hub of the ship.  Right in the centre and beside the restaurants and bars.  Cigarette smoke everywhere.  Chidlren were not allowed to use the casino but they were certainly allowed to wander through it at any time and had to if they wished to eat in some of the restaurants.  One of the restaurants in particular, The Noodle Bar, was only a few feet away from the casino and the horrendous STENCH of cigarette smoke made for a thoroughly unpleasant experience.  TASTE restaurant was below the casino.  I watched one particular guest tapping cigarette ash over the balcony of the casino into the restaurant below. NCL did not provide a quiet room/reading room for its guests.  The only places to sit and read were the bars and a small area beside the bowling alley (not quiet).  As a family we experienced most of the restaurants at a financial cost and fair to say most were good.  Not so, La Cucina.  A sad excuse for an Italian restaurant. I would appreciate my money back on this (I did write and ask NCL for this but have had no reply). I had lunch at the self service restaurant.  I had some food and a beverage on my tray  and then wandered aimlessly with this without being able to locate any free seating.  No one was giving direction or helping to locate free areas for dining.  A dreadful experience.  This happened on several occasions.  Now to the design of the cabins.  it was like sleeping in a bathroom.  When drying off after using the shower, no one could enter or leave the cabin.  How strange.  The sink was in front of the bed.  No privacy to floss your teeth even.  It is difficult to me to find any encouraging words for you to pass on to future guests of the NCL EPIC.  Avoid at all cost.  Save your money.   My husband and I endeavoured to have a quiet drink outside on the first evening.  The moonlight, the stars and  a warm breeze.  I know what you're thinking - they did have a good time.  WRONG.  We were joined by some workmen who were still vanished the gunnels.  My overall impression of my journey on the NCL EPIC was poor.  The ship was not fit for guests.  A miserable experience for a first time cruising family.