Last December, worldwide attention was deservedly focused on Royal Caribbean’s amazing Oasis of the Seas as she prepared to enter into service. This year, it’s Norwegian Cruise Line’s 153,000-ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic that’s commanding the spotlight. Boasting some of the newest and most revolutionary features found at sea, Norwegian Epic will elevate NCL’s popular “Freestyle Cruising®” experience to even greater heights. In my opinion, this exciting ship will raise the bar for the entire cruise industry and attract people who wouldn’t ordinarily opt for a seagoing vacation.
* Freestyle Dining. Over the past decade, NCL has converted thousands of people to the unstructured pleasures of “Freestyle Dining,” which gives passengers the freedom to dine when, where, and with whomever they please. Instead of one or two large restaurants with assigned-seating times, NCL’s ships have offered guests a choice of up to a dozen different restaurants (including several specialty venues that do require reservations). Aboard Norwegian Epic, cruisers will find a whopping 21 restaurants to choose from (ten of which feature a surcharge ranging from $10 to $25 per person). I can’t wait to dine at the two-story “Cirque DreamsTM & Dinner” supper club, where spectacular acrobatic performers will entertain patrons twice each evening.
* Innovative Nightlife. It’s still tough to snag tickets to see Blue Man Group© in New York City, so I was surprised to learn that these incredible entertainers will perform two shows daily aboard Norwegian Epic at no extra charge! Fat Cat’s, the cruise industry’s first designated jazz club, will showcase world-class talent in the lounge’s 200-seat theatre. And NCL continues its exclusive partnership with the famed Second City® troupe, whose improvisational talents will be on display in Norwegian Epic’s Headliners Comedy Club. The legendary comedy ensemble will present a special customized revue featuring satirical skits, hilarious songs, and inventive sketches.
* “Singles” Cabins, Villa Enhancements & Other Stateroom Innovations. When Norwegian Epic enters service this July, she will boast cabins specifically designed for solo cruisers. Dubbed “Studios,” these staterooms (128 in total) are located in a private complex (keycard access only) split across two decks that includes the Studio Lounge. Here, singles can grab a cup of coffee in the morning or meet up with fellow solo travelers for drinks each night. Many of the complex’s 100-square-foot staterooms are connecting. Meanwhile, passengers seeking Norwegian Epic’s most luxurious experience can opt for one of the ship’s 46 Courtyard Villas. Located across a two-decks-tall courtyard and accessible only by keycard, the ship’s villa area features a private pool and fitness facility, private indoor/outdoor dining, and a dedicated concierge. Norwegian Epic will also boast “New Wave” staterooms featuring curved walls and other contemporary architectural flourishes.
* Aqua Park & Other Top Deck Enhancements. Kids and other active cruisers should expect to have a blast during their days at sea. Norwegian Epic’s Aqua Park features three waterslides, including one that passes through the ship’s rock-climbing wall (at 64 feet wide and 33 feet high, it’s the largest such wall found at sea). Guests can also board an inner tube for a hair-raising, 200-foot-drop courtesy of the “Epic Plunge.” Additional offerings include a bungee trampoline, a batting cage, a full-sized basketball court, and a squash court.
* Itineraries. Norwegian Epic enters service on June 24th via a seven-night inaugural voyage sailing from Southampton (U.K.) to New York. Following an east coast itinerary, the ship will make her way to her homeport of Miami to begin a series of year-round, weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings featuring convenient Saturday departures. Eastern Caribbean itineraries include stops in Nassau, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. Alternating Western Caribbean itineraries will visit Costa Maya, Cozumel, Honduras, and Roatan. Both itineraries include three days at sea.
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Anne Campbell is editor of the websites ShipCritic Blog and Cruising From New York.
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