Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line's newest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, billed as the world's largest floating entertainment venue is unlike anything before seen at sea.
The 155,873-ton, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic sets sail from Miami on alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises and takes Norwegian's trademark Freestyle Cruising concept to a whole new level.
Freestyle Cruising, the hallmark of all Norwegian ships, means freedom and flexibility in dress, dining, entertainment, even disembarkation - plus a whole range of inventive activities.
On Epic, all traces of traditional cruise line features have been basically thrown out the porthole, and the sheer volume of options is positively dizzying: more than 20 restaurants and 20 bars and lounges, from an art deco supper club with a dance floor to a Churrascuria, Chinese noodle bar; and round-the-clock entertainment of all types and styles.
Multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues feature a variety of diverse productions: In the Epic Theater, the popular Blue Man Group performs its one-of-a-kind music-comedy-multimedia act. Meanwhile, the Spiegel Tent - the only "big top" at sea - hosts Cirque Dreams® and Dinner,an interactive, theatrical dining experience, and the first Cirque Dreams show to be produced for a cruise ship. Picture juggling waiters and contortionist cocktail waitresses.
In yet another venue, Legends in Concert, the original live tribute show from Las Vegas, feature the greatest collection of live tribute artists and celebrity look-alikes in the industry from Madonna and Britney Spears to Michael Jackson and Rod Stewart.
Nearby, the famed Second City improv comedy troupe has its own designated comedy club which is also home to rock 'n' roll dueling piano show Howl at the Moon. Norwegian Epic also features a jazz club, and expansive casino.
Kids on board Norwegian Epic will flip for the Epic Plunge tube slide-it does a major drop into a splash pool-and also includes two other slides in the Aqua Park of varying thrill factors, including one specifically designed for children that zips straight through the rock climbing wall; and a more adventurous slide twisting and turning down three stories. The Aqua Park also includes two main pools with arching water effects which illuminate at night; five whirlpools; a wading pool and a kid's pool in the children's Splash and Play Zone which features whimsical sculptures, water sprays and effects, along with a kiddy slide. Kids can also try out the bungee trampoline or bowling lanes, and play Wii on a jaw-dropping two-story screen.
Norwegian Epic's Kid's Crew supervised kids' program called Recess is adjacent and easily accessible to the family-friendly staterooms. At Kid's Crew, little ones as young as two can run around in an outer space-themed play area, dance on a light-up floor, or watch a movie in the cinema. While teens can chill out in their own private space dubbed Entourage. This funky space includes air hockey; pinball; foosball; a video jukebox; and flat screen televisions some of which are located around a central video game console featuring PlayStation 3. In the evening, Entourage transitions into a hip nightclub with a space for dancing or just hanging out on comfy couches.
Norwegian has also launched Nickelodeon™ at Sea, featuring SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, along with lots of Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming. Think character meet and greets; interactive game shows; poolside entertainment, even Nick-themed dance parties. On July 24, 2011, Norwegian Epic will be home to only one of two Nickelodeon All Access cruises - think all Nickelodeon all over the ship.
Also new on Epic: A huge range and style of innovative Accommodations including New Wave staterooms, a new take on cabin design, feature contemporary curved architecture and more open living space.
The largest ship-within-a-ship suite complex at sea comprises 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship. This personal paradise is accessible only by private elevator where guests will find a private pool area surrounded by plush daybeds, private cabanas, chaise lounges, and intimate seating for guests to dine al fresco, as well as a sundeck, concierge lounge, nightclub and private gym overlooking the pool offering guests advanced cardio equipment and weight training machines with access to the ship's personal trainers. A dedicated concierge attends to individual guest needs.
And, in a particularly exciting development for non-couples, the ship will feature an unprecedented number of Studio staterooms designed and priced just for solo travellers. Each stateroom includes access to an exclusive, shared social space called the Studio Lounge, and many of the studios are connecting, so friends can travel together while also enjoying their own personal space.
Epic also features 39 spa suites, deluxe balcony and balcony staterooms that are close to the 31,000 square-foot spa and offer complimentary access to the enclave surrounding Norwegian Epic's luxurious Hydrotherapy Courtyard & Thermal Suite and state-of-the-art fitness centre. For tne added indulgence, eight spa suites each feature an in-room whirlpool.
There are just so many other 'firsts' and 'biggest' on Epic: the first SVEDKA Ice Bar at sea; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever repelling wall at sea; the largest bowling alley at sea; a mixed-use sports deck where guests can engage in eight different athletic activities including a full size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, batting cage, bungee trampoline, and a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage called the spider web.
Norwegian Epic sails alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from Miami through April 2011. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary makes stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, Bahamas. On her Western Caribbean sailings, Norwegian Epic visits Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras. From May through October 2011 she will sail seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Spain to Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.
Flight Centre can help you plan your amazing journey on the Norwegian Epic. A cruise specialist will work with you to determine which itinerary and room category meets your needs and desires. Call 1-866-317-4794 today to let the planning (and fun!) begin.
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