Do you have your credit card handy and want to become a part of Norwegian history? Well then, you’re in luck. NCL is now accepting reservations for its newest and largest vessel, Norwegian Epic, whose maiden 7-day voyage to the Eastern Caribbean is set for July 10, 2010. Sailing round-trip from Miami, the ship’s itinerary includes stops at three gorgeous ports: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau in the Bahamas. Starting rates for this cruise are $1,149 for inside cabins.
Irresistible Itinerary
Other 2010 inaugural sailings on Epic are available with 7- and 14-day itineraries through April 2011. The 14-day cruises sail to the Eastern Caribbean, but also include ports of call in the warm aquamarine waters of Costa Maya and Cozumel, in Mexico, and the tropical island of Roatan, in Honduras.
Fantastic Features
Not only will the massive 4,200-passenger ship be the first of Norwegian’s new F3 class, but it will also be equipped with some never-before-seen amenities on the high seas. For starters, the Norwegian Epic will house the cruise industry’s first true ice bar. It may be balmy outside on the upper decks of the ship, but in here, it will be downright cold – a frigid 17 degrees to be exact. The ice bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, life-size sculptures, and drinking glasses – all made from ice! How’s that for having your glass chilled?
Some other Epic amenities include a 685-seat theater, which will house the popular Blue Man Group, and an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea. Guests will have access to a full-sized basketball court and batting cage, bowling alley, as well as a 33-foot high rock climbing wall, and the cruise industry’s first-ever rappelling wall. In addition, this family-friendly ship will boast state-of-the-art teen, tween, and children facilities with PlayStation 3 and Wii consoles, arcade games, air hockey, pinball, and foosball tables.
All-Star Accommodations
NCL is definitely kicking up their luxury status a notch with the addition of 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship. This exclusive area features a pool, hot tub, lounge, sundeck, and courtyard. The Norwegian Epic will also incorporate a new type of accommodation: Spa Suites and Spa Balcony Staterooms. These sleek and fashionable rooms will allow guests 24-hour access to the Mandara Spa and Thermal Spa Suites.
Delectable Dining
Guests can choose from 20 dining options including Teppankayi, the ship’s Hibachi grill, a sushi bar, and La Cucina, NCL’s first piazza-style Tuscan dining venue. Epic will also feature a 265-seat theater for Cirque Dreams and Dinner – a two-hour unique, interactive, theatrical dining experience that will rival Las Vegas shows.
Norwegian Epic is certainly pushing the cruise industry’s boundaries in terms of what unconventional amenities ships can accommodate. Their out-of-the-box ideas just leave me thinking one thing: What will they come up with next?
For more information about the Norwegian Epic, or to book a cruise to the Caribbean on the vessel, visit www.ncl.com.