Norwegian Epic has just returned to Southampton waters following a 22-day dry-dock in France. She originally debuted back in 2010 with a number of industry firsts and although her ‘looks’ continue to divide opinion, she has been widely hailed as a success pioneering the ‘resort style’ approach now widely adopted across the Norwegian fleet, together with bringing a number of cruise innovations to the industry in terms of the activities, entertainment, food and drink that she offers.
Guests sailing on Norwegian Epic continue have the opportunity to experience the ship’s 21 dining options including a signature steakhouse, Japanese Teppanyaki, Brazilian Churrascaria and Italian, along with 20 bars and lounges, including the Svedka Inniskillin Ice Bar. In addition, Norwegian Epic is also home to innovative entertainment, and a variety of activities including an Aqua Park with the first bowl slide at sea. The ship also boasts a variety of accommodation, from studio staterooms, to balcony staterooms and suites in The Haven.
Following her move to Europe this summer, together with the dry-dock, Norwegian have added a number of new features to the Epic. Firstly there are two new Broadway shows headlining the Epic Theatre: Burn the Floor and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical. The ship also features an all-new British pop music entertainment experience, The Cavern Club. The venue has been created through an exclusive partnership with the owners of Liverpool’s The Cavern Club, which will rock guests each evening to the sounds of The Beatles and other international musicians.
Major renovations and enhancements have been undertaken around the public areas, including the Mandara Spa, Bliss Ultra Lounge and The Haven suite complex, and of course the cabins (including updated refrigeration units). Norwegian Epic has also been outfitted with a brand new photo gallery, library and card room. The Epic now also features new enhancements to the kids qua park in the shape of SplashGolf™. This new attraction combines two age-old elements of fun –water features and mini golf– into one completely new, interactive water based game attracting all age groups for more family fun.
Behind the scenes a number of improvements have been undertaken in terms of new fuel efficient paint, new rudders and propeller caps, together with full maintenance of stabilisers and thrusters.
She will now sail from Southampton back to Barcelona to continue her year-round European season. Until 22 November 2015, the Epic will offer 7-night cruises from Barcelona or Civitavecchia to the Western Mediterranean, including stops in Naples, Livorno, Cannes and Mallorca. During the winter season she will sail alternate 10-night cruises to Morocco, the Canaries, Madeira and Málaga, together with cruises to the Western Mediterranean including stops in Sardinia, Sicily and Mallorca.
For more information on the ship and her itineraries please visit: http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/epic
Images © 2015 Norwegian Cruise Line and Marcus Adams