An Insider’s Tour of Norwegian Epic
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Cruises Editor
Cruise Ships
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Norwegian Epic in Miami
Step aboard this mighty ship and you’ll quickly realise why she was named “Epic”. Launched in 2010 by Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Epic weighs in at 155,873 GRT, stretches over 330 metres, and carries 4100 guests. But it’s not just her size that makes this ship impressive, as you’ll see on this insider tour.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is famous for reinventing the traditional high seas experience, and with Norwegian Epic it introduced a lineup of new-to-cruising innovations, from the first ice bar at sea, to the first Blue Man Group extravaganza at sea.
Norwegian Epic Public Plunge
The ship’s 128 studio cabins were also a first for the line, specifically designed for solo cruisers and priced for one, including the use of an exclusive lounge. The unusual design of Epic’s “new wave” cabins also caused a stir, with their curved walls, recessed ceilings, rounded queen-sized beds, and split bathrooms.
When it comes to suites, however, The Haven is another major drawcard. This separate “ship within a ship” complex is tucked away on Decks 16 and 17, with a range of luxury accommodations from penthouses for two, to two-bedroom family villas sleeping six. And in another bonus, all have access to exclusive facilities including a private sundeck and pool, a bar, a concierge lounge and two dining venues.
NCL pioneered Freestyle Cruising, casting aside many of the formal rules in favour of a more casual and flexible approach to everything from dress code to dining. With Norwegian Epic, this was taken to new heights. The ship has more than 20 dining venues, some complimentary and some attracting a surcharge.
Mandara Spa
Just think of a culinary style and Epic likely has it, from La Cucina, the family-style Italian tucked away in the stern of the ship, to elegant French venue Le Bistro. If Asian specialties are more to your taste, Shanghai’s offers classic Chinese, while Teppanyaki is where knife-wielding chefs slice, dice, and grill your food right in front of you. But if all you want after a busy day is a slice of pizza, it’s available 24/7, and you can have it delivered anywhere on the ship for a nominal fee.
Just for adults, Norwegian Epic has a large number of entertainment venues offering everything from live jazz to Vegas-style and comedy shows, but something on everyone’s “must-do” list should be indulging in a cocktail at the SVEDKA Ice Bar, inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia.
Pick of the facilities for active cruisers includes a well-equipped fitness centre, and the Mandara Spa for a spot of pampering; it has 24 treatment rooms and a roomy, relaxing thermal suite. There are plenty of activities geared toward the whole family inside and out, from riding the candy-coloured Aqua Park water slides, to testing your skills in the bowling alley or the Video Arcade.
Norwegian Epic spends her time cruising the Mediterranean, mostly from Barcelona and Civitavecchia. She’s a big ship with a bold personality, and has plenty of alluring bells and whistles across her 19 spacious decks to keep cruisers of all ages busy and happy.
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