Out of the many ships available these days, one that stands out is the Norwegian Epic.The major cruise lines are continuously pushing the boundaries with innovations on board their ships and Norwegian cruise line are no different.
Difference in cabins
With seven categories of staterooms and twenty-nine different configurations, each one provides a different experience for holidaymakers.
The first thing you will notice when you arrive in your cabin is how good the decor and space settings are. The suites contain a ceiling window that will provide unforgettable sights of the stars at night. With a new system of family villas, guests are secured privacy around the ‘Member’s Only’ pool that has several Jacuzzis, and a relaxation area called Villas Courtyard. There is an adjacent upmarket lounge area as well called “The Epic Club”.
For the fitness minded cruise passenger, the SPA Deluxe Staterooms come with their very own key card which gives you access to the “Mandara Spa and Fitness Centre”.
The Norwegian Epic has a good number of studio cabins designed for the solo traveler. Prior to this concept a single passenger either had to share a cabin or pay double occupancy fees. This option makes it very affordable for those who travel by themselves.
Dining options
Norwegian cruise line are well known for their Freestyle Cruising concept, which came out ten years ago and revolutionised the entire industry. It is good to start off by heading to one of the many specialty restaurants. Options include the New York style supper club “The Manhattan Room“, the classic steakhouse “Cagney’s“, or “La Cucina“ which provide al dente meals prepared as old-world Tuscan fare.
There are also plenty of Asian restaurants which consist of the sushi bar “Wasabi“, the exciting “Teppanyaki“ bar where food is cooked right in front of you and an all-time favourite known as the “Shangha“, perfect if you want a variety of dim sum and other Chinese specialties.
Freestyle dining means there is no dress code, with many of the eateries onboard. Smart casual is the order of the day. Have a quick bite or snack, during the day at several casual dining venues spread throughout the ship. Of course, 24 hour room service is available with meals delivered right to the cabin.
Recently NCL has introduced a pre-paid specialty dining option as an add-on to the price of the cruise which allows you to dine in almost any speciality restaurant for a set fee.
Activities and entertainment
There are so many activities and shows onboard the Epic; you will never become bored.
Some of the main attractions are the Aqua Park, a thrilling experience with its enormous Epic Plunge water slides, 2 pool areas and a children’s only pool. There’s a two storey high sports and gaming complex nearby with every arcade game and sport imaginable. Indulge in games such as basketball and hockey in their accurate arenas. The sports complex offers even more obscure sports such as a Squash court and a boxing ring.
The “Spider Bar” is a fun wall climbing attraction that allows visitors to test their balance and arm strength. There’s Bowling, as well as, a casino with all sorts of gaming tables and slot machines. A wide variety of shows at the Main Theatre play each evening.
A Cirque du Soleil style show awaits visitors at the Spiegel Tent but for a more mellow experience, listen to the jazz music and comedy revue at the Fat Cats club.
The ICE Bar on board is the perfect place to chill out and cool off after a long day. One of only 14 bars carved out of ice in the world, the temperature sits at 17 degrees. Luckily, the fur hats, coats and gloves are provided to keep you warm.
Never mind a floating hotel, the Norwegian Epic is a 4,100-passenger vessel that can be considered a city. Traveling onboard the this ship will seem more like a land holiday resort rather than a cruise ship.
Images courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines
Written by Veronica Shine
