Norwegian Epic

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As travel agents we are occasionally invited by cruise lines to come aboard ships when they are in port and conduct a travel agent ship tour.  I had the opportunity to visit the Norwegian Epic while it was in Miami on November 16, 2013.

 

This ship has received multiple awards and once again in 2013 it was Voted Best Cruise Ship by the Travel Weekly Readers Choice.

 

There is no question this is a large ship.  When you pull into the cruise port it stands out among the crowd.  We also watched later that evening as the cruise ships started their parade out through the channel into the Atlantic Ocean and the Epic gracefully led the way out with its smaller rivals following after.

 

At just under 156,000 tons and at 1,081 feet long,  it is still the largest ship in the Norwegian fleet.  Carrying 4,100 guests and with 1,743 crew, it truly is a floating village.  Guests have multiple choices, whether it is for accommodations, dining, entertainment or activities.

 

A real treat was to visit The Haven a ‘ship within a ship’ concept where guests can have special access to their own lounge, restaurant, private courtyard and pool, to go along with their special access staterooms.  All of the staterooms have balconies and hold between 2 and 6 guests, although there are adjoining staterooms available.  The Deluxe Owners has a large area for entertaining, an oversized balcony, a larger than normal bathroom and a bedroom with a wall of glass.

 

Another interesting accommodation treat was the studio staterooms.  These sounded small at 100 square feet; however the staterooms have a queen sized bed, private bath and shower.  The lack of sitting area is made up by heading over to a private, keycard access lounge that is only for those staying in the studio staterooms.  There guests have their own lounge and beverage area.  And to make this more appealing, there is no single supplement.  Guests only pay for themselves, instead of the usual double fare.

 

For dining there are 21 dining options ranging from the Garden Café to the main dining rooms; Taste and The Manhattan Room.  But don’t stop there; there are special places like Cagney’s Steakhouse, Moderno Churrascaria, Shanghai’s Chinese Restaurant, Sushi, Teppanyaki, O’Sheehans Bar and Grill, La Cucina and more.  La Cucina is a hidden gem one deck below the Garden Café and accessed from the back of the Café.  Follow the signs and enjoy a taste of Italy.  Another taste you won’t want to miss is the Moderno Churrascaria.  If you have not tried Churrascaria styled dining, being on board the Epic is a great place to have your first eating adventure.

 

There are 20 bars and lounges, but my favorite was Blitz Ultra Lounge which also houses a three lane bowling alley.  Want a unique experience?  Try the Ice Bar, the only true Ice Bar at sea.  In addition there is Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club as well as Headliners Comedy Club and the broadway styled shows at the Epic Theatre.

 

To complete your cruising adventure there is a large Fitness Centre, climbing walls, a three story water slide, including the Epic Plunge and multiple pools and Jacuzzi’s.  One word of caution, there are multiple pools but there isn’t a large pool.  Expect to find yourself in a busy area when your itinerary has days at sea.

 

Norwegian Cruise Lines is a great choice for guests looking for a freestyle cruising style.  With no set dining times, unless you want there to be, you truly get to cruise your style.  Your next adventure awaits on this award winning ship, currently doing 7 night cruises from Miami.  Come on board.

 

Here is a link to a short still picture video we created after the ship tour.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3QpIc9GICw