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Whatever you choose to do, Norwegian Epic is sure to dazzle. Awarded Best Cruise Ship Entertainment by Frommer’s, Norwegian Epic keeps the bar high with Burn the Floor. Not only is Norwegian Epic offering world-class performers but a new wave of accommodations as well - from Studios, designed and priced for the solo traveler, to privacy in The Haven. Add a wide variety of dining options and you'll understand why this is Freestyle Cruising on a truly grand scale. Balcony cabins in deluxe categories are with curved walls (aka “wave balcony”).
Entertainment
The vessel is exactly 32% smaller by GT in comparison to Royal Caribbean's (and world's) largest Oasis-Class ships. NCL Epic's SplashGolf was designed by Adventure Golf Services (a company specializing in the design and construction of mini-golf courses). The facility was installed in October 2015, during the ship's drydock refurbishment in Brest France. Instead of traditional solid mini-golf balls, SplalshGolf's balls are larger-sized and floating.
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The Spa Balcony and Club Balcony have nearly identical floor plans as the regular balcony cabins but have a more “serene” decor and upgraded bathroom accessories. Most importantly, any stateroom marketed as a “Spa” room has unlimited access to the Thermal Spa Suites (Mandara Spa) included in the cruise fare. (Available on Norwegian Escape, Breakaway Class ships, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Epic) You can see more about the Spa Staterooms on NCLs website. The ship offers two separate main pools (with four hot tubs), a kiddy pool area and a pool for suite guests. Norwegian Epic Spa Mini-Suites with a Balcony can accommodate up to three guests.
Caribbean
Learn how Norwegian Cruise Line takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. If you can get over the layout of the cabins and bathrooms, the rest of the ship is great. In addition to the outdoor activities, there’s an indoor bowling alley, Ice bar, video games, library, casino, theater, nightclub, shopping, and more. There is a downside to the Thermal Suite on the Epic, however. It’s stated that the pass is only sold to a limited number of passengers, but I’ve experienced otherwise, unfortunately. Not much to say about the pool bar, other than it’s convenient when you’re at the pool or in the Garden Cafe for a quick bite.
The current third-largest is Oasis of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, which boasts a maximum occupancy of 6,780 passengers and a gross tonnage of 226,838 GT. In September 2008, a dispute over the price of the first F3 vessel (at the time approximately 25% complete) arose between Norwegian Cruise Line and STX France. Reportedly, the sale of 50% of NCL to Apollo Management in August 2007 resulted in Apollo making several changes to the designs, resulting in a higher cost for the first vessel. A dispute between NCL and STX initially resulted in the construction of both ships being placed on hold until a new agreement was reached. The 2010-built Norwegian Epic cruise ship belongs to a unique vessel class and has no sisters by design. NCL Epic was the fleet's largest vessel until the arrival of the new Breakaway-Plus class ships.
Norwegian Epic cruise ship to sail out of Port Canaveral in late shift from Europe - Florida Today
Norwegian Epic cruise ship to sail out of Port Canaveral in late shift from Europe.
Posted: Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Parents are advised to sign up their children when they board. The kids engage in a variety of activities in the dedicated program areas and throughout the ship. With plenty of activities for guests of all ages, Epic is ideal for families. Children have access to the dedicated clubs and adults will find solitude in the adult-only Spice H2O area.
When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Epic has lively bars like Shaker’s Martini bar and Maltings Sports Bar. One of the most interesting bars is the Ice Bar, where the entry fee includes two complimentary drinks. Guests don insulated capes before venturing into this cool spot. Events, like martini, wine or whiskey tastings, take place at the bars throughout the ship. Complimentary restaurant options consist of three main dining rooms – Manhattan, Taste and Savor.
Cabin Overview
You can also chow down on plenty of Irish comfort foods, including prime rib and all-you-can-eat ribs. Shaker's Martini Bar is the perfect spot to unwind at night with a martini or two. If these aren't enough to keep you busy every night, you'll also find a Teppanyaki restaurant and Wasabi sushi and yakitori bar.
To get your cruise ship planning started, here is a look at some of the exciting activities, dining options, and things to do you'll find on board Norwegian Epic. Norwegian Epic was the first ship to include The Haven when it was built, and it's now more luxurious than ever. Extensive renovations were completed during the recent refurbishment, including redesigned suites and experiences.
Norwegian Epic was planned as the flagship of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic class. Two ships for the class were ordered in November 2006 (including Norwegian Epic), with the option for a third vessel from the same shipyard, STX Europe Chantiers de l’Atlantique. New evening entertainment options are also introduced at the ship’s theatre (deck 5). Among those are the musical “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” and the Broadway-style dance show “Burn the Floor”. Studio passengers enjoy exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (indoor relaxation and dining venue). If it's live music you're after, consider stopping by Howl at the Moon.
Before you experience “Freestyle Cruising” with Norwegian check out this photo gallery which features many of their ships, specialty dining options and innovative staterooms. See our 360-degree photos of the large balcony cabins on the Epic. Because of the ship layout and strange angles of the exterior, you will end up (usually) with a balcony that may be 50% larger but not as enjoyable. For one, you end up looking into the neighbor’s balcony/cabin when stepping out to the railing. So the reality is there is no benefit to the larger balcony staterooms on the Epic. The Spice H20 lounge is outside as well, and is adults-only, with its own pool and two hot tubs.
With so much going on, Norwegian Epic is a cruise ship with broad appeal. The ship was one of the first at sea to be referred to as Las Vegas-esque and it's no wonder. Since May 2015, the Norwegian Cruise Line charges US$7,95 for room service dining. This is an extra service charge implemented fleetwide (including on the NCL Epic ship). Passengers exempted from the new (uncommon for the industry) room service fee are only the occupants of “The Haven” suites. Still, as an exception, all passengers can order (for free) their room-service morning coffee and Continental Breakfast.
Cruisers always have the option of dressing up or not and for some, a cruise is the perfect time to dress-up. The full gamut of appropriate styles will be seen in the more formal dining rooms on the ship. Norwegian’s Night Out is one of the optional nights for dressing up and the White Party is another popular event to wear all white – or not! Mandara Spa offers a variety of services including acupuncture and medi-spa services. The spa is pleasant with treatment rooms, a beauty salon and a thermal spa area. Guests not staying in a Spa category cabin will need to pay an additional charge to make use of the thermal spa area.
Again, however, on a recent cruise, there were more misses than normal, especially in specialty dining. I believe this is temporary due to all of the supply chain issues. After a planned Transatlantic in December 2022 on the Epic, I’ll confirm if the dining has improved. Pools, a waterslide, an aqua park, a rock climbing wall, and huge sun decks are among the many things to do on the Epic. The Family staterooms are simply rooms that are closer to activities for children and many are connected rooms. The biggest change for the NCL Epic in 2024 is the cancellation of the Pricilla Queen of The Desert theater show.
