Move Over Oasis?
ByThe new Norwegian Epic is going to challenge Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Allure of the Seas ships not on size but in a number of different ways. At slightly over 150,000 tons and carrying 4100 guests, the Epic is no slouch in the size category. In fact, it is almost 60% larger than the other ships in the NCL fleet and larger than the ships operated by Carnival and Princess. But size is not really the differentiator here. At NCL it’s all about taking the Freestyle Cruise concept up a notch. 20 different dining options are just the start.
For example, there is no “main theatre” on board. Instead, guests will be able to visit a multitude of entertainment venues including the Blue Man group, Legends in Concert, Howl at the Moon and a one-of-a-kind circus and dinner show called Cirque Dreams. A recently announced partnership with Nickelodeon means the kiddies and Sponge Bob lovers of all ages won’t be left out.
The ship will sail on June 24th on a sold out transatlantic crossing to New York and arrive on July 1. There will be a two day cruise for the travel trade and media with christening by Reba McEntire. On July 4th the ship will act as official host for the Macy’s Annual Independence Day fireworks celebration. The Cruise Professor will be on board for that event and I look forward to sending you a live update and a complete report on the entire ship – including the world’s only floating Ice Bar. In the meantime, the cruise experts at www.iCruise.com are ready to start you on your way to your own “Epic’ cruise experience.
To whet your appetite you can view a sneak peak of the ship below. Call www.iCruise.com at (800) 427-8473 for more details.
