Norwegian Epic: Sneak Peek At What's Onboard

Norwegian Epic is NCL's newest and most innovative ship and she's launching July 2010. I for one can't wait to get onboard. As a big fan of their Freestyle Cruising (freedom to do what you want, when you want), I can only imagine the amount of fabulous freedom I'll have onboard this next generation of ships.

I did get a sneak preview of some of the entertainment and innovative venues that will be onboard Norwegian Epic just a few weeks ago when NCL put on an EPIC party in Miami to give us a taste of the great things to come...

Legends in Concert will be one of the entertainment groups performing for NCL guests. In case you've been living in a cardboard box, Legends is the world's greatest live tribute show and has been in Vegas for the last 25 years! You can also find them in Branson and Mrytle Beach. The evening of the EPIC party, we got to see Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson and Elvis perform 'live.' And let me tell you, everyone was on their feet. These guys (and beautiful gal) were AMAZING! It was so much fun and holy cow, they really are the spittin' image of whom they portray.

In addition to Legends in Concert, guest of Norwegian Epic can also see Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams™ and Dinner and The Second City comedy act. Oh, and don't forget Howl at the Moon - the ultra fun dueling piano bar where half the fun is the audience participation.

Not cool enough for you? Norwegian Epic will also have the only real ICE BAR at sea. I'm talking a bar where you have to don the parka and closed toed shoes - and you drink out of ice cups. Can I tell you? Drinking an apple martini out of glass made of ice, was  s m o o t h ! ! ! And although you can't hang out for very long, while you're there, it's a blast. And the photos for the folks back home will definitely be priceless.

Norwegian Epic is also going to have 11 complimentary dining options and if I've counted right, nine specialty dining options. I for one don't mind the surcharge for the specialty dining as I've had fantastic meals at each location that I've tried but my favorite thus far is Le Bistro, their French inspired restaurant. LOVE it.

I could write a book about the fabulousness of Norwegian Epic but for now, I'll just send you to NCL's EPIC blog. Stay tuned for more news, and I'll see you onboard in July!

Norwegian Sky: Pampering in the Owner's Suite

My three nieces, Christine, Kaitlyn, and Christine, are all having banner birthdays this year, so being the cruising aunt that I am, I invited them to cruise aboard Norwegian Sky for a two-night cruise. Now, normally, Norwegian Sky offers only 3- and 4-day sailings, but the ship was just privately chartered for five days and had two days to spare until her next Bahamas cruise. Lucky us!

I had booked a Penthouse Suite (since it was only 2-days, it was affordable), and then two days before the sail date, I got a call from NCL asking if I was interested in an upgrade to the Owner's Suite. I couldn't pull my credit card out fast enough. SCORE!

VIP is the name of the game when you book these suites (and you should see these rooms onboard some of their newer ships like Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel - and I can't wait to see them on the brand new Norwegian Epic, debuting this summer).

Ok, back to the goodies - VIP escort to your room. Butler service (ours was Jeffrey and he rocked!). Canapes delivered daily. Two bathrooms. Private hot tub on your private balcony. Liquor bottles. Concierge service to make your dinner and show reservations. VIP tender access. VIP disembarkation. And this is the short list.

The only downfall, I'm spoiled now. I mean, how can I go back to a normal stateroom, whether it's a oceanview or a balcony (forget inside!), after I've seen the light of my own Lavassa Espresso maker glowing in the dark?

I have to tell you, I've sailed NCL many times. At this point, I'm a Silver Latitudes member (their rewards program for past guests) and the reason I sail them is because I love the entire Freestyle Cruising concept. But NCL is no stranger to innovation. After all, they were the first cruise line to start sailing to the Caribbean in the 1960s. I love them.

Our favorite restaurant was Le Bistro, the French-inspired specialty restaurant, where everyone enjoys an oceanview. The cuisine was delightful. My niece, Samantha, the vegetarian, was thrilled with her entrees at each of the restaurants we tried. Kaitlyn was daring and tried escargot for the first time - she thinks it was her favorite dish on the entire cruise.

And of course, we had to do some girl bonding in the Mandara onboard spa. Hot stone massages for everyone! What better way to spend my annual company bonus, right? I agree.

For shorter cruises, long on luxury, get on board Norwegian Sky. Depart Miami for 3 or 4 days - and if you can, get that Owner's Suite! On second thought, don't! I want it all to myself!