The Most Unique Accommodations At Sea
What's your pleasure? Deluxe Owner's Suites, Courtyard Villas, Spa Suites, Family Deluxe Balcony, Balconies, Inside? What about Studio accommodations? Yes, Norwegian Epic has those, too. There is actually a group of staterooms for the solo traveler - finally! On the inaugural sailing from Miami, my spouse and I enjoyed a balcony stateroom and we still can't get over the amount of storage available. There are hidden compartments everywhere. In fact, there were so many unique spaces, we didn't even find them all - the bartender at Howl at the Moon (on board) told us to check behind the sofa cushions. We did. I still can't believe the space!
Plus, our balcony stateroom had a unique bathroom design where every area was separate, including the toilet, large shower (with Hansgrogh shower head!), and a vanity sink.
As with all new ship designs, some things appear better in concept than in reality. Namely, the beautiful vanity sink. Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't wash my face without wetting the floor and my feet. OK, I know it's not just me because some of the performers on board were joking about it as well...but hey, the sink looks fantastic! So stylish!
Entertainment Galore
This is not your ordinary cruise ship entertainment, this is The Mecca of cruise ship entertainment.
Blue Man Group
It's those painted blue guys who make a big mess and make you laugh. And now, they're at sea! We loved this show and the audience participation is something you will never forget (we got covered in toilet paper - actually recycled paper). Loved it.
Legends Unplugged
This is the longest running tribute show in entertainment history and now, they're at sea, too! See Michael Jackson, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and others in a cabaret-style musical.
Cirque Dreams and Dinner
"It's the Big Top meets the Moulin Rouge" in this theatrical, acrobatical, suspenseful show AND dinner. I'm glad the ship wasn't rocking because these performers were doing the most incredible balancing acts. You would marvel if you saw this on land, let alone a moving ship. Simply WOW and definitely entertaining.
The Second City Comedy Troupe
Don't go if you have stitches because you'll definitely pop them all out while laughing hysterically. We loved the audience participation and their super fast, think on your feet, improvisational performances. Too funny!
Howl At The Moon
I first fell in love with this bar in Tallahassee (and the manager, Bucky, was cute too). If you've never experienced the World's Greatest Rock N' Roll Dueling Piano Show, you simply must. Audience members choose the songs and these guys can play it, sing it, rock it - and they'll have you singing along, too. That's really the fun part! This is one of those venues where you settle in and the next thing you know it's 1 a.m. And you want to keep singing.
Bars and Lounges
You want bars? Well, this is your ship. I think I counted 18 and I couldn't even visit them all. But I did manage to meaner to a few...hey, I was without kids for two days! Here are a few of my Absolute apple martini favorites:
Ice Bar
There are only 14 true ice bars in the world and now there is one on board Norwegian Epic. Don a parka and breathe in the cold air as you sip your favorite cocktail from glasses formed of real ice. It's quite an experience!
Bliss Ultra Lounge
Three bowling lanes with custom loungers. Need I say more?
O'sheehan's
Is it a coincidence that NCL's CEO has the last name of Sheehan? I don't know but this Irish-named bar and grill that's open 24 hours a day was my spouse's favorite. You'll find TVs, bowling lanes, darts, pool tables, and a menu filled with comfort food.
I can't possibly mention them all in detail but there's also Sake, Shaker's Martini Bar, Spice H2O on the back of ship, a Humidor Cigar Lounge, Fat Cat's Blues Club...ok, my fingers are tired.
Have the Slime of Your Life
I'm talking about Nickelodeon at Sea, of course. And you'll only find it on Norwegian Cruise Line. There are onboard activities, character breakfasts, meet and greets with favorite characters like Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Patrick. Plus, the Nickelodeon Team puts on live shows in the theater where families play very messy game shows - and the winners (yes, winners) get SLIMED (if you don't know what that is, ask your kids)! I'm so glad it wasn't me but it sure was fun to watch.
Recess!
I've always been a huge fan of NCL's Kids Crew and the one on board Norwegian Epic, called Recess, is the largest I've ever seen. They have different areas for little ones, tweens and teens (and every kid in between). Kids Crew programs are available for ages 2-17.
Pool Deck
More firsts here, this ship boasts the only bowl slide at sea. See the photo to see what I mean. Get an innertube and head up the stairs (if you're chicken, walk up the stairs and you'll have a great view of those brave hearts as they're shot into the bowl! You can take photos as they gently swish around before they plummet down the hole (yeah, you gotta see the photos).
Largest Spa at Sea
You may have heard this statement before, but Norwegian Epic can now claim the Largest Spa At Sea - and it's beyond fantastic. Buy the day pass if you're not having a treatment so you can experience pure bliss. You'll find plenty of thermal loungers (those tiled chaise loungers that heat up and relax you in an instant) and a 'multi-treatment' pool that has three different areas to hang out in with lots of bubbles, a thalassostherapy area and even a big artsy waterfall. There's even those tiny pinpoints of multi-colored lights on the ceiling throughout. My blood pressure just dropped ten points thinking about it. And the views from the back of the ship while you're sitting there relaxing (or in the sauna) are just beyond fabulous. This is serious spa-relaxation taken to an entirely new level.
Norwegian Epic is now sailing 7-day cruises from Miami, alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean. I can't wait to embark on this beautiful ship again, next time with my boys. They will love it as much as I did. To book your unforgettable cruise vacation on board Norwegian Epic call NCL at 866-234-7350.
The Ice Bar on board Norwegian Epic (VERY COOL)!
Teppanyaki specialty restaurant chef and entertainer! He rocked!
O'sheehan's 24-hour Pub and Grill
The only bowl-slide at sea on board Norwegian Epic
Kids Crew area on board Norwegian Epic
More of the enormous Kids Crew area on board
A small part of the Mandara Spa Relaxation Area
Multi-treatment pool with waterfalls (loved it)
Thermal loungers in the Mandara Spa (aahhhh)
Nickelodeon stage show on board Norwegian Epic
(Families competing to put on as many pairs of undies as they could before the buzzer!)
Getting SLIMED (and they were the winners)! Good sports!
Our Balcony Stateroom on board Norwegian Epic
The infamous (but stylish!) vanity sink in our stateroom
Interior shot from a walkway (you can see the casino area on the deck below)
