One of our Senior Travel Consultants, Elizabeth, was lucky enough to first-hand familiarise herself with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ship – Epic in the end of April 2018 with a few other travel agents. She was thoroughly amazed by this ship and is looking forward to discussing what NCL has to offer Carefree Travel’s clients.
Elizabeth’s Recommendations & Highlights:
- Best Overall Tip?
Get on the ship early; it’ll be easier to find your bearings before it gets too busy.
- Best Café/Restaurant on-board?
I thoroughly enjoyed the Teppanyaki restaurant. Teppanyaki is Norwegian Cruise Line’s delicious, gut-busting hibachi-style Japanese restaurant, where diners sit around a large flat-surface griddle while a trained chef puts on a show — juggling utensils and tossing food — all while cooking dinner in front of you.
- Your favourite ship feature?
The Ice Bar; they had a lovely drink called Inniskillen, which I thought was quite potent but lovely. Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, The SVEDKA Ice Bar is one of only 14 in the world and the only true ice bar at sea.
- How would you describe the cabins?
I stayed in a studio cabin as single occupancy – it was compact but more than adequate. The studio cabins are designed and priced just right for solo travellers. Studios feature a full-size bed, separate bath area and access to the private Studio Lounge.
- Why would you advise this ship to first-time cruisers?
This ship suits a good mixture of age groups; there will definitely be something on-board that will interest and appeal to any age. The dress code is also very casual; which creates a chilled out and relaxed atmosphere on-board.
- Tips for cruising as a family?
The waterslides are fantastic and they have great kids clubs. Norwegian Epic’s Aqua Park has the only tube and bowl water slide at sea. The ship also has a rappelling wall and a three-lane bowling alley. For the children they have a wide range of clubs to suit all ages; recess kids club, splash academy, under 2 Zoo, Entourage (teen club). They also have a video arcade and ten pin family bowling.
- Tips for booking excursions?
The cruise company offers a good choice of excursions but can be pricey enough. While in Naples, we took the local catamaran from beside the port to Sorrento – this was a great experience.
- Tips for dining/meal times?
On-board there are a great choice of restaurants; even without paying the cover charge for speciality dining.
- How would you describe the nightlife/entertainment?
I thought the nightlife was very lively and varied, they had great evening shows and the nightclubs were always busy.
- Tips for the spa/leisure facilities?
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to experience the spa/leisure facilities first hand during my time on-board the ship. Their spa, Mandara Spa, was voted world’s Best Cruise Spa by World Spa Awards. When you want some ‘me’ time you could try their hot-stone massage or choose something else from their list of over 50 speciality treatments. At their on-board spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let the pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.
My Cruise Itinerary:
29th April – Barcelona – Embark Ship – Highlights: Cathedral, Ramblas, Picasso Gallery
30th April – At Sea
01st May – Naples, Italy – Highlights: City, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri
02nd May – Civitavecchia, Italy – Highlights: Rome, Vatican, Ostia Antica, Tarquinia
03rd May – Livorno, Italy – Highlights: Florence, Pisa, Lucca
04th May – Cannes, France – Highlights: French Riviera
05th May – Palma – Majorca, Spain – Highlights: Cathedral, Bellver Castle, Valldemosa, La Granja, beaches
06th May – Barcelona – Disembark Ship – Highlights: Cathedral, Ramblas, Picasso Gallery
Information About The Ship: NORWEGIAN EPIC
Explore the history of the Mediterranean, feel the balmy breezes of the Bahamas and the Caribbean, or just sit back and relax whilst you cruise across the Atlantic. 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 two new Broadway shows: Ballroom Blitz and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
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 traveller, to the private Haven. Add more than 20 different dining options and you’ll understand why this is Freestyle Cruising on a truly grand scale.
CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Award Winning Entertainment – When it comes to the award-winning entertainment on board Norwegian Epic, you won’t believe your eyes or even your ears. Acrobats soar whilst jaws drop during the dazzling performances of Cirque Dreams and Dinner®. Experience the legendary Liverpool venue where the Beatles performed, The Cavern Club. Or laugh along with the new Broadway show, Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Grab a seat, it’s showtime!
Non-Stop Action – Norwegian Epic has taken fun to the next level. Splash down in the multi-slide Aqua Park featuring the largest bowl slide at sea and the new SplashGolf™ interactive water-based game for all age groups. Go rock climbing or shoot some hoops in the two-story Sports Complex. Or break a sweat in our fitness centre complete with a boxercise ring.
Dining – Serving a wide variety of culinary delights to please every palate, their complimentary dining options include two main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. Plus, their Main Dining Rooms offer a menu that changes daily, Chef’s Signature Dishes and carefully selected wine recommendations, guaranteeing a different culinary adventure with every visit.
Speciality Dining – Enjoy a night of gastronomic proportions at one of our many speciality restaurants. Sip your favourite cocktail as you select from choice cuts of Angus beef at Cagney’s Steakhouse. Enjoy delicious pasta made with the freshest ingredients inside our rustic and chic Italian eatery, La Cucina. Or savour French cuisine at Le Bistro. No matter what you choose, our speciality dining options feature the tastes you’ll crave.
Bars & Lounges – With so many bars and lounges to discover, finding your favourite may take a few days. Feel the energy of the pumping music and pulsing walls as you dance till the wee hours at Bliss Ultra Lounge. Chill out, literally, inside the SVEDKA and Inniskillin Ice Bar. Or just belly-up and order a cold one to go at Waves Pool Bar. Whether you’re looking to meet up with friends or make new ones, there’s always an opportunity to mix it up.
Entertainment – When it comes to the entertainment on Norwegian Epic, get ready to experience a show that explodes with jaw-dropping choreography, heart-pounding music and breath-taking moves. Watch the sizzle and passion of ballroom dancing unfold with Ballroom Blitz. Be dazzled by Cirque Dreams & Dinner, featuring world-class acrobats and aerialists. Or let loose at Howl at the Moon, the World’s Greatest Rock N’ Roll Dueling Piano Bar. It’s showtime. All the time.
Activities – From top to bottom and from bow to stern, Norwegian Epic has enough on-board activities to fill every minute of your cruise. Think you’re brave? Visit Aqua Park and feel the exhilaration as you slide down 200 feet on The Epic Plunge – the only bowl slide at sea. Heat up your day or night at Spice H20, their adults-only beach club at the back of the ship. And when all is said and done, enjoy a pamper session at Mandara Spa. With so much to do, we’ll always have you coming back for more.
Spa – When you want some “me” time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 speciality treatments offered. At the on-board spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let their pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services.
On-board Shopping – Forget to pack something? No worries! The gift shops on-board carry everything you’ll need for fun in the sun. Shop from a variety of souvenirs, cosmetics, clothing, snacks and sundry items. Treat yourself at their duty-free shops full of fantastic savings on fine jewellery, accessories, perfume, liquor and tobacco.
STATEROOMS
The Haven – Indulge in luxury and privacy. Modern, spacious suites perfect for the two of you or the whole family. First-class amenities include large balconies, butlers and more.
Mini-Suite – There’s nothing mini about it. Spacious, stylish suites let you unwind with indulgences like fine linens, luxury bath, sliding glass doors and a private balcony.
Spa – The perfect way to experience a total spa holiday. Enjoy a queen-sized circular bed, in-suite hot tub, priority spa access, and premium amenities.
Balcony – See the world unfold right in front of you. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to your own sweeping balcony. Well-appointed and spacious style awaits you back inside.
Studio – Designed and priced just right for solo travellers. Studios feature a full-size bed, separate bath area and access to the private Studio Lounge. No single supplement required.
Inside – Cruise where comfort, style and value blend seamlessly. Smart, sophisticated appointments include a TV, sitting area, and more. Enjoy everything you need.
If you would like to know more about Elizabeth’s first hand experience with Norwegian Epic please do feel free to get in contact with her via email: [email protected], Tel: 028 6632 1155 or call into our office and have a sit down discussion with her.
