BIG SHIP CRUISING
An Entertainment Extravaganza
If many people will focus on the vast choice elsewhere, it is possibly the evening entertainment that really puts the ‘epic’ in this ship. In keeping with the Freestyle concept, Norwegian have gradually been refining how they present the night-time fun and games. With their flagship, they opted for a radical overhaul. Gone are the traditional two-seating
stage shows that often offer just a tired old version of the song-and-dance act, the kind of thing that was ho-hum in the 1970s. Out also is the typical ship band that has to turn its hand to a variety of formats without ever being suited at any of them. Now, aboard Norwegian Epic, we have
five genuine headline acts that would all command a significant fee on land. Here,
Activity Central After dining, Norwegian Epic’s biggest range of choice comes with its daytime activities, guaranteed to appeal to those who like to be busy on holiday – although there are still plenty of chill-out opportuni- ties for the exact opposite, from the huge Mandara Spa to the quiet deck space forward on Deck 18 that not many people seem to find. The main pool deck features an exten-
sive Aqua Park with three separate body slides, including a bowl flume that has a great final splashdown, and a separate Kids Aqua Park for the little ’uns. There are two pools and all manner of squirt foun- tains and other watery fun, making this a major focal point for families. Couples have their own area right aft,
the terraced Spice H2O section, with no children allowed. It has its own bar and buffet, a plunge pool and the giant video screen that offers ‘Dive-In Movies’ at night. Of course, there is the obligatory Video
Arcade, a double-aspect Rock-Climbing Wall, two three-lane Bowling Alleys, traditional Shuffleboard and Deck Quoits, a Jogging Track, Sports Court and Pulse Fitness Center. Need a shave or haircut? Head to the
The Barber Shop. Or you can check your email at the Internet Café, enjoy films on the giant video screen in the Atrium, try your hand at auctions in the Art Gallery or just indulge in some retail therapy at one of the six outlets in the Tradewinds shopping area. Once again, it all adds up to a superb line-up of options to ensure no-one will ever be bored aboard.
A SHIP WITHIN A SHIP
Norwegian have been one of cruising’s biggest innovators over the years and were the first to re-introduce the notion of first-class travel at sea. With THE HAVEN area of Norwegian Epic, they have a true deluxe, small-ship choice within the main body of the vessel. Acting like a concierge level of service, accommodation and experience, the 75 suites and villas benefit from 24-hour butlers, concierge desk (ideal for booking dining, shows and shore excursions), VIP access to the shows, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and private in-suite dining. Occupying the top three decks forward, the Haven has its own secluded
Courtyard and pool deck; a gym, sauna and steam room; two Spa treatment rooms; a private lounge; the Epic Club restaurant; exclusive deck space, complete with Balinese-style sun-loungers, hammocks and hot tubs; and the POSH Club, a separate outdoor bar and lounge. The accommodations are the most sumptuous in the fleet, from swish balcony suites to massive, three-bedroom Garden Villas with just about every mod con you can think of. The one disadvantage? The Haven is quick to sell out on just about every cruise, hence you need to consider this well in advance. The whole area also comes with a level of refined calm you would normally find only on the small, luxury vessels, offering the exclusivity of small-ship style with big-ship choice.
Spring 2012 I WORLD OF CRUISING
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