THE SINGLE LIFE
When it came to the Epic, Norwegian re-evaluated almost every aspect of the traditional cruise experience and decided they could do more for single travelers. This gave rise to a unique section of the ship – the STUDIOS and LOUNGE, an array of single occupancy cabins with their own private bar and meeting space. This innovative idea provides an array of fairly futuristic inside cabins for solo cruisers, complete with faux windows and mood lighting, that have proved incredibly popular. In their own self-contained area, connected by a staircase and the Studio Lounge, they are fairly compact and don’t have the mini- fridges of other cabins. But they do have vending machines and a coffee station, which all makes for a unique sea-going vibe.
with the exception of the startling and inno- vative Cirque Dreams, the $20-$30-a-head dinner show, all require merely a booking (or that you just turn up five minutes before show-time in some cases). The Epic Theater is home to two of them, alternating throughout the week. Blue Man Group hail originally from New York and now have permanent venues worldwide for their unique brand of man- ic, rock-based music and humour, which varies from childish to outright zany. It is entertainment from the Planet Tharg and is a huge hit with most audiences. Then the theatre is also home to Las
Vegas group Legends In Concert, another music-based show featuring lookalike and sound-alike performers of various ‘legends’ like Elvis, Madonna and Tina Turner. Our cruise featured Steven Tyler (lead singer of Aerosmith) and Lady Gaga, who both went down a storm, even if some older folks were slightly bemused by the latter (a legend? Really?). Alternate show-lounge Headliners also
has two different groups in residence. Second City are the Chicago-based comedy troupe who have been a proving ground for the likes of Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Steve Carell, and their performers offer three contrasting shows, from knock- about family fun to a distinctly adults-only late-night improv performance.
42 WORLD OF CRUISING I Spring 2012
Howl At The Moon is the audience participation opportunity, dueling pianists who hammer out rock ’n roll standards from the past 50 years and get everyone singing along in exaggerated style. They take requests and the Mickey in equal measure but are also darn good musicians who revel in the lively atmosphere – the louder you sing, the better they get! Looking for something different? How about the only Ice Bar at sea, complete with parkas, hats and gloves for every visi- tor to stave off the -10ºC temperature while you sip a frozen libation in its ice-block interior. To complete a packed entertainment quotient, there is the Bliss Lounge for game-shows and late-night dancing; a huge Casino; night-time fun in the Aqua Park and Spice H2O; and a feature performer (like comedy-magician David Williamson) at 11pm some nights in the Epic Theater.
Music, Music Everywhere Finally, the other standout feature is Norwegian Epic’s musical side. From the Caribbean band on the pool deck to the singer-guitarist in Maltings Bar – one of the 16 different venues at which to enjoy a drink – there is an almost non-stop variety of live music.
One hugely imaginative touch is adding a show-band to the Manhattan Room res-
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100