The Norwegian Epic

The Norwegian Epic has arrived in Miami! She made her way across the Atlantic June 24 following short preview season in Europe. Country music star Reba McIntire, the Epic’s official godmother, christened her new godchild on July 3. Then, in addition to the usual fanfare and inaugural celebrations, the Epic served as host venue for the grand Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks event in New York. Did you watch? I confess I’m a fireworks snob and can’t get too much out of much less than what the big guys produce. This was quite a show! At the conclusion of this one, we switched over to the Boston Pops fireworks display and always enjoy it, too, both for the excellent choreography and to relive my family’s experience of attending the event when John Williams conducted the Pops back in the 80s.

Anyway, back to the Epic. She made her way down to Miami, arriving at Bicentennial Park July 7 for more inaugural events and her maiden Eastern Caribbean voyage which departed today from Miami. For passengers wanting longer voyages, the ship offers back-to-back Eastern/Western Caribbean sailings giving both sets of popular ports of call and much more time to enjoy the ship. Check out NCL's videos of the ship, her features, and inaugural events.

Reviews have been pretty darn good. Although Ben and I have been unable to attend the inaugural sailings, our agent colleagues and passengers alike have posted comments. The entertainment slat—from Blue Man Group to Legends at Sea, Second City, Howl at the Moon, and the Slam Allen Blues Band in “Fat Cats”—get thumbs up in almost every review I’ve read. NCL has pulled out the stops in this regard.

NCL excels when it comes to suites, and those on the Epic are nothing short of amazing. Standard and balcony cabins take some getting used to, however, because of the layout and a modified bathroom configuration. Innovation always brings challenges! Single cruisers have not been disappointed with the studio staterooms, though, which are smaller with a shared living area and come without a single supplement—a real financial plus.

Has all of this chatter gotten your attention? Our agency offers excellent extra value-adds on for sailings 8/28/10 and 5/7/11. You can be one of the first guests aboard the Epic and receive up to $150 per cabin onboard credit, as well as a reduced deposit. On Western Caribbean itineraries, you’ll visit Costa Maya, Roatan & Cozumel; going East, you’ll hit St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau. Rates begin at $659 (Eastern) for an inside cabin. Balcony upgrades are available, too!  Please call us for details.