Norwegian Cruise Line's largest ship will sail the Western Mediterranean, debuting a new entertainment offering and including itineraries to the Canary Islands and Morocco during the winter season
Norwegian Cruise Line's largest ship arrived in Barcelona this morning to begin another season of 7-night Mediterranean cruises through November 22, 2015. The award-winning Norwegian Epic will feature new entertainment offerings from its new annual homeport, debuting throughout 2015. Two new Broadway shows will be the main attractions: Burn the Floor and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, beginning in October. The ship will also feature a new British pop music entertainment experience, The Cavern Club, bringing the atmosphere of the legendary Liverpool venue world-famous for Beatles performances to the ship. To celebrate the ship's return to Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line has released a 20-page brochure dedicated to the Norwegian Epic, available online and in print, highlighting the ship's features and all its itineraries.
“We are thrilled to bring the Norwegian Epic back to Europe. With its innovative accommodations and extensive dining, spa, and leisure activities, it is undoubtedly the best ship for sailing the Mediterranean and beyond, both summer and winter,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “This new lineup of world-class entertainment will further elevate the vacation experience, giving guests more options to create their perfect cruise vacation.”
The Broadway sensation Burn the Floor, which received rave reviews on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, brings the sensuality and passion of ballroom dancing to the Norwegian Epic with an exciting new show specifically designed for European passengers. Based on the Oscar-winning film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – The Musical, it’s a heartwarming and inspirational comedy about the adventures of three friends who board a beat-up old bus in search of love and friendship, and features a selection of dance hits, including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” The musical will debut on the October 18, 2015, sailing, along with a new entertainment offering made possible through an exclusive collaboration with the owners of The Cavern Club in Liverpool, bringing passengers the music of The Beatles along with other international artists.
From May 3 to November 22, 2015, the Norwegian Epic will sail 7-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome), with itineraries including stops in Naples (Pompeii), Italy; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy; Cannes, France; and Palma de Mallorca, Spain. During the winter season, from November 29, 2015, to April 7, 2016, the Norwegian Epic will offer 10-night itineraries to Morocco, the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Málaga (Granada), as well as 10-, 11-, and 12-night cruises in the Western Mediterranean with stops in Sardinia, Sicily, and Mallorca, among other destinations.
In addition, the Norwegian Epic will sail two cruises to and from Southampton, England in 2015, marking the ship's first visit to this port since its inaugural ceremony in June 2010. The first cruise, a six-night voyage departing Barcelona on September 20, 2015, and arriving in Southampton on September 26, 2015, will call at Cartagena, Spain; Málaga (Granada), Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal. After a 22-day dry dock period in France, the Norwegian Epic will embark on a seven-night cruise around the Iberian Peninsula, from Southampton to Barcelona, departing on October 18, 2015. On this itinerary, the ship will call at the ports of Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Málaga (Granada), Spain; and Cartagena, Spain.
Passengers who want to celebrate Christmas 2015 aboard the Norwegian Epic can do so on a 9-night cruise to the Canary Islands and Morocco departing on December 19, 2015, and those who want to spend New Year's on board can book their six-night cruise from Barcelona departing on December 28, 2015.
About the Norwegian Epic
During their days cruising around Europe, guests will be able to see why the Norwegian Epic has been recognized as the “Best Day Cruise Ship” by Cruise Critic, as it has a wide range of recreational activities, from a large water park with three slides, a rappelling wall, a rock climbing wall, and bowling alleys to the incredible Mandara Spa, one of the largest spas at sea.
Food lovers will also be delighted aboard the Norwegian Epic with its more than 20 dining options. Meat lovers will enjoy the finest cuts of meat, including Certified Angus Beef at Cagney's, the ship's steakhouse. The Moderno Churrascaria, Norwegian's Brazilian restaurant, offers the opportunity to sample succulent grilled and roasted meats served tableside, along with an extensive salad bar. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Epic's Noodle Bar features a counter surrounding an open kitchen where traditional Asian noodles, wok dishes, and dim sum are prepared. For those who prefer American fare and comfort, O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill is the perfect spot. Other dining options include Teppanyaki, a Japanese hibachi-style restaurant; the Sushi Bar; the Garden Café, the ship's classic buffet; and The Manhattan Room, an elegant main restaurant. La Cucina, Norwegian's Italian restaurant, or Le Bistro, the cruise line's French restaurant. And if that weren't enough, the Norwegian Epic also boasts a wide variety of bars and lounges, including the SVEDKA/Inniskillin Ice Bar, which was the first authentic ice bar at sea.
In terms of accommodations, the Norwegian Epic also offers a wide range of innovative options to suit all tastes and budgets. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, the ship offers The Haven by Norwegian, an exclusive complex of 60 suites and villas located on two private decks at the top of the ship, creating a "ship within a ship." The Norwegian Epic was the first cruise ship to offer award-winning studios, designed for solo travelers, providing the opportunity for an individual cruise through Europe. In addition, the Norwegian Epic also features a wide variety of comfortable balcony and interior staterooms, as well as family accommodations including multi-room suites, connecting staterooms, and two-bedroom family suites.
