Norwegian Cruise Line's second-largest ship has returned to service with new attractions including the Broadway musical "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," the new entertainment space "The Cavern Club," a library, and modernized public areas
The Norwegian Epic welcomed passengers back on Monday, October 19, after three weeks in dry dock, where the ship underwent numerous upgrades, including improvements to its entertainment, dining, and technical operations. These upgrades coincide with the ship's preparations for its winter season, during which it will sail from Barcelona through the Mediterranean and to the Canary Islands, followed by its summer cruises from Barcelona through the Western Mediterranean. After the summer season, it will return to its new winter homeport of Port Canaveral in the fall of 2016.
The Norwegian Epic now features a new entertainment venue, The Cavern Club, bringing the atmosphere of the legendary Liverpool club world-famous for Beatles performances to the ship. Joining the sensational Broadway show Burn the Floor , which debuted on the Norwegian Epic earlier this year, is a second Broadway show, Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical. Based on the Oscar-winning film, 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 end up finding far more than they could ever have imagined. The Tony Award-winning musical uses more than 500 award-winning costumes, 200 extraordinary headpieces, and a selection of dance hits, including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.”
Some of the dining improvements aboard the Norwegian Epic include extensive renovations of the specialty restaurants Moderno Churrascaria, Cagney's, La Cucina, and Le Bistro, as well as the cruise-priced restaurants Garden Café, Manhattan Room, and Taste. Many of the dining spaces were given a fresher look with new carpeting, reupholstered furniture, new décor, and more.
The Norwegian Epic has also been equipped with a new photo gallery, library, and card room. Guests looking for a fun adventure can start by playing the new SplashGolf™, located in the children's water park. This new attraction combines two fun elements—water and mini-golf—transforming them into something entirely new: an interactive water game that appeals to guests of all ages and promises even more family fun. A number of renovations and upgrades have also been made to the Mandara Spa, the Bliss Ultra Lounge, the Market Place at the pool deck, the theater, the casino, and the exclusive suite complex, The Haven, including changes to the lighting, artwork, wall decor, furnishings, and more.
“The Norwegian Epic’s extended stay in dry dock has given us the opportunity not only to enhance the ship’s public spaces, but also to add significant new features, including the Tony Award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the new entertainment space The Cavern Club, and new activities such as SplashGolf,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We continue to invest heavily in our current fleet to ensure guests have a consistent experience across all our Norwegian Cruise Line ships and the freedom and flexibility to create their ideal cruise vacation,” he concluded.
Several technical upgrades were also carried out during the dry dock. The ship received a new pair of Becker rudders, along with more efficient propulsion propeller cowlings and a state-of-the-art silicone hull paint. Further technical and safety improvements include: upgrades to the lifeboat and launch release systems; maintenance work on the propellers and stabilizers; replacement of the bilge and ballast piping; and improved cooling systems.
