Launching this summer, Norwegian Epic will offer many firsts at sea

When it launches this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic will offer many unique features for a cruise ship. Among the firsts at sea are 21 dining options, the Blue Man Group, an ice bar and the largest spa at sea.

By Matt Roseboom

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is getting ready to launch their largest and most innovative ship ever this summer. For the past year NCL has regularly been releasing new information about the Norwegian Epic. Here are some of the newest announcements.

Many Dining Options
Every cruiser expects there to be no shortage of food. Epic is no exception, but what’s different about their offerings is the number of places you can get your fill. Epic passengers can select from a variety of cuisines, dining styles and atmospheres with a total of 21 dining options. Of those, 11 are complementary.
Free dining can be found in the Manhattan Room, which is reminiscent of an elegant supper club with music, dancing and entertainment; O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill; and Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine in an adults-only complex. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available.
For a nominal fee ranging from $10 to $25, plus a la carte, guests can choose steak, Italian, Chinese, French, sushi or Japanese at a variety of venues.

Largest Spa at Sea
With more than 31,000 square feet, the Epic’s Mandara Spa and fitness center will be the largest on a cruise ship. It will feature 24 treatment rooms, two private couple’s villas, two steam Rasul rooms, a DIY Scrub Experience, a Hydrotherapy Courtyard and Thermal Suite, full-service salon and a barber shop.
More than 50 treatments will be offered including Elemis facials, massages, body therapies, bliss face and body treatments and acupuncture along with cosmetic medical treatments performed by a licensed doctor. Kids and teens can also choose from a selection of kid-friendly spa services.
The fitness room will have 37 treadmills and 18 cross trainers, weight equipment, free weights, stretching areas and four distinct aerobic studios. Group classes such as TRX and kettlebell training, yoga, pilates, group cycling and body sculpting boot camp will also be offered.

And More
– Their first time at sea, the Blue Man Group will bring their comedy, theatrics and colorful paints to the Epic.
– Mixing food and fun, Cirque Dreams and Dinner will bring music, mayhem and acrobatics onboard. (A $15 per person fee applies.)
– Improv comedy at its best will be performed by The Second City Comedy Troupe.
– You’ll wanna dress warm for the first Ice Bar at sea, as it’s a cold 17 degrees inside.
– Nickelodeon will offer character meet and greets, interactive game shows and more for the kids.
– Kids and adults alike can have a blast in Epic’s Aqua Park featuring the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea.
– Adventurers will want to try out the 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea.
– Two different venues will offer bowling for a total of six lanes.

Epic will begin sailing out of Miami in June. She’ll sail alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises until May 2011 when she’ll head to Europe and sail out of Barcelona.