In another first, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced exclusive partnerships with Swedish vodka brand Svedka and Canada’s Inniskillin ice wine introducing them on board its largest and most innovative ship, Norwegian Epic.

As part of the partnership, Norwegian Epic’s unique frozen bar which cooled over 2,000 guests at the ship’s UK inaugural event in Southampton last week will be named the Svedka Ice Bar - featuring specialty Svedka and Inniskillin ice wine drinks.

Inspired by Scandinavia’s ice bars and ice hotels, the cruise industry’s first true ice bar which was made using 1,585 gallons of water is set in changing hues of blue, green and purple LED lighting that simulates the Northern Lights to create a distinctive arctic atmosphere. The Svedka Ice Bar features a bar, walls, tables, stools, glasses and life-size sculptures all made from ice. Guests are given hooded coats and gloves to keep them warm as the room’s temperature does not rise above -8 degrees Celsius.

The Svedka Ice Bar accommodates 25 people and can be reserved from 5:30 p.m-10:30 p.m. nightly for $20 per person which includes two signature cocktails. There are six specialty drinks made from Svedka vodka and Inniskillin ice wine including:
- Polaris: Svedka Citron, Inniskillin ice wine, and lemon/lime soda;
- Cobalt Blue: Inniskillin ice wine, Svedka vodka and Blue Curacao;
- Nordic Apple Juice: Svedka vodka, Sour Apple Schnapps, Midori and a splash of fresh sour;
- Caribbean Dreams: Svedka Citron, Triple Sec and lemon juice;
- Sunburst Yellow: Svedka vodka, peach liquor and orange juice; and
- Northern Lights: Svedka Citron, Cointreau and Blue Curacao.

In case children want to partake in some chilling fun, there are also two non-alcoholic drinks, the Strawberry Eskimo Kiss made of strawberry puree, pineapple juice and lemon juice and the Creamsickle, with orange juice, vanilla ice cream and milk - all served in specially-created glasses made entirely of ice.

Following her successful UK inaugural, Norwegian Epic's christening will take place on 2 July in New York, with country and western entertainer Reba McEntire as godmother. To register to watch via weblink click here - the event will take place at 7pm UK time. Norwegian Epic will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on 4 July.

Norwegian Epic will then begin sailing alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami from 10 July through to 30 April, 2011. Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 2011 cruise season from May-October will have Norwegian Epic sailing a series of seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. When she returns to Miami on 5 November, 2011, she will sail a series of seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises through to 7 April, 2012.