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NCL Freestyle Cruising revealed another industry first for its next generation Freestyle Cruising ship Norwegian Epic – an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea – to be called The Epic Plunge.
The line unveiled seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first abseiling wall at sea.
Norwegian Epic, set for delivery in late-May 2010, will also have the most bowling lanes afloat with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck for guests to engage in eight different sporting activities; as well as three separate kids and teens’ activity areas and the first squash court at sea. In addition, NCL revealed its next generation of Freestyle Dining with 14 restaurant choices – more than any other ship plus 18 bars and lounges.
“From the Aqua Park to the expanded sports deck and largest Kid’s Crew facility, to the most dining outlets at sea, Norwegian Epic is truly taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level by offering our guests so many choices in dining and on-board activities,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s chief executive officer. “Our largest Freestyle Cruising vessel to date represents the culmination of our 43 years of innovation in the cruise industry. Norwegian Epic will delight and amaze our guests.”
NCL’s largest kids and teens’ facility will be easily accessible from the family-friendly staterooms announced last month. Highlights for younger guests include an interactive light up dance floor; WiiTM gaming areas and a private karaoke performance stage which doubles as a cinema.
NCL, the pioneer of Freestyle Dining, is introducing more dining options and making its most popular restaurants even better on board Norwegian Epic, as well as introducing 24-hour room service. New dining options include The Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant art deco supper club and Shanghai’s, serving traditional Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialities.
O’Sheehan’s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill will be the perfect spot for sports fans with its three lanes of bowling, pool tables and dartboards. The atrium’s two-story high screen will be visible from inside the restaurant and additional flat screen televisions will show sporting events.
Firm favourite Cagney’s Steakhouse is back with a twist – the addition of Argentinean churrasco. In addition to mouth-watering steaks, guests will be able to sample a variety of skewered meats presented by tableside passadors
Guests will also recognise other popular NCL dining venues as Norwegian Epic has a much larger Teppanyaki restaurant, Le Bistro, Le Cafe Jardin for casual dining, The Great Outdoors, La Cucina Italian kitchen and Wasabi sushi and sake bar.
High atop the ship in Norwegian Epic’s exclusive villa complex is The Epic Club and Courtyard Grill. The decor reflects a private club and features a large wine display, glass sculptures and pearl drapes.
There is one more Norwegian Epic restaurant and three new bars to be announced at the next reveal in New York City on May 20.
This final announcement will focus on the ship’s innovative entertainment and Norwegian Epic will also go on sale to the general public on that date. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries will be available for booking through April 2011.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
