Norwegian Epic Review: "So What's In a Name?"

"So what's in a name?" I ponder this as I reflect on my most recent cruise during the week of October 16th on Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the Epic, and "Epic" she is. Webster's definition: "grand and noble" most definitely comes to mind when stepping onboard. The first dazzling sight to greet you upon entry is the behemoth of a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and spanning several floors. As lights bounce off the crystals, this show of elegance sets the stage for a week on a ship that delights all the senses.

Innovative has been the word most often used to describe NCL's largest ship. Innovative in design, and in my opinion, most innovative in entertainment. This is the area where the Epic is making a huge splash! NCL is known for their freestyle cruising which means you don't have a traditional dining and show time. Instead you're free to dine when and where you want, either in the traditional dining room or in one of many specialty restaurants. Our two favorites were Le Bistro, French Cuisine in a romantic setting, and Teppanyaki, the Japanese Grill. Delicious! Now, hear a word of warning, freestyle still requires some advanced planning. You'll need to make reservations at some of the specialty restaurants in order to secure your spot. Although we were able to walk in on one lucky occasion. You'll also need reservations for the hit entertainers, Blue Man Group and Second City Improv. As you can imagine from the sound of the line up, the entertainment is some of the most modern I've seen on a cruise ship. Blue Man Group had the crowd laughing from start to finish. If you've ever had a hankering to participate in a murder mystery show, they put on a murder mystery luncheon that's interactive and a lot of fun. The Ice Bar is a novel idea that everyone seems to feel obligated to visit. It was so blasted cold in there I was ready to leave after just 10 minutes! The things we do to have fun while on a cruise. Sit on a block of ice in subfreezing temperatures and drink from an ice-glass. For those of you watching your onboard bill, some of the liveliest entertainment did not require an additional charge. The dueling piano act in one of the bars drew a huge crowd every night with the talented young players taking requests from the audience and amazing everyone with their abilities. If Jazz & Blues is more your style, an excellent band entertained a slightly more mature crowd. Sports enthusiasts and children playing Wii were enthralled by the two story movie screen in the Atrium. Of course, as is to be expected on any cruise ship, the disco was hopping every night, and all the usual newlywed games were to be found.

We were in the Caribbean, so let's not forget about fun in the sun. The aqua park entertained everyone no matter what their age. I even conquered the water slides one afternoon. Hint here: lines weren't bad at all immediately after returning from a port. The children are sure to love the fact that they just might see someone get slimed with all the Nickelodeon activity onboard the ship. And if you have a picky eater, this is a ship where pizza is delivered anytime anywhere.

Personally, I'll have to give one of my highest marks to the spa. I was determined to win something at their raffle, and by some miracle, I won a facial. Always try to attend the sail-away tour of the spa on that first day. Not many people make it to these, so it greatly increases your chances of winning. The spa facilities are gorgeous, and the therapist I was assigned was the best I've had on a cruise. The fitness center was immense with all the equipment you could possibly need to burn off those extra calories you're picking up eating at the buffet.

The cabins on this ship are quite different than those you'll find elsewhere. Looking at cabin and deck lay-outs before you book will really pay off on this ship when considering noise or space. If you're really tall, be sure to choose wisely. Anyone over 5'9" has a tendency to hang off the end of the bed and in some room configurations, there isn't a lot of room between bed and bureau. The bathroom design has received a lot of attention, but I found them to be uniquely efficient with their separate rooms for showers.

The Epic holds 4100 guests and is 155,873 gross tons. At that size, I never felt any motion. We were onboard with a large group of 823 fellow travel franchisees, vendors and travel industry media, the largest group the Epic has accommodated. All group events went smooth as glass. I was sure to ask vacationers what they thought of the ship every chance I got. Everyone I encountered gave her rave reviews. She'll be in the Caribbean until April 2011. After that, you'll have to fly across the ocean and join her on a European itinerary.