Norwegian Epic is a cruise ship of the Norwegian Cruise Line and built under of that line's F3 Project by STX Europe Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. When built it was the third largest cruise ship in the world.

After completion and acceptance, the Epic sailed on Thursday June 24, 2010 from Southampton to New York, arriving at the latter port on July 1. It was the largest cruise ship to dock in New York Passenger Ship Terminal


The Norwegian Epic surpasses the Jewel-class as NCL's largest vessel by almost 60,000 GT. Norwegian Epic represents the "third generation" of Freestyle cruising vessels and its size allows NCL to have a ship that is in the "mega-class" of their competitors at Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Lines, though still 32% smaller by gross tonnage than Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, the world's largest and longest passenger vessels. The ship has 4100 passenger berths, with all outside cabins having balconies. NCL had stated that this ship would have 60% more passenger space than their then largest ships.

Norwegian Epic's Aqua Park' has the only tube and bowl water slide at sea. The ship also has a rappelling wall and two three-lane bowling alleys. It also has a 17-degree ice bar (17°F = -8°C). [Source]


Special facilities

For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs with a fun mix of comedy, theatrics and paint.  The Blue Men create such a party atmosphere that they could easily be the sole reason to choose The Epic. Expect to laugh and interact with this wild bunch. Don’t be surprised if the Blue Man Group makes a mess of the auditorium.

Get splashed at Epic’s Aqua Park. Choose from three multi-story water slides. The first one is specifically designed for the more-timid crowd and zips through the rock-climbing wall. The second slide is for the slightly more adventurous, because it twists and turns down three stories. The most fun is the Epic Plunge. It is the only tube slide at sea that puts the blast of inner-tubing into the core of a bowl slide, with a thrilling 200-foot drop. The Aqua Park also includes two main pools, five hot tubs, a wading pool and a kid’s pool that features sea-life sculptures, water sprays and a slide.

Competitive at heart (and sea)? The Sports Complex has two decks to play on. Join a game of basketball court or dodge ball. Even the climbing wall is breathtaking. At 33-feet high and 64-feet wide, the extreme wall includes a water tube weaving right through the middle and the first-ever rappelling wall at sea.

There’s also a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage they call the Spider Web. Climbing will be easy and fun, especially if you’re racing with another cruise-goer.

In addition to fascinating entertainment, the Norwegian Epic encompasses various novelties including family-friendly accommodations.

Now this truly is as cool as it gets. Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, The SVEDKA Ice Bar is one of only 14 in the world and the only true ice bar at sea.

Duty Free Shopping: When you shop at our onboard boutiques, you'll feel like you've been transported to shopper's heaven. And because all of the products sold on board are Duty-Free, you'll get great savings on favorites like liquor, tobacco products, perfume, and more. From high-end couture and exotic jewelry to beach supplies, like suntan lotion and flip flops, you'll find a wide selection of brand name and specialty goods.

• Largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date
• The Courtyard, the biggest ship-within-a-ship suite complex
• Affordable studio staterooms with shared Living Room
• Spa staterooms and suites
• Innovative three-part bathrooms in every cabin
• Sleek, modern New Wave stateroom design
• Posh, a chic nightclub on the pool deck
• Ice Bar, the first Scandinavian-style ice bar at sea
• Halo, the Über Bar, an exclusive club for Courtyard Villa guests
• H20, a poolside restaurant and nightclub with live entertainment

       etc.

Some highlights