Will Walsh, one of Click&Go’s cruise experts, recently returned from a fun-filled 3-night trip onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s magnificent Norwegian Epic. Modelled on the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, the stand-out features onboard include The Fat Cats Jazz Bar, the Frozen Svedka Ice Bar, an Aqua Park and renowned Las Vegas shows, such as the Blue Man Group.
Will was transferred directly from the airport to the port in Rome, where he checked in his bags in the same manner that you check in for a flight. He collected his Sea Pass in exchange for either his credit card details or cash – this acted as his room key for the duration of the trip. He was also able to use it like a debit card to pay for things on the ship. After unpacking, Will headed to the pool area on deck 15, where he enjoyed a superb outdoor buffet, with juices, ice water, tea and coffee all included. He suggested, “If you’re fond of a few tipples, it’s a great option to avail of the ultimate drinks package, as a bottle of wine is about $30, while a vodka and coke is $9”.
On his first night onboard, Will dined in Taste Restaurant – the freestyle dining option meant that there was no set time for dinner. He remarked how easy it was to stick to your own schedule – “You can rock up anytime between 5 and 10pm, and if there isn’t a free table, the staff will give you a buzzer. You go off and have an aperitif until your space is ready”. The buffet style dining catered for all tastes, with everything from meat, fish and vegetarian options on offer.
After dinner, Will headed to the Headliners Comedy Club – a cosy venue for some belly-laughs at sea. The two resident comedians give roughly 12 shows per week, with a kid-friendly performance in the early evening, followed by an adult-only show later that night.
To round off the evening, Will danced the night away at Bliss Ultra Lounge Nightclub, which literally stays open until the last person leaves. Featured on the Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl, this luxurious Las Vegas-style nightclub is back by popular demand. Featuring its iconic bowling alley at sea – Bliss is the ultimate venue for daytime entertainment. At night, it’s transformed into a high-energy space with plasma screens playing the latest dance videos, shadow-dancers shimmying for the crowd and booming music all night long.
On the second day, the ship set sail for Livorno – along the west coast of Tuscany in Italy. Each morning a programme was delivered to Will’s room, containing a full list of all the activities on the ship from exercise classes and sports to around-the clock entertainment.There were dozens of things going on all over the ship at any given time! Will decided to head to the Aqua Park for some wet ‘n’ wild fun on the water slides, including the Epic Plunge ride.
After a delicious buffet lunch, Will opted for a little luxury, chilling out at the Champagne Bar. With over 22 bars and lounges onboard, you can let loose in a different venue every night – each with a unique vibe!
For dinner, Moderno’s Brazilian Steakhouse proved to be a carnivore’s dream. From juicy steaks and sticky ribs – it was a meat-lover’s idea of heaven. When Will’s portion was running low, a waiter stepped in and refilled his plate with no extra charge. When he couldn’t possibly eat anymore, he flipped the tag on his table from green to red – “Probably a good idea if you’re so full you can’t speak”, he chuckled.
As the Norwegian Epic is based on Sin City – a glitzy Las Vegas-style show had to be on the cards. Will was wowed by Legends in Concert – with superb tribute artists who change every four months. The show paid homage to some of the world’s greatest superstars, like Shakira, Diana Ross and Prince.
On the third day of the cruise, the Norwegian Epic set down in Cannes – famous for its yearly film festival, when stars flock to this glamorous seaside town on the French Riviera. As the port here is quite shallow, guests were taken into Cannes on little boats launched from the ship.
For the following night’s entertainment, back onboard the ship, Will and friends opted to pay $30 for a standard seat at the Spiegel Tent – the first Big Top at sea. The interactive Cirque Dreams was a thrilling 2-hour show. The energetic acrobats, singers and actors moved amongst the audience in elaborate costumes, while the group enjoyed a 3-course set meal. “The choice of entertainment caters equally for adults and children,” Will noticed. “The Spiegel Tent hosts a Nickelodeon breakfast for children three times during the cruise, as well as a thrilling murder-mystery lunch for adults, featuring the Second City comedy group.”
And if you’re looking for a kid-free zone on your cruise – you can avail of an adults only lounge area, which is open day and night. Spice H2O features an enormous video screen displaying vibrant graphics combined with chilled-out beats for a unique atmosphere. Guests can relax on luxurious sun loungers during the day, enjoying fresh margaritas, bottle service and beers, while feasting on Asian-inspired snacks. At night the area is transformed into an Ibiza-style beach club with live Spanish-style entertainment, champagne and an exclusive menu served poolside. After the sun goes down, the pool area is transformed into a dance floor, where you can party the night away!
Will was impressed with the luxury upgrade options available – “If you book one of the deluxe rooms in the Haven area of the ship you get the best in VIP treatment, with full access to a members-only club. A private glass elevator takes you to an exclusive entertainment complex with cushioned day beds and private cabanas”.
On Saturday, the ship headed for the sunny shores of Majorca – one of the Balearic islands in Spain. Will was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship – “If you’re interested in taking this tour while onboard, there is an additional fee, but we had the privilege of meeting the Captain and his officers on the bridge, explored the galleys where huge storage containers keep the food fresh and ready for preparation, and ventured inside the ships vast laundry – where we saw enormous machines used to press the linen, and in the kitchens, giant whisks were busy stirring up delicious recipes”.
For his last night on the ship, Will chilled out (literally) in the Svedka Ice Bar – with beautiful ice sculptures and a cool 17 degrees. “For €20, you can order two vodka drinks and enjoy the unique surroundings”, he quipped. Dinner was French bistro style cuisine at Le Moderno – where the signature dishes of asparagus with orange hollandaise sauce, l’escargot and château briande were cooked to perfection. The evening’s entertainment included the electrifying Blue Man Group, all the way from Las Vegas, and drinks in the Howl of the Moon duelling piano bar. Open until 2am, it’s a cosy joint for the end of the night, where you can request all your favourite tunes.
Before hitting the hay on his last night, Will was able to leave his luggage outside his cabin for collection – a great service for anybody travelling with children or older cruisers. Once he arrived in port – he made his way to the red zone to collect his case. As he had registered a card at the start of the cruise, his card was debited and he was given an itemised receipt for all his onboard purchases – so he was good to go!
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its fun and relaxed attitude, excellent service and exciting destinations from the Greek Isles and the Adriatic coast to the tropical Bahamas and magical Mexico. If you’d like to cruise like a Norwegian cruise, find out more about the different routes or ships that are on offer or have any questions for Will about his trip – contact the Cruise Department on 01-5397770 or email cruise@clickandgo.com.
