Travel of America President & CEO, Richard Molander, recently traveled on the new Norwegian Epic.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure to attend the Norwegian Epic’s  inaugural cruise event in Miami.  It was a 2-night cruise to nowhere full of excitement, with many surprises, and so much to do I could hardly see or do everything.  What an amazing ship! 

Norwegian Cruise Line has clearly raised the bar for every other ship out there today with their entertainment.  It was the best I have ever experienced at sea, bar none!  Imagine starting the night with dinner and dancing at the sophisticated Manhattan Club, and then taking in the hysterical and magical Blue Man Group show.  If you are unwilling to end your evening on the town early, make your way to Fat Cat  for an incredible live blues concert.  Still on a roll?  Then head for the incredible dueling pianos of Howl at the Moon!

Perhaps the next night you’ll retire earlier… and given the layout of the deck plan, you’ll find your stateroom peaceful and quiet.  It’s all up to you!

Just what’s so special about the entertainment aboard the Epic?   First of all, there are no large Broadway shows in the theaters.  Large scale entertainment simply does not exist, but instead, there are smaller branded venues with exciting choices like:

• Blue Man Group – excellent!  From its beginnings in Boston these 3 men, faces painted blue, execute a professional performance that is both humorous and mysterious – no charge.
• Second City Comedy Troupe – so funny!  With its roots in Chicago where the birth of Jim Belushi, Gilda Radner & Dan Aykroyd occurred, this is improv comedy at its best – no charge.
• Legends in Concert – Star-studded lineup including Madonna, Elvis, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Brittany Spears and more!  Legends is performed in the Manhattan Club, which is a New York Supper Club with dining and dancing – no surcharge.
• Cirque Dreams & Dinner – wonderful!  Dinner with 2 hours of entertainment, it is perfect for adults and families.  Surcharge -  $15 pp or $20 pp preferred seating.
• Howl at the Moon - world's greatest rock 'n' roll Dueling Pianos Show at Sea – no surcharge.

You can pre-reserve your shows at NCL’s website 45 days before departure, and although you have the option to reserve them from the TV in your stateroom or at the box office on board the ship, do it online.  You’ll get the best selection!  Additionally, there are many excellent musicians, lounges, and dancing venues (Spice H2O nightclub under the stars), not to mention the first Icebar at Sea ($20 surcharge with 2 drinks included).

After experiencing the Norwegian Epic  first-hand, it is clear that this ship does have something for everyone.  For families, there are staterooms that sleep up to six, and the ship has dedicated areas just for kids and teens, not to mention Norwegian’s exclusive Nickelodeon at Sea.  Spa lovers are in for a treat with the new Spa Accommodations that offer calming spa décor and entry to the incredible Thermal Suites.  And solo travelers finally have the perfect option with the new Studio accommodations and the Studio Lounge, designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind.

The shopping, the huge, beautiful fitness center and spa, the bars, the largest water park at sea, all the entertainment options – it’s just amazing that there can be so much on one ship!  And, thanks to Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian offers the freedom to create a completely individual style of vacation.  Relaxing or adventurous, all dressed up or resort casual, and never a fixed schedule or restriction to force the pace—it’s the perfect vacation.

                                                          --Richard Molander

And it only gets better— after her debut in the Caribbean, the Epic is going to Europe for the Summer of 2011.