Norwegian Cruise Lines has unveiled the hull design of its new ship Norwegian Epic, which is due for delivery in May next year.
The ship’s artwork, which is painted on both sides of the vessel, is a departure from the cruiseline’s signature artwork, which is usually inspired by the ship’s name or the port it sails from. Instead, the hull design reflects the ship’s interior, which the company says has a “sophisticated, modern and sleek design and colour palette”.
“An NCL ship is instantly recognisable with its distinctive hull art that conveys each ship’s personality, as well as the freedom and flexibility that is found on board,” said NCL chief executive officer Kevin Sheehan.
“With Norwegian Epic, we are taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level, so it is fitting that her hull artwork conveys more of the modern, sleek design guests will find once they are on board the ship.”
Among the features of the 4,200-passenger vessel are 14 restaurants and 18 bars and lounges. It will have the first ice bar at sea; an aqua park with tube slide; and a 33ft high, 64ft wide extreme rock climbing wall.
Norwegian Epic is scheduled to sail year-round to the eastern and western Caribbean from Miami, from next summer. Its western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Its eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St Maarten; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.
The company will be taking reservations for the ship’s inaugural 2010/11 season on May 21 with a preview day for past guests on May 20.