New Norwegian Epic breaks sales records

Norwegian Cruise Line cheerfully announced that opening-week sales for its new Norwegian Epic--which sets sail mid-2010--broke all its previous records including those of its last two ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem. Epic represents a new class of ship for NCL, purpose-built with cool features and amenities supporting the well-received Freestyle Cruising concept. More on all this in a minute.

We're glad to hear NCL meeting with success for two reasons: first, because NCL has done a great job with its stylish new ships; and second, since it supports our unscientific feeling that the worst of this recession is in the rear-view mirror (but, we're unabashed optimists, so don't reallocate your stock portfolios based on our gut reaction).

Epic promises to be even more enjoyable that the excellent Pearl and Gem. For one, Blue Man Group will be aboard spreading the wonderful drum-, paint-, and PVC-tube-driven chaos which has won them rave reviews worldwide. This show is a complete must-see. These guys are crazy-fun. "An absolutely ecstatic experience," agrees USA Today.

For another, Epic adds more of a good thing: bowling. Now, don't roll your eyes.

We're not really bowlers here, but we can tell you that the integration of bowling alleys into the nightclubs on Pearl and Gem (and now, Epic) is genius. At night-time, bathed with intimate mood lighting and tunes spun by a DJ in the ultra-plush lounge, bowling enters a new dimension. Been to a Lucky Strike bowling ultra-alley? It's like that, but even better. Anyway, Epic offers six lanes in two venues. Enjoy!

NCL also introduces the first "big top" at sea. In an intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, guests are treated to Cirque Dreams and Dinner. This "interactive theatrical dining experience" will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination.

Nobody will go hungry or thirsty with fourteen restaurant choices-–the most at sea-–and 18 bars and lounges. Other goodies include unique nightlife options like an ice bar, Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night, an Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea, a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first-ever rappelling wall at sea, and three separate kids' and teen activity areas and the first squash court at sea.

Click to browse Norwegian Epic pricing and itineraries or to see photos and details about the ship. At the moment you can come aboard for a week for less than $649 per person, double occupancy, plus tax.