Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Norwegian Epic emerges with The Cavern Club, 'Priscilla' musical, SplashGolf and more

6153a2fc240deeb064550e687cf0df89_XL
Norwegian Epic - new entertainment, refreshed restaurant décor and technical work including new rudders
Norwegian Epic on Monday embarked its first passengers following a three-week drydock at Damen Shiprepair Brest that enhanced entertainment, dining and technical areas aboard the 2010-built ship.

The new features come as Norwegian Epic readies for winter and summer seasons sailing the Mediterranean from Barcelona, followed by its return to the US in fall 2016 for sailings from Port Canaveral.

Entertainment additions include The Cavern Club, recreating the legendary Liverpool venue where the Beatles gained fame. Following the addition of 'Burn The Floor' earlier this year, Norwegian Epic gained a second Broadway show, 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert—The Musical.' It's based on the Oscar-winning movie about the comic adventures of three friends as they travel in a battered old bus.

The Tony Award-winning musical features more than 500 costumes, 200 extraordinary head-dresses and a hit parade of dance floor favorites like 'It’s Raining Men,' 'I Will Survive' and 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.'

Dining enhancements for Norwegian Epic include extensive renovations to the existing Moderno Churrascaria, Cagney’s, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Garden Café, Manhattan Room restaurant and Taste restaurant. Many of these venues received a refreshed look with new carpeting, reupholstered furniture and new décor.

Norwegian Epic also was outfitted with a new photo gallery, library and card room. SplashGolf, combining water features and mini-golf, was installed in the Kids' Aqua Park.

The vessel received major renovations and enhancements to the Mandara Spa, Bliss Ultra Lounge, pool deck Marketplace, Epic Theater, Casino and the exclusive Haven suite complex including new lighting fixtures, artwork, wall covering and furniture.

'We continue to heavily invest in our current fleet, to ensure that guests have a consistent experience across all Norwegian ships and the freedom and flexibility to create their ideal cruise vacation,' said Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer, Norwegian Cruise Line.

Technical modernization and maintenance also took place. Norwegian Epic received a new pair of Becker rudders together with more efficient propeller caps and energy-efficient hull coating. Further work entailed upgrading the lifeboats' and tender boats' release systems, maintenance of thrusters and stabilizers, air ducts upgrades and improved refrigeration systems for storerooms.