Miami   -    Jan 27, 2009   ---    Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has selected the name for its new F3 ship: Norwegian Epic. Just as the name implies, the ship will be the largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date.

The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic is scheduled to sail year-round to the Caribbean from Miami, beginning in summer 2010. Following a series of inaugural events in Europe and the U.S., the ship will homeport in Miami and will sail year-round to the Caribbean offering alternating seven-day Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages through April 2011. These cruises are scheduled to go on sale to the public later this spring. NCL will open Norwegian Epic's sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel partners in mid-March 2009.

"The F3 experience will take our already successful Freestyle Cruising to the next level, affording our guests the ultimate freedom and flexibility. Norwegian Epic, denoting a ship that is very impressive on a grand scale, is the most fitting name," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's president and CEO. "The combination of the ship's exciting new features, along with the tropical allure of these Caribbean destinations, will provide an extraordinary cruise vacation for our guests."

The ship's Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Norwegian Epic's Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Epic represents the next generation of Freestyle Cruising – a ship that incorporates a wide range of new features and amenities, including curved New Wave staterooms and unique nightlife options. To date, the company has revealed five unique nightlife venues that rival the experiences of Las Vegas, Ibiza, the Riviera and South Beach. The five venues include the industry's first true Ice Bar; POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship; Halo, the Über Bar, a private bar and lounge in the ship-within-a-ship villa complex; Bliss Ultra Lounge, NCL's all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with four-lane bowling alley; and Spice H20, an adults-only aft pool deck experience.

In addition, the ship will feature the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms that represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space. The New Wave stateroom's most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. NCL has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. The staterooms feature a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. Concealed contour LED lighting and back-lit domed ceilings set a relaxing vibe.

NCL plans to unveil additional details about Norwegian Epic in the near future.

The Celebrity Solstice, the highly anticipated new ship from Celebrity Cruises, entered service on November 23 with a Thanksgiving Week cruise of the Caribbean. The ship’s launch was moved up three weeks – an indication of the excitement that surrounded its debut. Guests on the 2,850-guest vessel will enjoy thoughtfully designed staterooms with sophisticated touches. Celebrity designed the staterooms with the help of a team of five women, and their input shows in well-designed storage spaces and more spacious bathrooms. An amazing 85% of staterooms have balconies where guests can relax and enjoy the view in private.

Public spaces on the Solstice feature some incredible industry firsts, including the fresh grass growing in the half-acre Lawn Club on the top deck. Next to the Lawn Club, the Hot Glass Show features a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass.

With 10 restaurants, delicious dining options abound on the Solstice. Dining choices include peppered bison filet at The Grand Épernay; Cesar salad prepared tableside at the Tuscan Grille; the flavors of Asian fusion at Silk Harvest; and mouthwatering specialty crepes at Bistro on Five.

Onboard diversions include the luxurious Boutique C, which will feature a 10-sided diamond with 86 sparkling facets, cut exclusively for Celebrity Cruises by Harding Brothers of London. Another enticing shop is The Artisan Store, where guests can talk with resident artists and browse their creations.

Celebrity has also entered an exclusive partnership with Poet Theatricals for productions that will provide evening entertainment on the Solstice. The curved stage in the ship’s state-of-the-art theater was designed to optimize sight lines and promises to bring guests closer to the entertainers.

During its inaugural year, the Celebrity Solstice will sail in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. For more information about how you can cruise on this stunning new ship, call me today.