Norwegian Epic

The third-largest cruise ship in the world and the biggest vessel to ever be built by STX Europe's French shipyard in Saint Nazaire, the Norwegian Epic is truly a ship that has to be seen to be believed.

Considered a member of the third generation of cruise vessels, the Epic can best be described as a floating resort. And with a host of unique features and record-beating amenities, it offers a fabulous cruise experience - especially for families, young couples and groups of friends seeking a vibrant and ultra-modern holiday at sea.

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Norwegian Cruise Lines - often abbreviated to NCL - is one of the world's top cruise operators. The company has gained popularity due to its Freestyle Cruising concept, which promotes a more casual ambience throughout its ships. Formal attire is not required and there are no set times for meals, meaning that passengers can really customise their voyage and enjoy their trip however they choose to do so.

The Epic currently splits its time between both sides of the Atlantic. Caribbean voyages depart from Miami and call at ports like St Maarten, St Thomas and Nassau.

When it's sailing in the Mediterranean, the Epic is generally based in Barcelona and is the largest cruise ship in Europe. Destinations include Naples, Civitavecchia and Palma de Majorca.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 5,400
Year entered service: 2010
Beam (ship width): 133 feet
Draught (ship depth): 28.5 feet
Length: 1,066 feet
Tonnage: 155,873
Crew: 1,730
Maximum speed: 22 knots
Number of passenger decks: 15
Number of lifts: 16
Number of swimming pools: 5
Number of cabins: 2,100

Food, cuisine and dining

There's little chance of going hungry on the Epic and with 21 dining options available, there's a fabulous range of different cuisines to choose from, ensuring that you'll find something to satiate any craving.

As part of the ship's Freestyle atmosphere, there is no main dining room. Instead, each meal is like eating out - you get to choose the style of fare and the atmosphere for every meal. That said, many of the options come with an added fee, so if you don't want to pay extra for your meal, there are five eateries to choose from.

The Manhattan Room is probably the closest thing you'll find to a main dining area. It has room to seat nearly 600 people and is the most popular of the free restaurants.

Other options for meals at no charge are Taste and O'Sheehan's. There are also two buffets where you can dine without incurring any extra costs: the Garden Cafe and the Great Outdoors. Those booked in luxury accommodation in the Courtyard Villas can also enjoy complimentary meals in the Epic Club.

If you want to try something different, some of the other restaurants you'll find on the Epic include:
• Shanghai's
• Moderno Churrascaria
• Cagney's Steakhouse
• Le Bistro
• La Cucina
• Wasabi
• Teppanyaki
• Epic Club

Room service is available 24 hours a day and much of the menu is free of charge - while luxury items can be purchased. Pizza delivery is also available at all hours for a very reasonable price.

On-board entertainment and activities

Most of the entertainment options are free on the Epic, but they also require reservations to ensure you get seats. Bookings can be made at the ticket kiosk on deck six, or even online before you set foot on the ship.

The Epic Theatre is a large venue that has nearly 700 seats and spans two decks. It plays host to performances by the Blue Man Group, as well as Legends in Concert - the longest-running tribute show that features look-a-likes (and sound-a-likes) ranging from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake to Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.

For dinner and entertainment, be sure to book a table at The Spiegel Tent. In this venue, guests will enjoy a delicious meal while watching an amazing acrobatic display overhead.

A total of 20 bars and lounges are scattered around the ship, perfect for relaxing with a delicious cocktail, while many offer live music or space for dancing. Others also host contests like quizzes and karaoke.

Kids haven't been forgotten and options range from movies and events inspired by the Nickelodeon television network, as well as the Recess Kids' area. There's a youth club that's chock-full of educational and entertaining activities and a hangout exclusively for teenagers.

And don't forget to take a ride or two on the Epic's waterslides. The vessel boasts the largest water park on a ship with two swimming pools, five hot tubs and a kid's pool, not to mention the three-storey-high flumes, which wrap around the funnels and are sure to give any thrill-seeker an adrenaline rush!

Spas and fitness facilities

The enormous Mandara Spa is more than 31,000 square feet and offers just about anything you could dream of wanting from a wellbeing centre.

Exercise machines, a thermal suite, whirlpool tubs, a therapy pool, fitness classes, healthy snacks, relaxation loungers and a private sundeck are all available. And if you want to try out a specialist treatment or two, options range from the typical massages, facials and body wraps through to Botox, teeth whitening and cellulite treatments.

Cabins

One of the most popular features of the Epic is its specialised accommodation for single travellers. The studio-style rooms were considered revolutionary for a cruise line and striking, modern decor - complete with mood lighting, a full-size bed and plenty of storage space.

There are 128 of these rooms, all interior, and guests who choose this option will have access to an exclusive lounge - the perfect place for meeting other solo cruisers. These rooms, which offer a great cruise deal for singles, are some of the fastest selling on the Epic - so be sure to book yours as soon as you can!

Of course, with more than 2,000 cabins on the vessel and 38 price categories, there are plenty of other accommodation options to choose from, including opulent suites, balcony cabins and rooms with views. Most staterooms are designed to sleep two, with space for three also available. There are a number of family quarters with extra beds or connecting cabins, while the largest rooms measure as much as 852 square feet.

Whichever type of stateroom you select, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous interior design. Many of the rooms feature toilet facilities that are separate from the shower, which can be very practical. However, the frosted glass walls around the bathrooms have received mixed reviews: they help to make the rooms feel more spacious - but don't generally offer as much privacy as guests would like.

All accommodation includes a television, personal safe and a desk/vanity unit.