Final sea-trials have been completed, hull painting is dry and shiny, entertainment – from Blue Man Group to bowling alleys – is ready for action, wave cabins are being prepared for occupation.
Cruise ship Norwegian Epic will finally be handed over by the builders and, barring any more last-minute hitches, will leave the yard tomorrow for the last time.
The 153,000-ton ship is probably the most significant launch this year as it will be the only vessel built to a completely new design. Carrying 4,200 passengers, it will be NCL’s biggest by far, and its size exceeds almost every other cruise ship apart from the largest in the Royal Caribbean fleet.
First stop after leaving the French port of St Nazaire will be Rotterdam, where I should be boarding her on Monday for a quick trip to Southampton, followed by a two-day inaugural voyage.
Joining us on board next week will be Daily Mirror Pride of Britain award-winner Phil Packer, the inspirational former soldier who has raised millions of pounds for charity after being injured while serving in Iraq.
Epic will then sail on a seven-night transatlantic crossing to New York, where it will be christened on July 2 by country music superstar Reba McEntire, and two days later will be the host venue for Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks spectacular.
It will then leave for Miami, where it will be based for the coming year, sailing seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
Visiting the Epic, on the inaugral cruise nxt Tuesday, absolutely cant wait, it looks truely amazing.