Sherman's Travel

The Blue Man Group, an ice bar, a Cirque-style dinner show and an Independence Day celebration in the New York harbor; Norwegian is certainly making the Epic’s presence known. After sailing her slow-moving preview to Southampton (allegedly due to a minor issue with a propeller shaft), and a two-night inaugural, Epic will embark on a transatlantic crossing to New York City where she’ll host the 34th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event. Reports are already trickling in from guests, and so far, the ship has been receiving high marks for its new studio staterooms and the Nickelodeon character breakfasts – among other amenities.

Once the ship is tested out by the final group of guinea pigs (the press), and all those little inaugural jitters are worked out, Epic will be ready to take passengers aboard her regularly scheduled 7-night Caribbean cruises from Miami. Although prices are higher (as expected) during the first few months (interior cabins are selling for around $1,000 through August), once September rolls around those prices drop to $659. If you absolutely can’t wait to try it out, book any balcony cabin this summer and Norwegian will tack on airfare for just $99 round-trip.