NCL’s Epic re-defines the meaning of ‘floating resort’.

When it comes to offering holidaymakers a huge choice, the bar has been raised by Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic which came into service earlier this year.

The ship offers such a vast array of things to do some people may be reluctant to get off when it calls at its various destinations. First impressions on arriving at Southampton were that it is a slightly unusual shape, looking a little like a huge block of flats rather than a sleek cruise liner.

This is in part because all its outside cabins have balconies, and in part due to the creation of a suite and villa complex at the top of the ship to the fore.

With its own private access and courtyard containing pool, hot tub, sundeck and other private facilities, along with nightclub, spa and concierge and butler service, this is the aquatic version of a private country club for the well-to-do. For single people of all ages, going on holiday can be challenging.

NCL has gone out of its way to address this market. The ship has a complex of 128 single studios with its own exclusive access and studio lounge where singles can meet for morning coffee or pre-dinner cocktails.

Elsewhere Epic offers staterooms for couples and families and again breaks the mould with all outside staterooms featuring their own balconies, hence the first impression of the external view.

Our stateroom, designed in a unique ‘wave’ shape was spacious and had more storage space than any other similar stateroom we had ever been in. So, the ship caters for a huge range of passengers, when full they number over 4,000, so what about the rest of the facilities. Here Epic scores again. Famous for its Freestyle dining policy meaning no set times or tables, Epic offers twenty dining options, from Teppanyaki and Wasabi to an Irish pub.

On our first day the ship’s Spiegel Tent, modelled on a circus big top, provided us with breakfast with the Nickelodeon gang and lots of photo opportunities with the characters for kids and embarrassed adults. We returned that evening to the same venue for dinner with singing and acrobatic entertainment based on Cirque de Soleil.

Before dinner we visited the theatre for a show featuring the famous Blue Man Group and after dinner we checked out areas offering comedy, jazz and other musical entertainment.

There are also traditional features such as themed lounges, a disco and casino; the open air adults-only nightclub certainly deserves a visit. We were amazed to find two 3-lane bowling alleys and the only ice bar at sea, the entrance fee including drinks and the loan of a fur-lined parka; everything including the furniture and the ‘glasses’ are made of ice. During the day there is the usual programme of events.

On deck there are water slides, pools, a rock climbing wall and other games and events to keep you entertained. There is a gym to work off the effects of trying out all those restaurants, and a huge spa offering a vast array of treatments. I suppose it is worth mentioning that this is a cruise ship and there are various destinations to visit during the course of your holiday.

That, after all, is supposed to be the prime reason to go on a cruise and traditionalists may question the number of diversions this ship has to offer. Perhaps it will finally open up the market to those who say they would not go on a cruise, despite never having experienced one. From singles to couples and families, this is a ship with something for everyone.