Cruise competition heats up with Norwegian Epic

BROADWAY shows, golf clinics and circus acts are the latest offerings as cruise ship ramp up onboard entertainment.

The Norwegian Epic features its very own Spiegeltent, complete with circus tricks and dining areas. Picture: Supplied

PORTS of call often seal the deal when deciding which cruise ship would-be passengers will book for a relaxing holiday at sea.

Of late, however, large cruise ships are sailing out of dry dock on maiden voyages as dazzling destinations in their own right. Passengers have become so spoilt for choice with free onboard activities that ports of call on many a ship's well-planned itinerary are incidental and no longer the mandatory consideration for taking a cruise.

Now, it is more a matter of passengers finding enough time to tick off all the onboard attractions before the cruise is over. Broadway shows, circus acts, rock-wall climbing, golf clinics, multistorey waterslides by swimming pools, swinging across flying foxes on deck, even a walk in a park with real grass are all options.

So is learning a language or the fancy footwork of a tango, or how to play a winning hand at cards, cook up dream cuisine, or have a physical workout in the roomy gym after an indulgent dinner in one of the ship's choice restaurants.

With so much to do, passengers want nothing more than to enjoy life on the high seas by taking a real break from being landlubbers. Books packed to read on private balconies in roomy suites are left unopened and the TV is rarely turned on, as passengers enthusiastically take to the many fresh activities onboard.

New Cruiser
This month the Norwegian Epic became the latest destination cruise ship to sail on its maiden voyage from Miami, Florida, by wowing  guests on board with 20 restaurants, including a Spiegeltent where guests dine under a big top while acrobats and specialty acts perform.

A glistening onboard ice bar (one of only a handful of these unusual drinking venues on land or sea) serves vodka to take away the icy chill, while Las Vegas-style productions wow the crowds with everything from the Blue Man Group to celebrity impersonators. Later, DJs rock a nightclub on deck under the stars.

Toddlers to teenagers are not overlooked either, with an extensive aqua park on one of the top decks and many other activities.

Carrying more than 5000 passengers, Royal Caribbean Line's recently launched Oasis of the Seas has tree-lined avenues, real grass and flowers in its central park and a traditional funfair carousel in its lively amusement park. It has wave pools for surfing, a flying fox and an ice rink for skating enthusiasts.

Spas are another big attraction aboard new cruise ships, with specially designated areas and all the latest pampering massage techniques as well as hair and beauty treatments, though these facilities carry extra charges for passengers.

Local Offerings
On the local front, P&O's Pacific Jewel has children in mind with its outdoor circus arena, which features trapeze artists and elephant-size puppets, as well as celebrity Australian chef Luke Mangan's signature Salt Grill restaurant.

Not surprisingly, those seeking tranquillity on these large cruise ships are also happy with the busy activity program on board as there are quiet bars, wonderful libraries and cosy lounges where they can cocoon themselves while other passengers are kept busy with activities elsewhere.

Those on a fitness kick can pound the jogging track, frequent the gym, sauna and steam room, and even request low-calorie dishes when dining.

However, cruise passengers should never assume that all large ships have the same abundant facilities. It is essential to check out the cruise ship websites to find out what onboard activities and specialty experiences are available, and which are not covered by the fare.

Major ocean cruisers:
www.carnivalaustralia.com
www.celebritycruises.com.au
www.cunard.com
www.hollandamerica.com
www.ncl.com
www.pocruises.com.au
www.royalcaribbean.com.au
www.seabourn.com
www.silverseas.com

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