The Norwegian Epic is set to debut in the Summer of 2010 and she represents an entire new class of ship for Norwegian Cruise Line.  With over 17 Dining Venues, the first true Ice Bar at sea, the Bliss Bowling Alley, an Amazing Aqua Park and unique stateroom categories that can accommodate up to 6 people, this is going to be a ship to experience. 

 The Aqua Park

Also a first at sea, The Blue Man Group will provide exclusive entertainment to a whole new audience! Blue Man Group

This is an exciting new option for families with young children who wish to enjoy dinner both with their children AND have some adult time as well. 

The main dining room now offers My Family Time Dining SM with expedited dining and Adventure Ocean pick-up service (see details below), to keep the whole family happy and satisfied during your meals. With this expedited dining service your kids (ages 3 to 11) will be served their meals within 40 minutes, and their appetizers get served right away.

When they've finished dinner, take your children to meet the Adventure Ocean Youth staff at the dining room entrance doors. The staff will escort your children directly to the Adventure Ocean facilities for scheduled evening activities. Then you can quickly return to your dining experience and enjoy a relaxing meal. Details: Must be registered in our complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth program.   Must have signed up for My Family Time Dining option in advance through our online booking & reservation service or once onboard, you can sign up for this service in the Adventure Ocean area.   The service starts on the second evening onboard. From then on you can enjoy My Family Time Dining for the remainder of your cruise vacation or choose to use this service whenever you wish.   Available for guests who select the Traditional Dining service the first available seating.   More specific details are provided onboard in the Adventure Ocean area. You can take advantage of the expedited dining service for children at any time. Simply sign up your children in the Adventure Ocean area onboard.

In March 2009, Disney Cruise Line began construction on their two new cruise ships! The official moment took place with a steel cutting ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The two new ships are scheduled for completion in 2011 and 2012.

“When we launched our business in 1998, we recognized a need in the marketplace for a cruise experience created just for families,” said Karl L. Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. “With these new ships, we are continuing to build upon that vision of providing more families with an unforgettable cruise vacation and the chance to explore new destinations with Disney.”

The first piece of steel cut for the new ships was part of the art deco inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of the ships. Similar to the scrollwork on the Disney Cruise Line ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the intricate pattern is reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s, designed to reflect the glamour of the golden age of cruising with added touches of Disney whimsy, such as the Mickey Mouse medallion in the center of the design.

Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering have created a truly distinctive design for the new ships. Over the next few years, construction will continue, bringing the design to reality. The design details will be unveiled at a later date. Stay tuned for more updates!

Although just about all of the details of the two new ships are top secret, I do know that the new ships will have 1,250 staterooms and weigh 128,000 tons. Similar to the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the new ships will be purpose built with families in mind, with specially designed areas and activities for each member of the family to allow for both quality time together and wonderful individual experiences. Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering have created a truly distinctive design for the new ships. Over the next few years, construction will continue, bringing the design to reality. The design details will be unveiled at a later date.

Stay tuned for more updates!