PJ..yes, Epic is the new ship. We are really psyched. It's great that there are no ports to interfere with the enjoyment of the ship. We are going to try everything.
This just in (well, last night):
"Building a new cruise ship is hard work, and no one understands the struggle quite like Norwegian Cruise Line. In its quest to launch the 153,000-ton, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic, NCL has endured a series of setbacks -- from shipyard fires to unflattering jokes about Epic's appearance -- and with the ship's official debut only days away, the problems don't seem to be ending.
The latest trial involves a malfunctioning propeller shaft, which has limited Epic's top speed and delayed its arrival today in Southampton, where it's set to embark 2,500 media and travel professionals for a one-night showcase sailing. A spokesperson from the line says that the issue is being resolved and that the ship is still on schedule for its June 24 inaugural, a seven-night night transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York, and its July 2 christening. Two days later, Epic will serve as host venue for Macy's annual Fourth of July Fireworks spectacular.
There are also other, smaller kinks to work out. Carolyn Spencer Brown, Cruise Critic's editor in chief, reported that the "Epic Plunge," a bowl waterslide where passengers in inner tubes rely on centrifugal forces to fling them around and then down, has been far from plunge-worthy. Apparently, sliders aren't generating enough speed and have had to paddle their way out of the bowl. In the 17-degree Ice Bar, the machine that makes the frozen goblets is on the fritz. For now, plastic cups will have to do.
Looking further back, the original concept for an innovative new ship design was introduced in 2006 and the order -- for two ships with an option for a third -- was placed that fall. The idea was bold. NCL would build ships that were an incredible 60 percent larger than anything in the fleet so that its "freestyle" concept -- opting for a variety of smaller, themed venues in lieu of a main dining room, theater or buffet -- could be more fully realized.
But the project soon hit snags. If you haven't been following the saga, here's a quick recap of the most memorable events:
Contractual disputes between the line and the shipyard resulted in the cancellation of the second Epic-class new-build, as well as some heavy fines for NCL to pay.
The first artist's renderings, released in early 2009, were met with ruthless mockery at the ship's boxy design, and Cruise Critic readers compared the top-heavy ship to a hat, poodle, Donald Trump's hair and an angry old man with bushy eyebrows.
A trio of suspicious fires broke out on the under-construction ship in May and June, and the yard suspected arson."
I hope they get it all sorted out. Sounds like fun, especially the Ice Bar and the Epic Plunge!
Oh no!! Hope the claim comes through quickly!!
No, I've already made the sacrifice so I can't go back now! 
Also, they keep you from having to remember to suck in your stomach all night long. 
