NCL Lines Up Blue Man Group to Headline Norwegian Epic Entertainment

For years cruise lines have presented production shows described as Vegas-style entertainment. Their aspirations have been high, but seldom would they have been mistaken for the real thing. However, it won't be long before Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) expands that theme to include an actual Vegas act aboard Norwegian Epic. In an industry first, NCL will welcome Blue Man Group on board next year.

Best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts, Blue Man Group combines music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience. Beginning in the summer of 2010, they will be seen for the first time ever at sea on Norwegian Epic, performing in the 685-seat Epic Theater.

"Norwegian Cruise Line has spent 42 years breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising and redefining what it means to be innovative. Now, with Norwegian Epic, we are re-inventing cruise ship entertainment by offering multiple entertainment options for every taste and age," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.

With the launch of Norwegian Epic, NCL aims to change the face of entertainment afloat by featuring multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater—guests will be able to choose from a wide variety of amusements each evening of their cruise. Norwegian Epic will take Freestyle Cruising to the next level in specially-designed venues, some never-seen-before at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

Sheehan added, "Having a world-class creative organization like Blue Man Group headline the entertainment on Norwegian Epic will provide our guests with a sensory experience unlike any other at sea."

Cruise Diva first saw Blue Man Group perform in Las Vegas and, while I'm not sure that a "blissful" party atmosphere prevailed during their appearance, they are indeed unique. My taste leans more toward the Second City improvisational comedy troupe, which will appear in Headliners Comedy Club aboard Norwegian Epic. For more information about these and Norwegian Epic's other entertainment options, see CruiseDiva.com's Cruise News.

Make Your Plans: Reservations are now open for Norwegian Epic's 2010 inaugural season sailings. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship's alternating Eastern & Western Caribbean itineraries are available through April 2011.