Norwegian Epic Marks 15 Years With Major Upgrades

The Norwegian Epic has officially reached a milestone, celebrating 15 years in service since joining Norwegian Cruise Line on June 17, 2010.

Constructed at the STX France Shipyard—now known as Chantiers de l’Atlantique—in St. Nazaire, France, the 150,000-gross-ton ship was a first-of-its-kind prototype. Before beginning regular voyages, the vessel completed a series of preview cruises, followed by a transatlantic crossing from Southampton, England, to New York City.

As part of its debut season festivities, the ship was christened on July 2, 2010, by country music star Reba McEntire. Additional celebrations took place in both New York City and Miami before the Epic launched its first official cruise on July 10, 2010.

Sailing out of PortMiami, the ship operated alternating seven-night itineraries to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Destinations on these voyages included Philipsburg (St. Maarten), Costa Maya (Mexico), Nassau (Bahamas), and Roatán (Honduras).

In 2011, the Norwegian Epic spent its first summer in Europe, sailing the Mediterranean, before returning to Miami for the winter cruise season.

More recently, in early 2025, the 4,200-passenger ship underwent a significant refurbishment at Chantier Naval de Marseille in France. The overhaul introduced several new amenities, including an expanded Vice Beach Club, a redesigned Kids’ Aqua Park, and eight additional staterooms. A new hot tub and improved exterior deck spaces were also part of the updates.

Following the renovation, the Epic began a Mediterranean summer schedule, offering nine- and ten-night cruises from Civitavecchia, the port city near Rome. Ports of call include iconic destinations like Valletta, Heraklion, Santorini, Piraeus, Katakolon, Argostoli, and Mykonos.

In November, the ship will reposition once again—this time to the Southern Caribbean—operating cruises from San Juan, Puerto Rico.