Norwegian Epic

Notice that this will be a 2 Class ship like on Cunard. Villa guests will have their own private pool in their area of the ship and also dine in their own private restaurant called "The Epic Club" and an outdoor club called "Posh Beach Club" as well as a concierge lounge, private grill, etc.
This exclusive area is located in that section of the ship that looks like a swelled head. Hmmmmm, coincidence?
 
>>What's up with that?<<

Uhhhhh...I suspect that this is something along the lines of what the customer wanted so the shipyard made it happen that way. Considering the problems which pods have had, I can't say as I blame them for going with a somewhat conservative design. Since the ship has an extensive arrangement of bow and stern thrusters, I don't think they'll have a problem going into restricted ports without tugboat assistance.
 
>>Considering the problems which pods have had<<

Right. Like with the Millennium and the QM2 which were both built at that shipyard!
 
Not just the Millenium either. Search the archives and you'll see a thing or dozen about the problems with the Azipods. Remember Captain Wood? He hated those things.
 
Fire breaks out on Norwegian Epic at shipyard
More at:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=91094.blog
 
Update: Norwegian Epic Fire Could be Deliberate, Says Yard
More from Cruise Critic:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3854
 
Reba McEntire named Godmother to Norwegian Epic
More at:
http://www.examiner.com/x-22875-Orlando-Cruise-Vacations-Examiner~y2010m5d11-Reba-McEntire-to-play-Norwegian-Epic
 
Country music icon Reba McEntire to christen Norwegian Cruise Line ship
More at:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=91923.blog
 
Third Fire On Norwegian Epic at Cruise Shipyard: Arson Suspected
More at:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=3928
 
Sounds like somebody has a major axe to grind with NCL. I hope the find the party or parties responsible soon. Whatever somebody's beef with the line may be, it doesn't justify arson!