Norwegian Epic's Studio staterooms recognized for innovative design
Miami - Feb 17, 2011 - Norwegian Cruise Line is the first in the cruise industry to be honored by Travel + Leisure, the popular guide for world travelers with the largest audience of any travel magazine, with its distinguished Design Award. The recipients of the seventh annual award represent the best new examples of design in a range of categories from hotels and transportation to luggage and travel fashion.
Norwegian Epic was awarded "Best Transportation" for its innovative Studio staterooms, a private key-card access complex on two decks consisting of 128 staterooms and the Studio Lounge. The concept was pioneered by Norwegian and designed and priced specifically for solo travelers, allowing them the comfort and convenience to travel without the industry's single supplement cruise price. Priestmangoode, a design firm in the United Kingdom, designed the Studios for Norwegian.
"The Studio staterooms on Norwegian Epic have been extremely well received and we are pleased to be able to offer solo traveler's an opportunity to visit great destinations while experiencing Freestyle Cruising on board our most innovative ship," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer.
Each Studio stateroom, at approximately 100 square feet of living space, features a contemporary design with a full-size bed and separate areas for the bathroom, sink and shower. In addition, guests in the Studios have private access to the exclusive Studio Lounge. Here, guests can grab a cup of coffee in the morning, meet up with fellow cruisers and plan their day or relax with a drink in the evening. Since many of the Studio staterooms are connecting, there is also the opportunity for friends to travel together while giving each their own private space.
Norwegian Epic is currently featured on www.TravelandLeisure.com and is highlighted in the magazine's March issue, on newsstands February 21. Winners of the 2011 Travel + Leisure Design Awards were selected by an esteemed panel of judges, including Henry Urbach, curator of architecture and design for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Norma Kamali, fashion designer; Danny Meyer, restaurateur; Paulette Cole, CEO and creative director of ABC Carpet & Home's; and David Childs, Chairman of Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill.
About Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.
Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. The Company has reached an agreement for two 143,000-gross ton vessels for delivery in 2013 and 2014.
Norwegian's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams" & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.
Posted by Denise at February 24, 2011 04:22 PM