Cruise.co.uk has been running a "who is the ugliest of them all" poll with Royal Caribbean International's mega Oasis of the Seas pitched against Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Epic.
Sorry NCL, but I reckon Oasis has it - just. I would have to agree with the majority, but again, only just. I love Spartan of Kent's comment that Epic looks gas powered - the lump on top being the box with the gas. Bet the villa passengers booked to go in the "box" will love that.
But as Roberto Martonoli, NCL's president and chief operating officer, pointed out to me last month when I was in New York to learn about the Blue Man Group, it doesn't really matter what the ship looks like from the outside. It's what the passengers enjoy inside that matters. He has a point. And Epic promises some great new features, as indeed does Oasis.
As well as going head to head in the beauty stakes, the ships appear to be competitors when it comes to places to eat. And sorry, NCL, but Oasis again seems in the lead, having just announced it has 24 "distinct" dining venues.
They include 150 Central Park, serving the latest cruise ship dining must-have - a tasting menu and wine pairings - and Giovanni's Table, also in Central Park. which is a casual replacement for Portofino, the classy Italian found on other Royal ships. Chops Grille and Johnny Rockets are back, and there are some new healthy places to eat, including a pastry cafe, pizza and burger bar, a Donut (sic) Shop and Ice Cream Parlor (sic).
Yes, that was a joke. Passengers will either have to pack a huge dollop of self-discipline or some outsized clothes to get them home. Or maybe they'll keep fit walking to and from the restaurants on this giant of a ship.
If my experience on Freedom of the Seas is anything to go by (and it is half the size of Oasis) some stout walking shoes wouldn't be a bad idea either.
Jane Archer
