Waterworld
Racing a Floating City
I drove Deborah to the airport yesterday morning so she could catch an 8:30 AM flight to Pittsburgh. On my way back, while driving along the Belt Parkway, I saw what looked like a giant wedding cake slowly making it’s way up New York Harbor. Easily ten stories high from what I could tell. I dug out my little point and shoot and did my best to snap a photo of it out the car window. I can’t remember ever seeing a ship that big before. In fact, I thought it might be some kind of optical illusion.
But this morning, a quick check online tells me that it’s Norwegian Cruise Lines’ brand new ship, Epic — the largest cruise ship ever built by Norwegian cruise lInes and the biggest ship to ever dock at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal.
How big is it? It’s so big that it squeezed under the Verrazano Bridge (just south of where I saw it) by a mere 2 feet.
153,000 tons, 200 feet tall, 4,100 passengers.
Apparently it’s going to be christened here in New York today with a celebration hosted by Reba McEntire, who USA Today calls “a longtime Norwegian Cruise Line fan.” Who knew? Needless to say, Reba and I aren’t on the same page.
I don’t get the attraction of cruises — I’ve never been on one, and don’t plan to ever go on one — so I don’t suppose Norwegian Cruise lines gives a rat’s ass what I think, but man, that is one ugly boat.
Anyway, in the meantime, I’m home alone while Deborah is away for a week. What to do, what to do…
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5 Comments
03 July 10 at 2:00am
1
The only thing I know about cruises like these is that they can be addictive. My parents went on their first cruise four years ago and now go once every year. And when the come home they are already planning for their next one.
04 July 10 at 3:26pm
2
When Mom and I used NCL we were on the smallest ship in their fleet. Much more appealing.
05 July 10 at 12:08am
3
I thought I read somewhere recently (The New York Times?) that the trend was toward smaller yachts, but reading the comments on various websites about the "Epic" there are still a lot of people gaga for the big boats.
06 July 10 at 12:37am
4
...maybe because it's more horizontal than you are used to. You're used to buildings being more Vertical -- oh never mind, that's a ship. ;)
06 July 10 at 2:57am
5
I don't get the appeal of cruises either. I don't like the idea of being held captive and 'entertained' for however long the trip is.