Photo courtesy of Norwgian Cruise Lines

Editor’s note: The following comes from a Norwegian Cruise Line press release.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Norwegian Epic has added two sailings to and from Southampton, England in 2015, marking the first time that the ship has visited the port since the inaugural celebration in June 2010.

Norwegian Epic, named “Best Ship for Sea Days” by Cruise Critic and “Best Overall Cruise Ship” by the readers of Travel Weekly two years in a row, will sail one six- and one seven-night Iberian Peninsula itinerary. The ship’s six-night sailing will depart Barcelona on September 20, 2015 and arrive in Southampton on September 26, 2015, with ports of call including Cartagena, Spain; Granada (Malaga), Spain; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Following a 15-day dry dock in France, Norwegian Epic will embark on a seven-night Iberian Peninsula cruise from Southampton to Barcelona on October 11, 2015. The ship will visit ports of call including Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Granada (Malaga) and Cartagena, Spain.

Guests sailing on Norwegian Epic will have the opportunity to experience the ship’s 21 dining options including signature steakhouse, Japanese Teppanyaki, Brazilian Churrascaria and Italian, along with 20 bars and lounges, including the Svedka Inniskillin Ice Bar, the first ever true ice bar at sea. In addition, Norwegian Epic is also home to innovative entertainment, and a variety of activities including an Aqua Park with the first bowl slide at sea. Whether guests are embarking on a family vacation, romantic escape or a solo getaway, Norwegian Epic offers a variety of flexible accommodations ranging from Studio staterooms specially designed for solo travelers, to balcony staterooms and opulent suites in The Haven by Norwegian, the ultimate in luxury accommodations.

Beginning April 2015, Norwegian Epic will homeport year-round in Barcelona, sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries in the summer season and 10-night Canary Islands & Morocco and six-, 10-, 11- or 12-night Western Mediterranean itineraries during the 2015 and 2016 winter season.

Bookings for the six- and seven-night itineraries are available for sale starting today. To book a cruise on board Norwegian Epic, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit www.ncl.com