Waterworld

Jul 2, 2010

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 its 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 while I drove. I can't remember ever seeing a ship that big before. I thought it might be some kind of optical illusion.

But this morning, a quick search online reveals 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.