Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Epic set record-breaking booking levels for the past two weeks on the heels of its inaugural activities in Europe, New York and Miami. The booking volume for the week ended July 10 is the highest this year, second only to the previous week that ended July 3. The company credited the increased demand to media exposure during the inaugural activities and positive reviews from travel agents and the press.

“Now that we have shown Norwegian Epic to the world and she has been so well received by all, we are more than pleased with the record-breaking booking volumes for this incredible new ship,” said NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan. “Given the trends so far this week, we expect the booking volumes to continue and we may even break another record this week.”

The 153,000-ton, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic was christened by country singer Reba McEntire on July 2 in a christening ceremony hosted by “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star and comedian Jeff Garlin. The ship served as the venue for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular broadcast live on NBC television. The hour-long broadcast was the No. 1 program across all networks for the evening, hitting a three-year high in ratings.

Norwegian Epic is currently sailing its first Eastern Caribbean cruise, which departed Miami on July 10. The ship will operate alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries every Saturday from Miami through April. This week, Norwegian Epic will make stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, Bahamas. On the Western Caribbean sailings, Norwegian Epic will visit Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras. For more information, call 888-625-2784 or visit epic.ncl.com.