Among the innovations when the Norwegian Epic arrived in 2010 was an Irish-style pub called O'Sheehan's. If it was a test for inclusion on future ships, O'Sheehan's passed with flying colors. It will be replicated when the Breakaway arrives in May, and it will surprise us if it's not on the Getaway when that new ship arrives next year.
Anybody who has sailed on the Epic knows why.
Despite the fact that Norwegian's CEO happens to be named Sheehan (Kevin), this is a venue that's understated. It tends to get lost in the glare of the specialty restaurants and fancy bars and lounges. There are no press releases about O'Sheehan's — maybe the boss thinks that would be self-serving. It's as much a best-kept secret as a restaurant can be given that it's located in the heart of the ship.
Its proper name is O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, and it's a neighborhood passengers can access 24/7, the only place to eat at any time on the Epic outside of your stateroom. Spread across both sides of the ship, it accommodates up to 180 guests.
The modestly sized menu is traditional…bacon and eggs, chicken pot pie, fish and chips, etc. If you're looking for comfort food on the Epic, O'Sheehan's is the place. If you're looking for toast that's hot, as rare as that is on cruise ships, you'll find it at
O'Sheehan's. The atmosphere is comfortable, like a pub should be, with an eclectic collection of memorabilia from all walks of life decorating its walls — sports cards and pictures, photos of movie stars and politicians, documents and artifacts from ships.
The Epic was Norwegian's first new ship since 2007 and there was only one thing wrong in having O'Sheehan's make its debut then.
It should have happened three years earlier on the Gem, because that's what it is.
Holland America Ryndam
16 nights
March 31, 2013
Tampa, Ponta Delgada, Cadiz, Motril, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona
Inside: $699
Cost per day: $43
www.hollandamerica.com