• by Tanya Gazdik , June 3, 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with Gibson Guitar in a promotion to help guests discover their inner rock star.

The exclusive program with Nashville-based Gibson invites guests to "Check In and Rock Out" aboard the new Norwegian Epic, which is scheduled to cruise for the first time later this month.

The program will mainly be promoted through public relations, according to a Norwegian spokesperson. "In addition, our travel partners are also using the partnership as a talking point when selling Norwegian Epic," says Courtney Recht, public relations manager at Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line. "On board, it will be promoted within the on board newsletter and on the stateroom televisions."

The "Check-In-Rock-Out" program gives guests the opportunity to borrow a Gibson guitar, companion pod, and a private amplifier with headphones to take to their staterooms and rock out without disturbing other guests. Guitars, pods and accessories will be available to guests at a cost of $10 per day rental every day except on embarkation/disembarkation.

Guests can pick up the equipment at the ship's Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club. Each pod includes controls and special effects so that guests can select the type of sound they want to create, from classic rock to heavy metal, blues, classic and country -- and then choose their own song to play. The pods are supplied by Line 6 and the headphones and cables are supplied by Monster Cable.

Entertainment is one of the new ship's hallmarks. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform its fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only "big top" at sea, "Cirque Dreams and Dinner" will present an interactive theatrical dining experience. Other entertainment on the ship includes live tribute show "Legends in Concert" and The Second City Comedy Troupe.

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