Cruise Planners/American Express, the largest home-based travel agent network in the cruise industry, today announced the launch of NewNCLShip.com, where cruising enthusiasts can register to win a spot on the inaugural voyage of the highly anticipated Norwegian Epic.

“The Epic will revolutionize the cruise industry, so this is an exciting time for cruise lovers and travel agents to get a glimpse of history in the making,” said Cruise Planners/American Express CEO Michelle Fee. “This microsite is a virtual backstage pass to the rarely seen construction, development and launch of a ship of this magnitude. We’re thrilled to have the only site offering a giveaway on the inaugural cruise,” said Fee.

NewNCLShip.com provides access to image galleries with the latest ship renderings and rare shipyard photos all the way from St. Nazaire, France, documenting the construction process of the 4,200-passenger ship. Cruisers can get the latest ship updates on the news blog and track the launch date of the ultramodern Epic on the countdown clock.

In addition, visitors are automatically entered to win a trip for two on Epic’s inaugural voyage in July 2010 by registering to receive news updates on NewNCLShip.com. A winner will be selected at random in May 2010. Airfare will not be included.

“We’re excited that cruisers will be able to experience a new level of cruising come July 2010,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s executive vice president global sales and passenger services. “The ship has already established quite a fan base, and I’m confident we will see more and more buzz about Epic’s launch with supportive industry partners like Cruise Planners by our side.”

The Norwegian Epic will debut many firsts, including spa suites with in-room whirlpools, and will carry on NCL’s other industry-leading concepts such as the ship-within-a-ship design where suites and villas are situated on private decks at the top of the ship giving guests exclusive access to a private pool, gym and sundeck. Many of the rooms will feature NCL’s revolutionary curved-wall NewWave design to maximize space, and there will also be studio living with customizable lighting and connecting family staterooms. Additionally, the ship will feature an Ice Bar, POSH Beach Club, the Bliss Ultra Lounge with four-lane bowling alley and an adults-only pool deck.