'EPIC' TO GET NEW TUNNEL THRUSTER. WHO KNEW?

File this one under Cruise Ship Things We Didn't Know:

According to the website, MarineLog: "Rolls-Royce says that Norwegian Cruise Line has selected a Rolls-Royce permanent magnet tunnel thruster to upgrade the propulsion package onboard the 4,100 passenger cruise ship Norwegian Epic, delivered in 2010 by shipbuilder STX France.

"According to Rolls-Royce, the permanent magnet tunnel thruster offers numerous advantages over traditional tunnel thrusters including significant reduction in noise and vibration, an increase in power output of around 25% from the same size propeller, and is removable underwater eliminating the need for dry docking."

Who needs the martini bar when you can grab a lounge chair and watch a permanant magnet tunnel thruster? -- Gerry