The bitter chill paralyses my fingers as I numbly clutch the freezing glass of glacier ice blue vodka.

Shivering in the sub zero temperatures and wrapped up like an Eskimo in a fur coat you would have thought I was high up in the Arctic circle in the depths of winter.

But this is a warm spring evening in the balmy Mediterranean somewhere off the coast of Italy.

I am sailing on the Norwegian Epic cruise ship – a liner boasting the only ice bar at sea – where holiday makers can chill out with a cocktail or two– literally.

Huddled in a thick fleece and thermal gloves behind a bar made entirely of huge ice blocks the barman grins as he mixes up an array of sparkling alcoholic beverages bearing colours of the Northern Lights.

Beside us life-sized Polar Bear and Viking statues sculpted from ice and backlit with purples and greens gaze over at us – like frosty bouncers in the -17°C pub.

“Wouldn’t you prefer pulling pints on one of the sun decks in 30 degree heat?,” I ask, looking up at the icicles hanging from the ceiling.

But he shrugs his shoulders and says: “You get used to it!”

Minutes later I am emerging into the hallway, back to room temperature with steamed-up glasses and pins-and-needles in my hands – it’s too cold for me.

The SVEDKA Ice Bar is just one of the exhilarating activities to experience on the giant liner offering holiday memories to last a lifetime.

Boarding the colossal ship in Barcelona after touching down on a flight from London Heathrow I felt apprehensive as I waited in the packed ocean terminal ahead of the journey to Rome via Naples.

Epic is a sight to behold – a floating hotel complex weighing 155,873 tonnes, measuring 1,081 feet in length and carrying 4,100 passengers and 1,743 crew.

But as a first-time cruiser as I had visions of dinner jackets, dickie bows and a much older clientele than myself accompanying me on board.

But Epic is geared towards younger passengers and families, spearheaded with its flagship Freestyling Cruise experience.

Guests can do what they want, where they want, when they want and dress how they like to explore an enormous range of entertainment, dining and activities whether comfortable in their glad rags or just jeans.

Whether it is whooshing down 150metres of snaking slides at one of the biggest water parks at sea, filling yourself to the brim in its 23 restaurants, striking it lucky in its extensive arcades and casinos, relaxing and rejuvenating in its luxury Spas, or quietly contemplating creativity in its art gallery, there is something for everyone.

You can set your day where your mood takes you without having to stick to set dining times and place settings.

And by night you can enjoy some of the most spectacular entertainment from big-name Las Vegas shows to West End favourites from London.

Heading out of port we sipped some Sail Away cocktails in the Cavern Club Liverpool based on the legendary Merseyside club where the Beatles were born.

Afterwards we headed up to the outdoor Spice H20 Bar – another one of the 20 bars and lounges where I waved goodbye to Barcelona relaxing with a mojito in the stunning afternoon sunshine.

But life onboard on our first day at sea was an active one as I was determined to continue training for the ABP Southampton Half Marathon.

The Pulse fitness centre provided top gym facilities while watching the scenery go by and an outdoor running track gets you out into the brisk sea air.

My ultimate highlight was the climbing wall with three different climbing and abseiling routes ranging from novices to harder challenges for more confident climbers – with plenty of cheering and encouragement from fellow passengers.

Meanwhile there are two bowling alleys, Latin dance classes, football contests, family dodgeball games, cooking and cocktail demonstrations and a network of shops and boutiques to shop till you drop.

Children can let off steam in the Splash Kid’s Pool and the Splash Academy Youth Centre while there are also teen discos, an arcade and video games room.

Indeed during our day stop in Naples many people returned to the ship after an excursion to the Pompeii Ruins to enjoy the activities.

And with all that exertion working up an appetite there is a jaw dropping selection of dining in Epic’s complimentary restaurants.

The Manhattan and Taste are the two main dining rooms while the Shanghai Noodle bar, O’Sheehan’s Irish pub and the Garden Café’s all-day international buffet provide a delicious spread.

People can pay more to enjoy a series of speciality restaurants ranging from French, Japanese, Italian and a fabulous Brazilian steakhouse serving almost every cut of meat imaginable.

By night the action steps up a gear with a vast array of entertainments ranging from the chilled-out Headliners Comedy Club to partying all night long in the trendy Bliss nightclub.

The flagship nightlife is in Epic’s 610-seat theatre where we saw a cast of international Ballroom and Latin dancers star in Burn the Floor and drag queens in incredible outfits in the racey and hilarious Priscilla Queen of the Desert musical.

But my favourite was the mind-bending entertainment from Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner where a cast of acrobats, trapeze artists and tight ropers perform during your evening meal – with the only bow tie in sight on a clown enthusiastically blowing his whistle.

But after all that action it was time to relax the Mandara Spa – closing my eyes while soaking in the glorious Jacuzzi and plunge pool and reclining in the steam rooms, saunas and heated lounge chairs.

One of the biggest spas at sea – guests can also pay for a range of massages, facials and complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

There are also a number of quieter sun decks hidden away in the top of the ship, or people can rest and recuperate in the exclusive Haven complex with self-enclosed private courtyard villas, state rooms and its own spa and fitness area for sheer indulgence.

Overall it is an action, packed exhilarating, fortress of fun with something for everyone and the chance to try new experiences and meet new people while riding the waves in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

FACTFILE

Norwegian Epic will sail a four-night Short break from Rome to Barcelona fly-cruise on October 26, 2016. Travelling: Fly UK / Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) – Liverono (Florence / Pisa. Italy) – Cannes (France) – Marseille (Aix-en-Provence, France) – Barcelona (Spain) / Fly UK.

Priced from £911 per person, based on two adults sharing an Inside Stateroom and flying from London Heathrow.

To book, visit www.ncl.co.uk or call a travel professional on 0333 2412319.

Norwegian Epic sails weekly seven-night Western Mediterranean fly-cruises until October 23, 2016.

Travelling: Fly UK / Barcelona (Spain) – Naples (Italy) – Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy) – Livorno (Florence / Pisa, Italy) – Cannes (France) – Marseille (Aix-en-Provence, France) – Barcelona (Spain).

Priced from £869 per person based on two adults sharing an Inside Stateroom and flying from London Heathrow.

To book, visit www.ncl.co.uk or call a travel professional on 0333 2412319.

For a limited time, when booking a cruise of five nights or more on ships departing after September 1, 2016, guests opting for an Oceanview Stateroom, Balcony Stateroom or a Mini Suite, can choose two completely complimentary offers*.

Choosing from: - FREE Speciality Dining Package - FREE Premium Drinks Package - FREE 250-Minute Internet Package - FREE Spending Money