Norwegian Cruise Line's Epic 100-Square-Foot Cabins

(MoneyWatch)  Innovation in cruise ship design during a recession? Norwegian Cruise Line's got it covered.

The company's Norwegian Epic, its new 19-deck ship scheduled for its first voyage in May 2010, will feature the usual luxurious suspects -- private villas and spa balcony rooms (with complimentary spa treatments) -- but its most innovative move will be its 128 studio staterooms aimed at the "budget traveler."
These 100-square-foot cabins (yes, 100 square feet) are billed as modern with mood lighting (wouldn't you need less light to pretend you weren't five feet from the toilet?) and a window facing out to the courtyard. To make up for the lack of space, the Epic will also feature common "living rooms" or two-story lounges where guests can hang out with two big-screen TVs, a bar or a quieter reading room. No word yet on what the price of these little rooms would be, but you have to applaud NCL for thinking like they're in a recession.

While the cruise industry questions itself and struggles, at least NCL is looking to create a more diverse market for itself. We'll see if its budget option takes off later this year or if any other cruise line decides to take a page from its playbook.

Photo of the Norwegian Epic's studio stateroom courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line