Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a partnership with Gibson Guitar to let guests discover and explore their inner rock star in the privacy of their stateroom on board Norwegian Epic. The ‘Check-In-Rock-Out’ programme 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 rental cost of $10 per day every day except on embarkation and disembarkation days. The ‘Check-In-Rock-Out’ programme will be available in Norwegian Epic’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.

“We are so excited about this programme,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We’ve brought world class performers to our guests on Norwegian Epic. Now, we’re letting our guests be the superstars and play on world class Gibson guitars. Whether you’re an expert guitarist or an air guitar fan like me, the ‘Check-In-Rock-Out’ programme will let you play like a rock star, in the privacy of your stateroom.”

“Our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line will offer fans from around the world the opportunity to experience music like never before on the high seas,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “We are delighted to be part of the global excitement surrounding the launch of Norwegian Epic and share in our mutual goals for world class entertainment.”

Turkey might be the world’s most contested country. Its landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, and where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels and mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.

Then again, if you want to simply unwind, spend an afternoon being pampered at ahamam, or let the warm waters off the Mediterranean coast lap at your toes. Adventure lovers can head east to Nemrut Daği National Park. Bon vivants need look no further than Istanbul, where the markets and bars are among the most stylish and atmospheric, and the mod Ottoman cuisine rates as the tastiest, in the world.

The country’s tumultuous history has left a deep legacy. People who’ve never had to suffer for an idea or fight for a patch of land can be overwhelmed by the passion of ordinary Turks for their country. But for ordinary Turks that passion finds its outlet, not in martial ardour, but in simple pleasures: family, food, music, football, and friendship. Turks have an inspiring ability to keep things in perspective, to get on with everyday life and to have a bloody good time in the process. Sharing their joy in the simple things is a highlight for every visitor.

Treat Turkey as that most quintessential of Turkish dishes, the meze, a table piled high with scrumptious treats. Throw away the menu, order a plate of everything and feast till you can’t go on. Afiyet olsun!