I've cruised 6x prior to this cruise, all on Disney. We were hesitant to try another line since we enjoy DCL so much (and we don't even have kids!), but when I saw this quick little 3-night sailing on Norwegian's new ship, I thought it would be a good way to try out a new line. Let me tell you, even 3 nights was too long on this ship.

Service was just abhorrent. I get it, it's a new ship, there will be kinks to work out. I can understand that. I expected it. But this was just too much. Since everybody has the ultimate beverage package, the bars were always mobbed. We'd wait 15+ minutes to be served as the bartender served others who arrived after us and didn't even acknowledge our presence. All the free dining venues were slow, drinks would arrive after the food, our server completely disappeared at O'Sheehan's, etc. I felt a lot of the staff did not speak English very well. I know most of them are not native English speakers, but it seemed like they weren't even trying. The only good service we got was at Moderno, which, surprise surprise! was an upcharge. Which brings me to my next point...

The nickel and diming: I'm happy to pay a cover charge for a premium experience onboard a ship if it's the exception to the norm. But on this ship, the upcharges were everywhere. Want to see a show? Get a cupcake? Have prime rib at dinner? None of this is free on the Escape. More restaurants cost extra on this ship than are free. When I go on a cruise, I assume my meals are included. On the Escape, you were basically strong armed into paying extra if you wanted edible food in a reasonable amount of time. Read more