We cruised on June 18-25, the choice was not an option when I began this review.Our travel agent, knowing that we had last cruised on Royal Caribbean's Allure, with young children, told us that we would not be disappointed with NCL's Escape. This was not exactly the case....Our party consisted of 7 total, me, Grandmother of 77 years old, adult children couple, 3 children all under the age of 10 and a 16 year old teen. We booked adjoining staterooms, specifically aft balcony rooms: 9268(accommodated 4,with a queen, and bunkbeds, and 9266, accommodated 3 with a sofa bed and 2 twins) I'll mention service to staterooms, first. Our people were accommodating, when we saw them but were basically invisible, unlike on several other cruises we'd taken. Perhaps because gratuities were included??? In the room, near the phone there was a number with which we could call our attendant who speedily came with any request. When all beds were made up in these cabins there was hardly any space to walk about...the two balconies in these staterooms did not open to each other as I understand those on midship did. There was ample room to store everything neatly away...my daughter brought extra hangers in her garment bag.

The ship was beautiful, the complimentary dining rooms were decorated in modern style and food was good, as was the selection. We definitely enjoyed the Freestyle Dining, never having to wait long for to be seated. I think I missed the option of occasionally going to the same dining room where a waiter made sure to cater to my needs(low sodium diet) and the children's every desire.

The Garden Cafe had a wonderful selection for all meals and view from the floor to ceiling windows was nice. The attendants here were not a particularly cheerful group but often an uniformed officer would come by to ask if everything was satisfactory. A big plus, in my opinion, was that the cafe adjoined the pool area and it was very convenient to bring food and beverages out while enjoying the pools....be sure to get out early to stake out your space if you plan to stay for several hours. One drawback to slides, etc is that they do not open until 10AM. When you have little ones who are raring to go at 7AM this is rather late. Let me not forget to mention the cheerful and loud men who attended the station where you sanitized your hands before entering. They were a BIG hit with the children and their "washy-washy; happy-happy chanting could be heard as you exited the elevator on the 16th deck. Read more