We chose the Norwegian Escape because it is a new ship with lots to do for our grandchildren, ages 2 to 21. We usually cruise with Celebrity or Royal Caribbean but we thought this ship had lots to offer our varied ages. We were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. We chose a "no frills" cruise package through Marriott Rewards Cruises Only and we had 5 balcony rooms with $200. shipboard credit per room. There were 15 in our group and we wanted to get pictures of the grandkids. They live in three different states and don't get together often. They enjoyed the slides, ropes course, water park, basketball court, mini golf and the Harry Potter trivia session, to name a few.

Someone from the crew's staff spoke to our daughter one evening in the Manhattan Dining Room and asked what their reason for cruising was. She told them that her parents were celebrating their 50th anniversary and were taking three kids and seven grandchildren on this cruise. A couple of days later we returned to our cabin to find Wedding bells and balloons and 50th decorations above our bed. We didn't know exactly who was responsible but it was greatly appreciated.

We enjoyed the beaches in St. Thomas and Nassau. Some of our group went snorkeling and some of us enjoyed a dolphin encounter in Tortola. We had a great family time and we got the pictures that we wanted. Read more