I sailed on the NCL Escape on 8/14 which is actually a 6 day western Caribbean cruise. This was my 3rd time on NCL this year with my first 2 cruises being on the Getaway. I really enjoyed the Getaway, so I thought the Escape would be as good or even better. That's where I was wrong. The Escape was not a good experience. The ship is brand new and very clean. The balcony room was nice and beds very comfortable. Also, the bathroom is nice size and very clean. I have no complaints about the room.

The food was a big disappointment on this ship. I'll start with the buffet which was the worst. One word comes to mind..CHAOS! It was like a feeding frenzy with people entering the line from every direction. Kids spilling drinks and ice cream on the floors. I saw officers walking around in the food lines oblivious to what was going on. I was surprised as the buffet on the Getaway was spotless. OK now for the actual food part. The food was very bland and generic tasting. NCL must be getting the cheapest ingredients they can possibly get to save money and it shows. They had a big selection of food, but it all tasted the same, bland! I did eat at one specialty restaurant, Cagney's Steakhouse. I had eaten there on the Getaway and really loved it. This time, not so much. It was not exceptional in any regard. It was just average. You could do better at a Longhorn or the type. O'Sheehan's, one of the complimentary places was just average if not below average. It was good for late night just to get something quick. Again, don't expect much or friendly service.

Speaking of service, the employees on this ship did not seem happy to be there. I heard many speak of home and how their contracts require them to be at sea for 8 mos now. While I feel bad for them, people spent good money on this vacation, so fake it if you need to. I want to have fun on a cruise and be treated well by the staff. This was certainly lacking on this trip. Read more