We cruised the Escape because we had a very great experience on NCL Jade last year. This was also an easy choice because, with 3rd and 4th guest waived fares, we only had to pay the taxes (plus ship's gratuities) for our two boys. We stayed in cabin 5738 because it is ADA compliant, so twice the size of a regular cabin. (We were also told we would be bumped if a disabled person needed its use.)

We normally cruise balcony, but the room size was a draw because of our young kids with us this time around. My only qualm with the room was the odor from the toilet with every flush. Escape is an eco-friendly ship (just as with any new cruise vessel), so the toilets operate on a vacuum suction system when you flush--as do those lavatories on commercial jets. The good news is that it uses ridiculously little water. Bad news is that there isn't enough water left after a flush to create a seal to prevent most of the odor from coming up through the commode. Well it isn't like anyone spends the entire cruise in the latrine, but it was good that we had air freshener on hand to remedy this. Besides, the scent never made it into the stateroom proper.

Anyway, we loved this new ship because of the sports complex/water park, Splash Academy childcare program, and the high level of professional staff service. We didn't do much on the sun deck or casino, but watched a couple live game shows and karaoke contestants on deck 6, and hung out in the games arcade at the. Did I say that we have young kids? Read more