I have been on 5 NCL cruises on the Getaway, Epic and now the Escape. All are beautiful ships with wonderful specialty restaurants and entertainment. I have two main criticisms of the Easter Caribbean Escape cruise that I just completed. The Jose Garses Bayamo restaurant was terrible. I ordered the lobster dinner. It came with a clump of white rice and black beans that were better at Chipotle! There were three small chunks of overcooked lobster that were swimming in this terrible tomato sauce. After one bite I sent it back and ordered the shrimp. This came overcooked, but by that time it was late. I ate some of it and then left. I have eaten at the Ocean Blue on the Getaway twice and both times it was wonderful. There is no excuse for the type of very expensive restaurant being anything but wonderful. The other specialty ones were all great. I alway eat at any of them and have great food. That is why I always get the dining package.

My second objection was the elimination of Saint Martin from the itinerary. Tortola is NO substitute. Saint Martin has something for everyone. From the wonderful French restaurants in Grand Case to duty free shopping on the Dutch side and great shore excursions. On Tortola, if you don't want to swim with dolphins don't bother to get off the ship. I will not take the Getaway or Escape Eastern Caribbean cruises because of this anymore.

On the plus side, the new Food Republic ala carte restaurant is FABULOUS. It is worth every penny. I ate there twice. Read more