Norwegian Escape Review

4.0 / 5.0
3,047 reviews

NCL Escape; not the Escape we were expecting.

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Escape
User Avatar
TLEH
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2015
Cabin: Mid-ship Balcony Stateroom
Traveled with children
Kids Club
Arcade
Adult Hot Tub
wear on the mini put already
Kids Family Circus
Ropes - kids course
Food Carving Demonstration
Bingo in the Theater
Testing of safety boats
Testing of safety boats
Kids rope course
Big slide...kids of all ages love this one
Small slide

We have completed 5 cruises in 2 years (2 RCI, 1 Carnival, 1 Disney and now NCL Escape). We were hoping the Escape and NCL would be the best time of our lives, but I hate to say that did not happen. Our main focus for this cruise was the kids, we booked this ship knowing it was new and it was a Nickelodeon ship....oh wait it WAS a Nickelodeon ship when we booked.

When we got on board we quickly realized there were no characters and there were no decorations or themes for children. As you can imaging we were surprised to learn that Nickelodeon canceled the contract in June....no one told us. Even the stores had very items for kids to purchase, few collectibles and next to no toys...they were saving there hard earned money for this trip. Also, we were not too happy to find out that Margaretavill was changed from complimentary to a la carte (the place was empty most days); and what happened to Carlo's bakeshop? We were under the impression the bakeshop would be the cake boss...not on the Escape...its just a place that sells cupcakes and Gelato (Gelato was the best deal on the ship)

There is no question, the ship is very nice and the staff were great. They did not have the energy that we had seen on our other cruises, however they had only been working together for a few weeks, I am sure it will only get better. The overall design and layout of the ship we found odd, the areas of excitement were either by the adult only pool or in the central region by the registration/ customer service desk. The mini put, which obviously is not the Teen Age Mutant Ninja turtles is already wearing out and won't last long...never did find the pizza shop that was originally to be located close to the mini put. The ropes course is awesome, a little intimidating, but hey my 8 year old daughter did it.

Cabin Review

Mid-ship Balcony Stateroom

Cabin BB

Cabin was good, size was ok, the balcony was a last minute add on which was a great deal. Kids loved the balcony and it gave mom and dad a little time away from them while they played in the room. Also makes showing the kids the ports easier, just get up and do it from the room.

Port Reviews

Miami

It was raining in Miami the day we got on the ship, we were able to quickly get into the NCL building and boarded the ship quickly and easily...probably the easiest ship we have gotten on and off of.

Tortola

Nice new community being built, still under construction - will be nice when done. Appears to be a little cleaner than some of the ports. That being said only visited the shops at the port and did not go into town.

Nassau

We only walked around town, a little crazy busy at the port, as there were three ships in all the same time and it was raining. Walked around town for a while and then back to the ship.

2 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Norwegian Escape Cruise from $490

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.