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 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.
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.
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.
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.