Norwegian Escape Review
NCL Cruise on the Escape: The Newest Ship and the Best Service in the Fleet!
Rating by category
Additional details
This was my third NCL cruise and my first in the studio cabins. Being a solo traveler, the price of the studio cabins was very attractive to my budget. I was also interested in meeting other fellow solo travelers. With this being a spring break cruise I knew to expect a large number of people on the ship. I learned from one of the cruise staff that our March 19, 2016 sailing on the Escape had 5,200 passengers of which 1,900 passengers were under the age of 21.
Travel to Miami
I always stay in a hotel the night prior a cruise when I have to travel a long distance to the cruise port. I booked a flight to Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) and purchased transportation via Go Airport shuttle (private sedan). The pre-cruise hotel I stayed in was the Residence Inn Miami International Airport. This hotel was what I would expect from the Marriott brand. I received great service, the room was clean and in good shape. The complimentary breakfast was of high quality.
Cabin Review
Studio Stateroom
I booked a studio cabin on the Escape. Being the solo traveler, the studio cabins designed and priced for the solo traveler was right in line with my budget. The cabin is around 100 sq ft. This may seem small, but they have done a great job optimizing the space. I always tend to bring too many clothes with me. I had a large suitcase that weighed in at 46 pounds at the airport. All those clothes fit nicely in the closets in my stateroom with room to spare! I had read where most staterooms on the Escape had USB charging ports near the bed. The studio cabins lacked this feature—maybe possibly because the outlet’s close proximity to the bed. The studio cabins also include access to the Studio Lounge. The lounge is a gathering place for other solo travelers. The lounge is stocked with pastries, fruit, juice, water, and a coffee machine that provides espresso, cappuccino, and lattes at the press a button. I really enjoyed having the studio lounge. The only thing that I felt was missing was a television that could be tuned to one of the ship’s channels (like the one in your stateroom). I could see a group of solo travelers gathering to watch a soccer game, etc.
Port Reviews
Tortola
This excursion included a 45-minute bus ride/tour. The views on the canopy tour were breathtaking! The guides did a great job and made sure you had a good time.