Norwegian Escape Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I don't get why anyone gives Escape a low rating. Sure, everyone's preferences and experiences vary, but I could not find anything wrong with this cruise. The food was better than ever. Service was superb (there may be a new incentive plan going on...) We loved the new Bayamo and Food Republic venues. District Brew house was wonderful (should have spent more time there.) Brat Pack was a great show. I just don't get the 70%-ish rating.
We had four in our group, including two teenage boys. They had a blast! Embarkation was a snap, but we were very late due to weather in Houston. We were in a Haven suite, though at the opposite end of the ship from the Haven proper. Still, the concierge service was spot on, though we didn't use our butler for much at all. We had breakfast every morning in the Haven restaurant, but that was the extent of our visits to the area. We ate at Cagney's (best it's ever been), Le Bistro (not my favorite this time), Teppanyaki (always great), La Cucina (wonderful), Food Republic (amazing), Bayamo (VERY interesting), and the Supper Club (good, but not great.)
Did excursions in St. Thomas (St. John nature hike), Tortola (zip line), and the Atlantis experience. That's the last time we will do that. The service was horrendous!!
Cabin Review
The Haven Aft-facing Penthouse with Balcony
My view is these are the best cabins on any of the newer ships. Two main reasons: a second bathroom with shower for the boys, and a very large balcony. Master has a king sized bed and double sink bathroom with separate shower and tub. It gets a bit tight when the beds are made up in the living room, but, hey - we're asleep for that. And the Master BR had its own door to the balcony. (Some don't have this as the bathroom faces the balcony.) And, oh yeah, the view aft is amazing.