NCL offered the best deals in terms of drink packages and prepaid gratuities for a balcony suite. This is what triggered me to go forward with booking with them. I have been on a few cruises prior to sailing with NCL. My first was a Princess cruise when I was a kid and then I went on the Bahamas Grand Celebration out of West Palm Beach 3 times. The Bahamas cruises were just weekend getaways aboard one of Carnival's old ships that had been sold to the Grand Celebration. The Escape stood out in many ways: The food, the fun, the room, and the endless activities on board.

Although I did not get one of the upscale dining packages, my Mom and I (I took my Mom so it was like a mother/son getaway) ended up eating at Teppanyaki (hibachi grill). We found the food to be extremely salty and after that experience, I don't think I will ever get a dining package on any future cruises I go on. The food that was included in our itinerary was outstanding so I just don't see the need to pay for even more of it, especially if I'm just paying for extra salt.

The water slides were really fun. My Mom enjoyed the Spa and massage services. And we both enjoyed the unlimited open bars. We only ended up doing one shore excurision which was pretty fun, although I didn't enjoy waking up so early once we arrived in Tortola. It would've been better to get there a little bit later and having more of the day to enjoy instead of having to depart of 3pm. Read more