We have tried Carnival & Royal Carribean and while both of those were company paid for free trips for me they were the oldest boats in the fleet and we hated it! When we decided to try again it was with NCL's brand new ship, Getaway a few years ago during the same Thanksgiving week. It was wonderful and our now 13-year-old son hasn't stopped begging for another cruise.
The Escape was sold out and while the pool during peak time was packed there were always spots with a water view on deck 8 where you could cuddle up and feel alone. There is a private pool club called, VIBE that costs $100.00 per person extra but no kids and special perks included. When we first boarded the ship we went to the comedy club to reserve restaurants & shows and the line to buy into VIBE was huge due to limited space.
I loved the gym and the $95.00 (after gratuities) unlimited class pass was great, especially the spin classes called, RYDE. Jarred was the instructor and he made every ride fun and hard!
Love a room with a view, won't go without it!