We were a group of 3 couples/6 adults (my sister and her husband, son and his wife and my husband and I) escaping the Canadian winter to cruise the Caribbean in Feb 18. This vacation was booked with a travel company and included airfare in CDN dollars so it was good value. We flew into Ft. Lauderdale while we boarded the ship in Miami. Both embarkation and disembarkation was well organized and went smoothly.

The ship itself was beautiful, clean and very impressive. We had a balcony cabin that was well appointed while the balcony was larger than the one we had on the Getaway the previous year. Bed was very comfy and all was kept neat and clean throughout the voyage. The food on this ship was amazing! I've come to expect great food and service on cruise ships and the Escape does not disappoint! We dined in Le Bistro, Cagneys and Moderno through a specialty dining package we bought. Food and service in all three we great but especially in Cagneys and Le Bistro - my favourites! The main dining rooms and buffet had great food too. You may have to wait for a table but it is never too long. Absolutely no complaints here.

In general, we found the ship to feel very crowded. There was only one pool and one kids pool with huge water-slides for everyone so you could never get a spot to sit near the pool. It was a sea of humanity on those two decks in the pool area on the at sea days and very disappointing. The water-slides and a rope course took up some serious real estate. Same issue with the bars in the evening They seem to be all located in one area and were all packed with barely standing room to see anything or to get a drink. I have not experienced this kind of issue on other cruises and cruise lines (13 in total). This being said, we were able to find quiet areas to sit and enjoy ourselves like the boardwalk. NCL promotes "Freestyle Cruising" do what you want when you want but they still want you to reserve the shows they have which again requires planning.....On vacation you may not want a tight schedule in order to see shows or may just simply change your mind. So this was a hassle. Read more