I do not like Freestyle Cruising with specialty restaurants. I paid $1700 for my cruise, why should I pay extra for food and entertainment. Yes, you have specialty entertainment which you have to pay for. The Escape is huge but has a small pool, way to small for that many people. It has a HUGE water park and zip line which is great for families but I travel with friends and only need to get to the pool, which we couldn't. My last three cruises were with NCL but my next one will be with a different cruise line. My balcony room was SMALL. I think it was about the same size as my last one without a window. I know the closet and shower was half the size to make room for the couch which we did not use. I needed closet space. I LOVED the staff. Very friendly and helpful and conversational. I loved the décor of the ship. The restaurants are all in the same end of the ship making it easy to get around.