My wife and I have taken over 20 cruises, with 6 times on the NCL Breakaway and 3 times on the NCL Gem. And this was our second time on the NCL Escape so we knew what the facilities and service should be. We were not disappointed. First let me explain that my wife is a travel agent and was on this cruise as a training exercise offered by NCL to learn of the new offerings coming in the future (ships, locations, prices). This gave her a great price but left us without extra perks and room choice. We bought into the additional dining plan because I just couldn't imagine being so close to Moderno and not sitting in (we booked it twice). We also tried Teppanyaki for the first time and were both impressed with the amount and quality of the food. Taste and Savor and O'Sheehan's were exactly as expected from previous sittings. Let me also say this, I give you 3 strikes and then you are out. Several years ago the Manhattan Room struck out and is off my list. The training seminar had scheduled a group dinner for the last night in the Manhattan Room so I went along with the program not expecting much. Some people may expect that a group like this would get special attention, 30 + travel agents with the local district manager in charge, no so. They had a full room of people to take care of not just us but that's right. We were jammed in a little too tight at the tables and some services were skipped. The dinner was scheduled early when there is a lot of noise, kids & babies you know. The 3 main dining rooms offer the exact same menu from the same kitchen so I usually prefer to use Taste or Savor. And we had a great time at the Halloween Party & costume competition.

Some advice for all: there are times you may be approached by the staff to resolve a problem with your actions, be sure not to argue or become belligerent just listen and respond appropriately. There was a group of 5 people put-off the ship in Bermuda, no refund, no further travel plans, on their own. Not for breaking the "no-smoking on the balcony safety rule" but for creating an issue with the staff

I love to cruise, I go to "PARTY", I research the trip before booking, I use a travel agent (she told me I had to), and I tip with cash. I am booked on the NCL Gem in March and I can't wait.