My husband and I travelled on the Norwegian Escape 12-day from New York City leaving on December 9, 2018. Embarkation went very smoothly, we arrived early at the port and there were already line ups but they moved very fast and the staff was friendly and helpful. It was clearly marked as to where to go. When we arrived on the ship we ate at O'Sheeans - I'm vegetarian and there weren't very many options for me but they were happy to change the fajitas to vegetarian. We explored the ship a little bit (we had carry on bags and it was easy enough to get around with them, the elevators weren't too busy - it's the only day we used them though). The ship was HUGE - we loved that there was so much space and so many options as to what to do but that also came with a lot of people. We eventually found some great, quiet, adult-only hang out spots which was great, we also had a balcony which was wonderful. In fact, the only time I found it to be VERY busy with people was during our last sea day and some days in the buffet lines - other than that, it's a big ship so people move around quite well. Our cabin was very spacious - family balcony on deck 9 near the front. It was a nice layout and plenty of room for storage of our clothes, supplies and luggage for the 12 days. The bathroom was the biggest we've ever had on a ship so that was really nice. Our room steward Janell was great - she kept us well stocked and our room clean with fun towel animals. I liked that this was a new ship which had some updated touches that we've not had on previous cruises. Out and around the ship our favourite spots were Taste and Savour for breakfast, MIXX and Sugarcane for evening drinks, The Waterfront and Spice H20 for hanging out during the day and the Thermal Spa (I really enjoyed that). We also LOVED the craft beer bar - District Brew. We both really enjoy craft beer and they had a great selection - it was usually nice and quiet to enjoy beers and play cards or read a book with nice views. We enjoyed dinner at La Cucina (x2) and Teppanyaki (x2). They both offered lots of vegetarian options, the service was great and the food was plentiful (go hungry) :) We also ate at Taste, Savour and Manhattan for diner - we enjoyed Manhattan the most out of the three for dinner - the service was wonderful and the views were great! We really enjoyed the Howl at the Moon show - we were there each night it played and it was a great time. My husband enjoyed the basketball court and played a few games with other passengers, we both liked the waterslides and used them a few times. The jogging track wasn't great - people are walking all over it so I it the gym instead - it was good, not too busy on the machines - busier in the weights area. Pools and hot tubs were not too busy and clean. Disembarkation (yes that sad day finally came) was really easy - we had a transfer to the airport and we were off the ship quickly when they called our group, it was a little tricky to find out where to go for the transfer but we did find it and it was quick and easy. I would say the value for the money was great - we did the free at sea deals, our air was included and we paid our gratuities up front which meant no surprises at the end. This is the first time we did a cruise out of NYC - the water was pretty rough the first day and I was sick - but the front desk helped with some antinauseants and I was good to go again. I would recommend bringing something with you even if you never get sick - I have never been sick any time I've been on the water or in any vehicle so this was new to me - I'm glad the front desk was there to help. We had a great cruise overall and would be happy to go back on Norwegian. The only thing we didn't love was the cruise director. In the past we had really fun, outgoing cruise directors - this one was a little less 'fun' it seemed and we didn't see him out and around much. He also made a rather inappropriate remark at one of the shows which we thought was in poor taste. The other thing I mentioned earlier was that the vegetarian options were not too plentiful at the beginning - they did get better, the buffet always had great vegetarian Indian selections (along with others) and it was very easy to find food for the remainder of the trip.