Norwegian Escape Review
4.0 / 5.0
jgrizzle13
6-10 Cruises • Age 30s
Rating by category
Cabin
Family
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Additional details
Sail Date: Apr 2023
Cabin: Mid-ship Balcony Stateroom
Traveled with children
We just returned from a dream of a week on NCL Escape for our family of 4 (ages 31, 30, 4, 1) and we had the BEST time! I really really CANNOT understand the vast majority of the negative reviews about this ship. So many things I mentally prepared for being subpar were absolutely wonderful. This was our first NCL cruise (grant it due to kids and the pandemic, I have not sailed other lines for 7+ years but did many Carnival and RC back then) and overall we found many things to be superior to the other major cruise lines. We really loved the free at-sea promotions and enjoyed the drink package thoroughly, as well as the specialty dining.
Tried to break it down into categories for ease:
Buffet:
Cabin Review
Mid-ship Balcony Stateroom
The balcony cabin was amazing (my first time in a balcony). I was nervous about the storage but it really seemed to be plenty for our family of 4. The beds were comfortable and the balconies are spacious (just not super private so beware of your conversations). A lot of space is made up for in the bathroom- the showers are large for a cruise and this was so nice. Lots of counter space and shelves for storage in the bathroom. I would recommend using your key card in the switch to active the lights- this helps your cabin steward know when you are in your room or away (if you leave the paper card in you don't conserve the energy and the outside shows you are "at home" the whole time). Special shoutout to Verdanand, our deck 13 cabin steward. He was kind and always helped keep our room clean (even with a 17mo old and dirty diapers).
Port Reviews
Great Stirrup Cay
Tender was my only con here, but not much can be done about this. We had the best beach day here! Lots of walking to the back of the island was worth it for low crowds. Food was good and drink package still available here- heck yes! Such a perfect beach day, and cost $0! Be kind to the locals and tip the staff!
Puerto Plata
NO NEED TO LEAVE THE PORT! I am so not the person to tell you to stay nearby but this port is gorgeous with all you need. Free pools with hammocks, lounge chairs, and a lazy river. Drinks, food, and souvenirs are very expensive- come full and prepared to hang for a gorgeous pool day. We also did the monkey island- a little expensive but a truly fun experience (my 4 year old loved the monkeys jumping on her head).
St. Thomas
We had such a fun day here! We went to a local beach and just soaked up the gorgeous water! Took the lift to Paradise Point for beautiful views. Great shopping right at the port with decent prices.
Tortola
Beautiful BVI but I really hate the early time here- doesn't really give you time to do much. In general we had a great time at a local beach and exploring a bit. This was our one rainy day but we made the most of it.
5 Helpful Votes
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