What You Need to Know About the NCL Escape
Ship
There is so much to say about the NCL Escape! Aside from it being the largest of their fleet currently, it feels rather cozy and not so large that you cannot find your way around. There are plenty of places that fit all personalities and plenty of activities for those personalities as well. So many places to eat, that it's a foodie's paradise. For the adventurous, there's the waterslides and the ropes course. For those that want extra perks and exclusivity, there's Haven.
This ship was so fun that we decided to do it twice. We went a year ago without the kids (November 19-26) and then this trip with the kids so that they could experience it too. The ship was kept clean by the crew although at times there were the occasional beer bottle or plastic cup on the deck after hours. We never felt crowded or that we couldn't have a space to ourselves and if we wanted to party with the crowds, they were there for us.
Itinerary
The itinerary was an amended one because of the after effects of the horrendous hurricane season. It was a 7 day cruise. The first time we went, we did Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Tortola, BVI, and Nassau, Bahamas. This is what the most recent cruise was supposed to be as well but after the storms was changed. Our new itinerary became Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, and Costa Maya, Mexico. I was glad to have the extra sea day but Terry was wishing we had gotten the extra stop in Cozumel. I enjoyed this itinerary although I was bummed to not be going back to Tortola. It is simply beautiful there.
Highlight
If there is one thing that I can say that Norwegian Cruise Lines excels at, it would have to be the food. The food on both of our sailings on this ship were phenomenal! I can say that you have to take advantage of the Specialty Dining Packages available. Our favorite restaurant, Food Republic, is not included in the packages but is so affordable a la carte, that we would go regardless. But, the complimentary food options are amazing as well. Can't say enough about O'sheehan's and the Main Dining Room did not disappoint either.
What's Missing?
Although this ship has pretty much everything that you could possibly want, the one thing that is lacking is a bit of entertainment in the evenings. Mind you, there are great production shows but they repeat so once you have seen the show, there isn't anything else to see until the next one starts a few days later. Also, missing is the lounges don't have regular entertainers. So, unless you don't mind lounge-hopping to follow your favorite entertainer during the cruise, that is a drawback. But, the entertainers and DJs are pretty solid.
