Norwegian Escape

Norweign Escape 10/03-10/10

October

Pros: Overall experience was very good.

Cons: Disappointed in the hotels that the ship offers in Rome and Venice. Did not realize that there were 2 hotel options in Venice and we were only offered one.

Recommended: Yes

The majority of the excursions were very good except for the trackless train in Split Croatia, It was a horrible tour. I do not believe it was explained properly. We get a bus sticker, then told we have to walk from the pier to town. After about 35 minutes, told the tour begins. Walked through "Palace", then walk to get the trolley, which drives us outside of the town to 2 parks. It was not even that scenic a drive. The trolley brings us back and the guide says you can walk to town or go back to the boat. Someone asks how to get to the ship and she says just follow the water's edge. This was one of the more expensive tours and definitely not worth the cost

Outstanding Crew

September

Pros: Crew

Cons:

Recommended: Yes

Norwegian Escape crew was outstanding, Lufthansa lost our luggage and the crew onboard Norwegian Escape did everything in their power to help us locate our luggage. We felt they kept us informed, tried to help with keeping the only clothes we had cleaned all while being extremely professional and compassionate. We want to personally thank each member but a sincere thank you to our steward Mark for checking on us daily and taking the time to make my birthday special!

Our 1st Mediterranean Cruise

May

Pros: Great itinerary, many shore excursions to choose from and the process was very efficient, great entertainment, the food was decent but better in the specialty restaurants, the ship’s staff were friendly & helpful!

Cons: The restaurants need to include more vegetables & healthy options!

Recommended: Yes

Cruises should be all inclusive if that’s what they are promoting with the drink package, internet & specialty dining! I didn’t like the up charges for room service, internet minutes, some dining choices, etc!

Very satisfied

May

Pros: Exceptional treatment from everyone.

Cons: Can’t think of anything.

Recommended: Yes

Very clean and organized. Loved the washi washi team at the buffet. Loved the studio lounge for the studio guests.

Not pleased

February

Pros: Free style dining

Cons: Small areas to smoke, food was not good, bathrooms locked up.

Recommended: No

One of two smoking areas H2O closed 3 nights for private party. Not sure how Norwegian can justify closing this area that should be open to ALL passengers. This caused passengers that smoke to be crammed into one small smoking area. My husband and I were not pleased. We went to customer service to complain and was given $280.00 off our cruise cost. The customer service area was very difficult to communicate because they have loud entertainment in the same area. I found this to be the most ridiculous thing ever. We will NOT be traveling with Norwegian again.

Excursions

February

Pros: Very safe, very organized

Cons: Need water available at sites

Recommended: Yes

If possible, water available at excursions. Cozumel - Amazing Race Grand Cayman - Kayaking Jamaica - ATV

N w Escape cruise

January

Pros: Staff very good and helpful

Cons: Pool and hot tub area way too crowded

Recommended: Yes

Specialty restaurants very good to excellent.. garden cafe ok, 7th deck public restaurant awful.. bars good .. private island and villas fantastic… entertainment excellent.

Cruise to Bermuda

August

Pros: Everything was wonderful!

Cons: None

Recommended: Yes

Excellent cruise!

Family Vacation

June

Pros: Daily and Evening Entertainment, variety of restaurants,

Cons: Adult and Kids pools too small for the amount of guests, Not enough help at bars to get a drink

Recommended: Yes

The services were great for the most part. With a child on our trip she had to go to the kids pool and not be with our family. Also seemed like it took for ever to get a drink. Otherwise our family had a good time.

Excellent value!

July

Pros: Huge ship with plenty of space, excellent specialty dining, and outstanding crew

Cons: Shows could be a little more varied

Recommended: Yes

title

March

Pros: pretty much everything else

Cons: no private island stop due to weather

Recommended: Yes

great time will do again

Friends and family get away

February

Pros: Freestyle

Cons: Desastrous embark and disembark process

Recommended: Yes

Great ship, great crew, a lot of people but except embarking (almost 3 hrs queuing) and disembarking (almost 1,5 hrs queueing) we never had to wait longer then 1 minut for buffets, towels, shows, embarking at ports,.... Good food maybe breakfast buffet daily the same but good and big offer

Friends and family get away

February

Pros: Freestyle

Cons: Desastrous embark and disembark process

Recommended: Yes

Great ship, great crew, a lot of people but except embarking (almost 3 hrs queuing) and disembarking (almost 1,5 hrs queueing) we never had to wait longer then 1 minut for buffets, towels, shows, embarking at ports,.... Good food maybe breakfast buffet daily the same but good and big offer

Caribbean Cruise

February

Pros: Great food and entertainment

Cons: Pool area very small and congested.

Recommended: Yes

Norwegian's private island, Harvest Caye, Belize was absolutely beautiful. Made the whole trip worthwhile. Ship staff is always very personable and entertaining.

Great time on Escape to Bermuda!!

November

Pros: Fabulous food, entertainment, and customer service

Cons: Had a little problem with using the in-room reservation computer system

Recommended: Yes

Thoroughly loved our trip!!

Perfect cruise

June

Pros:

Cons:

Recommended: Yes

Everything was perfect. The entire staff went out of their way to make sure every need was met down to drinking enough water to keep hydrated.

Provides a wonderful experience

October

Pros: Staff, food

Cons: Shows

Recommended: Yes

I don’t think I met one rude or unpleasant staff member, which speaks volumes for the ships commitment to service. Everyone was always smiling, friendly, and helpful. The food had a nice variety and was very good. Specialty restaurants were awesome! The small bar clubs entertainment was very good. Was disappointed with their theatre show. Ship was always spotless!

Huge ship but don’t plan on swimming

September

Pros: Excellent staff,very friendly and happy. Great entertainment and food

Cons: Not enough elevators and the pool was the size of a shoebox

Recommended: No

Bermuda vacation

August

Pros:

Cons: Small pool area

Recommended: No

Awesome!!

April

Pros:

Cons:

Recommended: Yes

The staff is fantastic, the ship is clean and the entertainment is very good. This was our second time on the Escape and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

February 23 - March 3 2018 cruise

February

Pros: Good food and drinks

Cons: Pillows and mattresses could be better

Recommended: Yes

I found the employees to be friendly but one was not as pleasant as she could have been to my friend.

Fantastic Trip

February

Pros: Food was fantastic, staff were always pleasant, ship is beautiful, Splash Academy (Kids Club) was a hit!

Cons: On sea days pool deck and pools are very crowded

Recommended: Yes

We recently returned home from our cruise and have said many times, "That was a fantastic trip!" The ship is new, clean, and beautiful. The staff/stewards were helpful and cheerful for the entire trip. The food and variety of food is superb. We were pleasantly surprised by the Kids Club called Splash Academy. Our children, ages 6 and 8, asked to go to the Academy every single day of the cruise! It was not our intention to drop them off everyday, however, it did give my husband and I a few hours of quality time together while knowing our children were enjoying themselves. Great family vacation! The ports and excursions were also a highlight. We'd definitely go again!

First time empty nester couple

February

Pros: Haven, Free at Sea promotion, Haven Skydeck, Haven Restaurant, Staff, Cleanliness, Food, Haven Perks regarding lines and reservations.

Cons: No big cons.

Recommended: Yes

We were first timers and loved it. I haven't been this relaxed or carefree since I was 12 years old. My wife loved it, too. We'll definitely be back. We opted to spend extra for the Haven and the Spa. We already put a deposit down with Norwegian for another cruise. We have 4 years to use it. If we try to go every year I don't know if we'll spring for the Haven again. We might just try it once without. That's a tough decision. Maybe no Haven but keep the spa. Or add the Beach Club. One of my favorite places was the Haven's Skydeck. You are very spoiled in the Haven. Before we went I read that someone wrote that you get to see how the other half lives. I thought that was hyperbole but I don't now.

Escape cruise 2018

February

Pros: Cabin Steward, People we met, Promotion of drinks and specialty dining, Teppanyaki Restaurant. The variety of things to do.

Cons: Restaurant Staff Professional, but not Socialable. Casino smoky no matter where you were. Quality of drinks was not the same from bar to bar.

Recommended: Yes

Overall we had a good time.

Norwegian Escape Cruise-January 6-13, 2018

January

Pros: The staff was very friendly and the food was great! The onboard shows were also wonderful!

Cons: Smoking being allowed in the casino area was a disappointment. Did not go to the casino much, or stay long, because of that.

Recommended: Yes

We loved our "first" cruise so much that we signed up for "CruiseNext" and put down a deposit for future cruises. Can't wait to go again!

1st timer and on my 50th. No disapointment

November

Pros: Everything is taken care of for all ages. Meals were greatvand rooms were always clean

Cons: Should have some overnight activity options besides gambling

Recommended: Yes

Not only did the staff do a great job but everyone sincerely cared and took the time to listen. Was a little dissapointed that we had to cancel the Stirrup Cay trip but do understand. Would be nice for Norwedgian to offer those who had the excursion credit one on a future trip.

November 11th Sailing on the Escape

November

Pros: The Cruise Director Tyler, our cabin steward Nadia, the food in the specialty restaurants, the comedians

Cons: The cigarette smell from the 7th floor Casino could be smelled on the 6th and 8th floor, The Brat Pack Show

Recommended: Yes

The Cruise Director Tyler was exceptional. We have traveled on 3 NCL ships as well as Princess, Royal and Carnival and he was far and away the best Cruise Director we have ever had. He was involved in everything, and was always high energy. The rest of the crew usually reflects the Cruise Director and they definitely did! Loved the comedians. They had us in stitches. The food in Cagney's Steakhouse was really good. Steak cooked perfectly, and the waiter was very attentive. This was followed closely by the Teppanyaki restaurant. Food was also quite good, and our hibachi chef was really entertaining. As for the shows, After Midnight was really good, but the Brat Pack show was not at all what we thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be 80's music I had heard of, but it wasn't, and the lights were too bright to the point of hurting my eyes. We left early. The only other knock on the ship was the cigarette smell from the 7th floor casino. it was in the carpeting, and you could smell it on both the 6th and 8th floor (which you could not avoid. They need to do a better job of ventilating the casino

Amazing Vacation

November

Pros: Ship beautiful, great choices of dining, Staff amazing, stateroom very functional

Cons: Bad excursion

Recommended: Yes

We were extremely disappointed in the Bamboo Beach excursion. Seems we weren't the only ones either! The trip to get there was an hour and 1/2. (not worth it) property ugly, restrooms bad and not enough, sand on beach brown and gravely, land that we had to walk on not level and hard to manuever. The food was just OK. On the way back they stopped at a small shopping store. That was a waste of time! Sorry we paid to go there!

Great Family Vacation on the Norwegian Escape!

June

Pros: Specialty Restaurants, Friendliness of Staff, Activities

Cons: Wish there were more ports, activities hard to find for 18-20 age group

Recommended: Yes

My family of 4 (including 2 daughters ages 15 and 18 - both first time cruisers) had a wonderful experience on the Escape. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Main dining room and specialty restaurants were exceptional, even the buffet on the pool deck was good quality and variety. We had 2 staterooms, which made space nice for the 4 of us. Variety of activities and lounges/bars was great. As a craft beer enthusiast the "District" on Deck 8 had over 20 taps on hand. Don't miss "For the Record - the Brat Pack" if you are onboard. St. Thomas and Tortola were great ports, Nassau was just "so-so", another BVI would have been nice, since this itinerary had 3 full days at sea. The upgrades for both drink packages and specialty dining added a lot of value compared to other lines.

The Haven

April

Pros: All positive

Cons: Really none

Recommended: Yes

We had a terrific time and were thoroughly spoiled. It was just like having a private yacht. Wonderful. Stateroom had all the amenities you would wish for. Altogether a very happy experience.

Nice ship but extremely small pools

April

Pros: Great food, newer ship with lots to do

Cons: Very small pools, long lines for everything, lots of nickel & diming

Recommended: Yes

We chose the escape for a family spring break trip. Wanted to do a Disney cruise but basically had to sell a kidney to do it so we thought the escape would be a better value. Overall, the ship is nice because it is relatively new. We found the quality and variety of the food to be very good, although we haven't cruised for nearly 15 years so I don't really have anything to compare it to relative to other cruise lines. The biggest disappointment were the pools (or lack thereof). For a ship that has over 4,000 guests, I was expecting more pool options. We were utterly disappointed. There are only 2 pools on the ship, one is a family pool for kids and the other an adult only pool. Both were TINY and extremely crowded the entire cruise. The family pool has a horrible layout. The water slides wrap around the pool so that you can't see your kids while sittting in the pool chairs around the pool. My kids are 7 and 10 so I wasn't super concerned but I always like to monitor when they around water because you never know and drowning can happen so fast. There are no lifeguards. My kids got bored by the 2nd day on the ship. Yes, there is a lot to do but you have to be ok with waiting in very long lines to do them. They begged and begged to go to the arcade (the one place with no lines) but Norwegian doesn't allow you to set a spending limit on your kids room keys. It's all or nothing. The arcade is super expensive ($2-$3/game) and if you just let them go on their own, you would for sure have a hefty bill when you got off the ship. My husband took them for about 30 min and they racked up over $100 in charges. We cut them off after that and didn't let them go back (this was only day 2!) The other thing I was disappointed with was the wifi. My husband couldn't live without it so he insisted we purchase it. We bought the unlimited package which was a complete rip off. I guess I didn't read the fine print but you can only hook up one device! I didn't sign up for my carriers international plan thinking we would have wifi on the ship and I wouldn't need it. Well, I had no service the entire trip. Normally I wouldn't care but we were on the cruise with other family members and had no way to keep in touch for meeting up. Norwegian has an app where you can message other guests but just like anything else, they charge you for it! I would also advise to not purchase the photo package in advance if that's something you are considering. I did think it would be a better deal by purchasing in advance. At the end of our trip when I went to pick up my photos, I found that they offered the same package at the same price but if you bought it on the ship, you also got your photos on a usb. They said I could purchase the USB for another $20! I had to complain to a few different people and eventually they agreed to give me the USB. Definitely do not pre purchase! Overall, I think this is a great ship for folks without kids. I wouldn't do it again as a family. Our family who went without kids had a much more enjoyable time than we did.

Harriet Kallemeyn

February

Pros: Great food, clean service, happy servers, atmosphere was great. Love all the great food places, and their service.

Cons: The evening entertainment was great in the theater what they had, but they didn't have something every night.

Recommended: Yes

The entertainment that they had in the atrium was good, but only enough places for a few to sit. The casino area is to large.

First 7 day cruise!

December

Pros: Fabulous food!

Cons: Small pool, tiny hot tubs always occupied by children.

Recommended: Yes

Overall it was a pleasant cruise. I was expecting to be a little "wowed" because it was a newer ship. Looked almost exactly like the Sky. They definitely had areas for "Haven" cruisers that were exclusive for the rich (hey, we paid $4190 plus $460 afterwards). I'm sure that's where the kid free hot tubs were. My husband is a very light sleeper and there was a CONSTANT creaking noise in the ceiling of our room. Almost like the material that it was made out of was plastic and rubbing wrong. Had we known, we would've brought ear plugs. Been on 8 cruises and that was a first. The entertainment was good. Very small stages which filled quickly but as long as you reserved, you were able to get in. Getting on and off the boat was a breeze, and that was impressive for that many people. Excursions were handled very well. The bathroom in the room was the one huge improvement over past ships. Large shower and very roomy overall.

Frequent cruiser

October

Pros: Haven anenities

Cons: Food was awful

Recommended: No

Roland On The Ocean

October

Pros: Clean and friendly staff, Haven restaurant very good

Cons: Average food in most of the dinning spots

Recommended: Yes

We enjoyed our time on the Escape very much. You could do as much as you wanted or as little. We can't say enough about the staff: friendly, kind, helpful, and always had a smile on their face.

Chasing the hurricane

October

Pros: Ship seemed very roomy for the amount of people on board.Never felt crowded in lines at the buffet or when exiting shows.

Cons: Could have used a larger adult pool. This seemed like the only area were you fely overwhemed by bodies all over.

Recommended: Yes

I would highly recommend the escape to anyone who enjoys cruising. The ship is very modern and very much up to date . I would not recommend it for 1st time cruisers, as it may be to large to handle. This is my 4th NCL vacation and have good luck on all trips. I don't see changing cruise lines in the near future.

Cruising with the Grandkids

June

Pros: Beautiful, clean, new

Cons: Not kid friendly

Recommended: Yes

The islands and the ship are gorgeous! The organization in getting people to Atlantis from the ship was a very expensive, horrible mess! They were totally unprepared and we waited in a crowd of very hot and angry people for an hour before we got a bus. My grandson became very ill.

AWESOME CRUISE!!!!!

June

Pros: Stateroom had a balcony that was so relaxing to sit on and enjoy the ocean... If your taking a cruise it is well worth the additional cost to get a room with the balcony!!! The Food was incredible!!!!!

Cons: Only negative that I can think of is that it would be nice to stay in port at some of the locations for a bit longer so you could enjoy them more.

Recommended: Yes

Norwegian Escape is an awesome ship. Our accommodations were excellent!!! Staff is very friendly and accommodating!! Food is outstanding!!! lots of activities on board if you wish to participate!!! Very relaxing I would definitely recommend this cruise!!! Only negative is would have been nice if the ship stayed in some of the ports for at least 12 hours, so you could have a chance to do a few more excursions or just enjoy the sight seeing. Overall wonderful experience and would recommend this cruise. Went Snorkeling in St Thomas on an excursion and was able to see some Sea Turtles which was amazing!!!!

It's a Real Escape!!!

June

Pros: Unique, lovely, tons to do, great variety for all ages!

Cons: The only Con is the poor reception and speed of the Internet.

Recommended: Yes

I loved the Escape experience because it was not like all of the other lines. It felt like we were going out for an upscale dinner every night to a different restaurant... instead of being herded into one main dining room. And especially loved that O'Sheehan's was open 24/7 with great burgers, shakes,etc. I felt that there was a lot to do for all ages. And the mixture of ages and people was exactly right. We definitely will escape again on the Norwegian Escape!

The good,the bad, and the ugly

May

Pros: Most of the entertainment was good, if you have any religious issues, do not go to the comedy shows at 11

Cons: food was just so,so-If I had to rate it form a 1-10, I would give it a 2 or 3. There was not that great of a selection on the menu and several things were charged for. Also if you are a solo person, they seat you by yourself in the main dining rooms, not with other travelers.

Recommended: Yes

I don't know what the problem was with some of the reviews of the solo cabins. There is plenty of storage space, and there was room under the bed to put the luggage. My biggest problem with the solo cabins is that they have an inside hall that you have to navigate, then get to the main hall, to find a way out in case of an emergency. I could also smell smoke in the eves and at night because it was above the casino area. The room itself was fine. How much time do you spend in there anyway. The lounge area is very nice, and the coffee machine was great.

Norwegian escape

May

Pros: Ship well appointed. Suites have some great features. Food very good. Staff helpful. Shows very good. Haven concept is a very nice perk, however!!!

Cons: Haven a very nice concept, however, there has to be a child limitation.

Recommended: Yes

Children have to be limited if the Haven concept is it be unique. Who wants dinner in the Haven restaurant with telling kids on both sides of you.

anniversary cruise

April

Pros: great family friendly ship

Cons:

Recommended: Yes

we had a wonderful time! brand new ship!

Free Cruising

April

Pros: Eat when you want, do as much ( or little ) as you want, dress how you want ... Do it YOUR WAY !! ????

Cons: Children should NOT be allowed in

Recommended: Yes

Absolutely PERFECT experience!!! Loved the "days at sea" ... !! The staff at the 5' 0 clock Some where Bar were awesome, funny, engaging, and SOO much fun to be around !!! Also.. Our room steward was amazing... He seemed to know every time we left our cabin, and he cleaned it up and put handmade towel animals out for us to enjoy. This crew works hard to make sure you have the best experience ever ! Attention to detail was extremely high !!!

Great time without club

March

Pros: Was great boat and beverage package was excellent

Cons: Just hard time with soda even with drink package some wouldn't except

Recommended: Yes

If all of the staff would have excepted my beverage cart for sodas and some didn't it would've been perfect but the inconsistency was a bit of a problem. Also the late night club was not a real enclosed club every night seemed more like a lounge Atmosphere. There was no really enclosed club to give you the nightlife vibe. The nightlife club was really in and open lounge so it was too close to casino where distractions often occurred being that it was not enclosed night club area being that it was across from the casino it took away from the night life club atmosphere

Pretty much awesome!

March

Pros: Food, entertainment, cleanliness , friendliness

Cons: Communication, storage room in cabin.

Recommended: Yes

Need a movie schedule. They had a movie channel on TV but no way of knowing what movie or what time any were coming on. Also had an outdoor theater but the movie selection was poor. Didn't have a movie every night, why not? OR, if they did, they didn't communicate it very well. Most movies were for children. On our cruise there were' t too many children and at that time, most would have been in bed. Should show these on TV movie channel.

Family cruise

February

Pros: Great rooms and service, food and entertainment.

Cons: Lots of people(4000) so every thing you do is busy and noisey.

Recommended: Yes

We had a great time as a family with a variety of ages. Lots to do for everyone. Well organized boarding and disembarking. Great rooms and staff. Gets noisey between number of people and music and activities. Also crowded in the outdoor activity areas.

GreatCruise

January

Pros: Everything

Cons: None

Recommended: Yes

It was just a great cruise in all respects.

Beautiful Ship

November

Pros: Food, food, food.... service and activites

Cons: Another NCL cruise with no NFL shown outside

Recommended: Yes

Escape is a beautiful ship with so many good places to eat. 1 or 2 cruises and you still won't be able to try them all. The detail in every area of the ship was incredible. I bought a Vibe pass well worth the money, from there I was able to sneak a peak at the Haven courtyard, for those that can afford it, it looks to be worth every penny. I can't wait to book again so I can see the other half of the ship I didn't see this cruise.

Great ship!

January

Pros: Excellent Food, freestyle cruising, assortment of activities on board

Cons: Entertainment, Itinerary

Recommended: Yes

Broadway show was cancelled because of injury, and the other broadway show was not to our liking. Comedy acts were great and loved the night where the employees on the ship shared their talents. Ports were okay but nothing special. Disappointed in all of the charges and fees on board - wish we had known about them before taking the trip. Those items considered FREE had charges and gratuities to them. Another family on the cruise said that as far as family activities go, this cruise had more to offer than the Disney cruise they went on previously.

Sweeeeet!

January

Pros: New and clean, dining and drink package

Cons: Had the feel of being crowded where other big ships did not. Should have had more elevators on ship.

Recommended: Yes

Pre boarding was extremely crowded. Many times throughout the trip the elevators were packed. Not much at Tortola. Should skip this island-let them finish building and then go there.

Many pros and cons

November

Pros: Beautiful ship, lovely crew, outstanding entertainment, excellent bartenders, spacious cabins and nice balcony

Cons: Slow service in complimentary restaurants while specialty restaurants (triple the complimentary ones) were almost empty. Great area for children but many more children than we expected and most were literally running amok. Freestyle dining was a bit of a pain as we had to wait no matter what time we tried for dinner; food was fine in Taste and Savor but more pedestrian in the Garden Cafe.

Recommended: Yes

We chose this cruise thinking it was between vacation times and the children would be minimal. We were wrong. The boat is a great choice for children - the play/splash area was heavily used, the food in the cafe catered to parents and young children, and there were many amenities for children throughout the boat. There was no adult only pool unless you were in the Haven and the adult deck (H2O) while listed as adults only had teens on site every day. The whole layout of the boat was a but odd. The jogging track was in the same area as the garden cafe. We had to dodge strolling families and people as we tried to use the track during the times posted. We saw a number of near misses during the week as people collided with drinks and food. Drink package was excellent and they served top end liquors and mixers. Entertainment (free shows) was outstanding even though we had to deal with children running up the aisles during a 10 pm comedy show. Ports were OK. Cabin service was excellent. However, the dining services were very slow and disorganized. The food in Taste and Savor was excellent and offered a good variety. I would recommend this boat to anyone with a family but NOT for someone who wants to relax.