Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Escape Overview

By Cruiseline.com

Norwegian Escape is one of the newest and most highly-rated ships from Norwegian Cruise Line. Launched in 2016, Escape has already distinguished itself as one of the top dogs of Norwegian’s fleet according to thousands of reviews from Cruiseline.com users. For kids and teens, the centerpiece of Norwegian Escape is the Aqua Park & Sports Complex with four waterslides, a ropes course, and courts for soccer, basketball, and bocce. Adults looking for a little less exertion and a little more relaxation should head to the spacious Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite as well as the other adult-only tranquility spaces, which include Spice H2O and the Vibe Beach Club.

Many amenities on Escape are about creating a relaxing, pampering experience for couples, but the ship also offers phenomenal entertainment, including live music, comedy, and award-winning Broadway shows, as well as an impressive array of complimentary and specialty dining venues. Enjoy Cuban-inspired seafood at Bayamo or fusion cuisine and luscious desserts at Food Republic. While certain venues do cost extra, budget-conscious cruisers can save by sticking to the complimentary venues like O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, the Garden Cafe buffet, and the three main dining rooms.

After dinner, seats fill up quickly for the line's top-rated shows. Escape's signature show is the Tony-winning musical After Midnight, which is set in Harlem's legendary Prohibition-era Cotton Club. Other shows include Choir of Man pub music, stand-up comedy nights featuring members of the Levity Entertainment Group roster, and Escape the Big Top, the story of an unbreakable curse and a circus act gone wrong.

Unlike other Norwegian ships that stick to the Caribbean year-round, Norwegian Escape is highly mobile, regularly changing homeports to offer sailings to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. These cruises sail from a variety of embarkation ports including Miami, Port Canaveral, New York City, Rome, Copenhagen, and Southampton, England.

Best For

Norwegian Escape offers a couple-friendly cruising experience with plenty of adult-only spaces, entertainment, and nightlife, and the ship's excellent variety of food, activities, and entertainment makes it ideal for families and first-time cruisers.

Things to Consider

New York sailings are prone to foul weather and rough seas. Storms and chilly temperatures may limit you to indoor activities for several days, which can affect a substantial part of your journey, especially on shorter cruises.

Ship Highlights

• Sports Complex with ropes course
• Aqua Park, including the Aqua Racer waterslide
• Three swimming pools and nine whirlpools
• Splash Academy and Guppies Nursery
• Entourage teen zone
• Video arcade
• Snow Room chill-out zone
• Spice H2O adults-only sun deck
• Full-service Mandara Spa
• Thermal Suite and Salt Room
• Pulse fitness center and classes
• Nine complimentary dining options
• Many specialty dining venues, including Food Republic
• Fourteen bars and lounges
• Stand-up from top comedians
• Broadway shows, including After Midnight