AVOID NCL and especially ESCAPE at all costs!

Item: Norwegian Escape
Rating: 1
Author: loccervatore

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

loccervatore

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 20

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 26, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Cabin type: Balcony

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

An ill designed ship, GROSSLY OVERCROUDED. The space is so scarce for the stupid amount of people on board, that I personally witnessed several fights - yes actual fist fights - because there is no room to move about. One of the WORST EXPERIENCES ON BOARD ANY SHIP I HAVE EVER HAD. People were constantly edgy because you have to push and shove to get food, drinks. The music at the pool is soooooo loud, that I bet it is OUT OF the LEGAL LIMIT DECIBEL REGULATION. RELAX??? FORGET IT. The service in the LIBRARY is ridiculous. First, the library is a small room….uncomfortable, and you can only check out books from 9 to 11 AM!! The rules are absurd. The lines to complain at the front desk were 1 hour long! Imagine the dissatisfaction of how many people! Truly despicable. TRAVEL AGENCIES BEWARE! Not only will I NEVER USE NCL, I will never deal with the stupid travel agent that "recommended" this line and this ship to us. I cannot give you enough excuses to avoid this cruise line. The "ESCAPE" was perhaps the company's most recent attempt to pack people like animals into a squeezing cage. To top it all off, NCL MUST BE IN REALLY DEAR FINANCIAL TROUBLE WHERE YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY CHARGED FOR SERVICE FOR EVERYTHING. That is, since THEY KNOW FULL WELL that their service is DESPICABLE, they charge you weather or not you want to tip the waiters/waitresses, because there are SOOOO many people and so few crew. A HORRIBLE SERVICE EXPERIENCE. HORRIBLE!!!!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

A complete HOAX. They fool you (and charge you) for "specialty" restaurants you cannot attend because there are fully booked - not because they are good, but because the ship is ill-designed for that many people.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Way too many people for the small recreation areas. Chaos in EVERY SINGLE FACILITY

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Poor quality, boring shows.

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Overcrowded pools. Overcrowded and small, claustrophobic spaces for way too many people. The engineers and company officials must have done this on purpose and they are ill intended and mean.

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Never seen such over-crowded quarters. Against all rules of relaxation. IT WAS STRESSING!!!!

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

1 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

1 out of 5

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

1 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

1 out of 5

74 Comments

samyers 8 years ago

Been on NCL twice and had great experiences! Going again in November and looking forward to it. All cruise lines automatically charge the gratuities. Never had a problem with the service because of this either. The mega ships are more crowded, but can be expected.

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justinfla 8 years ago

Who goes on a cruise to read books in a library anyways? You are supposed to go on a cruise to drink way too much and eat way too much...people like you will never be satisfied...read books in a library when there is free unlimited drinks...lol

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nickman684 8 years ago

Wait, you were makin out with the girl from the Goonies?

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huntersh2 8 years ago

Whatttt???

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alexkatpac 8 years ago

I don't think the gratuity they charge is at all unreasonable. In fact being from NYC I usually leave extra for those who provide good service.

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askoleern 8 years ago

I will say this if you sailed in the 1980s you had excellence now that's gone ,its all bottom line now and there is always someone else to fill the cabins. Still think its a good deal whatever it cost...

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chaz9 8 years ago

Not true. A cruise shoukd be what you pay for. The cruise lines set the bar for excellence. That's what should be received from them

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2CrazyCruisers 8 years ago

Cruising is what you make of it, if your unhappy all the time do not cruise. Cruising is for folks to chill out, not wonder how they can get out of paying tips. Enjoy life it's over so soon.

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askoleern 8 years ago

No don't thank me ,hope i don't forget like i said i am old .Will have to put something else on so you know which ones they are..

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huntersh2 8 years ago

And thanks :)

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huntersh2 8 years ago

:) me too. But my whole family will be out there by 7 so it's not like we just hold all day....we hang all day :)

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askoleern 8 years ago

I will put towels on chair...

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huntersh2 8 years ago

Really ..that's strange only 4 near pool

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askoleern 8 years ago

Only 4 close to pool ,or back a few rows

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huntersh2 8 years ago

Funny ..after u. I need 4 :)

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nickman684 8 years ago

mine are 25 and 26. They'll be in after me.

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askoleern 8 years ago

I am old takes me awhile .How many do you need Plus i need to find coffee before i move

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huntersh2 8 years ago

But funny..in at 430. I wish ...still got the 3 and 6 year old with me. Forces early night caps :(

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huntersh2 8 years ago

We will be there also in spirit

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nickman684 8 years ago

I don't usually get in til 4:30 so if I see you I'll give you a hand. Oh wait, wrong date. With you in spirit.

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askoleern 8 years ago

thats grear because i get up at4:30

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huntersh2 8 years ago

Good. So Excited ..let's have an awesome time...I'll meet u at 530 am to save a row of seats at the pool ;)

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askoleern 8 years ago

Great your with us ,i wouldn't like to be the only person to give a honest review....

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huntersh2 8 years ago

Ask me May 7th too :)

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askoleern 8 years ago

We leave May seventh ,i think chaz9 needs a hug

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randalljordan 8 years ago

I too LOVED the Getaway! Can't wait to go on the Escape on 2/27!

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chaz9 8 years ago

You woukd think that a ship that holds 5000 people would be designed to accommodate them. They didn't put 5000 people on a boat that holds 2000

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askoleern 8 years ago

You spoke the truth ,the number of guests are noted on every ship so why chose one with almost six thousand with crew, this will be my first time on ship of this size ,but it was my choice and i wont complain....,

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Michelle04 8 years ago

Don't read into the negative people, they are the ones that are impossible to please regardless of the situation. Why board a ship when you know BEFORE that it carries over 4000 passengers? We went on the Getaway in September and loved it. Going on the Escape this September and looking forward to it.

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Forevercruiser 8 years ago

I love NCL...been on 2 previously and really had great cruises. This will be our first on one of their mega ships though, after cruising the carnival conquest this last January, it can't get much worse if you ask me. Been on Royal, carnival and NCL...

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nickman684 8 years ago

BINGO, Webermat. If some of these people knew the conditions these people work under and what they are paid and still manage to treat me with respect, always with a smile, they'd change their tune. I go out of my way treat them the same way. Hell, I'm more comfortable shooting the bull with the people working there, if they have the time, than some of the people I've met on board. Just my 2 cents.

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randalljordan 8 years ago

Webermat you put it beautifully!

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Webermat 8 years ago

I had not one of these problems but maybe I'm just not picky I always had prompt service at bars and restaurants there was always seating in the buffett even at 6 pm the music was great it got everyone out dancing and I found a few good manners go a long way toward good service . I noticed of someone acted entitled they were simply overlooked for the polite people who wait appreciate the services

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banaford 8 years ago

Chaz9...Just know that carnival has an upcharge for lobster/steak on a cruise less than 6 days. Don't want you to be surprised. But I understand the frustration of having to work to get things corrected. Hope your next cruise is better!

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chaz9 8 years ago

Carnival never has an upcharge at free dinners. No record of our reservations when we got onboard. Spend the first 2 days trying to correct. Only accomplished about 75% of them. Them handed us bills at the pay restaurants after we prepaid. Spend another day correcting that. Not what a vacation is about.

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slevin2010 8 years ago

How did you lose your reservations?

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nickman684 8 years ago

Did they at least try to fix the screw up? Not sure what an uncharge is. And the kids, sorry but most ships have adult times.

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banaford 8 years ago

Thnx for responding chaz9

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chaz9 8 years ago

Over croweded. Lost all of the reservations we made over 6 months. Always an uncharge at the "FREE" restaurants. One small pool kids can not sit with me at the pool until 5pm.

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askoleern 8 years ago

I am so glad to hear that you didn't like it tell all your friends so there will be more room for the people that don't complain like an a... like you

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nickman684 8 years ago

why is that?

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banaford 8 years ago

Why was it bad chaz9?

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chaz9 8 years ago

NCL sucks. Just returned from the Escape. NEVER AGAIN !!!

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huntersh2 8 years ago

Agreed tip more for good service and normal for normal...but the option should exist. That's all. Bar service is a must. Never done NCL....but on all other cruises There are multiple people walking around the pool deck getting drinks...I heard on NCL it's not like that. People said they never saw anyone walking around for drinks which I find odd.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

I can't wait to go either ..I wish u all a great cruise..I have to wait til May..I'm way out there

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banaford 8 years ago

Slevin2010...yes you can pay in advance. On the bill is not extra. They are the same gratuities.

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askoleern 8 years ago

They work a lot of hours ,,i think its worth the money .We even tip more during the end of the cruise ,if we had good service...

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huntersh2 8 years ago

All lines put on acct and u have to close your tab before leaving or they take from credit card on file....forcing you to pay no matter what the service is bull. I have never had a problem with the old way. At least I knew if there was issues I could go dispute. Not having that option is not right and will definitely make it so staff take it easier (bar and wait). It's human nature...we all would.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

How can u not tip at all? It's put on to your acct?

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slevin2010 8 years ago

Can't you pay those gratuities before you go on the cruise? Or are these extra gratuity?

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jimbo1968 8 years ago

Sailing on the escape on Feb 27th , hoping for and awesome time !

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cruisingcindylou 8 years ago

I have been on NCL Epic and Getaway. Going on Escape this year. I love NCL. Automatic tips do not bother me. I think the crew works hard and deserves the tips. I imagine they have to do this because so many were not tipping at all. The bars were very busy but I would say that was due to some many getting the free drinks package.

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askoleern 8 years ago

See Sturat123 what i am saying you must have been on a differnt cruise...

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pmeyer1999 8 years ago

I will be on the Escape for spring break.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

It will be just as crowded February March and April for all the winter and spring breaks for the kids across the US

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pmeyer1999 8 years ago

Some people just like to complain

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nickman684 8 years ago

Same ship, January 30. Full to capacity. Wouldn't believe it. No sign of crowding whatsoever. The most I ever saw was when a show got out and what else would you expect. Lines at a buffet? Show me a ship that doesn't have that. Going again in a few months. No problem.

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pmeyer1999 8 years ago

Ok...this poster went on the Escape over the Christmas holidays and is surprised the ship was crowded....smh.

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JusMe 8 years ago

NCL is making it difficult to remove the auto tips. I have read other reviews that sent letters to NCL got a standard reply, but no money back, when they sent 2nd letter to they got back another letter saying it would be another month to see if they will give a refund.

My best advise on NCL is to go Carnival or RCI. NCL is the worst cruises I have been om.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

I agree 100%. It allowed the workers to get complacent and that hurts the passenger. I wouldn't work as hard either if boss said it's OK to be average ....it's human nature.

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banaford 8 years ago

So I just leave it, and tip on top. But I don't like that you don't have the choice either. Even though we tip above and beyond...I want to know I can choose. I have gone on NCL, but before this policy.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

True

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banaford 8 years ago

I understand. But when you leave them, people who you don't see also get it. Like the guy who put together your dinner in the galley.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

It's a ridiculous policy. Because I do see that being one of their major issues....staff who know they are getting there money no matter what so they coast instead of working to earn/get those tips.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

I have always enjoyed giving cash to those who deserve it at the same price as what is counted by the line.

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banaford 8 years ago

Yes you write them when you get home. Sorry if I was confusing.

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banaford 8 years ago

Try NCL..just plan on not taking off gratuities.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

So you have to write them ahead of time before you go on board. Maybe I'm confusing what u said. I think it reads you write them when you get home.

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banaford 8 years ago

They say you can take it off while on board. But you have to write them. Somebody last wk was saying it has been almost a month, and still hasn't recvd. Others have said they will not let them take off while onboard.

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huntersh2 8 years ago

This stuff scares me about NCL. First time...wanted to try them....only one hadn't yet

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huntersh2 8 years ago

U can take them off if u complain to them and then write them when u return home. Is what their site says.

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banaford 8 years ago

NCL does not allow you to take off those charges, like some other cruise lines. Perhaps that is what upsets her.

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skibm69 8 years ago

Every cruise line charges a daily tax per person. Not just NCL

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banaford 8 years ago

Wow...I hope you have not given up cruising because of this experience. Sorry is was not a good one for you.

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