SERVICE IS IMPECCABLE but it ends there

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 5

Overall rating:

3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Escape

6 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 14, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7812

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

I would like to start with the service, from housekeeping, restaurants, buffet... the staff was awesome. Very friendly, not intrusive, never rude. Our housekeeper, Kristally was very professional.  Always had our rooms clean and fixed nice every time.  Bong at the Mojito bar is commendable.  He was very entertaining and super nice.  We never had to wait for service. He knew to have our drinks ready before we could even ask! Got me hooked on the guava mojito. Mmmmm!

NOW the food.  Food taste was not impressive.  Some meals came out lukewarm.  Meals were so dull that we chose to pay extra to eat at FOOD REPUBLIC which was terrific.  Ms. Hazel Aragoza was very gracious and warm.  My husband was very unhappy that the areas that were supposed to be adults only were full of children from teens to toddlers! Nobody had the courage to advise the adults who came with toddlers that the 80s Dance Party is adults only.  Howl at the Moon guys kept us awake and they were very talented but other shows were nothing to talk about and some were even tacky. Hubby refuses to go on another NCL cruise. The only saving grace is the service but that is also the case with other cruises we have taken. 

 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
AWESOME HOUSEKEEPER KRISTALLY! Kept the room clean, the balcony was very spacious which was a delight! We were at the very front of the ship and I enjoyed the forced walk to get to the elevators.

Ship tip

Get the specialty meal plan and the unlimited alcohol.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

3 out of 5

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 5

12 Comments

Tennisman42282    8 years ago

Caper man you need to learn to type better..that's all broken and quite odd but I agree with some you say and disagree with others..I've found all of ncl is top notch,there are many places to get water with minimal wait,pools are not always crowded on sea days except mabye mid day but yes everyone should plan their days around crowds but it's never enough to ruin your cruise or cause a bad review.

Barb87    8 years ago

We love NCL !! We love Bong !! We had him on The Getaway last year . We're going on The Escape in 2 weeks n so looking forward to seeing Bong !!

capeman    8 years ago

This comment is written to the novice cruiser:  One has to be careful and not have an pre expectation of a ship or a cruise line before you board, I don't care how many cruises you have been on, you are only setting yourself up for a big let down if you do come on the ship expecting something.  You must weed thought the negative immediately and find the positive, if not you are stuck for 7 days of pain.  I have seen comments from people with children saying they paid in excess of 6K to get on the ship, so this justifies their kids to do what they want in their own eyes.  It is a me generation.

 

 We have learn to let the ship reveal it's spirit to us then go with the flow and stay far from the junk.  I find the public outdoor areas of NCL & Carnival to be tight, small pools, so I stay away and use the pool on the port days, not sea days when 3/4 of the passengers are looking for sun and water, if you need the water get there early, if not learn the flow when people are leaving so you can get in.  You have to make the best of it or you are in for a big failure. There are lists of activities so find the thing that fills your time slot.   Enjoy your cruise and don't for forget to leave a comment. 

Tennisman42282    8 years ago

Some people just get there enjoyment by bitching and complaining like the one whom created this post vanlessa

askoleern    8 years ago

The same people are on every cruise

islandsand    8 years ago

I've been on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, hands down I'll take Norwegian over either of them! Went on my first Norwegian Cruise in December 2013 and haven't been on another line since. It's definitely wise to form your own opinion, some people just cannot be pleased!!! We went on the Escape back in January, at lunch time the first day, (within an hour of boarding the ship, and we were on by 1:15),we heard a couple complaining about the food, the staff, the service. I was thinking are you kidding me, how long have you been on the ship???? We saw that same couple several times throughout the cruise, always looking miserable and always complaining about something! If the glass is always half empty, why bother going?!?!?! Go. Relax. Enjoy.

Rokababy05    8 years ago

Every Cruise Line allows People to bring Children. The problem isn't the "Company". Its the "Parents" not adhering to the Rules. If NCL employees approach the Parents they get upset. If they don't say anything Childless Cruisers get upset. Its a "lose, lose situation for one or the other! You cannot in all fairness lay blame on the "Brand". Put the blame where it belongs, "the Parents"!

askoleern    8 years ago

The way your approaching this cruise is the best way......

canuckcruiser84    8 years ago

We go in 17 days. Going to form my own opinion. Keep positive attitude and refusing to let negative Nelly's spoil this vacation for us.

Tennisman42282    8 years ago

Sounds like your hubby is too picky and closed minded..ncl is the best in the industry and shows on the escape mainly entertain 30 and up..too bad it didn't interest him but that doesn't make the ship bad just his interpretation of it but as I said ncl is the best and he is just gonna miss out and in turn sadly so will you

askoleern    8 years ago

You must go to have your own opinion .We were on in May and loved it

edneva    8 years ago

Going on our first NCL cruise in Oct. Loved every other cruise line but hearing lots of negatively on this ship. Will see how it goes.

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