Royal vs Norwegian

Item: Norwegian Escape
Rating: 1
Author: jeffjoslin

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

jeffjoslin

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 41

Overall rating:

1 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 25, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10118

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

First off my wife smokes and I don't. I've always cruised Royal, but since had some good package incentives we decided to give Norwegian a shot. Bad mistake since CO didn't explain the smoking policy and areas to us and the dining specialty package was only for three nights. Royal has always treated smokers with the same respect and service as a non-smoker. They pay the same for the cruise but Norwegian forces smokers to the 17th level at the bar with bar stools and does not provide any lounge areas for smokers. The H2O lounge has three sofa style chairs but obviously are taken up quickly. So most smokers are force to sit on a bar stool or stand while they smoke and the areas that they put smokers in are in direct sunlight during the day the majority of the cruise. Royal has an entire pool level area/side, shaded for smokers. Norwegian's guest services, two of them, incorrectly told my wife she could smoke on the pool deck beneath the TV screens. She was removed after she was told that the information given her was wrong. We'll never cruise Norwegian again since they discriminate against smokers and treat them as sub-par guest. It's funny that Norwegian will sell cigarettes on board but treat smokers like second class steerage. The casino was calling smokers out of the intercom saying you have to be gambling to smoke in the casino. The layout of the casino is terrible. Broken up into several sections. The entire layout of the ship is like a maze and makes in seem very crowded. We'll stick with Royal and probably even try Carnival as some guest told us they have a smoking policy similar to Royal.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

It was just average.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Not friendly, especially to smokers and trying to find someone who knew what was going on.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Cabin was cramped and smaller than what we've been used to. Balcony was smaller and kids on both sides are up early and loud.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

2 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3 out of 5

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

1 out of 5

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5

18 Comments

ProfDen 7 years ago

Did you discuss your concerns with Washy Washy Happy Happy? Few know this, but he is actually in charge of everything.

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TERRI1962 7 years ago

People are still smoking in cabins, on balconys in hallways , smoke is so thick in areas assigned 80% of ship still smells of smoke the other 20% is outside , my opinion , as far all ship lines being smoke free I don't see that in the forecast, lines are to greedy it's called lost revenue, I do believe I read they tried this before and failed. So good luck on that..

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mikelee7879 7 years ago

I he lost a half of one of his lungs because of cigarette smoke but does he think the air he breathes everyday is cleaner than cigarette smoke then he is very mistaken with all day carbon monoxide and the greenhouse gases the air is just as bad a cigarette smoke but I guess it is what it is people gotta have something to fuss about

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sambohunter76 7 years ago

Since when is smoking illegal? These comments have made me laugh- so dramatic!!! Bluemoonies- yes you have the right to breathe fresh air but smokers have the right to smoke!!! It's not a bloody crime!!!!

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LobsterPot 7 years ago

Strange no mention was made of the designated smoker's room. The smoking area around H2O was awful for non smokers to have to go to and through to get a drink. An almighty row erupted on one ship when a somewhat 'downmarket' lady decided it was OK to start using an e-cigarette in the Music lounge. Quite a scene and extremely embarrassing for her mortified husband. There always has to be a firm & enforced smoking policy to ensure that those that have to smoke can but without impacting on the enjoyment of those that don't. It was once described: Would smokers like it if non-smokers urinated on the smokers hair or clothing while they were trying to relax? I suspect they wouldn't, and we all have to urinate... If Royal (which I assume means RCCL) have a different smoking policy to NCL, I expect they'll soon be changing it....

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alanathep 7 years ago

quittin's free

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Mirianc 7 years ago

change wife.

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bluemoonies 7 years ago

2 yrs ago I had half of my lung removed from being around second hand smoke. I am not a smoker and have no respect for people who infringe on my right to breathe clean air. And just a little FYI.... in the near future cruise lines will all become smoke free. Good luck with that jeffjoslin. Better save your $$$ and buy a canoe.

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dawn88 7 years ago

All this rant because of smoking...there are so many ways to enjoy these ships and maybe just maybe kick the habit :)

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surinsquared 7 years ago

I'm glad that they have a smoking policy. I realize people are addicted and need that...there has to be a space for them somewhere on that big ass boat.

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BrittWhite22 7 years ago

my boyfriend and I just got off the Escape March 4th, and although neither one of us smoke we did come across a lounge area inside the ship was for smokers. you didn't have to pay any extra to go in and smoke and there a server from the bar next to the lounge who went in and brought drinks as well. I'm not sure if that helps anyone.

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sharla336 7 years ago

All cruise line policy's are available online. Since somebody you love has an annoying habit, I would think you would research all your options to make sure her needs are being considered. Since you love and care for your wife's so much and you didn't have all the information you needed regarding their smoking policy, it's definitely not the cruise ships fault. Had you inquired to Norwegian regarding their smoking policy for your wife's comfort, you wouldn't be having this post. I quit smoking in 2004 and in my travels, I made sure I knew exactly my smoking options so not to be disrespectful to non smokers. I would suggest you inquire about all smoking policies with the cruise line you choose before you commit to your next cruise.

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sniper24 7 years ago

I would rather deal with a drunk then inhale second hand smoke it stinks and makes you smell like a dirty ashtray can you say lung cancer and difficulty breathing

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joetrucker 7 years ago

sorry to hear about your experience, however its glad to know that ncl cares about the safty of non smokers and all the children aboard by protecting us from second hand smoke

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picalo 7 years ago

smokers unite, be strong, riot, turn over cars...well...at least we should unite and be strong

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TNTGreen 7 years ago

Ummm you may not want to cruise with Holland America, Carnival and Princess since they have only certain areas you're allowed to smoke. Casino is one and another deck on one side. I'm a non smoker and can't stand to be around it.

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6440707 7 years ago

Well my freind andrewdort it does not matter if only one person smokes we all pay the same fare better then seeing and dealing with drunks but I guess they make money from drink packages not from selling cigarettes you are a joke we should also see how many people drink and how many do not drink

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AndrewDort 7 years ago

17.8% of American adults smoke. Can't expect to be treated equal when less than 1 in 5 people indulge in nicotine. Your experience and indignant outrage is amusing.

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