Dehydrated

Item: Norwegian Escape
Rating: 4.3
Author: lzlindholm

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

lzlindholm

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 51

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 22, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 15732

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

It was hot and muggy and the ship did not offer water stations. I had to go to Deck 16 buffet or purchase big water bottles that you would have to carry around. The pool bar did have water offered. Your stateroom did not have free water either. First time cruisers may not realize that you are charged 14.99 per person, per day for gratuities added to your bill.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

The buffet will be very crowded in the mornings when arriving on port cities. Its hard to find a seat. I would've wanted to see more local food offered rather than the typical American buffet fare. The complimentary dining rooms offer the same menu items. They are beautiful dining rooms so you have a different view but know its the same menu items offered.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

The pool was always packed but with a ship that can hold 4000 people and a couple of small pools it's to be expected. We couldn't find seats during sea days. I bought a spa package so I could have peace and quiet but some guests were so loud. They were told once to keep it quiet but got loud again later and were not told to leave.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

It was a relief not to have to pay extra for shows that offered dinner with it.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

I could not communicate at Guest services, shore excursion, etc. It is located in the atrium where they have loud entertainment, games, bands. Even when taking me to a corner, you have to shout to be heard and they also have to shout at you so you can hear them. I called guest services on the phone but no one answers. Do not take this ship If you are hard of hearing or have a hard time speaking loudly.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5

Harvest Caye, Belize

4 out of 5

If you take the Medicine tour, it will be about 6 hours by the time you have to meet at the pier, take a boat, bus and the tour, there is no food or drinks offered. I was so dehydrated and sick by the time we got back. They do offer one corn tortilla and a taste of chocolate drink by the medicine woman. Make sure to bring food and drinks.

Thumbs Up 2

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

4 out of 5

I was surprised how expensive things were considering it was Mexico. We wanted to buy an ice cream bar during our Mayan ruin tour until we found out it was $6.00.

Thumbs Up 1

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

9 Comments

PhillyBrownGirl 7 years ago

Research; research; research!

Thumbs Up 1

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mdgodwin 7 years ago

I also went on the Norwegian Getaway last year and absolutely loved it. I'm hooked on Norwe now and going on The Escape September the 23rd. I can't wait.

Thumbs Up 1

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mdgodwin 7 years ago

when I went on Carnival you were allowed to bring water onboard with you. I think up to 12 bottles. I prepay my gratuities in advance.

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randytownsend5 7 years ago

FYI it's $13.99 per person. Research Research.

Thumbs Up 4

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Yashu 7 years ago

And there is free water in the cabins as well, it's called a cup and the faucet in the bathroom. if that is not good enough then go buy some bottled water. And I have known of the gratuities charge long before I even cruised, you should do a little more research next time.

Thumbs Up 5

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canuckcruiser84 7 years ago

research is key. NCL is no different in regards to gratuities. it's always best to research the different aspects of a cruise. no surprises this way

Thumbs Up 5

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terriesanchez 7 years ago

There is even a spot on your cruise summary that gives you the option to pre-pay gratuities. If that's not a clue...

Thumbs Up 10

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barracudaman67 7 years ago

Hello lzlindholm. It always amazes me when I hear folks talk about things that surprised them on a cruise such as gratuities...etc. I will be on the Escape shortly and have done so much research that I know exactly what I am going to need to bring or going to have to pay for. A little research and planning goes a long way.

Thumbs Up 20

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Charlou 7 years ago

Water is free. You just have to go to a beverage station or go to any bar and ask. Water bottle are expensive, I'll give you that. But there's plenty of places to find free water on a ship.

Thumbs Up 5

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