Not Up to Our Previous Experiences on Norwegian

Item: Norwegian Escape
Rating: 3.5
Author: Cscaper

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cscaper

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

3.5 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 17, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9194

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

We will be more careful when selecting a ship in the future. The Escape was not a pleasant experience overall.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Care and consideration by staff due to mobility issues of one of us was appreciated.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Liked the choices available for sit down meals. Good food at the buffet, but breakfast foods were generally cold there.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

Mostly too loud and too crowded. We NEVER found a chair in the sun at any pool, mostly because the so-called reserving chairs rule was not enforced. Every chair had a towel, sandals, books, whatever on it but rarely a person! The music and bullhorn announcements during activities were way too loud.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Previous cruises have had a higher quality of entertainment (Broadway level) and the reservation policy is terrible. While we thought shows were sold out, we found out later that many people reserve and don't show up. Too many small venues. Then you have to line up in a standby line?! Why require reservations - it should be first come/first served! We did enjoy the dinner theater venue with the male quartet.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

When we called Guest Services to ask how to make an accident report for an injury, the answer was you have to come down to the desk. At no time did this person inquire about what had happened which is totally inappropriate. Stewards, waiters, and waitresses - highly trained and efficient, but also caring and considerate. These people were the highlight of our cruise.

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

Should be separate categories! I'll address ship design because the cleanliness was fine. This ship is just too big and we will know better next time to check on passenger numbers before booking. It is chaotic and difficult to maneuver, especially for a disabled person. We heard that the ship was overbooked by 500 people, but not sure that was true, a scary thought. Cabin doors need to have some sort of control against slamming. We had an injury.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

We liked the double sinks and large shower. We did miss the outlet for a nightlight (or a builtin nightlight) in the bathroom. And why aren't there electrical outlets anywhere near a bed. One of us uses a CPap machine and we had to walk over an extension cord to use the bathroom. Cabin doors are dangerous!