New Year's Caribbean Cruise.

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 66

Overall rating:

4 out of 5
Norwegian Escape

9 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 28, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Had a very good time on this New Year's cruise. Only thing lacking was an excursion that took better advantage of the two days we had in Port Canaveral, particularly at Disney World or Universal. Other than that, the staff, food, entertainment and activities were all fine.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Walked from check-in right on to the ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
Food in dining rooms was generally good. Only one disappointing meal, and it was in La Cuchina. Drinks were good. Only issue was that in some cases you had to go to different bars for different drinks.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Visited the adult-only area. It was very nice. We got there early and had deck chairs, but others weren't so lucky. We arrived at 9:30 and there was a group that had 11 chairs "reserved" and didn't show up until 11:45! Loved the fitness center. My husband smokes cigars, but most times the cigar lounge was filled with cigarette smokers. Many activities require additional fees. In fact, on our cruise, bingo was cancelled twice because not enough people participated.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Saw After Midnight, The Brat Pack, and the Choir of Man. All were good, especially Choir of Man. Enjoyed the comedy shows and the dueling pianos.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
The staff was fine. They all smiled and greeted us, but overall not as friendly as on prior cruises, particularly as the bars. (We have previously sailed on the Breakaway, Jewel and Gem.)

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Ship was clean and layout was fine. Though it is in the same class as the Breakaway, overall I like the Breakaway better. The Blues Club on the Breakaway was better than Margaritaville, and the Waterfront area was much more lively on the Breakaway.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Balcony cabin was very nice. It was clean and comfortable. Only issue was that the bed was right up against the closet. Made it a little awkward at times to get in closet.

Ship tip

Reserve as much as you can, e.g. shows and dinners, before you board.

Ports of call

New York, New York Did not visit port

Live nearby. Just drove in to board ship.

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5
Did Orlando Eye excursion. It was okay. Had a nice Day 2 in Cocoa Beach.

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5
Took taxi and visited South Beach area ourselves. Good day.

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5
Great weather; great day at the beach. Food and drinks were plentiful.

Nassau, Bahamas

4 out of 5
Went to Atlantis on our own and then strolled around town, had lunch, shopped and stopped for drinks. Overall, a very nice day.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Crowded elevators made it a little difficult to get downstairs, but once we did, disembarkation was very efficient. Much better than what I recall on the Breakaway.
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