We had a good time on the Escape mostly due to the helpful, friendly staff, the great food in the Manhattan Dining Room, the variety of ethnic foods in the buffet, and The Choir of Man musical show, the comedians and The Classic Tones dance music.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We are platinum members so we just breezed past the line and hopped onboard.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Manhattan Dining Room was always stellar with dancing during dinner (early and late, only), really tasty appetizers and entrees, excellent service. La Cuccina left us flat. Poor service, limited boring menu, and pretty tasteless food. Le Bistro is not as good as it used to be. Tiny escargot, tough meat. Got lamb in O'Sheehans on our first day and it was inedible. Streaked with tough parts and less than a tablespoon of meat hidden in the sinews. Garden Buffet was crowded, hard to find a table to eat at, we ate in shifts and saw most others do the same (I secure a table, flag down hubby then go for food, hubby finishes then goes for seconds/dessert, returns, I go, etc.) Taste and Savor were wonderfully relaxed for breakfast dining and staff was usually very accommodating.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Lots of activities to get us to buy something (spa, art, gym, etc.) Mini golf was not too exciting with big metal structures that didn't offer any challenge. Water slides were great. Never got to sit by the pool as chairs were all 'reserved' with towels by the time it got warm outside. Used the hot tub one night (late, no one was in it!), nice but not overly warm. Library selection of books and games seemed adequate. Finding a place to play them was the challenge. Used the fitness center every day. Well equipped and laid out. Very nice.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Choir of Man was fantastic. We saw it three times and enjoyed it immensely. The Classic Tones were exceptional in their playing of ballroom dance music. Best of any ship we've been on. We loved the concept of the Supper Club, but the food was not very good, nor was the entertainment. The Hypnotist was entertaining, as was the juggler, and the comedians were mostly great. We saw six different comedians throughout the 2 weeks (usually 2 and 3 times) and they kept us laughing!
Children's Programs
no kids in tow.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Almost all the waiters were excellent, some were forgetful, but always nice. Room steward was good. Mostly, all staff was good except those in the Atrium area.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Enjoyed it very much. Only drawback is the overwhelming size (toooo big). Cleanliness was top notch. And we are clean-freaks. Sure, you can always find something amiss but overall it was terrifically clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Our cabin seemed smaller than on other NCL ships. Sheets were too small for the bed and we were sleeping in a mess of tangle most nights. Comforter had a rip in it, curtain was also coming apart. Shower was great, as was bathroom overall. Plenty of storage space in room and bathroom. Very difficult to use closet as the door was inches from the couch.
Ship tip
Remember to store your luggage under the bed, and don't use the wall hooks for your winter coats. You don't need them and they'll just be in your way.
We were not able to dock here as the weather was not conducive. Other ships were docking so we assumed it was because the Escape is too large. Very sad!
Long walk to get onto the island but our time here was really good. Lots to do but we just lounged in one of the plentiful (free!) chaise chairs. Went through the aviary, or butterfly coop, shopped a little. NCL did a nice job on laying out this port.
We booked a resort-for-a-day but it rained dreadfully so we didn't go, not wanting to sit around a pool in the rain. Very disappointed as this was to be the highlight of our trip.
as Platinum members we thought we got Priority Disembarkation, but I guess not. We waited a long time. There was so much wrong with our disembarking that i don't even want to write about it.
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