Over all a very enjoyable vacation aboard the Escape. As always we had an excellent crew, food, and shows. We did miss GSC because of winds/currents but that wasn't going to make our break our trip.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was timely. I was doing a wheelchair assist because of a recent surgery. The process went smoothly.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
All the food and dining experiences were very good. Specialty dining is always even better. We didn't have dining promo this time so we only did one night of specialty dining for Valentine's Day. We still have very good meals at all the other dining options including the buffet. Extra precautions were constantly pushed because of being the height of flu season which was appreciated. There was no large outbreak on our ship but there was two cruises prior and the crew went above and beyond to make sure they stopped the spread of the norovirus. Things were definitely back to normal for our cruise because of their efforts.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
My husband really enjoyed the ropes course and water slides. We both got to enjoy the pool, hot tub, shuffleboard, mini golf. The only thing with the hot tubs was that they could have been a bit hotter, they were more just on the warm side than hot. I really did appreciate that there were efforts to curb the chair hogs and remove people's belongings when they didn't return to their chaises after a period of time. Some people are rude and put their stuff out at 7am and don't actually go to the pool till afternoon. So I would say it is about time
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Stage shows that I went to were all good. Choir of Man was exceptional and my husband asked if we could go a second time, which we did. As for the musicians we absolutely enjoy the Dueling Pianos. The rest of the music throughout was good but very repetitive.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
We always had great service by all. All were very friendly, but of course there are always those certain few that really excel at what they do. Room steward was very good and always timely with our room. Always greeted me whenever we did see him. Never waited long at all by the pool bar staff or really any bar for service.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was clean in all area and very well maintained by what we had observed. I did like the ship design and layout. It was easy to pick up the flow of the ship in getting around.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Room was clean. Size was okay just a basic regular balcony room. It suited our needs.
Ship tip
Keep in mind that on day one and the last day everyone is doing the same thing at the same time so bring your patience. It takes a while to get everyone on the ship and off the ship. Also if you don't have a reservation for an excursion wait a half hour or so on port days and you won't be stuck in a line getting off the ship.
We didn't get off in Florida as there is nothing to do at the port itself and we didn't plan an excursion. I have done in the past but there wasn't anything we wanted to do so we just enjoyed the half empty ship.
We did an excursion to Shaw Park Beach through Ncl which was nice. It was a basic beach which was good. I will note that we were not inundated with pushy sellers at all.
We did the Stingray adventure and it was incredible. Highly recommed. We did do a third party excursion company. Water was a bit choppy there but the experience was awesome.
Absolutely beautiful pool area. The beach area was really nice but hard to compete with the pool area. There were ample chaise lounges and umbrellas at no extra charge. There was a small wildlife area which you could go through also . All around I would give it a 2 thumbs up.
We went to Tropicante and I don't think I would go back. Very pushy sellers constantly on the beach. You can also walk the strip to make purchases if you wanted and they were pushy also but I felt if I want to I would go look around so no need to cram your stuff down my throat.
We did do Mr Sanchos and althought the weather didn't really cooperate we had an excellent day there. This was an all inclusive food and drink which was very good. There were merchants on the grounds but they were not pushy about it. I would do this again and recommend without hesitation.
I realize it is hard to get all the people off the ship and everyone have a good experience with it. It wasn't our worst by any means it is just a very slow process. I do get that it is also factored by customs also. I would say it is probably the least favorite part of everyone's vacation.
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