MikeRutledge Cruise Review on Norwegian Escape on May 05, 2019

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review

MikeRutledge

Contributor Level: Purser

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

7 Night Bermuda (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 05, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

We just got off the cruise about eight hours ago so things are fresh. We traveled as a family of six and stayed in two separate rooms. My wife and I stayed in a balcony suite and my four children, 24, 12, 11, and 8 stayed in an interior room, adjacent to us on level 14. The ship was sold to us as being very kid friendly. We were on Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas last year and we all loved it. Anyway, this cruise was nice but I would not travel this same ship again with children. Some of my issues were uncontrollable as the weather was not that great. Due to windy conditions the ropes course was shut down many days. The mini golf course was fun for about two rounds, but after that it became very boring. The course was pretty easy and a little bit glitchy as balls would get stuck easily in places. Also, not sure why but there was a constant smell of raw sewage on by the mini golf course. The sports deck had a very nice basketball court and included a few small soccer nets and soccer balls. Unfortunately, it was never staffed and a few older people would sometimes “hog” the area so others couldn’t use it. The ropes course when open was a good time. It was one of the highlights of my daughter’s time on the ship. I thought it was challenging and fun as well. If you want to take pictures while up there you will need a chest strap camera holder which I had. Food was pretty good. We did not use any special restaurants and I loved the free style concept of just showing up whenever. My family of six never had to wait more than ten minutes to be seated. Most nights we are at the Manhattan room and aside from one waiter all service was excellent along with the views of the water and the bands playing. The Garden Cafe (buffet) was surprisingly good and visited often. Was always able to find seats for all six of us. Great desserts and breakfast. A small pub called O’Sheens, served food from the buffet 24 hours but was prepared nicely. My stateroom was a balcony suite and served us well. It was comfortable, clean and had plenty of space for the two of us. The room steward was pretty much behind the scenes and not the friendliest but he did a great job keeping my room and my kids room clean and organized. They had an interior room with bunk beds. Other things I can think of was the disembarking process was a cluster. If you can carry all your stuff out by yourself take that option. We did the New York to Bermuda trip and it was a lovely place. I do not recommend going in May, or at least early May. The water temperatures were not that warm. Due to the colder weather the pools were chilly the first two days. Speaking of pools there is an adult pool and kids pool, along with the water park which was closed at times due to high winds or not practical due to cold temps tires. It is not enough in my opinion. I believe the Haven has one of their own but of course it is not accessible to the commoner. I will add my 8 year old LOVED the kids club. He went as often as he could and made many friends. My 11 and 12 year old thoughtnit was too boring and did not go back after the first night. I didn’t see many kids their age utilize it. The teen club seemed to have a bunch of kids. My wife used the spa for a massage and facial. She said it was over priced and one of the weakest ones she has received. Check your account after, as we realized she was overcharged $20.00, along with their mandatory 20% gratuity. The guest services were very good in resolving that problem, along with a problem involving on bird credits from a credit card and an issue with me being charged gratuities even though it was included in my package. The game shows were fun and my family was picked often to go on stage. One of the highlights of the cruise. Not sure what else to add...

5 Comments

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