Different Islands, same experience. With the exception of St. Thomas, we go for the ship rather than the ports of call. Sadly I was disappointed with the layout of the NCL Escape and the entertainment provided. Additionally, with the exception of the dining options which can be booked in advance, all shows can only be booked once on board. However, our attempts to do so only resulted in notices that shows we were interested were already booked with no available dates, leaving us to wait in stand-by lines. Oft times we were unable to get in. NCL's booking system needs to be improved.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was fast and easy.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Buffet was great. Our favorite dining room was the Manhattan. We chose the same waiter every night as he was excellent. Also enjoyed specialty dining at La Cucina (the Italian restaurant)...it was good but pricey.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
We used only the put-put golf course. Too many people and too long lines for the other activities/amenities
Entertainment
2 out of 5
NCL has always had outstanding entertainment. NOT TRUE for this cruise. We were sorely disappointed. Only one big stage show and the venue is so small with only 2 shows on two different nights each. We managed to get in on the last show (previous ones were booked). With the exception of the Duo Essenza band (in skylight lounge or atrium) and Lorenzo (skylight lounge and Manhattan dining room) all other entertainment/musicians were sorely lacking. I was very disappointed. Not the caliber of entertainment we were accustomed to on previous cruises. Additionally, these venues are so small and can accommodate only about 50-100 people...on a ship with 4000+ passengers.
Children's Programs
No children traveling with us
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
It was the one thing OUTSTANDING about the NCL ESCAPE. From our Cabin Steward to our waiter in the dining room the service was above and beyond. When our waiter, Axzell, in the Manhattan dining room, learned we were dining in La Cucina the next night, he told us to ask for Alex and he would tell Alex we were family and to take care of us. He did, Alex Did and we had a fabulous experience.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Would give 5 stars for Cleanliness, but I would give less than 1 star for the Ships design. This ship has too many closed off sections. Lots of nooks, crannies and coves with different bars and entertainment venues, but each venue is very limited in seating capacity. For a ship that accommodates 4800+ passengers, it leaves of them unaccommodated.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was very nice. Plenty of Closet and storage space, room to hide luggage under the bed and for a cruise ship, spacious bathrooms with sufficient storage; even the shower was a descent size. The balcony was perfect and our view was great.
Ship tip
If you want to see a particular stage show and your NCL app shows it's booked. Go to the theater and talk with one of the NCL reps. Chances are they can find you something.
Port Canaveral is great. Our favorite restaurant right at the port is FISHLIPS. It has great food and great atmosphere. A trip to Cape Kennedy, if you're so inclined, is always interesting and entertaining.
We did not take any tours, but walked from Port into town. Not the safest thing to do. People do NOT pay any attention to traffic signals so you're taking your life into your hands. Some of the streets we walked down we found littered with broken trash bags, some filled with dirty diapers. Did not feel safe walking down some of those streets. Shopping is no different than islands like Jamaica or Nassau. Nothing I was interested in.
LOVE this island. St. Thomas is our favorite island and one of the few we always disembark on. Love St. Thomas shopping. Friendly sales people without being pushy. Lovely outdoor bars to sit an sip a cool one in between. And you never see anyone trying to hustle you out of money or trying to sell you drugs.
While the traffic wasn't as crazy as Puerto Plata, I didn't find their downtown shopping area very appeal. The nicest place, if you're looking for gifts for friends/family would be the shops right by the port. We did not take any land tours on Tortola.
Love the self disembarkation (you carry your own luggage off). It allows you to be one of the first to leave the ship. If was fast and easy once we were allowed to disembark.
Thanks for your review, we sail March 25th….my NCL app shows we can’t book any shows. As for Puerto Plata, we heard Ocean World is something to see, so we look forward to that, but good to know the mini golf isn’t lined up
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