We have been spoiled cruising on more intimate lines such as Crystal, Azamara and most recently Silverseas. We also cruised on Celebrity Apex in January which was a larger ship although not as large as NCL Escape. This ship exceeded our expectations for the size but wouldn’t be included in our choices if we were traveling alone again. It’s obvious the main audience of this ship is families based on the entertainment options and it seems it would be a good ship for families with kids and grandkids of all ages.
Positives: Room was comfortable but basic and we actually liked that the attendant only serviced the room once a day. We enjoyed the more casual dress code and no formal nights although some people took the casual to an extreme. All staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful. Lots of varied food options and service is quick. The complimentary restaurants were fine if you didn’t pay or upgrade to specialty restaurants. Once you figure out how to make reservations at the specialty restaurants the process is easy. If you upgrade internet, service is good.
Negatives: Extras are expensive and packages are confusing although we found that we didn’t need to upgrade beyond what was offered in the dining and drink package we received as part of our booking. There was much confusion at assembly for embarkation, disembarkation and shore excursions which could have been avoided or at least understood by better communication. TV options were more limited than other ships and excursion talks and other information on the screen was more limited than our other experiences. Theater entertainment was more limited than other cruises although game shows, etc. was better.
We were told by a passenger that if you upgrade to Haven the experience is much different than the regular population and we did see that they bypass lines and elevators!
If you expect crowded facilities, main spaces, elevators and excursions and understand you’re receiving a basic cruise without paying additional, this would be a decent option with good itinerary. As a couple we wouldn’t want to cruise this line when schools are out of session though!
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Process worked well but long lines for embarkation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Good variety of dining options. We tried two specialty restaurants that were included in our package - Bayamo was okay but wouldn’t recommend for additional charge. Le Bistro was excellent and would pay extra for this restaurant. We also tried Pincho for lunch at our expense and it was good. American Diner was overpriced. The complimentary restaurants service was quick and our meals were good. Buffet was well organized with lots of options but would have like to see more salads and healthy choices. Complimentary restaurants all offer the same menus with the exception of O’Sheehans which we enjoyed for a breakfast and lunch.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Good spa facilities (extra cost) and looked like a very well-equipped fitness center although we didn’t use it. Impressive kids activities available but also with an additional charge to most it appeared.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Choir of Man theater show was excellent and we enjoyed the Dueling Pianos. We also did the dinner show which was a jazz band. It was okay but set menu and rushed. We were surprised there wasn’t more options and variety in evening entertainment for the size of the ship. Casino was bigger than most ships and the game shows in the main lobby appeared to be popular evening entertainment.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was a highlight. Very friendly and accommodating staff in restaurants. Our room was kept clean by the room steward. We met her once but otherwise didn’t have any interaction. Room was only serviced once daily which was fine for us.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Easy to navigate the main spaces. There are only elevators in the front and back for passengers and it can be a long walk from some rooms and lots of waiting for an elevator especially at certain times and sea days. Lots of bar and restaurant options. Buffet was better organized than some other cruise lines.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Room was good size and very clean. Good location - close enough to the elevator and very little motion even in rough conditions. Good space in the shower. Basic amenities include body wash and combination shampoo/conditioner. No body lotion. Room was very cool even at the highest setting on the thermostat. Room had a refrigerator but no ice bucket. We took ice from the buffet for our water bottles.
Ship tip
Reservations are available for the included restaurants but we found they weren’t needed. We never had to wait. Specialty restaurants do book quickly. Make those reservations as soon as you get on the ship for the best choice of restaurant and times.
We did an excursion around NY that ended at LaGuardia. We booked the excursion since we needed to disembark the ship at 8:30 and our flight didn’t leave until 6. We had seen all the sights highlighted previously but the guide was entertaining and the driver was good. The excursion stopped once at 911 Memorial and we didn’t get off. Not a good value but for us it was a good way to kill time before going to the airport.
We did an excursion to Kennebunkport. About an hour bus trip each way. Sights were okay. We spent some time exploring the town on foot before heading back to the ship.
Lobster Bake was our choice for excursion. We had a nice tour and lobster lunch was very good. Bar Harbor was interesting and we would definitely like to go back and spend more time there.
I’m not sure they could have done much better with the number of people but we were asked to be in the meeting place for the excursion at 8 and didn’t get off the ship until about 9:30 and were waiting in long lines on the gangway trying to make sure we could see the person leading our group. Other cruises we’ve been on had tall paddles. NCL staff is hard to see in a crowd and communication is lacking.
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