Rocky ride, missed port, windy but still good

Item: Norwegian Escape
Rating: 4.2
Author: patrob

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

patrob

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 50

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 20, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 13272

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

I'd think twice about booking ANY cruise that has a tender port. Weather and ocean conditions can cancel plans fast, even if not tendered. We enjoyed our vacation as a couple. Casino is small and too much smoke, machines are older in the non smoking section. The shows were EXCELLENT but one venue in particular, Syd's, was too small for what they offered. We were never early enough to get in (even one hour early).

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Great. Lines but moved quickly.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Main dining was good, buffets had mostly same items daily, Steakhouse was good, Brazilian Steakhouse was ok but undercooked Filet turned us off.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Shows were good. Only bad venue was Syd's as it was too small.

Children's Programs

no kids

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Great service from everyone but Excellent from service staff on lido in buffet.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

venues for shows in Syd's was TOO SMALL

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Location WAS EXCELLENT! right off the elevators and easy to find, size was perfect, bathroom bigger than most new ships, bed was the most UNCOMFORTABLE ever (needed replaced), balcony was perfect spot and size but chairs were small and not lounge worthy.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida Did not visit port

live here

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Did not visit port

too windy to dock

Thumbs Up 0

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

5 out of 5

One of the best ports available. Lots to do and see.

Thumbs Up 0

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

2 out of 5

No excursion booked. Port area was small and not much around that area to see or do.

Thumbs Up 0

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

4 out of 5

LOVED that it is inclusive. HATED tendering process.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Best Debarkation in over 13 cruises with 3 cruise lines

11 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 5 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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Sogmoore 9 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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Gwbigdog 9 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 9 months ago

Appreciate your comments

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karlgrgurich 9 months ago

Right, tender ports can certainly be a nuisance. I like when I can come and go off the ship as often as I like, when we are in port for the full day. I’m glad most of your cruise was good though.

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AuntPinkie 9 months ago

Appreciate your detailed review. We dislike tender ports for much the same reason (the process always seems to be a hassle). Weather can be frustrating, but that’s true no matter the type of vacation (or even staying home). Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

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Dumfy75 9 months ago

Agree with you about Syd Norman’s, I get what they’re trying to do as the house band are great in a more intimate atmosphere, but it’s so disappointing if you can’t even get into the venue. Love the ship overall though, glad you enjoyed your cruise

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cruising2004 9 months ago

Thank you for your review.

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DessertSteaks 9 months ago

Thanks for posting

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RetiredRay 9 months ago

Tender ports can have weather issues, but so can pier ports. I have never had a tender port cancelled (knock on wood) for weather, but I have had two pier ports cancelled for weather one years ago in Alaska, and Cartagena last year. (Wife just reminded me of one tender we did that she wished they DID cancel).

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Niavlys 9 months ago

Tks for sharing. Cant control weather as you said..cheers

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