My Bucket List Cruise Turned Nightmare

Item: Norwegian Escape
Rating: 2.6
Author: ECEriksson

Norwegian Escape Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

ECEriksson

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 8

Overall rating:

2.6 out of 5

Verified Review

9 Night Mediterranean: Italy France & Spain (Rome Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 24, 2024

Ship: Norwegian Escape

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 10527

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 29 days ago

Review summary

Was not happy enough with NCL to keep my reservation for the repositioning cruise from Miami to South Hampton England in 2025 that I had paid for in full. I am going to explore other options with different cruise lines.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

The three main restaurants all served the same dishes, and some of the specialty dishes were made up recipes using favorite names “Linguine Carbonara” is a perfect example. The name of a popular dish with a made up recipe by NCL chef! One night I ordered a NY Strip medium rare, came to me well done. Was replaced by a medium rare one that was 1/3 gristle. Both the English and American Breakfast in O’Sheehans was good! The buffet, which was always crowded had an amazing selection of food, including desserts, drinks and salad makings.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

The Atrium is a zoo, I don’t know how your guest services employees don’t end up with a migraine headache daily.

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Was only able to book one show, Fleetwood Mac, Rumors tribute, which was really good! Very talented cast. Wished I could have booked a couple of other shows but the people from Barcelona who were already aboard booked them all. Then when they left, new Barcelona guests arrived and booked all shows again. It felt to me that Barcelona was the primary port for this cruise.

Children's Programs

Because I didn’t travel with any children

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Your staff is wonderful, from Waiters, room stewards, medical personnel. All hard working and polite. I don’t believe that NCL has an appreciation for them though! NCL Executives need to take this cruise to actually see how well their staff handle the awkwardness of embarkation/disembarkation in Barcelona while your Rome guests continue on their journey. We had to listen to the loud speaker at 5:00 in the morning, deal with our lounge not being serviced and housekeeping catering to the new Barcelona guests. I had to wait late in the day for a linen change…I was sick with COVID and quarantined to my room. I had soiled my linens and housekeeping couldn’t get to me because of the large influx of new passengers coming aboard in Barcelona.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Common areas were clean and well-maintained

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Cabin is perfect for the single cruiser. Lounge idea is nice, but needed to NOT be abandoned at Barcelona port!