This past October, we took a cruise on the inaugural sailing of the Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship the Norwegian Escape.
We boarded the cruise ship with our friends, George and Lynn Boyd, in the port of Southampton, England, to start our journey to its new home in Miami.
Anxious to check out our cabin, the first thing we noticed was how wide the hallways were. No longer do you have to squeeze against the wall to let someone pass by. The ship design is such that all cabins have recessed entryways.
The next huge difference, gone are the beige doors, which are replaced by beautiful dark wood grain doors. This gives a more elegant look to the ship.
Upon stepping inside the cabin, our first impression was how clean and neat the cabin was, complete with white bedding. However, the biggest improvement was in the bathroom. Gone are the old hard-to-control shower curtains. Glass doors have replaced the modular showers.
The ship was designed for warm weather sailing, which is most evident on the upper decks. The first ever Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at Sea is on the pool deck.
The next deck up has the largest ropes course at sea, which includes three zip lines and two planks extending over the water. Bruce and George were almost the first to try this new feature not once but several times. There also is a bocce ball court and mini putt golf course, which we put to good use.
Because we were crossing the Atlantic, on some days, the upper deck activities were closed due to high winds. The biggest disappointment for the boys was the closure of the dueling water slides. The good news was they still were able to use the tubing water slide. All ages loved it. Even higher on the ship was the fully netted basketball court. Also on the upper deck is the ship’s two-story Haven, private suites, which surround a courtyard, with entrance being by key card only.
The restaurants are many and varied. The three no-extra-charge dining venues were very intimate for such a large ship (as many as 4,300 passengers). Across from one another were two dining rooms with dividers, small tables and booths, giving them a very warm and luxurious feeling. The third dining room was larger, with a full dance floor in the middle and live music for listening and dancing.
The extra-charge restaurants include Le Bistro, Cagneys, Moderno Churrascaria, Teppanyaki, La Cuccina, Bayamo by Jose Garces, plus a Michael Mondovi wine bar and The District Brewhouse. The idea is you have choices.
The entertainment also was the best we have seen. From a dinner show, featuring songs from John Hughes’ films (Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink and Breakfast Club), to the witty and very talented dueling pianos, there truly was something for everyone.
Not to leave out the kids, one whole deck is just for kids. They even have baby care on the ship and a huge water park, as well as a miniature ropes course.
Because this is our opinion, we felt the shopping choices were not as varied as on other ships. They have chosen to include two designer stores, Lacoste and Carolina Herrera. I saw little traffic in both.
The other public areas were well appointed, with the atrium being a main gathering place for games, demonstrations and trivia.
You have 22 bars from which to choose, 17 specialty and nine complimentary restaurants. And, of course, they have a very large and smoke-free casino. The list goes on and on.
Overall, we would give the ship and especially the fabulous crew a big thumbs up. Don’t take our word for it. The best way is to experience it for yourself. The Norwegian Escape is now doing seven-day sailings to the Caribbean from Miami.
If you haven’t cruised in a while, or would like to know more about some of the specials currently being offered by cruise lines, contact Sue or Bruce Mitchell, your Cruise Planners travel specialists. Visit our website at www.redmountaintravel.com. You also may send an email to smitchell@cruiseplanners.com, or call (480) 396-8084.