Ncl escape or magic?

[louiselanch]

Hi,

 

We are looking to book a cruise September, I can't decide between ncl escape or carnival magic. We will have 11 yr dd with us.

 

I like the look of the ports on Carnival magic, but the escape works out slightly cheaper with the free at sea deal at the minute (finishes on 10th April).

 

We have cruised once before on Ncl spirit and loved every minute.

 

We would like a balcony on either ship.

 

Has anyone been on both to give us a good comparison?

 

Thanks

[webzila]

I would go on NCL. Just my personal preference.

Nothing against Carnival, I have cruised with them many times and will again in the future but given a choice I would go on NCL, RCCL, Disney, Princess...before Carnival.

[Rosethorn40]

The Escape is still fairly new, so to find someone that has sailed both the Escape & the Magic may be difficult. I have sailed on the Magic (Loved it!), but my Escape cruise isn't until December, so I can't help you with first hand experience. I would suggest reading a number of recent reviews on both ships to get an overall idea of each ship.

 

When the Escape first started sailing, the reviews were overwhelmingly negative. I think their promo to pick something free such as the drink package or Specialty Dining is causing issues with service, or the ability to even get in one of the specialty restaurants. Nearly everyone comments that the pool is just too small to accommodate everyone that wants to use it. However, more recently the reviews have improved (Which is why I haven't cancelled our trip).

 

The Magic is about 4 years old, but recently had a dry dock. It has two pools, plus water slides. It's big, but not as big as the Escape. I've been on some ships that I just loved (Emerald Princess, Eurodam, Coral Princess), but the Magic is my favorite.

 

I am sure which ever you choose you will have a good time.

[goldenk]

I booked Ncl because of their promos. Saving a lot.

[webzila]

The Escape is still fairly new, so to find someone that has sailed both the Escape & the Magic may be difficult. I have sailed on the Magic (Loved it!), but my Escape cruise isn't until December, so I can't help you with first hand experience. I would suggest reading a number of recent reviews on both ships to get an overall idea of each ship.

 

When the Escape first started sailing, the reviews were overwhelmingly negative. I think their promo to pick something free such as the drink package or Specialty Dining is causing issues with service, or the ability to even get in one of the specialty restaurants. Nearly everyone comments that the pool is just too small to accommodate everyone that wants to use it. However, more recently the reviews have improved (Which is why I haven't cancelled our trip).

 

The Magic is about 4 years old, but recently had a dry dock. It has two pools, plus water slides. It's big, but not as big as the Escape. I've been on some ships that I just loved (Emerald Princess, Eurodam, Coral Princess), but the Magic is my favorite.

 

I am sure which ever you choose you will have a good time.

 

I think Magic is 5 years old (since maiden voyage) :)

[TheTravelista]

I've sailed the Magic (and I loved it), but I would go for the Escape. I'm really trying to find time to get on one of NCL's new ships. They look AMAZING. And recently they've been offering two premium packages included free when booking. Like specialty dining, excursions, unlimited drinks, unlimited internet, etc.

Edited April 9, 2016 by TheTravelista

[riclop]

Any ship on any line is better then NCL!!!!!!!

[Trumpster]

Not interested in the Escape under any circumstances unless I'm sailing in the Haven.

 

Added a whole lot more people without any appreciable new space.

 

Far fewer free choices to eat.

 

And these Free promos only work if you are a big drinker, Smoke from the casino can and does infiltrate the whole center of the ship deck 6-7-8.

[Rosethorn40]

I think Magic is 5 years old (since maiden voyage) :)

 

When guessing a Lady's age I always knock off a few years :)

 

(I was 29 for years and years-Got away with it until I was about 41 or so, and then the gig was up :()

[Rosethorn40]

Not interested in the Escape under any circumstances unless I'm sailing in the Haven.

 

Added a whole lot more people without any appreciable new space.

 

Far fewer free choices to eat.

 

And these Free promos only work if you are a big drinker, Smoke from the casino can and does infiltrate the whole center of the ship deck 6-7-8.

 

I have to admit that I am not 100% sold on the Escape for our December cruise (Much more excited about the Vista), and we are booked in a Haven suite. We got all 4 promos, which at time of booking included gratuities (Good, because they just raised it to $15.95 pp a day), Unlimited specialty dining (New dining packages are not good in any of the restaurants that have a la carte dining, which is nearly all of the specialty restaurants), $300 OBC and the adult beverage package, which doesn't include bottled beers or better wine, and apparently some of the pricier frou-frou drinks. Many of the reviews talk about the crowds, the smoke, the lack of service, and for what we are paying to stay in the Haven it does make me question if its the right choice for us.

[Trumpster]

I have to admit that I am not 100% sold on the Escape for our December cruise (Much more excited about the Vista), and we are booked in a Haven suite. We got all 4 promos, which at time of booking included gratuities (Good, because they just raised it to $15.95 pp a day), Unlimited specialty dining (New dining packages are not good in any of the restaurants that have a la carte dining, which is nearly all of the specialty restaurants), $300 OBC and the adult beverage package, which doesn't include bottled beers or better wine, and apparently some of the pricier frou-frou drinks. Many of the reviews talk about the crowds, the smoke, the lack of service, and for what we are paying to stay in the Haven it does make me question if its the right choice for us.

 

 

Given the haven and all 4 promos, I would grudgingly take your cruise. Under current promos I'm not so sure.

The haven is the only way.

[Surfwench]

Hi,

 

We are looking to book a cruise September, I can't decide between ncl escape or carnival magic. We will have 11 yr dd with us.

 

I like the look of the ports on Carnival magic, but the escape works out slightly cheaper with the free at sea deal at the minute (finishes on 10th April).

 

We have cruised once before on Ncl spirit and loved every minute.

 

We would like a balcony on either ship.

 

Has anyone been on both to give us a good comparison?

 

Thanks

 

I've not sailed Norwegian so my opinion is of limited value; however, by reputation kids seem to have more fun on Carnival. I'm booked for a family cruise on Magic in December. The kids club, water park, slides and sports decks are a big draw. Plus Carnival tends to come in cheaper than the others, especially for balcony staterooms.

[daisyh]

We have cruised DCL, RCCL, Carnival, and NCL. My family loved the NCL Getaway. In fact, we are booked again in June.

[zdcatc12]

Unlimited specialty dining (New dining packages are not good in any of the restaurants that have a la carte dining, which is nearly all of the specialty restaurants), $300 OBC and the adult beverage package, which doesn't include bottled beers or better wine, and apparently some of the pricier frou-frou drinks. Many of the reviews talk about the crowds, the smoke, the lack of service, and for what we are paying to stay in the Haven it does make me question if its the right choice for us.

 

Not true. The Dining packages include the a la carte restaurants, e.g. Cagney's, on the condition that you only order one entree, you can order as many appetizers and deserts that you like. Also, the beverage plan does include bottled beer, not a bucket of beer, but bottles that you could order one after another if you wish. Any drink under $15 is included, with no limit to the number per day. I was on the Escape last week and the smoke was not an issue. There was no lack of service either, so not sure where you got that from.

[Trumpster]

Not true. The Dining packages include the a la carte restaurants, e.g. Cagney's, on the condition that you only order one entree, you can order as many appetizers and deserts that you like. Also, the beverage plan does include bottled beer, not a bucket of beer, but bottles that you could order one after another if you wish. Any drink under $15 is included, with no limit to the number per day. I was on the Escape last week and the smoke was not an issue. There was no lack of service either, so not sure where you got that from.

 

Countless reviews.

[zdcatc12]

Countless reviews.

 

There are countless reviews that show good service also. My first-hand review had fine service last week.

[Cruisegirl6]

My opinion stick to the Magic!

 

I am going to be very honest and blunt here on how I feel about NCL...been on the Breakaway the sister ship of the Escape, why I hate NCL Breakaway:

 

1- outdoor pools very tiny for the amount of people

2- top decks contain "cubby holes" very mazy areas

3- hallways so narrow if somebody with a scooter/wheelchair needs to get by you have to literally maneuver yourself in a doorway for them to get by

4- the staff is not friendly, overtime we pass a cabin steward on any Carnival ship in the hallways they always greet you or say something nice, on NCL they ignore you totally

5- you have to use their blowdryer we had five rooms and all us females with different blowdryers to blow out the electric was told we had to use theirs, I am 5'7" like to stand up doing my hair but because their cord was plugged in permanently under the desk area, I had to sit on the small stool and blow dry my hair literally had to lean over

6- there was no meat carving at the lunch buffet only for the first day of boarding

7- they are horrible at the buffet for people with gluten issues

8- the closets are the other way/direction so when the ship rocks the hangers would bang against one another and keep us up we had to take them off the shelf two days because of the ship being rocky and the waters were clear and all sunny days

8- I believe they took off the lobster off the menu right after my cruise

9- When you leave the room since the ship is "green" your electric doesn't work unless you leave your shipboard card in the socket, when you come in your room you place the shipboard card in the slot so the electric will all work, we used another card and just kept it in there so we can charge our cell phones, iPads and such.

 

Well, I can go on and on but one thing I did like were their main dining rooms being small and quaint, felt like eating in regular restaurants and not in a banquet hall and great storage in the bathrooms.

[aggiemom12]

I've cruised the Magic 4 times and was on the Escape in January with the UBP and UDP. A few of my observations/experience;

Escape: Scheduling the specialty dining rooms on Escape was a pain and I attempted months in advance. Only times open for a table of 6 were 5pm or after 9pm, scheduled 4 of our 7 meals, hoping to get better times once on board, was NOT successful. It's a pain to schedule around shows, saw one show, one dinner theater, no comedy shows, just couldn't work it out with dinner reservations. We did attend howl at the moon once, you need to get there EARLY. Didn't think it very freestyle to be honest, you have to plan and schedule. The main pool area is a mess, no room to walk through, difficult to find a lounge chair in the sun on any deck, chair hogs were vicious...lol Some of our group had the VIBE passes, so no problem with chairs or drink service in that area, but the rest of our group was NOT happy with the deck situation or bar service. Also, did not like the layout of the balcony rooms, hated the bed by the closet, difficult to get clothes in and out, also the hangers bang nonstop, so remove extra hangers immediately. Spa area was even designed oddly, you have to walk through the very crowded weight room to get into the spa. Did not use the casino, way too smoky for us and we hated walking through the atrium area on 6,7,& 8, due to smoke, it really was terrible that week. Still had a nice cruise, the 2 shows were outstanding, very talented singers! Did not have any "kids" with us this cruise but they would have loved the ropes course area, looked slightly more intimidating and challenging than Carnival's.

 

Magic: Last couple of cruises we had spa cabins, so comparing apples to apples here, we prefer the spa on the Magic. Easy access to the spa and we used the area daily. Work out area is off to the side and enclosed so no dodging athletes focused on their training. Also room design, closets easier to access! Balconies appear to be similar in size. We usually eat at the steak house and Italian specialty restaurants each cruise, never had an issue with scheduling a time that we wanted, but then again, Carnival's entertainment is NOT as good as NCL, so scheduling times is less of an issue. Main pool area is roomier, easier to navigate, always could find a lounger in the sun on the upper decks, just prefer the layout/design of the Magic.The casino has a non-smoking area that I can usually tolerate long enough to loose money. Did not notice the smoke drifting out into the other areas like on the Escape. Our kids have always enjoyed the Magic's ropes course and outside Foosball and pool table area. Never had unlimited drink package with Carnival so cannot comment to bar service, but we've always had great overall experience in the restaurants and with room stewards. Carnival's stage productions are mediocre at best, we haven't seen anything the last 2 cruises because it was that bad, but we always enjoyed the comedians and try to attend all that is offered.

Both are great ships, good food and great service. If I was planning on utilizing the spa area and casino then I would pick Magic, but if I was interested in the evening entertainment I would go with Escape.

[bphawk64]

I have not been on the Escape but we have opted for the Carnival Magic after being on the NCL Getaway. Don't get me wrong as we really enjoyed the Getaway but there were a few things that just didn't quite cut it. The shows were really good but the good ones sell out fast, especially the comedians. The Illusinarium (Magic Show) was also really good but cost us an additional $140 and the food was not very good with zero options for older kids. And all the options about the pools being to small is dead on and to make it worse they allow people to put the chairs inside the pool area which makes it even smaller. It's really best to not plan on swimming in the pools on the Breakaway Class ships unless it's a port day or you're in one of the pool games. The waterslides however were great! I also agree that service isn't as good because of so many people having the beverage package and not tipping the wait staff or bartenders. I beat that issue by carrying some cash to tip the bartenders which resulted in better service. However the Getaway had the best buffet I've experienced on a cruise ship.

[NYCCRUISEGIRL]

Any ship on any line is better then NCL!!!!!!!

 

I agree with you on this one!

[NYCCRUISEGIRL]

My opinion stick to the Magic!

 

I am going to be very honest and blunt here on how I feel about NCL...been on the Breakaway the sister ship of the Escape, why I hate NCL Breakaway:

 

1- outdoor pools very tiny for the amount of people

2- top decks contain "cubby holes" very mazy areas

3- hallways so narrow if somebody with a scooter/wheelchair needs to get by you have to literally maneuver yourself in a doorway for them to get by

4- the staff is not friendly, overtime we pass a cabin steward on any Carnival ship in the hallways they always greet you or say something nice, on NCL they ignore you totally

5- you have to use their blowdryer we had five rooms and all us females with different blowdryers to blow out the electric was told we had to use theirs, I am 5'7" like to stand up doing my hair but because their cord was plugged in permanently under the desk area, I had to sit on the small stool and blow dry my hair literally had to lean over

6- there was no meat carving at the lunch buffet only for the first day of boarding

7- they are horrible at the buffet for people with gluten issues

8- the closets are the other way/direction so when the ship rocks the hangers would bang against one another and keep us up we had to take them off the shelf two days because of the ship being rocky and the waters were clear and all sunny days

8- I believe they took off the lobster off the menu right after my cruise

9- When you leave the room since the ship is "green" your electric doesn't work unless you leave your shipboard card in the socket, when you come in your room you place the shipboard card in the slot so the electric will all work, we used another card and just kept it in there so we can charge our cell phones, iPads and such.

 

Well, I can go on and on but one thing I did like were their main dining rooms being small and quaint, felt like eating in regular restaurants and not in a banquet hall and great storage in the bathrooms.

 

We were on Breakaway in September of 2013. I agree with your assessment wholeheartedly!

[missdenise]

Not true. The Dining packages include the a la carte restaurants, e.g. Cagney's, on the condition that you only order one entree, you can order as many appetizers and deserts that you like. Also, the beverage plan does include bottled beer, not a bucket of beer, but bottles that you could order one after another if you wish. Any drink under $15 is included, with no limit to the number per day. I was on the Escape last week and the smoke was not an issue. There was no lack of service either, so not sure where you got that from.

 

Thank you for the clarification on the bottled beer, I was just going to question that myself as I never heard that one before.