My View: NCL Escape - Did she top the charts?

[APDMOM]

Thanks for the review.. I see that you have been on RC Freedom of Seas and I have that booked for Spring Break next year. I am thinking of switching to Escape. I have 2 kids 9 & 7 and we go with friends that have a 9 year old. Would you recommend Escape over FOS if price was slightly higher? Thanks for any feedback..

 

My first inclination is to recommend you stick to Freedom of the Seas - we found it more family friendly.

 

As far as activities, you have to decide what the kids will enjoy more - ice skating, flowrider, Dreamworks Characters and larger pools on Freedom, or ropes course and slides on Escape?

 

(Is Freedom going to Labadee? That port has so much to offer too. Keep your eyes open for the unlimited rides "excursion" on the Dragon Coaster - it is well worth $30. )

 

Are both cruises the same number of days? We will be on the 8-day itinerary mid March on Freedom.

[snorklinbarb]

What a fantastic job you did between the reviews, pictures and all the tips. Glad you enjoyed NCL's way of handling the Meet & Greets with so many of the officers in attendance and so accessible. We sailed Escape in winter and that particular team was the same we had. Awesome.

 

Thanks so much for helping me relive that vacation!:)

[Sanibel*Gal]

Really enjoyed your review and pictures. We will be taking our first NCL cruise this September on the Escape and all your info here is a huge help. The restaurants, bars and so much entertainment - can hardly wait to step on board.

[joe2v]

FOS is 6 night going to Cozumel, Cayman, and one more in Mexico. Escape is East Carib for 7 nights and about $500 more for family of 4. Is Escape better because it is newer? How does Norwegian compare to RC? My girls are 9 & 7, very active, and love slides. DreamWorks is not a big deal. They like 2-3 hours in kids club, mom and dad hit pub or casino during this time. We are new to cruising only been on RC Brilliance of Sea last spring break. Thank You

[APDMOM]

FOS is 6 night going to Cozumel, Cayman, and one more in Mexico. Escape is East Carib for 7 nights and about $500 more for family of 4. Is Escape better because it is newer? How does Norwegian compare to RC? My girls are 9 & 7, very active, and love slides. DreamWorks is not a big deal. They like 2-3 hours in kids club, mom and dad hit pub or casino during this time. We are new to cruising only been on RC Brilliance of Sea last spring break. Thank You

 

Considering the day difference, as well as Eastern Caribbean itinerary, my personal recommendation would be Escape. We enjoy the Eastern Caribbean ports more. Since you don't have Labadee as an option, I would definitely lean toward the Eastern route. As far as RCL and NCL comparison, they both have their pros and cons. Escape wins in the areas of free dining venues (especially food quality in the buffet), public area entertainment, and schedule. FOS wins in the areas of main show entertainment, ship layout (awesome promenade), and aft balconies. These are based upon our experiences...

 

Escape should be a lot of fun for your girls since they do have the slides and the awesome ropes course.

 

With all that said, you cannot go wrong with either of these ships. We do love them both. :)

 

Maybe others will weigh in regarding their opinion of RCL vs NCL.

[tinkr2]

I will weigh in... They are both great ships with so much to do. Port Canaveral is a much easier port to travel from. There are lots more pools to swim in on FOS. I feel like RCCL kids club had better time, across the fleet, NCL blocks out the meal times. I think they knock out 2 hours at lunch and 2 hours at dinner.

Escape will have slides and such.... but I have only been on her sister ship Getaway. Newer might be cooler, I will know for sure in September:p

[joe2v]

Thanks for the info. FOS will be out of Fort Laud next March. I am leaning toward Escape bc of Eastern Carib, extra night, and slides. Drink Plan & spec dining promo doesn't hurt its chances!!!

[WAHMto5]

This evening, we discovered our favorite live musician group in 21 cruises. Before this cruise, The Black Jack band (which was on Carnival Dream) had that "honorary" title since our cruise in March 2011.

 

Tonight, Port Royal crushed that record. They sang excellent classics by Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Bob Marley, Alan Jackson, etc. They are very talented with good variety. The Atrium was packed by the second night. Don't miss this Italian group of musicians!

 

 

Black Jack has also been our favorite group as well, so thank you for this information! Can't wait to see them!

 

Thank you for the great review!

[grannyelldon]

Thanks for posting and when my email shows up in your inbox just delete, I guess I hadn't looked far enough.

[starfishee]

Would you believe it? Day 3 (Sea day) greeted us with a beautiful rainbow, again!

 

 

 

:eek::eek::eek::eek: You were super lucky!!!

[mar126]

Thanks great review!! Sailing Escape May 2017.