Escape or Getaway, cruise Royal often

[newlu]

Hi,

 

Looking to try NCL again (just did a 3 day cruise years back on a smaller ship) I love Royal, but have done so many, think its time for a change.

 

Am looking at the Escape or Getaway, love both ittineraries, price is good, includes drink package, now drink package, does it cover most drinks like on Royal (water bottles also, wine by the glass, martinis, etc.)

 

Also, reading the ships are really crowded, can anyone compare Royal ships (the bigger ones) to these?

 

Food, I do like to go to Speciality restaurants, like 3 per week, I presume they are between $20-40.

 

A bit nervous to try something different, but I think that NCL are fun ships, and we (married couple, late 40's) enjoy the nightlife on ships.

 

Piano bars? Casino? nice bars, dancing, etc.

 

thanks for your imput!

newlu

[escentialssoycandles]

I was a loyal Royal but based on pricing and perks, NCL is my new go to. I have not cruised Escape, but will be back on Getaway for the second time this November. They are basically the same ship, Escape being newer by a couple years. I cancelled my Allure trip to sail Getaway for the second time, that is how much I loved it. The staff was the best I have ever encountered and it has sleek and modern decor.

 

I am in my early 40's and we have 6 kids. Have sailed Getaway without them last year during Thanksgiving and bringing them this year. The ship was sold out and I never felt like it was crowded. There are so many public areas, it doesn't seem so intense to me as it did on Royal ships.

 

Drinks package does not include bottled water. It includes most drinks up to $12 if I remember correctly.

 

The Getaway has the best bars due to the waterfront. Escape has the same set up. I LOVE the Mojito Bar

Casino was fun, it never smelled like smoke to me, but I was only in there for a Slot pull.

We had the time of our lives at the late night dance parties. The 80's party was my absolute fave and I may have had way too much to drink, which won't happen this time with the kiddos around.

 

Specialty dining is now a la carte unless you purchase the Specialty Dining package. On the a la carte pricing your estimates are correct. I loved Cagney's and Le Bistro. Tappenyaki was entertaining and food good, but that cuisine is not my fave.

 

I personally cruise for itinerary first, then ship. If the prices are similar, I would go for itinerary for ports you may not have visited.

Edited September 14, 2016 by escentialssoycandles

[newlu]

wow...

 

Exactly what I wanted to hear...

 

We are also looking at Celebrity Reflexion, but am afraid to be bored..

 

If you did not feel too crowded, then it should be fine...

 

thanks so much, hope to hear more comments.

 

newlu

[Red-Sol]

I have sailed Epic and Breakaway of the larger NCL ships. I have sailed Oasis and Allure of the larger Royal ships.

 

Without going into all the possible details that you could comparing the lines I once heard someone put it very succinctly in a way that I agree with.

 

The Royal Ships are better during the day and The Norwegian ships are better at Night. Basically referring to if you want to do outdoor lounging The Royal Ships have better setups the way they have their pools, hot tubs, Solarium etc. On the flip side Norwegian has better nightlife for bars, dancing, shows, etc.

 

My one editorial type comment would be that I think you will find the overall "Vibe" to be better on NCL than Royal. People just seem to be way more relaxed and having fun (Not crazy type fun though) For some reason folks sailing on Royal seemed to be a little uptight and not enjoying themselves as much....not sure why as the ships themselves are gorgeous!

[shelbyg19]

I have sailed Epic and Breakaway of the larger NCL ships. I have sailed Oasis and Allure of the larger Royal ships.

 

Without going into all the possible details that you could comparing the lines I once heard someone put it very succinctly in a way that I agree with.

 

The Royal Ships are better during the day and The Norwegian ships are better at Night. Basically referring to if you want to do outdoor lounging The Royal Ships have better setups the way they have their pools, hot tubs, Solarium etc. On the flip side Norwegian has better nightlife for bars, dancing, shows, etc.

 

My one editorial type comment would be that I think you will find the overall "Vibe" to be better on NCL than Royal. People just seem to be way more relaxed and having fun (Not crazy type fun though) For some reason folks sailing on Royal seemed to be a little uptight and not enjoying themselves as much....not sure why as the ships themselves are gorgeous!

 

I agree with this 100%. I've been on Oasis and on the Getaway. Both were simply fantastic. I didn't feel any more crowded on the Getaway than on any other cruise I've been on.

[coolcruiser86]

Completely agree with this. While we occasionally sail RCCL, we much prefer NCL for their overall vibe. Highly recommend them!

 

I have sailed Epic and Breakaway of the larger NCL ships. I have sailed Oasis and Allure of the larger Royal ships.

 

Without going into all the possible details that you could comparing the lines I once heard someone put it very succinctly in a way that I agree with.

 

The Royal Ships are better during the day and The Norwegian ships are better at Night. Basically referring to if you want to do outdoor lounging The Royal Ships have better setups the way they have their pools, hot tubs, Solarium etc. On the flip side Norwegian has better nightlife for bars, dancing, shows, etc.

 

My one editorial type comment would be that I think you will find the overall "Vibe" to be better on NCL than Royal. People just seem to be way more relaxed and having fun (Not crazy type fun though) For some reason folks sailing on Royal seemed to be a little uptight and not enjoying themselves as much....not sure why as the ships themselves are gorgeous!

[firegal2539]

I was on the Escape in August and I loved it. I have taken between 20 and 30 cruises, most Princess, RCCL, but the Escape ranked in my top 5.

 

Many, many kids because school hadn't started, that was a problem, not NCL's but the parents that don't control them, let them run up and down hallway, play in the elevators, etc.

 

I did a very long review for the Escape because I wanted everyone to know how wonderful it was. I also listed my few complaints I had. If you will click on my user name and click on Find All Posts by firegal2539, it will bring it up Escape review. PLEASE READ THIS I THINK IT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.

 

I have heard wonderful things about both the Breakaway and Getaway. I bought two CruiseNext certificates and will be on the Sun in two weeks, I am planning on booking something either on the Getaway, Breakaway or Escape.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

 

Firegal2539 (Candie)

[hagges]

wow...

 

Exactly what I wanted to hear...

 

We are also looking at Celebrity Reflexion, but am afraid to be bored..

 

If you did not feel too crowded, then it should be fine...

 

thanks so much, hope to hear more comments.

 

newlu

 

I am having the same concerns. Currently booked for reflection on 1-28-17 and considering switching over to the Escape for the same date. Being enticed by the free at sea promotion. Cruised NCL only one time and that was "ok". Have typically gone with Carnival but we decided to try Celebrity for a different experience. However, I am also fearful of being bored. We are not huge party people but like to have fun and mingle with other folks who also want to have fun.

Any suggestions appreciated

[steamboats]

I´d go for the Escape which is larger than the Getaway. Restaurants are better (Food Republic, Bayamo). The pool deck is more open than on the Getaway. Balconies are wider on the Escape than the Getaway.

 

Compared to the Oasis Class the Escape will feel a bit more crowded. Definitely! It´s a totally different layout.

 

Drink packages with NCL do not include bottled water or specialty coffees.

 

steamboats