Carnival magic or NCL escape

[momto2js]

Trying to pick a ship for an October 2017 for my family. My boys are 8 and 10 Both ships have mostly the same ports, Orlando would be closer than Miami but not that much closer. Escape is about $300 more expensive. We did the same ports this year on Getaway and it was a good trip. Our only other carnival trip was a 3 day booze cruise and that is not our thing, it was pretty miserable but I'm hoping the longer trips have a different passenger mix.

 

Any clear winner between the two options?

[irun5k]

I am hoping someone that has been on both ships will weigh in. We have only been on RCI and Carnival and I often forget that Norwegian is out there with some nice ships.

 

The Waterfront concept seems pretty cool, although I'm not sure how how much it adds to the overall cruise experience since it is dining oriented.

 

My anecdotal experience with Carnival is that they do a good job running Camp Carnival. I've read mixed reviews on Norwegian's. We are also considering Oasis/Allure which the whole family loved last time.

[cc1237]

We are deciding the same. What did you decide? For an interior room, the Escape with beverage package comes out a lot less than the carnival magic.