Norwegian Escape Review

4.0 / 5.0
3,047 reviews

The Haven was our savior...

Review for the Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Norwegian Escape
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fieldsjm
2-5 Cruises • Age 30s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2017
Cabin: The Haven Forward-facing Penthouse with Balcony
Haven Pool
Haven Pool
Haven Pool
Haven Pool
Maegan's Bay Beach (St. Thomas) from lookout
Maegan's Bay Beach (St. Thomas)

This was our fourth cruise with NCL and by far the worst. It is wasn't for being in the Haven and the service that affords, I would have given fewer stars.

Most of our issues were related to the sheer amount of people on-board. The entire ship felt cramped, even our stateroom felt smaller (we did a similar cruise last year on the Getaway in the same cabin class). If you book this ship, I would strongly consider the Haven. Below is a breakdown from our perspective, I can't imagine what it was like for everyone else.

Embarkation was quick, we arrived around 10am, waiting only about 15 min in line at security. Haven guests have a separate (small) check-in lounge and are escorted to a separte waiting area until given the all-clear to board, we had to waiting about an hour total. The waiting areas were stocked with snacks and drinks, so it wasn't all that bad. As I understand, board for other guests was staggered based on room location. Once on board, we were taken directly to the Haven lounge for a quick overview by the head concierge. We were told that our rooms were ready and that we had two dining options for lunch, the Haven Restaurant or Margaritaville (free for haven guests on the first day only, otherwise a la carte pricing). We decide to go to our room first and drop our carry-on bags, and of course it was not ready as stated. So we decide to take advantage of Margaritaville (since it's free) and it was still closed as well, nothing opens until 12.

Cabin Review

The Haven Forward-facing Penthouse with Balcony

Cabin H7

Our stateroom was nice, well decorated, but as I mentioned earlier, smaller than on the Getaway. I will give credit to our steward, she was great. We rarely saw her but the room was kept immaculate. This particular room class has a separate living room and bedroom with a large bathroom with double sinks. It's totally worth it to have separate standing shower and bath tub.

Port Reviews

Nassau

Port area has declined recently. Got off the ship long enough to do some shopping (short 10 min walk from the ship).

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