This was our 8th cruise on NCL. For our family, we think NCL gives great value, service and treats us to a great vacation every time. We have cruised on Princess (Golden, Carribbean, and Royal) and Royal Caribbean (Freedom and LIberty), and have enjoyed them all. We choose NCL Escape because we appreciate the casual atmosphere of NCL without sacrificing service and overall great ambience of a large cruise ship.

Pre-cruise, we stayed at the Element Miami International Airport - we had a lovely stay.

Ever since we missed the boat in 2008 (LONG STORY), we now ALWAYS fly in a day early and stay at a local hotel. There was a heated outdoor pool which was quite lovely. We ordered in Chinese takeaway for dinner and the fried rice came in a bucket like fried chicken! Breakfast included with hot breakfast sandwiches, fruit, cereal, coffee etc. There were not many restaurants nearby, so you would need to get a taxi or uber. I would stay at this hotel again. It was a great value - I would say it is similar to Hampton Suites or Best Western, but with a full kitchen. Read more