We have no particular loyalty to any cruise line and if a ship cruises from NY or NJ we will probably try it out. We like variety and enjoy various cruise lines. At the end I’ll do a comparison of Escape and Anthem of the Seas which I’ve been on several times. We enjoy every cruise for the most part, and Escape was a very nice ship with excellent food, service and activities. So here is more detail with a lot of good, and some not so good.

Arrived at the port around 11:15am. We went to the platinum line to the right for check-in which moved pretty quickly. By the time we were checked in we were able to walk right on board. Went to the Garden Café buffet for lunch although we’re aware that O’Sheehans and one dining room is open for lunch. I enjoy the variety at the buffet for lunch and it did not disappoint. It did seem very crowded though.

Cabins were ready at 1:30pm. We had an aft-facing cabin which was very nice and the large balcony was great although the deck loungers were not in great condition. The cabin itself is nice yet lacking in storage space with a small closet, some shelves and a couple small cabinets under the tv. Not sure how we’d manage on a very long cruise. Wish the bathroom had a nightlight like Anthem of the Seas and more shelf space too. The Escape closet was narrow (vs. deep); men’s shirt sleeves were tough to hang in there as the sleeves kept poking out the door opening. Bed was starting to be concave. The safe seemed tinier than ever! iPad mini no longer fits in it. Shelf space was ok. Norwegian is one of the last remaining mainline cruise companies that still puts mini-bar items in the fridge. Also, different from Breakaway and Getaway is your room lights are on the room # plate—do not disturb, make up room, and home. Like this feature. Read more