Recently, I toured the NCL Escape, Norwegian’s newest ship to date. This mega-ship has enough eating and drinking venues to make your head spin, as well as an array of activities for the whole family. Water slides? Check. Sports complex and ropes course? Indeed. You can even walk the plank, extending eight feet beyond the side of the ship. (I’ll leave that for other people to enjoy.)
The NCL Escape boasts The Waterfront, a quarter-mile long promenade featuring bars and restaurants, all with a stunning ocean view. 678 Ocean Place spans decks 6 through 8, with a wide array of entertainment. From the enormous casino to boutiques and even more restaurants and bars, a person could be entertained for a while here.
So, you can eat and drink a-plenty here, but what about pure relaxation? The pool deck is enormous, and the spa offers treatments in addition to a salt room and thermal suite with heated loungers. There is even a snow chamber, complete with falling snow several times a day if you miss winter too much. I will stick with the pool deck.
Cruise cabins, in general, are made for two people. People traveling alone are often charged a “single supplement” of as much as 200%. NCL has created studios on several of their newer ships, including the Escape. These are tiny rooms, about 100 square feet, with private (tiny) bathrooms. The studio key cards grant access to the locked hallway, as well as a private studio lounge, where single travelers can gather to mingle, join in activities, or just grab a snack. It is a brilliant idea for solo travelers, and many of my clients enjoy these unique rooms immensely.
On the other side of the accommodation spectrum is The Haven. These suites start at a comfortable 310 square feet, but if you are feeling really extravagant, spring for the three-bedroom garden villa. With nearly 5,000 square feet of space, thee-and-a-half baths, there is room for the whole family. All of The Haven suites come with access to the exclusive restaurant, sun deck, pool, and lounge. It is a ship-within-a-ship concept.
Entertainment on the Escape includes Broadway-style shows, a supper club (additional cost), magic and comedy shows, and a dueling piano bar. Boredom is not an option on this ship.
NCL Escape is perfect for multi-generational families. The kids can play on water slides or the ropes course, and parents can enjoy a margarita at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar (or any of the other 20 bars onboard.) The Escape is also perfect for singles, as the interior studio rooms have no single supplement. Call me today to plan the perfect cruise vacation for you!
