My First Cruise on Norwegian Escape: A Travelzoo Insider's Honest Review

To cruise or not to cruise… that was the question I pondered for seven years while working at Travelzoo. As a 30-something self-proclaimed “hotel snob,” cruising never appealed to me. But when the chance arose to sail on Norwegian's newest ship, the Escape, for two nights, I couldn't pass it up. This became my eye-opening introduction to cruising—and I was wrong about all my preconceptions.

First impressions of the ship were staggering: an innovative megaresort at sea with 16 passenger decks, 2,175 cabins, 28 restaurants, bars and lounges, six entertainment venues, and the exclusive Haven complex—a luxurious ship-within-a-ship. It's massive yet welcoming inside, with diverse dining and entertainment rivaling a bustling New York City night. I fell in love before even unpacking. Staterooms vary: inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins are compact but well-appointed. For more space, opt for a mini-suite or The Haven. Solo travelers will appreciate The Studio, designed just for them.

“Sweaty is sexy” became my mantra after an electrifying performance by the ship's Godfather, Pitbull. The two Caribbean nights were relaxing, enlightening, indulgent, and unforgettable. Here's a first-time cruiser's highlights from the Norwegian Escape:

Mangia! Mangia!

The Escape impressed with its dining variety. I expected rigid, mass seating—but Norwegian's Freestyle Dining offers flexibility with no fixed times or assigned seats. Enjoy multi-course meals with wine pairings, quick bites, waterfront views, and specialty spots like Bayamo (Iron Chef José Garces' Latin-inspired seafood) or Food Republic (Pubbelly's global flavors from Peru, China, Japan, and more).

Night Time is the Right Time

Exploring every bar and lounge was tempting. Broadway hits like Million Dollar Quartet and After Midnight, comedy shows, and the Brat Pack dinner theater at Supper Club shone nightly. Favorites included District Brew House (24 craft beers, live music), Mixx Bar (specialty cocktails), Margaritaville at Sea, and 24-hour O’Sheehans.

Daytime Adventure Awaits

Daytime thrills abound: Aqua Park's four slides, the thrilling Ropes Course, two eight-foot “planks” over the ocean, and a three-story zip line challenge—perfect for adventure seekers.

In summary, the Norwegian Escape won me over instantly. With Pitbull as Godfather, expect high energy. I'll be back.