Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and biggest ship, the Norwegian Escape, has finally arrived. Now sailing Caribbean itineraries, this Breakaway-Plus class ship offers over two dozen dining options, plenty of bars and lounges, and signature entertainment not found on any other ship at sea. After spending seven days cruising onboard this impressive vessel, it was difficult to find time to experience everything the Norwegian Escape has to offer.
If you need any encouragement to book a cruise on Norwegian Escape, we have put together this list of the 10 Reasons to Cruise on Norwegian Escape. Bon Voyage!
Margaritaville at Sea – Even if you are not a fan of Jimmy Buffett music, you will be a huge fan of this Margaritaville at Sea. You must try the piled high nachos while you sip a signature margarita or boat drink at this restaurant. Margaritaville at Sea has a signature drink menu offering tasty cocktails, so be sure to try them all. Open most days from 11am to 4pm, we encountered a few lines during peak times, so get there early.
The Waterslides – Cruising without kids, you can still have a blast on the waterslides. The Aqua Racer is a tube slide that you can enjoy with your significant other or slide solo. Either way, you will have fun sliding your way through the kaleidoscope of colors. For the thrill seekers, the Aqua Loop is the fastest slide at sea with a free fall drop packing enough punch to propel you back up again through a loop before reaching the bottom. These waterslides are certainly the kind of wet and wild rides that you will want to do over and over again.
The Grotto at Spice H20 – This adult only venue, located aft on deck 17, offers a great place to relax in the sun. But, on the Norwegian Escape, it also offers the Grotto-a unique water feature made to resemble a cave. The Grotto features cascading waterfalls that are the perfect place to cool off after hours in the sun. You will almost forget you are on a cruise ship.
City Views at the Skyline Bar – Even if you are not a gambler, you will want to head to the casino just to check out the Skyline Bar. One of the largest lounges on the ship, this venue features HD LCD screens that depict various skylines, including famous cities like Las Vegas and Miami. With live entertainment most nights, and virtual concerts periodically throughout the cruise, the Skyline Bar is worth a visit for these views and high-tech entertainment.
Broadway Entertainment – While some newer ships boast a Broadway show, Norwegian Escape hosts TWO Tony award winning productions during each cruise. For jazz lovers, After Midnight transports you back to the prohibition era in Harlem to experience the city’s hottest club, the Cotton Club. For those fans of 1950s rock, Million Dollar Quartet features the music of rock legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis in a non-stop rock musical that will make you want to sing along.
The Brat Pack at the Supper Club – This immersive show is coupled with a three course pre-fixe dinner and features songs and movie references from classic John Hughes movies of the 1980s. Admittedly, we are children of the 80s, so we have a fondness toward the music and films of this decade, but other cruisers find the show equally entertaining. It is an upcharge of $35 dollars a person (or $17.50 if you have the specialty dining meal plan), but it is well worth the price of admission.
Exclusive Bars and Lounges – Unique to this Miami based ship are some bars and lounges you will only find on Norwegian Escape. Tobacco Road, Miami’s oldest dive bar, has debuted on Norwegian Escape with a specialty cocktail menu that is as iconic as this city keepsake. Also featured is the Sugarcane Mojito bar serving up custom mojitos and plenty of energy and entertainment from bartender, “Bong”. Nothing says Miami like a mojito.
Deck Parties – There is no shortage of entertainment on Norwegian Escape. Inspired by the beach parties on the island of Ibiza, Spice H20 turns into a nighttime hot spot hosting a variety of parties that are sure to get you on your feet. From the 80s dance party to the Glow Party, complete with black lights and neon colors, this area of the ship is the place to be if you want to dance the night away.
Thermal Spa – For travelers looking to kick back and relax, the Thermal Spa offers plenty of rest and relaxation is a comfortable and luxurious setting. You can purchase a week long pass or a day pass on select sea days to gain access to the facilities which include a sauna, therapy pools, and heated mosaic loungers. A Norwegian Escape exclusive feature is the snow cave, a room kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit with actual snow which is meant to improve circulation.
Upscale Dining – Along with cruise line staples like Cagney’s and Le Bistro, Norwegian Escape offers even more upscale dining experiences featuring popular chefs. The fusion restaurant Food Republic, presented by Pubbelly Boys group, serves up a wide selection of tapas perfect for sharing. It was actually some of the best food we had all cruise. Unfortunately, it is not included in the specialty dining plan at this time. Iron Chef Jose Garces also has a partnership with Norwegian to bring you Bayamo, a seafood restaurant with a unique Latin Flavor that you can only enjoy on the Escape.
These are just some of the great reasons to sail on Norwegian Escape, but there are many more of course. There is truly something for everyone on this new and innovative vessel. So, why not experience them for yourself? Plan your escape to the Caribbean now to enjoy an amazing cruise on the largest ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet.
Take a Photo Tour of Norwegian Escape
This was a guest post by Don Bucolo, Editor in Chief at EatSleepcruise.com.
Spice H2O should be listed #1. And I’m a Buffet fan !