Norwegian Escape Review
Norwegian Escape launched in November 2015 as the line’s first Breakaway-Plus ship, with all the fanfare you would expect. “Firsts” included a variety of new shows and restaurants, but the ship did — for better or worse — inherit a lot of its design from Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. This means wonderful outdoor dining and drinking spaces on The Waterfront deck, spacious bathrooms (even in standard cabins), and smartly designed Studio Cabins for solo travelers. Alas, it also means the sound levels at the open-air casino and bars make it hard to escape the noise.
What We Love
Food Republic: When this Pan-Asian dining concept featuring dozens of shareable menu items debuted, we called it not only the ship’s best restaurant, but also the best new dining spot we tried at sea that year. That’s mostly still true, especially for guests who like to try a variety of dishes. The fusion menu features comfort food from around the world, as well as innovative dishes such as pastrami dumplings and buffalo shrimp maki. Everything is tasty and well-prepared, no matter what you choose to order.
The District Brew House: This brewpub serves up more than 70 beers (25 on tap), including craft beers from Miami’s Wynwood Brewing Company. Unlike, well, almost every other bar at sea, it feels like a cool hangout in an urban area run by people who care about the regional American brews as much as the atmosphere, which includes tabletop beer pong, live bands, and tasty sliders.
Best Known For
Spicy Miami-Themed Ambiance: There’s a distinct Latin flavor to Norwegian Escape, from the stingray and tropical sea life artwork on its hull (christened by godfather, Miami-born rapper/singer Pitbull) to the lime and rum-infused libations at Sugarcane Mojito Bar and the Spanish specialties and signature cocktails at Pincho Tapas Bar.
Lots of Nighttime Entertainment: Cruisers who enjoy having a good time late into the night will find a wide array of choices on this ship. In addition to the Broadway-style production of “The Choir of Man” in the Escape Theater, they can sing and dance along to dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon, enjoy some laughs in Headliners Comedy Club, win some cash during live “Deal or No Deal” or “Wheel of Fortune” game shows, go old school with musical entertainment in The Supper Club or party beneath the stars at Spice H2O.
Who It's Good For
Families and Groups of Friends: This ship serves a lot of different groups: The elegant spa and seriously cool restaurant concepts speak to many grownups, while the multiple waterslides, including side-by-side tubes on Aqua Racer, are sure to be a hit with most kids.
Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
There’s No Raceway: Norwegian has come to be known for the go-kart racetracks that are prominently featured on its newest ships and popular with guests of all ages, but this activity didn’t debut until 2018 on Norwegian Bliss. On Escape, active types can hit the top deck’s Ropes Course to experience 99 different physical and mental challenges (including walking The Plank).