• Write a Review
  • Boards
  • Deals
  • Find a Cruise
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Cruise Tips

Norwegian Escape Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,927 reviews
Norwegian Escape (Photo: Norwegian)
Norwegian Escape Cabins
Norwegian Escape Dining
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Brittany Chrusciel
Cruise Critic Contributor

There's nothing subtle about Norwegian Escape, which you'll notice before you even board the cruise ship. The hull art, designed by artist and conservationist Guy Harvey, is a bold yet beautiful, in-your-face marine wildlife scene that spans more than 1,000 feet from bow to stern. Once onboard, you'll be captivated by the glitzy three-level 678 Ocean Place; virtually all the action at night takes place at its various restaurants and bars. Even the top decks of the ship are bold, with a ropes course and four water slides that are sure to make your heart race.

Pros

Exceptional dining, entertainment, bar and club options abound

Cons

A la carte fees and cover charges add up quickly

Bottom Line

There's something for everyone on Escape, but you might pay extra for it

About

Passengers: 4,200
Crew: 1,742
Passenger to Crew: 2.41:1
Launched: 2015
Shore Excursions: 739

Escape is ideal for people looking for stellar theater entertainment and variety. Broadway-quality performances, in the form of two shows ("After Midnight" and "For the Record: The Brat Pack"), are pitch perfect. The music and performers are flawless and among the best we've seen at sea.

When it comes to variety of activities, Escape is a winner. With 28 bars and restaurants onboard, most people will have to sail twice to try out everything. Everyone will be able to find something that appeals. Latin food? Check. An incredible brew pub that feels so genuine you'll forget you're on a ship? It's got that, too. An indoor-outdoor dining concept, called The Waterfront, which allows passengers to dine seaside? It's there. A first-at-sea Margaritaville? Yep.

With so much going on, the ship can -- and does -- get loud. Loud music, loud people, loud venues. Crowds, too, are noticeable, especially at peak periods around dinner and at show times, when everyone is clamoring for the same things at the same time.

At full capacity, the ship can hold 5,218 passengers, most of whom are from the United States. You'll find yourself sharing the ship primarily with couples and groups of friends, with families and little ones dominant during the holidays and summer breaks.

Sign Up for Price Drop Alerts

Get Norwegian Escape price drops
250,000+ people have entered their email

By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critic’s Privacy and Cookies Statement and Terms of Use.

While Escape preaches a "freestyle" cruise experience, reservations are highly recommended and help reduce wait times, though expect lines to be part of the Norwegian Escape experience no matter what.

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Three dining rooms, meals at O'Sheehan's and the buffet
  • Ice water, tea (including iced tea), coffee and select juices in the buffet
  • All theater shows
  • Use of the Aqua park, the ropes course and mini-golf
  • Access to Spice H2O adults-only sun deck
  • Most daily activities unless noted below
  • Use of the gym, but not most classes

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Gratuities ($14.99 per person, per day or $17.99 per person, per day for those staying in suites)
  • Automatic beverage and spa tips (20 percent for both)
  • Spa treatments and most fitness classes
  • Shore excursions
  • Wi-Fi
  • Vibe Beach Club adults-only sun deck
  • Late night (after 10:30 p.m.) group babysitting
  • Activities including, but not limited to, the Cellars Wine Bar classes and seminars, photo booth sessions at The District, arcade games and bingo
  • Photos and artwork

Norwegian Escape Dress Code

Daytime: Casual, with swimsuits, shorts and T-shirts poolside and around the ship.

Evening: There's generally no formal dress code (though there is an optional elegant night). Khakis and collared shirts are the norm for men in the evening, while women wear sundresses or blouses with capris, slacks or skirts.

Not permitted: Shorts are not allowed at some of the more upscale restaurants, such as Cagney's and Bayamo.

Find a Norwegian Escape Cruise from $579

Any Month

More about Norwegian Escape

Where does Norwegian Escape sail from?

Norwegian Escape departs from Port Canaveral, Miami, Venice, Rome, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, and Galveston

How much does it cost to go on Norwegian Escape?

Cruises on Norwegian Escape start from $579 per person.

Is Norwegian Escape a good ship to cruise on?

Norwegian Escape won 5 awards over the years.
Norwegian Escape Cruiser Reviews

If cruising the Caribbean get the Haven

Norwegian escape review: I just spent a week on the escape in the Haven touring the Dominican republic US and British Virgin Islands with a scheduled stop for the Norwegian owned island in the BahamasRead More
User Avatar
Jdubs100

2-5 Cruises

Age 60s

This cruise and crew aboard were outstanding!

Once you’ve tried Norwegian you’ll never sail any other line!Read More
User Avatar
skaycoutras

2-5 Cruises

Age 50s

The NCL Haven vs. The Celebrity Retreat

We recently took a cruise on the Norwegian Escape Haven during Spring Break.Read More
User Avatar
sarahmarie2299

2-5 Cruises

Age 30s

Spring Break Cruise - Disorganization.

This is our second time with Norwegian (the first was excellent), and I'm not sure that we will do another. I for sure will not recommend the Escape to my friends/family.Read More
User Avatar
Jgrosseira

10+ Cruises

Age 50s

Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Norwegian Sky
2,088 reviews
Want to cruise smarter?
Get expert advice, insider tips and more.
By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critic’s Privacy and Cookies Statement and Terms of Use.
About UsCruise DestinationsFirst Time CruisersFind A Cruise

International Sites

© 1995—2023, The Independent Traveler, Inc.

  • Privacy and Cookies Statement

  • Terms of Use

  • Site Map