6 Things to Love About Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape
It's both thrilling and terrifying hanging over the side of the ship when you walk the plank on Norwegian Escape.
Norwegian Escape arrived in the United States this week. The biggest Norwegian Cruise Line ship reached its homeport in Miami with a lot of fanfare. Miami's favorite native son, Pitbull, is the ship's godfather, so you know it's a big deal.
The christening ceremony under a blazing sun in the first week of November really heated things up and helped make the ship's debut a big media event.
Pitbull performed during the christening ceremony for Norwegian Escape in Miami. He is the ship's godfather.
Now that cruisers can begin sailing on Norwegian Escape, what should they expect? Here are my first impressions. Note: These observations are based strictly on my personal preferences for a cruise. You know by now that I'm all about the fun stuff you can enjoy onboard. That, and the beer.
1. Fully Equipped Fitness Center
I found a well-equipped fitness area, with separate cardio and weight rooms, on Norwegian Escape.
Let's start with the gym. The facility on Deck 16 is long and narrow, with cardio equipment segmented from the weight-training area by a walkway that leads to the spa. I like the setup because people are able to do their specific work in an area designed only for either cardio or weight training. And the space is ample and offers all the equipment you need for almost any training program. There is a Smith machine and a universal machine with a pull up bar designed so you don't hit your head on the ceiling (this oversight exists on most ships, and I have had the bumps and scrapes on my head to prove it). Dumbells go up to 75 pounds. Norwegian Escape also offers a separate room for TRX classes and a hip spin-class studio.
2. Latin-Inspired Specialty Restaurant from Jose Garces
Bayamo is a restaurant curated by celebrity chef Jose Garces. This is a seafood heavy menu with a Latin inspiration. I don't like seafood, but I really liked the Wagyu beef main course and crema de quinoa appetizer. The items are priced a la carte at this specialty restaurant. Norwegian Escape has 28 places to eat onboard, and while many are included in your fare, some have an added fee. Norwegian Cruise Line touts its "Freestyle" concept, which means you can show up to dine at the main included restaurants whenever you feel hungry. The specialty dining options recommend a reservation.
3. District Brew House
District Brew House will be a favorite spot for beer lovers on Norwegian Escape.
This craft beer joint is going to be a favorite spot for cruisers. This space on Deck 8 has the feel of a great local bar, with 24 brews on tap and 50 or more flavors in bottles. That's more craft beers than you've ever seen on a cruise ship, from Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA to District Pale Ale. Cruisers can enjoy all these flavors while settling in for live music, such as a piano player.
4. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Sea
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Sea serves meals and drinks at a chill space on the top of the ship.
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Sea is another hip spot, located on Deck 17. Out on the deck with breezes blowing, dive into a Cheeseburger in Paradise and other special burger preparations or a pile of nachos, delish chicken salads with avocado and a selection of beers (including Buffett's signature Landshark) and, or course, margaritas. The venue started out as an included food choice onboard, but it proved so popular during its initial cruises that waits at lunchtime and slow service left passengers frustrated.
This casual alternative eatery on Norwegian Escape will have a $5 cover charge going forward, according to several crew I spoke to on my sailing. This is aimed to helped control the crowds. I can see spending a fiver a couple of times during a weeklong cruise to have a relaxing lunch in the sunny outdoors (the area is covered, so you are protected from the beating sun) away from the buffet lines. It really was a pleasant experience — once we were able to be seated, that is. We attempted a lunch around 12:30 p.m. and were told of a 90-minute wait, which is unacceptable anywhere, especially a cruise ship. Later, we were seated quickly when we stopped by for a 3:30 p.m. snack and a couple drinks.
5. Dinner and a Show
I loved "The Brat Pack, Live at the Supper Club", a dinner show that is a must for fans of John Hughes' movies. There is a cover charge (between $24.94 and $29.95, depending on where you sit). A couple of notes. The performance is awesome, especially for people who remember the storylines in the movies like "Pretty in Pink" and "The Breakfast Club." But if you haven't see them, the flow of the production might not be so well understood. Also, the meal was average -- at best. Finally, this is really geared toward adults, with both language and some body-baring scenes.
6. The Water Slides and Ropes Course
The top-of-ship activities are a blast. We enjoyed the ropes course, which offers several challenging paths, two narrow planks to walk out over the edge of the ship (pictured at the top of this post) and two ziplines. One of the ziplines swings out over the water, too. If you are afraid of heights, this will require you to steel your nerves, but you can choose any number of paths around the course to make it as easy or as hard as you dare. Plus, you are securely harnessed and attached to a line so you won't fall.
Thanks for reading.
Happy cruising!
JR