*I was invited to tour the Norwegian Cruise Line Escape in return for an honest review. ALL opinions in this post are 100% my own.
Saturday couldn’t have come any sooner! I was super excited to join Local Mom Scoop’s Heather and a handful of other media representatives for a VIP tour of Norwegian Cruise Line Escape, a gourmet lunch and wine tasting with THE Michael Mondavi and a little bit of downtime at the Thermal Suites onboard. I don’t know where to begin – the whole day was incredible.
After a warm greeting at the terminal by NCL’s Christina, Evelyn, Tom, and Liz, we received our visitor’s pass and were off to board the ship. At first glance, I was impressed at the size of the ship and the beautiful artwork by Guy Harvey that decorated the front of the ship. Built in 2015, the Escape can accommodate a little over 4,200 guests and is almost 3 football fields long. That’s loooooooonnnnngggggg.
ALL ABOUT THE KIDS
First stop for us was a tour of the Guppies Nursery and Splash Academy.
The Guppies Nursery is a drop-off nursery for babies between the ages of 6 months to under 3 years old. Parents make reservations ahead of time to drop off their little ones for 2 hour time blocks – also known as 2 hours of quality time for Mom and Dad to roam the ship, take a well-needed nap, and/or enjoy any of the numerous activities. At drop-off, the parent receives a handy phone in case the nursery attendants need to reach them. Each day has a different theme which is translated into the scheduled crafts, self-exploration, story time, sensory activities and more!
The Splash Academy is where I would want to be if I was a kid. If you are between the ages of 3 and 17, you’ll LOVE this hangout! I especially liked that there are different programs geared toward different age groups.
- Turtles – 3 to 5 year olds
- Seals – 6 to 9 year olds
- Dolphins – 10 to 12 year olds
- Teens – 13 to 17 year olds
Each age group has their own designated area to hang out with children their own age and partake in fun age-appropriate crafts, games, and more. Freestyle Free Play, available during special times of the day, is when the kids can choose a Freestyle activity and hang out with their siblings and friends in other age groups.
I know you are thinking, “What about late night?” NCL has it covered. Want to go to a show or dancing at one of the clubs onboard? For only $6.00 per child per hour, you can drop your little ones off between the hours of 10:30pm – 1:30am. Nice.
Check out some of the other fun attractions for kids (and adults)…
There’s also a basketball court, pools, shows and more. I doubt VERY much that your child would get bored aboard this cruise ship!
TIME TO EAT
I was amazed to hear that the Escape has over 25 dining options. 25. You have a choice of eating at one of the three complimentary main dining locations – Savor, Taste and The Manhattan Room – or Garden Cafe or O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill (complimentary also). Don’t forget 24 hour room service too!
Specialty dining options are endless. Want Italian food? Make reservations at La Cucina. Really hungry? Check out Moderno Churasscaria, the onboard Brazilian steakhouse. Looking for delicious food with a little entertainment on the side? Teppanyaki hibachi grill is perfect. There’s also Le Bistro (French), Pincho (tapas bar), Jimmy Buffett’s, Food Republic, and Bayamo – where we enjoyed a delicious lunch along with Michael Mondavi!
The food was top notch. Each course was paired with wine that best fit the food – and everything was delicious! I chose the hearts of palm salad followed by the wagyu beef main course.
I was a little star struck having Michael Mondavi sitting at our table but easily relaxed as he is so friendly and a great conversationalist! Conversation moved from wine (of course) to Napa restaurant recommendations, Trader Joe’s and more.
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
After lunch, we walked over to The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar. The wine bar is very warm and inviting! We sat down in front of four glasses of wine, and listened intently while Michael introduced us to his family of wine.
[Tweet “If the wine tastes good to you, then it’s good. If it doesn’t taste good to you, find another one! – Michael Mondavi”]
We learned that about 17 years ago, Michael and his family purchased land in Atlas Peak where the Amino vineyard is located. Next they purchased land to create the Oso Vineyard. Each vineyard produces distinctively different grapes due to their growing conditions and terroirs (environmental factors that affect the crop’s quality).
[Tweet “”Take the mystery out of wine but keep the magic.” – Michael Mondavi”]
Aside from tasting the different wine above, we also learned that the shape of the wine glass can affect the taste of the wine (hence the different shape glasses for pinot noir as opposed to a cabernet sauvignon). Also, I liked how Isabelle’s wine bottles are screw cap because she does not like fidgeting with the wine corkscrews.
STATE ROOMS
State rooms vary from the Studio for the single traveler all the way to the the Haven Suites – exclusive and most luxurious accommodations, with 24-hour butler service, concierge service and a private sundeck.
Time to Relax
After a super fun day filled with touring, food and wine it was time to enjoy all that the Thermal Suite has to offer. Heather and I tried to experience all of the specialty rooms and it was a lot of fun!
One room I didn’t picture above but needs to be mentioned is the Snow Room. Heather and I visited the room for the recommended 2 minutes max.
It was that cold!!
MY THOUGHTS
The Escape, built in 2015, is beautiful. Aside from all of the fun I mentioned above, I also love that there is a Tony Award® winning musical aboard – After Midnight as well as 21 bars and lounges. The attention to detail noticed throughout the day are very apparent. The attention to cleanliness is something extremely important to me, especially on a cruise where there are thousands of people aboard. Everywhere I went, I noticed hand sanitizer dispensers which was great.
I hope to one day take my whole family on vacation aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line Escape! I can imagine the look on my boys’ faces when they see how much there is to offer for them and the amazing memories my family could make!
Have you cruised before? If so, what ship did you take and how was your experience?
TheOrdinaryGirl (@mash_01x) says
Looks so grand and lavish! It has something for everyone .. kids, adults, youngsters… and foodies like me 😀
Dana says
You’re totally right – it does!!
Jenn says
How fun! The pics look awesome and the room looks much nicer than I imagined. Never cruised before. I think the motion sickness will be too much for me. Looks like fun though.
Heather Denniston says
Oh my gosh. That looks so much better then the cattle herding cruise I went on. The rooms look amazing!
Becky @ Disney in your Day says
This looks amazing! I was on one of the older Norwegian ships (the Star) and this one looks so much nicer. I’ve also done the Carnival Pride, Carnival Glory, and Disney Dream. I love cruising!
Dana says
Becky, we’ve only cruised on the Disney Dream and it was so much fun! This NCL cruise was amazing – very comparable in details to the Disney cruise (just no Mickeys!)
Susannah says
Looks like a totally fun experience!!! I’m sure it made you want to go on a cruise badly! <3
Dana says
YES! Susannah, I wanted to actually stay on that cruise 😉
Andrea Bai says
I love this! I’ve gone on several NCL cruises and they are always so fun. The kids clubs look way cooler now than when I was a kid!
Glam Hungry Mom
Dana says
I agree with you Andrea – I want to hang out in the kids clubs myself!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
That sounds amazing. I have been wanting to go on another cruise for a while now and this sounds like a great one.
Dana says
Robin, it was amazing! You should definitely go on a cruise again – check because they always have specials too!
Jeanette says
We love taking cruises. I’ve only been on, but I have been wanting to try other cruise lines just to compare. I know my son would love that water area.
Dana says
Jeanette, what cruise line did you go on?
mark and kate says
This cruise looks awesome! This is kid-friendly, too as there are places where the kids can enjoy. But for me, I’ll definitely have a blast with that wine-tasting and magnificent room. And how can I forget the spa!
Dana says
I agree with everything you said! Wine tasting, great food, spa…I wish I was there!
Pam says
This sounds like an amazing experience. I have heard nothing but good things abut the Norwegian Cruise line.
Dana says
The cruise has everything anyone could want…it’s great, Pam!
Rese says
My husband has always wanted to try the Norwegian line for cruises. We haven’t been on a cruise since our kids were babies, I think it is time to schedule a cruise.
Dana says
Rese, they have so much for the kids to do – something for every age group. I think you’ll love it!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
I’ve never been on a cruise, but this sounds like a lovely experience. My friends always go on cruises, so I’ll share this with them! It sounds like you had a great time.
Dana says
Thank you for sharing Jenn! Maybe you should go on a cruise with your friends next time they go!!
Sarah says
That’s awesome, looks like a super amazing time for sure!
Dana says
It was so much fun!
Brandy says
I have never been on a cruise, but this looks like a great escape!
Dana says
Brandy, it totally is! You board the boat and it’s time to relax and not worry about anything for the duration of the cruise!
Liz Mays says
What an incredible vacation experience. I’d love to try this with my boyfriend sometime. It would be amazing!
Dana says
Liz, you and your boyfriend would love it. There’s so much to do on the ship and then at the different ports of call.
Angelic Sinova says
I’m going on my first ever cruise later this year and this just got me even more excited! I can’t wait to experience cruising first hand.
Dana says
You are going to LOVE it! You board the ship and are instantly on vacation. Unpack your bags and relax. I hope you have a fabulous time!
kendall says
You must have had so much fun! I love the NCL – it’s my favorite cruise line and although I do love Carnival cruises, the NCL never fails to amaze me. The balcony rooms are gorgeous!
Dana says
Kendall, the cruise ship was beautiful! I wanted to sail away on it that day. The rooms are really room-y, right?
Dawn gibson-thigpen says
oh wow i would totally love this. that oceanview looks amazing. also love your polish. great color.
Dana says
Awww thanks Dawn! It’s OPI, but I forgot the name of it…darn!
Heather S-G says
I’ve never been on a cruise. I’m always in awe when I see people’s photos taken during one – so many amazing offerings, beautiful surrounds, and activities! One day, hopefull, one day.
Dana says
I hope you get to experience a cruise Heather! Especially since there is usually great food aboard as well!
Chrishelle Ebner says
We have cruised on Carnival, but I think my family would love the Norwegian experience. I need to book a cruise for my husband and myself. Looks amazing.
Dana says
What a great getaway for you and your husband!
Bonnie @wemake7 says
Wow, that is so awesome! I have never been on a cruise before but want to someday soon.
Rebecca Swenor says
The Norwegian Cruise Line Escape sounds like an amazing cruise line for a vacation for the whole family. I love the have the child care for different ages which makes it funner for the parents. They have a great variety of dining and adult entertainment at night. Thanks for sharing your experience.
ricci says
I would love the opportunity to go on a Norwegian cruise one day!! Looks like you had a great time and the cabins look gorgeous!!
Dana says
Do it Ricci – you’ll love it!
Mimi Green says
Oh this looks like a good time. I’ve not been on a cruise yet, but I think I want to go. I get motion sick and I’m unsure of how my body will deal.
Dana says
Mimi, you could get one of those patches for behind your ears from your doctor if you are prone to motion sickness. Also, there are special wristbands you can wear too!
Fletcher Bajorek says
This page reminds me of the other page I found earlier