Enjoy An Adventurous Vacation on the Norwegian\’s Escape Cruise Ship

Embarking on a cruise is a wonderful way to explore several locations for one great price and if you ask me, vacations can’t get any better than that.

Yet there is another aspect of cruising which is often taken for granted, the onboard experience. Cruises are designed to make sure you are in a state of bliss from the moment you step onto the ship until the day of embarkation.

Of all the cruise ships I’ve had the pleasure of sailing on, the Norwegian’s Escape, by far has a unique way of entertaining their guests with activities, events, eating, and shopping. There is something to please everyone regardless of age.

So, if you decide to never step one foot off the ship during your cruise, I promise you will still feel as though you had a great vacation.

Outdoor Recreational Activities

Water Park on the Sea

The Escape’s Aqua Park is located atop the ship and is 367 feet long. Enjoy getting drenched from head to toe in any of the four water slides. Choose from an aqua racer, a spiraling water slide, an enclosed water tube, or a tube slider.

There is also a kid’s water park with tamer water slides, cannons, and other fun water gadgets.

If the water parks are too much, find a spot on the deck, pool, or hot tub and soak up the sun while listening to the DJ and bands.

 

Rope Course

The Escape has one of the most daring rope courses on the sea. It spans the space of three stories and extents from the front to the back of the ship on one side.

Take a walk on the very narrow plank which hangs 8 feet over the side of the ship. Walk the obstacle course, or enjoy the two zip lines, one which extends beyond the borders of the ship.

The rope course is not for the faint of heart. I wasn’t bold enough to try but admired those who did.

Spice H20

Spice H20 is an adult-only outdoor escape space. Indulge in a hot tube while watching a movie on the outdoor screen. Don’t forget to explore the cave with the waterfall. It’s a nice way to get a break from the heat.

Mini Golf

Keep up your game while you’re away on their 9-hole mini-course. Or use this time to learn how to play. They designed the course for all skill levels.

Indoor Recreational Activities

Video Arcade

The arcade offers you the opportunity to play video games, the pinball machine, or go bowling.

Casino

No ship is complete without a casino. You can start gaming from the moment you step on the ship, but be careful, it’s easy to get caught up in the chase and spend more than you planned.

 

 

Teenagers

The Entourage is a sanctuary designed for teenagers ages 13-17. They can enjoy music, movies, dances, and other fun without parental interference.

Young’uns 2 and under

The Guppies Nursery is a daycare for toddlers two and under. Games, activities, and toys are planned around an engaging theme that changes daily.

They even have a space for babies who can’t hang and need to sleep.

Freestyle Daily—What’s Happening Today

If you are looking for a change of pace, there are plenty of other events for you to take part in.

You can take a dance class and then show off your skills in the dance contests. Indulge in cheese and wine or chocolate and wine tasting. Be a contestant in the Family Insanity, Newlywed Not So Newlywed, and other game shows. Or enjoy the whiskey, beer, and mojito tasting.

Bars, lounges, and Music

Besides sipping on your favorite drink and socializing, the lounges also provide entertainment.

My favorite group, The Golden Octaves, had us swaying to sounds from Motown to Frank Sinatra. And yes, for the first time in my life I became a groupie and attended all their performances. They were that good.

 

Shows

All cruise ships sponsor their version of a Broadway Show. The smash-hit on my sailing was After Midnight. The performers had us clapping and toe-tapping to the blues, jazz, and band music from the days of Cotton Club.

Other shows to choose from where:

• Howl at the Moon—a rock ‘n’ roll piano show
• The Choir of Man—classic rock and pub songs
• Wine Lover the Musical—you can taste up to six types of wine while eating lunch and listening to a musical comedy.

Food, Food, and More Food  

Mention a cruise and most folk automatically think of all the food they can eat. And they would be correct.

There are 6 complimentary dining options onboard the Escape. The most popular one is The Garden Cafe Buffet where you will never get bored with the food selections. My favorites were the French Toast and smoked salmon on a bagel with cream cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Some cuisines to choose from are American, Mediterranean, and Indian. Plus, every dessert and fruit, you can imagine.

If you prefer restaurant-style dining, try The Savor, The Taste, the Manhattan Room, or O’Sheehan’s.

 

For an extra cost, you can eat in one of the specialty restaurants. They specialize in seafood, steak, Italian, French, and Japanese meals.

Room service is also available.

Shopping

No vacation is complete without being able to shop. If you are looking for jewelry, liquor, perfume, and watches, shopping on the cruise is your best option because all purchases are tax and duty-free.

White Night

Memorialize your cruise experience at the White Party. On the last night of the cruise, dress in white and bid farewell to everyone while stepping to your favorite sounds.

Even the teens have time to say goodbye at their own farewell celebration called the Rewind Party.

My vacation on the Escape was amazing. I experienced new things like becoming a groupie. Stepping out of my comfort zone and hanging out in bars and lounges while enjoying the musical sounds of yesteryear.  I was so caught up in the fun that before I knew it, the cruise was over. It seemed like 8 hours instead of 8 days.

If you’ve never been on the Escape, try it. You will not be disappointed.

Happy Sailing!