Norwegian Escape vs Royal Carribean Allure of the Seas

[honeym00ner]

I'm planning a Carribean cruise for my honeymoon in June 2016. There are two 7 night cruises I'm looking at - Royal Carribean Allure of the Seas (leaves from Ft Lauderdale, Florida), or the new Norwegian Ship - the Norwegian Escape (leaves from Miami, Florida).

 

I'd like to know which you think would be a better choice to book - Royal Carribean or Norwegian?

 

Thanks for your help!

[Two Wheels Only]

Which itinerary are you looking at for Allure? For June 2016, I see St. Maarten, PR, Haiti and Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Kitts or Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Maarten.

Edited July 3, 2015 by Two Wheels Only

[honeym00ner]

For Allure I could either depart June 19 for Cozumel Mexico, Falmouth Jamaica & Labadee Haiiti. Or June 26 for Philipsburg St. Maarten; San Juan Puerto Rico & Labadee Haiti

 

The Norwegian Escape departs June 18 for St Thomas US Virgin Islands, Tortola British Virgin Islands & Naasu Bahamas.

[motleyfan]

For Allure I could either depart June 19 for Cozumel Mexico, Falmouth Jamaica & Labadee Haiiti. Or June 26 for Philipsburg St. Maarten; San Juan Puerto Rico & Labadee Haiti

 

The Norwegian Escape departs June 18 for St Thomas US Virgin Islands, Tortola British Virgin Islands & Naasu Bahamas.

 

Escape

[Two Wheels Only]

There isn't really a "wrong" answer.

 

Allure has the wow-factor because of size and Escape has the new-car smell because it is/will be newer.

 

I'd pick Escape for a newlywed couple.

[wrcjr98]

Have you visited any of the ports yet? Maybe it would be easier for you to decide if you based it on the ports?

[America097]

For Allure I could either depart June 19 for Cozumel Mexico, Falmouth Jamaica & Labadee Haiiti. Or June 26 for Philipsburg St. Maarten; San Juan Puerto Rico & Labadee Haiti

 

The Norwegian Escape departs June 18 for St Thomas US Virgin Islands, Tortola British Virgin Islands & Naasu Bahamas.

 

Having mostly been to the Bahamas and Mexico, I am afraid I can't really help you compare the ports to each other. However, if ports are important to you, then you can find quite a bit of information in the forums on the port pages.

 

However, I think choosing a boat depends on what is more important to you- ports, entertainment and activities, dining, price, or a combination.

 

Since the cruise is about split with port days and sea days, I would definitely look at the ships. For example, I personally look at the websites to find the amenities on the boats and compare them to each other. I think about which ones I am more likely to use. I would prefer to see "Mamma Mia" and the aquatheater over "After Midnight" and the quartet.

 

However, my husband loves eating and looks at the dining. He really enjoys the specialty restaurants and is a big Jimmy Buffet fan, so he is ready to go on the Escape. (I know some of the posters are not happy with Margaritaville, but my husband is ecstatic- Jimmy Buffet and it's complementary!)

 

We usually cruise smaller ships/itineraries that cost less money, so to get my husband on board with spending almost double on a cruise, guess who won? But, I am really excited to go on a mega boat and a new one at that!

 

All that to say, I think people here can tell you what which boat they prefer and why; many people seem to have strong opinions about which is best. I am sure they all will have valid points. As Mitsugirly has pointed out, it's good to hear others' viewpoints, but realize no one can tell you what YOU will enjoy.

 

I hope that doesn't come across as condescending as I am just trying to be helpful.:)

[Donna_In_India]

After wanting to try the Oasis/Allure for a long time we'll finally be sailing in a couple of months. I've been on NCL Epic & Breakaway and going on Getaway very soon.

 

I think there are things about the NCL ships that I am really going to miss on RCI. There are some really nice places on the Escape (Waterfront, interesting restaurants, adult only areas) that I don't think are on - or as nice on - the Allure. The lack of places to sit and see the water on the Allure are for me a big negative, as are the neighborhoods (Boardwalk, Central Park). I really want to feel that I am ON a ship. Escape also seems like a more adult ship and I'm sure you'd like the adults only Spice H2O and Vibe. If Escape is similar to Getaway then there will be fireworks at sea and theme parities. I've been reading a lot about the quality of food and service going down on RCI. We haven't encountered that on NCL. I guess there are pros and cons for each but I'd definitely enjoy a "new" ship. I'd choose Escape.

[buckeye rob]

After wanting to try the Oasis/Allure for a long time we'll finally be sailing in a couple of months. I've been on NCL Epic & Breakaway and going on Getaway very soon.

 

I think there are things about the NCL ships that I am really going to miss on RCI. There are some really nice places on the Escape (Waterfront, interesting restaurants, adult only areas) that I don't think are on - or as nice on - the Allure. The lack of places to sit and see the water on the Allure are for me a big negative, as are the neighborhoods (Boardwalk, Central Park). I really want to feel that I am ON a ship. Escape also seems like a more adult ship and I'm sure you'd like the adults only Spice H2O and Vibe. If Escape is similar to Getaway then there will be fireworks at sea and theme parities. I've been reading a lot about the quality of food and service going down on RCI. We haven't encountered that on NCL. I guess there are pros and cons for each but I'd definitely enjoy a "new" ship. I'd choose Escape.

 

We were on the Oasis Eastern last month that got diverted by the hurricane. Missed the two ports St Maarten and St Thomas that I really wanted to see. Especially Maho Beach and the aircraft. We looked at Oasis and Allure for next August, however they split the St Maarten/St Thomas itinerary. Neither does both. We chose the Freedom of the Seas because it does both. However.... when we looked at Escape it was a no brainer. Escape does both ports we wanted and as foodies, Escape and the Waterfront outside dining wins out. The Freedom has nowhere near the restaurant venues and the Oasis restaurants are mainly inside. Chops and Giovannis and 150 Central and Vintages all face Central Park, outside but inside. The Oasis is great, but except for Central Park, the size is all about the inside facing balcony rooms on Central Park and Boardwalk IMO. Gerry

Edited September 15, 2015 by buckeye rob

[aubreyc1988]

Allure or Oasis if it were me.

 

The Allure is amazing, and the shows are the BEST. NCL cannot compare with their shows.

 

But I feel like the food on NCL is better but not sure how that weighs

 

There are a lot of factors to consider, but if you haven't done the Allure and it is same price or cheaper than Escape, I personally would do Allure.

 

Also, I feel like RCI rooms are far bigger than NCL. But again, not sure what is important to you so hard to give a good recommendation :o

[holula]

I've been on Epic and I'm on Oasis right now. Oasis is a beautiful ship. I agree that sometimes it doesn't feel like you're on a ship - but then again neither did Epic (Escape has the waterfront though).

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. NCL pros for me are better food, better service, more nightlife, water slides, Cagney's. Royal pros are the insanely beautiful ship, better pools, the solarium, the park cafe sandwiches, and I like the Royal Promenade also.

 

I can't compare cabins since I did a studio on Epic and am doing a Central Park balcony on Oasis.

 

I'm actually having a similar issue right now trying to decide between the Breakaway and Anthem.

[Jenjer]

Been on Allure, Oasis and Getaway.

 

For a Honeymoon I would pick the one that you can afford the best room on. :rolleyes:

 

For me Escape Spa Suite would be at the top of my list. You get the spa and all the Haven benefits. Yes Royal is rolling out their new suite program but it can not touch NCL on Suites benefits.

 

Both ships have lots for families but Escape seems to me to have more for adults.

 

You really can not go wrong so look at price and ports. If you can get Haven DO IT!!!!

[eroller]

I've sailed OASIS and ALLURE multiple times and earlier this year on GETAWAY (similar to ESCAPE). I'll also be sailing on the maiden crossing of ESCAPE next month.

 

Both classes of ships offer a great experience, so no matter what decision you make you will be happy. For wow factor you can't be ALLURE. The various neighborhoods are exceptional with lots of large, multi-level spaces that will WOW you for certain. There is nothing like The Boardwalk and Central Park at sea anywhere except on sister ship OASIS. ESCAPE will feel more closed-in with very few wow spaces, but somehow it all works and I loved the feel of GETAWAY which is very similar to ESCAPE. Both will offer great entertainment and dining options. ALLURE has the far superior swimming pools and upper deck areas plus a fantastic adult-only Solarium. ESCAPE is lacking pools and the upper decks are disjointed and very cut up because NCL piled so much stuff up there. It does look slightly improved over the "away" ships but not by much. ESCAPE will have fantastic water slides and ropes course which the ALLURE will not. ALLURE will have an ice skating rink, flow riders, and the dive pool which ESCAPE will not. Lastly ESCAPE will have a wonderful outdoor promenade deck (The Waterfront) outside all the bars and lounges which ALLURE doesn't. This really opens up all the main public rooms to the sea which is a wonderful feature.

 

At the end of the day they are each amazing ships with their own pros and cons. As some others mentioned you will have to decide which features are most important to you and go from there. Either way you're going to be picking a great ship!

 

Good luck!

[escentialssoycandles]

It really depends on what you want out of your honeymoon. For me, it would be price, ports then ship. Personally I am all about the ports.

 

Allure has been on my bucket list for the longest and I had it booked for this Thanksgiving for my 40th birthday.....then I saw Escape.

 

I was booked on Escape then realized it was it's Inaugural sailing and I did not want any part of that, so I jumped over to Getaway.

 

The rooms on Escape, Freestyle Cruising, the waterfront and overall concept of the ship would be my pick for the Honeymoon.....and you can't beat the UBP - which you would pay a ton for on Allure.

 

Until recently I was very loyal to Royal...but now have 2 NCL cruises booked, 1 Royal and 1 Carnival.....all itinerary driven.

 

Regardless you will have a wonderful honeymoon and it will not matter what the backdrop is :)

[SSFrance69]

Hi all,

 

Several of you have mentioned that you feel the food is better on NCL than RCI. Are you referring to specialty restaurants or the main dining room? Just curious because I am open to try NCL and I haven't sailed with them since my parents took me as a teen. I'm 45 now if that gives you an idea of how long it's been.

 

We are Celebrity regulars. How will the food on NCL compare to that in Main/Specialty dining?

 

Thanks for any answers!

[Donna_In_India]

Now that I've sailed Oasis, I would say go with Escape! I wasn't surprised about the things I didn't like. I absolutely hated the Promenade - truly like being inside a mall. Really...do I cruise to shop at Kate Spades? I can do that in NYC! :)

 

The food on the Oasis was really sub-par (actually the Windjammer had the worst food I've ever had on a cruise). I've never seen lines on any ship to get into the Windjammer but there just seemed to be lines everywhere. And they ran out of food! The difference between cruising with 4,000 people and 6,000 people is huge.

 

Labadee was not one of the nicest private islands I've been on and Falmouth is okay so itinerary goes to NCL. Slides, ropes courses, etc. - lots of fun on NCL.

 

I did enjoy the Aqua and Ice Skating shows on Oasis and they had a great kid's pool/splash area but it's not enough to get me back on RCI.

[eroller]

Hi all,

 

Several of you have mentioned that you feel the food is better on NCL than RCI. Are you referring to specialty restaurants or the main dining room? Just curious because I am open to try NCL and I haven't sailed with them since my parents took me as a teen. I'm 45 now if that gives you an idea of how long it's been.

 

We are Celebrity regulars. How will the food on NCL compare to that in Main/Specialty dining?

 

Thanks for any answers!

 

 

I've found the food & service in the MDR on NCL and Royal Caribbean to be about equal. Nothing spectacular but fine. I give the edge to Royal Caribbean (Oasis & Allure) when it comes to speciality restaurants. I felt most were really excellent and felt special, where as on GETAWAY and EPIC they were nice, but not quite excellent and didn't feel all that special.

 

Of course food is very subjective. Ask 20 people and get 20 different answers.

[eroller]

Now that I've sailed Oasis, I would say go with Escape! I wasn't surprised about the things I didn't like. I absolutely hated the Promenade - truly like being inside a mall. Really...do I cruise to shop at Kate Spades? I can do that in NYC! :)

 

 

 

 

Now you can shop Carolina Herrera and LACOSTE on ESCAPE! LOL

 

Just announce new luxury boutiques to debut on NORWEGIAN ESCAPE.

 

Having luxury boutiques and other shopping opportunities on a ship doesn't bother me. Yes you can do that at home but you can also swim, see movies, listen to music, dine out, etc etc. at home. It's all about offering choices. Not every choice will appeal to everyone, but hopefully there is something that everyone finds appealing.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I wonder if the OP will be back to see all the recommendations?

 

Hasn't posted since July 2nd or been online since July 4th .

 

Bill

[Donna_In_India]

Now you can shop Carolina Herrera and LACOSTE on ESCAPE! LOL

 

Just announce new luxury boutiques to debut on NORWEGIAN ESCAPE.

 

Having luxury boutiques and other shopping opportunities on a ship doesn't bother me. Yes you can do that at home but you can also swim, see movies, listen to music, dine out, etc etc. at home. It's all about offering choices. Not every choice will appeal to everyone, but hopefully there is something that everyone finds appealing.

 

 

It's not just the shopping part. The whole Promenade was SO weird. They had the parties there - kind of like in the middle of a mall - as opposed to having them on deck (such as the 70's, 80's, Glow parties of NCL). Even Sail Away party was so cheesy. RCI felt so closed in and well....just didn't feel like being on a ship.

[buckeye rob]

It's not just the shopping part. The whole Promenade was SO weird. They had the parties there - kind of like in the middle of a mall - as opposed to having them on deck (such as the 70's, 80's, Glow parties of NCL). Even Sail Away party was so cheesy. RCI felt so closed in and well....just didn't feel like being on a ship.

 

I do agree with the crowed promenade. Many times it was RCLs own doing. They would have sales, dances, promotions in the middle of the promenade many times during the day completely blocking passage except for squeezing through a small walkway in front of Sorrentos. Oasis is great, a beautiful ship, you cannot go wrong, but choosing the beautiful outside venues of Escape this time. Gerry

Edited September 16, 2015 by buckeye rob

[eroller]

It's not just the shopping part. The whole Promenade was SO weird. They had the parties there - kind of like in the middle of a mall - as opposed to having them on deck (such as the 70's, 80's, Glow parties of NCL). Even Sail Away party was so cheesy. RCI felt so closed in and well....just didn't feel like being on a ship.

 

The Royal Promenade is an RCI staple. While not for everyone I actually love it and miss it on ships that don't have it. To me it's far a better venue than the small atrium on NCL's newest ships that they try to cram too many activities into. I love the parades and 70's party in the Royal Promenade on Royal Caribbean. Lots of fun and quite unique in the cruise industry. None of it felt cheesy to me.

 

The most closed-in feeling on any ship I've ever sailed in NORWEGIAN EPIC. Very little connection with the sea and the lounge decks feel like a dark Vegas casino to me. Very few windows looking into the ocean. At least this issue was solved on the "away" ships but the tiny atrium and swimmings pools are still there. Can't have it all I guess.

 

To each his own and it's great we have so many choices.

Edited September 16, 2015 by eroller

[Jenjer]

Hi all,

 

Several of you have mentioned that you feel the food is better on NCL than RCI. Are you referring to specialty restaurants or the main dining room? Just curious because I am open to try NCL and I haven't sailed with them since my parents took me as a teen. I'm 45 now if that gives you an idea of how long it's been.

 

We are Celebrity regulars. How will the food on NCL compare to that in Main/Specialty dining?

 

Thanks for any answers!

 

Food is so subjective. IMO RCCl has a better MDR more options, quicker service. NCL has better buffet more options and larger.

 

NCL specialties are better then RCCL with the exception of the Steak Houses RCL wins that one. Cagney's on NCL has great food but the service I have received was the worst, so bad not sure if we will even go on Escape might just order it as room service (we are in Haven). Jamie's Italian wins over NCL. But its only on Quantum class ...I think

[holula]

Food is so subjective. IMO RCCl has a better MDR more options, quicker service. NCL has better buffet more options and larger.

 

 

 

NCL specialties are better then RCCL with the exception of the Steak Houses RCL wins that one. Cagney's on NCL has great food but the service I have received was the worst, so bad not sure if we will even go on Escape might just order it as room service (we are in Haven). Jamie's Italian wins over NCL. But its only on Quantum class ...I think

 

 

Whereas I feel like NCL just had better food options everywhere. Food is just so subjective it's really hard to compare. And I loved Cagney's and had awesome service... Dining at Chops tonight so will compare.

[UpTheBanner]

Our experience is that the food and service on NCL is far superior all across the board. Activities are better too. Can't beat the waterfront and the water slides on the newer ships. The shows are real good too. We were originally booked to go on the Allure TA but after our last experience with RCCL we changed it to the Escape TA and we are really looking forward to it :)