Allure or Escape

[andymattmom]

I have read so many reviews on the Allure and Escape (Gambee and lots of other ones). I have a booking on each ship for an Eastern Caribbean cruise next May.

 

We are a family of 4--parents 50 and sons will be 21 and 20 at the time. Most recent and only cruise was in January 2016 on Celebrity Equinox which we loved.

 

Have made a pros and cons list and still conflicted.

 

Allure- 2 large balcony cabins next to each other, free tips

Escape- Haven aft cabin with master bedroom (the one with 2 baths the one being very small), Haven benefits (private sun area, etc), beverage and dining package for first 2 in cabin, 250 wifi (no biggie), $50 per port excursion credit (would probably only use possibly in Tortola or Bahamas).

 

Price is similar.

 

I'm posting in both ship areas....why would you choose one over the other. I know it is a personal decision and there are RCCL lovers and NCL lovers. We haven't done either (RCCL once 23 years ago on Majesty and lots has changed).

 

THANKS! :)

[karenpstok]

I have not sailed RCC but i have been on the escape recently. I loved it. I travel solo so i stay in the studio cabins and couldnt compare to the haven. But the ship has something for everyone. I think your kids will love it. I want to take my sons one day and they are 18 and 22. I hope you enjoy whatever cruise you take.

[andymattmom]

Thanks! :)

[Two Wheels Only]

The Haven experience tips the scale in NCL's favor.

 

Your aft-facing penthouse balcony size will vary depending on which deck you're on. That might make a difference. The room configuration of the H6 (on decks 11 and 14) can be an issue with 4 adults.

 

Any of the Oasis class ships is a different experience from any other ship because of their size. Some love it while others may feel overwhelmed.

 

If given a free trip on either, I'd take the Haven over Allure.

Edited June 15, 2016 by Two Wheels Only

[riekl]

I would add the following comments, not trying to sway you just think everything through :

 

* The 1 Haven Suite will be MUCH nicer for YOU, but not so much for your boys, the fold out couch is a tough for a week, plus you will be stepping on each other a lot more then if you have separate cabins, can come and go as you like etc. Is Haven pampering for you and husband (boys likely wont care) worth that trade off ?

* Allure has more to do for them (for you i'd say its about the same). Flow rider, rock climbing, ice skating.

* Allure has MUCH better entertainment. Sorry NCL peeps but nothing on the seas right now touches the entertainment on the Oasis class ships. The water and ice shows alone are untouchable.

* Allure has a better Casino, with controlled smoke (i.e. smoke in the casino doesn't effect the rest of the ship)

* Allure has about 25 shops that Escape doesn't have if you like to shop on board (not an issue for most people)

* The Coke freestyle machines on Allure are a plus especially for the younger crowd 100+ soda options without having to find a waiter. Getting soda on NCL is annoying at times.

* NCL food overall is better, including the buffet. The specialty restaurants I would say are about even, but if you are in the Haven the Haven restaurant will beat anything you can get for free on Allure.

 

I've sailed Allure 2x and Oasis 1x, they are pretty much incomparable to anything else at sea today. I'm going on Escape in two weeks because I need a change of pace and want to experience Haven with my DW. Nothing on RCCL compares to Haven. The two cruises you are looking at are really different, from my perspective the RCCL is going to be more enjoyable for your boys, the NCL more so for you.

 

Just my thoughts :)

[njm5378]

I would add the following comments, not trying to sway you just think everything through :

 

* The 1 Haven Suite will be MUCH nicer for YOU, but not so much for your boys, the fold out couch is a tough for a week, plus you will be stepping on each other a lot more then if you have separate cabins, can come and go as you like etc. Is Haven pampering for you and husband (boys likely wont care) worth that trade off ?

* Allure has more to do for them (for you i'd say its about the same). Flow rider, rock climbing, ice skating.

* Allure has MUCH better entertainment. Sorry NCL peeps but nothing on the seas right now touches the entertainment on the Oasis class ships. The water and ice shows alone are untouchable.

* Allure has a better Casino, with controlled smoke (i.e. smoke in the casino doesn't effect the rest of the ship)

* Allure has about 25 shops that Escape doesn't have if you like to shop on board (not an issue for most people)

* The Coke freestyle machines on Allure are a plus especially for the younger crowd 100+ soda options without having to find a waiter. Getting soda on NCL is annoying at times.

* NCL food overall is better, including the buffet. The specialty restaurants I would say are about even, but if you are in the Haven the Haven restaurant will beat anything you can get for free on Allure.

 

I've sailed Allure 2x and Oasis 1x, they are pretty much incomparable to anything else at sea today. I'm going on Escape in two weeks because I need a change of pace and want to experience Haven with my DW. Nothing on RCCL compares to Haven. The two cruises you are looking at are really different, from my perspective the RCCL is going to be more enjoyable for your boys, the NCL more so for you.

 

Just my thoughts :)

 

I would agree with this post. Probably one of the most fair comparatives I have read.

[JMsquared]

@Riekl: Please be sure to post to this thread when you return from your Escape cruise. We just got off the Escape on Saturday and the only other ships of interest to us are the Oasis class (and Disney). Thanks!

[kpwhalen830]

I have not been on a NCL cruise but will be going on my first this upcoming May. I have been on Allure along with a few other RCCL cruises and one Carnival cruise.

Based on what you are getting for rooms, packages, ect. I would do Escape. I also think your meals and dining will be better on Escape, Allure and all of RCCL is pretty lousy.

[andymattmom]

Thanks for the great replies. So hard, spent afternoon reading more reviews on each. We will have fun on whichever! Right now we are split on which one.

[Mom2labs]

Well we were in a similar quandary when looking at May next year and we chose NCL because when comparing same class of cabin to class of cabin NCL won for us on the following:

 

1. Freestyle, found NCL more casual (sailed Epic 2 and once with my two sons in early twenties), they loved the casual atmosphere. Shorts ok in dining room and most specialties.

 

2. More food options (specialty dining)

 

3. Waterfront

 

4. Haven amenities.

 

To my knowledge there is no aft cabins per se on Allure, unless you are referring to aqua theatre suites?

 

 

 

 

That being said we are cruising on Oasis in Sept 2016, and doing CLS. However there are 3 levels of suite service on Oasis and it appears you only approach the level of Haven at Star Class.

 

However I give nod to RCCL oasis class for: overall room size, entertainment options, and wow factor of ship, Central Park and Boardwalk.

 

Another concern though in May I expect both ships to have lots of kids but it seems that RCCL really packs in the young ones on those ships in summer.

 

 

We kept pricing similar cabins on both ships and found better pricing (all in dining and beverage) for 4 on NCL.

 

Either way you can't go wrong!

[xeroxme]

I have been on Allure Not escape but have cruised on various ships. Allure is my least favorite of any ship. It's beautiful but they cattle drive u from one thing to the next. Food options are plenty and embarkation is actually very good. I just don't want a ship that big foremost. Only one way to know for sure is try it. Once was enough for me.

[djmess]

I cruised the Allure in May 2016. I cruised the Escape for it's Maiden TA. I've cruised in the Haven, but on the Getaway. Haven is an amazing experience.

 

First off, I loved both ships

 

I know lots of people will talk about the space and room for the 20 y/os. I'm 51. Have a 13 y/o, but about 10 years ago also cruised 4 adult size people in an inside cabin. Won't say I would do it again, but we made it work at the time. So in my opinion 4 in a Haven aft would be fine.

 

I agree with the poster that said Royal Shows (Allure since that was what I just sailed) are superior to the Escape.

 

I disagree that the Food on NCL is better. We only ate in the Main Dining room on the Allure and we felt the food in the main dining room was on par to the NCL Specialty Restaurants. I would give the NCL main dining room a not as good as Allure (Now food is very subjective)

 

Service for us on the Allure was impeccable. Service in the Haven on NCL is also impeccable. All cruise lines you can run into that not so happy employee and that has been no exception on any ship I've cruised.

 

Things to do on the ships for the 20 somethings. Well, I think the activities are a little equal, but very different. NCL has very well organized Single/Solo gatherings. Usually more of the studio people hit this up, but I've also seen others attend. NCL also has a number of 18-25 ish get togethers. I didn't notice that listed on the Allure, but it was not something I was looking for, so they could have very well had them. I do know that I met a single gentleman on Allure that was at the bar where they were supposed to be having solo gathering. It was mid way into the cruise. He said he had shown up to every one and there was never any one else and no representative of RCI.

 

I would probably give NCL the edge if you are staying in the Haven.

If you had 2 balcony cabins on each cruise line, I may give the edge to Allure.

 

So that is my 2 cents.

[Tiffany41J]

I was in your shoes for two weeks. Allure or Escape, Escape or Allure??? - Eastern/similar price/itinerary/8 days/same week. Never been on RC cruise but have done Norwegian so the most obvious choice would have been the Allure. Each day DH would ask if I booked the cruise for the week of thanksgiving and I would tell him I haven't decided yet. I read countless reviews, even Gambee's which made me laugh and I felt like I was actually on both ships. Yesterday 6/15 I said to myself this is crazy. Just book one and get it over with. I decided on Escape which was always my #1 choice -I went around in a huge circle and ended up booking the one I really felt was calling my name; mainly because the bathroom was bigger with double faucets and we had seen the launch on TV and were "Escape-stuck" since then. I got the mini-suite. I don't think you can go wrong with either and you will have a great time, haha, I'm one to talk right and I couldn't decide either. But I'll choose the Allure for hopefully, next cruise.

[andymattmom]

I was in your shoes for two weeks. Allure or Escape, Escape or Allure??? - Eastern/similar price/itinerary/8 days/same week. Never been on RC cruise but have done Norwegian so the most obvious choice would have been the Allure. Each day DH would ask if I booked the cruise for the week of thanksgiving and I would tell him I haven't decided yet. I read countless reviews, even Gambee's which made me laugh and I felt like I was actually on both ships. Yesterday 6/15 I said to myself this is crazy. Just book one and get it over with. I decided on Escape which was always my #1 choice -I went around in a huge circle and ended up booking the one I really felt was calling my name; mainly because the bathroom was bigger with double faucets and we had seen the launch on TV and were "Escape-stuck" since then. I got the mini-suite. I don't think you can go wrong with either and you will have a great time, haha, I'm one to talk right and I couldn't decide either. But I'll choose the Allure for hopefully, next cruise.

 

Thanks for your insight! I'm leaning towards Escape too

[Mom2labs]

So, OP let us know what you decided.

[zackarykeef]

Just a thought to throw out there that no one has really mentioned before...

 

I haven't sailed either, but I've sailed the Getaway twice, which is basically the same as the Escape in regards to the point I'm about to make. I'm also looking at Allure/Oasis/Harmony for the future, so I've read plenty of reviews.

 

The Waterfront on the Escape (Getaway) is amazing, and really makes you feel connected to the ocean. I feel like that's a focus of this class of ships.

 

The Oasis class ships are pretty focused inward, as everything is in the center with the ocean blocked from view (save for the rear), and people have said at times it can feel more like a mall than a ship. This was a reservation I had when looking into booking it...although it won't stop me in the future for the right price! :p

 

So, I guess, ask yourself if you are more ship-focused or water-focused.

 

Right now, with NCL's free-at-sea deals...they really can't be beat.

 

Good luck, and I'm sure you will have a blast either way! :cool:

Edited June 16, 2016 by zackarykeef

[riekl]

Just a thought to throw out there that no one has really mentioned before...

 

I haven't sailed either, but I've sailed the Getaway twice, which is basically the same as the Escape in regards to the point I'm about to make. I'm also looking at Allure/Oasis/Harmony for the future, so I've read plenty of reviews.

 

The Waterfront on the Escape (Getaway) is amazing, and really makes you feel connected to the ocean. I feel like that's a focus of this class of ships.

 

The Oasis class ships are pretty focused inward, as everything is in the center with the ocean blocked from view (save for the rear), and people have said at times it can feel more like a mall than a ship. This was a reservation I had when looking into booking it...although it won't stop me in the future for the right price! :p

 

So, I guess, ask yourself if you are more ship-focused or water-focused.

 

Right now, with NCL's free-at-sea deals...they really can't be beat.

 

Good luck, and I'm sure you will have a blast either way! :cool:

 

This is not true at all. The Oasis class ships certainly have a TON more 'inside' then Escape, but they also have a lot more outside. You will not feel nearly as crowded around the 4 pools, tons of hot tubs and much better top deck layouts. While the Oasis class ships don't have 'eat outside' of the specialty restaurants like the waterfront, they have every bit as much outdoor space, and more really.

 

I'm seeing a lot of attempts to compare the Escape and Allure you simply can't do that. The Allure will beat the Escape in pretty much every category. Where the OP has a real decision to make is a Haven vs non Haven experience. Personally I would take 2 cabins with my family over 1 with Haven. Having my kids in the room with me would defeat a lot of the point of the vacation, but that is something only the OP can decide.

 

If it were me, and I had been on neither ship, I wouldn't hesitate to take Allure over Escape. Of course once you do it becomes much more difficult to go on other ships as nothing compares to them.

[kimala]

Hubby and I have sailed mainly RCL and are diamond level with them. I point that out because when your diamond in their crown and anchor club you get some free drinks everyday. We are booked on Escape this October because when we sailed Getaway two years ago we were so taken with the whole experience that we couldn't wait for the Escape to come to Florida so we could redo the NCL new ship design! The fact that they offered a free (well practically free) drink package made it even Steven for that aspect with RCL. I find the general "vibe" on NCL different from that of RCL. Norwegian has a fresh young laid back approach Royal still has the more traditional more formal if you will attitude (good and bad to both) Another thing I don't think anyone else has pointed out is that the major complaint I see online regarding Escape is the lack of pool space being they only have one small adult pool. IN comparison Alure has 4 pools! So that maybe should be a major decision making factor...how much do you value coping lounger space on sea days near the pool?

[Cruzaholic41]

I've cruised the Allure 4 times and the Escape twice. There is no contest. Allure is simply amazing and no other cruise line, including NCL, can compete with RCI's Oasis Class ships.

 

The shows on Allure are vastly superior. Brat Pack was mildly entertaining on Escape, but Mama Mia on Allure was excellent and was Broadway quality. Add in Allure's ice shows and Aqua Theater shows and Escape can't touch it.

 

Whoever said food was better on NCL is smoking something. In my experience, NCL has the worst free food in the business. Plus, on RCI, you don't have to pay for a hot room service breakfast.

 

The Haven is a wonderful experience on Escape and I would push you in that direction if it was just 2 of you. However, with 20 and 21 years old offspring, I would much rather have separate rooms. I totally agree with riekl in that regard.

[graphicguy]

Been on Allure. Not sailed Escape, but have sailed Epic and Breakaway (2x), so should be similar to Escape.

 

Both good ships. Lots of good points, here.

 

I agree that food is probably equal on both.

 

NCL has always had better entertainment on their newest ships, although Allure is a close 2nd.

 

Big difference for me, Allure tries to push everyone inward. Unless you have an outside balcony cabin, most of your experience will be of the things you do and see inside the ship. Allure also felt, as someone else put it, like it was a cattle call many times. We were shoulder to shoulder a lot on our Allure cruise. Beautiful ship, though.

 

I Love all the outside areas on NCL....The Waterfront. You can dine, drink, or just hangout on the outside areas of the ship. That is quite nice and to me, preferable to all the inside areas on the Allure.

 

But, you are looking at the Haven (same price as balcony on Allure?). That's an entirely different class of cruising. I sailed in the Haven once on the Breakaway. Seriously spoils you to cruise any other way. Haven restaurant which is the equal of any specialty restaurant on any other ship. Good service with NCL, taken to an entirely different level. Butler to take care of any food, cabin, little things for you. Concierge to take care of planning activities for you, getting the best seats for you for any show, or reservations at any restaurant, taking care of any customer service issues you have....the cabins are nicer. Private Haven Bar and pool, away from the rest of the cruise populace.

 

Promo now running (might be standard now for Haven) but you get your drinks, you specialty restaurants, WiFi, etc included.

 

To me, no brainer...without the Haven? I can see it being a toss-up. Throw in the Haven experience? No doubt, don't hesitate, take the Haven on the Escape. You won't forget it, and will never regret it.

[riekl]

Been on Allure. Not sailed Escape, but have sailed Epic and Breakaway (2x), so should be similar to Escape.

 

Both good ships. Lots of good points, here.

 

I agree that food is probably equal on both.

 

NCL has always had better entertainment on their newest ships, although Allure is a close 2nd.

 

Big difference for me, Allure tries to push everyone inward. Unless you have an outside balcony cabin, most of your experience will be of the things you do and see inside the ship. Allure also felt, as someone else put it, like it was a cattle call many times. We were shoulder to shoulder a lot on our Allure cruise. Beautiful ship, though.

 

I Love all the outside areas on NCL....The Waterfront. You can dine, drink, or just hangout on the outside areas of the ship. That is quite nice and to me, preferable to all the inside areas on the Allure.

 

But, you are looking at the Haven (same price as balcony on Allure?). That's an entirely different class of cruising. I sailed in the Haven once on the Breakaway. Seriously spoils you to cruise any other way. Haven restaurant which is the equal of any specialty restaurant on any other ship. Good service with NCL, taken to an entirely different level. Butler to take care of any food, cabin, little things for you. Concierge to take care of planning activities for you, getting the best seats for you for any show, or reservations at any restaurant, taking care of any customer service issues you have....the cabins are nicer. Private Haven Bar and pool, away from the rest of the cruise populace.

 

Promo now running (might be standard now for Haven) but you get your drinks, you specialty restaurants, WiFi, etc included.

 

To me, no brainer...without the Haven? I can see it being a toss-up. Throw in the Haven experience? No doubt, don't hesitate, take the Haven on the Escape. You won't forget it, and will never regret it.

 

I truly question your having ever been on Allure. Some of the things are judgement calls but Entertainment is 100x better on Allure, there is nothing close to it on any ship in NCL fleet. NCL has no broadway quality shows, they have no ice shows, no diving shows, the production quality on Oasis/Allure and NCL is huge. In addition on Allure you never feel crowded, your post makes me think you are reviewing based on other reviews :) You will feel far more crowded on Escape then Allure the design is simply better for people flow.

 

They are comparing 2 balcony cabins on Allure against 1 Haven cabin on Escape. There is equally no question that Haven exceeds anything they will experience in terms of luxery and being spoiled.

 

The question is, are they willing to trade the superior entertainment, privacy in their own cabin from their children, for the luxery experience of Haven.

[Aquahound]

I have cruised Allure and Escape and I loved both. In your other thread, I recommended Escape because of the Haven but I missed the part about having 2 adult sons in their 20s in the room. That changes my opinion. I'd rather have 2 individual balcony rooms than having 4 adults in one suite.

 

I agree with the others who said Allure is the better ship. Escape feels chaotic and crowded but on Allure, there are times you wonder where the heck everyone is. Escape's pools can't be compared to Allure's pools and adults only Solarium.

 

Regarding entertainment, there is no contest. Allure blows away Escape.

[graphicguy]

I truly question your having ever been on Allure. Some of the things are judgement calls but Entertainment is 100x better on Allure, there is nothing close to it on any ship in NCL fleet. NCL has no broadway quality shows, they have no ice shows, no diving shows, the production quality on Oasis/Allure and NCL is huge. In addition on Allure you never feel crowded, your post makes me think you are reviewing based on other reviews :) You will feel far more crowded on Escape then Allure the design is simply better for people flow.

 

They are comparing 2 balcony cabins on Allure against 1 Haven cabin on Escape. There is equally no question that Haven exceeds anything they will experience in terms of luxery and being spoiled.

 

The question is, are they willing to trade the superior entertainment, privacy in their own cabin from their children, for the luxery experience of Haven.

 

Not going to argue about opinions. I found Allure's entertainment inferior to Rock of Ages on Breakaway and Blue Man Group on Epic...plus Burn the Floor was special in its own right. Allure had an ice show, which was good. I was disappointed in the production of Chicago, though. Oceanaria was exactly what you say....divers. Not really sure there was much more to it.

 

Allure I always felt shoulder to shoulder in the public spaces.

 

Believe what you will. Doesn't matter to me. My reviews of Allure and Breakaway are below, since you doubt I sailed them. I've sailed RCCL as much as I have with NCL, so have a pretty good feel for both.

 

To me, coin toss for either ship. Both are good. Haven tilts the equation way over to Escape's favor.

Edited June 17, 2016 by graphicguy

[djmess]

Not going to argue about opinions. I found Allure's entertainment inferior to Rock of Ages on Breakaway and Blue Man Group on Epic...plus Burn the Floor was special in its own right. Allure had an ice show, which was good. I was disappointed in the production of Chicago, though. Oceanaria was exactly what you say....divers. Not really sure there was much more to it.

 

Allure I always felt shoulder to shoulder in the public spaces.

 

Believe what you will. Doesn't matter to me. My reviews of Allure and Breakaway are below, since you doubt I sailed them. I've sailed RCCL as much as I have with NCL, so have a pretty good feel for both.

 

To me, coin toss for either ship. Both are good. Haven tilts the equation way over to Escape's favor.

 

IMO, Norwegian has cut back on Quality of production shows. At a point, I would have agreeded that NCL blew away others. In the last year or so, I feel they have fallen drastically.

 

Blue Man Group Removed from Epic. Poor quality show on Getaway (Legally Blonde) was abandoned by NCL, Another show was moved from the Escape to the Getaway.

 

Again, these are my opinions. I've been on Oasis, Allure, Epic, Getaway and Escape. I have not seen Rock of Ages on Breakaway - That may be the one Quality Broadway show left on NCL.

[andymattmom]

Thanks to everyone for your honest opinions and experiences. It is helpful to read these. My goal is to cancel one this weekend.