Go Behind The Scenes Of Norwegian's New Cruise Ship
Private Beach Club The cruise ship’s best-kept secret is a pass to the exclusive Vibe Beach Club. An extra $100 gets guests into the oasis for the whole week — no lounge-chair jockeying and no line for the bar or hot tub. | Norwegian Cruise Line
ByVicky HodgesJune 28, 2016
Islands contributor Vicky Hodges was among the first to board NCL's new 4,248-passenger cruise ship, Norwegian Escape, which set sail on its maiden voyage in October 2015. Take a closer look at the cruise ship's exclusive areas, from the private beach club to the Salt Room spa grotto.
The Waterfront Deck Avoid the busy jogging track and lively lounge areas on the top deck, and head to the cruise ship's Waterfront on Deck 8 for a quiet stroll around the perimeter, lined with plush sofas to sink into for an intimate chat and an endless view. | Norwegian Cruise LineWine-Tasting Cellars Norwegian's first-ever wine bar, The Cellars, gets passengers away from the poolside cocktail crowds to an intimate Tasting Table, where oenophiles test their sommelier skills with Napa Valley's winemaking Mondavi family. Match tapas like salt-cod fritters with a bold Spanish red, or bacon-wrapped dates with a full-bodied white. | Norwegian Cruise LineOver-The-Top Spa Of course you can steam, soak and sauna. But the spa's heated mosaic lounge chairs, Salt Room grotto and chain of hydrotherapy pools in the Thermal Suite elevate relaxation. Did we mention the Snow Room? With actual snow. | Norwegian Cruise LineSpecialty Dining Not that anything's wrong with a good buffet (and the buffet on this cruise ship is beyond good), but after a week at sea, standing in line can get pretty old. Instead, sample the 17 specialty dining options on board. Cagney's Steakhouse's from-scratch jumbo crabcakes and truffle fries are calling. | Norwegian Cruise LineShore Excursions Norwegian Escape departs from Miami for seven-day cruises to St. Thomas, Tortola and Nassau, Bahamas. Best of luck deciding which excursion to fill your precious hours with. Dive the most famous wreck in the Caribbean, the RMS Rhone, or explore one of Islands' favorite Caribbean beaches, the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Just disembark already! | Norwegian Cruise Line