The moment I entered the new Norwegian Escape, I knew I had won the cruise-ship lottery. The ship is a showstopper, from her hull designed by marine artist Guy Harvey to the Haven, the line’s signature luxury ‘ship-within-a-ship’ suite two-story complex featuring its own enhanced courtyard area with retractable roof, private pool, restaurant, butler service and concierge. As I walked around admiring the ship’s beauty and attention to design details, I was certain the Escape would elevate the cruising experience for past and future cruisers like myself.

Aerial view of the Norwegian Escape.

The food aboard cruise ships is legendary, but this is some of the best you will ever have. This mega-liner is home to many industry firsts along with some exciting branded partnerships that I was only too happy to experience. The ship features the industry’s first wraparound, restaurant-lined oceanfront promenade with alfresco seating; their first wine bar by the Michael Mondavi family with panoramic ocean views; two new restaurants by Iron Chef Jose Garces: Bayamo and Pincho Tapas Bar; Jimmy Buffet’s first Margaritaville at Sea; the District Brew House with craft beer from the Wynward Brewing Company; and the Food Republic with iPad menus developed by Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group.

My room, Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony.

The Haven courtyard area with a retractable roof.

Great ocean views throughout.