NCL Escape vs Caribbean Princess, which would you choose?

[NJCruiser23]

Torn between which cruise to pick.  Both have similar price, somewhat similar itinerary, both would be in mini suite cabins.  Any thoughts or suggestions about which you would choose and why? Thanks in advance for your input. 

 

[sprint180]

I am interested to hear the answers, sorry I can't help.  I have been on the Caribbean Princess and liked it  but NCL is my preferred line.   Enjoy your trip!

[Tyskie]

We're Platinum on both NCL & Princess.  I have not been on the Escape but on the Caribbean Princess (CB) multiple times.  For us it's usually price & itinerary as to what line to choose.  I must say the CB is one of my favorite ships.

 

-If you have the beverage pkg - NCL charges you extra for gratuities.

-Adult area on NCL is Vibe $200+ for 7 days, Sanctuary on CB is approx. $400 ($60per day if available)  Service in both - exceptional.

-Casino is bigger on NCL than Princess

-Food used to be far superior on Princess, especially on CB, just on Regal Princess this fall was less than stellar

-Princess has self serve laundry - pay with your cruise medallion

-Love Crooners, International Café & Market Place on CB.

-I'm sure they are both more alike than different.

-Depending on time of year, most likely less children on Princess than NCL.

 

Will be interested to hear what you decide.  Happy Planning!

 

 

 

[NJCruiser23]

2 hours ago, Tyskie said:

We're Platinum on both NCL & Princess.  I have not been on the Escape but on the Caribbean Princess (CB) multiple times.  For us it's usually price & itinerary as to what line to choose.  I must say the CB is one of my favorite ships.

 

-If you have the beverage pkg - NCL charges you extra for gratuities.

-Adult area on NCL is Vibe $200+ for 7 days, Sanctuary on CB is approx. $400 ($60per day if available)  Service in both - exceptional.

-Casino is bigger on NCL than Princess

-Food used to be far superior on Princess, especially on CB, just on Regal Princess this fall was less than stellar

-Princess has self serve laundry - pay with your cruise medallion

-Love Crooners, International Café & Market Place on CB.

-I'm sure they are both more alike than different.

-Depending on time of year, most likely less children on Princess than NCL.

 

Will be interested to hear what you decide.  Happy Planning!

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your input.  That's exactly my quandary, both are very close in price and Itinerary.  I usually go with Itinerary as my first choice, but we are taking my in laws and I've been a bit concerned with Escape's size. Even though they are game for whatever I choose.  

 

We may be leaning towards the Caribbean just for size, I'll make my decision soon.  Thanks for your time.

[Tyskie]

57 minutes ago, NJCruiser23 said:

 

Thank you for your input.  That's exactly my quandary, both are very close in price and Itinerary.  I usually go with Itinerary as my first choice, but we are taking my in laws and I've been a bit concerned with Escape's size. Even though they are game for whatever I choose.  

 

We may be leaning towards the Caribbean just for size, I'll make my decision soon.  Thanks for your time.

if you’re taking the in-laws I’d go for CB - a bit classier & quieter. Unless they will be on the ropes & slides 🤷‍♀️  Also the different Club venues on NCL might be a drawing 

 

We’ll be on the BA soon but also besides Princess we’ve been liking X for a change of pace-good to change things up!   Enjoy

 

[NRWPA]

I've been on Caribbean Princess 9 times and am booked again in June. I've been on Escape once and am booked again in November. The answer to your question is that it depends on what type of cruise you want to have. Caribbean Princess is the older ship - that said, it's also in reasonably good condition. I've loved every cruise I've had on her but the venues are limited compared to Escape. If you're looking for a low key quieter sailing, choose Caribbean Princess. If you'd rather have a more active cruise, choose NCL Escape. They're both great ships.