Norwegian Escape sailing turquoise Caribbean waters at sunset

Norwegian Escape · December 2026

Eastern Caribbean 7 night cruise on NCL Escape

December 11–18, 2026 · Round-trip from Port Canaveral, FL

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Your booking

Two staterooms, Deck 13 — Eric & Nichole in 13842, Emma & Nathan in 13848.

Cabin 13842 · Deck 13 Eric & Nichole Confirmation 65752849

Cabin 13848 · Deck 13 Emma & Nathan

Outbound · Thu, Dec 10

Delta 1747 Detroit (DTW) → Orlando (MCO) Departs 10:15 AM · Arrives 12:57 PM Delta Comfort

Return · Fri, Dec 18

Delta 1776 Orlando (MCO) → Detroit (DTW) Departs 4:00 PM · Arrives 6:45 PM Delta Comfort

Counting down to departure

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Delta 1747 wheels-up from Detroit

This week at a glance

Seven nights, four ports, one big boat. Tap any stop for its arrival and departure windows, or jump to Itinerary for the full day-by-day.

Ship snapshot

Norwegian Escape — a Breakaway Plus-class ship, in service since 2015 and refurbished in 2022.

164,998 GTGross tonnage

1,069 ftLength overall

20Total decks (16 guest-accessible)

4,266Guests (double occupancy)

~1,730Crew members

2,174Staterooms & suites

29Dining venues (9 complimentary)

3 pools · 9 spasWhirlpools & jacuzzis

5Waterslides

22Lounges & bars

Day-by-day itinerary

Eastern Caribbean, round-trip from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida. Times are ship-scheduled arrival/departure and can shift slightly — always confirm against the Freestyle Daily delivered to your stateroom each evening.

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Fly to Orlando, Florida
Thu, Dec 10

Arrival day · Pre-cruise

Fly into Orlando the day before boarding and settle into the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area (1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL). Dinner: a Disney Springs restaurant, still to be decided — the Trader Sam's/Polynesian plan was dropped. Port Canaveral is roughly 45–60 minutes from MCO by car.

Delta 1747 · DTW 10:15 AM → MCO 12:57 PM · Delta Comfort
Notes for this day
1

Port Canaveral, Florida
Fri, Dec 11

Boarding day · Departs 4:00 PM

Embarkation day — no cruise-terminal parking needed. Settle in, explore the ship, and be at your muster station on time.

13842 — Eric & Nichole · Conf. 65752849 13848 — Emma & Nathan
Notes for this day
2

Day at Sea
Sat, Dec 12

Cruising toward the Dominican Republic

A full sea day — good time to book specialty dining, try the Ropes Course or Aqua Park, catch a show, or just claim a pool deck lounger.
Notes for this day
3

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Sun, Dec 13

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Dock at Taíno Bay, a resort-style port complex with pools, a lazy river, shops, and bars right at the pier. Bring small bills in USD — widely accepted throughout Taíno Bay.

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Mountain Safari, Rum Tasting & Costa Amber Beach Break (POPN57) — 9:30 AM departure. Mountain safari, rum tasting, then beach time at Costa Amber.

Vouchers are delivered to your stateroom at or shortly after embarkation. Departure times can shift — check the voucher.

Notes for this day
4

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Mon, Dec 14

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Longest port day of the week — your 3-hour Turtles & Tacos catamaran excursion covers snorkeling and lunch, and the late 7:00 PM departure still leaves time to explore Charlotte Amalie afterward if you want.

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Turtles & Tacos Catamaran Sail and Snorkel (STTN29) — The Red Collection, ~3 hrs. Snorkel with green sea turtles, chef-curated taco lunch, and open bar (soft drinks, beer & wine) on board.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen. Check your NCL excursion ticket for the exact meeting time — about a 10–15 min walk from the ship.
View excursion on NCL.com
Notes for this day
5

Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tue, Dec 15

6:45 AM – 2:00 PM

Earliest arrival and earliest departure of the week — your Rebel Yell catamaran to Jost Van Dyke leaves at 9:00 AM. Tortola Pier Park's shops and Crafts Alive Village sit right at the dock if there's time after you're back.

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Escape to Jost Van Dyke (TOVN50) — 9:00 AM departure aboard the Rebel Yell catamaran. ~45–50 min scenic ride to White Bay, beach time, the Soggy Dollar Bar, and rum punch on the return leg.

Must be able to swim — the catamaran noses onto the beach at White Bay, no dock. Keep bags small since crew helps carry them ashore. All-aboard is 2:00 PM, so this excursion is timed to have you back well before then.
View excursion on NCL.com
Notes for this day
6

Day at Sea
Wed, Dec 16

Cruising toward the Bahamas

Second sea day heading north. Pack for the beach the night before — Great Stirrup Cay is next, and your Lagoon Cabana is already booked and paid for both of you.
Notes for this day
7

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
Thu, Dec 17

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Norwegian's private island — the new multi-ship pier means you'll walk straight off, no tendering. Beyond your cabana day at the Great Life Lagoon, the island's new Great Tides Waterpark (19 slides, separate paid pass) opened this fall if anyone wants a break from the lagoon. Complimentary dining is island-wide (Taco Bar, Abaco Taco, Jumbey Beach Grill). Bring a beach towel from the ship — general beach areas don't supply them.

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Great Life Lagoon Cabana (NPIN71) — up to 8 guests, shaded seating right at the Great Life Lagoon, small refrigerator with ice & water, and bar service.

Check the NCL app for your assigned cabana number and head over soon after you're ashore — cabanas near the lagoon go fast.
View excursion on NCL.com

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Stingray City & Swimming Pigs on Treasure Island (NPIN53) — 1:30 PM departure. Stingray encounter plus the famous swimming pigs.

Vouchers are delivered to your stateroom at or shortly after embarkation. Departure times can shift — check the voucher.

Notes for this day
8

Port Canaveral, Florida
Fri, Dec 18

Arrives 7:00 AM

Disembarkation day typically starts around 7–8 AM — self-assist earliest if you want off quickly, zone-based after. Set luggage out the night before per your assigned zone tag (usually by 11:00 PM), and check the Daily for details.

Delta 1776 · MCO 4:00 PM → DTW 6:45 PM · Delta Comfort
Notes for this day

Deck plan & reference

A simplified side-profile of Norwegian Escape's 16 guest decks — not to scale, but handy for quickly remembering what's where. Tap a deck band or a row below to see everything on it.

Pools & recreation The Haven (suite-only) Dining, bars & entertainment Staterooms

Swipe sideways to see deck names →

Deck 20 Sun Deck

Aqua Racer waterslide Free Fall waterslide Ropes Course (top level)

Deck 19 Vibe & Sports Deck

Vibe Beach Club (18+, access pass) Ropes Course (3-story section) Bocce ball court Basketball court

Deck 18 The Haven

The Haven complex (suite guests only) Mini Golf Ropes Course (entry level)

Deck 17 Haven Lounge & Diner Deck

The Haven lounge (suite guests only) American Diner Video Arcade Entourage teen club Spice H2O (adults only)

Deck 16 Pool & Spa Deck

Garden Café (buffet) Aqua Park & Kids' Aqua Park Pulse Fitness Center Main pools & whirlpools Mandara Spa & Salon Waves Pool Bar The Marketplace

Deck 15 Staterooms & Bridge

Staterooms Bridge

Deck 14 Staterooms

Staterooms

Deck 13 Staterooms & Medical Center

Staterooms Medical Center

Deck 12 Staterooms

Staterooms Studio staterooms (solo)

Deck 11 Staterooms & Studio Lounge

Staterooms Studio staterooms (solo) Studio Lounge

Deck 10 Staterooms

Staterooms Studio staterooms (solo)

Deck 9 Staterooms

Staterooms

Deck 8 678 Ocean Place

Cagney's Steakhouse Food Republic La Cucina Palomar Pincho Tapas Bar Sugarcane Mojito Bar The Cellars wine bar The District Brew House The Humidor Cigar Lounge Syd Norman's Pour House Prime Meridian Tobacco Road Bar The Waterfront promenade Boutiques (Effy, Swarovski, TAG Heuer/Hublot/Longines, Louis Vuitton, John Hardy)

Deck 7 Manhattan Room Deck

The Manhattan Room O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill (24 hr) Skyline Bar Escape Casino Barber Shop

Deck 6 Savor & Taste Deck

Savor (main dining) Taste (main dining) The Private Room at Taste Teppanyaki Le Bistro Atrium Café & Bake Shop Headliners Comedy Club Mixx Bar Escape Theater The Supper Club Park West Gallery

Deck 5 Kids' Deck

Guppies (open play, 6mo–3yo) Splash Academy (kids club, ages 3–12)

Dining & bars

29 dining venues in all — 9 complimentary, the rest specialty restaurants with a cover charge. More at Sea dining packages (if included in your booking) apply to specialty venues.

Complimentary dining

Savor

Included

Main Dining · Deck 6

Classic favorites with a few unique dishes in a chic, modern room.

Taste

Included

Main Dining · Deck 6

Sister dining room to Savor — daily-changing menu, contemporary atmosphere.

The Manhattan Room

Included

Fine dining · Deck 7

Art Deco supper-club styling, a multi-course menu, and an extensive wine list — breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill

Included

24-hour pub · Deck 7

Reuben sandwiches, fish and chips, wings — open around the clock.

Garden Café

Included

Buffet · Deck 16

The main buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with indoor and outdoor seating.

American Diner

Included

1950s-style diner · Deck 17

Poolside comfort food and milkshakes surrounded by classic-car décor.

The Private Room at Taste

Included

Main dining · Deck 6

An intimate curated-menu space, typically used for groups.

The Haven Restaurant

Suite guests

Various cuisines · Deck 18

Private dining exclusively for guests staying in The Haven suite complex.

Specialty dining — cover charge applies

Cagney's Steakhouse

Cover charge

Steakhouse · Deck 8

Premium Black Angus beef and seafood with classic cocktails and an extensive wine list. Expanded into the former Moderno space during the October 2026 dry dock.

Food Republic

Cover charge

Asian-Latin fusion · Deck 8

Tapas-style small plates designed for sharing.

La Cucina

Cover charge

Italian · Deck 8

Classics like osso buco and spaghetti carbonara, finished with affogato.

Palomar

Cover charge

Seafood · Deck 8

Replaced Bayamo in Escape's October 2026 dry dock — fresh seafood indoors or al fresco on The Waterfront promenade.

Teppanyaki

Cover charge

Japanese grill · Deck 6

Shared hibachi-style tables — shrimp, steak, chicken, and fried rice cooked tableside.

Le Bistro

Cover charge

French · Deck 6

Escargot, coq au vin, and other classics in refined, classic décor.

Bars & lounges worth knowing

NCL's beverage program is now called More at Sea (formerly Free at Sea) — the package applies on Great Stirrup Cay too. Honest note: Escape has no dedicated tiki bar.

Don't miss

Sugarcane Mojito Bar (Deck 8) — the mojito headquarters. Try the Mojito Flight.

Personal note (not verified ship info): ask for Edwin and Sophia — bartenders we know from the May sailing.

A sampling of the ship's 22 lounges and bars:

Mixx Bar Sugarcane Mojito Bar The District Brew House The Cellars Wine Bar Skyline Bar Spice H2O (adults-only) Sandbar Prime Meridian Tobacco Road Bar Syd Norman's Pour House The Waterfront promenade Humidor Cigar Lounge

Rum & drinks intel

Port drinks to try: Mamajuana (DR), Bushwacker, Painkiller (Jost Van Dyke!), Goombay Smash, Bahama Mama, Yellow Bird, Kalik (Bahamas).
Rums to hunt: Brugal, Barceló, Ron Macorix (DR) · Cruzan (USVI) · Pusser's, Callwood (Tortola — the bottle everyone asks about) · Ron Ricardo · John Watling's (Bahamas).
Duty-free guidance: The USVI leg allows up to 5 liters per adult back into the US (conditional allowance) — the most generous stop for bottles. NCL holds duty-free purchases and returns them the last night; anything bought ashore must be declared and handed over at the gangway.

Ports of call

Four stops this week — one resort-style cruise port, two island towns, and Norwegian's own private island.

Colorful waterfront street typical of a Caribbean port town

Puerto Plata

Dominican Republic · Day 3, Sun Dec 13

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Currency: Dominican peso (USD widely accepted) Language: Spanish Dock: Taíno Bay cruise port

Booked excursion: Mountain Safari, Rum Tasting & Costa Amber Beach Break (POPN57), departs 9:30 AM — booked & paid.
Taíno Bay itself has pools, a lazy river, shops, and restaurants right at the pier if there's time before or after.
Cable car up Pico Isabel de Torres for panoramic views, and Fortaleza San Felipe downtown, if you want more city time on a future visit.

Independent taxis outside the port gate are usually cheaper than ship excursions for a quick city loop — agree on a price before you get in.

Nearby & recommended

Fortaleza San Felipe Amber Museum Pico Isabel de Torres cable car

St. Thomas

U.S. Virgin Islands · Day 4, Mon Dec 14

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Currency: US dollar Language: English Dock: Charlotte Amalie

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Turtles & Tacos Catamaran Sail and Snorkel (STTN29) — The Red Collection, ~3 hrs. Snorkel gear, chef-curated taco lunch, and open bar included.

View excursion on NCL.com

This is a U.S. territory, so no passport surprises or currency exchange needed.
Late 7:00 PM departure leaves time after your excursion for Charlotte Amalie shopping or Magens Bay, if anyone wants more beach time.

Latest departure of the week (7:00 PM) — the excursion should have you back with plenty of time to spare.

Nearby & recommended

Magens Bay Beach Paradise Point Skyride Yacht Haven Grande

Tortola

British Virgin Islands · Day 5, Tue Dec 15

6:45 AM – 2:00 PM

Currency: US dollar Language: English Dock: Road Town / Tortola Pier Park

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Escape to Jost Van Dyke (TOVN50) — 9:00 AM aboard the Rebel Yell catamaran. White Bay beach time, the Soggy Dollar Bar, and rum punch on the return leg.

View excursion on NCL.com

Shortest port day of the week (departs 2:00 PM) — Tortola Pier Park's shops and Crafts Alive Village are steps from the ship if there's time after you're back.
Road Town's Main Street (5 min walk) for Pusser's Rum and Sunny Caribbee spice blends.

Earliest arrival and departure of the trip — your excursion is timed to have you back well before the 2:00 PM all-aboard.

Nearby & recommended

Crafts Alive Village Pusser's Company Store Cane Garden Bay

Great Stirrup Cay

Bahamas · Norwegian's private island · Day 7, Thu Dec 17

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Currency: US dollar Language: English Access: Walk off the ship — new multi-ship pier

Expansive white-sand beaches, the Great Life Lagoon heated pool, and complimentary dining island-wide.
Great Tides Waterpark — 19 slides, a lazy river, and cliff jumps, opened fall 2026. Separate paid day pass, not included with the cruise.
Snorkeling, kayaking, and WaveRunner rentals available on the island.

Bring a beach/pool towel from the ship — general beach areas don't supply them. Head to your cabana soon after boarding; check the NCL app for your assigned cabana number.

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Great Life Lagoon Cabana (NPIN71) — up to 8 guests, shaded seating with fridge and bar service right at the Great Life Lagoon. Includes sparkling wine, a fruit basket, and chips & salsa.

View excursion on NCL.com

Booked & paid — 4 guests · 2 cabins

Stingray City & Swimming Pigs on Treasure Island (NPIN53) — 1:30 PM departure.

On-island spots

Lighthouse Beach Infinity Beach Great Tides Waterpark

Onboard life

Beyond dining and staterooms — the pools, thrills, spa, shows, and clubs that fill the sea days.

Pools & water play

Aqua Park & Kids' Aqua Park: Deck 16 — five waterslides in all, including the high-speed Free Fall and the racing Aqua Racer slides up on Deck 20.
Main pools & whirlpools: 3 swimming pools and 9 whirlpools/jacuzzis spread across Decks 16–19, including the adults-only Vibe Beach Club pool.
Waves Pool Bar: Poolside bar on Deck 16 for drinks without leaving your lounger.

Thrills & sports

Ropes Course: Three-story course spanning Decks 18–20, with a plank extending eight feet over the side of the ship.
Mini Golf: Full course on Deck 18.
Sports Complex: Basketball and bocce ball courts up on Deck 19.
Pulse Fitness Center: Full gym on Deck 16.

Spa & wellness

Mandara Spa & Salon: Deck 16 — massages, facials, and salon services; book early for sea-day slots.
Thermal Suite, Salt Room & Snow Room: Add-on spa access with heated loungers, steam, and specialty relaxation rooms.

Entertainment

★ Syd Norman's Pour House presents Rumours: Syd Norman's Pour House — Fleetwood Mac's Rumours performed live in full, with the story behind it. Our top pick: we loved it on the May sailing. Book once aboard — NCL discontinued pre-cruise entertainment booking, so all shows are reserved on the ship now.
The Choir of Man: Escape Theater, Deck 6 — high-energy English pub show with live singing, dancing, and flowing beer. We found it a little boring on the May sailing — Rumours is the one to prioritize.
ICONS: The Bands: Escape Theater — rock concert celebrating bands like Styx, Journey, and Earth, Wind & Fire, performed by the Choir of Man cast.
Howl at the Moon: Dueling pianos taking requests from the 70s to today.
Headliners Comedy Club: Live stand-up throughout the week; seating is first come, first served.
The Supper Club: Intimate dinner-and-show format with rotating musical acts.
Park West Gallery: Onboard art gallery with viewings and live auctions.
Escape Casino: Deck 7 — slots and table games most sea-day and evening hours.

Kids, teens & adults-only

Splash Academy: Complimentary supervised drop-off program, ages 3–12, on Deck 5.
Guppies: Parent-and-child open play for ages 6 months–3 years — not a drop-off program.
Entourage: Teen-only lounge and activities, Deck 17.
Vibe Beach Club: Adults-only (18+) retreat on Deck 19 with its own pool — usually requires a same-day access pass.
Spice H2O: Adults-only aft deck lounge on Deck 17, popular at sunset.

Eastern Caribbean 7 night cruise on NCL Escape

Your booking

This week at a glance

Ship snapshot

Day-by-day itinerary

Fly to Orlando, Florida

Port Canaveral, Florida

Day at Sea

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Day at Sea

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Port Canaveral, Florida

Deck plan & reference

Dining & bars

Complimentary dining

Savor

Taste

The Manhattan Room

O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill

Garden Café

American Diner

The Private Room at Taste

The Haven Restaurant

Specialty dining — cover charge applies

Cagney's Steakhouse

Food Republic

La Cucina

Palomar

Teppanyaki

Le Bistro

Bars & lounges worth knowing

Rum & drinks intel

Ports of call

Puerto Plata

Nearby & recommended

St. Thomas

Nearby & recommended

Tortola

Nearby & recommended

Great Stirrup Cay

On-island spots

Onboard life

Pools & water play

Thrills & sports

Spa & wellness

Entertainment

Kids, teens & adults-only

Trip prep

Trip tools

Checklists

Now — any time

Final week before sailing

Departure day prep

Documents & ID

Medications & medical

Clothing

Footwear

Toiletries & grooming

Sun, beach & water

Bug & sun protection

Hats & eyewear

Electronics & charging

CPAP

Bags & organizers

Misc & snacks

Safety & mindset

Sea days

Planned vs. unplanned

Views, food & evenings

General mindset

Fun extras

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas