firegal2539

First of all I don't appreciate the OP calling me Silver or White haired, I pay a lot of money to make sure my hair isn't silver or white.

As many people have stated, the longer the itinerary, the more mature the crowd and the times of year dictate the age of the cruiser, holidays and summer will have young children, along with young adults. Holland America and Celebrity,known as premium cruise lines, are know as a more mature aged cruise line. Carnival is know as party and alcohol city. NCL is know as a mid 20s to 50s cruise line, but with some itineraries and times of year more mature aged passengers cruise. Royal has all age groups and one of the best children's programs at sea. Princess is a step above Royal and costs more but appeals to the mature aged cruiser.

As for price you need to try Royal, their prices are in line with NCL and less than Princess.

I have read you post 4 times to make sure I understand what you are asking for, a 10 day or longer cruiser (which will bring in mature cruisers because of the length of the cruise), you want a bargain cruise (that would be Carnival or NCL which I have taken 4 NCL cruises and never been nickled and dimed), and music from the 80s to now (the music is according to the age group on the ship, again that means Carnival or NCL).

I just returned from a 14 day NCL Panama Canal cruise and because of the length of the cruise there were no young children onboard, very few young adults, more passengers from 40 through 90. The music included classical string quartet, a DJ who played mostly current music, Katy Perry, Madonna, but did not include hip hop or rap, a jazz pianist, and many parties that had music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80, 90s and current.

You need to look at a different cruise line and a different shorter itinerary and you still won't get everything you want.

Hope you find what your looking!

I was in Balcony 14584 which was not an angled balcony. I wrote a review when I got back from my cruise in August. This cabin, the balcony was very small, I could not stretch my legs out without hitting the railing. It had 2 chairs and a small table and I asked the steward to take the table and 1 chair out, since I was solo, which gave me more room.

I found the cabin to be adequate but it was the smallest balcony cabin I have ever had. The bed touched both nightstands, there was small couch, very small closet and only 2 drawers for storage.

I loved the Escape and was probably one of my favorite cruises I have done this year.

I subscribe to the State Department's travel warnings and I understand people reading the Government and individual safety and health warnings about any city (whether it is in the USA, Canada, Europe, Caribbean, etc.) before they travel but everyone has to realize that as long as you follow a few basic, common sense rules, you are as safe as if you were in your home city. 1) Always travel with at least one or two other people, as a tour, on a bus, there is safety in numbers (I am a solo cruiser and always post on the Roll Calls to see what tours other members are doing and see if I can get on the same tour). 2) Whether it is a ship excursion or private tour, always check reviews online, if the tour is rated low don't go. 3) Keep your guard up, if something doesn't feel right get out of there. 4) Travel in open and public places, especially at night. 5) Don't wear a lot of jewelry or carry a large bag, draws attention to you. 6) Do your research, where you ship will dock, how far is the dock from the main area of the port, check each countries tourism site to see what is recommended and not recommended to do, research taxi fares, do your research/homework in other words.

You can't travel afraid, that would defeat the purpose of traveling, why go if you won't come out of your room/cabin with the exception of eating.

Some posters veered off the post about Cartagena and talked about Jamaica and other cities, any city can be scary and hazardous to someone who is not familiar with it.

I was in Cartagena two weeks ago. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited, with rich history, and beautiful architecture. Yes the vendors are aggressive but when told NO once or twice they back down, no reason to be afraid of them, they are trying to make a living. The worst problems I had were the excessive heat and humidity, 95 degrees at 10 a.m. and 93% humidity (there are two season in Central America, HOT & DRY and HOT & WET) and the way that Colombians drive, I have been to many large cities, but it was the worst driving I have ever seen, worse than Rome. Colombians have a "Each driver for themselves attitude" and fast is the way to drive.

Be cautious, but not scared and enjoy your travels;)

I was there a week ago and did the tour by MareIvy and also did the Hop On Hop Off bus. Both were great and I felt safer there than in Acapulco. It is a beautiful city, rich in history.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Forgot to ask can anyone fill in the blanks for the Jewel? I will be on her in 3 weeks and have heard great things about her and the crew.

Thanks, Candie

Captain

Hotel Director

Cruise Director

Food & Beverage Director

Restaurant Manager

Executive Chef

Concierge

Group Events Coordinator

Butlers

Hello to Everyone,

I asked for help with the NCL Sun Officers and Department Heads and many members replied. I was asked when I returned from my 14 day Panama Canal Cruise to please supply the names of these people. I met everyone of them at a Meet & Greet that I hosted and at the Meet the Officers onboard the ship. I became very good friends with Carlos Zarate, Concierge, Vesna Campos, F&B director, Sr. and Brian Walters, Hotel Director and plan on keeping in touch with them.

Here is the list I have that was valid from September 30 through October 14, 2016:

Ronny Borg, Master/Captain

Brian Walters, Hotel Director (absolutely an amazing man)

Vesna Campos, F&B Director, Sr. (wonderful woman who was so funny)

Ganesh Panjami, Executive Chef (couldn't get more than 2 words out of him)

Mihaela Mocan, Restaurant Manager

Hal Broomes, Executive Housekeeper (very kind and nice)

Jose Piedra, Guest Services Manager (very quiet but also very helpful)

Windchester Barracks, Beverage Manager (very quiet and nice)

Carlos Zarate, Concierge (one of the best, was just amazing)

Merci Angeles, Group Service Coordinator/Access Manager

"Philly" Joel, Cruise Director - I hope I don't upset too many people but Philly was the worst cruise director I have ever had onboard. He never stopped and talked to passengers, was never at any events, unless it was going to be on television, such as the White Hot Party and the game shows. I have been on many ships where I wondered how the CD could be in 10 places at one time because they were seen and heard all over the ship. Philly was not any where to be found. He had an amazing singing voice and struck me as a frustrated entertainer.

I hope this helps.

Candie

Sorry was suppose to be Mr. Sancho's. My reason is I had a problem with a refund for a tour in Cartagena, Colombia, took about 6 weeks to get it and several calls.

Besides the long refund I have read on many sites, CC and Trip Advisor are two of them, that you should never pay a deposit on a shore excursion/tour. Almost all tour operators ask for payment at the end of the tour. I understand that a $10 deposit will probably stop you from cancelling or no showing, plus many people don't want to deal with asking for and getting a refund.

Shoreexcursioneer and Viator are clearing houses for the tour operators and a few of their tours say no refund. Really need to read the fine print before booking on them.

It is really my preference, not anyone elses.

Uniall,

Thank you for the information.

The Escape's CD was Tyler Gray, who I think might be moving to another ship, the Assistant Hotel Director was Errol, can't remember last name but he was wonderful, the HD was Jovo, but I believe he was there while someone else was on vacation, Guest Services Manager was Odie, Restaurant Manager Corina, Food & Beverage Director was Anil, and Beverage Manager and Executive Housekeeper were Jose (2).

I will get another list during my M&G on the Sun and hopefully will bring back full names of all of them.

Candie

I posted this a couple of days ago and no one answered, does any one know who the officers are the Sun? I am leaving in 10 days and would like to know, if anyone has this information.

Captain,

Hotel Director

Asst HD

Concierge

Assistant Concierge

Restaurant Manager

Beverage Manager

Any help with be appreciated.

Candie

I have used them and didn't like them. I would rather go directly to the tour operator such as Mr. Sachs and book from him.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Right now NCL is running a special, you can put two CruiseNext deposits together on one cruise. I think it is good until tomorrow or Tuesday.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Suzie,

I wanted to thank you for the information you gave me about the officers on the Escape. I sailed in August and I fell in love with the ship and the crew. The officers you have listed were correct as of August.

Tyler was our cruise director and he was amazing. I was worn out just watching him. I would hate to see him leave such a huge ship, he was every where and any where at any given time. I think that might be why he only weighs 10 pounds. And I fell in love with Eric, Asst. HD.

I am leaving in two weeks on the Sun, do you know who the officers will be?

Captain,

Hotel Director

Asst HD

Concierge

Assistant Concierge

Restaurant Manager

Beverage Manager

Any help with be appreciated and thank you for the information you gave me.

Candie

I was on the Escape in August and I loved it. I have taken between 20 and 30 cruises, most Princess, RCCL, but the Escape ranked in my top 5.

Many, many kids because school hadn't started, that was a problem, not NCL's but the parents that don't control them, let them run up and down hallway, play in the elevators, etc.

I did a very long review for the Escape because I wanted everyone to know how wonderful it was. I also listed my few complaints I had. If you will click on my user name and click on Find All Posts by firegal2539, it will bring it up Escape review. PLEASE READ THIS I THINK IT WILL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.

I have heard wonderful things about both the Breakaway and Getaway. I bought two CruiseNext certificates and will be on the Sun in two weeks, I am planning on booking something either on the Getaway, Breakaway or Escape.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

Firegal2539 (Candie)

I just got off of the Escape and there wasn't any kind of tournament for a $20 entry fee. They had a Poker Tournament and the buy-in was $100 and you could rebuy. It was on all sea days with the last sea day being the final. I talked to the man who won it and the total win was right at $1000, but he bought in twice so it cost him $300.

The blackjack tournament buy-in was also $100 and they had a tournament every sea day.

There was also a slot machine tournament every sea day and it was $50 buy-in and the winner made around $500.

They don't pay a whole lot.

Was on the Escape from August 6 through August 14, 2016. Not any problems with mosquitos. I brought wipe on clothes, I don't like the spray but after the first port I decided not to use it.

If you want to take precautions buy some of the wipe on packs and put some in your purse when you get off the ship.

No problem at all.

This was the scanners getting both on and off the ship. It looked like the crew would be well hydrated for the cruise with all the stuff in the boxes.

I just got off of the Escape last Sunday and there were boxes of water bottles (with water), and coke cans, and wine and I saw a few empty aluminum bottles, so I don't know. I think it depends on how busy they are, if they have time to hassle you and how knowledgeable the crew is about the rules.

Marie I forgot to tell that NCL has an upsell department. Before the cruise you can move up to a suite for a nominal cost. About two days before your cruise if there are any balconies you can get one. CC won't let you post telephone numbers. Sorry!

If you like 80s music the Rat Pack. I enjoyed and loved Headliners Dueling Pianos. The comedians were ok. You need to book these before you get on the ship, people were waiting in line to see if there were any no shows.

Marie my Ocean View, 13100, was 1 deck above your cabin. Your cabin looks out over a promenade walkway but not many people walk on it. You have to remember to close the curtains. The OV was bigger than the balcony because the balcony footage is added into the OV.

There always a charge for room service, any time you use it.

Hi DougOut,

Absolutely stood in line for 1 hour. And to make it worse the Restaurant Reservationist was as rude as could be. He proceeded to tell me that anything I did online didn't count once you were on the ship. That was a very stupid comment, especially when NCL sends you an email and asks you to book online to save time and to get the shows, restaurants and times you want. There was an NCL employee at Guest Relations that asked what you needed and when I told him he directed me to RR. I stood for 30 minutes and flagged that guy down and asked if he remembered me, he said yes, and I asked was there anyone else that could help me, since I had been there 30 minutes already and he said no, even though there were 6 Guest Relations reps and no one at any of their stations, they were just standing there.

I loved my cruise on the Escape and would do it again, but I don't appreciate rudeness from a crew member.

Ship - Norwegian Escape

Deck - 14

Stateroom # - 14854

Stateroom Category – Midship Balcony

Starboard or Port Side -

Quiet Stateroom? – Cabin next door had 4 kids and all hours of the day and night they were slamming doors, screaming, crying, yelling and running up and down the hallways. If the kids hadn't been there the cabin would have been very quiet.

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - No

Balcony View - view-in Miami I saw water towers, in St. Marten I saw water towers and Senior Frogs, in St. Thomas another ship was docked right next to us, so I saw that ship, Tortola I saw the island, is was beautiful and in Nassau there were six ships in port, so I saw ships.

Balcony Size? I have taken 20-30 cruises and this is smallest balcony I have ever been in.

Was wind a problem? - wind not a problem

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - N/A

Any specific problems with this cabin? - the cabin was always freezing. I finally moved the thermostat to heat because I was so cold.

Any other comments? - I loved the location of the cabin, only about a 30 second walk to the elevators. As I said, very small, since I sail alone, it was perfect for me. I would definitely book it again.

I was in Cabin 14854, Deck 14, a midship balcony. I was originally in an Ocean View, 13100, Deck 13, all the way at the aft (back) of the ship. I was upgraded to a balcony for a very small amount. I wish I had kept the Ocean View. The balcony cabin was comfortable but smaller than my original OV. The balcony itself, was only 30 feet with 2 small chairs and a tiny table. I had to push the chairs against the door to be able to cross or stretch my legs out.

The cabin had a queen size bed by the balcony door with a very comfortable mattress and 6 pillows. There was a sofa next to the bed that folded out to a small double bed that was very hard. Across from the sofa was a mirror and desk/bar. There were three outlets under the mirror which was more than enough for me. Underneath the desk was a stool, refrigerator and some more cabinets for storage. The television had 21 channels, 14 NCL, 1 sports (soccer), 4 news, 1 favorite t.v. shows and 1 favorite movies.

After the sofa was a large closet, one side for hanging clothes with a shelf above and the other side was 6 floor to ceiling shelves with a safe. It was more than enough closet space for me. The bathroom was a good size with a shower. The water pressure was great and the temperature was perfect. There were no outlets in the bathroom.

I had very few problems on this cruise. The cabin next door had a very large family staying in it, they had 7 pieces of luggage. When luggage was dropped at our cabin doors, they blocked my door with their luggage, (the doors swings out, not in), so I couldn’t get out of my cabin and had to call to have someone come and move their luggage.

The cabin was the smallest balcony I have had on a cruise. I guess that is how 4,248 passengers fit on the ship.

NCL changed my dining time. I had chosen 5:30 p.m. on every night but NCL had changed me to 6:30 p.m. I went to restaurant reservations and after standing in line for an hour, the man making reservations said there was nothing he could do because they were already booked solid for 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. I showed him my confirmation with the date I reserved the times and dining rooms, but he didn’t care, he wouldn’t change me back to my time. When I went to Cagney’s that night, the restaurant manager changed me back to 5:30 on all of my reservations by calling each individual restaurant manager. I was so thrilled at his willingness to do this for me.

I was never nickeled and dimed while on the ship. I purchased everything online so I think that might have stopped some of that. I did buy a beverage package. I don’t drink alcohol, but I do drink soft drinks and juice, so for $60 I got unlimited water, soda, juice, coffee, tea. I always purchase the soft drink package online because it can go up in price when you get on the ship.

The beverage packages take some thought and are a personal preference. Do you believe you can drink 6 alcoholic drinks a day? Remember that several days you will be in port and only drink that night. Many friends have told me they love their wine and mixed drinks but from 6 pm until bedtime it is hard to finish 6 drinks. I do know premium liquor can cost from $10.95 to $15.95 a drink, then add tax and gratuities onto that. I have had friends who didn’t purchase a package and on the last day of the cruise found that their bar bill was over $1,000. All I can say is do the math. You can’t share the package with anyone, if you are caught sharing you will be cut off and your money won’t be refunded.

Ports:

Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten, I will never return. I had an excursion but it didn’t start until 3 hours after we docked, so I decided to walk to downtown, Front St. My spidey senses were going off as soon as I turned onto Front St. It was dark, dirty, dank smelling and I was totally uncomfortable being a woman alone there. Unless you do an excursion, Phillipsburg is a pointless port.

St. Thomas, USVI, it rained as soon as we docked, which made the temperature reach around 100 and was very humid. I had purchased the Coral World excursion which should be removed from the choice of excursions for St. Thomas. 90% of the coral is dead. It was terrible to see it. It was so hot I couldn’t breathe in the building. Total waste of my time and money. Havensight Mall, at the port is a great place to do duty-free shopping, many stores to browse through.

Tortola, BVI, Tortola is the most beautiful island I have seen. The water was at least 10 different shades of blue. It was clean, but poverty was everywhere. I took the Tortola by Land and Sea excursion. The sea part was riding a boat, either air conditioned or you could sit outside in the heat, and see all of the islands the pirates had landed on. To me this was a waste of time, you couldn’t get off the boat, or get close enough to really see the islands, so we just rode by them and the guide would say, “To your left is Treasure Chest Island, after that in the background is St. John’s, next to that is the private island Sir Richard Branson owns”. This was a waste of time and my money. This tour was $99 and could have the sea part cut out and just do the land tour for $50, which would have made more sense. The land part was on an open air bus. Tortola Island is all mountains and I really thought I was going to die on the roads. Locals drive crazy on this island. The highest point we reached was 1800 feet, way up, it took about an hour and 30 minutes to get to the top and it only took the guide 15 minutes to get down the mountain. Hairpin and double S turns everywhere. There were many passengers who enjoyed it but were scared senseless by the height and the ride. If you are scared of heights you might want to forget this tour.

Nassau, the Bahamas. Nassau is one of my favorite islands. When we docked we were one of six ships in port. The port area was very crowded. When I am in Nassau I always take a taxi to Atlantis. Taxis are regulated and can only charge $4 for a ride, but ask passengers to round up to $5. I love Atlantis because of the designer shops and the casino.

I had read many reviews on CC about the Escape. Many reviewers mentioned the casino as being smoky and the smoke carrying to Deck 6 and 8. There is a non-smoking area, clearly marked, in the casino and it was great. I didn’t have a problem with the smoke until the day before the cruise ended, it started to get a very heavy smoke smell. I didn’t smell the smoke carrying to other decks. I like that any time the casino is closed (port days) you can’t smoke in it, it is prohibited.

The few shows I saw were The Brat Pack, fabulous, Headliners Comedy Club, Dueling Pianos, fabulous, Levity Entertainment Group (comedians), good. Tyler Gray, Cruise Director, was wonderful. I have to agree with other reviews, he says, “Let’s make some noise every other sentence”, but that is his job, to get the passengers moving, yelling, clapping and involved and he did that. I got to meet him at our Meet & Greet and he is a very interesting young man who truly believes he is living his dream of being the CD on the Escape. His staff was wonderful too!

The pool area on Deck 16 was very crowded. I have never seen so many people crammed in a pool at one time. All deck chairs had towels on them, with very few people sitting on them. Children were everywhere on the ship, running up and down hallways, banging on doors, yelling and screaming, on the elevators pushing every button. There were many great kids and the few who ruin it for other passengers.

I don’t like when someone writes a review and complains about having to wait for restaurant, excursion or show reservations. All of these can be done before you leave for your cruise. Excursions can be booked at least 90 days before your cruise, which gives you time to pay for them and guarantees you have a spot on the excursions. Most excursions have reviews written about them on Cruise Critic and Trip Advisor, which gives you a good idea about it, to help you make up your mind if it is right excursion for you. Dining can be booked 60 days before sailing, this includes the MDRs and the specialty restaurants. If you book before you cruise you pay less for the specialty restaurants then if you book on the ship, same with the excursions. Entertainment can be booked 60 days before sailing and is necessary if you don’t want to wait in line to see if you can even get a seat at the venue. The cruise lines have made everything so simple about cruising, if the passengers will just take the time to do a few easy things to make their cruise better.

Of my 20 to 30 cruises I have taken, I would rank NCL Escape in the top 5. It was a wonderful cruise, great crew members, good food and a relaxing time.