SANDPEBBLES

You're welcome!

Hello.  I have seen that Go Port won't refund if one needs to cancel.  Instead, they offer a future credit.  Is that true of the hotel booking as well?  Does anyone have experience with having to cancel the Fly/Cruise/Snooze package, offered by Go Port?

Great suggestion!

You're welcome!

Please be aware that this excursion has some challenges which I will note, but it is super fun!  The day started early – we were at the Escape Theatre around 7:15.  I had a fanny pack and a light backpack.  You will want to have both of your hands free because getting through the baths requires climbing down ladders and using ropes to get around.

You begin by boarding a pretty nice boat with comfortable seats and a/c in the main cabin.  If you choose to climb to the upper deck to enjoy the fresh air, you can do that too.  This boat ride is not for those who suffer from motion sickness.  Please take something before the excursion if you are prone to getting queasy.  We had a passenger throw up, and I felt so sorry for her.  The boat speeds along at a good clip and there is a lot of bouncing around.

Once you arrive at your destination, there is a place to get snacks, etc. before you begin the fairly long descent down a hill to the baths.  Make SURE you wear shoes with strong grip that can also do water.  I have an excellent pair of water shoes that were flexible but kept me from slipping.  The terrain is extremely uneven stone so you have to step carefully to keep from falling.

Eventually, you reach the Virgin Gorda Baths which is a maze of volcanic boulders.  You will be climbing down narrow ladders, walking through water, and using ropes for balance as you walk over the formations.  It’s totally beautiful in there and lots of fun.  Just be careful and keep your hands free.

At the end of the baths, you come out on a beautiful beach called Devil’s Cove.  We stopped there for about 25 minutes so people could swim; then, we continued our hike to a second beach where we all relaxed until it was time to start back.  Pam got a cold Diet Coke from somewhere so they must have been selling drinks.  I was looking at the pretty beach and did not pay attention.  You end up hiking back up the same uneven terrain to the boat.  Going back up was easier for me.  Then, of course, you have the boat ride back. Great fun!

Please be aware that this excursion has some challenges which I will note, but it is super fun!  The day started early – we were at the Escape Theatre around 7:15.  I had a fanny pack and a light backpack.  You will want to have both of your hands free because getting through the baths requires climbing down ladders and using ropes to get around.

You begin by boarding a pretty nice boat with comfortable seats and a/c in the main cabin.  If you choose to climb to the upper deck to enjoy the fresh air, you can do that too.  This boat ride is not for those who suffer from motion sickness.  Please take something before the excursion if you are prone to getting queasy.  We had a passenger throw up, and I felt so sorry for her.  The boat speeds along at a good clip and there is a lot of bouncing around.

Once you arrive at your destination, there is a place to get snacks, etc. before you begin the fairly long descent down a hill to the baths.  Make SURE you wear shoes with strong grip that can also do water.  I have an excellent pair of water shoes that were flexible but kept me from slipping.  The terrain is extremely uneven stone so you have to step carefully to keep from falling.

Eventually, you reach the Virgin Gorda Baths which is a maze of volcanic boulders.  You will be climbing down narrow ladders, walking through water, and using ropes for balance as you walk over the formations.  It’s totally beautiful in there and lots of fun.  Just be careful and keep your hands free.

At the end of the baths, you come out on a beautiful beach called Devil’s Cove.  We stopped there for about 25 minutes so people could swim; then, we continued our hike to a second beach where we all relaxed until it was time to start back.  Pam got a cold Diet Coke from somewhere so they must have been selling drinks.  I was looking at the pretty beach and did not pay attention.  You end up hiking back up the same uneven terrain to the boat.  Going back up was easier for me.  Then, of course, you have the boat ride back. Great fun!

We started the day by meeting in the Escape Theatre to receive directions.  We were guided to an open-air bus that took us to Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas which is really pretty.  You have to wrangle your own beach chairs.  I did not see any umbrellas.  However, there is a section of the beach that has nice tree shade.  Unfortunately, the man right next to me was smoking cigarettes and the woman behind me was vaping.  After Pam came back from her snorkel, we found another place to relax so all was well.  Didn’t say anything because we’re all on vacation.  And who can be in a bad mood at such a gorgeous beach??!!  (Pam didn’t see much on her snorkel but enjoyed her swim.)  Once again, don’t forget water shoes.

This was not an All Inclusive so make sure you bring a credit card or cash.  I snapped pictures of the food menu and the drink menu which I hope will upload here.  They charge $15 for using your credit card.  Cash is better.  Beers ranged from $4 - $6.  On the rocks cocktails - $8.  Frozen drinks - $9. Food ranges from French Fries for $6 all the way up to Double Cheeseburger - $16.  Hope my pictures will upload.  Fingers crossed.

This was billed as an off-road adventure of 45 minutes, leading to Coconut Cove Beach.  We met in the Escape theatre and received guidance from there.  I would note that the walk to the safari-like buses is pretty long, probably 2 miles.  Pam’s watch registered over 4 miles of steps at the end of the day.  Our open-air bus was the last one in line so it might be less for other travelers.  We climbed on and discovered that the aisle is extremely narrow.  You really have to squeeze your way to a seat.  Masks were required.  Hopefully, that will be lifted in the future. 

*Towels are available when you step off the ship so don’t worry if you forgot to get one previously.  Easily checked out and returned. 

Initially, the highway was smooth, but we soon turned off onto unpaved territory.  Our group was a cheerful bunch, and no one seemed to mind the bumpy ride.  Our guide was super enthusiastic and did her best to speak over the wind and motor noise.  I hope they get her a microphone because I worried about her voice giving out.  You will get a nice look at the countryside with cows standing inches from the road.  At one point, we were completely stopped by a dump truck pouring dirt on the road and another machine smoothing it out.  Eventually, they were able to let us through, and we made it to Coconut Cove.

When you disembark, you will see the bathrooms and restaurant.  You travel down a platform staircase to the beach where there is assistance with chairs and umbrellas.  Really pretty beach with a bar at beach level.  The all-inclusive does not include all types drinks.  Four types of mixed drinks were included but nothing for beer and other mixed drinks.  I did not note the prices for things.  So sorry about that.  The all-inclusive meal was served around the upstairs restaurant.  Plenty of chairs up there and plenty of trees for shade.  We stayed down on the beach and skipped the lunch so I can’t report on that.  Pam snorkeled but didn’t see much of anything that day.  Water is clear and lovely.  Make sure you have water shoes.

Something I wish I had known:  There are lady bathroom attendants to keep the toilets flushed.  I did not bring any money with which to tip them.  Felt sorry about that.  Bathrooms were very clean.  

This was billed as an off-road adventure of 45 minutes, leading to Coconut Cove Beach.  We met in the Escape theatre and received guidance from there.  I would note that the walk to the safari-like buses is pretty long, probably 2 miles.  Pam’s watch registered over 4 miles of steps at the end of the day.  Our open-air bus was the last one in line so it might be less for other travelers.  We climbed on and discovered that the aisle is extremely narrow.  You really have to squeeze your way to a seat.  Masks were required.  Hopefully, that will be lifted in the future. 

*Towels are available when you step off the ship so don’t worry if you forgot to get one previously.  Easily checked out and returned. 

Initially, the highway was smooth, but we soon turned off onto unpaved territory.  Our group was a cheerful bunch, and no one seemed to mind the bumpy ride.  Our guide was super enthusiastic and did her best to speak over the wind and motor noise.  I hope they get her a microphone because I worried about her voice giving out.  You will get a nice look at the countryside with cows standing inches from the road.  At one point, we were completely stopped by a dump truck pouring dirt on the road and another machine smoothing it out.  Eventually, they were able to let us through, and we made it to Coconut Cove.

When you disembark, you will see the bathrooms and restaurant.  You travel down a platform staircase to the beach where there is assistance with chairs and umbrellas.  Really pretty beach with a bar at beach level.  The all-inclusive does not include all types drinks.  Four types of mixed drinks were included but nothing for beer and other mixed drinks.  I did not note the prices for things.  So sorry about that.  The all-inclusive meal was served around the upstairs restaurant.  Plenty of chairs up there and plenty of trees for shade.  We stayed down on the beach and skipped the lunch so I can’t report on that.  Pam snorkeled but didn’t see much of anything that day.  Water is clear and lovely.  Make sure you have water shoes.

Something I wish I had known:  There are lady bathroom attendants to keep the toilets flushed.  I did not bring any money with which to tip them.  Felt sorry about that.  Bathrooms were very clean.  

We had a beautiful, beautiful time when my friend, Pam, and I sailed the NCL Escape from Port Canaveral (February 26 until March 5, 2022).  We booked everything (flights; hotel; transfers; shore excursions) through Norwegian Cruise Lines, and it went really well.  Ports of Call:  Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, VI; Tortola, VI; and Great Stirrup Cay.  (We missed Great Stirrup Cay due to conditions.)   Would like to note that masks were required until we heard an announcement on March 1 that we could remove them!  Wish the crew could have joined us.

Flying in the Day Before, February 25, 2022:

I have sailed NCL many times and am at Platinum Level; however, it has been six years since my last cruise.  Pam and I booked it for a girls’ cruise.  For the first time in my cruising history, I put everything in NCL’s hands.  Here is how it went:

NCL Airfare and Hotel Arrangements:

We were able to take advantage of a really attractive airfare and hotel special.  Pam was the second guest and flew for free from Tuscon, AZ.  I flew from Atlanta at a reduced cost ($149 round-trip).  Left Atlanta at 11:40 A.M. and arrived in Orlando at 1:08 PM.  Direct flight. 

Caution to all:  Look around carefully at baggage claim.  It is my fault that I did not see the NCL Representative who was waiting for me.  He texted me 30 minutes before I landed, but I failed to check my phone.  If I had done so, I would have looked around more carefully.  I was sure I HAD looked carefully, but it became obvious later that I did not.  In my mind, he was NOT there.  I was annoyed because I didn’t see him and eventually took a taxi to the Doubletree Hotel Universal.  Cost?  $60.00!  When I was inside the cab, I checked my phone (finally) and saw that the NCL Representative had texted me 30 minutes prior to my landing.  While I was reading the text, he called.  It was MY fault that I missed him, and I paid my own penalty fee with the $60.00 taxi ride.  I texted Pam, telling her to look carefully when she landed.  She easily located him and was transported to the Doubletree Universal – NOT the Doubletree Orlando Airport (which I had incorrectly thought was our hotel destination).  It should be noted that Pam had a difficult travel day.  She went from Tuscon to L.A. to Orlando.  She started her day 7:25 AM (Tuscon time) and landed in Orlando 4:53 PM (Orlando time).

The most important things to note about the Doubletree Universal are that:  (a) there is a restaurant on the premises so we could have dinner; (b)  breakfast is not included, but you can buy it; (c) NCL has a representative in the lobby to answer questions; and (d) the rooms are quite comfortable. 

I had signed up with NCL for a 10:30 check-in time at Port Canaveral.  However, when we met the representative the night before, he told us to forget that scheduled time.  The bus transporting all NCL passengers would leave at 11:15 AM the next day.  We gathered together the next morning, but the bus was about 45 minutes late; nevertheless, it was a relief to have all of our luggage loaded and transferred to the ship.  Moreover, the number of passengers at the pier was 1,900 instead of the 4,266 full capacity.  Check-in at the pier was quite organized and easy.

The return on March 5, 2022 was well organized.  When we disembarked, we found a porter who handled all of our luggage and took us to the NCL bus for transport back to the Orlando airport.  My flight was an easy one to Atlanta, but I had to wait quite a long time.  Departure from Orlando was at 5:40 PM with arrival at 7:15 PM.  Pam’s flight schedule was pretty bad.  Departed Orlando at 7:35 PM.  Arrived Dallas/Ft. Worth at 9:38 PM.  Departed Dallas/Ft. Worth at 10:45 PM.  Arrived Tuscon at 12:09 AM.  We comforted ourselves with the fact that her flight was free. I note these schedules so one can take it into account if planning to let NCL plan everything.

Check-In at Port Canaveral:

I have to compliment NCL for their organized efforts.  The first tent was for check-in.  Have your passport and other paperwork with you.  The second tent was for getting a Covid Antigen Test.  The third tent was for getting your results.  We passed and were able to board the ship.  Instead of going to the buffet, Pam and I had a really nice lunch at O’Sheehan’s.  Nice way to begin the cruise.

Club Balcony 9836:  With Bathtub:

We really loved the larger bathroom in this Club Balcony that contained a bathtub.  I note this cabin number in case someone is looking for a tub/shower combination.  Plenty of storage.  Sad to see the coffee maker was removed.  I hope they put them back in the future.  The bathroom does not have electrical outlets.  Electrical outlets and USB outlets are located across from the couch at the desk/vanity area.  There are also USB outlets by both bedsides.  I brought a 12-foot extension cord and a cruise approved power strip so I could power a little fan by my bed.  Most of you probably know not to leave things plugged in while you’re out of the cabin.  Expect the cabin steward to unplug if you forget.

Years ago, these cabins on smaller ships were called Mini-Suites, and they had a curtain you could use to separate the beds from the couch area.  Nice for when someone wants to sleep and the other wants to stay up reading.  There is no such curtain on the Escape.  If you didn’t know already, the walls are magnetic, and I brought magnetized hooks to put on the walls.  Super handy for hanging hats or damp bathing suits or anything else you might need to access quickly.  Remember to push down your card so you will have power.  Also, make sure you indicate a Do Not Disturb or Makeup Room choice so your cabin steward can keep up the room.  We left a substantial tip for our cabin steward.  He was excellent.

NCL Mandara Spa Thermal Suite:

We purchased passes for the entire week and enjoyed going every day – several evenings too after dinner.  The main attraction is the thermal suite pool which sounds like ocean waves to me.  The main area has a strong waterfall in the middle and submerged lounges at the far end. On either side at the front are two special areas with jets.  Actually, there are jets everywhere that one controls by pressing buttons.  I felt as though I was in a warm ocean with waves massaging me.  Every time, I emerged as relaxed as a wet noodle!

There are heated tile loungers upon which you stretch out, wrapped in your bathrobe.  When you open your eyes, you see a full panorama of the ocean.  Next, you may choose to go into the sauna or the steam room or the salt room or the snow room.  Rain showers are nice too.  Very comfortable regular lounge chairs are present for sitting up to read a book.  The refreshment stations have hot water, cold water, tea, a tank of water with orange slices, fresh oranges, and an assortment of teas.

I didn’t sign up for any of the spa treatments but Pam did.  She enjoyed a massage later in the week.  The staff is outstanding, always keeping the space spotless and supplied.  I will definitely book a spa pass next time I cruise this ship.

Dining on The Escape:

Every meal we had was outstanding.  We ate at Cagney’s Steakhouse (excellent prime rib); La Cucina (superb Scaloppina Di Vitello Marsala); Teppanyaki (seafood choice with jumbo shrimp, sea scallops, calamari); Manhattan room (incredible lamb shank).  Can’t remember what I ordered at Savor, but it was very good.  We visited the buffet for lunch a couple of times and went to O’Sheehan’s a couple of times.  Because the ship wasn’t crowded, we were always able to get a table by the window.  For those of you that like to dine outside, that is also possible.

NCL Arranged Coconut Cove All Inclusive (Puerto Plata, DR):

This was billed as an off-road adventure of 45 minutes, leading to Coconut Cove Beach.  We met in the Escape theatre and received guidance from there.  I would note that the walk to the safari-like buses is pretty long, probably 2 miles.  Pam’s watch registered over 4 miles of steps at the end of the day.  Our open-air bus was the last one in line so it might be less for other travelers.  We climbed on and discovered that the aisle is extremely narrow.  You really have to squeeze your way to a seat.  Masks were required.  Hopefully, that will be lifted in the future. 

*Towels are available when you step off the ship so don’t worry if you forgot to get one previously.  Easily checked out and returned. 

Initially, the highway was smooth, but we soon turned off onto unpaved territory.  Our group was a cheerful bunch, and no one seemed to mind the bumpy ride.  Our guide was super enthusiastic and did her best to speak over the wind and motor noise.  I hope they get her a microphone because I worried about her voice giving out.  You will get a nice look at the countryside with cows standing inches from the road.  At one point, we were completely stopped by a dump truck pouring dirt on the road and another machine smoothing it out.  Eventually, they were able to let us through, and we made it to Coconut Cove.

When you disembark, you will see the bathrooms and restaurant.  You travel down a platform staircase to the beach where there is assistance with chairs and umbrellas.  Really pretty beach with a bar at beach level.  The all-inclusive does not include all types drinks.  Four types of mixed drinks were included but nothing for beer and other mixed drinks.  I did not note the prices for things.  So sorry about that.  The all-inclusive meal was served around the upstairs restaurant.  Plenty of chairs up there and plenty of trees for shade.  We stayed down on the beach and skipped the lunch so I can’t report on that.  Pam snorkeled but didn’t see much of anything that day.  Water is clear and lovely.  Make sure you have water shoes.

Something I wish I had known:  There are lady bathroom attendants to keep the toilets flushed.  I did not bring any money with which to tip them.  Felt sorry about that.  Bathrooms were very clean.  

NCL Arranged Trip to Sapphire Beach (St. John, VI):

Once again, we started the day by meeting in the Escape Theatre to receive directions.  We were guided to an open-air bus that took us to Sapphire Beach which is really pretty.  You have to wrangle your own beach chairs.  I did not see any umbrellas.  However, there is a section of the beach that has nice tree shade.  Unfortunately, the man right next to me was smoking cigarettes and the woman behind me was vaping.  After Pam came back from her snorkel, we found another place to relax so all was well.  Didn’t say anything because we’re all on vacation.  And who can be in a bad mood at such a gorgeous beach??!!  (Pam didn’t see much on her snorkel but enjoyed her swim.)  Once again, don’t forget water shoes.

This was not an All Inclusive so make sure you bring a credit card or cash.  I snapped pictures of the food menu and the drink menu and beaches, but I can't figure out how to upload here.  They charge $15 for using your credit card.  Cash is better.  Beers ranged from $4 - $6.  On the rocks cocktails - $8.  Frozen drinks - $9. Food ranges from French Fries for $6 all the way up to Double Cheeseburger - $16. 

NCL Arranged trip to Virgin Gorda Baths (Tortola, VI):

Please be aware that this excursion has some challenges which I will note, but it is super fun!  The day started early – we were at the Escape Theatre around 7:15.  I had a fanny pack and a light backpack.  You will want to have both of your hands free because getting through the baths requires climbing down ladders and using ropes to get around.

You begin by boarding a pretty nice boat with comfortable seats and a/c in the main cabin.  If you choose to climb to the upper deck to enjoy the fresh air, you can do that too.  This boat ride is not for those who suffer from motion sickness.  Please take something before the excursion if you are prone to getting queasy.  We had a passenger throw up, and I felt so sorry for her.  The boat speeds along at a good clip and there is a lot of bouncing around.

Once you arrive at your destination, there is a place to get snacks, etc. before you begin the fairly long descent down a hill to the baths.  Make SURE you wear shoes with strong grip that can also do water.  I have an excellent pair of water shoes that were flexible but kept me from slipping.  The terrain is extremely uneven stone so you have to step carefully to keep from falling.

Eventually, you reach the Virgin Gorda Baths which is a maze of volcanic boulders.  You will be climbing down narrow ladders, walking through water, and using ropes for balance as you walk over the formations.  It’s totally beautiful in there and lots of fun.  Just be careful and keep your hands free.

At the end of the baths, you come out on a beautiful beach called Devil’s Cove.  We stopped there for about 25 minutes so people could swim; then, we continued our hike to a second beach where we all relaxed until it was time to start back.  Pam got a cold Diet Coke from somewhere so they must have been selling drinks.  I was looking at the pretty beach and did not pay attention.  You end up hiking back up the same uneven terrain to the boat.  Going back up was easier for me.  Then, of course, you have the boat ride back. Great fun!

Last Thoughts:

I have to say this vacation was almost perfect!  No complaints at all!  We could not go to Great Stirrup Cay due to the weather conditions which was a disappointment, but there is so much to do on the Escape, it certainly was not a lost day.  Cannot compliment the General Manager, Rohinton Mottahed, enough for attentiveness to making this a truly great vacation.  Crew members were always smiling and joking – how I wish they could have removed their masks when we did.  I hope to book another cruise with the NCL Escape!

This happened to me, and I had the same worries.  I tested positive on the 8th day but negative on the 14th day.  Took an antigen test 2 days prior.  Negative.  Negative at Port Canaveral.  I worried right up until I got the last negative test before boarding.  My case was mild as well.  You will be fine.

Wonderful.  Thank you.

Thank you.  Very good tip.  Thank you.

Thank you.  No reservations needed because the ship was not full?

We are sailing soon and wondered if anyone has information on the NCL Escape's shows, especially those that require reservations.  Are the reservation kiosks easy to use?  Any not to  missed shows?  We like all kinds of entertainment.

Thank you very much, everyone.

Thank you very much, everyone.

Oh, that is not good.  Very sorry.

Oh, that is wonderful to know.  Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Hello.  It has been quite a while since I have cruised and never out of Port Canaveral.  If I book air through NCL, do they organize disembarkation to get you to a proper shuttle, or is it chaos?  If I want to book my own transportation, could someone recommend reliable companies?  Will disembark on March 5, 2022.  Thank you.

Oh, thank you so much.  I appreciate that.

How can you tell which balconies are angled on the Breakaway?  I understand angled balconies are a little larger than regular balconies.  Thank you.

You had me laughing and crying at the same time. A marvelously entertaining and witty review. Thanks so much for posting!