TenForward

Love this...great writing!  Was first on the Escape in 2016 - she's my favorite ship so far.  Having been an event manager for large, high-end events, I can certainly identify with being the planner of the family 😄  They tease me (but secretly love, I think) my spreadsheet.  Used for informational purposes only - we're on vacation after all! 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review.

Luggage tags, non-surge protector power strip, seasick wristlets, Tide stain stick, bug spray, sunscreen, sticky notes and pen for notes to steward, highlighter for Dailies, if it's a female maybe a wallet on sting - great for off board activities. Oh and ear plugs. I've only ever needed once but they were a life (sleep) saver!

3 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

And those hot dogs looked very sad! Kudos to you for making it in the Atrium. We walked through around 11:45 and walked (as quickly as we could - as in, very slowly) out to the aft portion of the ship. Far too much for us! We made it to our room and were resting our eyeballs by midnight. 

 

For those that want a party - tons of parties on New Year's Eve!! We did enjoy the late night comedy show that evening - it ended around 11:30 which is why we found ourselves in the very crowded atrium at 11:45. 

lol, they did look sad.  We passed.  We were only in the Atrium about 15 - 20 minutes  -- just long enough to watch the ball drop and ring in the New Year.  It was crazy...people dancing on tables, having fun.  Things seemed to quiet down pretty quickly after midnight. 

18 hours ago, con3 said:

Does anyone know what parties they have on the Escape. Wondering if there are any theme parties like a white party etc. Also wondering if anyone has sailed NCL over New years eve and if so do they have a big party?

Wondering if the Premium plus beverage package covers wine at the cellar wine bar and if so is it limited to certain wines and just by the glass. Thanks for any info!

We sailed on the Getaway last NYE. There were gatherings of revelers everywhere but the main event was in the atrium.  It wasn't quite as organized as I would have thought but there were party hats and noise makers. They had Times Square on the big screen.  I can't remember if they passed champagne as our friend bought a bottle of Dom which we were drinking.  At some point we were hanging across from the Martini bar where there was a bit of elbow room but we could still be a part of it all.  Christmas decorations still up made for festive atmosphere.

I was disappointed in the late night snacks. O'Sheehan's was the only place to find food and it was preset with hot dogs...not quite what we were looking for at that hour. 

On 12/1/2023 at 1:17 PM, wil e coyote said:

@Topdog52 are you on the 2/16 sailing? Here is what I see for the 2/16 itinerary:

 

On 12/1/2023 at 1:49 PM, Topdog52 said:

No I am on the 12/6 sailing.

 

I'm on an April sailing of this itinerary.  Hope to hear about your experiences!

We like to go to Spice H2O. We can get views from three angles and a drink from the bar. Music is playing but not too loud. 

1 hour ago, Palmetto Pilot said:

How long to they typically stay up? Will we see them on a NYE cruise?

Yes. We did NYE last year on the Getaway and they were still up.

17 hours ago, PATRLR said:

But not all ships have Spice H20.

But he was on the Joy, which does.  

2 hours ago, smellywax said:

It would be nice if they had an adult only area that you didn’t have to pay for which is what I am saying. 

They do. Spice H2O.  Adults only until 7pm.  Dedicated bar and water feature and/or hot tubs.  It can get crowded but definitely better than the pool area.  We find it relaxing enough if we aren't in Vibe.

On the contrary. My 2 post COVID cruises there was none of this and passengers were actually lined up waving to each other on passing ships.  

10 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

 

Stop trying to compare a big fat Escape to a sleek, beautiful Prima. 

 

Fat shaming, lol

We did this a few years back on the Breakaway. $20 included 3 glasses of ice wine (too sweet for me and I like sweet!).  We had metallic looking capes lined with back "fur" and black mittens to keep warm. Only our party of 8 inside. We had a blast taking photos and even went sans capes - just our shorts, sandals and tees. Made a contest out of it to see who would last.  2 ladies bailed early. DH was impressed I made it to the end! Lots of laughs and pics but definitely a "one and done" for us.

23 hours ago, paddy1112 said:

Hi, our panama canal cruise for March 2025 just appeared in the app.

It stated that vibe can be booked end of November 2024. This would be just around 120 days before the cruise.

Other here stated here that they were able to book vibe 266 days before their cruise?
Is that normal that there is such a big difference in time of booking between itineraries?

 

I purchased 266 days out. Try the website vs. the app.

I've only ever cruised NCL: Escape twice, Breakaway, Getaway, Joy and another upcoming on Getaway.  One of my very favorite things is the Waterfront and it's actually why I chose Norwegian in the first place. 

Following. Great pictures and info.  This trip is on our short list. 2024 or '25.   Thanks for posting.

Simply. Stunning. Photos. 

2 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Hopefully Getaway will still have Broadway Unplugged, done by the same crew that perform Million Dollar Quartet. It's a really great hourlong performance in the Illusionarium. 

 

Second instance of no hash browns I've seen. I really hope y'all are wrong as I don't care for the home fry type potatoes. Oh well, less carbs. That's good for this diabetic! 

I think we were on the same NYE Getaway cruise and I just loved Broadway Unplugged. Literally moved to tears by her version of "Momma Mia".   We are booked next April - hoping it will still be around. 

NCL website says refurbished in 2021:   https://www.ncl.com/cruise-ship/Pearl?cid=PS_DIG_NA_BRP_GOO_NA_NA_NA_NA_NA_NAM&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3c7DudfDgAMVlkdHAR1viAulEAAYASAAEgLcB_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

48 minutes ago, Beer Belly said:

Was on the Escape in 2018....don't recall any Syds, did enjoy District Brewhouse

I believe Syds is post Margaritaville.  In 2018 it would have been the 5 O'clock Somewhere bar.  I was on the Escape in 2016 (first cruise ever) and again in 2017.  Still my favorite ship. 

14 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

It's relatively new if you last cruised NCL more than a year ago. I don't remember the exact date that it went into effect. Maybe it was summer 2022?

We cruised over NYE this past year so we did miss out on that one.  Will definitely keep in mind for the next.  Thanks!

On 6/12/2023 at 10:51 PM, tartist said:

With having the cabana booked, did you receive tender tickets or did you still have to get them the same as everyone else? Have tried twice to go to GSC & been unsuccessful. Have a cabana booked for the next time so 🤞

 

sounds like you did have servers for drinks. Were you able to order food as well from them? 

We got priority tender with our cabana purchase. I can't recall with the food but I think they did bring it for us... We were very close to 2 eateries so no problem to get for ourselves anyway.  

1 hour ago, JeanKC said:

As Bird says, there's no corkage if you have a beverage package. Think it's $15 corkage if you don't have a beverage package. 

Is this new or has it always been? Can't believe I missed this on prior cruises! 😣

Just yesterday I booked our Vibe passes online at 266 days out!

Husband and I often walk the 'inside' hall along the cabins to get where we're going and avoid the central hall where all the crowds are.  Note that the fish in the carpet always swim forward.  

On 12/10/2021 at 7:22 AM, ggTexasGal said:

I'm hoping that somebody either starts a new post about GSC cabanas and Silver Cove Villas, or adds recent Cabana info here.

We went in early January.   Loved having a cabana.  Small cabana fit 6 of us comfortably.  Came with towels & water, 4 floating mats and there's an open shower around back to rinse off.  Mini fridge, ceiling fan and an outlet so you can charge devices.  Servers brought drinks and were very attentive (we took good care of them).  They bring you to the cabana beach area in a 8 (or was it 10?) seater golf cart.   There's a few shops to buy local wears in walking distance.   At the island entrance near the cabana check-in there was a Starbuck's stand with cold brew coffee only.