cruising7

We were there last week on the Escape and it was packed! They did give 4 wristbands but it was NOT enforced at all. We ordered food and drinks there all day and there were 9 of us coming and going and more than 4 there at a time and it was not an issue.

See my post in the Belize board if you want for more of our day at Harvest Cay and thoughts.

We were in Haven 17712.

I am pretty sure the case is way back in one of the deep cubbies in the master bathroom. Thanks for offering to check into it. I'll be glad to pay the ship to send it back.

I returned from a cruise on the Escape yesterday and realized that I left my glasses in a little cubby in Haven suite bathroom. I don't have an email for the concierge or anyone on board. Does anyone have a suggestion for whom to call or should I just call the main NCL number tomorrow and hope that I can get someone to route Me to someone Onboard? Do you think they'd mail them to me? They are my prescription Eyeglasses. 😢

We just finished an amazing cruise on NCL Escape and I thought I'd share some thoughts on HC. I don't just want to bash the place so I'll share some helpful advice along with criticisms. If you do the zipline do NOT book later than 1:30. We booked through the ship (of course) and they gave us 3:00 reservation for our kids. All day we saw people zip across the ocean on the "superman" and the kids were so excited. When they went to do it they had to wait a long time even though they showed up 10 minutes before their time. They had a long instruction tour and then they made them do the smaller zips first which had long lines. When they got to the long last one, they were told they probably wouldn't get back to the ship in time if they did it so they didn't recommend doing it. What?! It's NCL port - the only reason anyone was there was n/c they were on that ship! So the kids missed out on the coolest part. We shared this back on board and got a credit but the kids were super bummed and I was too.

In general...I didn't have high hopes for HC really...and it was about what I expected. Belize is one of our favorite places in the western itinerary for the variety of things to explore and do, so we were very disappointed in this new port with so few options. Nevertheless we decided to get off the ship and explore and try to enjoy. The pool was gorgeous and cool and the water was clean. Everything was ridiculously priced though and nobody cleaned up cups around pool area until the end of the day so there were lots of unfinished drinks laying around and LOTS of ants around the pool and in the pool cabana that my MIL paid $200 to rent for shade and chairs. Ridiculous expense. She wanted shade and a common landing spot for us all...but the cost was absurd. My kids ate at the restaurant. $2.00 per soda (no refills) $15.00 for a burger and $8 for onion rings. Each of my boys lunch was $25 with tax and tip. And It was SO hot - no breeze and lots of bugs. I went in the water briefly but got stung by something (jellyfish?) not NCL's fault 😂

I really was looking for good things to say about this port but I have to say it's tough. I wish we had stayed on the boat and will definitely NOT book another crusie that stops here.

My advice is to get off and take a nice long swim and then get back on the ship. We wasted a bunch of money and time thinking we'd have a nice pool/beach day. Not what we got. Live and learn!

Thanks for the suggestions. It needs to work for android phones so we will try What's App!

I've read Skype and Facebook have been blocked/throttled by some crusielines. We have a wifi plan on ship of 250 minutes/ 1 gb but I have no idea how far that will go (1 gb could go,fast) so hoping to play around and see if I can figure that out how to make that last.

OK so first please just reply if you have advice....no rude comments about "just unplugging" :p

For a variety of reasons a few family members need to communicate with people at home briefly once a day with something instant....not email. We don't mind don't paying....just trying to determine the best messaging or talking app that won't use up all the Internet package that we purchase. Can anyone make a suggestion based off personal experience?

We are on NCL if it makes a difference....thanks! Sailing Saturday and want to figure this out so everyone knows what they can do and when and not be trying to figure it out on board.

Can't wait to hear more....we board the day you disembark....don't clean out District!

I want to book the zip line on harvest cay for my kids....but it's making me pay now. I have never had to pay for excursions booked through NCL until the end of the cruise. Have they changed their Policy? Even last summer we booked cave tubing through NCL and didn't have to pay until the end of the cruise. Is there a way around this? Pay day happens while we are on the cruise so trying to hold off on paying for expenses until end of cruise:(!

Is the cost the same pre-sailing and if purchased onboard?

My MIL booked one to be near the pool since that's where our kids will be. It says it's for 4 guests...pictures I've seen show seating for at least 6...does anyone know if they enforce this all day or at all? There are 10 in our family...almost all of us will only use it to come chat with her some. That's why she booked it. Just wondering if and how they monitor this so we don't get there and get upset the kids can't come talk to her without a wrist band or something crazy like that! It's ridiculous what they charge in the first place for some chairs and shade by the pool at the port they built!

Ok it's absurd how many posts there are on the drink package I know....but I still get confused every time I read one and worry something has changed. We have it on our booking as a "free" perk. We sail in 2 weeks. I think my MIL booked this at the end of last year. We had it last summer and did not have to pay 18% or any gratuity (except of course if we wanted to for exceptional service or whatever) that hasn't changed to having to pay a per drink 18 % has it?! Would make a considerable difference to our budget.

Hoping someone can comment since we have one in 2 weeks. There are actually 9 of us but likely to only be 3 in it at a time....with what they charge it seems absurd to police and allow only 4 to sit there at once. My mother in law wants it for shade and to be close to the grandkids who will be in the pool. They appear to have seating for 6. I'm sort of annoyed at the whole issue of Harvest Cay and so few options in Belize now, and I know many others are too...hoping to at least enjoy a day by the pool without being more annoyed.

I came across your review this morning...we sail the Escape in 3 weeks so this was such a fun Saturday morning read for me! A few questions...

1- behind the scenes tour - we are platinum level...how do we find out when it's offered and book this? My 12 year old son will LOVE this!

2- district brewhouse....is there any outdoor seating? We are SO excited to finally get to drink good beer on a cruise for the first time! But don't want to spend too much time Indoors!

3- maybe I missed it....Escape room? Did you do it and was it easy to book and would you suggest it? My 12, 14, and 16 year Olds are very excited so I'm hope they aren't disappointed. We've never done one anywhere so at least nothing to compare it to!

Thanks!

So I just got back from my cruise, and wanted to post some follow-up info. Based on the fact that the trip advisor reviews were still consistently good, I decided to go back to Nohoch Kay. If I had never been there before I probably would have enjoyed it more, but as it was I was disappointed. The service was still excellent (Betty greeted us with enthusiasm on our arrival, and Miguel took great care of us all day). However, their old policy of not allowing vendors on their stretch of beach is no longer in place, and I don't enjoy having to turn people down every twenty minutes or so. There was a ton of seagrass, and they did have workers who were removing it, but at a truly glacial pace. Basically they cleared about an eight foot stretch of beachfront in the four hours I was there. The food and drinks were still very good, and they still offer kayaks and such included with your AI rate, but next time I visit Costa Maya I will be trying a different place. I never did meet the new owner. I read beforehand that his name was Junior, but if he was there that day. he did not bother to introduce himself. Anyway, just wanted to provide some feedback for anyone else who might be looking for current info.

Can you comment on the food and loungers etc..? Anything esle in particular you loved or didnt?We were there last year, and are going back in a few weeks. We loved the food...options for kids and vegetarians. Some of their beach chairs seemed pretty old though then...my BIL had a chair collapse which was humorous but could have been dangerous for my MIL! Thanks! Just making sure of our choice to return.

Last year we went to Nohoch Kay. We had our own gear so we snorkeled a bit off the beach there....it wasn't amazing, but we had amazing in Roatan as far as snorkeling goes! There was a nice variety of colorful fish for sure. We loved it there in general. It was an easy taxi ride, and quiet....only a couple of other families. They had kayaks that my boys enjoyed. The food was so good...fish tacos as well as chicken and guacomole that was amazing and the Mexican beer was always cold and replenished as needed! Everyone that worked there was super nice and happy.

We went to Mr Sancho's 3 years ago and it was one of the most fun beach days we've had cruising. From what I've read it's not changed since then so we have made reservations for our next cruise in June! I wouldn't say it's a luxury resort..just depends on your expectations.

What we loved:

1. Mango margaritas with chilli pepper rimmer!!! Hands down adult best beverage I've ever had!

2. The food...beans and rice and chips and guacamole were amazing.

3. The pool...both for the kids, and us. Small, but sufficient even on a crowded day.

4. The swings in the water at the swim up pool bar.

5. The nice people set up in the market they were kind and not pushy and offered a nice variety of souveniers. My son bought a Sombrero that was authentic and has held up for wearing every hat day at school the last 3 years :')

6. Kids loved blow up floating water things. I liked that there were guys in kayaks watching kids swimming out to them

7. Warm ocean water..this should be number one! Except the mango margaritas do have to be #1!

If anyone has been recently and can comment on whether or not this is all still accurate...please do! And let me know if you go and enjoy! We went to Playa Mia one year too..but like Mr Sanchos better, for pool, food, and overall feel.

Have done both multiple times, personally I think the food is better at Sanchos but I like the more laid back atmosphere at Nachi the past couple trips. They offer pretty much the same thing, Sanchos just holds a lot more people. You will be happy with either, if the water toys are of interest then go to Sanchos, if you want to eat a ton go to Sanchos (Nachi gives you plenty of food but it is not all you can eat). If you want a quieter beach break go to Nachi. Nachi does not allow topless sunbathing and we have seen it at Sanchos (not a lot by any means) so if that matters one way or another there you go.

 

I think the best advice is try one this trip, then try the other next trip.

OK just wondering if others have seen topless sunbathing at Mr Sanchos? We were there a few years ago and remember it being fun for all but family friendly too....don't judge me for asking...not setting off any conversations...but asking bc I have 3 boys age 16, 14, and 12....and we are traveling with grandma. That would be awkward. Just asking. I mean someone laying in the sun topless on the beach would be one thing...but walking around and in the pool area topless etc is another. Just wanting to know....

I am on the NCL site looking at the soda package cost for my teens and notice it says "limited availability". Why would it say this? Does the option to pay before cruise go away at some point? And does the cost go up if you wait to purchase until on board?

Thanks! Looking to wait and pay for as much on board as possible...but definitely will prepay anything that is cheaper that way....like tips since there was an increase.

One year I waited too long, and logged on to pre-pay and the option was gone. Is there a set number of days before the cruise that option disappears? With the increase, our family of 5 staying in Haven, will pay about $50 more if we wait, which isnt a huge difference but every lit bit coubts! I'm not ready to pay the full $600ish just yet though.

Thanks if anyone knows how close to cruise date I can wait!

Thanks - I didn't realize we were the only ship in roatan that day! That's going to limit our chances. I did post on our roll call a while back, with no luck so far. But many don't start figuring out what they want to do until closer to sailing so maybe we will get lucky.

Planning to do the island snorkel catamaran tour. It's my husband and I and 3 boys age 16, 14, and 12. Adults price is 16 and older and we need 3 more adults to book a trip. Let me know or go here to book! We are on NCL Escape but they will combine tours for any cruise ship.

http://www.svfreeradical.com/adventures.html

Jenjer is exactly right. It's a double in bedroom. My 12 and 10 year old shared it no problem and 14 year old slept in fold down from ceiling bed above them. Daughter on sofa bed. This cabin type sleeps 6 comfortably! Not all sleep 6 I guess if it sleeps 5 there's no ceiling bed.

1. Yes

2. Yes - due to health issues for hubby and kids

Seems everyone would be happy on an all smokers or all nonsmokers cruise! Logistically I do think see that happening...but it's a hypothetical question right? If smoking was banned on cruising wonder how many would pay more for a smoking cruise?

Margarita vile is open for haven guests only on embarkation day

 

 

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Really? And haven guests still have to pay right? Unless you have the dining package and want to use it for lunch first day? No way!

I'm wondering about the upper pool area deck and food options on the Escape. Is Margaritaville open all day, and is everything a surcharge there? We sailed on Getaway last year and they have Flamingo Bar and Grill which was a great place to grab a beer and snack, or coffee and pastries in the morning, without fighting the buffet madness. I am afraid Escape isn't going to have an option for that.