Langham1865

Thank you for the review. I love the Escape, probably my favorite ship in the NCL fleet. And I've sailed with Kivanc a few times and he is a wonderful officer!

Wow... back to topic.... Although my last cruise was December 2021 on Breakaway and totally what you asked... the lobster roll served on Getaway & Breakaway Ocean Blue take out window was pretty good... and I'm a New Englander, so high bar. Caveats are I don't know if they modified the window recently and it has only been open on sea days from 12 noon - 2 pm, or something very similar (maybe 11-1)...

I agree with the people who say get there as early as you can and go right to headliners to make dining reservations. There are plenty of places indoors to sit and rest and relax. if you want to be outside and are worried about the sun, there are plenty of shady places to sit outside on deck 8. Keep in ming 1/2 of deck 8 may be closed for bunkering.

I'm a get to the pier early person... May as well get the most out of the time on board!! 9:30 am, even if I have to wait a bit to board, I like to enjoy as much time as I can on the ship, which is what we pay for!

My parents were on Holland America and I think they are no longer doping a PM servicing of rooms and are up to 33 rooms!!!!!

Fun show! Just don't say it 3 times!

Well... aside from booking something not booked. Aside from the longer you wait to start the drive, there could be something along the drive to delay you. The reason I would get onboard, is I personally would rather nap on a deck chair on the ship then sleep late in a hotel room. Personal preference there though. Or on your balcony when the room is ready, IF you have a balcony.

I liked Blue Man Group and Jersey Boys as well. I liked Six last year on the Breakaway and Million Dollar Quartet, whenever it was I saw that. Kinky Boots was entertaining. Haven't seen Choir of Man, but heard great things. Rock of Ages was entertaining too.

Having been in the Studio cabins on both ships, I'd say I like them both. Although the lounge is smaller on Getaway, it has all the same amenities, including a bar. On deck 8, the Waterfront (promenade deck), there is plenty of seating in the shade, including comfy padded sofas. I usually with get the drink package or dining package. But I think this is a personal choice. If you do not drink much, if at all, the drink package isn't worth it. If you think you will be doing a lot of NCL excursions, they excursion credit may be worth it to you. If you're going to be online a lot (I personally like to disconnect and can usually find free WIFI in the ports), you get my drift.... I personally love the specialty restaurants, so I think they are worth it.

Norway 1X Dreamward 1X Dawn 1X Epic 4X Breakaway 3X Getaway 3X Escape 4X Sky 1X

never really been into mixed drinks or fancy cocktails... usually a Sam Adams Boston lager, Gin (Hendricks) and tonic or Ron Zacapa 23 neat (occasionally ice on the side).

You are not credited with night until after your cruise, so your status doesn't change until after the cruise, not during.

at these prices, I was willing to take the risk and buy enough stock to sell some at a gain for the total amount of shares I bought, and keep the 100 shares for the OBC if/when the price gets to an amount I think will be worth it. Granted, it may be a while for the price to go up that much, if it ever does.

Agreed... that is a big disappointment!!!!

Since the Itinerary isn't a difference maker, I usually look at price and which port they leave from (if different I look at ease and cost of getting to the port). On a purely ship comparison basis, I personally take Escape. Though not a deal breaker, I like Moderno (on Escape) to having a Mexican restaurant (Los Lobos on Encore). To me the Observation Lounge (on Encore not Escape)is something I wouldn't use on a Caribbean cruise. What makes a difference to my personal cruise experience between the 2 ships is I normally really enjoy Howl at the Moon (dueling piano bar) that is on Escape and not Encore. So all else being equal, that is my 2 cents as to which to choose....

I will say I have only sailed on HAL once, but I had the best grilled cheese that I've had at sea when I went. I also liked the burger at the Dive in!

you might want to check out this "live review" for up to date info... the poster seems pretty good at replying to questions too!!!

I guess we are dating ourselves... ditto... my first cruise in the 1980's

I would say: 1) Specialty dining 2)Spa treatments... massages for me 3)Gift shop items (I collect ship fridge magnets) 4) for fee games, mostly bingo and Deal or no Deal

So here are my thoughts. I have been on both ships. As a ship, I like the Breakaway better and usually I say go for the better deal. But if you have never been to the ABC's or Southern Caribbean and can fit it in your budget, go for it. I did that same Epic Southern Caribbean cruise as my last one prior to the pandemic and loved it. I say, as others have, I would base your decision on the itinerary and go for the ABC's.