Tminish

Oh how I hope you are right! We are trying out NCL for the first time in over 10 years. Sailed mostly with Carnival and Princess. Hoping I fall in love with NCL since Carnivals entertainment has gone to virtually no entertainment.

I also hope that you fall in love with NCL. Keep in mind that everyone is different. What I love and think is better might not be for you. So I am speaking from my experience. I know people who eat, sleep, and breath, Carnival. Simply because most of them have not tried NCL or another line. Maybe if I would've sailed Carnival first my experience would've been a little different. I went on there expecting a NCL type of cruise and that's not what I got. But, I did have a good time with my family and that's all that matters.

I was the exact same way when I went on Carnival a few weeks back. I also found myself comparing everything to NCL. Maybe we are spoiled...idk. But I gave Carnival a try for the ports. Now that the cruise is over, I realized maybe the ports aren't so important anymore. Lol. The next day I came back home I booked the Escape for October 2017.

We tend to get comfortable in the things that we are use to. Do I think Carnival was horrible? Nah. Do I think it could've been better? Of course. Lol. But I'd rather cruise NCL any day. So, here's to the same ports next year that I've done multiple times! At this point I'm adding a new ship to my list!

What is the process to get off the ship? I see someone posted a daily with express times, walk off with luggage etc... starting at 730-930 ish am. Can anyone do this? If so, we would have to clear customs etc... then get to MIA from the port. Would we be at MIA at 1045 at least?

 

D

I just got off of a cruise October 22nd that disembarked in Miami. I can assure you, 12:45 is plenty of time to get to the airport in time. As others have stated you can be there as early as 8:30 which is what we did. Walked off with our luggage at 7:15AM, cleared customs, found a van that had to fill up with people, arrived at MIA, checked in luggage, went through security, and was sitting at our gate around 8:30 or earlier. (I can't remember the exact times) Easiest one yet and I'd definitely book another 12:31PM flight again if it was the cheapest!

Anyone can walk off with luggage if you can do it by yourself. we each had a big piece of luggage and a carry on that we were carrying ourselves.

As the standard balcony size is bigger on the Escape, this means that that section of the balcony is bigger.

 

The angled bit is about the same, from memory, but overall it is larger.

 

This is from having stated in one on the Escape for a few days and having seen one on the Breakaway (not stated in one there).

Thanks for your response.

After a few drinks, size does not matter.

I would have asked about balcony cabins not "Your opinion..."

Well, I do not drink but either way size does not matter. I was just simply asking for others OPINIONS when it came to the size of a certain type of balcony on two different ships.

I'm sorry if you feel like I should have put another description in the subject line. I had no idea it made such a big deal..

Have a great day.

For those that have sailed on both Getaway and Escape in an "angled" balcony, which do you think is bigger? Or are they both about the same?

I sailed Getaway last year in an angled and will be sailing Escape next year in one so I'm just trying to see if there's a big difference if any.

Thanks all!

I stayed in an angled balcony while on the Getaway last year. LOVED it! I'm also booked in an angled balcony next year on the Escape (13252) and I'm sure that I will LOVE it. Lol. If you can snag an angled balcony, get it. You won't be disappointed.

It's called Freestyle for a reason and it's in full blast! =) If you are an outside person and would rather get some sun/enjoy the atmosphere at the pool area I suggest doing that first thing after breakfast. Otherwise the chair you want more than likely won't be available later. I'd much rather lay out in the morning for a few hours than in the afternoon/evening. I have all day to do whatever I want. Then go from there. Enjoy the freestyle ability and do whatever you want. Take advantage of any and everything. =)

Sorry for reviving an old thread but couldn't find anything newer. We just booked a B6 on the Escape and I'm hoping to find out if they already have loungers on them. Do two loungers fit?

 

We had an Aft B1 and loved it, but the B6 was the deal offered us for this cruise. We will be in 9724. Thanks for any information:D

I had a B6 booked on the Getaway 2 years ago. Two different ships but I'd imagine similar in balconies. It had 2 loungers and a table if I recall correctly. The balcony size is GREAT. I loved it! Just make sure you remember that the people above can see you. Lol.

Hi!

I am booked on Escape for October 2017 in cabin #: 13252. From the deck plans this is an "angled" balcony. Have you stayed in this room on the Escape? If so can you please post a picture?

Thanks!

I suggest asking your question on this forum:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131

It is specifically for San Juan, PR!

I hope you find the answer you want.

Wish I could stay in miami that night ship comes in on a Sunday and have to be back at work Monday am. Good idea though. My hopper app says to wait to book BUT since plane is almost full except for additional charge seats. That's why I booked last night and have till 7pm tonight to cancel but leaning towards not taking the chance even though I want to. I could be back at home before the later flight even leaves miami. If this is only problem I am facing right now then I am ok with whatever decision I make.

YOLO...Lol! Just get insurance and if you miss your flight hopefully you can get the later flight back home if there's an open seat available. haha. $400 cheaper I'd have to take the earlier flight. That's half of another cruise. LOL! Just be ready when they open the gangway, find a cab as soon as you walk outside, and check in with Delta with the folks on the outside of the airport. The inside tends to be a little longer lines. I think you will be fine.

I'll leave my forum and let FMBW take over. Considering she's answered all of your questions!

Thanks everyone.

I just got off of the Glory Saturday with a 12:31 flight...I was so scared when I booked it. BUT, we did self assist and was off the ship by 7:30 and to the airport by 7:45 and at our terminal by 8AM. (We flew Delta) I personally think you can make it, but I would be scared to try it. Lol. As stated before, the first mess up you're flight is gone without you.

Have you tried to see what Delta has available?

Were you asked to pick a time for service from the room steward? I was not asked to pick a time. He came in the mornings, and in the evenings. Sometimes not even seeing him. I wondered how he did it or knew I was out of my room! LOL!

 

was the ocean warm, could you walk right in? (I have only done summery months, never this time of year, I leave Saturday) The ocean was perfect! I have personally never done a summer cruise. Only October/November for me. You will not be disappointed! Great time of the year to also sleep with your balcony door open if you have one as your cabin!

 

if you decorated your door, did they make you take the decorations down due to the new flame retardant guidelines? (I love decorating inspite of previous door decoration thefts) I actually did decorate my door! I was not told to take them down but I have heard that it ends October 31st. I actually heard someone while looking at my door say that I should not have decorated it.(I was inside my cabin) People can be so negative. I love the idea when it's done right. But a few bad people that don't obey the rules make it bad for the ones who do.

 

thank so much for your time! You are so very welcome! I hope that you go and enjoy your vacation.

Good morning, Woodfaerie! Please see my answers in red!

Welcome back TMINISH

How was the condition of the ship?

I will be in her in a little over a month and I cant wait.

Thanks!

The condition was good. We had a lot of rain so I did see a few places that were holding buckets of water from the rain due to a few leaks I'm assuming. Other than that the condition was good.

I did! I saw KSM quite a few times and hung out with them. She said she was constantly running into you, it just wasn't when we were together. But I was looking for you! Some of those notes were funny. Especially the "You steal chips" one. LOL.

I have no idea who put that one on there! It was funny! Lots of them were! It was always enjoyable to come back and read the new ones! Yes, KSM and I were always running into each other! It was so crazy! She is a sweetheart!

I tried to find you everywhere but couldn't. Did you see my sticky note?

I did see it! Thanks for stopping by! I hate I wasn't at "home" Lol! I am sure we probably passed each other at some point. I hope that you had a great time!

Just returned from the Carnival Glory.

If you have any questions let me know!

Per John Heald,

It is $500 per cabin not per passenger. But, you can do $500 for Cruise cash, $500 for Cruise Cash Bar, and $500 for Cruise Cash Photo. Just no more than the $500 for each. If that makes sense. Not sure why they would do that when there's usually more than one person in a cabin. Anywhooooo thought you folks would like to know.

It is per account. As long as your accounts aren't linked, you should each be able to purchase $500.

 

Don't forget that it is use it or lose it!

Thanks for your reply. By linked what are you referring to? We all have 3 different credit card numbers on file but we are in the same room.

And I understand it's use it or lose it. =) I think going through $275 shouldn't be a problem.

was it the same one I posted 2 days ago?

Fairly similar!

I take advantage of purchasing the "Cruise Cash" ahead and I understand that it's $500 max. but is that per person, or for all passengers combined? I'm asking because I have put $275 on my account, my mom has put $200 on hers, but we still have another passenger that will be in our room that is suppose to be putting money on his also.

Thanks in advanced.

Thanks everyone. I ended up calling Carnival and they emailed it to me!

A little off subject here, but does anyone know if you still have to present the health form like we did back during the Ebola scare?

It will be with the documents you print for your boarding pass, luggage tags, etc. You can fill it out and take it with you.