NCL Escape November 11-18 Detailed Review/Trip Report

Background Info: My girlfriend and I were on the November 11-18 Western Caribbean 7Day sailing of the Norwegian Escape out of Miami. We are in our early fifties and are seasoned cruiserswith over 20 cruises between us. Thiswas our 2nd cruise on the Escape. Other NCL ships include Sun, Pearl, andDawn. We have also sailed on Carnivaland Royal Caribbean.

The itinerary included twosea days (Sunday and Thursday) and four ports of call: Falmouth, Jamaica (Monday), Grand Cayman(Tuesday), Costa Maya (Wednesday) and Nassau (Friday). We wereoriginally scheduled to stop at Great Stirrup Caye on Friday but the itinerarywas changed to Nassau on Thursday due to high winds/swells.

Pre-Cruise: We flew into Fort Lauderdale Friday afternoon arriving around1:00 p.m. We flew in a day early to extend our vacation a little bit and arrive at the port early on Saturday to increaseour chances of getting Vibe passes (more on that later).

We used SAS Transportation to take us to the Langford Hotel in Downtown Miami. Cost was $15 per person plus tip. I called the number they gave me as soon as I secured our luggage and were on our way within20 minutes. The ride trip took about 40 minutes. I have used SAS Transportationbefore with no issues. However, this time was different. Our driver on theway to Miami pontificated on his political beliefs the entire ride even afterbeing met with stone silence. Then, he dropped us off a block from our hotel because it was located on a one-waystreet and it would have taken him an additional 15 minutes to go around and drop us off at the hotel. We were so eager to get away from this annoying person we gladly hauled our luggage downthe block. More on SAS Transportation later.

The Langford Hotel is an old hotel that has been completely refurbished and is rated 4 stars. The room was clean and the bed was super comfortable. Located in a vibrant downtown area with plenty of dining options as well as a nearby CVS to pick up last minute needs (sunscreen, snacks, etc.…). One interesting room feature is the door separating the bathroom from the living area is mostly frosted glass so there is a bit of a lack of privacy. TheLangford has a cool roof top bar that is perfect for enjoying pre-cruise cocktails. It also includes a breakfast bar that was good. The price of the hotel worked for me ($131 on a discount website including all taxes). A great hotel at a great price.

Embarkation: The Quest for VibePasses begins!

We caught a cab to the port about 9:00 am. It was only a 10-15 minute ride and cost $20 including tip.

We arrived at the port, gave our bags to the porter and walked into Terminal B at exactly 9:30 am. Security did not open until 10:15 am so we had to stand in line. At this point, therewere about 50 people ahead of us. Afterclearing security, we grabbed a couple health forms and filled them out in the check-in line. So far, so good.

We headed up the escalators to get a Boarding Group Number (figured we needed Group 1 or 2 to have a shot at Vibe passes). There were about 30 people in the waiting area when we arrived. One problem, there was no NCL personnel handing out Boarding Group Numbers. The Rep showed up about 10 minutes later and was mobbed. I received a Group 1 pass but there was a lot of grumbling by early arriving folks that got Group 2. He stated that his solution was to allow Groups 1 and 2 to board at the same time.

We decided to station ourselves near the door manned by NCL personnel leading to the gangway. So, after the Haven and Platinum guests boarded, Group 1 was allowed in about 11:00am. We hustled through the gangway and boarded on Deck 7. We knocked over an old lady with a walker and she may have broken her hip but we were on a quest.... just kidding. Vibe passes are handed out at Headliners which is on Deck 6. Having sailed on the Escape last year we were familiar with the ship layout so we immediately darted down one flight of stairs and headed straight to Headliners.

We walked in and were given acard entitling us to Vibe passes. SCORE!!!! We were #s 26 and 27. The line formed quickly and last # to get a Vibe pass was #66. They were sold out by Noon.

Now, it was off to the Vibe on Deck 19!

The Vibe Experience: It was fantastic!! We made several friends we spent time with throughout the cruise. It is a private area in which access is gained via swiping a separate card. You also have wristbands but we never wore them after the 1st day as the bartenders knew you by name. Highlights include:

• Private bar and bartenders (Bongand Curly take good care of the group).
  
• Comfortable loungers that arewide and cushioned
  
• Private hot tub
  
• Private bathrooms
  
• Peace and quiet……no thumping,loud music and no silly pool games.
  
• Misting area
  
• Even though only 80 passes are sold – it seemed like we saw the same 20-25 people using the Vibe
  
• NCL Beach towels are available so no need to bring yours from the cabin
  
• Bartenders pass out coldtowels and delicious fruit on a stick.
  
• $99 per person
  
• It can be windy at times so hold onto your hat and drinks
   
  It truly was worth every penny and extra effort to obtain the passes. I can’t imagine sailing without them. Treat yourself………you’ll be glad you did.
  
  Cabin: We stayed in cabin 11431 which is an inside forward cabin. We chose an inside for two reasons:
   
  1)We don’t spend much time in our cabin
  2)Inside cabins are so dark that we sleep very soundly.
  
  

The 11th deck met our main requirement of being sandwiched between two other decks that are exclusively cabins to help minimize any noise disruption. The bed was adequate and the bathroom functional. We brought an over the door shoe rack so the bathroom counter was free of clutter.

The air conditioning worked great. Closet/drawer space is limited but was not an issue as we pack lightly. Even so, we utilized every shelf available.

Dining

Dinner was primarily at the main dining restaurants Taste and Savor. The food was good at both but the service was much quicker in Taste. We were in andout of Taste in about an hour both times we dined there. Savor....not so much. One night we dined in Savor with a couple we met on the cruise and it took over 2 hours to get through dinner. We waited almost 30 minutes for coffee and desert to arrive. Below are some of the hits and misses from our experiences at Taste and Savor:

Hits

Slider on a potato bun w/siracha cabbage slaw appetizer. Had it every dinner.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Boston Creme Pie

SirloinSteak Diane with mushroom sauce

Broiled Corvina

Basil Chicken

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Misses

Country Fried Chicken (coating was bland)

Deserts in general (exceptthe Boston Creme Pie)

Slow service in Savor

Garden Café – This is an efficient buffet with good variety. There were different stations that allowed the lines to move freely. The food ranged from bad to very good.

Breakfast included: scrambledeggs, eggs benedict, oatmeal, meats and cheeses, cold cereal, fruit, hash brown potato cakes (my personal favorite) and more. There also are stations where you can get omelets and fried eggs cooked to order. The line can get long so be patient.

Lunch included premade sandwiches, lasagna, pizza (bad), burger bar, chicken tenders w/honey mustard sauce (very good), mac and cheese, salad bar, fish sticks, Asian station and much more. Something for everyone.

We did not have dinner at the Garden Café but in past cruises it was like lunch. It can be crowded at peak times but we were always able to find a seat.

Cagney’s Steakhouse – This was the only specialty restaurant we dined at and it was fabulous. We did not have the dining package so we paid ala carte. The steaks were cooked perfectly and the sides are delicious. The lobster bisque was amazing. I could have eaten a bucket of the stuff. The sides are only $2 apieceso load up. We paid $60 for a meal that easily would have cost triple at home.

O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill – We ate there a few times including a late night stop at 2:00 am with a drunken party of 10 people. The food was hit and miss. My burger at 2:00 am was harder than a hockey puck but another time the Chicago Style hot dog was terrific. The wings are very good as well.

Room Service – We used it one time to have coffee and pastries delivered to our stateroom. There is no charge unless you are having a hot meal delivered (i.e., eggs, sandwiches). Don’t forget to tip the delivery person. I seem toremember they used to call and let you know they were on their way, but not this time. We were dead asleep when weheard a knock on the door. So, remember to set your alarm.

Entertainment

Cruise Director: Tyler Gray was the CD for our sailing. In my opinion, a poor Cruise Director will not negatively affect my cruise experience but a good one can enhance it. Tyler is the latter. A super talented guy with lots of energy and a good sense of humor. He was extremely visible. He even sat in with the Howl at the Moon guys and played drums for several songs. But he was at his best at the 80’s Party. He whipped the crowd into a frenzy and it was a blast! He also had a bit role in For the Record: The Brat Pack production show. Rumor is he is headed to Bliss when it is ready to sail. The only CD I would rank ahead of him is Matt Baker (no longer a CD). Some of you longtime NCL fans may remember him.

Comedians: There were two stand-up comedians on the ship Aaron Kleiber and Frank Townsend. They did a variety of shows:

• 7:00 pm Family Friendly
  
• 9:00 pm PG-13
  
• 11:00 pm 18+
  

Aaron Kleiber was good and Frank Townsend was great. Both comedians were funny without doing any political humor which was so refreshing. I would recommend their shows.

All but one comedy show is at Headliners and cannot be booked until you are onboard. You need to do this as soon as you board as the tickets go quickly. If you do not get tickets, then you can get in the standby line. I would recommend getting in the stand by line 25 minutes before the show to ensure you getting a seat. We did this and had no problem getting in to any show.

The one exception is the 18+comedy show featuring both comedians. It is held in the Escape Theatre. No worries about arriving early or reserving tickets as plenty of seats are availables ince it is an 11:00 pm show.

Production Shows There were two production shows:

After Midnight - This is a jazz show based on the old Harlem Cotton Club era (think Duke Ellington). The show featured excellent singing and dancing featuring 18 performers. Shows are on Sunday and Monday at 7:30 and10:00.

For the Record: The Brat Pack –This is a show featuring 80’s music from many movies of the same era (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller). There are adult themes, raw language and sexually suggestive scenes so it is not appropriate for children. Shows are on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 and 10:00.

You can make reservation before you board but they are not necessary. Plenty of seats available at both shows.

Miscellaneous Entertainment:

Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos is a rocking good time. Great music and fun banter between the performers and crowd. I like how they played a good mix of crowd favorites like Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock and Rolland Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline but also deeper non-traditional dueling piano cuts like Creep by Radiohead and Basket Case by Green Day. The crowd makes the difference so feel free to sing along. It is in Headliners and fills up quickly when doors open (8:30 pm generally) but seats become available as people filter in and out. I’d recommend showing up around 10:00 pm as seats are available and the crowd is good and lubed up by then.

Groove Addiction – A house band that plays in various locations (Atrium, SkylineBar). They played dance hits and R&B music.

Scotty Cavanaugh Comedy Juggler – We did not see his show but heard good things about it.

Mersey Boys - Male quartet that performed songs from various artists and genres such as The Four Season, The Beatles, Elvis Costello and Motown. Unfortunately, they were departing the Escape after our cruise.

There were tons of other entertainment options so there is something for everyone. To me this is what separates NCL from the other cruise lines we have been on. The entertainment is much better than Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Fitness Center

The fitness center is not large but does have a good variety of equipment. In terms of cardio equipment there are treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes and rowing machines. I only used the treadmills and they were disappointing. There was a lot of drag on the belt and I could not get my wireless headphones to work on any ofthem. The Bluetooth would connect but no sound.

There were both free weights and machines. Most cruise ship gym onlyhave dumb bells but there was a Smith machine that you could use for barbell lifting. It is extremely warm in the fitness center with little air movement. A nice touch is the cold towels. There is no charge to use the fitness center. However, if you want to use the sauna/steam room/showers you must purchase the spa pass.

Ports of Call

Falmouth Jamaica – The interesting excursions for this port required at least a 45-minute drive so we opted to walk around the port shopping area. The port shopping area is very nice. There are a variety of shops carrying the usual tourist stuff. I purchased a shotglass ($1) for my collection and a Hawaiian type shirt ($15). GF purchased a Falmouth tchotchke as well. We did venture outside the port area for about 5 minutes and quickly returned. Quite frankly, we just did not feel safe as there was an abundance of aggressive vendors, drivers and shady characters.

Grand Cayman – We caught one of the first tenders as there were 6 ships in port that day due to all the reshuffling caused by the hurricanes. We took a taxi to Royal Palm Beach Club on 7 Mile Beach. Thankfully it was a short ride as we were packed like sardines in the van. It is $4 per person each way. The ride to Royal Palm took 10 minutes butthe ride back to the ship was 25 minutes due to traffic. Grand Cayman is one of the more expensive ports.

Entrance Fee - $2 per person

2 beach chairs and umbrella -$39 (they were in very good condition)

Bucket of Beers (5) $30 (Caybrew, a local brew that tastes like Heineken)

Chicken Parm Sandwich withfries - $15 (it is delicious and enough for 2 people)

Note: 15% service fee is included in the above food and drink prices so there is no need for an additional tip.

The club itself is very nice with large well maintained bathroom/changing area with showers. There is also a pool and restaurant deck seating.

Costa Maya Mexico – Beach Day again!! We pre-booked Pez Quadro Beach Club all-inclusive package for $50 per person and got our money’s worth in tequila alone. The package included open bar, lunch, lounge chair and shade palapa/umbrella. Free wi-fi is also included...ask your server for the password. Our server was Jhonny and he took good care of us. I had a 50-minute massage for $40 ($35 plus a $5 tip). It was as good as any massage I’ve had at home. The masseuse (Rena) had formal training.

We took the taxi for $2per person each way. Pez Quadro is in front of the 40 Cannons Hotel so tell the driver that is where you want to be dropped off. You must walk outside the port area to catcha taxi but it is not difficult or dangerous. Just use the map that Pez Quadro sends you. You must take the taxi as the bus does not go all the way to 40 Cannons Hotel. There is a string of beach clubs one after another in Mahahual, Pez Quadro is the last one.

Nassau, Bahamas– This is our least favorite port (it’s dirty and the people are rude). So, we treated this as another sea day and spent the day at the Vibe with a great group of cruise friends.

Debarkation

A breeze! We did self walk off. We were off the ship and though Customs by 8:15a.m. We used SAS Transportation for the ride back to Fort Lauderdale and it was another disappointing experience. We flew Delta which was the 2nd terminal at the airport. The driver let folks off at the 1st terminal and after we pulled away we heard horns honking and people yelling. Our driver did not secure the latch on the back door of the van and my suitcase had fallen out into the road. It is trashed and will need to be replaced. The driver did not even apologize but made some lame excuse about a blanket that was caught in the latch. SAS has lost a customer. Next time, I’ll just call for an Uber.

Cruise Critic Meet & Greet

We had over 100 people sign up and attend the Meet and Greet. It was held in the District Brew house on the1st sea day (Sunday). NCL takes the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet very seriously. It was hosted by the cruise director Tyler Gray and attended by the all the department heads. Tyler made it a point to mention that that Cruise Critic members like to cruise and they like to WRITE. NCL served flights of beer and finger foods (mozzarella sticks and spring rolls) free of charge. It was a great event.

I organized a shot glass exchange and had over 50 participants. Everyone put their name on a ticket. The 1st person pulled a name and received the shot glass that person brought. The person that gave up their shot glass pulled the next name and received that shot glass. On and on it went until all shot glasses were exchanged. It was a blast!

Another roll call member organized a pub crawl. I would advise working with NCL if you want to have a pub crawl so they can staff the bars adequately. Our 1st stop was the 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar and the bartender was overwhelmed and I can’t blame him as 50-60 thirsty cruisers descended on his bar all looking for drinks. We quickly moved on to the Tobacco Road Bar and the bartender there called for reinforcements and it was a little better. It was fun but a little chaotic.

Overall, the Meet andGreet/Shot Glass Exchange/Pub Crawl was a huge success and added to a great cruise.

Random Thoughts

• The Awesome 80’sParty at Spice H2O should not be missed. We danced.....we sang......we played air guitar! WE HAD A BLAST!! Cruise Director Tyler guided the crowd through a musical tour of the 80’s with all genres represented......pop, dance, hair band metal, rap.... you name it. Don’t miss it. My girlfriend and I dressed up as Jeff Spiocoli and Pat Benatar.
  
• The deserts in the complimentary dining options leavemuch to be desired. They are great onthe eyes and disappointing in the mouth.
  
• The Unlimited Beverage Package is a game changer. Any drink $15 and under is covered. Anything over $15, you pay the difference.
  
• The NorwegianiCONCIERGE app needs work. I did not find it very useful and stopped using it after a day or two.
  
• Many of the bars start closing at 10:00 pm. By Midnight there are only a couple left open.
  
• Honestly, if I never hear Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline again it will be too soon. You could not get away from that song.
  
• The Glow party was moved to the Atrium due to rain. It did not dampen the fun at all. The dance floor was packed so we hung out in O’Sheehan’s overlooking the Atrium. Another party not to be missed.
  
• The Welcome Back Party at each of the ports is fantastic. Cool towels, cold drinks are handed out bythe crew. Music is blasting while the crew is dancing and welcoming you back. No other cruise line comes close to this.
  
• It seems like the photography intrusions were much less than in past cruises. We were only interrupted onetime all week at dinner.
  
• Starbuck’s coffee is served in the Atrium for those needing a caffeine fix
  
• Casino……..who knows? We only walked through it on our way to someplace else.
  
• Guest capacity for the Escape is 4,266 but we sailed with a few hundred less. It was noticeable as lines were a bit shorter.
  

Summary

As usual, the crew was outstanding. The level of service was top notch. We did not come across a single member that was less than helpful.

My GF and I were sitting in the Atrium having a coffee and we were approached by Dave the Assistant CD and he wanted to ask us a few questions about our experience (what was good, areas for improvement, etc.…) So, I mentioned the issue we had with NCL not having a representative handing out boarding group numbers at the terminal. He took down notes and thanked us for our time. The next day, I received a call from Guest Services to discuss the issue. They apologized profusely and sent chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of wine (Merlot) to our cabin. NCL’s customer service is outstanding.

Two of the most important criteria we judge a cruise by is level of service and entertainment. This cruise only reinforced why NCL is our cruise line of choice as they exceeded expectation on both counts. No cruise is perfect......but overall it was another great cruise on NCL.

I’d be happy to answer any questions or elaborate on any of the above comments here or feel free to send me an e-mail at LD_Silver_Cruiser@Yahoo.com.

That was a great review. Well-formatted.

Did you complain the attitude of the SAS driver?

It’s nice to know how sensitive and responsive the Customer Service was on feedbacks. Makes you feel confident to book again.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Excellent report, thanks for taking the time to share.

The Vibe Experience: It was fantastic!! We made several friends we spent time with throughout the cruise. It is a private area in which access is gained via swiping a separate card. You also have wristbands but we never wore them after the 1st day as the bartenders knew you by name. Highlights include:

• Private bar and bartenders (Bongand Curly take good care of the group).
  
• Comfortable loungers that arewide and cushioned
  
• Private hot tub
  
• Private bathrooms
  
• Peace and quiet……no thumping,loud music and no silly pool games.
  
• Misting area
  
• Even though only 80 passes are sold – it seemed like we saw the same 20-25 people using the Vibe
  
• NCL Beach towels are available so no need to bring yours from the cabin
  
• Bartenders pass out coldtowels and delicious fruit on a stick.
  
• $99 per person
  
• It can be windy at times so hold onto your hat and drinks
   
  It truly was worth every penny and extra effort to obtain the passes. I can’t imagine sailing without them. Treat yourself………you’ll be glad you did.
  
  

Really nice review! Vibe is Great!

Thank you, great info. We are in the Haven and from what I have seen the pool is inside and downstairs from the sun deck. Do you think Vibe would be a good thing to purchase? It sounds like the Haven should be.

That was a great review!

LOVED that it was done all at one time and I did not have to go through an anxiety ridden endless wait for installments:D:D

Question:

Was the Vibe area covered/partially covered?

That was a great review!

LOVED that it was done all at one time and I did not have to go through an anxiety ridden endless wait for installments:D:D

 

Question:

Was the Vibe area covered/partially covered?

Thanks.....I'm glad you enjoyed the review!

One section of loungers has umbrellas for shade. The bartenders will raise them for you. The bar area has shade as well depending on the position of the sun.

Background Info: My girlfriend and I were on the November 11-18 Western Caribbean 7Day sailing of the Norwegian Escape out of Miami. We are in our early fifties and are seasoned cruiserswith over 20 cruises between us. Thiswas our 2nd cruise on the Escape. Other NCL ships include Sun, Pearl, andDawn. We have also sailed on Carnivaland Royal Caribbean.

 

The itinerary included twosea days (Sunday and Thursday) and four ports of call: Falmouth, Jamaica (Monday), Grand Cayman(Tuesday), Costa Maya (Wednesday) and Nassau (Friday). We wereoriginally scheduled to stop at Great Stirrup Caye on Friday but the itinerarywas changed to Nassau on Thursday due to high winds/swells.

 

Pre-Cruise: We flew into Fort Lauderdale Friday afternoon arriving around1:00 p.m. We flew in a day early to extend our vacation a little bit and arrive at the port early on Saturday to increaseour chances of getting Vibe passes (more on that later).

 

We used SAS Transportation to take us to the Langford Hotel in Downtown Miami. Cost was $15 per person plus tip. I called the number they gave me as soon as I secured our luggage and were on our way within20 minutes. The ride trip took about 40 minutes. I have used SAS Transportationbefore with no issues. However, this time was different. Our driver on theway to Miami pontificated on his political beliefs the entire ride even afterbeing met with stone silence. Then, he dropped us off a block from our hotel because it was located on a one-waystreet and it would have taken him an additional 15 minutes to go around and drop us off at the hotel. We were so eager to get away from this annoying person we gladly hauled our luggage downthe block. More on SAS Transportation later.

The Langford Hotel is an old hotel that has been completely refurbished and is rated 4 stars. The room was clean and the bed was super comfortable. Located in a vibrant downtown area with plenty of dining options as well as a nearby CVS to pick up last minute needs (sunscreen, snacks, etc.…). One interesting room feature is the door separating the bathroom from the living area is mostly frosted glass so there is a bit of a lack of privacy. TheLangford has a cool roof top bar that is perfect for enjoying pre-cruise cocktails. It also includes a breakfast bar that was good. The price of the hotel worked for me ($131 on a discount website including all taxes). A great hotel at a great price.

Embarkation: The Quest for VibePasses begins!

 

We caught a cab to the port about 9:00 am. It was only a 10-15 minute ride and cost $20 including tip.

 

We arrived at the port, gave our bags to the porter and walked into Terminal B at exactly 9:30 am. Security did not open until 10:15 am so we had to stand in line. At this point, therewere about 50 people ahead of us. Afterclearing security, we grabbed a couple health forms and filled them out in the check-in line. So far, so good.

 

We headed up the escalators to get a Boarding Group Number (figured we needed Group 1 or 2 to have a shot at Vibe passes). There were about 30 people in the waiting area when we arrived. One problem, there was no NCL personnel handing out Boarding Group Numbers. The Rep showed up about 10 minutes later and was mobbed. I received a Group 1 pass but there was a lot of grumbling by early arriving folks that got Group 2. He stated that his solution was to allow Groups 1 and 2 to board at the same time.

 

We decided to station ourselves near the door manned by NCL personnel leading to the gangway. So, after the Haven and Platinum guests boarded, Group 1 was allowed in about 11:00am. We hustled through the gangway and boarded on Deck 7. We knocked over an old lady with a walker and she may have broken her hip but we were on a quest.... just kidding. Vibe passes are handed out at Headliners which is on Deck 6. Having sailed on the Escape last year we were familiar with the ship layout so we immediately darted down one flight of stairs and headed straight to Headliners.

 

We walked in and were given acard entitling us to Vibe passes. SCORE!!!! We were #s 26 and 27. The line formed quickly and last # to get a Vibe pass was #66. They were sold out by Noon.

Now, it was off to the Vibe on Deck 19!

 

The Vibe Experience: It was fantastic!! We made several friends we spent time with throughout the cruise. It is a private area in which access is gained via swiping a separate card. You also have wristbands but we never wore them after the 1st day as the bartenders knew you by name. Highlights include:

• Private bar and bartenders (Bongand Curly take good care of the group).
  
• Comfortable loungers that arewide and cushioned
  
• Private hot tub
  
• Private bathrooms
  
• Peace and quiet……no thumping,loud music and no silly pool games.
  
• Misting area
  
• Even though only 80 passes are sold – it seemed like we saw the same 20-25 people using the Vibe
  
• NCL Beach towels are available so no need to bring yours from the cabin
  
• Bartenders pass out coldtowels and delicious fruit on a stick.
  
• $99 per person
  
• It can be windy at times so hold onto your hat and drinks
   
  It truly was worth every penny and extra effort to obtain the passes. I can’t imagine sailing without them. Treat yourself………you’ll be glad you did.
  
  Cabin: We stayed in cabin 11431 which is an inside forward cabin. We chose an inside for two reasons:
   
  1)We don’t spend much time in our cabin
  2)Inside cabins are so dark that we sleep very soundly.
  
  

The 11th deck met our main requirement of being sandwiched between two other decks that are exclusively cabins to help minimize any noise disruption. The bed was adequate and the bathroom functional. We brought an over the door shoe rack so the bathroom counter was free of clutter.

The air conditioning worked great. Closet/drawer space is limited but was not an issue as we pack lightly. Even so, we utilized every shelf available.

 

Dining

Dinner was primarily at the main dining restaurants Taste and Savor. The food was good at both but the service was much quicker in Taste. We were in andout of Taste in about an hour both times we dined there. Savor....not so much. One night we dined in Savor with a couple we met on the cruise and it took over 2 hours to get through dinner. We waited almost 30 minutes for coffee and desert to arrive. Below are some of the hits and misses from our experiences at Taste and Savor:

 

Hits

Slider on a potato bun w/siracha cabbage slaw appetizer. Had it every dinner.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Boston Creme Pie

SirloinSteak Diane with mushroom sauce

Broiled Corvina

Basil Chicken

Cream of Mushroom Soup

 

Misses

Country Fried Chicken (coating was bland)

Deserts in general (exceptthe Boston Creme Pie)

Slow service in Savor

 

Garden Café – This is an efficient buffet with good variety. There were different stations that allowed the lines to move freely. The food ranged from bad to very good.

 

Breakfast included: scrambledeggs, eggs benedict, oatmeal, meats and cheeses, cold cereal, fruit, hash brown potato cakes (my personal favorite) and more. There also are stations where you can get omelets and fried eggs cooked to order. The line can get long so be patient.

 

Lunch included premade sandwiches, lasagna, pizza (bad), burger bar, chicken tenders w/honey mustard sauce (very good), mac and cheese, salad bar, fish sticks, Asian station and much more. Something for everyone.

 

We did not have dinner at the Garden Café but in past cruises it was like lunch. It can be crowded at peak times but we were always able to find a seat.

 

Cagney’s Steakhouse – This was the only specialty restaurant we dined at and it was fabulous. We did not have the dining package so we paid ala carte. The steaks were cooked perfectly and the sides are delicious. The lobster bisque was amazing. I could have eaten a bucket of the stuff. The sides are only $2 apieceso load up. We paid $60 for a meal that easily would have cost triple at home.

 

O’Sheehan’s Bar and Grill – We ate there a few times including a late night stop at 2:00 am with a drunken party of 10 people. The food was hit and miss. My burger at 2:00 am was harder than a hockey puck but another time the Chicago Style hot dog was terrific. The wings are very good as well.

Room Service – We used it one time to have coffee and pastries delivered to our stateroom. There is no charge unless you are having a hot meal delivered (i.e., eggs, sandwiches). Don’t forget to tip the delivery person. I seem toremember they used to call and let you know they were on their way, but not this time. We were dead asleep when weheard a knock on the door. So, remember to set your alarm.

Entertainment

 

Cruise Director: Tyler Gray was the CD for our sailing. In my opinion, a poor Cruise Director will not negatively affect my cruise experience but a good one can enhance it. Tyler is the latter. A super talented guy with lots of energy and a good sense of humor. He was extremely visible. He even sat in with the Howl at the Moon guys and played drums for several songs. But he was at his best at the 80’s Party. He whipped the crowd into a frenzy and it was a blast! He also had a bit role in For the Record: The Brat Pack production show. Rumor is he is headed to Bliss when it is ready to sail. The only CD I would rank ahead of him is Matt Baker (no longer a CD). Some of you longtime NCL fans may remember him.

Comedians: There were two stand-up comedians on the ship Aaron Kleiber and Frank Townsend. They did a variety of shows:

• 7:00 pm Family Friendly
  
• 9:00 pm PG-13
  
• 11:00 pm 18+
  

Aaron Kleiber was good and Frank Townsend was great. Both comedians were funny without doing any political humor which was so refreshing. I would recommend their shows.

 

All but one comedy show is at Headliners and cannot be booked until you are onboard. You need to do this as soon as you board as the tickets go quickly. If you do not get tickets, then you can get in the standby line. I would recommend getting in the stand by line 25 minutes before the show to ensure you getting a seat. We did this and had no problem getting in to any show.

 

The one exception is the 18+comedy show featuring both comedians. It is held in the Escape Theatre. No worries about arriving early or reserving tickets as plenty of seats are availables ince it is an 11:00 pm show.

Production Shows There were two production shows:

 

After Midnight - This is a jazz show based on the old Harlem Cotton Club era (think Duke Ellington). The show featured excellent singing and dancing featuring 18 performers. Shows are on Sunday and Monday at 7:30 and10:00.

 

For the Record: The Brat Pack –This is a show featuring 80’s music from many movies of the same era (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller). There are adult themes, raw language and sexually suggestive scenes so it is not appropriate for children. Shows are on Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 and 10:00.

 

You can make reservation before you board but they are not necessary. Plenty of seats available at both shows.

 

Miscellaneous Entertainment:

 

Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos is a rocking good time. Great music and fun banter between the performers and crowd. I like how they played a good mix of crowd favorites like Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock and Rolland Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline but also deeper non-traditional dueling piano cuts like Creep by Radiohead and Basket Case by Green Day. The crowd makes the difference so feel free to sing along. It is in Headliners and fills up quickly when doors open (8:30 pm generally) but seats become available as people filter in and out. I’d recommend showing up around 10:00 pm as seats are available and the crowd is good and lubed up by then.

 

Groove Addiction – A house band that plays in various locations (Atrium, SkylineBar). They played dance hits and R&B music.

 

Scotty Cavanaugh Comedy Juggler – We did not see his show but heard good things about it.

 

Mersey Boys - Male quartet that performed songs from various artists and genres such as The Four Season, The Beatles, Elvis Costello and Motown. Unfortunately, they were departing the Escape after our cruise.

 

There were tons of other entertainment options so there is something for everyone. To me this is what separates NCL from the other cruise lines we have been on. The entertainment is much better than Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Fitness Center

The fitness center is not large but does have a good variety of equipment. In terms of cardio equipment there are treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes and rowing machines. I only used the treadmills and they were disappointing. There was a lot of drag on the belt and I could not get my wireless headphones to work on any ofthem. The Bluetooth would connect but no sound.

 

There were both free weights and machines. Most cruise ship gym onlyhave dumb bells but there was a Smith machine that you could use for barbell lifting. It is extremely warm in the fitness center with little air movement. A nice touch is the cold towels. There is no charge to use the fitness center. However, if you want to use the sauna/steam room/showers you must purchase the spa pass.

 

Ports of Call

 

Falmouth Jamaica – The interesting excursions for this port required at least a 45-minute drive so we opted to walk around the port shopping area. The port shopping area is very nice. There are a variety of shops carrying the usual tourist stuff. I purchased a shotglass ($1) for my collection and a Hawaiian type shirt ($15). GF purchased a Falmouth tchotchke as well. We did venture outside the port area for about 5 minutes and quickly returned. Quite frankly, we just did not feel safe as there was an abundance of aggressive vendors, drivers and shady characters.

 

Grand Cayman – We caught one of the first tenders as there were 6 ships in port that day due to all the reshuffling caused by the hurricanes. We took a taxi to Royal Palm Beach Club on 7 Mile Beach. Thankfully it was a short ride as we were packed like sardines in the van. It is $4 per person each way. The ride to Royal Palm took 10 minutes butthe ride back to the ship was 25 minutes due to traffic. Grand Cayman is one of the more expensive ports.

 

Entrance Fee - $2 per person

2 beach chairs and umbrella -$39 (they were in very good condition)

Bucket of Beers (5) $30 (Caybrew, a local brew that tastes like Heineken)

Chicken Parm Sandwich withfries - $15 (it is delicious and enough for 2 people)

 

Note: 15% service fee is included in the above food and drink prices so there is no need for an additional tip.

 

The club itself is very nice with large well maintained bathroom/changing area with showers. There is also a pool and restaurant deck seating.

 

Costa Maya Mexico – Beach Day again!! We pre-booked Pez Quadro Beach Club all-inclusive package for $50 per person and got our money’s worth in tequila alone. The package included open bar, lunch, lounge chair and shade palapa/umbrella. Free wi-fi is also included...ask your server for the password. Our server was Jhonny and he took good care of us. I had a 50-minute massage for $40 ($35 plus a $5 tip). It was as good as any massage I’ve had at home. The masseuse (Rena) had formal training.

 

We took the taxi for $2per person each way. Pez Quadro is in front of the 40 Cannons Hotel so tell the driver that is where you want to be dropped off. You must walk outside the port area to catcha taxi but it is not difficult or dangerous. Just use the map that Pez Quadro sends you. You must take the taxi as the bus does not go all the way to 40 Cannons Hotel. There is a string of beach clubs one after another in Mahahual, Pez Quadro is the last one.

 

Nassau, Bahamas– This is our least favorite port (it’s dirty and the people are rude). So, we treated this as another sea day and spent the day at the Vibe with a great group of cruise friends.

Debarkation

A breeze! We did self walk off. We were off the ship and though Customs by 8:15a.m. We used SAS Transportation for the ride back to Fort Lauderdale and it was another disappointing experience. We flew Delta which was the 2nd terminal at the airport. The driver let folks off at the 1st terminal and after we pulled away we heard horns honking and people yelling. Our driver did not secure the latch on the back door of the van and my suitcase had fallen out into the road. It is trashed and will need to be replaced. The driver did not even apologize but made some lame excuse about a blanket that was caught in the latch. SAS has lost a customer. Next time, I’ll just call for an Uber.

Cruise Critic Meet & Greet

We had over 100 people sign up and attend the Meet and Greet. It was held in the District Brew house on the1st sea day (Sunday). NCL takes the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet very seriously. It was hosted by the cruise director Tyler Gray and attended by the all the department heads. Tyler made it a point to mention that that Cruise Critic members like to cruise and they like to WRITE. NCL served flights of beer and finger foods (mozzarella sticks and spring rolls) free of charge. It was a great event.

 

I organized a shot glass exchange and had over 50 participants. Everyone put their name on a ticket. The 1st person pulled a name and received the shot glass that person brought. The person that gave up their shot glass pulled the next name and received that shot glass. On and on it went until all shot glasses were exchanged. It was a blast!

 

Another roll call member organized a pub crawl. I would advise working with NCL if you want to have a pub crawl so they can staff the bars adequately. Our 1st stop was the 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar and the bartender was overwhelmed and I can’t blame him as 50-60 thirsty cruisers descended on his bar all looking for drinks. We quickly moved on to the Tobacco Road Bar and the bartender there called for reinforcements and it was a little better. It was fun but a little chaotic.

 

Overall, the Meet andGreet/Shot Glass Exchange/Pub Crawl was a huge success and added to a great cruise.

 

Random Thoughts

• The Awesome 80’sParty at Spice H2O should not be missed. We danced.....we sang......we played air guitar! WE HAD A BLAST!! Cruise Director Tyler guided the crowd through a musical tour of the 80’s with all genres represented......pop, dance, hair band metal, rap.... you name it. Don’t miss it. My girlfriend and I dressed up as Jeff Spiocoli and Pat Benatar.
  
• The deserts in the complimentary dining options leavemuch to be desired. They are great onthe eyes and disappointing in the mouth.
  
• The Unlimited Beverage Package is a game changer. Any drink $15 and under is covered. Anything over $15, you pay the difference.
  
• The NorwegianiCONCIERGE app needs work. I did not find it very useful and stopped using it after a day or two.
  
• Many of the bars start closing at 10:00 pm. By Midnight there are only a couple left open.
  
• Honestly, if I never hear Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline again it will be too soon. You could not get away from that song.
  
• The Glow party was moved to the Atrium due to rain. It did not dampen the fun at all. The dance floor was packed so we hung out in O’Sheehan’s overlooking the Atrium. Another party not to be missed.
  
• The Welcome Back Party at each of the ports is fantastic. Cool towels, cold drinks are handed out bythe crew. Music is blasting while the crew is dancing and welcoming you back. No other cruise line comes close to this.
  
• It seems like the photography intrusions were much less than in past cruises. We were only interrupted onetime all week at dinner.
  
• Starbuck’s coffee is served in the Atrium for those needing a caffeine fix
  
• Casino……..who knows? We only walked through it on our way to someplace else.
  
• Guest capacity for the Escape is 4,266 but we sailed with a few hundred less. It was noticeable as lines were a bit shorter.
  

Summary

As usual, the crew was outstanding. The level of service was top notch. We did not come across a single member that was less than helpful.

 

My GF and I were sitting in the Atrium having a coffee and we were approached by Dave the Assistant CD and he wanted to ask us a few questions about our experience (what was good, areas for improvement, etc.…) So, I mentioned the issue we had with NCL not having a representative handing out boarding group numbers at the terminal. He took down notes and thanked us for our time. The next day, I received a call from Guest Services to discuss the issue. They apologized profusely and sent chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of wine (Merlot) to our cabin. NCL’s customer service is outstanding.

 

Two of the most important criteria we judge a cruise by is level of service and entertainment. This cruise only reinforced why NCL is our cruise line of choice as they exceeded expectation on both counts. No cruise is perfect......but overall it was another great cruise on NCL.

 

I’d be happy to answer any questions or elaborate on any of the above comments here or feel free to send me an e-mail at LD_Silver_Cruiser@Yahoo.com.

 

 

Great review

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That was a great review!

LOVED that it was done all at one time and I did not have to go through an anxiety ridden endless wait for installments:D:D

 

Question:

Was the Vibe area covered/partially covered?

Not to discourage you from Vibe: we love it. But, often the windy conditions due to the height of the ship don't allow for umbrellas. Umbrellas don't stay open for long. Perfect conditions are never guaranteed!

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Really enjoyed your review. We were on the Escape this past May and I totally agree with you that Tyler Gray is one of the best cruise directors ever. I read other reviews about the Escape and some people didn't care for him. He had so much energy! Sorry to here is is going to be on the Bliss. We are booked on a cruise to Bermuda on the Escape next summer. I was hoping Tyler would still be the cruise director!

Excellent review. Well summarized and very thorough.

Keith

Excelent review.

We were on Escape in sept. and can recognize and agree with allmost everthing you wrote.

We're doing this cruise (but with GSC in place of Costa Maya) next week. Great review, making me look forward to it even more!

That was a great review. Well-formatted.

Did you complain the attitude of the SAS driver?

It’s nice to know how sensitive and responsive the Customer Service was on feedbacks. Makes you feel confident to book again.

 

 

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I sent SAS an e-mail outlining my concerns including pictures of the damaged luggage. They have yet to respond.

Really nice review Thanks!

Really enjoyed your review. We were on the Escape this past May and I totally agree with you that Tyler Gray is one of the best cruise directors ever. I read other reviews about the Escape and some people didn't care for him. He had so much energy! Sorry to here is is going to be on the Bliss. We are booked on a cruise to Bermuda on the Escape next summer. I was hoping Tyler would still be the cruise director!

Rumor is that Dan Dan will replace Tyler as the Escape CD when the Escape replaces the Breakaway in NY next spring.

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A nicely written review! Glad you enjoyed the Vibe as much as we did! It truly made our vacation. Some feel it is a waste of money, but we made so many friends, as it sounds like you did too, and made it worth every $$$

Great review

 

 

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Great review, thanks for taking the time. We will be on the Escape on 12/2.

What a great review! It was so thorough yet succinct. I didn't even miss not having pictures! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the report.

This review is very helpful. Can you tell me where I can reserve tickets to the comedy shows?

Excellent review! Thanks so much for sharing.

Used SAS once several years ago and swore at that point, I would never use them again. They never showed up to get us from the Port of Miami. People swear by them on CC so I guess some have had a great experience but not us.

Great review!!!!

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This review is very helpful. Can you tell me where I can reserve tickets to the comedy shows?

You have several options:

1. Iconcierge App

2. In person at the Box Office

3. Kiosks on the ship (there are several of them)

4. In you stateroom using the TV (this worked best for me)

Make you reservations early as they sell out quickly.

You have several options:

 

1. Iconcierge App

2. In person at the Box Office

3. Kiosks on the ship (there are several of them)

4. In you stateroom using the TV (this worked best for me)

 

Make you reservations early as they sell out quickly.

Thanks!