Ask Your Escape Questions!

[darn88]

I would love to confirm the menus from the Haven also...one was posted earlier and there was lobster on the menu. :eek:

 

I will post a link to some Escape reviews shortly with pics of the menus. Some folks have taken some incredible pics of the ship including menus of all restaurants.

[darn88]

These links include some incredible pics of the Escape including restaurant menus! The websites might be in German, but your browser should be able to translate into whatever language you choose.

 

http://www.cruisediary.de/einfuehrungsfahrt-mit-der-norwegian-escape/

http://www.depping-design.de/test/index.php

[Brittany C]

Hi everyone! We're in Miami and getting onboard tomorrow morning. I've taken a look at your questions and am going to try to answer as much as possible as soon as possible. We'll be covering the christening ceremony, which you should be able to stream live using the Periscope app: http://www.escape.ncl.com/ Our full review will also be up by next week.

 

Taking photos and will be posting them around -- will link to any slideshows or Facebook albums that come from it, if I don't post here directly.

 

Thanks for the interest everyone! Welcome Escape!

 

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

[hhfarmer]

Hello. Of anyone is staying in stateroom 12700 the a video review and.pictures would be great!

[CruisinHarvey]

I've seen one post of the menu in O'sheehans, by Keith Jenner. I'm not sure it was complete though. I've seen other posts about poutine being on it, but no menu anywhere that showed it. Not that I'm a big poutine fan. But, they seem to have reduced a number of items there. Just want to see what all they've been replaced with, other than Bangers and Mash.

 

thanks for your help!

Edited November 9, 2015 by CruisinHarvey

[nemini]

I've seen one post of the menu in O'sheehans, by Keith Jenner. I'm not sure it was complete though. I've seen other posts about poutine being on it, but no menu anywhere that showed it. Not that I'm a big poutine fan.

 

Sadly, no poutine anywhere on the O'Sheehan's menu. I'd've at least ordered it once had it been available. :(

[motleyfan]

Sadly, no poutine anywhere on the O'Sheehan's menu. I'd've at least ordered it once had it been available. :(

 

Poutine is awesome

[LMaxwell]

Poutine is awesome

 

It sure is. Ever try out Poutine Dog Cafe?

 

http://www.poutinedogcafe.com

[rob&tam]

Has the beers on tap in the Brewhouse changed? There was thoughts that they may changed once here in the US.

[motleyfan]

It sure is. Ever try out Poutine Dog Cafe?

 

http://www.poutinedogcafe.com

 

Yup. I love it. Canadians are awesome.

[hhfarmer]

Poutine would be fantastic. I always miss good Poutine when I travel south of the border!

[majorwibi]

I would love to know if you see any gluten free food at the buffet? Wondering if we will have quick food available to us outside the mdr thanks!

 

Options were limited on the surface as a function of me not willing to take a risk but after a few days the buffet staff got to know me and would help me find the safe eating options.

 

I did have an emotional experience over a cheese burger with a GF bun given I wasnt expecting such an option to be available.

[Brittany C]

Not ideal, since I know not everyone has Facebook, but with limited time, we've been uploading photos and some info to our Facebook page -- please check it out in the meantime if you can: Escape inaugural album

 

once we're back on land I'll take another look and see if I can answer some questions to the boards directly. Margaritaville is only open for lunch -- 12 to 1:30 on our sailing -- and there's talks of a potential cover charge in the works but no confirmation at this time. For more on that, smoking in the casino and an entire fleet refurbishment I also have a story from the press conference held with FDR & Andy Stuart this morning, and another story on the ship christening.

 

Thanks for tuning in!

 

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

[cricket722]

I will be on NCL Escape in June. I was able to get the free beverage package. If I understand correctly my beverage will be free up to 11.00 value but will need to pay 18% gratuity on each drink. Is this correct? Can I opt to pay cash at time of purchase to that bartender and have the gratuity removed from my bill? A part of me feels the cruise line does not give the full 18% to that bartender. I don't mind paying the gratuity but I want to be sure the person that is providing the service is getting the full tip. Any insight would be much appreciated.

[LMaxwell]

I will be on NCL Escape in June. I was able to get the free beverage package. If I understand correctly my beverage will be free up to 11.00 value but will need to pay 18% gratuity on each drink. Is this correct? Can I opt to pay cash at time of purchase to that bartender and have the gratuity removed from my bill? A part of me feels the cruise line does not give the full 18% to that bartender. I don't mind paying the gratuity but I want to be sure the person that is providing the service is getting the full tip. Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

1. The drink limit was raised to $15

2. If you got a free package, depending on when you booked you either have your gratuity charges waived or you paid 18% of the package cost with your final payment. Either way, you will NOT be charged anything additional onboard.

3. Since there are no additional charges onboard there is nothing to remove.

4. You will get receipts showing the gratuity amount, but you will not be charged this amount

[asubaru]

I enjoyed all the pics, especially the christening ones.....looks like fun!! Sure wish I was aboard to enjoy the special events; I envy you!

 

Thanks for reporting, Brittany.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not ideal, since I know not everyone has Facebook, but with limited time, we've been uploading photos and some info to our Facebook page -- please check it out in the meantime if you can: Escape inaugural album

 

once we're back on land I'll take another look and see if I can answer some questions to the boards directly. Margaritaville is only open for lunch -- 12 to 1:30 on our sailing -- and there's talks of a potential cover charge in the works but no confirmation at this time. For more on that, smoking in the casino and an entire fleet refurbishment I also have a story from the press conference held with FDR & Andy Stuart this morning, and another story on the ship christening.

 

Thanks for tuning in!

 

~Brittany Chrusciel, Associate Editor, Cruise Critic

[CUontheC]

Hi

Margaritaville was open for lunch, but not dinner on my cruise (s) – but these were two shakedown cruises and won't be indicative necessarily of when it will be open on your cruise.

 

Internet, as I posted above, is still patchy. It drops and sometimes you can't get on. I'll post the prices here for you. And yes, the ship is wi fi enabled so you can use it in your cabin.

 

I called NCL today and was told that Margaritaville will only be opened for breakfast and lunch on my cruise Nov. 21. I found that to be quite odd but she assured me that this is the info she has.

[LrgPizza]

I called NCL today and was told that Margaritaville will only be opened for breakfast and lunch on my cruise Nov. 21. I found that to be quite odd but she assured me that this is the info she has.

 

 

I think most everyone assumed that, since it holds the spot that Flamingo Grill/Uptown Grill hold on Getaway/Breakaway, and those are the meals they serve. I know it was mentioned many times the past year.

 

Hours on the TA were 12 to 5 most days, and 8:00 to 10:30 on the days it was open for breakfast.

[CUontheC]

I think most everyone assumed that, since it holds the spot that Flamingo Grill/Uptown Grill hold on Getaway/Breakaway, and those are the meals they serve. I know it was mentioned many times the past year.

 

Hours on the TA were 12 to 5 most days, and 8:00 to 10:30 on the days it was open for breakfast.

 

 

Oh I guess I must not be part of everyone since I did not assume that. I have not been on GA/BA so would not know this or who has mentioned this many times in the past year.

 

It just sounds like your response is rather condescending.

 

What I saw was on my Marriott site and it actually said it was going to be open 24/7 so it surprised me that it was only lunch. And last I checked I was part of everyone.

 

Here is what I read on my site and I booked in April. https://mr.cruisesonly.com/sc.do?tab=foodanddining&c=34&v=893&i=&dsc=null

[LrgPizza]

Oh I guess I must not be part of everyone since I did not assume that. I have not been on GA/BA so would not know this or who has mentioned this many times in the past year.

 

 

 

It just sounds like your response is rather condescending.

 

 

 

What I saw was on my Marriott site and it actually said it was going to be open 24/7 so it surprised me that it was only lunch. And last I checked I was part of everyone.

 

 

 

Here is what I read on my site and I booked in April. https://mr.cruisesonly.com/sc.do?tab=foodanddining&c=34&v=893&i=&dsc=null

 

 

I've never known anyone to take the word everyone so literally. And by anyone I mean... well.. never mind. Besides, I said "most everyone" which leaves some wiggle room.

 

Hopefully you can get past this and find the hours I shared to be helpful.

Edited November 12, 2015 by LrgPizza

[CUontheC]

I've never known anyone to take the word everyone so literally. And by anyone I mean... well.. never mind. Besides, I said "most everyone" which leaves some wiggle room.

 

Hopefully you can get past this and find the hours I shared to be helpful.

 

Yes, I am over it and I do thank you for the information on the hours.

 

Have a great night!

 

Mary

[Zena2005]

Brittany,

 

I was wondering if the "Bags" program is available on the Escape and what is the cost. Basically once they pick up your luggage from your stateroom they would send it directly to the airport.

 

We loved taking advantage of not having to schlep our luggage from the holing room, onto the bus and over to the MIA, especially if you have time to kill before your flight and want to hit Miami and South Beach before heading home.

[hockeysoccerfam]

I'm getting a few mixed answers in regards to 'formal night' on the Escape. We begin cruising on March 2016 and several people have given me different answers whether there's a 'formal night'. If anyone has just recently returned from the Escape, please let me know if 'formal night' is actually a designated dining night and if so, any idea when it is? Also, with 'Taste', does it have a different menu and if it can be booked without extra cost? Thanks!:D

[punkincc]

Oh I guess I must not be part of everyone since I did not assume that. I have not been on GA/BA so would not know this or who has mentioned this many times in the past year.

 

It just sounds like your response is rather condescending.

 

What I saw was on my Marriott site and it actually said it was going to be open 24/7 so it surprised me that it was only lunch. And last I checked I was part of everyone.

 

Here is what I read on my site and I booked in April. https://mr.cruisesonly.com/sc.do?tab=foodanddining&c=34&v=893&i=&dsc=null

 

 

 

Wow, does that link you posted have some very incorrect information, not only the 24 hr stated open time for Margaritaville. O' Sheehans is the only venue open 24 hours.

 

The following information is also incorrect: no shorts or jeans in most of the venues after 6:00 PM including the buffet.

 

Shorts are allowed in all dining rooms at dinner EXCEPT the aft MDR and Le Bistro. Jeans are acceptable everywhere. I can't believe they stated no shorts or jeans in the buffet after 6:00 pm, LOL..

 

This is also incorrect: Reservations are required for the Specialty restaurants.

 

Many do make them, but they are not required. Walk ups are seated at any time based on availability just like any restaurant at home.

 

I would look at the NCL website for information rather than the website you posted.

[punkincc]

Brittany,

 

I was wondering if the "Bags" program is available on the Escape and what is the cost. Basically once they pick up your luggage from your stateroom they would send it directly to the airport.

 

We loved taking advantage of not having to schlep our luggage from the holing room, onto the bus and over to the MIA, especially if you have time to kill before your flight and want to hit Miami and South Beach before heading home.

 

I'm getting a few mixed answers in regards to 'formal night' on the Escape. We begin cruising on March 2016 and several people have given me different answers whether there's a 'formal night'. If anyone has just recently returned from the Escape, please let me know if 'formal night' is actually a designated dining night and if so, any idea when it is? Also, with 'Taste', does it have a different menu and if it can be booked without extra cost? Thanks!:D

 

 

NCL does not have a "bags" program.

 

NCl does not have a Formal night in which you must adhere to a certain dress code in order to dine in the bigger, more formal, aft MDR. The minimum dress code here is long pants and collared shirt for men, and this is on every night except embarkation night when some may not yet have their bags.

 

They do have a Norwegian's Night Out, usually the first sea day, which is entirely optional. People dress up when they feel like it, or not, on any given night.

 

Taste and Savor are the two more casual MDRs and have no cost. Shorts are allowed here. I think the menus may vary a little between the two and the big MDR, but I have not dined much here. The menus will be posted each day.

Edited November 12, 2015 by punkincc