NCL Escape - Planning advice

[Ray3127]

Hello all,

 

This post could probably go under a variety of different forums, but I chose the NCL forum in hopes of getting specific feedback from those familiar with NCL.

 

My wife and I are cruising on the Escape from June 4-11 for our fifth anniversary. I am usually the very detail-oriented trip planner, but part of choosing a cruise is to go with the flow and not have things planned out quite so much. However, I am finding that it is important to have plans for certain pieces of the trip.

 

For reference… We have both the specialty dining package (4 meals each) and the ultimate beverage package included with our cruise fare (we booked it during the ‘pick 2’ promotion). We have a 14th floor mid-ship balcony room booked. And in case you couldn’t tell yet, we are first-time cruisers.

 

Arrival: We are staying at a hotel on South Beach the previous two nights. How early would you suggest we leave the hotel and arrive at the port/dock? Like many others, we'd like to get on board as soon as possible and enjoy lunch.

 

Restaurants: I understand you can make restaurant reservations within 90 days of the cruise. Is it imperative to do this for the specialty restaurants immediately at 90 days? My NCL agent has said I can do this on the website or let him know and he can arrange the reservations for me. Is one method better than the other?

 

Shows/Entertainment: We would probably like to see at least one of the shows on board and have access to the comedy club/show at least a night or two, in addition to the piano bar. Which of these require early reservations, and are any more of a ‘show up the night you feel like it’ kind of thing?

 

Beverage Package: My NCL agent has told me that *most* beverages are included with the beverage package. Can anybody give me an idea of what beverages may not be included?

 

Spa: Is it necessary to book spa treatments, like massages, well in advance? I’ve read about there sometimes being on-board specials.

Ports/Excursions: This is a huge void for me. Our stops are St. Thomas (8AM-6PM), Tortola (7AM-3PM), and Nassau (12PM-7PM). I’ve noted other reviewers’ activities but I have very little frame of reference on these places and don’t really want to spend the time researching all of them. The only thing I thought we might want to do is ‘check out’ Atlantis on Nassau.

- I gather that each has stop a variety of beaches, which we would enjoy, but I think we are largely content spending our ‘sun time’ on the pool deck on the ship.

- For first-time cruisers, are there any “can’t-miss” attractions/activities? Is it worth it to book any of the stops offered by NCL, and if so, are there high-demand ones that require early reservations?

- I’m a little nervous about jumping into a taxi, as some of the stories I’ve heard talk about crazy/questionable driving.

 

Ultimately, my goal is to walk on board with as much as we need to have planned already arranged so we can simply relax and not worry whether or not we can eat where we want to or otherwise do what we’d like to do. In addition to the items I’ve listed, is there anything else I would need to book well in advance?

 

I’m sure your responses will generate more questions from me. I appreciate your help and look forward to the conversation. Thanks!

Ray

[RCmommy]

Hi Ray, best of luck with your planning. I am in no way an expert on these things for sure!

 

We sailed NCL a few years ago and nothing had to be pre-booked. With RCI this past December shows and dining was all pre-booked. From what I read, the Escape may fall somewhere in the middle of the planning.

 

I want to follow along because I am interested in the answers you receive. We are on the Escape in December 2016.

[weltek]

Arrival: We are staying at a hotel on South Beach the previous two nights. How early would you suggest we leave the hotel and arrive at the port/dock? Like many others, we'd like to get on board as soon as possible and enjoy lunch.

 

My experience at Miami with the Escape and Getaway: If you don't mind standing/sitting and waiting in a mass port terminal room for around an hour, arrival at 10:30-11:00 would put you in an early boarding group. You should be on ship by noon-ish. If you wait until 12:15 or so to arrive, you should be able to walk right on board once you get through checkin, putting you on board by 1:00. All the people that arrive between 11-12 seem to board between 12:00-12:30. Boarding goes quick once they start calling numbers around 11:30.

 

Restaurants: I understand you can make restaurant reservations within 90 days of the cruise. Is it imperative to do this for the specialty restaurants immediately at 90 days? My NCL agent has said I can do this on the website or let him know and he can arrange the reservations for me. Is one method better than the other?

Yes, particularly if you don't want to dine at 9:00 or later. All the good reservation times are generally pre-booked, with the rest going to first-come-first-serve folks on board. By the end of day 1, you aren't left with many options. If nothing else, book Cagneys and LeBistro ahead of time. Those seem to have the least availability. Places like Bayamo are fine...those weren't that busy because they aren't "free" in the dining plan.

 

Shows/Entertainment: We would probably like to see at least one of the shows on board and have access to the comedy club/show at least a night or two, in addition to the piano bar. Which of these require early reservations, and are any more of a ‘show up the night you feel like it’ kind of thing?

Comedy in Headliners-book asap. You can always no show or cancel if you don't want to go. The first few nights are particularly hard to get in. We weren't able to pre-book, but did once on board. It was definitely necessary. Lots of folks turned away the first night. They do a show in the theatre later in the cruise, so if you don't get into Headliners (smaller venue), you can catch it there with no reservations. We pre-booked Million Dollar Quartet, but there were some seats available. I'd pre-book and rearrange if needed when on board. Shouldn't be an issue.

Beverage Package: My NCL agent has told me that *most* beverages are included with the beverage package. Can anybody give me an idea of what beverages may not be included?

 

There was nothing we drank that wasn't included. Craft beers, premium liquor drinks, wines by the glass. Things like full bottles of wine, bombers of craft beer, high end champagne weren't included.

Spa: Is it necessary to book spa treatments, like massages, well in advance? I’ve read about there sometimes being on-board specials.

 

Sorry, no real advice there. I've always booked the first day with no problem getting times I liked. I don't know what it's like once the cruise progresses.

 

Ports/Excursions: This is a huge void for me. Our stops are St. Thomas (8AM-6PM), Tortola (7AM-3PM), and Nassau (12PM-7PM). I’ve noted other reviewers’ activities but I have very little frame of reference on these places and don’t really want to spend the time researching all of them. The only thing I thought we might want to do is ‘check out’ Atlantis on Nassau.

 

Read up on this. Our CD told us Atlantis only sells limited passes so the cruisers don't overrun the paid resort guests. And the lobby is all you really see if you go over to Atlantis and don't get a pass. I've never been, so am just going on what she said.

 

- I gather that each has stop a variety of beaches, which we would enjoy, but I think we are largely content spending our ‘sun time’ on the pool deck on the ship.

If you do beaches, you need to research beaches . For example, Junkanoo Beach is the Bahamas is walkable from port, but isn't a great beach. I usually recommend a cheap ride ($8 each way) to Cane Garden Bay in Tortola, but tide conditions were awful last week, making the water unusable and the beach smaller (due to high tide)/more crowded.

- For first-time cruisers, are there any “can’t-miss” attractions/activities? Is it worth it to book any of the stops offered by NCL, and if so, are there high-demand ones that require early reservations?

Consider The Baths in Jost Van Dyke, but you have limited time there on this itinerary. A favorite among many cruises, but you need to be prepared for less time than ideal there, and read up on how to best spend your time.

 

- I’m a little nervous about jumping into a taxi, as some of the stories I’ve heard talk about crazy/questionable driving.

Meh, we do it all the time, but everyone's tolerance is different. You just should have somewhere in mind to go. I like to at least get off the ship and do SOMETHING. We've done St. Thomas three times, but this was the first time we took a full tour. We always book these things privately (not thru NCL). Our companions then are usually more adventurous, you often get a better tour, and the cost is less. Great comparisons/info on the port forums and Tripadvisor.

[2hearted]

I agree with just about everything weltec said. Book the specialty dining asap. You can always cancel, but you need to do it 24 hours in advance or you will be charged for the use on a SDP. The other main dining rooms you can go pretty much anytime since it is just the two of you. The drink package covers everything up to $15, which is just about everything. St Thomas has several beaches that are all about an $8 cap ride each. However, I prefer St John's, but it's just an opinion. My favorite beach in Tortola is Brewer's Bay, which is never crowded and has great snorkeling right off shore. However, there are no real amenities other than a small bar and bathroom. Nassau, is a cheap cap ride over the bridge to beach next to Atlantis.

 

Have fun,

[rhiannon35]

I'll weigh in on the spa aspect. I always wait for Port Day specials. You can usually get a package of 4-5 services for the price they typically charge for a one-hour massage. The specials will be listed in the Navigator (schedule of next day's activities) you receive in your room each evening. And, I've never had trouble getting the time slot I want -- I've even called a couple of hours ahead and gotten in.

 

As for ports, we never do NCL tours. Overpriced. Unless you want to say zipline, you can get a ride to the beach or a tour of the city for much less taking a cab. we've never had a problem with cab drivers, and St thomas and Nassau are two of the best ports as far as integrity of cab drivers.

Prices are per person to most stops, and you can find out how much it costs before you go. I've never been to Tortola so not sure on that.

FYI, if all you want to do is walk through the Atlantis, take a cab on your own. It's a public hotel and you can walk through most spaces on your own. If you want to go on waterslides, etc. then pay the huge $$$ for tour.

[ChickonRules]

Do you know if non-alcoholic drinks are included too? For example, freshly squeezed orange juice.

[LakeWobegon]

I don't think so from the policy - unless you add some vodka too it. Then maybe. So, ask for a screwdriver minus the vodka and I don't think they could deny you! :D

[Ciara01]

Bottled water & specialty coffee are excluded in the bed package...

[Jenjer]

Fresh squeezed juices, specialty coffee and bottled water are all excluded from the beverage packages.

 

Unfortunately the freedom of the past has gone away with all the "free" packages for dinning available now. You have to plan it out and make reservations for any specialties that you want you dine in ahead of time. Cagney, Teppenaki and Le bistro are the most popular. If you want to make a change its easy to do but prime time will be hard to change to. They seem to reserve a portion of the reservations to be booked on ship so if you can not do it online before you board you can do it after lunch.

 

For shows go ahead a prebook. You don't have a reserved seat or anything like that. They have 2 lines. They allow people with reservations in first, scanning your card to check for reservations. About 15 min before the show the allow the other people in.

 

Yes the Comedy club is small but on Getaway or Epic we never had any problems getting in with out without reservations. I am pretty sure Howl at the moon doesn't even do reservations. Comedy and Howl at the moon use the same space.

 

Look into Atlantis before you spend your money on going over there. Without a day pass you can only see the lobby and the casino. No beach no pool defiantly no sharks or dolphins. Check out the ports board in here lots of advice. also tripadvisor can be very helpful.

 

 

 

In all the ports there are always lots of cabs and safari busses available. We use them all the time and its never been a issue. Usually they have someone with a clip board (white shirt, black skirt or pants and a name badge) that will ask you where you want to go and help direct you. If you don't want a ride share in a open air safari bus just ask for a private cab. They make more money on a safari bus and try to fill those up first. We like private cabs ourselves.

 

 

My advice to new cruisers who like the pools and water slides is to carry you swimsuits and sunblock with you. You will hand over your luggage to the porters and not see it until later that day, usually by 6pm. Get lunch, the buffet will be open and busy, just expect it and enjoy not having to cook or clean. Then change and hit the pools and slides. Most people will be walking around the ship or waiting to get to go to their rooms. Best time to enjoy the pool.

[Ray3127]

Thanks to all who have replied, the feedback has been very helpful.

 

I will plan on booking our 4 dinners and whatever shows we want to see that are available as soon as the 90 day window opens up. For the shows in particular, it sounds we should be okay to change our minds once on board. I won’t worry about it so much!

 

The freshly squeezed juices not being included is disappointing, because my wife and I have orange juice just about every morning with breakfast. Not a fan of such nickel & diming… Do they have lower quality juices that are included, or does anybody know the price of the freshly squeezed juices? Doesn’t seem to make sense with the ‘under $15’ rule.

 

Between the feedback provided here and a little research on other boards, we are planning the following…

- St. Thomas: Taxi to Magen’s Bay Beach for the day, have lunch while there... just relax and enjoy.

- Tortola: NCL excursion to the Baths. Though I know it costs more, as a first-time cruiser with a tight schedule that morning it is worth it to me to go through the cruise line. We have scheduled the 7:30AM departure in hopes of getting there before the largest crowds, though I gather it will still be plenty crowded.

- Nassau: Still undecided, and we may actually stay on board and take advantage of possible spa specials. As this is the last day of the cruise, we’re not sure about spending it schlepping around the island. Though we were interested in checking out Atlantis, it sounds expensive with varied reviews, so if we simply see it from a distance we may be fine. The next day (6/11) is our anniversary, and we are planning to have dinner at Cagney’s that night, so we may prefer to just hang on the boat. However, by that time in our trip we will have a better idea of if we would like getting off and going to a beach or if we would rather stay on the boat. If we do get off, BCH would probably be our first choice right now. We did choose the cruise based more on the ship than the ports though, so we aren’t sold on having to leave the ship… that’s a long-winded way to say we have options and will play it by ear.

 

Again, great advice from all. Weltek, thank you for the detailed initial reply, and Jenjer, thank you for the tip on hanging on to some select items for the pools & slides. We will definitely do that!

[LrgPizza]

 

 

 

The freshly squeezed juices not being included is disappointing, because my wife and I have orange juice just about every morning with breakfast. Not a fan Doesn’t seem to make sense with the ‘under $15’ rule.

 

. If you recognize the UBP for being what it is, an alcohol package, it makes sense. Including fresh squeezed juices, bottled water, specialty coffees, etc. into an alcohol package is what doesn't make sense. I think the biggest issue is the name. They should just call it the Ultimate Alcohol Package, or UAP. :). Enjoy your cruise!

[Rosethorn40]

Don't give up on Atlantis just yet. You will get a 100 different opinions, here's mine. Always wanted to go, but far too expensive for us to fly over and stay a week. When we finally had a cruise stop at Nassau I booked the excursion to Atlantis even though it was expensive. We loved it. Had a blast, and the water park area was beautiful. There are cheaper ways of going then through the ship, something about booking a room at a nearby hotel and getting passes to Atlantis (Not sure how that really works though).

[2hearted]

You can get orange juice free in the restaurants for breakfast, just not any time else.

[calgaryhhr]

The freshly squeezed juices not being included is disappointing, because my wife and I have orange juice just about every morning with breakfast. Not a fan of such nickel & diming… Do they have lower quality juices that are included, or does anybody know the price of the freshly squeezed juices? Doesn’t seem to make sense with the ‘under $15’ rule.

 

 

I ordered a fresh squeezed orange juice one morning thinking it was included. The bartender mentioned there would be a charge when I ordered but I had already waited in like for about 10 minutes so I figured I might as well just get my orange juice. It ended up being around $3.50 and I would be surprised if it was more than 250ml (one cup.)

 

They do have free juice in the fountain machines in the buffet. They rotated the variety. During our cruise, there was apple, orange, cranberry cocktail stuff, I think they had a watermelon juice and also a strawberry juice.