First time on a cruise...4.23 NCL Escape. What to expect

[CorkyRogers]

Hi,

 

As the title says...

 

First time cruiser on the NCL Escape on the April 23rd cruise.

 

I'm going with a big group of people (about 30 so far). All have been on other cruise lines but not NCL.

 

Anything I need to know? What to do for excursions? What are the best after hour bars/clubs? How late does everything stay open til? Do I need to bring a suit? Yadda yadda...

 

Thanks in advance!

[Sauer-kraut]

No need to bring a suit unless you're all getting dressed up for some special celebration.

 

Everything else sort of runs like all the rest of the cruise lines.... eat, have fun, eat, drink a bit, eat, lounge around, eat.... (you get the picture).

[aklarsen]

You don't even have to bring a tie if you don't want to, collared shirts work perfectly.

[CorkyRogers]

Awesome! Thanks for the tips!

 

Another really dumb question. I notice there is a duty free shop on board and I love to pick up cologne. Does anyone know how the prices are compared to retail in the states?

 

Thanks!

[helen haywood]

Generally the prices are exactly the same as on land...you just don't pay tax.

[Rob0519]

From what I remember, there are like 4 bars open until 1:00 local time wherever the ship is; The Brewhouse, Tobacco Road, 5 o'clock Somewhere and the Skyline bar.

[rnustad]

Search for TheDougOut and check out his live blog from the ship a couple weeks ago! So fun to read beginning to end!

[beerman2]

Search for TheDougOut and check out his live blog from the ship a couple weeks ago! So fun to read beginning to end!

 

I believe the thread Doug had is "escape live- jan 30th". A great read!

[IsanTom]

You will have a good time! Any more questions? Enjoy!

[kimala]

These are a few of the things I usually tell first time cruisers::

1) After you board there are usually staff members walking around with yummy looking frozen "drinks of the day".. A lot of cruise virgins think these are complimentary, they are not. ( (unless you have the UBP.)

 

2) bring a sweater or wrap as I always find it cool in the public rooms.

 

3) don't worry about trying to keep everyone in your party together all the time. It's hard enough to get two people on the same page let alone 30. I learned this lesson when I took 4 friends with us on the allure (RCL)

 

Most of all...ENJOY! And welcome to my addiction.