Escape + Vibe Review - Feb. 13-20/16

[Topgirl2]

This was the 8th cruise for hubby and I (in our late 50’s) and 3rd on NCL. I read these boards a lot, and always feel if you can’t have a good time on a cruise, then you can’t have a good time anywhere. That being said, while we did have a nice enough cruise, there was a big negative that will prevent us from sailing on the same design of ship as the Escape, that is any with the 6/7/8 open atrium concept. It is just too smoky! The smoke from the casino on deck 7 permeates decks 6 and 8 mid-ship – even when the casino is closed, all three decks smell like a dirty ashtray from the smoke smell in the carpets. I tried several times to visit the casino to play, but the smoke drove me away every time. Such a shame, a new ship that smells so bad after only 3 months – imagine what it will be like in a year.

 

Some details: We boarded about 11:15 a.m. and headed to Guest Services, hoping for Vibe passes. We were redirected to Headliners, where we joined the lineup and were numbers 46 & 47. I was very excited to experience the Vibe and bypassing all the “chair hogs” I have read about on these forums…..alas, chair hogs exist in the Vibe too. Lesson learned.

 

There were more “reserved” chairs in the Vibe on the days we were finally able to utilize it (it was too cool on Sunday to sit out, and Vibe was closed on Monday due to high winds, all chairs were tied together) than there were chairs with people actually in them. It was only when we were in Tortola that we got use out of the area, it was warm when we were not underway.

 

The winds were very strong the whole week, unfortunately. Service in the Vibe was outstanding, iced citrus water brought to you as soon as you sit down, fresh fruit kabobs offered, friendly staff - Rowe and Rudy were the best on the cruise. Vibe has a bar, no line ups, drinks frequently offered right at your seat. And it’s very quiet compared to the pool areas. On Friday afternoon (Nassau day) we had to wear jackets to sit out in Vibe, we were determined to get more use out of it.

 

I just don’t think buying Vibe passes is a good idea in the winter months – the weather is too unpredictable. It would be a welcome retreat during the hotter summer months though. Another lesson learned.

 

The cabin: We had 8718, M6 mini-suite with large balcony. Bed was near the closet. There was enough room for the 2 of us to hang our clothes, and cupboards under the TV for additional storage. No drawers anywhere. Bathroom was roomy, 2 faucets in a trough-shaped sink, large glass shower stall with hand-held shower head.

 

Large balcony contained 2 lounge chairs, 2 regular chairs and small table. Again, the windy conditions made it difficult to enjoy sitting out there – on many days, the sea spray came up and over our balcony rails, and at night the furniture blew back against our balcony doors. Being so far forward on the ship meant there was lots of movement when underway, and several times we lost our balance in the cabin and in the shower. There was lots of creaking noises at night, especially from the glass doors to balcony. I would not advise getting the large balcony during the winter months, again weather is too unpredictable and it proved to be a waste of money (like the Vibe).

 

Cabin Steward: Didn’t see a lot of him, which is good – the toggle switches to indicate “do not disturb” or “make up room” are a great idea. Once the announcement was made that “all rooms are now ready”, we headed to ours but the steward informed us our room wasn’t ready and to come back later. We stowed our carry-on bags in the closet and headed to the bar – no worries. Room was fine later, except for mini-fridge, which contained two half-consumed bottles of wine. A call to the steward to point this out had him clearing out the whole fridge, which was fine – I had someplace to put my bottled water.

 

Entertainment: We attended For The Record at the Supper Club – didn’t enjoy the show or the meal. Million Dollar Quarter was fabulous – would see it again. After Midnight was good too, and not as long as others have reported (approx.. 1 hr. and 10 mins., perhaps it was trimmed a bit?). I had reserved all three on-line about 2 months prior to sailing.

 

Dining: Ate most breakfasts and lunches in Taste or Savor, found the menus changed very little day to day. Food was good, not outstanding, but anything I don’t have to cook myself or clean up after is good! Tried the prime rib at O’Sheehan’s the first night, beef was overcooked and not very tasty. Ask for rare if you want medium. Enjoyed the dinners we had at Manhattans several nights, not because the food was any better, but because of the live band. Service seemed hit or miss, some nights very attentive, others we were asking for water, butter or the salt and pepper shakers.

 

St. Thomas: I had booked day passes at the Marriott Morning Star Beach Resort, a $6.00/person taxi ride away. Beautiful beach, great large pool, free WIFI and unlimited bar for $85/person. Very relaxing day, I would go there again.

 

Tortola: Heard on the radio that the “grand opening” of Pier Park was the day before our visit. They should have waited – a few stores open, still under construction, not much to see. Perhaps ships should wait another year before coming here.

 

Nassau: Walked to Bay Street for some window shopping. Mobs of vendors in your face as you try to navigate the crazy crowded sidewalks and streets. Glad to get back on ship.

 

Bars: We had the UBP, like most everyone else. Did not drink at the Atrium bar and Skyline Bar, as they were too smoky. Enjoyed some nice wines at the Cellars, and found the outdoor 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar always had seats, and we welcomed the fresh smoke-free air out there. Never had to wait more than a minute or two anywhere for a drink.

 

Overall, a nice cruise but there are ships out there that better suit our preferences, are less crowded and smoky, and give us bigger cabins for the same money.

[cheapboxer]

Very interesting how people have different opinions. We were on the same cruise, same deck, same room category.

 

I had read how bad the smoke smell was but was surprised on how little there was. I only smelled it in the Casino area. I was expecting a hole lot more. Many cruises I have been on before were much worse.

 

We missed out on Vibe passes but were on the pool deck right next door every sea day. Yes, it was a windy cruise but we were able to get out of the heavy wind and enjoy the sun as much as possible.

 

At first we were surprised at there were no drawers for storage in the room but discovered additional shelves in the closet. Never a problem.

 

There were times when the ship would get hit with a large wave and you would notice it. never to the extent of loosing our balance.

 

The 5 o'clock somewhere bar (outside) is a hidden gem. The bartenders are hilarious and we enjoyed many a cocktail with them.

[Cruiser21]

Can you tell me what time you arrived at port and what boarding # you received. Thanks

[Clarea]

Thanks for the report.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the report.

[GUT2407]

Interesting thanks.

[jojoharvard]

We were also on this cruise. We are not smokers and did not find the atrium area to smell of smoke. We had an aft balcony on the 14th level port side. We were able to enjoy the balcony and did not find it too windy on most days. Our family enjoyed the water slides and ropes course on a daily basis. We arrived at the port at 11am and I think we were on the ship within an hour. Tortola was our favorite port. We spent the day at Brewers Bay Beach which is beautiful and not over crowded. There is a nice new store at the pier that sells local pottery. I picked up a couple of pieces and spent a total of $27.

[Keith1010]

Thanks for taking the time to write and share your review.

 

Keith

[bam1957]

Very interesting how people have different opinions. We were on the same cruise, same deck, same room category.

 

I had read how bad the smoke smell was but was surprised on how little there was. I only smelled it in the Casino area. I was expecting a hole lot more. Many cruises I have been on before were much worse.

 

We missed out on Vibe passes but were on the pool deck right next door every sea day. Yes, it was a windy cruise but we were able to get out of the heavy wind and enjoy the sun as much as possible.

 

At first we were surprised at there were no drawers for storage in the room but discovered additional shelves in the closet. Never a problem.

 

There were times when the ship would get hit with a large wave and you would notice it. never to the extent of loosing our balance.

 

The 5 o'clock somewhere bar (outside) is a hidden gem. The bartenders are hilarious and we enjoyed many a cocktail with them.

 

I guess because I go to casinos where there is always smoke it just doesn't bother me. There is absolutely nothing Norwegian can do about that. People have the right to smoke if it's allowed. I'm not a smoker but I know a lot of people that do. If I'm sitting next to a smoker and it starts to bother me then I move. They have the right to be there if it's a smoking area. T

[bevkay]

I was on the same cruise also. :) I did not get Vibe passes and did have some trouble getting chair on sea days. You have to get out there by 9 to get a good spot. I noticed a crew member putting stickers on chairs that were "saved" with towels but he never came back to follow through. :confused:

 

I would say it was breezy but we never felt too cold. Maybe because the Vibe is on a higher deck? I sat on my balconey (12202) almost all week. You could smell the smoke when walking through the casino but I didn't think it was as bad as everyone was saying and I HATE smoke. I didn't really spend much time there however.

 

You could defintely feel the boat moving more than I have on other cruises but it didn't really bother me. Seems like a different movement than what makes me feel sick-not sure why.

 

I also thought The Brat Pack was FABULOUS! Obe of the highlights of the trip. What talented kids!

 

Just goes to show that people like different things!:D

[cmstl97]

We thought the entire casino atrium area smelled like an old Vegas casino. Major room for improvement with the ventilation! Lining up through the casino while trying to debarked smelled horrible. The layout of the ship all together was just not good.

 

It's unfortunate you had the weather you did. In January we had three great sea days then stayed on the ship in Nassau so we utilized Vibe a ton. Never went on the public sun decks at all. We also had a really fun mix of passengers in Vibe which definitely added to the experience. Ro, Rudy and Merwin made our trip! They all were amazing and worked so hard. Had we not had Vibe passes our opinion of the trip much be much different.

 

We will be trying the Regal Princess next time in hopes its somewhat of a middle ground between NCL/RCL and Celebrity.

[Sotermarler]

We have had the Vibe a couple times in November and had the same issue with high winds. It's a bummer for sure when you spend the money and can't use it, but when you can use it, it's awesome!

[Topgirl2]

Arrived about 10:45, waited in an area with other special needs passengers, I don't recall being given a number.

[1bzymom]

What exactly is Vibe? Is there a charge? How do you get it? Is it worth it?

[Topgirl2]

What exactly is Vibe? Is there a charge? How do you get it? Is it worth it?

 

It's an "adults only" outdoor area on deck 19, accessed with a separate key card. It has padded lounge chairs, a shower, hot tub, misting stations, restrooms, and a bar. $99/pp for the week, buy passes upon boarding, we lined up at Headliners to purchase our passes that week.

 

It is worth it if the weather cooperates, our week was windy and cool, so we didn't use it everyday.

[rmmom1962]

It's an "adults only" outdoor area on deck 19, accessed with a separate key card. It has padded lounge chairs, a shower, hot tub, misting stations, restrooms, and a bar. $99/pp for the week, buy passes upon boarding, we lined up at Headliners to purchase our passes that week.

 

 

 

It is worth it if the weather cooperates, our week was windy and cool, so we didn't use it everyday.

 

 

Was smoking allowed in the Vibe area?