JW and Jerome's Adventure on The Norwegian Escape

[cruiseguys2009]

Hi there! i am loving this review!! I noticed you mentioned a few times that you cruised the Epic, but maybe had a horrible experience... Can you point me in the direction of that review, if you did one?

 

 

I did not do a review of our EPIC experience, however, I have touched on several points of what happened to us on that fateful Thanksgiving sailing in a couple of detailed posts earlier on this Adventure story.

 

I will say that, in my opinion, the company (NCL) operates noticeably different between what we experienced on our EPIC fail a couple of years ago and this, our Norwegian Escape Experience reported here. I believe that the most important visible change is that the culture of the Crew now includes the ability to empower these individuals to immediately address and resolve Guest issues as well as the Senior Staff visibly solicits ideas and contributions from the Crew to better the Guest experience.

 

It seemed to me, that the cultural norm for most of the Crew members we came across on The Escape, is that they are encouraged to go out of their way to please a Guest or resolve an issue first, on their own, before having the issue elevated to a higher level. Thus developing more inter-personal relationships between the Guest and Crew. It looked as though the Crew were more engaging and had an attitude to "Want" to care. We witnessed this refreshing change multiple times a day.

 

I so look forward to sailing next week, to again see, if my experience holds firm, and is consistent what I believe Norwegian is striving to be.

 

We'll see, won't we?..............Yes, most definitely.

[paradiseawaitsme]

JW, you are truly hilarious!! I check every day to see if you have written more......I laugh so hard I almost tinkle myself. :D I really hope we end up on an NCL ship with you someday. My sister and I are newbies, this October 1st being only our third cruise, but we are hooked on NCL. (Hope to do a Mediterranean cruise next October) Hope you have a fabulous cruise next week. Can't wait to read the review. Happy Cruising!!!:)

[KAYKAY121]

If I am boarding with CAS, what are my chances of getting Vibe passes?!

[Brooklyn59]

Each and everyday I make it a point to look for any updates to your review.... Your detailed review is so entertaining and helpful too. I, too, find myself laughing out loud. Thanks so much for putting in the so much effort and adding a little laughter to my day.

 

On another note....I am annoyed, with myself, that I changed our cruise date from 8/20 to 9/10. I would have looked all over the ship to thank you in person. I also would have been the 'look-out' for the 'red-headed tour guide' too - ha!!!!

Looking for your ESCAPE - 'take 2 review'.

 

Enjoy your vacation.

[cruiseguys2009]

If I am boarding with CAS, what are my chances of getting Vibe passes?!

 

 

Get to The Port of Miami early, fortunately on the sailing we are on this Saturday, our approved check in window is 9:30AM-10:30AM. However, just get to the port early. I have spoken to about a hundred folks, on various cruises, and if you are in one of the first 12 boarding groups, you have the best chance of getting VIBE passes.

 

This is what we do: Once we are on board The Escape, we will hightail it to the Headliners Comedy Club and get a number (they only offer 70 passes per sailing), which secures our spot in line, for the privilege of purchasing VIBE passes ($99.00 per person for the week, charged to your On Board Account). I have been told that on some sailings, the passes were all sold out by Boarding Group 9, and on other sailings, passes were still available after boarding Group 16. When I thought about it, how many folks really want to spend an additional $100 buck a person, so your chances are very good at getting a spot in line. Don't stress it.

 

On The Breakaway and Getaway, the venue where VIBE tickets are sold is different than on The Escape. So as you are boarding, ask the Crew members you will see where the VIBE tickets are being sold so you are directed appropriately.

 

If by some reason you don't get the VIBE passes, then on the other side of the VIBE walled glass entrance (Deck 19) is a similar sunning spot, complete with a bar and several uncrowded water features that are just as nice, and the space is certainly nicer than the very crowded, shoulder to shoulder, main pool below. The loungers don't have cushions, but there is still cocktail service.

 

In my opinion, I love VIBE and we are planning to enjoy it again next week. If I were traveling solo, or just with other adults, VIBE is a great place to relax and meet others, have great conversations, enjoy the water features and the service, and of course.............SHOT O"CLOCK!, all without the wrangling for deck chairs at prime time. I can always be assured of a lounger. I don't have to be a chair hog or deal with them. I can come and go as I please, and are part of a "Cheers"-like environment, where everyone knows my name and Martini's are my game!

 

Plus, in a smaller group environment, even the most shy will be exceptionally comfortable and not stressed. The welcoming environment is easy going and the atmosphere in VIBE is so relaxing that right from the get-go, after the life boat drill, if ya get a VIBE pass, that is where you want to be for sail-a-way! The first Shot O'Clock is the best Shot O'Clock. It's like the first day at school, only with alcohol! After the third day, everyone is kinda like best friends and we worry about each other when someone is missing................funny, everyone I have talked to since our first Escape Adventure sailing a couple of months ago, are all the folks we met in VIBE.

 

Here is a wonderful book I am going to read while I am in VIBE next week, though I never seem to get past chapter one:

 

[keeponcruising]

JW, I am still enjoying your adventures. Is the $$$$$$ amount in what your machine paid out an indication you won 6 figures? :eek:

[cruiseguys2009]

JW, I am still enjoying your adventures. Is the $$$$$$ amount in what your machine paid out an indication you won 6 figures? :eek:

 

 

Nope, sorry, not that much. Gosh I wish.:D

[KAYKAY121]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to be so sad if I don't get Vibe passes now. Hope you have a wonderful vacation! We changed our flight and are now staying at the Marriott Friday! ALL for those Vibe passes!! Planning to get to Port at 9:30! My document d time is 11:00!! I cannot wit for this trip!

[cruisetimeforme]

My husband and I were on your June cruise, and I wish we would have known you were there. If you had gone to the Meet and Greet I would have recognized you. Would of loved to have shared a couple of martinis. We were a few weeks apart on our past Reflection cruises I believe also. We sailed when the Pied Piper group did their post Thanksgiving cruise and had the most amazing time. Never danced with so many men at a time in the Sky lounge in my life! Great time, but would have enjoyed seeing you in the Martini bar along with the Hat Lady! Thanks so much for your information on CAS. Going to sign up when we get onboard Getaway in a few weeks for 14 nights. BTW, we were told the crew now has incentive programs that have helped in their service attitude with passengers. I thought the level of service from crew was outstanding on the Escape. Hope you and Jerome have another fantastic time. Cheers!

[cruiseguys2009]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to be so sad if I don't get Vibe passes now. Hope you have a wonderful vacation! We changed our flight and are now staying at the Marriott Friday! ALL for those Vibe passes!! Planning to get to Port at 9:30! My document d time is 11:00!! I cannot wit for this trip!

 

 

Don't worry, if you check in by 10AM you will be fine, and since you are a CAS VIP, no one will question your early check in time. I know you will get the VIBE passes. You will love it! Please also check back in here with me after you sail so we can chit chat like little girls about our VIBE experiences. :D

[cruiseguys2009]

My husband and I were on your June cruise, and I wish we would have known you were there. If you had gone to the Meet and Greet I would have recognized you. Would of loved to have shared a couple of martinis. We were a few weeks apart on our past Reflection cruises I believe also. We sailed when the Pied Piper group did their post Thanksgiving cruise and had the most amazing time. Never danced with so many men at a time in the Sky lounge in my life! Great time, but would have enjoyed seeing you in the Martini bar along with the Hat Lady! Thanks so much for your information on CAS. Going to sign up when we get onboard Getaway in a few weeks for 14 nights. BTW, we were told the crew now has incentive programs that have helped in their service attitude with passengers. I thought the level of service from crew was outstanding on the Escape. Hope you and Jerome have another fantastic time. Cheers!

 

 

Jerome and I didn't participate on that Roll Call for the June 20th Escape sailing as we were trying to be incognito with Norwegian, but it didn't work. As soon as we checked in they had me flagged and I knew once the first batch of Chocolate Covered Strawberries appeared, it was over.

 

That being said, I am glad they flagged me, because all the more reason for the Crew to be on the top of their game, not with me mind you, but with the level of service going on around me. My observations of others receiving constant Guest Satisfaction on that sailing, elevated my own experience ten fold. I truly enjoy watching dedicated professionals in our industry giving a commitment to, and with a loving attitude, take care of The Guest.

 

However, that being said, yes I too am upset that we did not run into each other. It's a pretty big ship, and so much to do, and that is why we loved VIBE so much. We had developed our own intimate group, kind of like a club, with about 70 members participating, where we would catch up with each other, have a few cocktails, and tell really dirty jokes!

 

I am looking forward to our next week's Adventures to continue with the saga, and I was excited to hear about this little bit of "Incentive" news the Crew is being provided with. Which goes to show, "If You Take Care of Your Associates[Crew], Your Associates[Crew] Will Take Care of The Guest. And The Guest Will Take Care of The Bottom Line" JW Marriott Well, experiencing it first hand, it works!

 

I will be posting JW and Jerome's 2017 Cruise Sailing Schedule once we return from this trip on The Escape, shortly after August the 28th. Perhaps you can join us?

 

Great hearing from you again!

 

JW and Jerome.

Edited August 17, 2016 by cruiseguys2009

[Coastalbreezes]

Don't worry, if you check in by 10AM you will be fine, and since you are a CAS VIP, no one will question your early check in time. I know you will get the VIBE passes. You will love it! Please also check back in here with me after you sail so we can chit chat like little girls about our VIBE experiences. :D

 

I'm looking forward to meeting you and Jerome on this cruise; you're just hilarious, JW and I've enjoyed every one of your reviews.

 

I just booked Escape yesterday and will be racing to Headliners along with the rest of you lol. I'm also VIP with CAS and hopefully will be in an early boarding group.

 

Cheers!

Tracy

[cruiseguys2009]

The day before the night before the afternoon of the day before then:

 

After my Jackpot win, Jerome and I went down to The Manhattan Supper Club (inclusive dining) for our pre-reserved dinner reservation, having heard so much about the awesome, retro style of the "Club"-like atmosphere, with such a 1960's-70's flair. Oh goodness gracious me!

 

The wonderfully beautiful Host (who I described here earlier, with the truly romantically and seductively gorgeous voice, who secured my dining reservations for the week while I was in line waiting for my VIBE passes) magically welcomed us to the establishment. We waited briefly for her to read her computer screen and then she turned to one of her seating partners, discretely giving them instructions and then advising us to please follow them to our table for the evening. "Have a marvelous evening" she said. That was interesting. I turned to Jerome, "Have a marvelous evening?" I said, repeating her words. "Isn't that incredible?", so Retro in style, "Marvelous evening." I think we will.

 

The atmosphere of The Manhattan Room can only be described as Retro, Fabulously Gay, and Darkly Grandiose. Very 1960's-70's grand. As if Frank Sinatra will appear at any moment tonight, subbing for his old pal Dean Martin, who certainly would be over imbibing at our table, of course. Band playing, crisp linens on the tables, candlelight mesmerizing the ambiance. Flawlessly romantic. Wow.

 

I could feel the deep warmth of the room as I entered. Was anyone else acutely aware of the design intentions and showmanship of this incredible night club experience and ambiance? On the outskirts, on either side of the atrium, there are smaller, singular seating areas that accommodate larger families and groups. In the center of the restaurant is this gorgeous, three story tall, glass enclosed atrium dining room, complete with a stage, a huge dance floor, a spectacular plate glass aft view, replete with a wall of windows that perhaps at 6 o'clock in the evening, would provide early diners immense, romantic views of the wake of this awesome lady, The Norwegian Escape, plying the Atlantic. And of course, I digress.

 

But wait. Overlooking the main dining room of this Manhattan Restaurant, behind luscious privacy curtains, a full level above, are both Moderno, up to the left and Cagney's Steak House, up and overlooking the room to the right. If one is fortunate to be seated in the central Atrium, "On The Dance Floor" as if in the 1960's or 70's Brat Pac era, the feeling is overwhelmingly like being a real VIP, or very Special. We are transported back in time, seated in a spectacular, sophisticated, classic fine dining establishment, warranting the finest of china, the finest of attitudes and the finest of service. It takes my breath away.

 

We are escorted to a table in the center of the dance floor area. You might say, ringside, so as to have a full view of the band, the stage, the dance floor, the romance. It's like one of those 1960's movie sets, when the star of the show might come and sit at my table for a cocktail after their performance. Oh I felt like such a Queen, yep, you betcha!

 

I turned to Jerome and said, gosh, can you believe I actually won a jackpot tonight? He nodded in agreement, as the band played, and the sultry blonde singer was romantically engaging the crowd. Wait, I know that song............"Morning after......." Several couples were up dancing.

 

"Hey Jerome", devious little me said, "Wanna wreck 'em?" "Let's dance!" Jerome frowned at me, knowing that I would never compromise my behavior and "for real" attitude. He knows that I would never make a conscientious decision to allow anyone else to be made to feel uncomfortable with us dancing together during the family dinner hour.

 

When it's Disco time later on, when it's all grown ups, perhaps yes. Dinner for several hundred, and kids, emphatically no. I would not want the responsibility of a Dad to be forced to have to explain the acceptance of a new version of the Birds and the Bees to their kids because we might dance together at dinner time. The youngster will learn soon enough, about ALL the Birds and the Bees, just not on their (or my) vacation.

 

What is that song called, it's so familar. Dah, Dah, Dah, Dah Dah ....Morning After" "It's waiting right outside the door"......at this point our server appears at the table (Gosh, he is a cutie, looks like a young Roddy McDowell) and introduces himself to us as "Akers." "Gentlemen", he proceeds, "Can I perhaps interest you in a cocktail this evening?" "Heck yes!" I said and proceeded to ask for "The Tallest, Driest, Coldest, Grey Goose Martini, Straight Up with a half dozen olives, Paleeeese!" Akers gave me such an inquisitive look, very puzzled, and said "Beg your pardon, Sir", "But what is a Grey Goose?"

 

I just about died, while I was in a quandary at Akers' question, I then, suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a round table of eight well dressed folks, and they were all movie stars. Movie Stars I tell ya! "Jerome, look over there!" I exclaimed. " That's Gene Hackman!" "And Lookie!" "There's Shelly Winters", "Oh my goodness, she is so much bigger in person" (Please don't tell anyone I said that, oh my, I could not believe I said that.) Seated next to Shelly Winters was Jack Albertson. I just loved him in Chico and The Man (Gosh, remember Freddie Prinz, how fantastic was he and such a life cut short.) "Red Buttons!" "Jerome, is he gay?" "Wow", I went on and on, "Look at all the Celebrities!" "All having dinner here with us tonight." "Wait, what?" I said to myself, "Aren't they all dead? No worries, they are here with us tonight!

 

"Look, over there, it's Susan Dey!" I had such a phony crush on Susan Dey when I was younger. I was forced to plaster my walls with her posters from Tiger Beat, just to throw off the "Gay" scent from my mother, when all the while, my real Partridge Family Love was secretly tucked securely under my bed. I hid all the posters of my true idol at the time, David Cassidy. Oh Please, if you are a gal from the 70's you know what I am talking about. And if you are a guy from the 70's ya loved Susan Dey too.

 

Oh shut up!

 

Susan Dey was right there having dinner at the next table and by the way, what was Gene Hackman's character name? Oh Yeah, Reverend Scott! We were smack in the middle of the dining room scene from The Poseidon Adventure! and................ "Oh My Gawd", "Jerome Look, it's Christmas In July!!!!" "Look at that gorgeous Blue Christmas Tree constructed out of steel!" "It's Fabulous!" Oh wait. Didn't Shelly Winters exclaim in the film "Manny! I'm Stuck, I'm Stuck, I'm too fat to climb a Christmas Tree!"

 

I just remembered the song! "There's Got To Be A Morning After!" and that sultry blonde was performing it right on stage this very minute. "Oh, Can't You See The Morning After".............."Safe and Waaarm!"

______________________

 

Where is Akers and my Martini? I thought.

 

"Hey Jerome", I said, as I got up from my chair, "I am going to go over and ask Reverend Scott (Gene Hackman), since he is such a renegade Priest, if he will marry us on the ship, what do you think?" Jerome just kind of looked at me, like a deer in headlights.

 

As I started to make my way over to the Celebrity Table to ask Gene Hackman if he would kindly marry us, I suddenly heard a countdown........"Ten..............Nine...............Eight.............Seven...............Six

 

 

"JW". "JW", I thought to myself, what is going on, the sea is really rocking........"Five...............Four................Three"

 

"Jay Double You!" I heard Jerome's voice, louder, concerned. "Wake Up, JW, you are having a nightmare!" "Honey, wake up!" He was by this time, shaking me. I opened my eyes, not sure of my surroundings and I yelled out loud "Two...............One, Happy New Year!"

 

Jerome was laying in bed by my side, he had turned the lights on, and was very concerned as I was drenched with a cold sweat, breathing erratically, and mumbling, then singing and finally loudly counting in my sleep. "JW, you were having a bad dream, are you alright?" Jerome said, consoling me.

 

"What?" "What do you mean?" "I don't know, I am confused." I said. I felt queezy, uneasy. "Where am I?" "Oh wait", I turned to Jerome and said, "We are on the Escape, right?" "Yes," he said and continued, "You were singing 'There's Got To Be A Morning After' from the movie The Poseidon Adventure" and mumbling something about getting married, then loudly and slowly counting down as you were asleep, as if it were New Years Eve." "Oh Lordie", Jerome said, "Tell me you were not dreaming that we were on The New Years Eve Sailing of the SS Poseidon?"

 

"I, uh, think so", I hesitantly said, "Funny thing was, since I won this jackpot in the Casino, you and I went to dinner in the Manhattan Club to celebrate." I continued, "I saw all the big movie stars of The Poseidon Adventure sitting over at a table, the gal was singing "Morning After" with the band on stage, and there was even a Christmas In July, three story Christmas Tree set up, just like in the movie". I went on to say that "I came up with a great idea, and wanted Gene Hackman to marry us and as I was on my way over to the table to ask him if he would, (Oh! and by the way, that Shelly Winters was ginormous in person), I heard the countdown to New Years, and then you woke me up."

 

Jerome said, "Well JW, if you remember, we have not been to The Manhattan Club for dinner yet, we ate in Taste tonight." Then Jerome, after a very pregnant pause, came out with........ "Jackpot?" Jerome said, "Jackpot?" "What Jackpot?"

 

As if..............."Jerome, I won a Jackpot in the Casino tonight." Jerome highly puzzled, looks at me and says, "What happened JW?" "Did you hit your little head as you got off the subway on deck 8 tonight?" "JW, what the heck are you talking about?"

 

Oh my. Was it a dream? Was it all just a dream?

 

Or was it.......................real. Hmmmm.

 

 

Here is a little stroll down memory lane for everyone................Love you!

 

 

 

You all know that every good novella has a dream sequence.

 

 

 

Edited August 18, 2016 by cruiseguys2009

[irishayes]

JW, you are just plain mean. :)

 

Sent from my SM-N915V using Tapatalk

[Clay Clayton]

I'm looking forward to meeting you and Jerome on this cruise; you're just hilarious, JW and I've enjoyed every one of your reviews.

 

I just booked Escape yesterday and will be racing to Headliners along with the rest of you lol. I'm also VIP with CAS and hopefully will be in an early boarding group.

 

Cheers!

Tracy

 

Tracy

some of the same group that sailed with us and you a few years back are on the 4/18/17 GEM from NYC....notice you don't have anything planned after February....you should join us!

[hawkman402]

There should be a ban on playing music from disaster movies.

 

We were on the Dawn eating dinner in the MDR and we both realized the piano player was playing the theme from Titanic. We got a good laugh out of that.

[TrickyRicky_n_JoJo]

We leave for BWI at 0630 tomorrow. Better get some sleep. Looking forward to meeting everyone in Vibe. Fingers crossed.

[TrickyRicky_n_JoJo]

JW & Jerome - thank you for a most excellent and unselfish sharing of the first part of your Escape. We have a 9:30 check in and will be going as fast as we can to get those Vibe tickets with you. Safe travels to the Port everyone.

[Love.II.Cruise]

To everyone that is boarding on the Escape soon - have a fantastic vacation!!!! :D

[Coastalbreezes]

Tracy

some of the same group that sailed with us and you a few years back are on the 4/18/17 GEM from NYC....notice you don't have anything planned after February....you should join us!

 

Hi Clay. I will definitely look into it. Such a fun bunch last time!

 

Tracy

[cruiseguys2009]

JW and Jerome's Adventures on The Norwegian Escape

 

........will return in 8 days, as we take a break and sail on Part Two on The Norwegian Escape.

 

I thought I would throw that dream sequence in to have a little fun with ya'all. Jerome and I had a good laugh last night as we were flipping through the channels on the television when I came across The Poseidon Adventure! How funny, after I just wrote about it. Goes to show me, the Spirit of Shelly Winters was coming for revenge! My mom used to say "Ya talk about the Devil, and the Devil shows up! So don't gossip!"

 

Jerome and I are so excited (and I am just about to Tinkle as always) to board the Escape tomorrow and we also wanted to take the time to let everyone know how truly grateful we are that you have been following along with our little journey.

 

I promise not to disappoint, as I already have the Entertainment and Restaurant part one completed, just waiting for the part two comparisons. I am also on the look out for the new folks I can write about....tee hee!

 

We will be happy to return to the Cruise Critic Boards on Monday the 29th! Hopefully some of our friends can keep bumping the thread back to page one while we are away, as rest assured, I am sure a couple of you will need a JW fix! Oh, the fervor of anticipation it will create until we get back!

 

You all have been truly fabulous. So once again, "Sir Hot Lady Lose A Lot of The Motion of The Ocean, Queen of The Norwegian Escape", bids you Bon Voyage!

 

 

 

 

 

[justhappy]

Bon Voyage

Have a most marvelous cruise I for one will be happily awaiting your review!

Edited August 19, 2016 by justhappy

[keeponcruising]

Bon Voyage! Can't wait for your part 2 installments. Enjoy your secret balcony and good luck in the casino:)

[lor74]

Bon Voyage! Say hi to the rest of my family that will be sailing with you....I am sure Shawn will find you, as he has been following this thread [emoji3]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[ruthie0704]

Bon Voyage! Can't wait for continuation ....

ENJOY :D