JW and Jerome's Adventure on The Norwegian Escape

[buckeye rob]

Thanks. Looking forward to it. Twice we ran into the same two women fighting. Wonder if they were your Tappanaki adversaries ? P.S. Did you get the cooler ? Regards, Gerry.

Thanks and yes we remember you! What a traumatic night that was! So much has gone on and I just could not wait to get off the ship and get home. We do love The Escape and hopefully this upcoming cruise will be awesome as usually expected and anticipated it being. Enjoy Alaska!

Edited February 7, 2017 by buckeye rob

[Vertigirl99]

So glad you came back! I was reading your reviews before I went on the Escape's NYE cruise. Whooo boy! You ain't kidding on crazies - of course, NYE is amateur night, but the highlights from our trip:

 

-getting deliberately barreled into by a "gentleman" who didn't think he needed to wait in line to get a drink. I was so mad I think I put a Gypsy curse on him. good

 

-Overhearing someone at Spice the next day: "My brother got so drunk he had to be taken out in a wheelchair"

 

-Someone tried jumping from the the big ball thing on the top of the ship. It didn't work out and he was confined to his room with a broken leg and suspended enjoyment of the ship's amenities.

 

-Getting followed around by a grifter chick who had at least 4 different professional designations depending on when you asked her.

 

-Our group enjoying ourselves until a random stranger sits with us (no problem, right?) and gives one word answers to our jovial interest in a new person, eventually deteriorating into cryptic semi-violent statements that made me wonder if I should alert Security. I made a scene and told him to beat it because he was being creepy. I did.not.care.

 

There were definitely way more fun experiences to outweigh the weirdness on the ship, but it did give me some creepy vibes like I used to get while watching Love Boat & Fantasy Island as a kiddo.

[Mrs.C05]

A Disclaimer, because Jerome and I, being so well known around the globe for many reasons, we need to explain.

 

We were to be married in May, 2016, at Walt Disney World, in a big splashy incredible wedding that was ten years in the making. The wedding ceremony was to take place on the roof top of The Contemporary Hotel during the fireworks display, with a Todd English reception to follow. Everything was paid for and prepared.

 

Then we were to be married again, as a surprise on the High Seas, On The Harmony Of The Seas, just a purely ceremonial event, but to be gorgeous with all our friends from around the world attending. Didn't happen, unfortunately.

 

Jerome's father passed away suddenly earlier in the year, and then me, getting into a horrific car accident to which I was hospitalized for a month, it became impossible to have our newly "Legal" wedding ceremony take place as planned. I ultimately had two spinal surgeries and was told that I would never walk again.

 

Just so you all know, with God's help, I did fine. I was able to walk and sit, with some restrictions, not that anyone would know. I could walk again, that was important, thank you God, very much.

 

Don't ever tell JW that I can't do something, ever. I will prove anyone wrong. God takes care of me, no matter what. I believe in GOD, therefore I will.

 

Miracles do happen and I am a living Miracle.

 

This young girl was texting in her Daddy's Cadillac, and I was at a dead stop, up ahead of her, with my turn signal on. I was preparing to turn left, when suddenly and without warning, (at was a documented speed of at least 55 mph), this young lady, all the while texting, rear ended me and careened my car into someone's front yard, ultimately pinning me in my vehicle.

 

Those incredibly gorgeous Firemen Rescue Guys, these real Yummy Calendar Men, (Oh Grow Up! As Joan Rivers would have said) had to use their hot tools to extricate me from my car. Can you say "Happy New Year?" All I can remember was that I already died and went to Chippendale's Firemen Heaven. God Bless our Firefighter Calendars!

 

I was so delirious in pain and happy to be so Man-Handled...........(Oh come on, so would most of you!) that I have little recollection of the actual horrible accident, other than the pictures. Many of the Firefighters came to visit me at the hospital and told me that I was one of the "lucky 10 percent", as the accident could have gone so the other way, with me not surviving.:eek: They called me "The Miracle". Personally I dubbed myself "The Miracle Queen", just sayin' Mr Fireman, "Now please take your shirt off!". Who needs pain killers when you have six, seven and eight packs? Yes Jerome, you can call me "Slut" now.

 

I had not intended to mention this, or how important this cruise really was to me, but since it was brought up, and why we did not sail on the supposed Greatest and Largest Ship ever built in a day (The Harmony of The Seas Inaugural) for our wedding cruise, I guess that you all needed to know why we didn't, straight from me.

 

Karma is most certainly a Bische and I am grateful that she is. Thank you God and His Universe for all your blessings.

 

Wow! What a story and I'm so glad you're ok!!!

[cruiseguys2009]

Thanks. Looking forward to it. Twice we ran into the same two women fighting. Wonder if they were your Tappanaki adversaries ? P.S. Did you get the cooler ? Regards, Gerry.

 

 

Oh my goodness! THE COOLER!!!! Yes, it was so strange because we did not know who it came from. First, the package was "Undeliverable" (we got a note on our door) for some odd reason, as we have daily UPS/Fed Ex deliveries and it was strange that they did not ring the doorbell. So after a period of three days, this package supposedly ended up at the main UPS facility (apparently they had trouble re-delivering it?) Even though we were getting regular delivery of other packages from UPS, it made no sense. I kept thinking we won The Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes or something. So we drove out to the facility with the package number and paperwork they left for me to retrieve it. When we got there, they could not find it and and was told that it was to be delivered to one of their UPS storefront retail establishments and we needed to go to that place. I had no idea what it was or who it was from, so I was intrigued. Finally, we got to the UPS retail establishment and the package had not yet been delivered there, but would be sometime that day. The next day, we went back to the retail establishment and the package had been opened, and the item was out of the original box and just sitting on the counter. When I got to the store, I remarked to Jerome, oh look, that has our name on it! The clerk was relieved that he was talking to JW and Jerome as he barely had any paperwork only to be told that the package was part of a UPS accident (no details at what point of delivery) and the box was completely damaged and he did not know if there was anything else in the package, blah, blah, blah. So we had this cooler monogrammed with our names on it and had no idea where it came from! Now we know. Thank gosh! Jerome was looking at me sternly and said "JW" "I know you bought it, don't lie" I said "Honestly Jerome, I have never seen it before" There was no card, no identification, no return address, but it is faaaaabulous! Thank you! To you both! Now it makes sense! Thank you both for such a wonderful surprise and as usual, comes with a fabulous story!!!!! It will be with us on every cruise for years. It's Just Wonderful! Gerry and Pam! How amazing for you to remember us!

Edited February 7, 2017 by cruiseguys2009

[buckeye rob]

Obviously the smoldering wreckage of the August 20 voyage lingers on. "We still had fun didn't we?" Regards, Gerry.

Oh my goodness! THE COOLER!!!! Yes, it was so strange because we did not know who it came from. First, the package was "Undeliverable" (we got a note on our door) for some odd reason, as we have daily UPS/Fed Ex deliveries and it was strange that they did not ring the doorbell. So after a period of three days, this package supposedly ended up at the main UPS facility (apparently they had trouble re-delivering it?) Even though we were getting regular delivery of other packages from UPS, it made no sense. I kept thinking we won The Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes or something. So we drove out to the facility with the package number and paperwork they left for me to retrieve it. When we got there, they could not find it and and was told that it was to be delivered to one of their UPS storefront retail establishments and we needed to go to that place. I had no idea what it was or who it was from, so I was intrigued. Finally, we got to the UPS retail establishment and the package had not yet been delivered there, but would be sometime that day. The next day, we went back to the retail establishment and the package had been opened, and the item was out of the original box and just sitting on the counter. When I got to the store, I remarked to Jerome, oh look, that has our name on it! The clerk was relieved that he was talking to JW and Jerome as he barely had any paperwork only to be told that the package was part of a UPS accident (no details at what point of delivery) and the box was completely damaged and he did not know if there was anything else in the package, blah, blah, blah. So we had this cooler monogrammed with our names on it and had no idea where it came from! Now we know. Thank gosh! Jerome was looking at me sternly and said "JW" "I know you bought it, don't lie" I said "Honestly Jerome, I have never seen it before" There was no card, no identification, no return address, but it is faaaaabulous! Thank you! To you both! Now it makes sense! Thank you both for such a wonderful surprise and as usual, comes with a fabulous story!!!!! It will be with us on every cruise for years. It's Just Wonderful! Gerry and Pam! How amazing for you to remember us!

[cruiseguys2009]

I posted this on our up coming March 25, 2017 sailing Roll Call and wanted to share this here as well. I can't begin to tell you that as of today, 44 Days To Go and I am definitely going to TINKLE!:

___________________________________________________

 

Thank you, thank you all for the kind words and accolades. Jerome and I are happy to be sailing for the third time in 9 months on what has become our favorite ship (just NOT the last cruise, that was truly bizarre).

 

I know that this is the cusp of Spring Break as the majority of the country will be on break starting April 1st, according to the National numbers, however, there are still 1/8th of the country on break during our week, so I am expecting lots of children, as well as college dudes and dudettes, to fill the ranks on the ship. When we have kids on a sailing (so many folks say Yikes!), we have, believe it or not, sanity. Or what I call "Responsible Parents" that party moderately, and with The Escape costing a bit more money than Carnival and RCCL, so with the collegiate Spring Break gang, well in our experience, they are more well behaved "Party Packs, more like fun drunks than off the chain obnoxious. It has a lot to do with the amount of younger children on board as well. All bets are off though, on the April 1 thru April 22nd sailings. Jerome and I would NEVER EVER travel those periods, anywhere. Those cruises are Pure Insanity and more energy that I could ever bring to a cruise! Spring Break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Our sailing will be fun and we look forward to meeting everyone! I would recommend enjoying everything that The Escape has to offer, though the only thing we are not 100% keen on is Margaritaville, only because there are better burgers, IMHO, elsewhere on the ship for free, and in most cases, with much better service as well.

 

Don't believe the negative reviews either. The Nambypambees that write some negative things, unfortunately took their less than positive experience home with them, instead of having the where-with-all of addressing their concerns and challenges with the Officers. Every single Officer is in the public eye on the ship, almost every waking hour of the day. Talk to them if there is an issue NO MATTER HOW SMALL ("small" turns into HUUUUUUGE once the vacation is over and it's given time to fester when nothing can be done about it after the fact. I know, I am in the Guest Relations business) and give them an opportunity to satisfy you, and don't take any issue home with you without it being resolved. The Officers are there for our comfort, our enjoyment, our experience, our information, our resolutions and our safety.

 

There is not a thing we have not done or experienced on The Escape and we are somewhat into a "Routine" on this third sailing, knowing exactly what we like to do from sun up to sundown, which usually means me (and Rusty) in the Casino until the wee hours then me getting to the cabin and into bed just before the early risers with Jerome saying to me in the dark room as I stumble in, "Well, how much did you lose?". Not this time! JW is going to win! Oh heck, I am on The Escape, I have already won!

[FamilyBoatTrip]

Thank you for posting your reviews. They are informative and very very funny. So happy you use your writing talent on this board!

 

Can't wait to hear about your March trip. We leave on the Escape on 4/15. Since our kids are still in school, we are stuck traveling during school holidays (as you call them "High Holidays"). Our last cruise - on the awesome Carnival Breeze - was without the "rest" in R&R due to the nightly teenager traveling parties that carnival wasn't able to shut down. Crossing our fingers that this cruise will be better (we spent the extra $ to get a suite that has Haven access and picked a cabin in a less crowded hallway).

 

We will be anxiously anticipating your review from March to hear how your spring break cruise goes. It will help us prepare for our adventure in April.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[cruiseguys2009]

Thank you for posting your reviews. They are informative and very very funny. So happy you use your writing talent on this board!

 

Can't wait to hear about your March trip. We leave on the Escape on 4/15. Since our kids are still in school, we are stuck traveling during school holidays (as you call them "High Holidays"). Our last cruise - on the awesome Carnival Breeze - was without the "rest" in R&R due to the nightly teenager traveling parties that carnival wasn't able to shut down. Crossing our fingers that this cruise will be better (we spent the extra $ to get a suite that has Haven access and picked a cabin in a less crowded hallway).

 

We will be anxiously anticipating your review from March to hear how your spring break cruise goes. It will help us prepare for our adventure in April.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I referenced, above in red, the smartest thing I believe you did. You have the best of all the Escape will have to offer, including the Haven and it's private Restaurant with Filet Mignon every morning for breakfast. Yes I said for breakfast. But, you are "Outside" the Haven Complex, so you will not be subjected to the multitude of Spring Breakers in the Haven Family Suites up in the Haven carousing the halls. The Haven Spa Suites have the Spa Access, which is truly Heavenly!!!! And The Haven Aft Penthouse Suites are absolutely amazing with their wrap around views.

[FamilyBoatTrip]

JW - thank you, thank you, thank you! Not only are you funny and witty, but you are so kind to help others with these questions. I wish I were sailing with you to buy you a round of your and Jerome favorite appetizers to go with your drinks!

 

You have put my mind at ease. Now I am super excited for this vacation!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[cruiseguys2009]

Here are some pics of Shot O'Clock at VIBE that is happened today, but on The Norwegian Getaway:

 

[cruisetimeforme]

Thanks for all the FUN info on the Escape. Sailing on March 4th and heading up the M&G. We're trying to decide a machine for our Slot Pull and am thinking what fun the Babies might be with the 40 or so of us to play. What do you think? Also, where is this machine located? We're thinking of meeting up near the Skyline bar on deck 7. Is it near there by any chance? This will be our 2nd time on Escape and can't wait. Thanks!

[cruiseguys2009]

Thanks for all the FUN info on the Escape. Sailing on March 4th and heading up the M&G. We're trying to decide a machine for our Slot Pull and am thinking what fun the Babies might be with the 40 or so of us to play. What do you think? Also, where is this machine located? We're thinking of meeting up near the Skyline bar on deck 7. Is it near there by any chance? This will be our 2nd time on Escape and can't wait. Thanks!

 

 

The Babies Machine is located directly next to The Casino Host's office to the left if you are looking at it. The Casino Host will try to steer you to the Wheel of Fortune Machine, because of all the open space around those machines. I think that you would have a blast at the Slot Pull with the Babies Machine. Wonder Woman is next to the Babies, and there are two Wonder Woman and Two Babies. Make sure you yell out "JW says to Touch The Babies" for good luck!

 

The Skyline Bar is a perfect meeting place and is kind of smack in the Casino off to one side. I like it at night as it reminds me of playing in the casinos in Vegas while a great live show is going on. The Cover Bands that have been on the Escape are truly awesome and the shows each night are fantastic. This is where I feel Norwegian Escape excels, with their smaller venue entertainment offerings. Howl at the Moon, The Headliners Comedy Club, Sky Line Bar, The District all these venues have incredible high energy performances. The larger stage shows, well my take is menz a menz. I am a spoiled "Old" Norwegian as I miss the grand Jean Anne Ryan stage productions they used to have and would have been flawlessly perfect for these large theaters at sea. The talent in the shows is very good, the premise is just..............in my opinion......... whatever, it's something to do.

 

The big surprise for us was the Cabaret Star they brought on for our sailing that performed one sea day afternoon in the Super Club Cabaret. Definitely go see this if it is offered. It is usually in one of the afternoons at sea and it a welcome surprise and lots of wine, so you can't loose. Also Wine Lovers The Musical is wonderful as well, and is a welcome change for something fun, unique, and different to do on a ship not offered anywhere else. (No UBP here, it is a ticket cost)-

[cruisetimeforme]

Thank you JW! I knew you'd come through. Yes, we too had a Great time late night in the Skyline and How at the Moon as well. Agree about the main production shows,might not go this time around but we'll see. Who was the Cabaret act you saw? I've often wondered if we might enjoy the Wine Musical, but have a hard time drinking vino earlier in the day, too many other choices.

 

We'll shout out JW says to touch the Babies for good luck. I'm not arranging the machine with the Casino mgr. someone else is. But I'm trying to steer him into this direction after hearing all the fun times. Will come back and let you know after our return. Thanks for the meet up location info, I thought I remembered right after last time. Things get to blending in after a while with the UBP

[cruiseguys2009]

Thank you JW! I knew you'd come through. Yes, we too had a Great time late night in the Skyline and How at the Moon as well. Agree about the main production shows,might not go this time around but we'll see. Who was the Cabaret act you saw? I've often wondered if we might enjoy the Wine Musical, but have a hard time drinking vino earlier in the day, too many other choices.

 

We'll shout out JW says to touch the Babies for good luck. I'm not arranging the machine with the Casino mgr. someone else is. But I'm trying to steer him into this direction after hearing all the fun times. Will come back and let you know after our return. Thanks for the meet up location info, I thought I remembered right after last time. Things get to blending in after a while with the UBP

 

 

For the life of me I cannot remember her name, and I don't have the Daily's anymore. Dang. She has been in several Broadway musicals and on television comedy shows. So familiar enough, and the show was not sold out, which was a shame as she was terrific. Her show was on the second sea day. Absolutely wonderful, had brunch, wine and was literally take away and forgot it was the middle of the afternoon. Needless to say, we ended up in the Casino afterwards and lost and lost and lost some more, it was all that wine!

 

Also, you sail March 4th, we sail the 25th, just two weeks later so the Casino staff will know who you are shouting about, as they already know that JW, the Hot Sir Lady Lose A Lot Queen of The Slots is coming back on!

[cruisetimeforme]

Brenda Braxton or something like that, perhaps?

[cruiseguys2009]

Brenda Braxton or something like that, perhaps?

 

 

I don't recall, could be? It was August, it was a weird sailing, I was imbibed and loved every minute of the show.

[CardFanDubG]

The Babies Machine is located directly next to The Casino Host's office to the left if you are looking at it. The Casino Host will try to steer you to the Wheel of Fortune Machine, because of all the open space around those machines. I think that you would have a blast at the Slot Pull with the Babies Machine. Wonder Woman is next to the Babies, and there are two Wonder Woman and Two Babies. Make sure you yell out "JW says to Touch The Babies" for good luck!-

 

JW - What time do you recommend the March 25 do the Slot-Pull. The babies machine might be good for that. You can touch the babies for luck to get it all started. :)

[cruiseguys2009]

JW - What time do you recommend the March 25 do the Slot-Pull. The babies machine might be good for that. You can touch the babies for luck to get it all started. :)

 

When I was a Roll Call Leader and coordinated the Slot Pulls (18 of them) I would hold the Slot Pull immediately following the Meet and Greet, usually that takes place at 10 or 11 am (can't think if you posted that yet) and on The Escape, the M&G is usually in Cagney's.

 

I would let everyone know to gather in the Sky Line (so we can take advantage of our UBP) after the M&G and then we would go to the pre-selected machine. The evening prior, I had already introduced myself to the Casino Host and she suggested the most popular machine (Wheel of Fortune) and most choose that. But, I do know that for giggles, the Babies Slot Machine (Touch the Babies) seems to be the one getting the slot pull action these days because of my reviews and everyone wanting to "Touch The Babies". The Casino Host also had prizes for us, bottles of champagne, tee shirts, key chains etc for us as well, to give to the person who had the highest win on their spin or who got a bonus.

 

Rusty (Baryton), who is on our roll call here, on our last Escape sailing coordinated the roll call and the slot pull and did an awesome job, considering that we had over 100 folks on the roll call. Although, and he can chime in here anytime, he said it's a whole lot of work.

 

Jerome and I will be at the Meet and Greet.

[CardFanDubG]

Thanks for the Meet & Greet Advice. I have never done a Meet & Greet (Volunteered because no one stepped forward). I have coordinated 3 slot-pulls with about 50 players each time. Seems as if this Meet & Greet is really slow gaining attendees. We only have 34 so far. Thanks for the reminder on posting the time and place again (11 at Cagney's). I am an event planner for a non-profit organization and am currently working on the last conference before my retirement (March 8-10). That is keeping me hopping. I would love to step back and have someone else coordinate the slot-pull and then I could concentrate on the Meet & Greet. Thank you again for the advice.

[cruiseguys2009]

Thanks for the Meet & Greet Advice. I have never done a Meet & Greet (Volunteered because no one stepped forward). I have coordinated 3 slot-pulls with about 50 players each time. Seems as if this Meet & Greet is really slow gaining attendees. We only have 34 so far. Thanks for the reminder on posting the time and place again (11 at Cagney's). I am an event planner for a non-profit organization and am currently working on the last conference before my retirement (March 8-10). That is keeping me hopping. I would love to step back and have someone else coordinate the slot-pull and then I could concentrate on the Meet & Greet. Thank you again for the advice.

 

How many do you have for the slot pull thus far?

[CardFanDubG]

How many do you have for the slot pull thus far?

 

All 34 stated that they were interested. Sorry did not mean to high-jack this great thread.

[cruiseguys2009]

All 34 stated that they were interested. Sorry did not mean to high-jack this great thread.

 

 

We can go back to our Roll Call

[cruisetimeforme]

JW, is the Babies machine a dollar machine , like the Wheel of Fortune? The one organizing our Slot pull said last time the CC group barely broke even on that one. Thanks for your help

[cruiseguys2009]

JW, is the Babies machine a dollar machine , like the Wheel of Fortune? The one organizing our Slot pull said last time the CC group barely broke even on that one. Thanks for your help

 

 

The Slot Pull is a conversation mixer and usually never wins, I say that because I have more fun drinking and socializing with new found friends that all of the pulls have been a whole lot of fun and I have come away from them with literally life long friends and remember the experiences well.

 

Having said that, yes, the Wheel Of Fortune is a dollar machine and it is a convenient amount say $15 buy in per person, Max Bet is $3, so five spins per person, and I actually wonder how many Cruise Critic "Slot Pulls" have ever won on them. It's a hungry money-in not money-out machine. Oh yes, I have seen folks win a grand or two here and there, but not on a slot pull.

 

On the Babies machine, the bets are an odd (Asian inspired by perceived "Lucky" numbers) amount per spin. From 40 cents to $8.88 per spin. Now, I seem to recall that there are like twelve bet buttons including a $2.68 and $3.88 spin bet button, which would work out okay, as if we spin 5 times per person and they put in $15 @$2.68 then we would have a little extra and could play that to the end and may end up getting a bonus too boot. Same with the $3.88 on a $20 buy in.

 

I think the whole point would be for me, that it would be fun getting everyone to shout out "JW says touch the babies for good luck" and have the babies giggle and giggle and giggle and drive everyone nuts in the Casino during the slot pull! I will tell you what. The Casino would love it with all the action and laughter it would bring on the first afternoon.

 

Trust Auntie JW. I know how to have a riotous time. How do you think I got the name "HOT Sir Lady Lose A Lot Queen of The Slots?"

[cruisetimeforme]

Thanks much JW Appreciate all your help and explantations