Escape, 7/2/16 sailing some random thoughts

[riekl]

I'm not going to do a full review since so many have/are doing those I'm just going to post about some things that stand out to me. For background information this is my 10th cruise, the other 9 being on Princess and RCCL (so this is my first NCL and first in Haven obviously).

 

Haven :

* The bar/lounge is awesome, very serene, very upscale feel.

* The restraunt is AWESOME all 3 meals are great, service is a tad slow but doesn't diminish from the amazing food and you can almost always get a window seat.

* Courtyard, haven't been able to use it once. It is packed every sea day I feel i was lied to in all these Haven reviews about 2-3 people being in the courtyard. The pool is fully from 9am - 7pm both sea days so far. All 4 water lounge chairs are always full and kids splashing away. NOT the experience this area was intended for.

* Sun deck is better, no kids up here really nothing for them to do so its quieter. Still busier then I was lead to believe but there were enough chairs and they are padded so this was a plus.

* Aft balcony 9318 OMG this room is amazing. I don't care about the long walk to get to Haven especially with as overcrowded as it is I just live on my balcony and feel like I'm on my own private yaht!

 

Thermal Spa:

* Used it 3 times so far, being 18+ is nice, no kids (don't get me wrong i'm only 38 i have 2 young boys of my own I understand this is a family vacation for most which is why I like the cruise lines that seperate out the adult and kids areas completely allowing kids into the haven ruins that area's ambiance).

* The hydro pool is awesome, the waterfall is amazing on the shoulders!!

* Sauna -> Snow room -> Sauna is equally amazing !

* Salt room = meh i feel no different after using it 3x neither does my skin or my wifes

* heated stone loungers, fallen asleep every single time i've laid on one and started to read my kindle .. enough said :)

 

Elevators

* Why am I calling out the Elevators ? Because whoever designed them on the escape is an idiot.

* First off, they are enclosed, dark, and dank the exact opposite feeling you are trying to create in an enclosed space. Every other cruise ship i have ever been on were either brighly lit or completely open glass to look around open atriums.

* The elevator call system is STUPID!!! Each elevator bank (fore and aft) has TWO call buttons that are SEPERATE! No where else i've been in the world and this includes some massive hotels with 16 elevators does this! What happens ? Everyone has to push BOTH call buttons to try to get the quickest elevator. What does this lead to? TWICE the stops for elevators with half of them having no one waiting by the time it gets there. Seriously this is probably the dumbest thing I have ever seen on a modern cruise ship. /rantoff

 

Casino :

* Yes the smoke is annoying, yes you will absolutely smell it in other areas of deck 6/7/8 , anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. Again horrible design. There was NO reason to not enclose the casino to solve this problem.

* The rest of the Casino is exactly as a casino should be, plenty of table games plenty of slots, no free drinks unless you are a casino club high spender which again is different then every other cruise line. But i guess it fits the nickel and diming that I'm seeing on this ship.

 

Internet

* Dog slow, about 50x slower then Oasis/Allure, don't even think about doing anything that isn't text based. It seems moderately decent while in port.

 

Overall:

 

I'm loving the ship and the cruise and this is almost entirely because of my room and the Haven restraraunt. If I couldn't afford a Haven suite, I would definitely pick RCCL the next time. If for no other reason then the pool deck is unusable and would spoil a cruise if we didn't have Haven sundeck.

 

P.S. I'm still angry about the elevators .. I don't understand ..

[Two Wheels Only]

* Courtyard, haven't been able to use it once. It is packed every sea day I feel i was lied to in all these Haven reviews about 2-3 people being in the courtyard. The pool is fully from 9am - 7pm both sea days so far. All 4 water lounge chairs are always full and kids splashing away. NOT the experience this area was intended for.

 

Not "lied to", just a different experience. The time of year is probably the biggest factor. Kids are out of school by July.

[EleventyBangBang]

The elevator call system is STUPID!!! Each elevator bank (fore and aft) has TWO call buttons that are SEPERATE! No where else i've been in the world and this includes some massive hotels with 16 elevators does this! What happens ? Everyone has to push BOTH call buttons to try to get the quickest elevator. What does this lead to? TWICE the stops for elevators with half of them having no one waiting by the time it gets there. Seriously this is probably the dumbest thing I have ever seen on a modern cruise ship. /rantoff

 

I noticed this as well, and I was doing the same thing - just hitting both buttons. I noticed that one set of elevators went to the top floor and the other didn't. So that's probably why it is the way it is - if you were going to the top floor, you'd need to get in the one elevator and not the other. But it is indeed a silly design, and encourages people to use it inefficiently.

 

If EVERYONE only used the one to go to/from the top floor, and only used the other one to go from one non-top floor to another, it would, in theory, be more efficient. But that would require everyone to understand that which isn't realistic.

[andymattmom]

Glad you mentioned how you like the cabin, we are in that exact cabin next May!

[cb at sea]

You don't get "free" drinks in the casino on any cruise line (unless it's an "AI) unless you are a BIG spender (which means those drinks aren't really "free"!

 

You are so right...the elevator systems suck....the elevators need to be larger, and one button calls the next available.....

[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.

[blackwing]

I noticed this as well, and I was doing the same thing - just hitting both buttons. I noticed that one set of elevators went to the top floor and the other didn't. So that's probably why it is the way it is - if you were going to the top floor, you'd need to get in the one elevator and not the other. But it is indeed a silly design, and encourages people to use it inefficiently.

 

If EVERYONE only used the one to go to/from the top floor, and only used the other one to go from one non-top floor to another, it would, in theory, be more efficient. But that would require everyone to understand that which isn't realistic.

More to the point, if people actually took the stairs if they were only going one or two floors (especially DOWN), then they wouldn't stop as often or be as crowded. I get that some people have physical limitations, but I've never understood why many who seem perfectly healthy would bother to wait for an elevator if they are only going down one floor.

[riekl]

Glad you mentioned how you like the cabin, we are in that exact cabin next May!

 

Any questions about it ? I can not praise the room enough. Quiet all day no outside noise massive bathroom you can both do your thing and leave the other in peace. Bed is amazing it's really hard to get up in the morning ! And of course the balcony .. It's just massive and the views are great !!

[andymattmom]

Any questions about it ? I can not praise the room enough. Quiet all day no outside noise massive bathroom you can both do your thing and leave the other in peace. Bed is amazing it's really hard to get up in the morning ! And of course the balcony .. It's just massive and the views are great !!

 

Any pics? Also how big is the sleeper sofa? Our boys are sleeping on that. We saw the bed is by balcony and liked that! Have seen some mention water spray at night from cleaning waterfront below. Have you had any issue? So glad to hear it is quiet! Enjoy the trip

[sctexan]

I'm not going to do a full review since so many have/are doing those I'm just going to post about some things that stand out to me. For background information this is my 10th cruise, the other 9 being on Princess and RCCL (so this is my first NCL and first in Haven obviously).

 

Haven :

* The bar/lounge is awesome, very serene, very upscale feel.

* The restraunt is AWESOME all 3 meals are great, service is a tad slow but doesn't diminish from the amazing food and you can almost always get a window seat.

* Courtyard, haven't been able to use it once. It is packed every sea day I feel i was lied to in all these Haven reviews about 2-3 people being in the courtyard. The pool is fully from 9am - 7pm both sea days so far. All 4 water lounge chairs are always full and kids splashing away. NOT the experience this area was intended for.

* Sun deck is better, no kids up here really nothing for them to do so its quieter. Still busier then I was lead to believe but there were enough chairs and they are padded so this was a plus.

 

According to Andy Stuart The Haven is targeted at affluent families, so that is actually what that area was intended for.

 

https://youtu.be/ci7CYu81Ass

 

You've been in The Haven during probably the two most busy days it will be all week. We were there last week and it calmed down on Tuesday and after that.

 

Honestly, I've never read one review that said anything about the Haven courtyard only having 2-3 people in it ever. If everyone who has Haven access is in the Haven it's going to be crowded. Maybe your expectations were not realistic. That being said, there were several times last week when my husband and I were the only people in the courtyard and our son was the only one in the pool.

 

Regardless, I hope you enjoy your time in The Haven. Even with all the kids (mine included), I can't tell you how grateful I was to be able to go to The Haven courtyard with splashing kids and all especially after walking past the crowded and loud pool deck. It truly was a haven to me.

 

 

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Edited July 6, 2016 by sctexan

[sctexan]

Any pics? Also how big is the sleeper sofa? Our boys are sleeping on that. We saw the bed is by balcony and liked that! Have seen some mention water spray at night from cleaning waterfront below. Have you had any issue? So glad to hear it is quiet! Enjoy the trip

The sleeper sofa will make out to an approximately queen size bed.

 

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[LrgPizza]

Oh, how I miss the Escape! Have a great week!

[andymattmom]

The sleeper sofa will make out to an approximately queen size bed.

 

Sent from my SM-T550 using Tapatalk

 

Thanks!

[riclop]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[riekl]

Any pics? Also how big is the sleeper sofa? Our boys are sleeping on that. We saw the bed is by balcony and liked that! Have seen some mention water spray at night from cleaning waterfront below. Have you had any issue? So glad to hear it is quiet! Enjoy the trip

 

The internet is so poor there is no chance I am uploading a picture from here. Internet was down completely all day today until 2pm.

 

The balcony does get washed, ours happened in St Thomas, but we don't get any spray from below only when they are washing all balcony. There is really no noise besides the gentle hum of the A/C unit.

 

The balcony is amazing amazing and amazing. We use it pretty much all day !

 

Sorry to others who felt my comments about the Haven courtyard were unwarranted. I did not expect the pool to be used by diving, splashing, jumping kids all day, every single day, even in port days which is what is happening. Even sitting in a water lounge chair i was splashed several times. This may be great for families who want to turn their kids loose but if you are a couple on the cruise, you will not enjoy the courtyard.

 

Elevators continue to frustrate me :) I can't imagine why they are so dark. Boo !

 

The Hypnotist show was amazing! Oh what a night was great as well. The comedy has been pretty lack luster. I went to the 11pm 18+ shows and there was 0 18+ content in either of them no profanity no adult content don't know why they called them 18+ shows.

 

Haven restraunt continues to be a beacon of good food. Breakfast on the balcony has been horrible both time and I finnaly got to the bottom of it apparently us in the Aft cabins get room service from the main galley not the haven restraunt. I told my butler tomorrows breakfast will come from Haven and if he has any issues making that happen to let me know. He didnt seem to enjoy the thought of the walk but the food from the main galley does not compare they can't even cook eggs right.

[Two Wheels Only]

Sorry to others who felt my comments about the Haven courtyard were unwarranted. I did not expect the pool to be used by diving, splashing, jumping kids all day, every single day, even in port days which is what is happening.

Your comments weren't unwarranted. If that was your experience, your comments were accurate. Obviously, people will have different experiences with the Haven and the guests that are on the same cruise.

 

Even sitting in a water lounge chair i was splashed several times. This may be great for families who want to turn their kids loose but if you are a couple on the cruise, you will not enjoy the courtyard.

Again, it depends on the guests. A much better solution would be for the concierge to explain that "horseplay" and other wild/loud activity is inappropriate in the Haven. Some parents never get the message and don't understand that their children aren't in a play area when in the Haven.

 

The advertising for the Haven Courtyard uses words like "tranquility", "secluded", and "relaxing" but the concierge and staff don't use any of those words when explaining the Haven to guests.

[sctexan]

Breakfast on the balcony has been horrible both time and I finnaly got to the bottom of it apparently us in the Aft cabins get room service from the main galley not the haven restraunt. I told my butler tomorrows breakfast will come from Haven and if he has any issues making that happen to let me know. He didnt seem to enjoy the thought of the walk but the food from the main galley does not compare they can't even cook eggs right.

 

Go and get a Haven breakfast menu from the maitre'd, it's Lilli if she's still there. Let your Butler know that you are ordering from the Haven menu.

 

I'm curious, is your butler named Kelly?

 

 

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[sctexan]

Again, it depends on the guests. A much better solution would be for the concierge to explain that "horseplay" and other wild/loud activity is inappropriate in the Haven. Some parents never get the message and don't understand that their children aren't in a play area when in the Haven.

 

Truthfully, an even better solution is for you to ask the children to stop. When we were in the Haven last week, I had gone to the restroom and during that time, apparently, my son had splashed someone. When I got back she approached me and told me she had asked my son to stop. I guess she thought I was going to be mad, but instead I thanked her and made sure my son apologized to her.

 

To each his own, but as long as the playing isn't out of hand I don't mind kids playing in the Haven. I guess I don't equate The Haven with quiet but instead with less crowded, more luxurious and more convenient than the rest of the ship. NCL is a mainstream family cruise line. If you want quiet, go to the spa. Last week we had three couples with their children travelling together and the adults were much more obnoxious than their children.

[riekl]

Truthfully, an even better solution is for you to ask the children to stop. When we were in the Haven last week, I had gone to the restroom and during that time, apparently, my son had splashed someone. When I got back she approached me and told me she had asked my son to stop. I guess she thought I was going to be mad, but instead I thanked her and made sure my son apologized to her.

 

To each his own, but as long as the playing isn't out of hand I don't mind kids playing in the Haven. I guess I don't equate The Haven with quiet but instead with less crowded, more luxurious and more convenient than the rest of the ship. NCL is a mainstream family cruise line. If you want quiet, go to the spa. Last week we had three couples with their children travelling together and the adults were much more obnoxious than their children.

 

Given that it is sold and marketed using quiet tranquil and relaxing I would disagree with you and say that is what I expect given that's what I was sold. One rowdy kid is one thing but it is 10+ every day the courtyard is completely unusable by couples looking to relax. The parents look at the courtyard as a playground. They paid to be here so I don't really blame them I blame ncl for trying to straddle the fence. You can't put families and couples in the same pool area it doesn't work they have very different needs and expectations. They should add a pool to vibe and give haven guests access for free problem solved. The product as it stands today is very annoying for couples traveling without kids we can't use one of the prime real estate areas at all.

[Two Wheels Only]

Truthfully, an even better solution is for you to ask the children to stop. When we were in the Haven last week, I had gone to the restroom and during that time, apparently, my son had splashed someone. When I got back she approached me and told me she had asked my son to stop. I guess she thought I was going to be mad, but instead I thanked her and made sure my son apologized to her.

That's great but it only worked because you were there. Some parents drop their kids off and the parents go and do whatever somewhere else on the ship.

 

To each his own, but as long as the playing isn't out of hand I don't mind kids playing in the Haven. I guess I don't equate The Haven with quiet but instead with less crowded, more luxurious and more convenient than the rest of the ship. NCL is a mainstream family cruise line. If you want quiet, go to the spa. Last week we had three couples with their children travelling together and the adults were much more obnoxious than their children.

Don't get me wrong, my kids have fun in the Haven. Laughing, swimming, enjoying a (virgin) drink from the bar, etc. It's the "out of control" behavior that I (and others) have a problem with.

[CruisinHarvey]

Casino :

* The rest of the Casino is exactly as a casino should be, plenty of table games plenty of slots, no free drinks unless you are a casino club high spender which again is different then every other cruise line. But i guess it fits the nickel and diming that I'm seeing on this ship.

 

.

 

I've been on a number cruise lines. I've never gotten free drinks. We're slot players. I do get them on NCL, since I book through CAS. Otherwise no. Even on HAL, we play enough so they give us a Neptune suite every year, but no free drinks. Where do you get free drinks? I do remember on Carnival once on about the 5th day, the host walked by and asked if I wanted a drink. She'd buy. That was it, one drink. Land based casino's are completely different, if state allows free drinks. They can't get them into you quick enough, so you spend more.

Edited July 13, 2016 by CruisinHarvey

[alrichards4003]

More to the point, if people actually took the stairs if they were only going one or two floors (especially DOWN), then they wouldn't stop as often or be as crowded. I get that some people have physical limitations, but I've never understood why many who seem perfectly healthy would bother to wait for an elevator if they are only going down one floor.

 

I am "pleasantly plump" and my rule is one floor up or two floors down then take the stairs. I will admit late at night I sometimes break the rule after too many martinis, but I do try.