Oct. 1-8 NCL Escape

[beerman2]

The following wil be MY experience. Let's start by saying this was our best cruise to date.

 

Embarkation: Arrived around 8:30 ( Vibe passes was our goal) waited outside terminal B for about 1/2 hour before they open the doors. Security opened about 9:30 or so.

 

Checked in then upstairs to waiting area. Group 3 was our boarding #. Waited about another hour then started to migrate to the entrance to embarking. Remember our objective was Vibe passes.

 

11:30 NCL started letting people on , it was a fast pace to get to deck 6 ( Headliners) to get our # 's for Vibe. We were 19 , 23,24,25. Success!

 

Lunch and first drink at O'Sheehans.Explored ship a little then off to meet our new home for the week VIBE, which I will say was exactly what we were looking for. And here's a few of the reasons Padded lounge chairs, umbrella's , misting station, hot tub, 2 great bartenders, cold wash cloths a few times a day, fresh fruit skewers, carafe's of cold water, and shot 30!

 

Limited to 70 or so people, do never crowed like the main pool area and bars.

 

Food: Garden buffet never seemed crowded, food was pretty good.

MDR ate at both Taste and Savor ( which are side by side) with 2 completely different experiences. Taste we had waitstaff that was very engaging, food very good. Savor staff attitude was very lackadaisical.

 

Speciality Dining:

Teppanyaki, LeBisro, and Cagney's all three were excellent! The quality and quantity can't be beat.

 

The only negative is if you choose to sit outside Le Bristo you will smell smoke from the casino above.

 

We did choose to pay extra and ate lunch at Margaritaville. Our bill was 11.00 for 2 sandwiches. Nice size portions.

 

We had a Spa Balcony that allowed us access to thermal spa. What an experience the Thermal Spa was. Loved, loved, loved the Hydrotherapy pool. You were definately relaxed after spending time letting all the jets loosen you up. FANTASTIC!

 

No issues with cabin, plenty of space for 2. With the bed being by the balcony it seemed to " open" the room up a bit.

 

Layout of the ship was very good, easy to navigate. Location of bars very good.

 

Waterfront is very nice area , just being able to sit out there have drinks and relax.

 

We have never felt the desire to sail the same ship before until now. Wouldn't hesitate to sail the Escape again.

 

For those sailing soon enjoy! It is a great ship!

[BirdTravels]

How did the passengers take the cancellation of Nassau without a replacement.

[volk904]

We were on this cruise. My opinion was many like us were happy to have a great weather sea day for Friday and the $18 pp credit. Nassau is not that great. My only wish is that they had given us some extra time in Tortola when it was clear Nassau was getting hammered.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[LrgPizza]

I am happy to hear another say, "best cruise to date". In the wake of all the unfavorable changes causing so much negativity on CC, this is what keeps happening. It should be refreshing to those waiting to sail.

 

Escape rocks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[sandpiper35]

We were on the same cruise. Here is our review:

 

Boarding was painless. Arrived at 10:55 at terminal B, assigned group 9, Started boarding Group 3 sharp at 11:30, we were called at 11:45.

 

We did not opt to buy Vibe passes. Regular Pool area was crowded, but lounges always available in sunny , and shady areas, not padded mats, but very confy lounges. Bar service always available, and cold towels several times a day. Hot tubs readily available early and late in the day, mid day mostly crowded. Pool available all day no problem. Saved $140 between the two of us on Vibe tick's.

 

Food, very good, buffet and MDR. Food Republic, Los Pinchos, Le Bistro, and La Cucina, very good. The District very good excellent beer selection. Did not enjoy the duck at Le Bistro, it is a ground up dish not at all to my taste, prefer filet.

 

Room service excellent. Cabin very clean, good service.

 

Got week Spa passes, the span is a must. Always very clean and very good temperature control. Not crowded at all.

 

Good music, got a lot of dancing in.

 

Lots of goodies from the staff, chocolate strawberries, and champagne several days. Nice touch.

 

Over all a very reasonably priced balcony cabin, and very pleasant trip. Would definitely recommend and sail again.

[beerman2]

I think most were happy just to stay away from "Matthew".

 

We did have a medivac on Monday , sounded like the helicopter was right outside our balcony on deck 15. I never got up to look but should have.

 

 

Also at Skyline bar we had a fight. 3 people were escorted off the ship in St. Thomas. I'm sure alcohol was involved and what an expensive trip home for them.

 

LrgPizza

 

Can't say we've had a bad cruise , but this was by far the best. We really enjoyed the peace and quiet during the day at "Vibe". Romel and Roberto really took care of their Vibe Family.

 

They mentioned that they can tell the first night if it's a fun group or not. We all had fun!

[sandpiper35]

I think most were happy just to stay away from "Matthew".

 

We did have a medivac on Monday , sounded like the helicopter was right outside our balcony on deck 15. I never got up to look but should have.

 

 

Also at Skyline bar we had a fight. 3 people were escorted off the ship in St. Thomas. I'm sure alcohol was involved and what an expensive trip home for them.

 

LrgPizza

 

Can't say we've had a bad cruise , but this was by far the best. We really enjoyed the peace and quiet during the day at "Vibe". Romel and Roberto really took care of their Vibe Family.

 

They mentioned that they can tell the first night if it's a fun group or not. We all had fun!

 

 

Yes e agree, super cruise, one of the best. The ship is very confortable. Room for everyone to spread out.

 

We missed all the excitement in both instances. But did hear about the medivac.

 

Looking to rebook asap. Wish the ship would alternate routes.

[luvcruising16]

What is the VIBE pass? Going on the escape 1st time cruising NCL..

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[beerman2]

What is the VIBE pass? Going on the escape 1st time cruising NCL..

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Vibe:

99.00 per person for the week

Limited number of people 70-80

Hot tub

Misting area

Padded loungers always available anytime time of the day

Cold wash cloths

Carafe 's of water fruit infused

Fresh fruit skewers

16 person bar

2 great bartenders Romel and Roberto

Shot30 ( when R&R decide its time for shots)

Cookies late afternoon

Continental breakfast available

Key card to gain entrance/ wrist band ( never used wrist band ) Romel and Roberto knew everyone from day 1

 

If you really want some peace and quiet ( not during Shot30 as that got very lively) the Vibe has it.

 

 

We absolutely loved it!

[beerman2]

What is the VIBE pass? Going on the escape 1st time cruising NCL..

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Forgot to mention you have to be in very early group 2 or 3 to board and make a beeline to headliners to get a number. We were 24 and 25 in line at headliners.

 

Got to the port at 8:30, doors to security open at 9:00.

Security opened at 9:30 , then to checkin area, off to sitting are this is where you get group boarding number.

[LrgPizza]

also forgot to mention that Vibe is adults only

[luvcruising16]

That is what we want [emoji16] .. where did you purchase the vibe? Online?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[beerman2]

also forgot to mention that Vibe is adults only

 

Yes indeed

[purpletequila]

That is what we want [emoji16] .. where did you purchase the vibe? Online?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Vibe passes are only sold onboard, at Headliners on Deck 6.

Why they continue this method of madness is a mystery as I hear it is much like the start of the Amazing Race to get them.

[beerman2]

That is what we want [emoji16] .. where did you purchase the vibe? Online?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Have to be in group 2 or 3 to have a chance. Can't book ahead of time. Board on deck 7 , go down to deck 6(headliners ) right at the bottom of the stairs.

 

We got to port at 8:30 , doors open at 9:00, security 9:30. It really wasn't a bad wait knowing we wanted VIBE passes.

[beerman2]

Vibe passes are only sold onboard, at Headliners on Deck 6.

Why they continue this method of madness is a mystery as I hear it is much like the start of the Amazing Race to get them.

 

Agree but it wasn't that bad, we did have 1 younger couple sprint tò get on.

We walked at a brisk pace and were fine

[luvcruising16]

Thanks for the great advice... hopefully we make group 2 or 3 staying in Miami night before shouldn't be a problem .. we will see.. [emoji16]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Clarea]

Thanks for the reports.

[MyJCrew]

We were on this cruise. My opinion was many like us were happy to have a great weather sea day for Friday and the $18 pp credit. Nassau is not that great. My only wish is that they had given us some extra time in Tortola when it was clear Nassau was getting hammered.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

 

we were also on this sailing and totally agree.... we enjoyed our time on Escape (this was first NCL cruise for us) and are looking forward to sailing again!

[TheDougOut]

"beerman2" + "escape" = "best cruise to date", yet no mention of District Brew House? Was part of the review written in a white font? :)

[beerman2]

"beerman2" + "escape" = "best cruise to date", yet no mention of District Brew House? Was part of the review written in a white font? :)

 

LOL Dougout we only went to District Brewhouse once, just not our thing. No hophead here even though I spent 18 years in the beer business.

[marlor5]

We were on this cruise as well and it was wonderful! very smooth cruise, i dont think anyone was upset about missing nassau, If you've been there once thats enough. we spent alot of time up at spice h2o, curley one of the bartenders was great! he is lot of fun. never got bored or ran out of things to do on this ship, though I didnt think the buffet was all that great, but everywhere else we ate was good.:)

[easyboy]

Thank you for your reviews, Beerman2 and sandpiper35

[AdoraBelle]

Vibe passes are only sold onboard, at Headliners on Deck 6.

 

Why they continue this method of madness is a mystery as I hear it is much like the start of the Amazing Race to get them.

 

 

I seriously get stressed out reading about people racing to get them. I did that once for Thermal Suite, glad it's all online now.

[NeedCruze]

Thanks for the review...2 questions about Vibe, I'm with three other folks who have 1030am boarding time, mine is at 2. Can they buy me Vibe pass? If not, what would happen if I arrive with them?