Just off Escape Bermuda cruise (8/19-8/26), some thoughts....

[cruisin07family]

Hubby and I traveled with two other couples. We had been to Bermuda via Breakaway in 2014. That was a trip we knew we wouldn't be able to duplicate because our oldest son worked on the ship in the tech crew so we were able to meet the main actors in Rock of Ages, Wine Lovers and Cirque as well as hang out with him in Howl at the Moon. It was truly fantastic.

 

We enjoyed Escape and still loved Howl. As a surprise we even had the same two pianists in Howl this trip as last trip. The one additional pianist was a delightful addition as he also played drums, harmonica, violin and guitar. His name was Sean but he only had a two-week contract so he was leaving when we got off. Sorry for those cruisers who will miss Sean because WOW!!

 

The Escape differs from Breakaway a bit. I will say that although it was pointed out beforehand, we really missed Shakers martini bar. I had thought perhaps District Brewhouse would become our replacement hangout but that was not meant to be. There was live music which was so unbelievably loud that it was impossible to talk or even sit in there for long. I didn't find that the numerous bars onboard offered the selection of martinis that Shakers did and found that only in the Atrium could I get more than the standard Cosmopolitan. The martini tasting enjoyed over several cruises seems to be a thing of the past. The Mondavi wine bar was nearly always empty.

 

One of my initial draws to NCL was the commercials a few years back about freestyle cruising and how you weren't on someone else's clock. I think that system is all but forgotten now. I did book our three specialty dinings two months before sailing but I didn't book any of the comedy shows. What that translated to onboard was that the shows were sold out. I suppose I should've picked something on our first night but I thought some seats were held for stand-by. They are not. Just my opinion here but with a ship the size of the Escape, I think the main theatre would be the better option for comedians.

 

We watched about half of the two main shows in the theatre but we didn't particularly like Brat Pack and After Midnight was just not my cup of tea. I cannot emphasize enough how thoroughly wonderful Choir of Man was. If I'd known how terrific it was, regardless of the mediocre food, I would've booked it every night available. If harmonies are your thing, be sure to buy a CD afterward. The show is going on tour and I'm definitely going to see them when they're in DC.

 

The weekly spa pass was relaxing and never too crowded. I didn't use the spa as much as I imagined I would but the outside areas of the ship called as the weather was pretty.

 

We had a balcony bump out cabin on deck 13 Aft and we asked for and received a lounger for the balcony. There isn't much floor space in the cabins but it's workable. I did like the shower on this ship as it seemed bigger than on the Breakaway and Dawn class of ships.

 

We spent quite a bit of time in Spice H2O and we did see the attendants placing stickers on chairs that had towels without people. I have read that people always seem to ask about this issue so I figured I'd mention it.

[psac]

Thanks for the review. Very much looking forward to Choir of Man! With you on the freestyle not really being the case. We have everything booked that we can. I believe you actually can’t book comedy shows before you get onboard (my wife books everything :) ), but people say they go right away on boarding.

[Beer Belly]

Thanks for the review. Very much looking forward to Choir of Man! With you on the freestyle not really being the case. We have everything booked that we can. I believe you actually can’t book comedy shows before you get onboard (my wife books everything :) ), but people say they go right away on boarding.

I, unfortunately, found this out too late.....gotta book the shows as soon as you board. We saw Choir of men, but couldn't get into any other show:(

[vacation44]

Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts.

 

For me, I now take "free styling" to mean you are not locked into set dining times at the same table anymore.

[travelin'teach]

I was on the same trip! I am so glad we didn't miss Choir of Men...that show was fantastic and well worth having to pay for it. We were also big Howl at the Moon fans...were there every night it was open.

[Maraprince]

Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts.

 

For me, I now take "free styling" to mean you are not locked into set dining times at the same table anymore.

 

 

While that is true, you have to work around booking your shows and being able to eat dinner in the MDRs and/or the speciality restaurants. Sometimes you are able to walk into the MDRs without making a reservation while other times you do not get to eat "when you want" and you may need to go around to each of the MDRs to see if you can get in or you may need to go to the buffet. The ships hold more passengers but the dining rooms and show rooms are way too small for the amount of passengers on board. Hence the "scheduling" comes into play with "free style" dining.

 

MARAPRINCE

[PTC DAWG]

I must say I really enjoyed the entertainment in The District...his sets weren't too long, and were good for a few laughs too. Great Grey Goose and tonics too...they have more than just BEER.