Escape - Choosing between two itineraries. Please help

[blueslily]

Hello all,

 

I really want to sail on the Escape in 2020 before it goes into dry dock and changes are made. I looked at all the sailings, and initially was choosing the April 11 - 18 sailing. Its 7 Day Bermuda from New York. Has two nights in Bermuda. Also, I have a friend who has never been on a cruise and I am working on the goal of introducing him to cruising. I wanted the NCL Escape to be his first experience. So, I have two goals for this cruise selection. I want to experience the Escape and I want my friend to be introduced to cruising via this ship. 

 

But, just now I saw an inexpensive 7 Day Western  Caribbean sailing out of Miami, Jan 25 - Feb 1, that includes Great Stirrup Cay, Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, and Roatan. Initially I really did not want to go to the Caribbean islands because early on when I started cruising, i went there a lot, plus I have gone to Mexico. So I prefer to go somewhere different. But, with this sailing the water will be warmer so we can get in the ocean at the beach compared to the water being colder in Bermuda. Plus, the sailing is cheaper for my friend who will be cruising the first time.

 

 I'm writing to get thoughts from all of you. I totally know that this is my choice. I'm addicted to Cruise Critic so I have done research and will do more research. But I wanted to post this question to ask your thoughts about which you would choose and why. There are pros and cons to both options. For example, I have never been to Bermuda and would like to go somewhere different. But, I read that the water will be  chilly and the dock for the Escape is not the easiest compared to where smaller ships can dock in Bermuda. For the Western Caribbean sailing, the port stops are brief and two are private islands. So, its  lot to consider.

 

What are other pros and cons? Is one a definite winner in your mind  than the other, given info I might not know yet. 

 

For either, a balcony or mini suite will be the room type. 

 

Thanks everyone! 

 

 

Edited October 27, 2019 by blueslily

[joeyancho]

Caribbean for sure.

[blueslily]

Also, any feecback on the two NCL private islands? 

[luvincruising]

  If you have the drink package, it only works on GSC not HC.

 

[blueslily]

Thanks. No concern about the drink packages. I don't drink alcohol. 

[Two Wheels Only]

55 minutes ago, blueslily said:

Also, I have a friend who has never been on a cruise and I am working on the goal of introducing him to cruising.

 

55 minutes ago, blueslily said:

Initially I really did not want to go to the Caribbean islands because early on when I started cruising, i went there a lot, plus I have gone to Mexico.

 

Another vote for Western out of Miami. While the Caribbean is familiar to you, cruising to different locations will be new to him. Plus, the warmer weather will allow him to enjoy more of the trip going to the different locations vs. being on a ship towards Bermuda.

[mking8288]

Early April to Bermuda ... while the island is still on its "winter" schedule, waters too cold for a dip & weather can be dicey (fast moving shower/rain - if & when, move quickly thru the island chains) & temp's tend to be in the comfortable 70's.  

 

Another strike is that's Spring Break week & lots of kids/children/teens on family vacations - ship to packed full & sailing full, wall-to-wall everywhere - prices will not be discounted much, if at all ... not sure if it is a good way to introduce the *Away/+ class ship to a first time cruiser.  

 

Mid-Jan/early Feb before winter break for schools - even for FL - tend to be less crowded with better (last minute) pricing & the Caribbean islands will be nice & warm, dry & no worries for stormy weather.  

 

Of course, how easy can you get to NYC or Miami/Port Canaveral should be factored in (fly, drive, Amtrak, bus, etc. to either port - Winter vs. early Spring) 

 

GSC is tendering - always 50:50 odds in making it whereas docking at HC is super easy & nice.  I would lean toward finding something for the Caribbeans ... as much as we loved Bermuda & super convenient for us to cruise there out of NY, even if it's in the middle of winter.  

Edited October 27, 2019 by mking8288

[kayjay76]

Hands down the jan-feb Caribbean. I agree 100% with above post. Also consider that in april the weather will be cold traveling to and from Bermuda out of NY so you will loose those days outside if you like to lounge and if the sun is important to you. April is prime school vacation and some colleges taking late spring break. We sail in the 1st week of Feb every year to avoid most children. And the weather Is great down south that time of year!! Also consider that the water may be a bit more bumpy in april going to Bermuda due to any late season noreasters.

 

I've never done a mini suite but it seems from posts on here that the bathroom is just bigger. For me... as long as I have a balcony I'm good to go! The Escape is still our favorite ship!!

[blueslily]

Ok, thanks so much for the responses so far. Everyone supports the Caribbean option over Bermuda. And the information provided is helpful. Thanks!

 

So, one follow up question. I selected the late Jan date because I thought I could compromise with that Caribbean itinerary, plus it is the week before my birthday. The very next week the Escape is doing a similar itinerary, but it goes to Cozumel versus Great Stirrup Caye. My birthday is Feb 4. That sailing is Feb 1 - 8.

 

Would you choose GSC or Cozumel?

 

I went to Cozumel once many years ago and was very annoyed by the constant attempts by locals to sell me stuff. I know that happens in several ports in that area. That experience just seemed to stand out even more. It just really left a bad taste in my mouth and I never returned to Cozumel. Thats not the type of relaxing vacation experience that I want to pay to go on a cruise to have.  

 

Thanks!

 

 

Edited October 27, 2019 by blueslily

[alyssazoll]

I would definitely pick Caribbean but keep in mind the Super Bowl is in Miami on 2/2/2020. That could effect prices/availability on flights, hotels, transportation, etc.

 

[yearsofcruising]

all the above comments are accurate. Consider sailings which might loose pool days going and returning home..Also consider ( 3times a charm ) , have missed GSC island due to bad weather or rough seas for the tendering and ended up a day earlier in Nassau

[Sailing12Away]

Another vote for the Caribbean over Bermuda here. Sure, you've been there before, but I thought you said this trip was really to help introduce your friend to cruising? So have they been there before?

 

Plus if you've already gone, you've got an expert insider edge to help them with picking excursions, must see things that you really liked, or things to avoid that you didn't care for in order to make the trip that much better for them. That way they'll really enjoy themselves and want to go back with you for the Bermuda trip during warmer weather.

 

Harvest Caye was very touristy IMO when we were there in February. It didn't feel like real Belize. We opted for the monkey jungle river cruise, and that was great. A nice boat ride, short hike through the jungle, and it drops you back off with plenty of time to sit and lounge on Harvest Caye itself if you wanted to.

[Megalyn]

3 hours ago, blueslily said:

Would you choose GSC or Cozumel?

 

I went to Cozumel once many years ago and was very annoyed by the constant attempts by locals to sell me stuff. I know that happens in several ports in that area. That experience just seemed to stand out even more. It just really left a bad taste in my mouth and I never returned to Cozumel. Thats not the type of relaxing vacation experience that I want to pay to go on a cruise to have.  

I would keep excursions in mind.  GSC is pretty limited because it’s a private island - but if you like water sports you are all set.  Cozumel has more variety.  I did the sting ray excursion a few weeks ago and loved it.  It’s a short one and near the port, so it wasn’t as tiring (or expensive) as many others.  But it still involved a short bus trip and a secondary location so I saw at least some of the local area. I also took a friend for her first cruise and made sure we did one off boat trip.  It showed her how easy it is so she would be more comfortable booking solo ones in the future.

[blueslily]

Thanks everyone. But as I read the recent reviews for the Escape, my excitement about that ship has weakened. There are lots of complaints about crowds, poor customer service and staff experiences, and cigarette smoke. Goodness!  Of course everyone has an opinion, but those three issues seem to come up a lot in recent reviews. 

[brookie848]

3 hours ago, alyssazoll said:

I would definitely pick Caribbean but keep in mind the Super Bowl is in Miami on 2/2/2020. That could effect prices/availability on flights, hotels, transportation, etc.

 

I would pick Caribbean and choose the sailing without GSC...but the Super Bowl in Miami. If you are going to need a hotel, check first to see if you can find one.

 

We didn't like GSC (we are in the minority), so if I ended up on a sailing that stopped there, I would use that for a ship day. We did enjoy Harvest Caye even though we had to pay for food/drinks. I'd rather do that than have to tender like you do for GSC.

[Beer Belly]

My first cruise was June 2018, and it was on the Escape to Bermuda. This cruise was chosen to ease the nervousness of becoming a "You Tube Pier Runner", this way we can come and go as we please for two days, and on the third, explore locally. Our next cruise (I'm hooked) will be Bahamas, which has a quick visit at each port on the itinerary, so you can bet I'll be watching the clock.

[Deeliteful]

Another vote for Caribbean, Cozumel is great at an all inclusive beach club.

Ignore the reviews, a lot of people only review for a moan. I generally take them with a pinch of salt, if you’ve sailed her before then you know you’ll have a great time.

[david_sobe]

21 hours ago, alyssazoll said:

I would definitely pick Caribbean but keep in mind the Super Bowl is in Miami on 2/2/2020. That could effect prices/availability on flights, hotels, transportation, etc.

 

Excellent point.  As someone that lives in Miami, I can vouch for what happens.  All hotels are sold out and people have to stay in Broward.  I remember during the last super bowl in Miami seeing Coast Guard ships escorting cruise ships out of Miami.  There was no threat, it was just a display of the extra security.  Thankfully I don't live on the beach anymore because that is ground zero and it turns into a zoo.  Hotel prices will be at a premium.

Edited October 28, 2019 by david_sobe

[PSU78]

Just disembarked the Escape Bermuda cruise yesterday, and we sailed the Escape for a two-week western Caribbean in February. Of the two sailings I would say we preferred the Caribbean, especially Harvest Caye which is similar to visiting a resort property. On Cozumel we booked and enjoyed Mr. Sancho's all inclusive day pass. We love this ship for the venues and a crew that goes above and beyond to please! 

[miataman19]

For a first cruise the Caribbean itinerary would be the advisable. Bermuda is good but it will be a little chilly and you dock for 3 days in the same place. I'm on Escape for the January 4th itinerary so I'll try to bring her back in one piece 🙃