Norwegian Escape Review 1-6-24

[wolft927]

So, a little background my wife and I Just got off the Escape, we sailed in the 2 Bedroom Haven Suite with close friends. This is our 4th Haven cruise and we have cruise NCL many times as well as Carnival, Princess and RCCL. Hopefully this will not be to long but no promises. 

 

So we left Charlotte NC on Friday morning around 5am to drive to Port Canaveral. The Drive was very easy as always arriving into Cocoa Beach around 12:45pm. We stayed at the Best Western Cocoa Beach and had the Junior Ocean front Suite with Balcony. Balcony was a nice size as well as the Room. The view is amazing especially if you are an early riser as I was out on the Balcony around 5am and was able to see the lineup of ships waiting to enter Port Canaveral. The room included free breakfast but we did not partake. Friday Afternoon we went to Fishlips in port Canaveral to enjoy drinks appetizers and the view of the Ships leaving Port. Was amazing!!! Food was excellent, drinks were very good prices (3pm to 5pm Happy Hour $2 domestic drafts) View of ships was great and lots of Dolphin activity right below you. All in all was an excellent precruise day/night

 

Embarkation: 

So we had a 9:30-10am arrival time window and we got to the Parking garage about 9:35 and the garage was not yet taking in cars. We sat there till about 10:15 and then finally they began letting in cars. We parked dropped our luggage off and entered the Haven Entrance to the Terminal. We were on the Ship by about 10:50 and they had already started general boarding. We opted to not have a Butler escort us on and walked on board and went directly to the Haven lounge to drop off our carry-on luggage. So as you may know that the American Diner is now complimentary, and I see why with the new menu. We went expecting that the new menu did not take effect yet but it did and honestly we did not enjoy it that much, but as always we can find something to eat on any menu. It was raining all morning but the rain finally stopped about 2pm and the sun was shining! We enjoyed sailaway on the Haven Sundeck from inside the hot tub (which this hot tub does not create bubbles FYI) We went down to the cabin around 4:30 or 5pm to get showered and dressed for our 1st dinner in the Haven.

 

Embarkation night Dinner:

The Haven restaurant is absolutely amazing and still believe the best food and service on the Ship. My wife and I both had the Filet with Lobster tails for our main course. I had the Risotto as an app. One of our friends had the Prime Rib and everything was excellent. The Service again can not be beat!!!!!!

 

Will Continue.   

[cruiseny4life]

YAY! So glad to see you've returned...I know, you're probably not so happy to be back to the real world. Thus far, sounds like a successful cruise. I'm waiting to hear more!

[TSUmom]

Looking forward to more!!  We will be in a 2 bedroom Haven suite in March.  It will be our first time sailing from PC.  Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences

[wolft927]

Embarkation Night Continued

So after dinner we decided to catch the Comedy show in the Escape Theatre. The show was good, Comedian was funny and clean. After the Show we went back to the Haven Lounge for a few more drinks then called it a night around 11pm. So we were traveling with another couple and I will say the second bedroom in the 2 bedroom Haven suite is small but the bed can hold 2 normal sized adults. Only thing is the bed is close to the ground so getting out of it is fun to say the least. But nobody cared as we go the 2 bedroom for the price of 2 balconies. The bathroom in the second bedroom is a standard bathroom with stand up shower and single sink. 

 

Sea Day 1

So I am always a very early riser so I was up around 6am. The nespresso machine in the cabin is amazing! sat out on the balcony enjoying my coffee while the others slept. Everyone got up around 8am but we did not feel like going to the Haven for breakfast and went up to the buffet. Now the Buffet food we only had for Breakfast and I will say was perfectly fine, but going to the buffet around 9am is nuts! The buffet is large but at that time of day there were way to many people for my liking and was hard to find a seat. After breakfast we enjoyed the pool deck for a while and I will say Chair Hogs are in full effect. They do have a message on the pool big screen advising that anyone leaving a chair unattended for more then 60 minutes there things would be removed and brought to the guest services desk. Pool attendants were placing stickers on chairs and sure enough items were removed. We enjoyed all the slides which was fun, but ropes course was closed due to high winds. Afternoon we went to the Haven Pool and enjoyed the much much smaller crowds. There were several children staying in the haven having fun in the pool which doesn't bother us, but it bothered some. The kids where playing well behaved, yes a little loud but who cares. We did not go to any shows this night and enjoyed another meal in the Haven, which again was amazing. We sat outside and Christian was our waiter, we were the only ones outside and from this night on, when we had any meal in the Haven we always requested Christian!!!

 

Puerto Plata

So we arrived in Puerta Plata about 15 minutes early and we were docked next to a RCCL ship I believe. Our group decided to simply enjoy the Pool at Puerto Plata which was fantastic. Getting off the ship when staying in the Haven is amazing! We met in the Haven Lounge and were escorted from deck 17 down to the Gangway through Crew Elevators and brought directly to the front of the line. When we arrived at the pool, there are many shaded day beds which are first come first serve and free. There is an expectation of Food and beverage purchases which should be expected. the water in the pool was cool but no cold. We spent most of the day at the pool and lazy river enjoying the sun and drinks. There is also a Surf Simulator that you can purchase an all day pass for I believe $50. Plenty of shops in the port as well as restaurants but we did not partake in any of this. We went back to the ship around 2 or so and enjoyed a mostly empty ship and then  hanged our clothes and did the ropes course which again is a lot of fun. This ropes course has 2 zipline portions with one going over the side of the ship. After the fun we went to the Haven enjoyed some more drinks before heading back to the cabin for showers to get ready for dinner. Tonight we had reservations for Moderno! So if you do not like meat, you may want to skip this. After we where seated our waiter advised the Salad bar is ready ( which had everything salads, plus sushi, different cold meats and salmon as well as soup) The for the next hour, waiters continuously came over to the table giving all sorts of hot meat from Chicken, Flank Steak, Sirloin, Lamb, Filet and some others i really don't remember. All I can say is we all left with the Meat sweats lol. Again, We did not go to any shows this night, and we ended up back in the Haven Lounge enjoying drinks and conversation and eventually to our cabin for more drinks then bed. 

 

Up coming St Thomas. 

 

[Candy Apple 12]

Looking forward to reading more as I’m in the Haven on this itinerary in a few weeks. Is there any charge (other than drinks and food) in Puerto Plata?

[wolft927]

9 minutes ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

Looking forward to reading more as I’m in the Haven on this itinerary in a few weeks. Is there any charge (other than drinks and food) in Puerto Plata?

No. No charges other then drinks and foods. Pool lazy river are all free

[vacation44]

Enjoying reading your review so far and looking forward to reading the rest of your report.

[mafig]

We were in the Haven on Joy and that  hot tub on the sundeck didn't have bubbles either.  We thought it was broken, but now it seems that's how NCL's hot tubs are.  (I like bubbles).😔

[wolft927]

St Thomas Continued

So, We arrived into St Thomas around 10:30am. Prior to arrival we all went to the Haven for breakfast. My wife had the Eggs Benedict, and I had the Steak and Eggs....again all excellent and again Christian was amazing again. Once the ship was cleared we were once again escorted from the Haven Lounge to the Crew elevators and down to the gangway.  Today our plan was to go up the lifts to the top of the observation point ($25 PP) and then grab a taxi to Megans Bay. We only did the lift because the couple we were cruising with never did it before and thought it would be nice for pictures. spent a total of about 35 minutes from going up and coming back down and walked across the street to grab a cab. Cab was $12PP each way and then it was $7 a person to enter the park. You have to pay from the cab to enter so make sure you have your money out to avoid delays when paying. Once we got out, we found 2 chairs with an umbrella ($40 total) and got situated for a nice day. There was beverage servers on the beach, you can pay cash or simply run a tab and close out at the end. All tabs have an automatic 20% added to the bill by the way. The server was very upfront with that when we did settle up and made sure i knew i didn't have to tip anymore. ( we did anyway because she was always available and our drinks never went dry).  My friend and I brought snorkel gear and decided to see if we could see anything. So word of advise, if you want to see anything, you need to go to the right side of the beach when facing the water by the rocks. We seen a lot of colorful fish and also got to swim side by side with some rather large sea Turtles! So there was 3 ships in port that day, 1 Crystal ship that held 1,250 PAX, a RCCL ship believe it was the Freedom but could be wrong and us. I say that because Megan's bay was busy but never felt over crowded. Water was cool again but not cold and did not deter anyone from enjoying it. Word of caution, there was only one set of bathrooms working at the time, and 2 port a johns. We ended up leaving around 4 or so to make our way back to the ship. Also, If you are in the Haven, look for someone holding a Haven sign as they will again bring you back up the crew elevators to the Haven lounge to avoid the mass group trying to get elevators. Once on board we decided to grab something to eat so we went to Osheans! I always liked this place and we never had to wait ever to be seated. during the cruise I had the Rueben, wings, and the Wrangler burger. All were very good and have no complaints. So we all went back and decided to take a nap and guess what happened, wife and I napped and did not wake up till 10:30pm lol. So hungry we took advantage of Room service to grab something to eat. Again Room service in the Haven is free. sandwiches were all good but I will say the Room Service Pizza was not so much. Again, expectations for room service pizza are low so not a big deal at all. We ended up having a drink or two on the balcony and went back to bed about midnight or so lol. 

 

Tortola

Well this will be the shortest review day of all. So We arrived in Tortola at 6am, yes i was up when we pulled it and it was pitch black till after 7am. Our plans for this day was simply grab breakfast on the ship, and take a walk around the town by the port and get back on. That is exactly what we did. Took a walk found a local bar where we sat outside and tried some of the local beers and then made our way back to the ship. We got back on and enjoyed the pool deck and slides again with drinks. The Pool deck started to get busy around 1:00pm so we all went back to the Haven pool area. We went to the upper deck of the enclosed pool area and had drinks, and also the snack menu from the Haven. By the way, the Caesar Wrap from the Haven Snack menu was the best I ever had. Food and bar service at the pool area was excellent!  About 5:30 or so we decided to head back to the cabin to get showered for dinner at the Italian Restaurant ( can't remember the name lol)

Dinner was excellent. Service was as well. The pasta App was big enough to be a meal lol. We had dinner out on the waterfront which was very nice with a nice breeze. After dinner we decided to try our hands at bowling. It was alot of fun, $6.99 PP per game 10 frames. They have 2 lanes and other then us never seen anyone on it. After bowling it was back to the Haven Lounge for drinks and then bed! 

 

2nd Sea day Coming

[cincicruisers]

Thanks for sharing.  I am enjoying your review.

[Tallulah20]

My family was on the Escape in the Haven over Christmas week. We also requested Christian whenever we went to the Haven restaurant. He was hilarious and awesome. He always noticed when there was a dish one of us really enjoyed and noted my husband’s dietary restrictions making suggestions and special requests. He set aside lunch items for dinner for us multiple times and always had my daughter’s “drink” (a Shirley temple) for her before we even asked. We made sure to fill out a hero card for him, because he really deserves extra praise.

[wolft927]

2nd Sea Day

 

Sorry for the Delay, First week back to work and had a nice weekend with the wife..But here we go

 

So the 2nd Sea day which would have been day 6 of the cruise started off great. We slept in a little bit and ended up once again in the Haven for Breakfast. After Breakfast we ventured off around the ship exploring areas we have not done so yet. Since we were on the Joy and the Breakaway several times not much was new or shocking. We spent most of the day out by the main pool and then the Haven pool area. Again, Drinks flowing and lots of fun with other passengers. After a day of pretty much relaxing we got ready for dinner which was at the Haven. I must say if you like Pork Chops you have to try the Double cut pork chop! it is amazing, perfectly cooked every time I have had it. After dinner we decided to go to the Comedy show in the Main theater again, which tonight was 2 comedians (one being the one we seen the first night) The show was good the first comedian we seen before and alot of his material was recycled from the opening night show. The second comedian was very funny. It was an adults only but again nothing like an adults only comedy show on say Carnival, Adult humor but done tastefully but still funny. Just so you know get your drinks before the show starts as the bar service and the bar shut down once the show starts. If you are in a Haven suite again there is a roped off Haven area that has great seats, about 5 minutes before show time they open it to general seating. I prefer this then the Gold Haven seats on the Breakaway. After the Show we decided to head back to the Haven Lounge and Enjoy some drinks as well as conversations with passengers. We called it a night around 11 or 12 as we were arriving in GSC at 9am the following morning.......HOPEFULY

 

 

Great Stirrup Cay

 

So if anyone has been following GSC, the Escape has missed GSC the previous 5 sailings. So we were anticipating anything from GSC, Another Sea Day or even diverting to Nassau.  Well, the good news is we made it. The ocean was nice and calm, weather was warm and sitting on the balcony waiting to anchor we new already was going to be a great day! So we again met  in the Haven Lounge to be escorted to the Tender Deck, which once again no tender tickets needed and we were on the first tender ashore.  The Tender ride is about 10 minutes total. We were in port with the Norwegian Pearl who even though arrived before us, there arrival time was scheduled 30 minutes after us we started tendering before they did. A few things about GSC. The island again is very very nice, it is not Cocoa Cay, but still an awesome beach day. We did not reserve Clam chairs or beach umbrellas mainly because they were sold out when we attempted to prior to the cruise. But a little tip...There is a Bar next to the Tequila bar, the name i cant remember but it is named after a local beer, they have about 5 sets of chairs and umbrellas that they do not charge to use. We absolutely snatched 2 sets for the 4 of us. We went to get a drink but the bar had not opened yet as they were still setting up micros terminals, but was ready about 15 minutes after we sat down. The bars get long lines pretty fast since there were 2 ships in, but if you drink beer, there are beer carts in a few different places with no lines. we did a little snorkeling seen some fish but nothing crazy. The water was a little chilly, but nothing you could not get used to. as far as lunch went, we waited till about 1:15 and the lines had all died down and went to the main buffet area and lunch was good. nothing amazing but hit the spot. Also there are food trucks and hot dog stands throughout the island. Now, I will say I haven't been to GSC in may years about 18 and the island has shown mass improvements. And with the announcement of the New Pier to be built this will make GSC even better. So, we decided to head back to the ship about 3pm, and grabbed the tender, when we got back on the ship once again, a butler holding a Haven sign brought us directly to the Haven lounge were we grabbed a few drinks and relaxed in the AC from a warm beach day. The only thing I wish is that GSC was the first stop and not the last day of the cruise lol. I also enjoy a relaxing recuperating sea day before we disembark lol. I wish I could say that our final night we decided to relax and head to bed early...but Christian in the Haven restaurants had other plans lol...we went to dinner and we all decided to enjoy some wine with our meals...4 bottles of wine lol.. after dinner we had one more drink and then made our way to the cabin. We had already packed out luggage before the day started so simply laid out or clothes for the next day and went to sleep!

 

Disembarkation:

Ugggg, the worst feeling of the cruise! always so exciting getting on, but total opposite leaving. So I again early riser was up at about 4:45 and the Escape was already along side. Enjoyed my last few nespressos on the Balcony and got showered. We all went to the Haven for Breakfast about 6:15am. Enjoyed our meal and by the time we got back to the cabin about 7am, they were already starting with self assist debark. Again we were escorted to the gangway via crew elevators and off the ship in no time. When we made it to Customs and border protection the line for Passports ( which I Carry) was so long but the line for Birth certificates (which the rest of my group had) was empty. 30 seconds later we were outside the terminal walking to the garage. arrived at our vehicle at about 7:20 and on the road out of Port Canaveral by 7:30.   

 

So all in all I will say we had an amazing cruise once again on NCL and the Haven.  The Escape is a beautiful ship! I will say also that sailing out of Port Canaveral was in my opinion the best cruise port i have sailed from so far. 

 

So our next cruise we are trying MSC Yacht club for the first time on the Seascape. We love NCL, but with the prices of Haven Cabins now, we are going to give MSC a shot. If anyone has any questions or comments feel free to ask, and I will attempt to give the most accurate answer. 

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, wolft927 said:

I must say if you like Pork Chops you have to try the Double cut pork chop! it is amazing, perfectly cooked every time I have had it.

I echo your thoughts. Every time, after the first (I ordered it well done, because it's pork and I was taught you should thoroughly cook pork), the pork chops have been amazing. I've settled on medium well. On one of my previous cruises I pronounced the meal one of the best I've ever had. Now, not every time I order the pork chops do I say this, but I do always say, "damn this is good!" Mmmm, thanks for the culinary memories!

[CruisingSince1982]

Did you have a scheduled time to meet in the Haven lounge to be escorted off the ship in ports, or do you just show up when you are ready to go ashore? 

[schmoopie17]

Escape also has one of the more entertaining Captains and Cruise Directors we have seen.

[Candy Apple 12]

5 hours ago, wolft927 said:

2nd Sea Day

 

Sorry for the Delay, First week back to work and had a nice weekend with the wife..But here we go

 

So the 2nd Sea day which would have been day 6 of the cruise started off great. We slept in a little bit and ended up once again in the Haven for Breakfast. After Breakfast we ventured off around the ship exploring areas we have not done so yet. Since we were on the Joy and the Breakaway several times not much was new or shocking. We spent most of the day out by the main pool and then the Haven pool area. Again, Drinks flowing and lots of fun with other passengers. After a day of pretty much relaxing we got ready for dinner which was at the Haven. I must say if you like Pork Chops you have to try the Double cut pork chop! it is amazing, perfectly cooked every time I have had it. After dinner we decided to go to the Comedy show in the Main theater again, which tonight was 2 comedians (one being the one we seen the first night) The show was good the first comedian we seen before and alot of his material was recycled from the opening night show. The second comedian was very funny. It was an adults only but again nothing like an adults only comedy show on say Carnival, Adult humor but done tastefully but still funny. Just so you know get your drinks before the show starts as the bar service and the bar shut down once the show starts. If you are in a Haven suite again there is a roped off Haven area that has great seats, about 5 minutes before show time they open it to general seating. I prefer this then the Gold Haven seats on the Breakaway. After the Show we decided to head back to the Haven Lounge and Enjoy some drinks as well as conversations with passengers. We called it a night around 11 or 12 as we were arriving in GSC at 9am the following morning.......HOPEFULY

 

 

Great Stirrup Cay

 

So if anyone has been following GSC, the Escape has missed GSC the previous 5 sailings. So we were anticipating anything from GSC, Another Sea Day or even diverting to Nassau.  Well, the good news is we made it. The ocean was nice and calm, weather was warm and sitting on the balcony waiting to anchor we new already was going to be a great day! So we again met  in the Haven Lounge to be escorted to the Tender Deck, which once again no tender tickets needed and we were on the first tender ashore.  The Tender ride is about 10 minutes total. We were in port with the Norwegian Pearl who even though arrived before us, there arrival time was scheduled 30 minutes after us we started tendering before they did. A few things about GSC. The island again is very very nice, it is not Cocoa Cay, but still an awesome beach day. We did not reserve Clam chairs or beach umbrellas mainly because they were sold out when we attempted to prior to the cruise. But a little tip...There is a Bar next to the Tequila bar, the name i cant remember but it is named after a local beer, they have about 5 sets of chairs and umbrellas that they do not charge to use. We absolutely snatched 2 sets for the 4 of us. We went to get a drink but the bar had not opened yet as they were still setting up micros terminals, but was ready about 15 minutes after we sat down. The bars get long lines pretty fast since there were 2 ships in, but if you drink beer, there are beer carts in a few different places with no lines. we did a little snorkeling seen some fish but nothing crazy. The water was a little chilly, but nothing you could not get used to. as far as lunch went, we waited till about 1:15 and the lines had all died down and went to the main buffet area and lunch was good. nothing amazing but hit the spot. Also there are food trucks and hot dog stands throughout the island. Now, I will say I haven't been to GSC in may years about 18 and the island has shown mass improvements. And with the announcement of the New Pier to be built this will make GSC even better. So, we decided to head back to the ship about 3pm, and grabbed the tender, when we got back on the ship once again, a butler holding a Haven sign brought us directly to the Haven lounge were we grabbed a few drinks and relaxed in the AC from a warm beach day. The only thing I wish is that GSC was the first stop and not the last day of the cruise lol. I also enjoy a relaxing recuperating sea day before we disembark lol. I wish I could say that our final night we decided to relax and head to bed early...but Christian in the Haven restaurants had other plans lol...we went to dinner and we all decided to enjoy some wine with our meals...4 bottles of wine lol.. after dinner we had one more drink and then made our way to the cabin. We had already packed out luggage before the day started so simply laid out or clothes for the next day and went to sleep!

 

Disembarkation:

Ugggg, the worst feeling of the cruise! always so exciting getting on, but total opposite leaving. So I again early riser was up at about 4:45 and the Escape was already along side. Enjoyed my last few nespressos on the Balcony and got showered. We all went to the Haven for Breakfast about 6:15am. Enjoyed our meal and by the time we got back to the cabin about 7am, they were already starting with self assist debark. Again we were escorted to the gangway via crew elevators and off the ship in no time. When we made it to Customs and border protection the line for Passports ( which I Carry) was so long but the line for Birth certificates (which the rest of my group had) was empty. 30 seconds later we were outside the terminal walking to the garage. arrived at our vehicle at about 7:20 and on the road out of Port Canaveral by 7:30.   

 

So all in all I will say we had an amazing cruise once again on NCL and the Haven.  The Escape is a beautiful ship! I will say also that sailing out of Port Canaveral was in my opinion the best cruise port i have sailed from so far. 

 

So our next cruise we are trying MSC Yacht club for the first time on the Seascape. We love NCL, but with the prices of Haven Cabins now, we are going to give MSC a shot. If anyone has any questions or comments feel free to ask, and I will attempt to give the most accurate answer. 

How long did the passport line take? Or did you go through the BC line with your passport since you said “30 seconds later we were outside”? We are taking passports next month, but after the fiasco disembarking in LA last month (in laws got off before us and waited 90 minutes in the regular line, and we waited about 40 minutes in the porter line), I’ll bring BC’s along with passports if it’ll shorten the time in the terminal after disembarkation. 

Edited January 23 by Candy Apple 12

[zqvol]

1 hour ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

How long did the passport line take? Or did you go through the BC line with your passport since you said “30 seconds later we were outside”? We are taking passports next month, but after the fiasco disembarking in LA last month (in laws got off before us and waited 90 minutes in the regular line, and we waited about 40 minutes in the porter line), I’ll bring BC’s along with passports if it’ll shorten the time in the terminal after disembarkation. 

You have to use whatever you give NCL on boarding, so make a decision early. 

[wolft927]

22 hours ago, CruisingSince1982 said:

Did you have a scheduled time to meet in the Haven lounge to be escorted off the ship in ports, or do you just show up when you are ready to go ashore? 

Pretty much you can meet there prior to docking or tendering, but they will escort you down during the first hour or so you dock, or untill open tendering is announced. 

[wolft927]

18 hours ago, Candy Apple 12 said:

How long did the passport line take? Or did you go through the BC line with your passport since you said “30 seconds later we were outside”? We are taking passports next month, but after the fiasco disembarking in LA last month (in laws got off before us and waited 90 minutes in the regular line, and we waited about 40 minutes in the porter line), I’ll bring BC’s along with passports if it’ll shorten the time in the terminal after disembarkation. 

We went thorugh the BC line, if you have a passport but traveling with people with BC you can use the BC line. We litteraly walked up no wait showed our documents to CBP and were out, 30 seconds maybe.