- Free at Sea+: With my booking I received regular Free at Sea, but have been offered Free at Sea+ for an additional $350. Between the full internet package (to check in with family), premium drinks (not a huge drinker but love a fancy glass of wine at dinner or a cappuccino in the morning), and two additional specialty dining meals, it sounds worth it. Question - Is the upgrade worth it?
I would say no. I would not make good use of the + features except the dining. What can’t you live without and price that separately.
- Breakfast Dining: Straight to the point, not a breakfast buffet fan. For Carnival cruisers, I'm a regular at the MDR for the yogurt parfait and fresh pressed juices 😁 Question - What are the breakfast options on the Norwegian Escape/what is your favorite place to eat breakfast?
The Taste and Savor MDRs are open. O’Shehan’s 24/7 restaurant is open. The buffet (which is good) is open. And the American diner may be open. All complimentary.
- Coffee Shop on Escape: I've read some ships have a full Starbucks, but this one does not. Question - Does this coffee shop also offer pastries, hot teas, etc?
The Escape does not have a Starbucks. The atrium coffee shop will sell specialty coffee. There are no pastries. (On ships with a Starbucks,’the pastries are for sale). The escape will have candies and macarons for sale.
- Evening Dining: I've booked Teppanyaki one night, but wondered what other specialty restaurants are a can't miss. Also wondering about the complimentary/main dining room dinners. Question - What is your favorite specialty dining venue/what is your favorite meal in the complimentary venues/main dining room?
Our favorite specialty restaurant is Le Bistro (French). And the lobster Thermidor (it has an upcharge from the standard dining package).
- Evening Activities/Entertainment: Some folks have shared to not miss The Newlyweds Game and other theatre productions. Question - What's there to do after dinner for activities or entertainment?
There will be shows in the Theater every night. They often repeat the shows in the smaller venues like the Comedy Club and Syd Norman’s. There will be a dance party by the pool most nights.
- Port to Airport Transfer: Straight to the point, never used this with Carnival either. Question - Is this a good/viable option to get back to the airport after debarkation? It's currently $37 from NCL.
I assume that you are disembarking in Europe somewhere. It is easier (for us) than worrying about drips for a taxi. We would do it.
- What Else?: Any other tips, tricks, secrets, or comments to share for my first time on NCL? Thank you!!
The following link is to one of my Live posts from the Escape. it’s a couple of years old, so the information is dated and it was a 7 night Caribbean cruise. But, it will give you a peek at the ship and its venues.