jojoey

Just saw you're on the NCL Breakaway. I'm on it in May and can't wait to read your review! I've done the Escape twice now and loved it!

Having so much fun reading your great review. Thanks so much for taking the time to take us along, and for sharing your story and awesome pictures!

Did you check your credit card to see if it has been charged?

 

 

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I just checked again and nothing on the card. I'm guessing it's a no, unless anyone heard the day before, which I don't remember seeing.

We leave tomorrow, March 10, on the Escape. We're in a mini suite and I found out yesterday that our $720Cdn bids on H5 and H9 were rejected. I also bid on H7 but have not heard anything. Has anyone ever found out the day before? The website shows us in our original cabin, so I'm assuming it's a no...

I called the 800 number. Ask to speak with a supervisor. There shouldn't be a problem if it's on the same sailing.

 

 

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Thanks so much - just tried again and got someone else who said it shouldn't be a problem - she checked with her supervisor and it's done. Same deck but mini-suite. We gave up an angled balcony but I think travelling with my 18 year old daughter, we could use the extra bathroom space!

Hi, you may want to check current rates now and call to ask them to bump you up to a balcony if the price is the same or lower. I just did that today. Inside to Balconies. [emoji2]

 

 

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Wow! That's awesome! Did you just call the general 800#? I tried to do the same for our March 10 cruise, where mini-suites are now way less than what I paid for a balcony, and was told I'd have to pay almost $1000 each in cancellation fees to change. She even told me t hat I had a nice cabin and should be happy! Still waiting to hear about bid upgrades, but Haven is now showing sold out.

Looking for your insight. My 18 year old daughter and I are booked on the Escape in March. We did this cruise last March and loved it so much re-booked. This time we've got a larger, angled balcony, which I'm most excited for. Some prices have dropped, and it looks like we'd be able to switch to a mini suite, same deck, same price, NCL permitting of course. I'm torn, as I have no doubt we'd make use of the extra bathroom space, but I love the idea of a lounger on the balcony.

Any thoughts? Advice? I've got several bids in for the Haven, but those cabins seem to be disappearing lately.

Excited for your great review! We sail on the Escape in March and would love to see this drink spreadsheet you referred to!

Loving your review! I have my first solo cruise next September when my daughter heads off to uni. I SO hope you're on it!

Woohoo! Just home from Vegas so checked out CC after a week hiatus. SO happy to see your thread Doug and to follow along! Cheers and bon voyage!

Thank you for taking the time to review. Going on Escape in Aug, just on DCL last June, my DS17 was not so sure he wanted change since he like the teen club so much last year, when I showed him pictures on the web site he quickly changed his mind. One last trip with the teen club before he turns 18.

 

Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation with your daughter.

I think your son will be really pleased! My daughter loves LOVES the clubs on DCL, and was most disappointed with the one on the NCL Star when we did the Baltics 2 years ago. She is still raving about this one, going on about how great the counselors were on the Escape and how they had such fun activities. Have a great time!

Hi Denis,

My daughter and I did this last month and highly recommend it. They put you in tables of eight, so no problem if you're solo, as they'll be pairing you up with seven others. There are several stations to complete so we all just branched out, and most ended up with different people at some point. Was super fun!

For your FLL transfer on disembarkment day... we are looking at a flight (Canada) at 12;30pm also. What time did they get you to FLL airport and was it lots of time or feel rushed? what time did you get off ship?

Thanks.

Hi Leslie,

My original plan was to get an Uber to FLL, but because I have a blackberry (no Uber app), I'd need wifi for my iPad so I knew I couldn't count on that which is why we went with the shuttle. It was totally fine and we were on the road by 9 am. Our flight (WestJet to Ottawa) left at 12:50, and I thought we had TONS of time. Which would have been the case with any other airline. We got there before 10 and the line up for WJ went all the way outside and snaked around the sidewalk. Now it was the end of Ontario Spring break, so maybe this was an exception, but there were only two WJ desks.

We probably left our room right around 8. We had to let a few elevators go. Next time I'd hop in the ones going up to secure a spot on the way down.

Hope this helps Leslie!

Thank You so much for taking the time to share your Escape experience. I've really enjoyed reading it!

On your arrival day back in port, how much time would you say that it took you to get off the ship and around what time were you off?

I have to schedule our pick-up at the port and knowing how long the procedure takes may help me gauge the best time.

Did you have breakfast on that morning...where?

Hi Nisa! I'm so glad you enjoyed my report! We were totally ready to go the next morning so we ran up to the buffet for breakfast. It was busy but totally manageable, and they still had a full selection offered, not like other cruise lines that often have reduced selections.

It took us about 35 minutes to get from our cabin off the ship. It was really clogged up to get off, but I think a big part of that was due to the big group having excursions booked. Once we were past them we blew threw Customs. Can't wait to read about your cruise!

We arrived at Nassau early for a medical emergency, and were told that we would be told when we could disembark. It was a cool. drizzly morning so it was fun chilling and watching the ships come in.

People seem to have strong feelings about Nassau, and I'm always surprised by those who don't get off the ship, especially if they've never been before. We've been many times, but always get off, even if it's for a short stop. This time, though, we were doing something different - checking out the Queen's Staircase. It was an easy walk, though would have been easier if there were actually street signs once we got away from the main downtown area, but we managed just fine.

As we were walking up, a man joined us, asking where we were going. It was busy enough so I wasn't worried. Turns out he was going to the police training base beside the steps, so he gave us some history, explained that the hospital had just had a major reno as we walked by it, etc. He was sweet and our own tour guide!

When we got there we were stopped by a man. He had an id around his neck which looked official, yet torn, and he started telling us the history etc. We didn't know what to do - I couldn't tell if we had to pay to pass or he was an "entrepreneur". Well, his young daughter started running around and he had to chase her, so that answered that and we were off. We climbed the 60+ steps. At the top were sales booths like at the straw market, though we would've paid anything for a drink - none of that! Had the guy at the start been sitting on a cooler of water bottles, he'd make a fortune!

I'm glad we did it, the view was nice. Not sure you're missing out if you don't do it. We went back down a different way, which was nice to see different building and gardens. Did a bit of the straw market and shops, and my daughter bought a conch shell from the young divers for $5. Back to the ship for lunch at O'Sheehan's, because once again we were too late for Taste/ Savor.

Got comfy loungers and chilled, played ping pong, looked at our pictures and basically just enjoyed the ship for the final day. Dinner that night was at Taste (Savor?). I already had a glass of wine and Nicole asked our server for a cranberry juice and he literally yelled at her, saying she was IN NO WAY allowed juice with her card. Um ok. I said, no problem, but she's had it all week, and so she asked for water. The couple next to us were laughing, and when he left they said it reminded them of the Seinfeld, Soup naz* episode - no juice for you! I'm not sure what point he was trying to make during our last meal, but he was a miserable waiter who kept yelling at the poor bus girl. The meal was fun though, as we ended up chatting with the couple beside us, sharing stories of our week. About 10 minutes later, the waiter puts a juice in front of Nicole and walks away. Thank you? Whatever.

I ended up booking us through NCL for transportation to FLL the next morning, as our flight left at 12:30. It was $25 each and super easy. We did early walk off with our bags, which was crowded, slightly chaotic, but once off the ship, super fast.

Overall, it was truly a fantastic vacation. We had a five day Disney cruise booked for next March break but my daughter would rather do this one again, which we definitely will! Less money and longer so it's a no brainer. Plus, we didn't make it to any of the major shows, so there's still so much to do!

For the Escape room experience, did you book this first day on ship or prior to sail? I think my family would enjoy that. We don't sail til January.

We tried hard to book as soon as we boarded (in Headliners and at the front desk), but I didn't know the "Big Top" title. It became quite comical trying to find out how to book the 'Escape Room' on the ESCAPE! I think most thought we just wanted another room?! In their defense, it was pretty new, just one or two cruises prior us had had it and they hadn't heard.

We also tried on the ship's interactive screens and on the app - no luck. Finally a front desk person overheard and told us to go to the box office at the Supper Club. Easy peasy and then they called our room to give us a few options when the time had changed. My daughter loved it!! Definitely try it!

Apologies for the delay! Was in Vancouver and apparently taking me a while to get back into it.

The Thursday was our last sea day and they had changed our Escape Room time to that afternoon from Friday night. We had an invite for drinks and appies at the Brewhouse, but I wasn't sure why, for around noon that day. I thought maybe it was a meet the captain/crew party for return guests, but it was a second Meet and Greet, put on by the ship. Nice touch. They even had a band playing.

We spent the day enjoying the ship, mostly inside (except for the required ping pong) - trivia, lame attempts (me) at salsa lessons, arcade, shops, lots of food and Escape The Big Top.

Escape the Big Top was so fun and I highly recommend it. I had done one of these before, but this was totally different. It was set up in the supper club, and Alec, our fave dance instructor, came dressed up the circus leader and hosted the event. You're set up in tables of eight, and our time slot had five tables.

Each table has the same bag of clues, and you've got several stations to figure out. I think our group was pretty slow, because we had only got three words by the time the winning team finished. Oh, and only one of our three words was correct!! While we may have been a pretty lame team, it was super fun and I highly recommend it. It lasts an hour, but only40 minutes in our case because of the mensa winning team. Bring a cocktail with you - I missed the boat on that one!

Dinner that night was at Le Bistro. Service was fantastic, food good. I remembered it being way better than it was. It was my daughter's least fave, so I think it's off our list for next year. Others did rave about it though.

Sea days are so fun on the Escape. There really is something for everyone, whether you want to chill and read, party at the pool or take part in other activities. Sadness was starting to creep in, knowing that the next day was our last...

The next day was Tortola. We had booked through NCL the tour of the baths at Virgin Gorda. We had to meet at 8 am (!!) in the theatre, then it was a quick walk off the ship to the boat tour. The boat ride was 40 minutes. We got one of the few seats up top outside, which was really nice.

Once docked, it was a 20 minute open air bus ride to the baths. I actually think ours was an old pick up truck with benches in the back, but it got us there! Here we were given a quick debrief, basically pointing us in the direction to go and telling us the time to be back. It was an easy hike downhill, with some pretty cool cacti and a few lizards/ geckos along the way. At the bottom, there was a beautiful small beach. Many snorkellers around here and we hung out on the huge rocks and in the water.

A bit more of a walk got us to the baths. Suddenly, we were in a line up that wasn't moving much. Luckily we ended up in the shade, and the guy in front of us was smart enough to hang back so we never got stuck in the line in one of the tight spots. After about 30 minutes or so the line up opened up and it was fine. Some of the climbs were a bit tight and steep. Totally fine for us, but I always wonder how my almost 80 year old parents would do. One of the ladders down with only a railing on one side might have been a challenge for my mom. It was beautiful and we were both glad to have done it. After we went through we hung at another beautiful beach for a bit before the hike back.

Highly recommend water shoes for this one. Back at the top, there's a rum punch, or just punch, awaiting and it's back to the boat. If you have time, be sure to go check out the restaurant - the balcony is beautiful and is built around a pool. Once back at the ship, there were a few shops but I really wanted to find the Sunny Caribbee Spice Shop. A security guard pointed us in the direction and we were off. It was a good 10 minute walk and totally worth it - thanks again for the recommendation JW and Jerome! Cutest shop ever! They had an art gallery, island-made crafts and tons of fabulous spices and teas. Loved their packaging and bought lots of good stuff! Go! Just across the street from it is a small market. Good for island stuff I guess - you know, the standard kind but just a few stalls.

We were SO hungry at this point and were psyched to east at Taste/Savor for lunch again. Well, they had closed just before we got there. Too tired for the buffet, so we went to O'Sheahans. Was really good, plus they started 80s music trivia, so it was entertaining too.

Back at the room we had Bulgari soaps and shampoos, Haven slippers etc., and not sure why. The complaint? The CC Meet & Greet? No idea. Maybe it was just because.

Dinner at the Manhattan Room was fine, nothing spectacular food-wise, but fine. Loved the music and dancing though.

Next up, Le Bistro, Nassau and Escape the Big Top. I'm off to Vancouver for a few days so it might be few days in coming.

I'm really enjoying your reviews. I am travelling on the Escape May 6th with 9 family members. I can't wait!!!

 

 

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Thanks Direland! The only thing I'd say with nine of you is to make dinner reservations whenever you can. Even Taste and Savor took ressies for same day when they were open during breakfast and lunch, which made for no waiting at all!

Your video was fantastic! My daughter and I loved every minute and want to pretend it's our own, especially since we weren't smart enough to do this when we were on the exact cruise two weeks ago! Seeing the Washy Washy singer brought us right back! Thanks so much for sharing!

Doing this cruise in May with my 21 yo niece. Loving your review!

Thanks Holly! You and your niece will have a blast! They have meet ups for her age group as well, and she's old enough to enjoy all the other parties etc., so it'll be ideal!

Great review. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the cruise. Glad you enjoyed the 13th deck. I will be on the 13th deck on July 22nd. This will be my first NCL cruise and my BF first ever cruise.

So exciting! I think you and your bf will love it! And I've said it before - I think deck 13 is ideal!

We have been on 4 NCL Cruises and we were on the ship the same week. By far the best crew and staff NCL has right now hands down!

Are you suffering the same withdrawals? This morning I keep thinking back to two weeks ago when we were boarding...

St Thomas Day

We had no excursions booked had a slow morning. Tried sit down breakfast at Savor and loved it! Before it was done we were planning our next visit, yet sadly never made it. Started with a basket of pastries, I had the eggs benny on biscuits and Nicole had an omelet. She also had a yogourt parfait. All was delish and so quiet compared to the buffet!

Walked off the ship and veered left - decided to keep the shops nearest the ship for the way back. A short walk on the left there's a new "mall" with some shops. The boardwalk went through there and we walked along the water about 20 minutes into town. Enjoyed the open air market and then shopped through the town.

An almost full cab stopped saying he was leaving for Magen's Bay, so we went for it. What a great decision! We were totally unprepared - we did have bathing suits on, but no towels or anything. We had thought we'd walk and shop and then do the gondola but this turned out to be a much better plan. Cab was $8 each (they're gov't regulated standard pricing) and the ride was amazing. He stopped at a lookout for pictures and told us the story of the island. Worth every cent and then some! I wouldn't recommend paying for a ride home in advance - the cabs are lined up to take you and it seems easier to hop in the next one rather than wait and try to locate your driver.

The beach was awesome! Yes it was busy, but mostly right where the chairs were being rented near the food and drink. We walked down a ways and it was quiet and perfect! So fun! After spending too much time in less than stellar lakes around here, we never thought we were beach people. Who knew?! We had a blast and if (when) we do this again, I wouldn't change a thing about this day, except bring towels. But you can rent them!

As an aside, after breaking her phone screen twice, I got my daughter the Lifeproof phone case. It's amazing! The underwater pictures are incredible. Highly recommend.

At breakfast, we made dinner ressies for that night, so no wait. Food and service were great.

Next up - Tortola.

Today's the day!

BON VOYAGE!!!!!