phillyf

Just off the Getaway 4/13-4/20

Breakfast favorites from Taste/Savor - Smoked Salmon, hold the bagel :) ,  also the sliced peaches with blueberries and lastly Eggs Benedict

Lunch -  The Mahi Mahi sandwich was to die for, perhaps my favorite meal on the ship

Dinner - MDR

Appetizer - Lobster Ravioli - yummy

Salad - Cesear

Soup - French Onion

Dinners -  Steak Medallions/Tidbits and fried flounder

Desserts - All of them

O'Sheenans - the Wings w BBQ sauce

Margaritaville - Breakfast, coffee and fresh fruit

Biggest Disappointment

Appetizer - MDR Fried Dumplings :(

For us, things are adding up fast and we have already tried two other cruise lines so our loyalty and patience is thinning fast.  We love freestyle, however, we were disappointed to have the third person rate charged at over 75%. WE have our eyes open for the best value, Food selection and timing is also a major factor. 

We did a land all inclusive and loved it so if the industry continues to make cuts we may be landbirds.

Scubamommy, both Taste and Savor should be open for both lunch and breakfast. You should try both. Each has there own uniqueness. You are going to love the Manhattan room, the ambiance is terrific especially if you are by the rear windows. If you like Taste and Savor for breakfast/lunch then pick either for a great dinner. Enjoy your cruise and try all three restaurants.

Thanks for taking the time to post your great photos and for your narrative. We are on the Getaway next month and will be having three meals and will try to limit our desserts to dinner only. It's going to be tough not to snack and try those wonderful dishes.

On 3/18/2019 at 1:21 PM, Solo Cruiser Memphis said:

I'm trying to decide on my free offer.  It's between the Specialty Dining Package and the Ultimate Beverage Package (or whatever it's called now).  I know with both packages, I'll have to pay gratuities and such, just wondering what is the best bang for my buck.  Does anyone know the prices of the "free" offers (aka how much do you pay in taxes/fees)?  I'm not much of a drinker and I don't know the average prices of the drinks.  If I get the specialty dining package, is it like the main dining room where you can order 2 entrees and all the desserts (kidding) if you want or are you limited to one app/entree/dessert?  I've been known to order 2 desserts (don't judge hahahaha).  I usually only order two drinks per day so it might be cheaper/about the same to just pay for my own drinks.  On the specialty dining offer, how many meals is that?  Thanks all!

 

Here's my take and I have been on many NCL cruises, opt for the Specialty Dining Package. When you are in port you're not drinking so if you have a cruise with three port days and the day of disembarkation you've paid for four days which will not be used entirely. Order a bar set up; your favorite bottle of rum or whatever liquor and have it ready and set up in your room for you. You can order a dozen or so sodas or go upstairs and bring down fruit punch or other juices, OJ Pineapple  Cranberry etc. I usually order the bar set up and the bottle is more than enough. You can also order Virgin Pina Coladas and add the rum from your room. If you drink a lot you can always buy the beer specials and or wine specials. 

1 hour ago, allyfrizzle said:

My cruise on the Escape is leaving on April 7th from New York. I'm familiar with leaving from Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Miami... but never New York.

 

I'll be flying into LaGuardia that afternoon around 12:30, and NCL will be organizing my transfers to the port. I've not heard any details about that part. Will I get details as the cruise gets closer?

 

What do I need to know about this port? I've read that I probably want to check out the Statue of Liberty during embarkation. But what else? Anything unique about boarding? Anything I should look out for?

 

Thanks in advance!

The Statue of Liberty will be on the right side of the ship, try to find a spot on the highest deck to see the Verrazzano bridge. You'll see the bridge up close and the view sb great. The dining room may be closed for lunch, usually 2 pm, however, the buffet /O'Sheenans will be available.  You may want to be on the left side to see mid and lower Manhattan and then shift to the left side to see the statue of liberty. If your flight and cab ride gets you in before the dining room cutoff have a sitdown lunch in the dining room w the Manhattan skyline as your background. The Statue of Liberty sb before the Verrazano so stay outside to see this close view of the bridge. We were on the breakaway's top deck and we were so close to the bottom of the bridge.

Thanks for taking the time to post such a great review. I loved it !!

Thanks for posting a great review

Pina coladas, margaritas w extra shot cuevo gold and also mudslides

I can't wait to order these drinks

Last year I ordered a bar setup and had a bottle of Barcardi rum waiting in my room, I had a bullit blender and some pina colada mix

What a great way to start the cruise!