Hi all. Just want to share our cruise experience (Not a review). We cruised the Escape last year; of course the ship was not busy and the theatre shows ended up being cancelled. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant cruise and the Haven was outstanding. Overall, this cruise was fun and the ship is in great condition. The Choir of Man and Malevo are outstanding shows; reserve!
I cannot comment on the main dining rooms, as we had most meals in the Haven. We did try the buffet for lunch and, unfortunately, selections were limited and just edible. Our one specialty dinner was La Cucina—perhaps it was an off night; the wait for our appetizer was at least 20 minutes, and a tasteless dinner did not appear until one hour after our arrival. I would not recommend La Cucina.
The service throughout the ship, however, was excellent—with one notable exception on Day One. As my DH went to park, we arranged to meet at the first check in. I knew there would be at least one Haven rep near the escalators/elevators. This time, there was a table indicating “ Haven Check In.” I informed the Rep that I was waiting there for my husband. She snapped that I should go over to the long general line because this area was only Haven. I replied, that we were in Haven; before I could finish talking she shouted “this is Haven only, you don’t belong in Haven!” Yes, she was loud and nasty. I was so shocked it took me a minute to tell her that I was in the Haven. Meanwhile, she is pointing at the other line and shouting. Finally, she snapped that that she would check her list, then said she could not find me. At this point, I was ready to become nasty, when another Rep walked over with a list and found my info. Was there something about me that set this woman off? I was well dressed and polite; why did I look as if I did not “belong”? I vowed that my cruise would not be ruined; but became increasingly upset by the time we were on board. Finally, spoke to the excellent Concierge, David Newball. He did follow up and later in the cruise informed us that a formal report was made to upper levels.
I must mention Mr. Kamathchi Sivakumar, Assistant Maitre’ D in the Haven. My DH is undergoing cancer treatment, and as such his appetite and tolerance changes from day to day and meal to meal. Mr. Sivakumar noticed immediately that DH usually could not complete a meal or reject it. He watched over us at every meal, making suggestions for different food or food combinations—constantly ensuring that my husband have something to eat. Constantly checking that the staff was extra attentive. Mr. Sivakumar’s kindness helped us immensely.
In conclusion I would not hesitate to book the Escape again.
