Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

coach jim

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    216

  • Joined

 Content Type 

Posts posted by coach jim

    Everything.. ESCAPE (live 29 Oct 2015!)

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    My review of Escape:

     

    My only complaint was when walking under the beautiful chandelier by Le Bistro the smell of smoke from casino was very overpowering. Sometimes you could actually see a haze of smoke and it made my eyes and throat burn. That issue really needs to be addressed for sure. I really don't know how people could dine outside there in Le Bistro with the heavy smoke smell.

     

    So, with reports like this of the heavy smoke, does anyone know if they are going through with the proposed partitions in the casino or has that plan been dropped?

     

    Coach Jim

    When did Margaritaville become a specialty on Escape?

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Having read through this thread I figured I would throw in my 2 cents. First, while the change is not a "deal breaker" with cruising on NCL, it is a bit troubling. First of all I feel it is naive to think this was not in the works from the get go. Making the change after a single week, I do not think so. Granted there were problems on the three day and transatlantic, but those are unusual cruises, not the norm. I would think any business if it was being sincere would allow at least a month to see if the staff and facility could handle the demand. They obviously did not do this and as stated I believe this was the intent all along. With that being said I believe their decision to change was at least dishonest when they were promoting this venue as included. If you have been to any area where they have a Margaritaville, you would know how popular they are, mediocre food and all. Our family enjoys them for the atmosphere, music and the gift shop, which at this point they do not have on the ship. If they were sincere that the demand was a surprise, then NCL has the worst marketing research people in the country. The second issue I find troubling is the reduced number of included venues for lunch. As has already been detailed by Harriet, there are now two or three fewer venues that are included on their largest ship meaning the lines and wait time will be shifted to those venues. We cruise NCL for the options and in particular the entertainment. We are cruising the Escape because it is new and the UBP and I am sure we will have a great time. I do not see how this and other recent changes are going to improve the product and the on board experience. Any way, my 2 cents

     

    Coach Jim

    NCL Escape Show Schedule

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    I think the showtimes on that web site will likely be different for future sailings of escape. I heard they added Tenors of Rock on that sailing because one of the performers in Million Dollar Quartet was unable to perform - so not a permanent change? For our January 2016 sailing, the show times we could book in advance are different than those dailies. Here's what we could book...

     

    • Million Dollar Quartet: Mon, Tue 7:00pm, 9:30pm
    • After Midnight: Sun, Thu 7:00pm, 9:30pm; Fri 8:30pm
    • Supper Club - For the Record: Sat, Sun, Mon 5:15pm, 8:30pm; Thu, Fri 7:30pm

     

    Exact same times for our Feb 2016 sailing

     

    coach Jim

    New A La Carte Specialty Dining

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    "Anyone who purchases a Norwegian specialty dining package can enjoy meals at La Cucina, Le Bistro and Cagney's at no additional charge"

     

    So, are Modero and Teppanyaki not included in the SDP?

     

    We cruise for the first time on Escape in Jan 2016 and I was going to get us the 4 meal SDP ...we were going to do; Le Bistro, Cagney's, Modero and Teppanyaki...if they aren't then I would only buy the 3 meal option eat at Cagney's twice and then eat at Modero and Teppanyaki?

     

    Jenn,

     

    You should be fine, Modero and Teppanyaki will not be A la carte, so yes they are covered by the SDP.

     

    Coach Jim

    Can 15.5 y/o work out in gym with dad?

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    This will not be a problem as long as he is working out. Only way it could be a problem is if someone complained. If he was working out, in particular with you, this would not happen. Both of my sons were HS athletes and I brought both of them with me to work out before they turned 16. Always with me and they were there to work out.

     

    Enjoy,

     

    Coach Jim

    Everything.. ESCAPE (live 29 Oct 2015!)

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Does anyone have information on the balcony differences between the family balcony versus the large balcony on decks 8 or 9? We are looking to book the Escape for March 2016. Have to wait until after our dawn cruise in 2 weeks to have our FCC. I was excited to see connecting door and non connecting door large balcony staterooms depending on deck. Also, I see the splash academy and guppy nursery on the plans, has Entourage been listed on the plans for the teens?

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

     

    Entourage, the teen club, is on deck 17, right by Margaritaville.

    Everything.. ESCAPE (live 29 Oct 2015!)

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Check your prices! My OV for January went down $217 since last week and I still get the promotion. I was sent a confirmation and amenity report immediately.

     

    I know not everyone's prices will go down, but I thought it's worth a note to check.

     

    I just saved $600 on a Spa B9 by re-booking our cruise for Feb. 2016! Thanks very much for the tip, and we kept the UBP promotion. So if you already booked, check the prices.

     

    Thanks again,

     

    Coach Jim

    Breakaway cruise to nowhere questions

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Looking forward to our first cruise on the Breakaway.

    Are the rules for bringing wine aboard the same for 2 night cruises as they are for longer cruises?

    Are the minibars really locked on these 2-nighters? I think I had read that somewhere.

    How early is it possible to board?

    Thanks!!

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

     

    Went last year and going again this year, so my answers are based on last year. Yes, you can bring on wine with the same corkage fee, yes minibars were locked. Last year there was a bit of a delay so boarding did not start until around 12:30, hopefully this year will start a little earlier. Additional info, no porters, you carry your own bags on and off. You can store luggage in Bliss on deck 7. Rooms usually are ready around 1:30. Great fun, party atmosphere, but get to events early. Because almost everyone will be inside, bars and events fill up. Even daytime trivia, "before they were stars" was packed. Shows will be "sold out" but some seats open up, and venues like howl at the moon and the jazz band at fat cats will fill up, but there will be a lot of turn over as people move from venue to venue. Lots of groups and celebrations, not as many kids as a week long cruise.

     

    Enjoy,

     

    Coach Jim

    Breakaway - 2 Night Cruise

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    We did the full week to Bermuda last summer and the CTN Jan 17-19 2014. Easier to go over what they do not have: no fire works, no "tasting" of wine/beer/martini's/margaritas, no latitudes party, no room service and they did not have the Burn the Floor show. Otherwise everything else was on, 4 showings of ROA, 2nd city, and Cirque Dreams. Both nights they had activities in the Atrium, including the GLOW party, and Latin night in the Ultra Bliss lounge. Jazz club and Howl at the moon were rockin both nights. Also various musical acts at several lounges and the atrium along with karaoke and trivia.

    One thing to keep in mind, very few people will be outside unless you have mild weather, so every venue was crowded, in particular when there was a musical act or trivia. When you go to any activity, go early. If you go plan out and reserve for the shows you can, you will save time and disappointment. A lot of energy on the CTN and they tend to be full. Kids programs were all running with their usual activities, but not as many kids as there are in the summer. We had a great time and we are going again celebrating my birthday, Jan. 17th. You can use a picture license to board, you do not need a passport. We did see groups of all ages, friends, families, men/ladies weekend, Drunk 1, 2, 3 and 4 (I kid you not, two groups had the take off on Thing 1,2,3 shirts from the Cat in the Hat). I would put most people late 30's to early 60's. There were a lot of people like us whose children were spending some quality time with their grandparents. We were out and about both nights and did not see anyone out of control, and the casino was pretty full late. Again biggest thing to prepare for is how crowded the venues were and to plan ahead as best you can with reservations. Getting off was quick and easy, though they wanted you out of your room by 8:30 am. Getting on there was no baggage service, but most just had a carry-on, so just drop your bags off at Bliss and go have lunch. I presume most people headed for the buffet, I would recommend Taste or Savor, one will be open, much more relaxing. High energy and a great time.

     

    Coach Jim

    Peanut allergy and specialty restaurants

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Just to confirm what has been said, our son has a severe peanut and tree nut allergy and we have found both NCL and Disney to be outstanding. We got the same notification to meet with guest services and it helped to order the night before. When we were not able to it just meant we waited a little longer, but we found the staff to be extremely helpful and accommodating. With the specialty restaurants we reminded them when we checked in and there was no problem. We have always viewed Disney as the gold standard dealing with food allergies but found NCL to be just as helpful and accommodating.

     

    Coach Jim

    1/17/14 Breakaway 2 Night CTN Review

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Thanks for your review. We were on the same cruise and had a great time, Cagney's for a birthday dinner, Slam Allen and Howl at the Moon till closing and my best friend and his wife did very well in the casino. The crowds were a bit much at times, otherwise a great weekend getaway.

     

    Happy sailing,

     

    Coach Jim

    Another (first-hand) Breakaway New Years Review

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    mmmken,

     

    Thank you for your thoughtful, detailed and balanced review. We sailed the Breakaway during the summer to Bermuda and had a great time, but I fully understand some of your concerns and criticisms, in particular with the medical staff. Please, as has been suggested, contact NCL about your concerns and do not depend on them reading CC. Our experience in the MDR was very good all but one night. That night it was obvious we had an inexperienced and overworked waiter who also struggled with the English language. New ship with a mix of new and experienced staff, it can be luck of the draw. Not an excuse, but this will happen on any new, big ship. This gets back to earlier statements about the supervisors and the training and help they are giving the wait staff. Like I said the other five nights service was great. I also found their attention to our son's food allergy to be absolutely outstanding, better than any line we have been on (Disney, RCCL, Celebrity) I also found the ship's staff to be very attentive to every concern we brought to them, though there were very few. One last thought concerning the room steward, the awkwardness may have been a language issue. Again, thank you for spending the time to do a thoughtful review, please contact NCL with your concerns, and don't write off NCL, but free style is not for everyone. You do not get that more personal connection with the MDR wait staff, but for us, the flexibility and choices are key and outweigh the benefits of traditional dining. We will be returning to the BA for the two night CTN to celebrate my birthday!

     

    Happy sailing,

     

    Coach Jim

    ID for CTN

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Well, now I am a bit confused. Our travel agent told us a driver's license AND birth certificate were needed for a CTN. I just got off the phone with NCL and they told me just a picture license is needed. Can anyone who has been on a fairly recent CTN confirm what is needed? We are saling on the Breakaway 1/17/14 and our friends do not have an up to date passport.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Jim

    Please Help Ultimate Beverage Lets Get Fact

    in Norwegian Cruise Line

    Posted

    Hi all

     

    quick question I know we can prepay for the UBP and soda packages and we get a sticker for our cards in the stateroom. So my question is if you get a soda before your room opens up does it go on your account because you do not have a sticker on your seapass or on the package because your seapass is linked to the package?

     

    Thanks

     

    Damon

     

    Not a problem, you can get your sticker at the area where they sell the UBP as soon as you get on board. On the Breakaway, it was at the cafe in the Atrium. They have a list with all those who prepaid.

     

    Enjoy,

     

    Coach Jim

×
×
  • Create New...