TrpngBilly

When we stayed in the Haven on the Escape this past April, breakfast in the Haven restaurant was available long before I woke up so I can't give you an exact opening time.  I remember that lunch started around 11ish and dinner was served in the Haven restaurant starting at 5pm.  The bar was open by 10am most days for my mimosa(s) and more often than not we closed the place at night.  Our bartender said that they typically close around 2am but if nobody is at the bar, they may close earlier.  During the day, our butler brought us snacks to the cabin and there was always a bowl of M&M's that never seemed to go down...it was like M&M magic.

We enjoyed the Haven very much.  We had an aft facing penthouse and although it was a bit of a walk from there to the Haven restaurant and bar, the view from our balcony was spectacular.

I've sailed on both the Getaway and the Escape. Both were awesome so you can't go wrong. I'm partial to the Escape (if choosing between the two) but that could be because we were upgraded to a H6 stateroom on the Escape. But, both offered exciting entertainment and an amazing atmosphere. What sets the Escape apart from Getaway, albeit subjective, is the food quality. There is nothing wrong with any of the food options on Getaway but Escape was phenomenal.

My suggestion, book one now and set a deposit for the other for another time.

Please! You're messing it up for everyone. The reason we sail NCL is for freestyle. You probably won't keep the reservation anyway.

So unless you have a group of 8 or more - just don't! We sailed POA with a group of 7, never made reservations at the main dining room and never had a wait of more than a couple minutes. There are plenty of larger tables.

 

Thank you,

Vic

I think your beef should be with the cruise line and not your fellow cruisers. And, if you really want your message to have an impact it might be more effective for you to voice your opinion about this outside the MDR's and speak directly to those who are committing such a flagrant violation of your vacation expectations.

No, this will be a crew only shuttle from Miami to NYC.

 

 

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thanks

That's not the framework of the topic...of course there are certain cimcumstances that can't be avoided....the topic is about a show that one did not like...

Seems unfair to assume everyone walking out simply didn't do their homework. And, I completely get the framework of the question but unless the OP has information that everyone they see leaving is leaving for that reason alone, it's casting too big a net in my opinion.

Worse is people who constantly talk through a show.

Does the Escape have any passengers while moving from Miami to New York for the home port change? Just curious.

there's really no comparison 'tween the two

 

Cayman all the way .....

 

I've been to both places over a dozen times and dove or snork'd nearly every time.

 

Cayman is 'world class' and Nassau is 'better than doing nothing'

 

*******

 

of course you must always factor in uncontrollable variables ...there are days when the weather in Cayman can make any snork' or diving a problem ... as it could in Nassau ..... but one could have had a great Nassau experience and a poor one in Cayman. I've MANY visits to both ... CAYMAN wins, hands down.

Great...but where is the best snorkeling on GC?

Following this thread too. Hey Rich, if you have any feedback to share after your cruise, will you post it? I'll be cruising to Grand Cayman and Nassau on 4/14 and am interested in what you discover. Thanks.

We went from Gold to Platinum after completing our most recent cruise on BA. It posted the very next day to our account and the upcoming cruise we have booked on Escape already includes the added tier benefits in our cruise docs.

Yes, one less thing to do once you get on board.

Yes, there is an ATM on board. Yes, there is a fee to use it and sometimes an additional fee from your financial institution to use an "out of network" ATM. Yes, you can charge your on board account and get cash but again, with an additional fee.

Knowing all that ahead of time, why not bring cash with you?

We're on that sailing as well. Our CruiseDocs indicate that our arrival time at the pier is 10am. I don't mind the late departure. Plenty to do onboard even in port, especially in Miami. All aboard time is still 2 hours before sailing.

How was the rock band in Fat Cats?

Of all the bands I've seen on cruise ships, the one last week on BA was the absolute worst.

This was my 4th time on the Breakaway and 5th on this itinerary although extended to a 9 day cruise with Miami added.

 

Got to the port early and embarkation was the easiest I experienced. Was on board by 11:45 and proceeded to guest services to get Vibe passes. While on line standing where we belonged, the first crazy human that we encountered rudely turned around and yelled at us to get out of her "space". We were standing 2 people places behind and were not in anyones space. I duly noted to the "crazy" that if she cant 2 of us "how are you going to deal with 5,000". She then yelled frantically for Security while I was LMAO while getting Vibe passes.

 

Proceeded to O'Sheenans for a few cocktails and lunch before cabins were ready. Had a Spa Balcony and went to the SPA for sail away as weather was not nice. Spa of course was tremendous especially leaving Ny in February on a holiday week. Nice escape from the kids as is the VIBE.

 

Went to Vibe on the second sea day as the weather broke nicely. Got there at 11:30am and there was not a lounger or a day bed available. Apparently, no one was checking for wrist bands or actual paying members and there were numerous people in there that did not belong. Not nice...how people will take advantage of the system and a frequent cruiser on NCL like myself and someone who always pays for Vibe has no seats. Took 45 minutes as I called the front and the girl said, "thats impossible", as I explained I'm here and there is no seating. A senior manager came up and started to take a roll call clipboard of who belonged and finally succumbed to just getting us 2 "blue" regular loungers and placing padding on it. I'm not one to make a big deal over anything cause its vacation and I was satisfied at that point. It should be noted quite a few people we never saw again in Vibe after that day. Just sickening what people will resort to.

 

Weather was the best I ever had on a winter trip to Florida and Nassau. Did not get off the ship in Canaveral or Miami and just enjoyed the freedom of the ship in the gorgeous weather.

 

We did miss GSC second time in a row for us but I expect it and kinda liked overnighting in Nassau. Got off the ship about 1:30pm and did a little shopping before heading to Baha Mar to see the new property. It was amazing. Took a cab there and back for 20 each way.

 

Next day in Nassau went the beach in Atlantis through NCL but would do my own like I normally do. Weather was great, surf was up, swam in the gorgeous water but it was rough.

 

Food I thought was great. Did 2 nights Cagneys, standard Cagneys, did 2 nights Ocean Blue (my favorite) well worth the up charge. Alaskan King Crab and Lobster, only venue you can currently get these items included in your package uncharge price. Very good food and service. Le Bistro one night and Teppanyaki one night. Both excellent. Savor was remarkably good.

 

Shows were ehhhh, having been on Breakaway 4 times. We went to the magician both nights Dizzy was his name, it was ok. Jean Pierre was much better on the Jewel. Saw the hypnotist Brenda Kaye which was hilarious. Atrium shows were the standards and very funny.

 

Cutbacks:

 

Here is where I saw subtle cutbacks. Drinks were all measured with a jigger pour. Now although with the UBP it doesn't matter for those paying I would be upset at 25 bucks for a round of 2 drinks you need several to a good buzz.

 

Hot Dogs: one of my favorite spots on Breakaway was the Sabrett Hot Dog cart. For my fellow NYers you know a dirty water dog Sabrett os one of a kind. While the cart is still pn board, they switched to the same ****ty dogs served in the other venues.

 

No Lobster in any venues other than Ocean Blue.

 

No Lox or Smoked Salmon at breakfast Garden Cafe.

 

There were other cuts that slip my mind right now.

 

One other negative involving inconsiderate people, smoking on the balcony. Had door open night to sleep and of course in the middle of the night someone is puffing away on the balcony close to ours. No way to enforce this so people take advantage.

 

No one won anything in the casino in the 9 days and we spent a lot of time there at night as well. Very smoky this trip, wish they would ban it altogether.

 

Service and Crew were excellent. No complaints. Special shoutout to Dylan from the Vibe, I hope corporate reads this and gives him a bonus....OUTSTANDING service and member of the crew. Hope to see him on the Escape this summer.

 

Any questions let me know.

I was on the cruise as well but didn't notice any bartender, not one, use a jigger to measure any drinks and I definitely got the most out of my UBP. And I had a different experience at the casino. I hit a straight flush at the 3-card table on my second hand one day and had a few other nice hands throughout the cruise. I played several times during the 9 days and saw plenty of other wins too. Hot dogs are just hot dogs, IMHO.

My guess would be that the priority disembarkation for international guests could be affected by Customs processes in ports, especially foreign ports depending on where your passport is issued and where you are disembarking.

What exercise classes are available onboard the Breakaway? And how much do they cost?

Thank you!

Sharon

Last year on Breakaway I was doing 12oz. curls each day of the cruise, almost constantly actually...all free with UBP. LOL. Sorry, couldn't resist and with your username, I hope you got a chuckle.

Last year they had a bunch of organized exercise classes such as Spin, Yoga, Boot Camp, Ryde Cycling classes, Pilates, etc. There were a bunch but I don't recall how much. Sorry.

Staying at Skyline Hotel on 10th Ave. between W 49th and W 50th this Thursday night before we board BA on Friday morning. I'll let you know how it was for us on Friday before we sail.

Some days you're the window and some days you're the bug. Looks like you were the window that day.

I've heard that NCL changed the name to "Glow Party" as "White Hot Party" was offensive to some.

Anyone else besides me read the title of this thread and expect something else?

Call back and talk to a different person.

Bump. I agree. We've had nothing but frustration and difficulty using a PCC. The name "Personal Cruise Consultant" suggests that they have intimate knowledge of your sailing when in fact they don't know you from a hole in the hull...evidenced by the fact that you have to tell them all the things about you and your cruise whenever you call to speak with them just like you would if it was a cold call into the call center.

We never use a PCC.

Does anyone know the prices of martini's on the breakaway? I have read in some areas they are all over the $15 max drink amount for the ubp. Please say this isn't true!

I've never had a martini over the $15 cap. Perhaps those that did went TOP SHELF in some way.

Cheers, try a Caribbean Martini at Shaker's

I tried to search but didn't see anything about this.

 

My question is that if we choose to stay on board (we don't want to get off at Roatan, heard horrible things) can we go to guest services and get the port taxes and fees refunded to us for that port since we didn't actually get off the ship and visit the location?

That's too bad. We enjoyed Roatan very much. We booked a private charter and although we drove through some less than stellar looking areas, I had no complaints about the port or our tour. I realize the risk in booking outside of the cruise line vendors but I did a significant amount of research and this one was well reviewed. Seems a shame to miss such a great place, but it's obviously your decision.

Enjoy your cruise!

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm taking my first cruise on the NCL Breakaway on 2/25 (Florida, Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau). I have a few questions if you'd be kind enough to indulge.

 

1.) What times should I avoid eating if I want to avoid the worst crowds?

 

2.) What's the most affordable way to booze it up? Beer instead of cocktails? Any bar cheaper than any other? Any examples of prices? I don't know if this is the kind of thing where beer is $6 or $12.

 

3.) Shore excursion recommendations for Nassau? Balmoral beach sounds like a mixed bag, but I'm not sure there's much to do in Nassau if we don't do a shore excursion (not true?)

 

4.) Restaurant recs? Any to avoid?

 

Thank you! This board is a great resource and it's kind of all of you to volunteer your time to help newbies like myself.

1. 6pm-8pm is busiest seating time for dinner at most restaurants and you're likely to encounter a wait. You're able to make reservations through MyNCL.

2. Most affordable would be to have the UBP (Ultimate Beverage Package) usually offered as a cruise promo. If you don't have it you should do the math on what it would cost you to purchase it. I've found that the drinks are reasonably priced, as if you were going out. Remember that the gratuity is included so it's pretty much a flat fee if you pay per drink.

3. Nassau has a lot to do within walking range of the ship. We've walked to Junkanoo Beach and it wasn't bad. Organized excursions (through all cruise lines) generally frustrate us because you wind up waiting for the slowest person in your group who usually has no regard for other people's time.

4. We've had pretty much excellent meals in all dining venues with the exception of La Cucina when we had a really bad meal once. But, dining experiences are all subjective and can be hit or miss. Cagney's and Teppanyaki seem to have consistently good reviews across this board which is probably why they fill up quick. As far as MDR's (Main Dining Rooms), we had our best meals in Taste & Savor. Maltings was our favorite spot to relax with a drink either before or after dinner.

Enjoy your cruise.

I can't seem to find this anywhere.... trying to figure out what time we arrive at each port and how long we are there....I'm considering booking an excursion outside of NCL, but want to make sure I'm not cutting it even remotely close. We are on the Escape, stopping in Falmouth, Nassau, Georgetown, costa Maya. Anyone have any idea?

 

 

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All port times are listed on your itinerary but keep in mind that things can change up to the very last minute so nothing is every a guarantee. One thing I always do before we plan our port day is find out which other ships are in port with us at each port. It helps me decide what excursions we'll plan and what activities we'll do in port. I've found that if a lot of larger ships are in port together it can put a strain on local resources such as transportation, restaurants, shops, beaches, etc.