Langham1865

Well... aside from booking something not booked. Aside from the longer you wait to start the drive, there could be something along the drive to delay you. The reason I would get onboard, is I personally would rather nap on a deck chair on the ship then sleep late in a hotel room. Personal preference there though. Or on your balcony when the room is ready, IF you have a balcony.

I liked Blue Man Group and Jersey Boys as well. I liked Six last year on the Breakaway and Million Dollar Quartet, whenever it was I saw that. Kinky Boots was entertaining. Haven't seen Choir of Man, but heard great things. Rock of Ages was entertaining too.

Having been in the Studio cabins on both ships, I'd say I like them both. Although the lounge is smaller on Getaway, it has all the same amenities, including a bar. On deck 8, the Waterfront (promenade deck), there is plenty of seating in the shade, including comfy padded sofas. I usually with get the drink package or dining package. But I think this is a personal choice. If you do not drink much, if at all, the drink package isn't worth it. If you think you will be doing a lot of NCL excursions, they excursion credit may be worth it to you. If you're going to be online a lot (I personally like to disconnect and can usually find free WIFI in the ports), you get my drift.... I personally love the specialty restaurants, so I think they are worth it.

Norway 1X Dreamward 1X Dawn 1X Epic 4X Breakaway 3X Getaway 3X Escape 4X Sky 1X

never really been into mixed drinks or fancy cocktails... usually a Sam Adams Boston lager, Gin (Hendricks) and tonic or Ron Zacapa 23 neat (occasionally ice on the side).

You are not credited with night until after your cruise, so your status doesn't change until after the cruise, not during.

at these prices, I was willing to take the risk and buy enough stock to sell some at a gain for the total amount of shares I bought, and keep the 100 shares for the OBC if/when the price gets to an amount I think will be worth it. Granted, it may be a while for the price to go up that much, if it ever does.

Agreed... that is a big disappointment!!!!

Since the Itinerary isn't a difference maker, I usually look at price and which port they leave from (if different I look at ease and cost of getting to the port). On a purely ship comparison basis, I personally take Escape. Though not a deal breaker, I like Moderno (on Escape) to having a Mexican restaurant (Los Lobos on Encore). To me the Observation Lounge (on Encore not Escape)is something I wouldn't use on a Caribbean cruise. What makes a difference to my personal cruise experience between the 2 ships is I normally really enjoy Howl at the Moon (dueling piano bar) that is on Escape and not Encore. So all else being equal, that is my 2 cents as to which to choose....

I will say I have only sailed on HAL once, but I had the best grilled cheese that I've had at sea when I went. I also liked the burger at the Dive in!

you might want to check out this "live review" for up to date info... the poster seems pretty good at replying to questions too!!!

I guess we are dating ourselves... ditto... my first cruise in the 1980's

I would say: 1) Specialty dining 2)Spa treatments... massages for me 3)Gift shop items (I collect ship fridge magnets) 4) for fee games, mostly bingo and Deal or no Deal

So here are my thoughts. I have been on both ships. As a ship, I like the Breakaway better and usually I say go for the better deal. But if you have never been to the ABC's or Southern Caribbean and can fit it in your budget, go for it. I did that same Epic Southern Caribbean cruise as my last one prior to the pandemic and loved it. I say, as others have, I would base your decision on the itinerary and go for the ABC's.

My vote is for Escape. First they have "Howl at the Moon" for fun and signing along dueling piano's. Also, no laser tag. They have a nice adults' only H2o area with a water feature and comfy seating on the Waterfront. I also like the Brazilian steakhouse that's on Escape and not on Encore

I second this.... and if you go to the Chihuly museum go at dusk

One of my friends whom I sometimes travels with always declines. I usually decline on the port intensive itineraries, as I do not drink enough to warrant the service charge on those. Enjoy your cruise the way you want