ESCAPE - September 9th Bermuda Alternative Cruise - Review

The THREAD I started as "ESCAPE - September 9th Bermuda - TS/H Florence" is now CLOSED and I had indicated I would do a follow up Review. I did such in the Review are of Cruise Critic, and also wanted to make sure it go here to.

NCL ESCAPE - Nice Ship, Crew, Food & Beverages and Entertainment

Chose the NCL Escapeto Bermuda for our 2nd cruise to Bermuda to take advantage of the upper and northern parts that we didn't get to explore or experience on our 1st cruise there on Breakaway.

HURRICANE FLORENCE made for a lot of anxiety about even getting on the ship,never mind the cancelled itinerary and diversion to plan for Port Canaveral,Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau (later cancelled).

Had a nice stay at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson pre-cruise,comfortable, great location and easy access to Manhattan. We enjoyed touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by ferry. Was really a good time. Got crushed in the rotating doors on the first night heading out to dinner; it kind of skipped on me and made a leap to get through. Didn't go well. Ripped chunk of skin back on left forearm and required some quick assistance to not bleed all over the place. Patched it up and went out. Seemed OK. Woke up in the morning and had little to no range of motion in left shoulder/neck and very sore. My arm got stuck in clearing the rotating doors so I must have pulled the arm and shoulder through. Got better each day, seems OK. Also notices left toenail black and bone area at the bend huge. That got worse each day. The only reason such is mentioned is my review is absent almost any of the activities I normally do (on Escape last December). With an open wound, I wouldn't do a hot tub or the water slides for my own, as well as others', concerns. With the shoulder and toe, out went the ropes courses.

SO WE RELAXED. We're early risers and I made a daily trip by 6AM for an urn of coffee at O'Sheehan's. I've done this on all cruises (see expanded signature).TOTALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE DAILY ATTENTION TO CLEANLINESS ON THE NCL ESCAPE.Starting with the hallways, stairways, common areas and the dining and bar venues. THEY CLEANED EVERY TABLE at O'Sheehan's every morning - not just the tops; underneath every table, every leg, every chair, every square inch.CHANGING CLEANING TOWELS AND SPRAYS CONSTANTLY. Rugs and composite or tile flooring the same. IT WAS LIKE THIS AT EVERY DINING AND BAR VENUE WE VISITED.

What a GREAT CREW that really, really takes care of a GREAT SHIP.

Our stateroom was 15132 Spa Balcony. We've done the Spa Balcony or Haven each time and luckily also get the VIBE as we arrive 8-8:30 to avoid the having travel related issues during later hours (our experience). The Spa pass for the week is WORTH IT; went every day, wife loves a couple hours in the ceramic loungers. I enjoy some of the therapy rooms and the non-heated loungers; one of the nicest views on the ship. Used the fitness center only for mats to doexercises lying on back for tone; not a runner or grunter, but don't mind that activity. I FOUND THE FITNESS CENTER "just barely" the right size as some had to plan different times to access the machines they wanted. VERY CLEAN, VERY FRIENDLY.

The stateroom is small, and perfect for us. We ALWAYS HAND CLEAN THE ENTIRE BATHROOM AND HARD AND FABRIC SURFACES. The bathroom was "SPOTLESS."So were the hard surfaces and the furniture. The rug did show quite a bit if color in the rags we used, but not really bad. CABIN SIGNAGE for when to clean,privacy etc. works for us. ONE NOTE, if YOU LEAVE A CARD IN THE SLOT BELIEVING TO KEEP POWER ON, the LIGHT OUTSIDE SAYS "YOU'RE IN THE ROOM" AND THE ATTENDANT WILL NOT CLEAN. Just a heads up.

DINING for the week was, overall, excellent. NCL is the ONLY CL that we will use MAIN DINING for Breakfast daily and occasionally for Lunch. Food quality THE SAME AS YEARS AGO; we cannot say the same about our recent years'experience with RCCL Oasis and Quantum Classes (great ships)(also, just our own experience).

FOOD REPUBLIC was again a SURPRISE FAVORITE for Lunch on Sea Days and a Dinner.So MANY ASIAN CHOICES, UNIQUE SAUCES AND SPICING and great presentation and venue, we didn't even try our typical Sushi until our last visit. IT WAS THAT GOOD ALL WEEK.

CAGNEY'S was, as usual, CAGNEY'S. Two dinners as we had to try both the Lamb and the Fillets with a salad and/or shrimp cocktail (STILL JUMBO versus recent RCCL Chops that came in Martini glass on ice with the 31-40 in a bag size).SERVICE EXCELLENT. TIMING REQUESTED (acknowledge if a show or not and speed or desired courses not overlapping).

BAYAMO'S was A SHOCK. The MENU we downloaded when planning and some of there views a while back were not good. THE MENU WAS COMPLETELY NEW. And it was REALLY GOOD. We had a hard time picking what appetizers to try (yes, I know you can have whatever you want, but I'm a 145lbs for a reason) but I PICKED A WINNER IN THE ALASKAN KING CRAB LEGS. I was shocked to see A PLATE OF ABOUT 15 SLICED HALF CRAB LEGS piled up and well presented. Honestly, so good and so much I thought of cancelling the entree. I didn't. I had the 2nd from the top seafood entree of Red Snapper, half a Lobster Tail and Grilled Whole Prawns. IT WAS HUGE. I ate the Snapper as I don't have much access to that at home. It was a sweet as Sea Bass. I ate it all. Looking at the tail I felt guilty to leave it and had just a couple of bites; NEEDED NO BUTTER OR SOLD, PERFECTLY COOKED AND RESTED. The same for my wife's beef fillet.

LACUCINA and LE BISTRO we did not try. We HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT LACUCINA'S improvements. Wife won't go to Le Bistro with the casino smoke overflow.

GARDEN CAFE - Never went.

BARS - In the VIBE so not an issue for constant service. Pretty fast at most venues. A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE DRINKS PRE-DINNER IS IN THE OVERSIZED LEATHER CHAIRS LOOKING OUT THE GLASS AT THE DISTRICT BREWHOUSE. They also have a FULL BAR LIQUOR AND WINE MENU, it's just not well advertised. Absolutely gorgeous and relaxing venue to just chill.

SO OVERALL, didn't make it to Bermuda by NCL Escape made for GREAT WEEK, it's a beautiful and beautifully maintained ship with a GREAT CREW.

WILL TRY FOR BERMUDA AGAIN.

Thanks for your comments!

That is a shame you closed that thread -- it was getting pretty interesting ;)

I am sorry about your injury. I had the darnedest time getting used to the doors out to the deck onboard in the beginning. When someone would go through, I was thinking it was like an electric eye and would try to go out and they would shut on me. I finally got the hang of pushing the green button LOL.

We loved Cagney's -- was our first night's dinner. I got the prime rib and it was just amazing. We did Le Bristro -- and because of the casino smell we sat inside and never heard the noise or smelled the smoke. However, while the food was fantastic, the inside had a terrible echo effect (poor sound insulation I guess) and the noise of voices was terrible at first. When a few tables cleared out, it because better. Wait staff was great.

We also ate at LaCucina for our 40th. They sang a capella "Will you be my sweetheart" and brought a cake. The food was good -- especially the risotto.

Here's my problem with both of those restaurants -- I ordered sea bass at one and dover sole at the other, and had to pick fish bones out of my mouth both times. My friend ordered lobster bisque and found lobster shells. I was very disappointed as that shouldn't happen at what is considered fine dining. Overall, I'd still have dinner at them again as the waitstaff was outstanding and for the most part the ambiance was good.

Your report is wonderfully detailed and enjoyable to read. Glad you had a good time and hope your injury healed quickly.

That is a shame you closed that thread -- it was getting pretty interesting .

I didn't close it. :o

We loved Cagney's -- was our first night's dinner. I got the prime rib and it was just amazing. We did Le Bristro -- and because of the casino smell we sat inside and never heard the noise or smelled the smoke. However, while the food was fantastic, the inside had a terrible echo effect (poor sound insulation I guess) and the noise of voices was terrible at first. When a few tables cleared out, it because better. Wait staff was great.

 

We also ate at LaCucina for our 40th. They sang a capella "Will you be my sweetheart" and brought a cake. The food was good -- especially the risotto.

 

Here's my problem with both of those restaurants -- I ordered sea bass at one and dover sole at the other, and had to pick fish bones out of my mouth both times. My friend ordered lobster bisque and found lobster shells. I was very disappointed as that shouldn't happen at what is considered fine dining. Overall, I'd still have dinner at them again as the waitstaff was outstanding and for the most part the ambiance was good.

That's good to hear about the food at Le Bistro. We're on Bliss in January B2B and I believe it is relocated up to Deck 17 (I believe, got to check that out). Liked Le Bistro Escape menu though.

Sorry to hear about the bones in the sea bass and dover sole. I didn't have either on this cruise, but have had both in the past. I haven't encountered the bones yet, but I would be concerned if I did. Same with the lobster bisque.

Service, agreed was good, especially at the specialty restaurants.

Your report is wonderfully detailed and enjoyable to read. Glad you had a good time and hope your injury healed quickly.

Thanks.

You were lucky you got Vibe, we also arrived at 8:30 and had priority boarding. However we and some others got stuck behind some two wide rollers boarding the ship

You were lucky you got Vibe, we also arrived at 8:30 and had priority boarding. However we and some others got stuck behind some two wide rollers boarding the ship

LOL.

As an FYI, two couples were so upset with not getting the Vibe that, at Customer Service, they relented and gave them Vibe passes. I've heard of this happening before. I've also heard of passengers keeping their YELLOW BOARDING GROUP CARD and, after the cruise and prior to the next one, just buying the same yellow card stock at Staples and matching the font for the NUMBER "1."

The thing is people are going to get hurt in the rush to get there; NCL has created the conditions for this with this format. I've already been hurt once. Last year (end of November into December) on Escape I got rammed into the entire rails on the last narrow on top of the ramp just before boarding. I went right down and the guy kept going. The NCL staff assisted; I said I had to get going to the Vibe. They said "you're in" now let's take care of yourself and check you out. I had inflamed then black and blue and yellow from my arm pit to my left hip six inches wide from the abrasion from the rails. In the Vibe he did apologize and didn't know that I was hurt; and he was with a very nice group. I honestly believe he was just 'busting out to get to Headliners. We got along. Again, NCL has created the conditions for this with this format. They were very concerned with if I would seek and redress from them through out the week. I just recommended they address the underlying issue; never sought anything compensatory (we we noted after the cruise that we did not get charged for the Vibe however).

The Vibe is too small, too many people start out the cruise DISAPPOINTED, and there are solutions that make sense.

For example, we believe the Vibe should be expanded to the other side of the deck. They have almost everything already there, in place, and would only have to upgrade the furniture. They could accommodate HUNDREDS of other totally willing to pay for the Vibe.

We've been in the Haven before and also had Vibe passes. After second thought, we turned them back in so that others could fully enjoy the Vibe.

LOL.

 

As an FYI, two couples were so upset with not getting the Vibe that, at Customer Service, they relented and gave them Vibe passes. I've heard of this happening before. I've also heard of passengers keeping their YELLOW BOARDING GROUP CARD and, after the cruise and prior to the next one, just buying the same yellow card stock at Staples and matching the font for the NUMBER "1."

 

The thing is people are going to get hurt in the rush to get there; NCL has created the conditions for this with this format. I've already been hurt once. Last year (end of November into December) on Escape I got rammed into the entire rails on the last narrow on top of the ramp just before boarding. I went right down and the guy kept going. The NCL staff assisted; I said I had to get going to the Vibe. They said "you're in" now let's take care of yourself and check you out. I had inflamed then black and blue and yellow from my arm pit to my left hip six inches wide from the abrasion from the rails. In the Vibe he did apologize and didn't know that I was hurt; and he was with a very nice group. I honestly believe he was just 'busting out to get to Headliners. We got along. Again, NCL has created the conditions for this with this format. They were very concerned with if I would seek and redress from them through out the week. I just recommended they address the underlying issue; never sought anything compensatory (we we noted after the cruise that we did not get charged for the Vibe however).

 

The Vibe is too small, too many people start out the cruise DISAPPOINTED, and there are solutions that make sense.

 

For example, we believe the Vibe should be expanded to the other side of the deck. They have almost everything already there, in place, and would only have to upgrade the furniture. They could accommodate HUNDREDS of other totally willing to pay for the Vibe.

 

We've been in the Haven before and also had Vibe passes. After second thought, we turned them back in so that others could fully enjoy the Vibe.

I agree, NCL created the conditions for getting Vibe passes. They really need to sell them online like spa passes and everything else. Spice H20 was pretty good, but the chair hogs were out at 6am putting down their towels.

I agree, NCL created the conditions for getting Vibe passes. They really need to sell them online like spa passes and everything else. Spice H20 was pretty good, but the chair hogs were out at 6am putting down their towels.

Thanks.

Also, the Vibe that week wasn't all roses. There was an incredible and extensive auditory from several passengers that was, well, beyond the pale. So much so, that people left the Vibe. After several days, many others met at the Customer Service to 'air it out. It changed right off. Officers were on site almost every couple of hours for the rest of the cruise. And it was OK the rest of the way; but the topic of conversation quite a bit.

We've been there and have never heard such auditory. Not only non-PC, but stuff I never heard from my three brothers, in the high school or college locker room. My wife wouldn't come back until the last couple of days.

Upon discussion with Customer Service, those bringing the matter to their attention, we told that "CONTENT" of passengers auditory COULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTION. Only VOLUME. Many were totally stunned. I couldn't believe it. I asked if using (examples of current hot topic issues) would be OK, and the response was yes.

Well, apparently when upstreamed to senior officers, they stepped in.

I visited the Vibe for a couple of hours after lunch thereafter. Wife came back a bit near the end of the cruise.

There were SO MANY really great, interesting and decent passengers in the Vibe; but it only takes just a few to make the place a 'different place.

I still enjoyed the experience. My wife did not; thought NCL's position on CONTENT was totally unacceptable.

Thanks.

 

Also, the Vibe that week wasn't all roses. There was an incredible and extensive auditory from several passengers that was, well, beyond the pale. So much so, that people left the Vibe. After several days, many others met at the Customer Service to 'air it out. It changed right off. Officers were on site almost every couple of hours for the rest of the cruise. And it was OK the rest of the way; but the topic of conversation quite a bit.

 

We've been there and have never heard such auditory. Not only non-PC, but stuff I never heard from my three brothers, in the high school or college locker room. My wife wouldn't come back until the last couple of days.

 

Upon discussion with Customer Service, those bringing the matter to their attention, we told that "CONTENT" of passengers auditory COULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTION. Only VOLUME. Many were totally stunned. I couldn't believe it. I asked if using (examples of current hot topic issues) would be OK, and the response was yes.

 

Well, apparently when upstreamed to senior officers, they stepped in.

 

I visited the Vibe for a couple of hours after lunch thereafter. Wife came back a bit near the end of the cruise.

 

There were SO MANY really great, interesting and decent passengers in the Vibe; but it only takes just a few to make the place a 'different place.

 

I still enjoyed the experience. My wife did not; thought NCL's position on CONTENT was totally unacceptable.

I think they got banished to H20, it got pretty loud there at times. Lots of F this and F that

I don't understand why the OP is yelling so much in the review. It is very difficult to read.

Nice review but tell your wife there is a 30 minute limit on the heated loungers in the thermal suite.

I don't understand why the OP is yelling so much in the review. It is very difficult to read.

I didn’t take that as yelling. I took it as emphasizing....

I don't understand why the OP is yelling so much in the review. It is very difficult to read.

I didn’t take that as yelling. I took it as emphasizing....

On sea days, were there any special theme buffets held in Cagney's like on the Breakaway? :D:p:D

MARAPRINCE

Idon't understand why the OP is yelling so much in the review. It is verydifficult to read.

:confused:

Ididn’t take that as yelling. I took it as emphasizing....

(y)

It might help to explain that using ALLCAPS is considered yelling. Typically people who use that writing technique areunaware of it's interpretation in the online world.

I'm sure that is what the OP intended. But the fact is that in online forums itis considered yelling and it is distracting just like yelling in a verbalconversation would be.

Yep, I did not know that; that's the first time it's been brought to my attention. Thank you.

:confused:

 

(y)

 

 

Yep, I did not know that; that's the first time it's been brought to my attention. Thank you.

I had no problem understanding that you were EMPHASIZING. It was an easy read for me...others not so much and they have to point out. You were NOT YELLING...just EMPHASIZING your points. I got it, and others didn't. Sniff, sniff. Anyway, I am glad it worked out okay. (y)

On sea days, were there any special theme buffets held in Cagney's like on the Breakaway? :D:p:D

 

MARAPRINCE

I did not notice or hear about such. However, my wife reads the dailies pretty thoroughly the night before in the stateroom and also the next day, and she said she does not recall seeing such either. That doesn't mean they weren't held, just that we did not see or read about them and was not mentioned to us by any other passengers.

My wife wishes more specialty restaurants would offer lunch on certain days. If we can't get the earliest seating, she really doesn't like to eat late and would have her primary meal at lunch.

I’m dying to know the filthy content of the “auditory”. I mean it is an adults only area so I would think adult oriented conversations that weren’t being yelled would be sort of expected, I certainly swear(not yelling but just in normal convo with my husband when we aren’t around our kids) but this must have been something TRULY dirty.

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LACUCINA and LE BISTRO we did not try. We HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT LACUCINA'S improvements. Wife won't go to Le Bistro with the casino smoke overflow.

 

Le Bistro is SO good! You need to talk your wife into giving it a try next time you sail. They offer totally enclosed inside dining options too, so no smoke issues. We didn't experience any smoke issues on Deck 6 at all.

Le Bistro is SO good! You need to talk your wife into giving it a try next time you sail. They offer totally enclosed inside dining options too, so no smoke issues. We didn't experience any smoke issues on Deck 6 at all.

Agree. LeBistro is a can't miss. My favorite.

Thanks for this review! We are going on the Escape on Oct. 14, so this is all really helpful/insightful info.

Le Bistro is SO good! You need to talk your wife into giving it a try next time you sail. They offer totally enclosed inside dining options too, so no smoke issues. We didn't experience any smoke issues on Deck 6 at all.

Yep, we've heard that from others also. On our upcoming Bliss B2B, it's up on Deck 17, so we'll book it. Maybe that will support booking it on the Escape when "we try to get to Bermuda again!"