Live from Bliss TA

So I’ll probably end up posting a few entries along the way to New York.

Day 1 was an “interesting” day shall we say. After spending 2 nights in Southampton had met quite a few of my fellow cruisers from the roll call group. This cumulated in a dining and drinking event at the Duke of Wellington. A pub we often use pre-cruise.

The lovely couple from South Africa who run the pub made it a very enjoyable few nights. Although many retired early on the Friday night a few hardy souls stayed on until after the band finished playing.

We stayed at the Premier Inn West Quay which is ideal short walk from most places including down to the City cruise terminal.

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So she arrived on schedule around 06:30 at the port and although I didn’t make it down to the port I watched all the pics and clips posted.

Knowing from experience that often don’t start taking bags until around 10:30 we took a slow walk down to the terminal.

Bags dropped off without fuss and we joined the queue for security.

I’d say check-in took slightly longer than usual but they were having some IT issues but still was onboard not long after 11:30.

First on this cruise to grab a drink in O’Sheehans.. OK I know it’s the local now, a few minor changes to that of the Escape. It seems a bit smaller. Some obvious changes like they’ve removed the restrooms that were right on the corridor.

The menu has changed a bit as well. We now have a Turkey Pot Pie. I’ll insert a menu at some stage on this cruise.

A quick tour of the ship

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Into Vibe:

Margaritaville still with the running track through it

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My cabin for this voyage is a forward facing ocean view. Was surprised how roomy it feels and definitely larger than a standard inside cabin. I’d originally had an inside but my min bid to upgrade was accepted.

Cabin pics:

The usual useful info. Bedside each lamp has a USB port

Three US and one Euro socket by the desk

Lots of cupboard space but no drawers anywhere which is odd .

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None of the usual latitudes information or gifts were in the room and so I made a quick visit by cruise next desk to check and also to book my behind the scenes tour.

It appears as NCL did the upgrades last minute the updated cabin lists were sent inter department.

Booked on behind the scenes on day 4 (Tuesday). As expected they had deliberately kept numbers to about 70% capacity for this cruise.

By the time so had returned to my cabin later all the usual stuff was there. The meal vouchers still say Moderno but under advisement these can be used in Q or Los Lobos.

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So time to visit the Observation Lounge. By far the best part of the new ship features. It’s size is quite impressive. Sitting under the garden Cafe it’s the same size. One bar at the very front port side but lots of food counters offering salad/sandwich /pastry type food stuff at the sides and end.

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By the time so had returned to my cabin later all the usual stuff was there. The meal vouchers still say Moderno but under advisement these can be used in Q or Los Lobos.

 

 

 

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Good to know! This was one of the questions I had for our Platinum dinners. Great pictures so far and looking forward to more. Have a great cruise, and thanks for taking us with you:cool:

At this point worth noting that none of the Norwegian apps. Either the iconcierge or the new app would connect. Normally I use these for booking meals / events onboard. Also my internet package wasn’t working. I’d prepaid the ultimate premium to hopefully stream some live vids etc.. later in this cruise. But will come back to that later. The line for the internet desk was long so figured wasnt just me.

So before the Muster Drill a chance for another quick drink in Spice H2O. And a quick look at the headliners replacements the social.

Oh and of course the new Starbucks

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Cool pics!

Cool pics!

Thanks for posting pics. Can’t wait to get on board in few weeks

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Thanks for the pics

Candi

Sail away was spent on the waterfront as hazy sunshine tried to break through.

I quick visit back to the cabin to unpack and then as it was first night headed to the Garden Cafe for a quick bite.

I was determined as well to get my internet package sorted out as knew we’d soon be out of mobile range. And here was the downside.

First night and what did I do. Spent 1hr 10mins (yes I know what you’re thinking) stood in a line queuing at the internet desk.

One person slowly dealing with queries. It appears mine the full details like DOB hadn’t been filled in 🤷*♂️. Wow. Anyhow eventually got solved by standing in line for another hour after security and check in earlier.

Only one thing for it. Head to the Brewhouse.

There was a pianist playing/singing but the venue was mostly empty, assuming as first night.

Drinks menu. On tap

Bottles

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Right I’ll sign off for day 1. One thing I found out at the Internet desk was also that it should be the new NCL app but they hadn’t finished installing the software so unlikely we will get use of that this cruise.

Instead I booked the two main shows Havana and Jersey Boys via the corridor touch screens for the 23rd and 30th.

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A quick look at today’s daily.

I’m pretty sure the tenors of Rock were on the Escape TA.

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Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a great cruise and looking forward to seeing more pics. :)

Some great pictures. Those water slides look amazing, and the pool deck looks very spacious - perhaps they've finally got that right!

Breakfast at the Local

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Cool pics!

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Quick lap of the Waterfront

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Enjoying your review! Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Your review brings back memories of the days we cruised from Dover to NYC on the Jewel. It was her first cruise as well. There were a few glitches but overall things ran well and we loved the ship and the experience. Hope you have a wonderful crossing.

Thank you so much for taking us with you on this cruise!

What time were the shows? thanks for the pictures and review

Following along ... ship looks nice and quiet. I imagine not many kids on a TA cruise.

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