Review NCL Escape 6/10-17, 2018, NYC/Bermuda

We just returned from this cruise and had a great time! We’ve cruised with NCL a number of times (Platinum level) but it’s been 3+ years since our last cruise with NCL, on Breakaway.

We’re in our 60’s and live an hour north of NYC so this port and Bayonne (Royal) are our homeports. We like switching things up with itinerary, cruise lines, ships, and going with family and friends but this time, just the 2 of us. Our last 2 cruises were out of Baltimore on Royal Grandeur, 3/18 & 10/17. Check out my reviews of those cruises.

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Driving down the West Side Highway approaching the ship. So excited!

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Left the house at 9:30 am, and got on line to check in by 10:30. The terminal is packed, as usual, with people still going to their cars at this time. The porters are only bringing bags to the parking level but not taking bags down....only if you’re lucky to snag one. We take one large bag each and a small rolling tote to carry on valuables, meds, chargers, etc. and able to maneuver them ourselves.

The elevator takes you directly from the parking level to the porters to check your bags. Since we are Platinum we got through checkin and right on the ship a little after 11 am. It also helps that we know exactly where to go and what to do. NYC port can be crowded and confusing but there were more pier employees guiding people through the terminal. Nice to see.

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Took a few pix, while waiting near the elevator with the luggage, while hubby parked the car.

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I think the Escape is gorgeous.

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We went to the buffet on deck 16 and it was pretty empty since we were so early. Unfortunately it was cool and cloudy so we watched sail away from the Atrium.

I really wanted to do a live review, as last times, but unfortunately the internet is too expensive with NCL....~$25 p/day compared Royal’s $13 p/day. My first comparison gives Royal the advantage in this area. My review is from memory and not too many pix. I took a lot of food porn pix and menus on Royal but not this time .... too much like homework writing a detailed review from home...lol.

Ordered a martini when we moved to the bar....wow, those olives are like an appetizer.

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What did you do in. Ernie’s?

Bermuda

was there a room where luggage could be dropped off? thx

Following. Excited to hear about your trip.

We were on this cruise as well. Bummed about a couple of the weather days, but certainly not NCL's fault. LOVED Bermuda.

Following along, love Escape but not sure Bermuda would be a great itinerary for us.

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Following along, love Escape but not sure Bermuda would be a great itinerary for us.

 

 

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Following along. We are on the same cruise for this Aug.

Six of us,were on this cruise. So far, identical experience getting on quickly. Viewed sail away from the water front. Still got great views despite gloomy weather.

Will post pics once i resize the file.

I will say coming from FL, I didn't realize or research that in June the weather could be spotty. Super friendly staff, best of any ship we have been on. Shops on board were lackluster, which was surprising. Considering this is a giant ship , I didn't notice many bells and whistles. Other than the slides, it seems that most of the ship is lounges, restaurants and cabins. I was kind of expecting more things to do. As long as there was a sun at sea we were fine, but the 61 and rainy day was a little tough for finding things to do. Loved the Thermal Spa, Choir of Men and The Brat Pack shows. Food was very good in specialty dining and O Sheehan's. Typical in buffet. Mini suite was fabulous!

Looking forward to your review - love Bermuda!

Thank you all who responded!

Just want to add that Bermuda is our favorite port! The people are so friendly and respectful, it’s absolutely beautiful and a lot to do. It does not have gambling, nightclubs and is pricey but we love it. And the ability to spend 2.5 days here is a bonus, not worrying about missing the ship and having the ability to trust the taxis, buses, and ferries and exploring on your own.

Been here ~12 times including our first time for our honeymoon 39 years ago at a hotel and try to cruise here whenever we can. It’s been about 5 years since visiting Hamilton when it was a bit of a ghost town with shops closed down. Glad we took the ferry over this time and enjoyed seeing it spruced up and front street shops full. Over time, we probably have visited most major sights including many beaches (sea glass beach too), historical sights, lighthouse, museums, caves, kayaking, geocaching, party boats, bars, churches, snorkeling and even drove the mopeds.

We were last here 2 years ago in May, but only for a day on Royal’s Anthem. That particular day it was literally a monsoon all day and all tours were cancelled. We felt so bad for our friends first time here. We have never experienced weather like this in Bermuda and hope we don’t again. Besides the bad weather the dockyard shops and buildings were being refurbished...what a mess. Glad to see it was done this time and also a DI store was added in a refurbished building. They seemed so proud after complimenting them and I’m sure buying a bracelet didn’t hurt...lol.

If you have any questions...just ask. If I can’t answer, someone else please do.

Hull art -docked in Bermuda. Btw, Celebrity Summit was docked here too and HAL Veendam was docked in Hamilton.

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To backtrack a little, we found 2 seats at the Atrium bar after lunch in the buffet and planted ourselves with our carryon tucked out of the way. Met a lot of happy passengers and the bartenders while there. Lots of fun! Just as a note, you will see tax added to your account for drinks while still docked in NY, even if you have the UBP.

On our way down to the Atrium we stopped at Headliners to make our last dining reservation. We received 3 Dining promos plus 2 Platinum rewards dinners ...woohooo, 5 out of 7 dinners in Specialty Restaurants. In the past, we didn’t think the main DR meals were all that good so we were very happy but I’ll talk more about this later. But was very pleasantly surprised with our dinners all cruise.

Making reservations prior to the cruise can be a little daunting on line because it would add full fees for some. There’s a tricky way to do this, when you have both Platinum and Promo dinners but was solved after calling NCL directly. Still needed to make one additional reservation onboard because I waited too long; Cagneys was ‘full’ and Bayamo was charging the full rate. I was able to book Bayamo onboard - no problem but this restaurant will charge $15 pp in addition to the ‘free’ promo credit. There were 2 people ahead of us but when we left the lines were very long.

I think the cabins were open about 1 pm but we stayed in the Atrium until shortly before the muster drill. Ran to the cabin, dumped the carryon and realized the bags hadn’t arrived yet, which was fine.

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We had balcony cabin 11300, port side, maybe 10 cabins aft from the rear elevators. We were familiar with the balcony cabins and basic layout on Escape having cruised previously on Breakaway 3 years ago. The cabin is small, odd clothing storage, balcony is small but shower and bathroom good. Hand soap dispenser mounted at the sink, shower gel and shampoo/conditioner combo dispensers mounted in shower, and bar of soap and small lotion bottle provided. The shower was curved glass and roomy enough (we’re large) with good water pressure and certainly hot enough, and plenty of counter and shelf space for toiletries (I’ve never brought an over the door thingy).

A hair dryer is provided under the desk but I bring my own, the mini bar was locked but left a note for the room steward to unlock and empty it. The safe was locked by the previous occupant but someone came immediately after calling...excellent. No drawers but half the closet are shelves, the other half hangers and long shelf above and shelves under the desk which were quite awkward to use. BUT the bed was almost against the closet so it was really difficult getting clothes and getting in/out of the bed. Uggghhh. Thought the bed was comfy and good air temperature control from hot to very cold. I like to take a travel clock that illuminates to keep on my nightstand but I know others use their phones, watches or the cabin phone for time.

You must use a card by the door for lights, AC colder than medium and room occupied display. There’s also a switch which activates do not disturb and make up cabin displays. The room was made up twice daily with towel replacement if dirty ones are left on the floor, fresh ice in the bucket, next days newsletter and towel animals.

We never ordered room service but champagne and chocolate covered strawberries were delivered for Platinum and twice during the week we had chocolate snacks delivered from the hotel director but not sure why. Very good and appreciated! Thank you NCL!

I didn’t take photos but plenty are available on CC and online.

Never, ever saw this cutie before. We never met our room steward but left an extra tip at the end because of the excellent, albeit mysterious, service.

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What time did you receive your luggage

love Bermuda! and your review. Just wonder if u know or any recent Escapees, if theres a dedicated place for small luggage, just till rooms r ready>? thx

Where is the port in NYC?

What time did you receive your luggage

Unfortunately I don’t know exactly...after muster drill but before dinner, it was there by 6 pm, outside the door.

Muster was inside ~3:30 but we went to our cabin about 3ish and they weren’t there. After Muster we went back to the Atrium because of the crowds, then back to the cabin at 6 pm before our 7pm dinner reservation.

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love Bermuda! and your review. Just wonder if u know or any recent Escapees, if theres a dedicated place for small luggage, just till rooms r ready>? thx

Thank you, I don’t believe so...maybe someone else knows. We’ve cruised many times with NCL and they never did, but our last cruise with them was 3 years ago.

We carry on meds, jewelry, and electronics so I’m reluctant to leave it anyway. No problems ever keeping it with us. But if you board after 1 pm you can go straight to the cabin....lol. That we’ll never do!

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Where is the port in NYC?

Look on NCLs website for directions and address but I believe 12 Ave & 55th is the terminal entrance, then look for the ship. Escape was the only ship in port that day but it’s not a problem to follow the signs and port employees directions.

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