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Everything.. ESCAPE (live 29 Oct 2015!)

FreestyleNovice

By FreestyleNovice,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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aubreyc1988 Great Review Rare

aubreyc1988

Posted
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We stayed at the Intercontinental before a cruise last year & also recommend it.

This Friday we fly in so LATE (midnight) that were staying closer to FLL, and shuttling to Miami in the morning.

 

But if we flew in earlier, I wouldn't hesitate to stay at I again.

 

I have heard good things about this hotel too - we are picking up some people flying in late to FLL this time around, so staying in Plantation, FL because Fort Lauderdale hotels are crazy expensive in Jan, but I prefer the hotel choices in Miami.

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funat55

funat55

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We have the Hampton Inn Brickell booked for our next Miami cruise. Supposedly close and last checked was #1 on TA.

 

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn last two times. Conveniently located near Mary Brickell Village where there is a Publix grocery store within walking distance and a 7/11 even closer.

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CruisinHarvey

CruisinHarvey

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We've stayed at the Hampton Inn too. We're scheduled in there December 11, the day prior to our next cruise. We like the gastro pub next door. Even though they play the music so loud you can hardly talk over it. That being said, it's a Hampton Inn. It's pretty new, with clean Hampton rooms, if you know what I mean. So, for our February cruise we'll probably stay elsewhere. Hampton is going for around $300 per night. Way too much for that level of hotel. For $320 we can stay at the Intercontinental. Better accommodations, in a better location. Right by the bayside marketplace.

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Mooguy

Mooguy

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We have the Hampton Inn Brickell booked for our next Miami cruise. Supposedly close and last checked was #1 on TA.

 

Going to the NASCAR race in Homestead this weekend that will probably be rained out and will be staying at this hotel.

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MoyCoy

MoyCoy

Posted
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We stayed at the Intercontinental before a cruise last year & also recommend it.

This Friday we fly in so LATE (midnight) that were staying closer to FLL, and shuttling to Miami in the morning.

 

But if we flew in earlier, I wouldn't hesitate to stay at I again.

 

We are staying there for the first time in December. How did you get to the port from the hotel?

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loupana

loupana

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Big fan of Uber. You can do a price quote online and it's pretty close. Uber cars are always available in Miami.

 

I'll be using Uber from the Intercontinental on the November 28th, been burned too many times by taxi so never again if I can help it...

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loupana

loupana

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Unrelated question |: I read on another forum that you can rent a cabana in the vibe? What are the benefits and how much is it? Worth it?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Haven't sailed yet but I don't believe the Escape has the Cabana's they are on Getaway and Breakaway. Maybe someone who has already been on Escape can confirm this...

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mfinster007

mfinster007

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We used Uber from FLL airport hotel to port of Miami the $ was $29. Fortunately for us it was our first use of Uber and they gave us a $20 coupon. Total $9. What a bargain. We used early walk off and cargo an Uber car at the port to FLL for a 10:18 am flight. Even with heavy traffic we arrived with plenty of time to spare. The charge was $55 but still cheaper than NCL bus transfer or private taxi.

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MoyCoy

MoyCoy

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Regarding your spa pass, upon boarding, go to the Mandara spa and give them your card. They will look you up, verify that you do indeed have the pass, and they will place a sticker on the back of your card. We were also in a non-spa balcony during the TA, and this was the process.

 

Each time you visit the spa, you will simply walk up to the right side of the check-in desk, give them your card, and in return they will give you an access card to open the main door to the spa/fitness area. Super easy process!

 

Happy Sailing!

 

Travelgirl- Was the spa super crowded. I read in someone else's blog that they could not sit on a heated chair because of chair hogs. Did you think the spa pass was worth it? And the internet, how is the speed and connectivity?

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TravlGrl

TravlGrl

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Travelgirl- Was the spa super crowded. I read in someone else's blog that they could not sit on a heated chair because of chair hogs. Did you think the spa pass was worth it? And the internet, how is the speed and connectivity?

We used the spa 9 times. Of those 9 times, we were able to get 2 side-by-side heated loungers 3 times. There were many instances where heated loungers were available as a solo, but the DH & I were enjoying the spa together and really wanted side-by-side. Yes, it was really busy...but we were in chilly conditions leaving Southampton and the weather wasn't conducive to the open decks for many days. It would be a different situation leaving from Miami. Was it worth it? For us, absolutely! The spa was a highlight of the cruise, but we also used the therapy pool and sauna on a daily basis, and really enjoyed the regular loungers without the heat, too.

 

As for the Internet, we didnt connect after sailaway, so I really don't know.

 

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

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LrgPizza

LrgPizza

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Travelgirl- Was the spa super crowded. I read in someone else's blog that they could not sit on a heated chair because of chair hogs. Did you think the spa pass was worth it? And the internet, how is the speed and connectivity?

 

 

I've read of others having issues with Internet, but we did not. We had the unlimited package on the TA, and were thrilled with our connection speeds. We were able to voice call our son daily at home through the FB Messenger app, and it sounded like he was in the room with us. Speeds were also good enough to FaceTime a few times. I was able to upload large picture files to photobucket, FB, and send via email. No issues.

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SeaWatcher65

SeaWatcher65

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I've read of others having issues with Internet, but we did not. We had the unlimited package on the TA, and were thrilled with our connection speeds. We were able to voice call our son daily at home through the FB Messenger app, and it sounded like he was in the room with us. Speeds were also good enough to FaceTime a few times. I was able to upload large picture files to photobucket, FB, and send via email. No issues.

 

That's impressive. Looks like the internet packages are are sold by the number of minutes. This might be a good way to check in with family, our dog, and so on while we are on the ship in case of an emergency. What device did you use -- did you bring your own laptop or iPad or phone? Was the connection better in certain places like your room, or somewhere on the ship?

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LrgPizza

LrgPizza

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That's impressive. Looks like the internet packages are are sold by the number of minutes. This might be a good way to check in with family, our dog, and so on while we are on the ship in case of an emergency. What device did you use -- did you bring your own laptop or iPad or phone? Was the connection better in certain places like your room, or somewhere on the ship?

 

I used iPhone 6 and hubby used iPhone 6S. Our room was aft, and I thought speeds were better forward, but my husband disagreed, so who knows.

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Peripatos

Peripatos

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Given your status I'm guessing this doesn't impact you at all. You should be receiving free specialty dinners as a platinum member as well as the Casino's @ Sea VIP. So they're still taking care of you. Right??? You can pretty much weat hatever you like without being charged.

 

Platinum only gets me 1 meal with choice of either Italian or French, no other specialty restaurants, so no to your statement.

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