Everything.. ESCAPE (live 29 Oct 2015!)

[rg24601]

I think Food republic, the Tapas place and at least one other are also open for lunch.

 

Does not sound like many choices for lunch or Breakfast. Will they all be crowded on sea days?

[torgotom]

Many more? Name them big shot. I count...3? And one less than the -away ships?

 

LOL!! I see he did not name them, because, in fact, there are only three. Just about everybody reading the board can count to three, so I was wondering myself where these other eateries were that I missed. Well, I did get a dry pastry from 5 O Clock Somewhere..

[torgotom]

Does not sound like many choices for lunch or Breakfast. Will they all be crowded on sea days?

 

On my cruise the Tapas bar was open a whole two hours a day for lunch. With 4000 guests on board, if one percent wanted to eat there, they'd have to turn a table every 3 minutes. NCL has an EATING DISORDER. http://www.cruisewithgambee.com/norwegian-escape-freestyle-daily-paper/

Edited November 30, 2015 by torgotom
added link to dining options and hours

[Catnapper7]

Does not sound like many choices for lunch or Breakfast. Will they all be crowded on sea days?

 

I don't disagree that this is another bait and switch on the part of NCL and it leaves a bad taste.

BUT.....let's be realistic. We are only eating 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches. There are a variety of menu items / buffet offerings to choose from. Chances are, unless you are an extremely picky eater, you'll still have enjoyable dining even without the fourth complimentary restaurant.

Whether or not they're crowded depends on the time you dine. The buffet is generally crowded on port days because everyone going ashore is looking for the quickest option.

[TheDougOut]

Yes they should have and I honestly feel NCL was planning to charge from Day One. I knew it the minute I saw food items on my receipt with zero dollar amounts. The venue was already set up to be a la carte and this was the second day into the crossing.

 

No doubt. Watch Andy Stuart describe the dining options on October 28th (linked below). No mention of Margaritaville within the "included dining" segment, and only a surprisingly brief mention within a footnote, lumped together with the 5 o'clock somewhere bar. I suspect they already knew an awkward situation awaited, and they were preparing as best they could.

 

Btw, having watched several of Stuart's recent interviews, I continue to have faith in NCL's direction. Maybe I'm easily swayed, but I buy into what they're trying to accomplish.

 

[Sand and Seas]

Does not sound like many choices for lunch or Breakfast. Will they all be crowded on sea days?

 

I thought the Escape was supposed to improve on the 'Away' ships. Now they have taken our favorite casual and quick breakfast/lunch place on the Getaway and turned it into a specialty restaurant open for very few hours per day. Very disappointing. Back to the Getaway for us.

[rg24601]

I don't disagree that this is another bait and switch on the part of NCL and it leaves a bad taste.

BUT.....let's be realistic. We are only eating 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches. There are a variety of menu items / buffet offerings to choose from. Chances are, unless you are an extremely picky eater, you'll still have enjoyable dining even without the fourth complimentary restaurant.

Whether or not they're crowded depends on the time you dine. The buffet is generally crowded on port days because everyone going ashore is looking for the quickest option.

 

Well, generally we skip the buffet at sea or in port, except maybe a quick bite before going ashore for breakfast.

 

at sea we would definately skip the buffet on most ships, but it looks like the Escape will be too crowded elsewhere.

 

Seems like way to few choices for a ship this large.

[eroller]

 

Btw, having watched several of Stuart's recent interviews, I continue to have faith in NCL's direction. Maybe I'm easily swayed, but I buy into what they're trying to accomplish.

 

 

 

 

I have faith in NCL as well. The momentum started under Sheehan and continues under Stuart. The line today is in its best position since the 70's and 80's. My problem today with NCL is with their decision making process. There seems to be knee-jerk reactions, abrupt policy changes, indecisiveness regarding certain aspects of the product, etc. etc. Surprisingly the end result is pretty good, but the way they have managed decisions of late hasn't been good for PR, consumers, or the onboard staff. All the abrupt policy changes place the staff onboard under increased pressure which often times impacts customer service. It also confuses consumers which is never a good thing. Thankfully the onboard staff seem to be managing well, and I'm hoping NCL is now stabilized for a while regarding policy changes, price increases, etc. I think everyone is growing weary of what NCL may change next. Change is inevitable, but the way you manage that change is what really matters. So far NCL has a failing grade on that process.

Edited December 1, 2015 by eroller

[barnacle_boy]

I have faith in NCL as well. The momentum started under Sheehan and continues under Stuart...Thankfully the onboard staff seem to be managing well, and I'm hoping NCL is now stabilized for a while regarding policy changes, price increases, etc. I think everyone is growing weary of what NCL may change next. Change is inevitable, but the way you manage that change is what really matters. So far NCL has a very poor grade on that process.

 

FDR has been absolutely relentless in dismantling the old regime and installing his own people in positions of leadership shoreside. That process is still ongoing, and it's been a chaotic mess. Unfortunately, the other shoe is about to drop and we're about to see significant staffing changes onboard as well. For better or worse, the old NCL is about to die. I pray that FDR's new vision works for the sake of those who remain.

[eroller]

FDR has been absolutely relentless in dismantling the old regime and installing his own people in positions of leadership shoreside. That process is still ongoing, and it's been a chaotic mess. Unfortunately, the other shoe is about to drop and we're about to see significant staffing changes onboard as well. For better or worse, the old NCL is about to die. I pray that FDR's new vision works for the sake of those who remain.

 

 

I live in South Florida and had several friends lose their jobs at NCL Corporate in the last shake up. One was smart and quit just before. One major figure left over from the old regime is Andy Stuart. I like Andy and I'm glad he is still around, but I get the feeling he is not really in charge. I just don't see him behind some of the decisions of late, but of course in his position he has to support them regardless.

 

It will be a real shame if some loyal onboard staff are let go. People like Hotel Director Sean Wurmhoeringer. He is the best of the best. If he goes then I truly have to question NCL's direction. I hate to see great people lose jobs just for the sake of ego.

 

If I were loyal to NCL I might be more concerned, but they are just a blip on my cruising agenda. I actually wrote them off for years and just returned this January with a cruise on GETAWAY. I was impressed so I ended up on 4 NCL cruises in 2015. If I like something I return but when things go south I have no problem going elsewhere. I've done it with NCL, HAL, Carnival, etc. I do return at some stage as all cruise lines evolve. I'm most happy on Disney, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, and Azamara but I have no complaints about my NCL cruises this year. They have treated me exceptionally well. I hope that continues!

Edited December 1, 2015 by eroller

[motleyfan]

FDR has been absolutely relentless in dismantling the old regime and installing his own people in positions of leadership shoreside. That process is still ongoing, and it's been a chaotic mess. Unfortunately, the other shoe is about to drop and we're about to see significant staffing changes onboard as well. For better or worse, the old NCL is about to die. I pray that FDR's new vision works for the sake of those who remain.

 

OMG I'm getting a migraine from all the mass negativity. Anyone have anything positive to say about the escape?

[hpecorari]

OMG I'm getting a migraine from all the mass negativity. Anyone have anything positive to say about the escape?

 

The OP you replied to did not specify the Escape. I believe he was talking about NCL in general.

 

Harriet

[BirdTravels]

I thought the Escape was supposed to improve on the 'Away' ships. Now they have taken our favorite casual and quick breakfast/lunch place on the Getaway and turned it into a specialty restaurant open for very few hours per day. Very disappointing. Back to the Getaway for us.

 

So how about walking down 1 flight of stairs to the Garden Cafe (probably less than 1 minute's walk). More food for the casual and quick diner. You can even take it out to the outside seating if you want that sea breeze.

[motleyfan]

The OP you replied to did not specify the Escape. I believe he was talking about NCL in general.

 

Harriet

 

Still, I simply don't understand how somebody could complain about something so much and still use it. And day today life and society if anyone complain to that much about a certain product they would stop using it. Not stay on a thread to b&@ch about it

[Sand and Seas]

So how about walking down 1 flight of stairs to the Garden Cafe (probably less than 1 minute's walk). More food for the casual and quick diner. You can even take it out to the outside seating if you want that sea breeze.

 

We try to avoid the crowds at the buffet and the searching for a table. Our last cruise on the Getaway the only time we were in there was on the morning we disembarked. For us it's not about the variety of food. We loved the simple food at the Flamingo Grill with the Cuban flavors. Nice place to eat breakfast or lunch with an ocean breeze. We also enjoyed the walk-up window at Ocean Blue and loved having the lobster rolls on the waterfront. Back to the Getaway for us:D

[Two Wheels Only]

Still, I simply don't understand how somebody could complain about something so much and still use it. And day today life and society if anyone complain to that much about a certain product they would stop using it. Not stay on a thread to b&@ch about it

 

It's the same as complaining about other people who are complaining.

 

Why stay on a thread to complain about people complaining?

 

The thread is "Everything.. ESCAPE...." so if there is something on Escape (positive or negative) that someone wants to comment on, it belongs here.

[CUontheC]

It's the same as complaining about other people who are complaining.

 

Why stay on a thread to complain about people complaining?

 

The thread is "Everything.. ESCAPE...." so if there is something on Escape (positive or negative) that someone wants to comment on, it belongs here.

 

This made me laugh...love it!

 

Btw I just got off the Escape on Saturday the 28th. We had a great time. I wrote a review...not sure if it has been posted yet.

 

Have a great night!

 

Mary

[motleyfan]

This made me laugh...love it!

 

Btw I just got off the Escape on Saturday the 28th. We had a great time. I wrote a review...not sure if it has been posted yet.

 

Have a great night!

 

Mary

 

I cannot wait to read it. I love reading positive reviews. I usually skip over reviews that are less than 3 stars because they are usually very nit picky. My only opinion of a valid negative comment would be if a crew member walked up and decked you. Anything like the food was bad or the rooms are too small makes me want to pull my hair from the roots. I things I didn't like you just don't need them again you try something different lol.

[brauchtj]

I'm sure this has already been discussed.... having 334 pages of material on this thread, but I was watching a vid tonight and it said that the casino has blocked off smoking sections now! Anyone that has been on it want to provide feedback? I remember the smoke was quite heavy in the evenings around the main corridor on the Getaway. Would be great to hear they found a solution.

[brauchtj]

Oh man, just looked at the reviews on Cruise Critic and it's only getting a 37%. Is this normal for a brand new ship? I hope NCL isn't slipping :( They're our favorite cruise line.

[KeithJenner]

Oh man, just looked at the reviews on Cruise Critic and it's only getting a 37%. Is this normal for a brand new ship? I hope NCL isn't slipping :( They're our favorite cruise line.

 

 

This has come up a few times. Just remember that a large proportion of those reviews had some unusual factors:

 

They were one, two or three day cruises. This made everything more busy than usual which resulted in queues etc. Having spent 4 of my days on the Escape on such days, I can confirm that they were very different, and far less enjoyable than normal cruise days.

 

There were lots of groups of travel agents onboard, which resulted in some venues being closed, and queues getting into some dinner venues. Again, I can confirm from my experience that this was a real issue.

 

Many of the people on the short cruises were invited by their travel agents, and NCL wasn't a choice they would usually make. I overheard a number of conversations when onboard from people who had just gone along to confirm to themselves that they have made the right choice by not picking NCL. It's hardly surprising that many of these people weren't impressed.

 

There are certainly some issues with the Escape. Some will be fixed over time by changes being made and staff getting used to things. Some will be more of a challenge, but that is usual for a new ship. Some of the negatives in those reviews will potentially be a concern to you, but the fact that people couldn't get into the Brewhouse for a few hours on one of the Southampton days really won't affect your cruise one little bit.

[GoAndHaveFun]

 

Many of the people on the short cruises were invited by their travel agents, and NCL wasn't a choice they would usually make. I overheard a number of conversations when onboard from people who had just gone along to confirm to themselves that they have made the right choice by not picking NCL. It's hardly surprising that many of these people weren't impressed.

 

 

You know, this is actually why whenever I see someone who's super hardcore loyal to either Carnival/RCI/Princess/Celebrity/Disney go on NCL and then write a scathing review about NCL, I would take it with a grain of salt as most likely, those folks probably never gave NCL a chance.

 

I remember before my 7-day cruise on the Escape, I came across a thread asking if people were worried about the bad reviews on the Escape. I never replied to that thread but I remember thinking "nah, not worried at all as different strokes for different people." And after my sailing, I must say I LOVED the Escape!

[BirdTravels]

Oh man, just looked at the reviews on Cruise Critic and it's only getting a 37%. Is this normal for a brand new ship? I hope NCL isn't slipping :( They're our favorite cruise line.

 

No, nothing slipping. We have done 10 cruises over the past two years from balconies to 2-bedroom villas. And our experience in an Escape minisuite was the best experience we have had.

[Coastalbreezes]

I'm sure this has already been discussed.... having 334 pages of material on this thread, but I was watching a vid tonight and it said that the casino has blocked off smoking sections now! Anyone that has been on it want to provide feedback? I remember the smoke was quite heavy in the evenings around the main corridor on the Getaway. Would be great to hear they found a solution.

 

Yes, true. Nonsmoking areas are way in the back of the casino and also the slot machines in the hallways are nonsmoking.

 

Tracy

[CUontheC]

Oh man, just looked at the reviews on Cruise Critic and it's only getting a 37%. Is this normal for a brand new ship? I hope NCL isn't slipping :( They're our favorite cruise line.

 

We were on last week and we really enjoyed ourselves. Ourr friends who also sailed the same week also had a great time. Rooms were really nice and the food was great in the MDR's. Shows were excellent. There was a smoking and non smoking section in the casino. If you were in the smoking section you would smell like smoke when you left. If you were in non smoking it was ok. I did not smell smoke anywhete else outside of the casino. And with our trip we were told there were 1300 kids onboard because of Thanksgiving so we never went to the pool but stayed in Spice H2O which was adults only and a great area to relax. Two hot tubs a water grotto to cool off and a bar. And it is right above the buffet so you can get lunch or a snack and eat it in there. We didn't but many did. You will have a wonderful time!