Photo Review of the Norwegian Escape - June 18 to 25

[Dan_K]

I am going to post my review of our recent sailing on the Escape, bit by bit. I am a 58 year-old man, traveling with my wife and 12-year old daughter in a Haven two-bedroom suit. In the cabin next door were my sister in law, her husband and my mother in law.

 

As a life-long vegetarian, I have a unique perspective on cruising that I hope to present in this review. I am also a hobbyist photographer, so I plan to include as many photos as possible.

 

If you have questions, I will try to answer them.

 

EMBARKATION DAY

 

We arrived at the port around 11:00 am. We went through security quickly, and went to the Haven waiting room in port, where snacks and beverages were available. We were escorted onto the ship around 11:30 and went to the Haven lounge for an introduction by Adrian, the concierge. Our room was ready shortly thereafter. Here is a photo of the master bedroom from the two-bedroom Haven suite:

 

 

Adrian informed us that although Margaritaville is normally an ala carte pay restaurant, on embarkation day it was complimentary for Haven passengers.

 

 

As a vegetarian, I ordered a Veggie Burger in Paradise. The rest of my party had regular burgers. My impression was that although the food was fine, it was not worth paying for. Also, we were sitting in the port of Miami, and Margaritaville is an outdoor venue. HOT HOT HOT. We did not go back to Margaritaville the rest of the trip. I think it was fine as a free venue, but not worth paying for.

 

After dinner, we went to the theater for the welcome aboard show where the officers introduced themselves and we were treated to a taste of the performers who were onboard.

 

 

TO BE CONTINUED

[mal&jason]

The photos do not seem to be uploading, at least for me. Thanks for your review!

 

Mallory

[tycup]

The photos do not seem to be uploading, at least for me. Thanks for your review!

 

Mallory

 

Same for me????

[Dan_K]

Daggnabbit!! I am not sure what I did wrong with the photos. Can anyone tell me what I did wrong? I even practiced in the test forum and got the photos to appear. Is the problem that I tried to post more than one photo in the post?

[jewelmick]

No pics...following

We are vegetarians too and appreciate the perspective

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Dan_K]

I am going to try again, one photo at a time. One photo per post. Let me know if it is working.

 

Here is the photo of the cabin.

 

[Dan_K]

Margaritaville.

 

[Dan_K]

Welcome aboard show.

 

[Dan_K]

All you all seeing the photos now?

[SuiteTraveler]

Yes, we can see the photos.

[Vacationlover2]

Your photos are excellent!

[Dan_K]

Most of the main public areas on the ship are on decks 6,7 and 8. Here you will find the specialty restaurants on 6 and 8, the shops, the photo gallery, guest services, the excursion desk, the internet cafe, etc. The atrium extends upward through decks 6, 7 and 8. To address an issue raised here frequently, you can definitely smell cigarette smoke in the atrium, especially at night when the casino is active. Although it is not TOO bad, and I am sensitive to smoke, I wouldn't want to eat at the tables outside of Le Bistro on deck 6. If you are inside the restaurant, there is no issue.

 

There is a very cool chandelier that hangs down in the atrium which changes colors periodically.

 

Edited June 28, 2016 by Dan_K

[Dan_K]

The staircases in the atrium are lit up with cool lights. I noticed that the ship photographers sometimes pose their subjects on one of the atrium's staircases.

 

[Dan_K]

The best part of our cruise was the opportunity to stay in the Haven. The Haven is a locked area of the ship, accessible only by key card, with cabins on decks 17 and 18, forward. There is a private sun deck on deck 19. Our cabin attendant Chris was attentive and kept our room clean and well supplied. We had a wonderful butler Oliver whom we used extensively to deliver breakfasts, particularly on port days, and brought us daily afternoon snacks. The private pool area in the Haven allowed us to mostly avoid the crowds on the main pool deck.

 

Here are a shots of the Haven pool area.

 

 

[colecandler]

Love the pics and info.

 

Hey....what can you tell us/me about the bartenders in The Haven??

 

Who were they, did you have a favorite, and any special concoctions you enjoyed,etc.

 

Oh and I have to ask - Any kid/teenager issues in The Haven?

[Dan_K]

Love the pics and info.

 

Hey....what can you tell us/me about the bartenders in The Haven??

 

Who were they, did you have a favorite, and any special concoctions you enjoyed,etc.

 

Oh and I have to ask - Any kid/teenager issues in The Haven?

 

Sorry, I can't tell you about the bartender in the Haven, as I do not drink. (Yes, believe it or not, a non-drinker on a cruise!) The rest of my family drinks moderately, and they seemed to like the bartenders.

 

My 12-year old daughter met another girl her age, also staying in the Haven, and they hit it off great. I was pleased that she had a friend to hang with for the cruise. There were a few boys in the Haven pool area who got a little rowdy at times, but nothing serious.

[zteamtwo]

Dan--Can you give us more photos of the Haven cabin? I assume it is a H4 (2 bedroom family villa), Any other details of the cabin would be appreciated.

[cruisetimeforme]

Great pics! We sailed the week prior and I couldn't figure out why so many people were paying to eat lunch in that heat outside at Margaritaville, now I know!

[cincicruisers]

Great photos. Following

[Clarea]

Very nice photos, thanks.

[leekel619]

I am still freaked out about my photo escapade last night. It took me about an hour to select and comment on @60 photos from my Dawn Boston to Bermuda last week.

It was late. I was tired. But kept at it. Then I tried to post them.

[emoji46]

I had no idea you could only post 6 at a time.

Does anyone know if you can share more at once with something like Photobucket.

I have to start over.

 

Nice pictures! Thanks for sharing!

[Barney Gallagher]

Thank you Dan K! Do you have more photos of the Haven room you were in? What number was it? Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[rmmom1962]

That's for sharing, can't wait to see more.

[Keith1010]

Enjoying this.

 

Keith

[Jenjer]

Love it thank you for doing this photo review. I was in the Haven with you. In fact I think we boarded with you and your family.

 

The bartenders where amazing. So nice friendly and particularly the guy (I will miss spell his name so I am not even going to try) really likes making special drinks just based on your tastes. He made me a strawberry vodka drink that was divine. The raspberry guava mojito is unbelievable. Made with fresh berries. My son drink no alcohol mojitos all week, they gave them out when we boarded and they where great.

 

 

My boy was one of the bit rowdy boys and yes they acted like 12 year old boys. Throwing a football, splashing, swimming ,laughing and being boys not playing video games.

 

If you want to escape the kids go up to deck 19 inside or out and you will find a quieter non kid area for sure. My kids never even went into the deck 19 hot tub.