Norwegian Escape: Sail Date [08/26/2017] | Reviews

[vadaparade]

My personal review of the Norwegian Escape and more specifically the sail date of 08/26/2017.

 

Departure

• Saturday's arrival in Miami was a bit disappointing. It was cloudy from the minute I arrived at Miami International, all the way to the port terminal via cab. As soon as I got out the cab the rain started pouring, which was not a good sign. I knew Texas was experiencing inclement weather but I was hoping to be greeted by sun in Miami. Not sure about others, but cloud and rain change my mood. Sun and clear skies is where it's at.
  

• I must have been one of the late check-in's because the terminal process was fairly quick. Sure there was a line but tops, I might have waited 20 or so minutes between walking into the terminal and stepping onto the ship. This was around 2:00 in the afternoon or so.
  

Room

• Room (inside cabin) was ready so I took a few of my belongings and set them inside as I went to venture about the ship. Had a small carry-on that was to be delivered by the crew at a later time, which it was a few hours in. Typically I stay in a balcony cabin, but I was traveling alone and wanted to save on cost so I opted for an inside cabin.
  

• The room was clean, organized and with plenty of space for my belongings. The bathroom was more than adequate in size. The room could easily handle a second person without much discomfort. Having a balcony is the preferred way to cruise but, for my first solo cruise I figured I wouldn't spend much time inside so this was not a bad choice at all.
  

• The location of the room wasn't ideal. I believe I was practically at the front of the ship, so regardless of whichever elevator I got off from, either it would be a long walk or a very long walk. I used it as cardio so won't complain too much. However if you are a traveler that has trouble walking long distance, you might want to consider something much closer to the elevators.
  

• I have a partial preference towards the NCL so I really appreciate the design choice they have throughout their newer ships. It's very modern, trendy and classy. Clean lines and elegant colors. Will vary by person obviously. So, yes, I think the room is very nice looking.
  

• As a solo traveler, I don't make much of a mess but whatever items needed to be attended to, was always done so promptly and with great service. Caesar was the gentlemen who was responsible for our nook of the ship and he was always friendly.
  

Food

• Breakfast was always spent at the Garden Cafe. Honestly I spent lunch and most dinners there as well. As a solo traveler it's just faster to do so, plus it gave me a chance to mingle with other solo cruiser. I did have dinner on two different occasions at the Manhattan Room as well as Taste. Both were fine experiences. I've done NCL before and if I had a cruise mate with me, I would have had dinner at those establishments more often. Overall, I enjoyed the food. I don't think I've had as much burgers, hotdogs and fries in one week since I was a child. It was great I must say.
  

• I don't drink alcohol or soda so I can't say much on that end. Prices are high so be prepared.
  

Activities

• Practically never use the pool on a cruise ship as it's always small and crowded. This was no exception. I mainly went to the sun deck to get some sun and read a nice book or did one of the many activities.
  

• The ropes course was enjoyable. Has a two zip-line portions, two planks and two levels to the course. I have a constant battle with heights so my first time, I was a bit nervous but human nature is to adapt so the 2nd and 3rd days I tried it, I was easily and comfortably completing the course with no issues.
  

• The water rides are great fun. NCL promotes the covered tube/tunnel with the light show, which is fun but a bit slow. Honestly feels faster if you slide backwards. The line for this on my cruise was not bad at all. A little so but could have been much worse.
  

• The other tube, that drops you straight down is what I personally had more fun with. It's faster and give you that extra bit of thrill. Plus the line was quick moving and short from my experience.
  

• On port days, if you can come back to the ship early while others are still out, it's a great time since the lines are very short.
  

Casino

• Prior to the trip, I thought I would gamble often since I enjoy it. I was having so much fun doing other stuff that I barely played. Won a few bucks in roulette and a few at the slots but nothing noteworthy. It's a nice casino and on this trip it wasn't crowded at all.
  

Entertainment

• I did not mind Tyler the cruise director. He is very energetic and sometimes you need that to get the crowded going. God knows this one needed it. I've been on cruises where the party just happens but the guests on this cruise were a bit calmer and Tyler’s energy helped give life to the crowd.
  

• The only show I watched was For the Record: The Brat Pack. I'm an 80s child so I greatly enjoyed it. The music, the lighting, the stage and the performers did a great job. I'm relatively easy to impress so your mileage might vary.
  

• Spend more time than I thought I would at the Atrium because one show after another would just get my attention. From Deal or no Deal to singing and dancing competitions, there was always something to keep me entertaining.
  

• A lot of these shows are also on other ships so it will all depend on the crowd. For some reason, this cruise ship had a good involved crowd during the Atrium entertainment. I've been on cruises where this hasn't been the case.
  

• Spice H20, their outdoor club (all NCL ships have this) was hit or miss no fault of NCL. As for everything it just depends on you and your preferences. I loved the 80s night theme. The crew came out in costumes and really got the party started. I enjoyed Glow for what it is but since I'm not into much of the current music out there, I stayed for a bit and then left.
  

• I'm in my 30s and just prefer certain music while others seemed to love them all.
  

• Their inside club called Skyline, was one of the worst for me. It's right in the middle of the casino which means the music doesn't go as loud, there are no lights that you typically see in a club and without any doors, it's pretty bright in there. Who wants to dance like that? I'm sure they were going for something different but some of the other NCL bar/clubs are much better designed (for example Bliss on the Epic)
  

• Lots I didn't try since I'm a regular on NCL, I've done most of them before. I used this cruise to truly relax. So I did lots of reading, sitting and watching the ocean etc. Overall I had a great time. I met a few solo travelers, which helped a lot. There was always someone to run into an talk with if the need arises.
  

Any specific questions for those who have not yet traveled ask away. Or if there are others on the same cruise, feel free to share your thoughts.

[Dina7]

Thanks for sharing your review! :)

[vadaparade]

Your welcome. Apparently I can't edit a previous post, so please excuse the errors in my review.

[scopewest]

Your review almost made me want to ditch DH and sail solo in an inside cabin. Great review!

[Clarea]

Nicely written review, thanks.:)

[vadaparade]

Your review almost made me want to ditch DH and sail solo in an inside cabin. Great review!

 

There is something to be said about traveling solo. You are free and that's not to say you don't enjoy the company of your significant other or friend etc, but when going solo, you wake up when you want, choose to talk when you want, go and do whatever and however you feel. With another traveler, you almost always have to take them into consideration. I don't know how to explain it, it was lonely at times but energizing most of all.

[Still Dreaming]

Great review. Glad you had a fun cruise!

[AzStyle]

Thanks for the review! Glad you had fun!

[CohibaJoe]

My personal review of the Norwegian Escape and more specifically the sail date of 08/26/2017.

 

Departure

• Saturday's arrival in Miami was a bit disappointing. It was cloudy from the minute I arrived at Miami International, all the way to the port terminal via cab. As soon as I got out the cab the rain started pouring, which was not a good sign. I knew Texas was experiencing inclement weather but I was hoping to be greeted by sun in Miami. Not sure about others, but cloud and rain change my mood. Sun and clear skies is where it's at.
  

• I must have been one of the late check-in's because the terminal process was fairly quick. Sure there was a line but tops, I might have waited 20 or so minutes between walking into the terminal and stepping onto the ship. This was around 2:00 in the afternoon or so.
  

Room

• Room (inside cabin) was ready so I took a few of my belongings and set them inside as I went to venture about the ship. Had a small carry-on that was to be delivered by the crew at a later time, which it was a few hours in. Typically I stay in a balcony cabin, but I was traveling alone and wanted to save on cost so I opted for an inside cabin.
  

• The room was clean, organized and with plenty of space for my belongings. The bathroom was more than adequate in size. The room could easily handle a second person without much discomfort. Having a balcony is the preferred way to cruise but, for my first solo cruise I figured I wouldn't spend much time inside so this was not a bad choice at all.
  

• The location of the room wasn't ideal. I believe I was practically at the front of the ship, so regardless of whichever elevator I got off from, either it would be a long walk or a very long walk. I used it as cardio so won't complain too much. However if you are a traveler that has trouble walking long distance, you might want to consider something much closer to the elevators.
  

• I have a partial preference towards the NCL so I really appreciate the design choice they have throughout their newer ships. It's very modern, trendy and classy. Clean lines and elegant colors. Will vary by person obviously. So, yes, I think the room is very nice looking.
  

• As a solo traveler, I don't make much of a mess but whatever items needed to be attended to, was always done so promptly and with great service. Caesar was the gentlemen who was responsible for our nook of the ship and he was always friendly.
  

Food

• Breakfast was always spent at the Garden Cafe. Honestly I spent lunch and most dinners there as well. As a solo traveler it's just faster to do so, plus it gave me a chance to mingle with other solo cruiser. I did have dinner on two different occasions at the Manhattan Room as well as Taste. Both were fine experiences. I've done NCL before and if I had a cruise mate with me, I would have had dinner at those establishments more often. Overall, I enjoyed the food. I don't think I've had as much burgers, hotdogs and fries in one week since I was a child. It was great I must say.
  

• I don't drink alcohol or soda so I can't say much on that end. Prices are high so be prepared.
  

Activities

• Practically never use the pool on a cruise ship as it's always small and crowded. This was no exception. I mainly went to the sun deck to get some sun and read a nice book or did one of the many activities.
  

• The ropes course was enjoyable. Has a two zip-line portions, two planks and two levels to the course. I have a constant battle with heights so my first time, I was a bit nervous but human nature is to adapt so the 2nd and 3rd days I tried it, I was easily and comfortably completing the course with no issues.
  

• The water rides are great fun. NCL promotes the covered tube/tunnel with the light show, which is fun but a bit slow. Honestly feels faster if you slide backwards. The line for this on my cruise was not bad at all. A little so but could have been much worse.
  

• The other tube, that drops you straight down is what I personally had more fun with. It's faster and give you that extra bit of thrill. Plus the line was quick moving and short from my experience.
  

• On port days, if you can come back to the ship early while others are still out, it's a great time since the lines are very short.
  

Casino

• Prior to the trip, I thought I would gamble often since I enjoy it. I was having so much fun doing other stuff that I barely played. Won a few bucks in roulette and a few at the slots but nothing noteworthy. It's a nice casino and on this trip it wasn't crowded at all.
  

Entertainment

• I did not mind Tyler the cruise director. He is very energetic and sometimes you need that to get the crowded going. God knows this one needed it. I've been on cruises where the party just happens but the guests on this cruise were a bit calmer and Tyler’s energy helped give life to the crowd.
  

• The only show I watched was For the Record: The Brat Pack. I'm an 80s child so I greatly enjoyed it. The music, the lighting, the stage and the performers did a great job. I'm relatively easy to impress so your mileage might vary.
  

• Spend more time than I thought I would at the Atrium because one show after another would just get my attention. From Deal or no Deal to singing and dancing competitions, there was always something to keep me entertaining.
  

• A lot of these shows are also on other ships so it will all depend on the crowd. For some reason, this cruise ship had a good involved crowd during the Atrium entertainment. I've been on cruises where this hasn't been the case.
  

• Spice H20, their outdoor club (all NCL ships have this) was hit or miss no fault of NCL. As for everything it just depends on you and your preferences. I loved the 80s night theme. The crew came out in costumes and really got the party started. I enjoyed Glow for what it is but since I'm not into much of the current music out there, I stayed for a bit and then left.
  

• I'm in my 30s and just prefer certain music while others seemed to love them all.
  

• Their inside club called Skyline, was one of the worst for me. It's right in the middle of the casino which means the music doesn't go as loud, there are no lights that you typically see in a club and without any doors, it's pretty bright in there. Who wants to dance like that? I'm sure they were going for something different but some of the other NCL bar/clubs are much better designed (for example Bliss on the Epic)
  

• Lots I didn't try since I'm a regular on NCL, I've done most of them before. I used this cruise to truly relax. So I did lots of reading, sitting and watching the ocean etc. Overall I had a great time. I met a few solo travelers, which helped a lot. There was always someone to run into an talk with if the need arises.
  

Any specific questions for those who have not yet traveled ask away. Or if there are others on the same cruise, feel free to share your thoughts.

Was on the same cruise...Party of 11. I mostly sail RC (11)...NCL was 2nd.

 

Food: We also ate at Garden Café, Savor, Taste and O'Sheehans (Free). Paid at at Bayamo, Moderno and

Margaritaville..98% of the food was Salty.

 

Service was the BEST I ever seen on a line...

 

Room: 14792 Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony - For a New Ship...Room was small compared to RC. Perfect Location for Spa (16th), Pool and Garden Café and Easy to get around ship.

 

Entertainment: Tyler...Yes..."very energetic"...But little on hearing what is going on the ship. RC keeps you informed of the actives...Mader of fact...you only here the Capt. in the morning to were you are going. We did see

For the Record: The Brat Pack...OK...It's not a Broadway Play but was OK...A number of family's and some couples did leave 30mins into show PG16.

 

H20 (back of ship) at 10:00pm+ we saw kids drinking (16-17)...My wife was surprised of this.

 

Atrium - Not sure WHY NCL was thinking on this location for some events...Next to Customer Service, CruiseNext, Bakery. Friday night I had to go to CS on a broking Rum bottle that was delivered to my room(Hmm)...There was a Band playing and one needed a Bullhorn to talk with the agent. Crazy.

 

The Weather was Great and the family had a Very Nice time...OH...We did buy 8 CruiseNext Deposits to use upto 4yrs for future cruises...With New ships being built why not...The Haven will be next Room upgrade which has it's own Deck.

[LD Silver]

Thanks for a great review. Loved the bullet point style.....makes it an easy read.

 

Loved the 80's party as well. Looking forward to it again in November.

[riclop]

Thanks for the review.

[Beh789149]

How many announcements a day are there on NCL? We cruise with Celebrity which has one announcement per day.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[POA1]

Thank you for your review!

[Mellylucy]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a nice review.

[Dave85]

Thanks for your review! Really enjoyed reading it. The Skyline situation with the open club in the middle of the casino sounds a little strange... I assume they were going for something and it just didn't work out as planned. Glad to see they're moving back to an enclosed venue on Bliss.

[johnrich]

How many announcements a day are there on NCL? We cruise with Celebrity which has one announcement per day.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

 

I think it depends on the captain and the cruise director. We usually hear 1 or 2 from each a day. On Getaway we also heard a couple others each day making announcements about activities.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Still Dreaming]

If I remember correctly the announcements are not piped into cabin. You can hear them on tv or open door to listen. We have sailed Celebrity also and I didn't notice a huge difference.