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Escape Vibe - My Experience

Just Jo

By Just Jo,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Just Jo

Just Jo

Posted
Posted

Short version - loved it! If I'm able to sail on Escape again (doubtful since it's moving to NY) I'm pretty sure I would have to have passes again.

Long version - keep reading.

I've waited a longtime to sail on Escape, and I was intrigued by Vibe. I vacillated about passes though since it sounded like such a stressful situation. Several years ago four of us bought day passes for Epic's Posh. I believe there were only two other people there when we visited and we didn't stay long. We considered it a bust, so DH was never interested in spending the money for our Escape voyage, even though I told him it should be a totally different and better experience. Somewhat fortunately I had a long time (11 months) to bring it up often and share pictures and stories of all the wonderful experiences to be had there: sun! hot tub! He's not interested in either. Exclusivity? Him - why do we need it? Oh yeah,and if the weather is bad we won't really get any use out of it. Ugh, this is gonna be a hard sell. We also usually travel with friends who probably weren't interested in Vibe. Turns out our friends were not able to join us, and we arrived early enough for Boarding Group 1!

enhance

 

I told DH it was meant to be and I'd worn him down enough that he agreed to try for passes. (It also helped that this was for our belated wedding anniversary.) I warned him some people run to Headliners for the passes and assured him I won't be running (because he never would) so if we manage to get them great, and if we don't, we don't. Yes, I was trying to not get my hopes up.

We got into the security line about 9:40. Maybe we were 25-30 people back from the front of the line. Shortly after 10:00 the line opened and we proceeded upstairs. There was barely any wait at all for check-in. Finally in the waiting area I wasn't sure which row was closest to the actual boarding line so I just sat next to the largest group thinking they must be after Vibe passes also.

I think just before 11 the staff made an announcement that they would be making another announcement soon for boarding and at that moment the 10-15 people next to us (other people had sat indifferent rows) jumped up and RAN about 20 feet over to the staging area for the line to board. It actually startled me but of course I jumped up too (but didn't run). The end of the line wasn't far from my seat so I didn't have far to go. And I thought, these people are not screwing around. I will never get a pass at this rate, as I'm sure I will get trampled before I make it to Headliners.

We watched one or two large wedding parties and Haven and Platinum and all the Priority people board. I felt like my chances kept dwindling by the second. Our line finally opened and that first group of people took off running some more. Even though DH didn't want to get the passes initially, he's great about completing a task, so he's questioning me if I'msure I know where I need to go. Yes! And if nothing else just follow everybody else that's talking about Vibe!

You enter the ship on Deck 7 so it's an easy walk down one flight of stairs to get to Headliners. There was a group of two or three young men who heard several of us talking about Vibe passes and they yelled out (as they walked in the opposite direction) "Too late! Vibe's sold out!" I was so sad but knew I had to be a big girl about it and we all kept walking anyway. Of course we want to hear it from an employee. And there we were and we snagged passes 59 and 60! Not sure what the purpose of the misdirect was. Bless their little hearts.

enhance

 

We made it up to Vibe about an hour later and Rommel, Vincent (aka Vinny, Vince, Curley) and Michael made this experience fantastic for us. They learned our names immediately, and always had my DH's beer at the ready for him. I like to vary it up and they fulfilled every request and offered up great suggestions when I needed them. They said several times if they don't have what you want at their bar they'll get it so don't be afraid to ask for whatever. And of course - Shot O' Clock!

enhance

 

enhance

The only small drawback for us having the passes was not visiting all the bars and other nooks and crannies of the ship because we spent all our free time in Vibe. And we were ok with that. There was almost no point going anywhere else when you knew the service would be so attentive and fun, not to mention visiting with other passengers we met, some of which we hope to sail with again.

Oh! On the last night everyone was saying good-byes to the guys and we got caught up in it all and DH forgot his room key in Vibe, and we didn't realize it until almost 8, long after they closed. We thought we heard that Michael would be in the Skyline Bar that night so we went there and a bartender there tracked Michael down in his room and Michael actually came up to that bar, told DH he/the guys at Vibe saw the card was left behind and somehow knew we were eating at Bayamo/Pincho Tapas that night and had sent the card there for us already! Michael then called over to Bayamo (from Skyline) and they brought they key over to us. This was so far above and beyond the call of duty! When the Skyline bartender first told us Michael was coming up (he even could have relayed the info over the phone but didn't) I left to go to our room to grab some cash to give to Michael as a thank you but it took too long for me to get back and he couldn't wait for me. I felt so bad I couldn't give him a token of our appreciation.

And yes, we did know that we could've just gotten the card replaced at Guest Services. However, the Vibe bartenders will sometimes (often?) put stickers on your card and we wanted to keep it for sentimental and souvenir purposes.

Thanks again Michael and Rommel and Vincent. You guys are the best!!

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beerman2

beerman2

Posted
Posted
Short version - loved it! If I'm able to sail on Escape again (doubtful since it's moving to NY) I'm pretty sure I would have to have passes again.

Long version - keep reading.

I've waited a longtime to sail on Escape, and I was intrigued by Vibe. I vacillated about passes though since it sounded like such a stressful situation. Several years ago four of us bought day passes for Epic's Posh. I believe there were only two other people there when we visited and we didn't stay long. We considered it a bust, so DH was never interested in spending the money for our Escape voyage, even though I told him it should be a totally different and better experience. Somewhat fortunately I had a long time (11 months) to bring it up often and share pictures and stories of all the wonderful experiences to be had there: sun! hot tub! He's not interested in either. Exclusivity? Him - why do we need it? Oh yeah,and if the weather is bad we won't really get any use out of it. Ugh, this is gonna be a hard sell. We also usually travel with friends who probably weren't interested in Vibe. Turns out our friends were not able to join us, and we arrived early enough for Boarding Group 1!

enhance

 

I told DH it was meant to be and I'd worn him down enough that he agreed to try for passes. (It also helped that this was for our belated wedding anniversary.) I warned him some people run to Headliners for the passes and assured him I won't be running (because he never would) so if we manage to get them great, and if we don't, we don't. Yes, I was trying to not get my hopes up.

We got into the security line about 9:40. Maybe we were 25-30 people back from the front of the line. Shortly after 10:00 the line opened and we proceeded upstairs. There was barely any wait at all for check-in. Finally in the waiting area I wasn't sure which row was closest to the actual boarding line so I just sat next to the largest group thinking they must be after Vibe passes also.

I think just before 11 the staff made an announcement that they would be making another announcement soon for boarding and at that moment the 10-15 people next to us (other people had sat indifferent rows) jumped up and RAN about 20 feet over to the staging area for the line to board. It actually startled me but of course I jumped up too (but didn't run). The end of the line wasn't far from my seat so I didn't have far to go. And I thought, these people are not screwing around. I will never get a pass at this rate, as I'm sure I will get trampled before I make it to Headliners.

We watched one or two large wedding parties and Haven and Platinum and all the Priority people board. I felt like my chances kept dwindling by the second. Our line finally opened and that first group of people took off running some more. Even though DH didn't want to get the passes initially, he's great about completing a task, so he's questioning me if I'msure I know where I need to go. Yes! And if nothing else just follow everybody else that's talking about Vibe!

You enter the ship on Deck 7 so it's an easy walk down one flight of stairs to get to Headliners. There was a group of two or three young men who heard several of us talking about Vibe passes and they yelled out (as they walked in the opposite direction) "Too late! Vibe's sold out!" I was so sad but knew I had to be a big girl about it and we all kept walking anyway. Of course we want to hear it from an employee. And there we were and we snagged passes 59 and 60! Not sure what the purpose of the misdirect was. Bless their little hearts.

enhance

 

We made it up to Vibe about an hour later and Rommel, Vincent (aka Vinny, Vince, Curley) and Michael made this experience fantastic for us. They learned our names immediately, and always had my DH's beer at the ready for him. I like to vary it up and they fulfilled every request and offered up great suggestions when I needed them. They said several times if they don't have what you want at their bar they'll get it so don't be afraid to ask for whatever. And of course - Shot O' Clock!

enhance

 

enhance

The only small drawback for us having the passes was not visiting all the bars and other nooks and crannies of the ship because we spent all our free time in Vibe. And we were ok with that. There was almost no point going anywhere else when you knew the service would be so attentive and fun, not to mention visiting with other passengers we met, some of which we hope to sail with again.

Oh! On the last night everyone was saying good-byes to the guys and we got caught up in it all and DH forgot his room key in Vibe, and we didn't realize it until almost 8, long after they closed. We thought we heard that Michael would be in the Skyline Bar that night so we went there and a bartender there tracked Michael down in his room and Michael actually came up to that bar, told DH he/the guys at Vibe saw the card was left behind and somehow knew we were eating at Bayamo/Pincho Tapas that night and had sent the card there for us already! Michael then called over to Bayamo (from Skyline) and they brought they key over to us. This was so far above and beyond the call of duty! When the Skyline bartender first told us Michael was coming up (he even could have relayed the info over the phone but didn't) I left to go to our room to grab some cash to give to Michael as a thank you but it took too long for me to get back and he couldn't wait for me. I felt so bad I couldn't give him a token of our appreciation.

And yes, we did know that we could've just gotten the card replaced at Guest Services. However, the Vibe bartenders will sometimes (often?) put stickers on your card and we wanted to keep it for sentimental and souvenir purposes.

Thanks again Michael and Rommel and Vincent. You guys are the best!!

Rommel is fantastic! Loved the Vibe , money well spent!

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Just Jo

Just Jo

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Here's a video walk thru of the Vibe on the Escape......

 

Thanks, Laszlo. I watched your video more than a few times before I sailed. For some reason I failed to take any video in Vibe aside from bartending action.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience. Have my fingers crossed to get a few passes for this Saturday’s sailing!

 

Good luck!!

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Just Jo

Just Jo

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Nice review... I can't believe it took me until 3 days after the cruise to realize that you are "Just Jo" from Vibe... Then again, I drink a lot...

 

HA! Thanks Sid. Screen names never came up did they? And it never seemed like you drank much when I saw you there. On Thursday the shots were flowing extra and I actually spent some time in a lounger to rest up for the next round. Good times!

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Dkmeyers

Dkmeyers

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Thanks, Laszlo. I watched your video more than a few times before I sailed. For some reason I failed to take any video in Vibe aside from bartending action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good luck!!

 

 

 

Quick question. We are sailing in Jan 13th and there are a few of us in our late 20’s early 30’s. How much are tickets and how do you get them? Is it daily? For the entire cruise or what? Any info would be great. Dave and Katrena from SWFLA

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

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LrgPizza

LrgPizza

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Quick question. We are sailing in Jan 13th and there are a few of us in our late 20’s early 30’s. How much are tickets and how do you get them? Is it daily? For the entire cruise or what? Any info would be great. Dave and Katrena from SWFLA

 

They are $99 for the entire week. They are sold first come first served, and are limited to 70 per sailing. Each individual must appear at a table in Headliners upon boarding to buy your pass. They generally sell out within minutes. One person cannot pick one up for his/her cabinmate. Each passenger has to appear individually at the table.

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Just Jo

Just Jo

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Quick question. We are sailing in Jan 13th and there are a few of us in our late 20’s early 30’s. How much are tickets and how do you get them? Is it daily? For the entire cruise or what? Any info would be great. Dave and Katrena from SWFLA

 

Tickets are $99 per person for the entire week. I've heard they no longer offer day passes. Each person that wants a pass needs to be present in line - you cannot buy for others. What other info are you looking for?

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aeroo777

aeroo777

Posted
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They are $99 for the entire week. They are sold first come first served, and are limited to 70 per sailing. Each individual must appear at a table in Headliners upon boarding to buy your pass. They generally sell out within minutes. One person cannot pick one up for his/her cabinmate. Each passenger has to appear individually at the table.

 

Just a slight clarification, at the table they only sell passes to those with a number card like the ones pictured in the OP. The number cards are handed out by a crew member walking around Headliners.

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LrgPizza

LrgPizza

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Just a slight clarification, at the table they only sell passes to those with a number card like the ones pictured in the OP. The number cards are handed out by a crew member walking around Headliners.

Yeah, they were handed out to us as we stood in line for the table. Same difference. You must get in line individually.

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