First cruise couple! Will be on Escape and have a couple questions.

[omahabob]

My wife still uses them. I rarely do.

[RB9643]

 

Heh. Just being facetious. But I can probably count on one hand the number of checks I've written in the last 3 years.

 

 

[omahabob]

Same here. Maybe one finger.

[MoCruiseFan]

On 6/27/2023 at 9:59 AM, D_And_K_gocruising said:

We'll be going on the Escape 12/2-9 for our first cruise and we couldnt be more excited!!  (First time that's ever been said I bet!)

 

Anyway, we kinda understand that on port days the casino is closed etc etc. But any other things closed on those days?  And on sea days, seems silly question, but are anythings closed on sea days?  I wouldnt think so since EVERYONE is on board, but being newbs, have no clue!  

If you dont want to be in the thick of the crowds, where are some nice places that tend to be "less crowded" on sea days.. If you want to be out and about, but not at like the pool decks etc etc. 

 

1) After packing your bags go back and take out ½ of what you packed.  EVERYONE over packs the firts time.

2) Pack a carry on with essentilas and keep it with you until you are in your cabin.
- One change of clothes each
- All medications
- Bathing suits (hit the pool early)
- All paperwork (Passports)

3) Use a credit card for your on board acct not a debit card.  The DC holds can be a PITA.

4) Prebook any specialty dining if you have strong preferences for dining times.

5) Don't try to do everything.  YOu will have time on future cruises to do the thnsg you miss this time.

6) DO NOT fall for the "art" scams.  None ofd what they sell is worth much more than the paper it is printed on (they are all computer prnter copies of othrt rea art).

[schmoopie17]

On 6/28/2023 at 2:25 PM, RB9643 said:

 

What's a "checkbook"?  😆

 

 

That would be a book about Prague.

 

Oh wait, that would be a Czech book.

 

Never mind...

[Annies88]

On 6/27/2023 at 9:59 AM, D_And_K_gocruising said:

We'll be going on the Escape 12/2-9 for our first cruise and we couldnt be more excited!!  (First time that's ever been said I bet!)

 

Anyway, we kinda understand that on port days the casino is closed etc etc. But any other things closed on those days?  And on sea days, seems silly question, but are anythings closed on sea days?  I wouldnt think so since EVERYONE is on board, but being newbs, have no clue!  

If you dont want to be in the thick of the crowds, where are some nice places that tend to be "less crowded" on sea days.. If you want to be out and about, but not at like the pool decks etc etc. 

On sea days if it is too windy the ropes course may not be open. I have not been on the Escape but I was on the Breakaway which is fairly similar. You usually can get Spa discounts on port days too. I was on the Joy last January and they let us go to the rooms right away (In the Haven anyway) to change, freshen up etc. which is something they never let us do in my prior cruises. A few tips in general that may help:

 

The fish swim towards the bow (Front) of the ship. 

The buffet will be a mad house on day one for lunch. You can eat in the main dining room

If you haven't already, sign up for the latitudes program. I just hit platinum and the perks are starting to be really be nice. 

Many people are obnoxious about pool loungers. They will leave their towels on seats for hours to save their spot. Employees are supposed to remove them after a while but I don't recall ever seeing it happen. 

Ports: I have almost always done my own tours to avoid crowds and wasted time waiting. I have never had an issue other than Rome making it back on time (We just made our ship in Rome which isn't really Rome so part of the issue).

The new pool area in Puerto Plata is very nice. You could spend a day there. We did not. I did my own waterfall tour and stopped through on the way back. 

St. Thomas has some nice affordable tours. I did a beach tour with a local. Brought us to some very secluded sites. 

BVI was an issue even with a private boat tour. By the time we got to the baths the ship tours were there and we ended up just having him take us places the ships didn't go. It was very fun. 

I have yet to make it to Great Stirrup Cay in a long time due to conditions.

 

I will be on the Escape this November and will try to post a review. 

[schmoopie17]

5 minutes ago, Annies88 said:

 

The new pool area in Puerto Plata is very nice. You could spend a day there.

NCL itineraries only say "Puerto Plata" and don't specify which port. I assume you're referring to Amber Cove...or is it Taino Bay?

[Annies88]

3 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

NCL itineraries only say "Puerto Plata" and don't specify which port. I assume you're referring to Amber Cove...or is it Taino Bay?

It is Taino Bay. They have shops, restaurants and activities for a charge. Virgin docks there as well. Fully gated and secure. 

[schmoopie17]

27 minutes ago, Annies88 said:

It is Taino Bay. They have shops, restaurants and activities for a charge. Virgin docks there as well. Fully gated and secure. 

It's confusing because NCL's website (under Port Name and Location) it says they dock at Amber Cove.

 

https://www.ncl.com/port-of-call/cruises-to-puerto-plata

 

Edited July 24, 2023 by schmoopie17

[JGmf]

43 minutes ago, Annies88 said:

If you haven't already, sign up for the latitudes program.

 

No need to sign up.  You're part of it by virtue of taking a cruise and giving them your name.

[Annies88]

8 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

It's confusing because NCL's website (under Port Name and Location) it says they dock at Amber Cove.

 

https://www.ncl.com/port-of-call/cruises-to-puerto-plata

 

Perhaps they changed it since I went. 

[hallux]

49 minutes ago, Annies88 said:

Perhaps they changed it since I went. 

Amber Cove is Carnival's port, Carnival Corp. ships get preference there.  Taino Bay is the 'public' port.

[wilmingtech]

On 6/27/2023 at 6:59 AM, D_And_K_gocruising said:

We'll be going on the Escape 12/2-9 for our first cruise and we couldnt be more excited!!  (First time that's ever been said I bet!)

1st time ever!  😁

 

Anyway, we kinda understand that on port days the casino is closed etc etc. But any other things closed on those days? 

Most of the restaurants are closed for lunch except Garden Cafe and O'Sheehan's.  The more common space bars like Wave's at the pool deck, H2O, O'Sheehan's and maybe one bar down by the waterfront will be open.  In the evening everything open's back up.

 

And on sea days, seems silly question, but are anythings closed on sea days?  I wouldnt think so since EVERYONE is on board, but being newbs, have no clue!  

Typically everything is open but this is dependent on weather.  If it's windy, rainy or big waves most of the outdoor places may shut down including ropes, slides, pool, hot tubs.  Sometimes if it's stormy enough they will keep places closed indoors to keep employees and cruisers safe but that is a rare occasion.  The Captain would have to make that call.

 

If you dont want to be in the thick of the crowds, where are some nice places that tend to be "less crowded" on sea days.. If you want to be out and about, but not at like the pool decks etc etc. 

As mentioned earlier there are some great spots up on the upper sun decks and where the upper hot tubs are that are rarely busy.  On all the cruises I have been on the sun decks are almost rarely used.  Also, even though the restaurants are closed during the day, we have used the tables on the waterfront to sit and play cards or a game before.  Surprisingly the waterfront during the day is usually pretty empty (This was on the Joy)