A Smooth Escape- another wonderful cruise

[RIvacationgirl]

Just returned from our July 16th Escape cruise from Miami. I am Platinum, and my husband will be Platinum after this sailing.

We were in Balcony 14840, and enjoyed the location very much- we have booked the same cabin for next July to the Mediterranean, with our friends in the cabin next door. A quick two flights of stairs to the buffet, and a short walk to the elevators. We had Jun for our cabin steward- he did a nice job. We did miss the two times a day service to the room a bit, but it was no big deal as we are pretty neat in our daily routine. 

We did attend the Latitudes Party- and spoke to the head chef, he ended up sending us a dessert to our cabin several days later! I felt special!!!

Spa: Spa massages twice this time- coconut poultice and a hot stone, both were equally relaxing.

Casino: We were sailing on a CAS certificate, the casino has current games, we played fairly long on our money each day. It is quite smoky, but they do enforce the rules about you must play to smoke in the casino, and not just come in to smoke.

Activities: I walked each morning on the track- if you do not like a lot of people while on the track, go early at 5 am, by 6 am starting to get quite a few people. There are also more smokers by the track as the day proceeds. We played miniature golf, trivia, future cruise lecture and went to lounge by the adult pool. There is something for everybody each day to do.

Beverages: We found the drink package to suit our needs- I like vodka drinks, and my husband tried many different cocktails + drinks of the day, we enjoyed them! Visited the coffee cafe each morning- we are early birds so no line at all.

Dining: We ate at Le Bistro- it was okay, Cagney's service was a bit disjointed, but our favorite specialty restaurant was Bayamo- which we ended up enjoying twice. We had a phone message twice in regards to proper attire in Bayamo- yet when we were dining saw people with shorts and t-shirts- not sure why they called us twice to let us know about the dress code LOL! Just a heads up, the buffet is not fully open until 7:30 am, for breakfast. O'Sheehans was okay, and we ate at all of the complimentary dining rooms, they were all very good, and service was excellent.

Shows: Choir of Men was very good, Syd Norman's Pour House 70's show was fantastic- get there early as seating is limited. Walked out of the magic show- did not care for it ( AND I LIKE MAGIC SHOWS!)

We skipped going to GSC, and remained on the ship. St. Thomas excursion- Sapphire Beach was a bit disappointing, the water was beautiful, but if you are looking for typical beach resort service this is NOT the place. We had to drag our own beach chairs to our spot, no beverage service on the beach, and many chickens running around! Tortola Beach Break was a wonderful experience, two beach chairs, with umbrella, and service for food and drink. Puerta Plata was an unexpected surprise, I was not thinking it would be a worthwhile visit. However, we loved the shops, and there was a lazy river and activities if you liked. 

Embarkation and disembarking was very smooth.

I hope this helps- looking forward to our next Escape in July 2024!!!

 

[Shidah]

Thanks for this review!  We are back in the Escape at the end of August, can’t wait!

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, RIvacationgirl said:

We were in Balcony 14840

 

Do you remember if the bed was near the balcony or near the closet?

[schmoopie17]

Which port in Puerto Plata?

[RIvacationgirl]

20 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Do you remember if the bed was near the balcony or near the closet?

The bed is by the balcony- beautiful view each morning!

[Bluetail48]

Thanks for sharing your experience; it looks like you had a wonderful time! We are booked for a 9-day Mediterranean on the Escape next June and are very much looking forward to exploring the ship and all the ports.

[RIvacationgirl]

18 minutes ago, schmoopie17 said:

Which port in Puerto Plata?

I am not sure, it was Dominican Republic- and the stop was Taino Bay Puerta Plata. 

[schmoopie17]

10 minutes ago, RIvacationgirl said:

I am not sure, it was Dominican Republic- and the stop was Taino Bay Puerta Plata. 

There are two ports in Puerto Plata...Amber Cove and Taino Bay. We have the same itinerary in December and all it says is "Puerto Plata", with no mention of the port. I guess we shall see...

[andychris]

Glad you had a great time! Thank you for the review 
Do you know which show(s) were playing in the supper club?
Was the Elton John show still preforming in the main theater?
Thank you!

[RIvacationgirl]

1 hour ago, andychris said:

Glad you had a great time! Thank you for the review 
Do you know which show(s) were playing in the supper club?
Was the Elton John show still preforming in the main theater?
Thank you!

There was no Elton John show- but in the Supper Club there was a "Bamboozled" one night  and "A Night of Soul Hits" on another. The Main Theater had three offerings, A Choir of Men, The Magic Show and These Guys Worldwide- Let's Party.

[andychris]

Thank you

[CAKEisgood]

Thank you for the details. I especially appreciate the tip for the walking track. 

[debbyfelse1963]

Loved the Escape. We were on it last November transatlantic from Rome to NYC.  We splurged for a 2 bedroom Haven suite.  It was the 1st time and probably the last in the Haven, but what a treat.  Don't know how hard it will be to go to picture window on the Dawn African cruise next March but my moto is no matter what cabin it's better than none.