Escape New England-Canada Sept 10-17, 2023 updating Semi Live rev 3.0

[mking8288]

4 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I would love to know what kind of sorcery you use to make this happen! 

It's an open secret that I've shared, others ... and I think Dan @graphicguy was able to "replicate" my approach and as always, YMMV.  Suffice to say, together "we" 😉 😉 are going to try this out soon on other NCL ships, like the Prima and/or Epic (in about 2 weeks) - certainly others following this thread & sailing on the Escape in the coming weeks AND considering posting theirs semi or live trip report can give it a try.  What I stumbled upon was, in addition to knowing that surfing a # of sites while connected to ship's WiFi inTRAnet is that, it can be done ... while DW was using the unlimited basic plan, and I needed or wanted to post something on CC at sea.  Ship's WiFi connectivity isn't anywhere close to ideal or good, far from it, and, speaking to the iCafe manager in person about Starlink's rollout was not encouraging by any means. 

 

WTH are senior management at NCL HQ doing by dragging their feet ... puts everyone at a no win situation and isn't helping them with extra revenue opportunities.  Meanwhile, I read recently that China is launching their first home-built out of their Shanghai shipyard, a mega cruise ship that resembled somewhat like NCL's *Away/Plus class ships ... with immersive 5G satellite coverage.  Okay, ranting is over - back to answering the question. 

 

Simple, especially when sharing plans with others - best is signed into NCL's inTERnet properly, and then logged into CC's board/forum with username (ID is phasing out soon) and password, check on posts and/or threads that is graphics-based, as you can't see or view the photos while signed out of the paid/metered inTERnet.  Then, type on the browser the URL -  logoutnow dot com - to stop the clock or meter & sign out, but stay connected to the inTRAnet.  Go back into and resume reading & posting on CC, you can actually UPLOAD photos - it's slow at times (but, keep in mind that I personally find the UL speed to be better than DL speed, less outbound data traffic, as it is mostly slow)  Enjoy and "profit" from being allowed to use CC site free.  Furthermore, you can edit posts as permitted by CC (20 minutes or less after posting) as I try to properly format & insert spaces with photos uploaded, not always easy & sometimes, I'll skip that when on the "move" or go - if you look at the photos "heavy" posts - you'll often see that it's nearly always "edited" unless I simply didn't bother at all, i.e. while having lunch, breakfast or dinner onboard, etc. 

 

We somehow managed to do this with our allocated "free" 150 minutes x 2 and Mrs. used a bit playing her online games & social media posts within our closed loop family & friends circle ... otherwise, no way that this semi - nearly always "live" report can be filed with all the graphics content, given how "fast" EMC as the satellite ISP partner has been.  The Getaway last year and this January was pretty bad and speed being usual & typical.  Part of it, can be attributed to our (end users) hardware, gears & equipment ... like when others say, it's unusable and almost like dial-up or not even close to copper DSL speed - well, using iPhone 8 or old Samsung smartphone would definitely not help at all, I try to use the newer, if not newest that's compatible with 802.11.ac or WiFi 6 specs.  

 

In the past, earlier this year, we're able to change or upgrade our FAS internet plans and saved a day or two by doing it after midnight ... apparently, not onboard the Escape anymore.  Granted that this was a port intensive itinerary and we knew that we will have great 5G and 4G LTE coverage daily while docked and/or near the shorelines with cellular towers in range - paying that extras to upgrade to unlimited, using NR-OBC wasn't important or priority, just for our convenience.  No way that we'll skip the trade-up on a longer cruise with multiple sea days, i.e. TA crossing.  

 

Also, make a strategic & calculated decisions, based on my best guestimate that the sailing would likely be modified, skipping & cancelling ports, but that I would risk not being able to post "live" most of the time.  Worst case scenario, "buy" extra airtime minutes - darn it, so freaking pricey or expensive for 100 and 250 minutes, and, of course, they didn't offer any last minute disembarkation specials this time for 30 or 60 / 75 minutes, as by Thursday night - we're docked off the VZ bridge and nearly everyone was able to step outside on their balcony or open decks, near the windows to use 5G and 4G cellular services ... at superior & much faster data speed.

 

DW used about only about 500 MB or 1/2 GB worth of data during the past 7 days, I used about 1.5 GB worth of cellular data and the secondary T-Mobile data line used almost 4GB worth of data as we're using the Pixel 4a 5G as MiFi hotspot, allowing multiple devices to tethering at no extra cost.  Google Fi's unlimited line provides up to 35 GB worth of global high-speed data free before throttling - except & excluding satellite connections at sea, 200 countries covered otherwise.  It's more expensive than using T-Mo's 55Plus line for 2 of us, since the $10 a day mobile data pass as add-on when traveling can add up quickly, and, when our home Fios line was damaged by squirrels in the co-op's basement, Fi was our "lifeline" for days until pest control from co-op management resolved the problem & VZ finally agreed to add extra hardened cable shielding for the inside pathways below our flooring.  

Edited September 18, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

3 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

I guess we will both be experimenting in November to see if it's an Escape or fleetwide thing...though we are still waffling on Free at Sea Plus, so that may put us out of an upgrade pickle. Thanks for sharing this update - very much appreciated!

Having been in Barcelona earlier this Spring plus the other ports, just make sure your cellular plan has coverage or activate them as needed, cities in Portugal, Spain and Ponta Delgada, along with Bermuda all have excellent data networks & great speed ... there were supposed to be a couple of zones with "known" interference (but, while at sea 😳🙄😉 ???) during the crossing after/before reaching EU's coastlines where satellite WiFi connectivity is said to be bad to none, often dropping out ... likely a matter of not having good overhead coverage ... and weather was perfect with calm seas for us.  But, I can't see us not upgrading either - do that after midnight on Day 2 or maybe Day 3 and see what happen, apparently - Starlink isn't happening anytime soon on that ship either 😤 😤 per the iCafe manager on Saturday, FWIW. 

[cruiseny4life]

Thank you much! I have attempted to use the free CC site through NCL's app. I'll definitely try the work around to go to CC before logging out of the internet. Even if I do get the unlimited plan, I'm still going to try this. I just want to see if it'll work as NCL's internet has stymied me on every cruise from being able to reliably access Cruise Critic using the free NCL app path. So, I'm very interested! 

 

As for upgrading, I think we made a decision about an hour ago that we will be upgrading to FAS+. Still too soon to say as my husband may change his mind/I may change my mind, but we have a voicemail in to the PCC my husband talks to. We met her a few weeks ago in Manhattan. Such a nice lady! Shared a meal with her and were able to talk about non-NCL things. Suffice to say, we do enjoy working with our PCC.

 

We are activating our cell service's international plan for our Barcelona trip. $10 a day isn't bad at all to have access to unlimited data, texting, and calls! It'll definitely help us explore Barcelona as I believe we're just going to wander a lot. Looked into tours, but we're not really into tours. You may see us taking one or two on this cruise though! 🙂 

 

Enjoy your shore leave for the next 60'ish days! 

[mking8288]

 

 

A little more details for those interested ... Escape's disembarkation, as we're "bouncing" a bit in Carmel's Toyota Siena minivan heading home yesterday morning - broke a record for non-express walk-off, curbside outside our co-op townhouse at 9:15 am & into our unit at 9:17 (checked against security video cams to reconstruct the timeline.)  It was the smoothest & between the terminal's contracted workers & NCL crew, clockwork precision and ahead of schedule - 

 

Rise-n-shine at 6:00 and get ready, final packing, check & clear the mini-safe, cabinets & drawers, etc. and headed to Taste for breakfast @ 7:05 (starboard side - at one of our favorite tables for 6 next to the picture windows, look out & down watching the pier activities, forklifts busy lifting luggage carts from the ship and moving them inside into pier's lower level.   Smoked salmon w. toasted bagel & cream cheese at 7:15, everyone done eating - listening to updated announcements from Jack, CD about disembarkation status - still seated & watching, breakfast done by 7:50, light luggage in tow - a quick restroom stop first.   By 7:55 - Yellow (Diamonds, Sapphire, Platinum & Gold and Priority Access) and Brown (NCL airport transfers) were called together, proceed to Deck 7 Fwd & Aft gangways to disembark.  Our SIL/BIL needing & using WC assistance for embarkation, their instruction is to report to Deck 7 AFT's Skyline Bar (next to/opposite the casino and meet, wait for their turn - scheduled to begin after 8:15, FCFS basis.  

 

Insider's tips: use the AFT gangway as it has the shorter walk into the terminal building and line move a lot quicker.   

 

Elevator weren't jammed full, yet, took it up one level to Deck 7 and immediately directed to go thru the Manhattan MDR - security podium stationed there for screening.  By 8:05 - 4 of us were outside on Deck 7 and turned for the gangway.  8:17 - porter has all of our luggage in his moving cart and heading thru the CBP checkpoint, waiting for us on the other side and with facial recognition, easy "green light" and we are heading out to 12th Avenue (bathrooms to the left along this passage way)  8:22 - Carmel app ordered a mini-van pickup at Pier 88 @ 08:35  By 8:30 - seeing that lower level pickup isn't a good idea, contacted Carmel's assigned driver to change pickup location across 12th Avenue by W. 49th and W. 50th Street.  

With 3 ships docked at MCT - traffic jam has been worsening all morning - saw no taxis or car services permitted to come into lower level to do drop-off and new pick-up ... there must be easily 20 buses or full-size coaches taking up nearly all the designated bus parking spaces.  With a bit of struggle, we managed to walk our luggage across to the pickup spot to wait.  By 08:50 - we're zipping north on the Henry Hudson Pkway to I-95 for Queens.   09:15 - car servcie pulled up to the townhouse complex ... we are home; with a total time of about 90 minutes.  

(Footnote: these were photos of Pier 88, upper & lower level as taken previously) 

 

Carmel's base fare was $84 plus toll and 20% tips - rounded up to $115 per the minivan ... and that's with a $2.75 congestion fee added.  Fare to LGA Airport would be less, about $20 to $25 lower in a sedan, shorter distance traveled as we are about 4.5 miles further east.  While waiting for the pickup - check prices for both Uber & Lyft, just about or practically the same.  Going to or coming from JFK (with a fixed, flat rate for yellow taxi, it's now about $80 with the fees/surcharges PLUS toll & possible congestion fees.  Budget travelers that pack light - airport trains, bus/subway transfers and LIRR to midtown Penn Station is an option ... but, be prepared to walk with luggage in tow.

 

Our SIL/BIL joined others using WC assistance in the Skyline lounge, and NCL started getting the Special Group off ... they were able to get a yellow taxi and got home about 10:30 - an hour later than us, but uneventful and according to plans.  

 

 

[mking8288]

7 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Just made it through the rest ... was MIA from Thursday through today. Your positive attitude was certainly refreshing! You really can't beat the views you had from your floating hotel. I'm sure many would pay a lot of money to be where you were for just one evening. As always, love the details, photos, and stories! Thanks for bringing us along.

Here's a bonus one for you, @Red-Sol and everyone else ... Now that we all know that @PistolPete13 is safe, sound & busy working, accounted for & located ... it's short video clip that, despite his top notch pro gears, can't "obtain" unless he (and others) were docked at anchor last Thursday night.  DW taking her afternoon nap so I'm going thru her Galaxy S22+ for interesting photos & videos (didn't take any on mine) that we can post & share ... supplemental dining & photos coming, perhaps with a bit of extra commentary - different camera lens with different exposure under identical light conditions, sometimes, yield results that appeared not one as being the same.  

 

Views from the ship, with Manhattan's skylines for 3 nights and days - simply priceless, as mostly - we see it briefly during the sailaway, often too windy or cold, too hot & sometimes under adverse weather conditions ... made it challenging to get good pictures & videos.  Nighttimes, even more difficult - 2 still images taken on the S22 Plus, which isn't as sharp as I expected them to be (the one looking east toward the VZ Bridge was a little sharper ... Beltway with traffic & headlights as the backdrop. 

 

 

Views of Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge in the distance - the tall (rather not call it "iconic") high-rise bulding toward the middle-right of that picture is known as "One Manhattan Square" on Pike St. & Cherry St. with the back side on South St, next to the FRD Drive.  Quick history on OMS - known to generations in the Two Bridges-Lower East Side-outer Chinatown area as the former Pathmark supermarket site ... torn down to construct a 72 stories tall residential tower with 811 units, nice design & unique in that neighborhood, surrounded mainly by city-owned/managed public housing projects and a # of co-op apartment buildings to the north.  

 

 

No, it is not a tourist attraction nor for visitors to check out, although Katz, the famous deli on Houston Street isn't that far away and served by the same underground subway line, the "F" stop at East Broadway, which was predominately an area dominated by Jewish immigrants.   These "almost" reaching-up-to-sky slim & ultra-tall high-rise residential condo buildings are found everywhere in NY these days, including downtown Brooklyn (DUMBO) and Williamsburg, as well as midtown with views of Central Park.  As a matter of fact, skyline of New Jersey, looking across the Hudson River including Jersey City has changed quite a bit, a lot, in the last 10 years including the waterfront development, and taller towers being built ... 

[mking8288]

NCL is pretty quick this time with the post-cruise online survey, both of us always seem to get them, haven't check with our friends and BIL/SIL to see if they received them. 

 

Before I get to that survey & respond ... probably a good idea to reflect on this cruise & how things went in general, what worked for NCL and/or us, and some of the other minor issues that didn't quite get the passing grade, not exactly failure as we are easy-going and will take the workaround.  

 

Embarkation was smooth & quick, the best out of the last 5 cruises (2022 and 2023) out of MCT-Pier 88 in New York, IT issues didn't exist & facial recognition worked, water & flavored juice/water provided inside the pier, along with light snack (small pieces of pound cake, for everyone) ... as I don't "count" the extras available only in the Haven waiting lounge.  We're onboard just a little after 11 AM and the MDR - both Taste & Savor were open by 11:45 (earlier than scheduled - for 12 noon) ... staterooms were gradually opening up by 2:30 PM - still slower than the "old" days.  

 

We had no issues with our housekeeping and our room steward did an excellent job, going above & beyond - got us the coffee/hot water maker & set-up, kept it stocked daily & clean it.  Extra facial tissues & clean towels, and emptied our mini-refrigerator.  Standard white robes or disposable slippers never fit my big foot or body size, didn't bother asking for them (balcony & up, although one in an oceanview or inside can ask nicely for them, usually obliged)   Didn't need the ice bucket filled & topped off daily, so that's one less item.  There're subtle signs of the ship's interior, non-critical areas being worn & in need of maintenance (clear/rubber/plastic seals for the shower/bathtubs and wall panels, shower head/joints leaking, etc.) coming off & loose.  

 

Being Sapphire entitled us to 2 "cartons" of Flow water p/p x 2 or 4 cartons should be placed in the room, only received 2 cartons - asked our steward about that on Day 3 ... said he was just following the worksheet orders given by Guest Services ... could've spoke to them & asked for the 2 missing cartons, didn't bother as we had options.  We had 2 small bottles of Fuji water with us, went thru security & wasn't flagged in the luggage - used it as refillable after washing & rinsing them, transfer & fill with a clean cup.  Returning from Newport, Portland & Saint John, ship security also didn't pull the packable backpack to inspect or "seize" the refilled water bottles, just letting it go (AND, we did not have any beverage packages.)  

 

The strawberry chocolates were received, just 4 pieces - I thought it used to be 6 pieces until now ... and it's "smaller" and once upon a time, 8 of them.  Otherwise, CAS friend said he didn't get anything else in addition - previously, CAS would have another symbolic plate of "sweets" as compliments of the casino host/manager - not this time.  Subtle signs of cutback ... portion sizes are smaller, apparently not noticeable by infrequent cruisers, i.e. yogurt cups are now about 2/3 full at best, used to be 3/4 full or filled, ditto for the yogurt parfait - not a big deal, just about right in size for my smaller appetite these days.  

 

 

[mking8288]

Now is a quick personal, subjective & biased review of our Cagney's steakhouse dinner on the Escape - YMMV - but it does reflect the concensus of 6 seasoned NCL pax, Platinum & Sapphire tiers:

 

 

 

In short, the dinner passed the test - apparently, they possibly knew I was one of those that made fun of the onion rings & side dishes, got a bigger scoop of mash potatoes and assorted, crispy onion rings of 6 to 7 in varying sizes. 

 

 

 

The (jumbo) (black Tiger) shrimp was fine, appeared downsized slightly with 3 pieces with MSRP of $18 or $19, a bit on the pricey end but who pays full retail, right - give them a "pass" here #cough #cough ... cost control & budget watching, I know.  Oysters - BIL ordered them, looks good & he was happy with it.  

 

 

 

Dining under candlelights with dim overheads, everything appeared fine but on closer look at the photos with the S22 Plus. Almost everything seemed to be "burnt" or over-cooked, our filet mignon was supposed to be medium or medium well, none appeared medium rare.  The lamp chops most definitely well done.  No issues with the salmon that DW ordered. 

 

 

 

Dessert looked a bit smaller too, especially that apple pie w ice cream and the OMG cheesecake, didn't order the "huge" chocolate cake. 

 

Just a thought here, ice cream tend to melt fast or quickly, a larger scoop isn't going to "hurt" the corporate bottomline much, a bigger or generous serving can bring a better smile to most.  

 

 

Service was excellent and we didn't get a lecture about what's covered, not included with the voucher and dining package, as I informed our server at the onset, whatever not - just put them on my/our onboard account - whew !   The itemized bill total for each of our cabin that we signed for, zeroed out as everything was covered with no surprises - average to about $210.  As usual, our protocol is to tip the server team directly, in cash.  How & what s/he does & distribute it among themselves, including environmental below deck - isn't ours to sort out, but keeps management out of their hands, hopefully.  

 

P.S.  Asked discretely, and watched all around us, diners aren't allow to take out anything, including those once jumbo dessert that can't be finished at one seating - policy is continuing, that wrapping them to go is a "no no" matter.  However, speak to your Haven butler and ... 

Edited September 18, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

By unanimous vote - O'Sheehan's "English Breakfast" is the "winner" among breakfast choices, not in calories and not by size for sure, rather for its "distinctive" presentation, using a slim plate that's more appropriately and better used for the typical sushi and sashimi on board and at traditional fine Japanese restaurants everywhere ...perhaps, they needed to find a use for these - maybe, for Tapas and/or Food Republic for the classic California roll and spring rolls, etc. 

 

Once once a time, this was known and/or refer to as the power breakfast, loaded with everything and truly huge, with very generous servings - Grand Slam or something along that line (too lazy to find the old pictures or look it up, sorry) 

 

 

The problem I have with this - being that, as you started to try to eat, things begin to fall apart and over the plate, onto the wooden table itself ... make for a messy clean-up afterward, "me think"  - why not use a bigger, dinner or meal-sized round plate for it (I am sure there is plenty of them around, and the tables are a good size for everything to fit)  I dunno, can't figure out the logics behind it - and, they can still do portion control and measure it to keep the calories down.  The grilled tomato is as "big" as that scoop of scrambled eggs ... beans were drowning in lots of liquid.  P.S.  If you normally order toasts, specific 1 or 2, 3 if you are a big eater ... they are small and you get one (1) slice per order unless otherwise, asked for 2 😄

 

See, I bring a good dose of humor with these reviews and commentaries, subjective & biased, for the fun of re-living a short cruise week, 3 nights floating inside NYC and 45 minutes (to us) from home.  

 

Otherwise, order whatever is on the MDR breakfast menu, they are all good - a happy old man here, pleased with the smoked salmon w toated bagel, and they actually seemed to put more smoked salmon with each order as served - shocked, exceeded expectations.  Just don't think the crispy hash brown (round) potatoes are coming back, not anytime soon from what I heard (it's a rumor, not confirmed by NCL corporate)

 

 

 

 

[Red-Sol]

2 hours ago, mking8288 said:

Here's a bonus one for you, @Red-Sol and everyone else ... Now that we all know that @PistolPete13 is safe, sound & busy working, accounted for & located ... it's short video clip that, despite his top notch pro gears, can't "obtain" unless he (and others) were docked at anchor last Thursday night.  DW taking her afternoon nap so I'm going thru her Galaxy S22+ for interesting photos & videos (didn't take any on mine) that we can post & share ... supplemental dining & photos coming, perhaps with a bit of extra commentary - different camera lens with different exposure under identical light conditions, sometimes, yield results that appeared not one as being the same.  

 

 

Watched this clip several times Henry...the lighting is perfect but somehow it almost feels like Alfred Hitchcok and "The Birds" 🙂

Edited September 18, 2023 by Red-Sol

[cruiseny4life]

You're keeping us going with content. Thank you! I have so many comments, but will keep them to myself, lest I wind up floating below the birds in your video. 

[mking8288]

On 9/10/2023 at 3:19 PM, aviators99 said:

Please show the activities sheet when you can! Thanks! 

I am not sure if @Steelers0854 as well as others, have time and plan to add more to the post, his contributions as a co-partner in this "Semi-Live" thread added plenty of richness & variety, including sightseeing as we simply didn't plan do much ashore from the get-go with her access issues. 

 

I believe all but 1 or 2 days of FSD had been posted as sample, Days 4-5-6-7 were all modified due to the "Lee" and will likely be different for "ordinary" sailings with this itinerary.  If looking for the extra inserts or specifics, I kept them and will upload them on request only, to avoid cluttering up - also to let others on this week's NE-Canada sailing to post & write things up. 

 

Off-topic on "Access" - our BIL also does use a walking cane at times, both being past their mid-70's, did quite well and SIL managed to tender ashore using ship's lifeboat, her challenge has to do with lifting her leg and stepping up & down, post recovery with upper thigh's compound fracture last June with pins/screws & titanium ? plated braces.  They plan on cruising again in 2024 as her confidence is back and she will be very comfortable next time, last week with a bit of anxiety about WC services at Pier 88, to embark - and, go ashore if they feel right or stay onboard & enjoy a less crowded ship. 

 

On 9/10/2023 at 8:56 PM, Ellis1138 said:

Nobody seems to be in a Studio cabin in this thread, so far, but if anyone happens to be and sees this... which muster station do Studio cabins go to? 

 

This is a bit late as you are onboard this week - quick check of ship's webcam - a beautiful, sunny day docked in Portland, Maine this morning and wish you & all onboard a wonderful port day.  I think those in Studio cabins are likely using Deck 7 Fwd, probably somewhere near O'Sheehan's as the designated Muster or Assembly Station. 

 

Ours being on Deck 5 - Mid - at Station C at Deck 6 Fwd near the Atrium, starboard side with the cabins situated on the same side, one deck below.  Supper Club on Deck 6 also used for these purposes - also noticed a wall-mounted A.E.D. in a break-glass-open-use cabinet (every minute/seconds count with cardiac arrest.)  Cabins on higher & forward deck location use the Main Theater - we always check that info upon getting into the cabin, as well as the "emergency" escape routes just in case ... unlikely.  

 

[www3traveler]

I have sailed on The Getaway a number off times in a Studio-- the Muster Drill Station has always been in the theater.  Would assume The Escape would be the same.

[mking8288]

3 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

You're keeping us going with content. Thank you! I have so many comments, but ... lest I wind up floating below the birds in your video. 

Okie dokie ... would it help if I post 1 or 2 more "bonus" videos to get your comments now, or shall we wait another 2 months, LOL until 😉 😁 😎  DW took the video and I just "claimed" it to share on CC, gotta give credits when it's due, or else.  For a moment, it looked like bats - they're riding the wind, touch down on the water briefly (as if they are fishing for a meal) and then rise & resume flying again. 

 

Next (final ??) batch is just "extra" menus from the surcharged Room Service, including Breakfast items, as well as ship's party trays ... in case you wish to host a private, post M&G (just kidding, the butler often "arrange" for these free, at no additional charge - well, that was years ago on the GEM in a DOS on Deck 15, with private hot tub & terrace, etc.)   Mega ships, they much rather only paid guests get admitted up there & not escorted visitors, even if it is a brief one with a small group.  Post-C19, cabin crawls mostly not happening and I often suggest that those interested in seeing specific cabin type to arrange it "privately" by appointment ... no more organizing group of 20 to 30 "roaming" all over - just not smart or wise with basically "strangers" going thru one's cabin or suite.  

 

Since you are going to be "upstairs" - Haven "coverage" is yours in November - took another peek at the upgrade prices ... just crazy, even from balcony to club "suite, and much more than a spa balcony, which some will definitely bid for with all the sea days to enjoy.  We don't see gaining much by going higher to the club balcony - will get at least 2 loads of free laundry since it's more than 7 days, probably 4 loads (2 for each of us - will "ask" nicely at CruiseNext then) but otherwise, don't mind paying that "extra" $29 for a 3rd load using NR-OBC.  Hola, I'm sure that we can use a 3rd (first batch) load once we get onboard with our pre-cruise stay in town first.  Roll call is still a bit quiet, the repo segment (B2B) is busier.  

[mking8288]

Room Service Menus - as of Sept 2023 (don't believe anything changed since beginning of 2023) with a service or delivery charge plus 20%.  Breakfast has 3 hot entrees added, no longer free but a "nominal" $4.95 charge + 20%.  

 

 

Not sure if the Avocado Toast and Breakfast Smoothies are still offered & available, call Room Service and ask as it is no longer listed on the "Door Hanger" for ordering - others have reported that they can write in.  We didn't order Room Services last week - otherwise, I would've tried to order smoked salmon bagel & see what happened and whether they will deliver it 😁 😄 😊

 

 

 

Some of the items here are "exclusive" comfort food, not available in the MDR and/or O'Sheehan's

 

 

 

 

Party trays - 

 

[mking8288]

Getting a 2nd. reminder on completing NCL's post-cruise e-Surveys this morning - 

 

 

Casino onboard the Escape - per our CAS best friends onboard, the slot bandits were okay as he apparently collected on his initial donations and came home with a small win, not just break even ... good for him/them.  There're apparently lots of active CAS players onboard last week ... discounted and subsidized pax that help filled the ship with a total of 4,850 pax (out of a lifeboat max. of just over 5,200+) and there're NOT that many school-age children & teens onboard ... the # of pre-schoolers were small, at least we didn't see any running around on Deck 5.   Apparently, NCL's land partners have been giving away discount certificates to players and helping to fill the ship(s) from the Northeast.  November's Viva TA is on the list ( OMG seriously ) - 11 days Lisbon to Miami, Insides and up ... Ooh La La, Mama Mia or just Wow !  that's a deal vs. those NY - Florida & Nassau 7 days run (which isn't being offered lately on a weekly basis anymore ... folks got tired of them)

 

The other change in the casino - which apparently is still smokey but not as bad as one might expect, perhaps the HVAC & exhaust air enhancement put in place during the pandemic are helping - is that, they no longer issue a separate CAS player's club card, just the drink card for qualified players.  Play with the guest's Guest Key Card(s) by tapping it (that's different & new) - embedded chip/NFC enabled - will activate the player's account, at the beginning of the player's gaming session, and, then (remember to) tap or touch again to "exit" or sign out.  The exposure risk here is that, if that steps is forgotten, someone else walking by can possibly sit down & continue/resume playing with any funds still "active" on the slot bandit, unless the system detected the change & signed out the player that was there early.  We saw a # of puzzled and confused players with the slot attendants, try to sort out, explain and figure out what & whose money or credits are being used and accured.  Fun stuff ... casino hosts were making periodic announcements and reminders about it over the gaming area's PA system ... not sure if everyone heard it and/or pay attention to it.  

 

Late night, there used to be a "snack" area semi-hidden near the table games, for players to get wings, mini sandwiches, cookies or other similar edibles on a small plate ... like the Epic, gone with the wind / changed - now, offering crackers & buffet cookies only ...  he said, isn't that "petty" 🙄 😳 😤 

[mking8288]

Please to report, we are 95% safe from catching those nasty & invisible airborne bugs with our post-cruise rapid test results negative this morning, out & about - a power brunch at our local diner, huge portions as always ... loaded. About $15 p/p including coffee + tax & tips, plus free parking at the mini-mall.

 

 

 

 

No, this is not the VZ Bridge that connects Brooklyn and Staten Island ....

 

 

Across the Bay, the upper East River not far from us is Fort Schuyler ... That's not our next cruise ship waiting, it is the "Empire State" is docked at at the pier, SUNY Maritime College.  NYC's waterway ferry can get one close to this area nowadays. Fort Schuyler is an active USNO & reserve command, plus navy museum - open to public visitors. 

 

 

Interesting ship - 4 lifeboats (that's 8 in total) plus a small & fast speedboat ahead of those lifeboats ... is this (was ??) the floating prison ship owned by NYC, I dunno - quick search on marinetraffic not coming up with anything & it is docked near a military base's cruise pier on the river, interesting stuff happening (perhaps ??) 

 

 

On Queens side is Fort Totten, USAR and support/reserve base, Little Bay Park is open to all & where we sometimes do our outdoor walks. NYPD and NYFD training & specialized bases on the peninsula ... during the early COVID months, hundreds of ambulance & reserve medics use the area & base housing as home & staging, as it's close to the "ground zero" at nearby Elmhurst, Queens for C19.  

 

 

 

 

These are some of the hidden gems within NYC's outer boroughs (counties) with 2 million residents ... most visitors & cruise ship passengers won

Edited September 20, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Day 2's Newport, RI Stop - accessible tendering (yes, it can be done ... with care)  Refer to the letter from NCL's Access Desk about terms, conditions, requirements, limitations, etc. etc. - use with caution.  In some instances, one is better off staying onboard the ship to enjoy & relax, which was our SIL's plan ... but she decided to give it a try.  We picked up priority tender tickets (Sapphire & Platinum) for 12 noon, which wasn't as crowded and avoided the arrival rush with others having shorex & wishing to be ashore ASAP.  

 

Waited in the Supper Club for crew escort, lead thru the corridors and down below pax deck (Deck 4) thru normally crews-only area, along "I-95" from Fwd to Aft - then, exit to the Aft tender area to board the next lifeboat waiting ... we're the last to board that full boat & were on the way shortly.  Thanks, NCL.  

 

Tender operations on the waterfront at America's Cup Avenue, near the Marriott Hotel and Hi-Speed Ferry Pier - multiple lifeboats from the Norwegian Escape being runned, tendering pax ashore and returning to the ship.  Photo ID's are checked against Ship's Guest Key Cards by marina security personnel ... passports not needed.  

 

Our SIL was able to use the tender, assisted by ship crew as she needed to step down into the lifeboat and up the stairs again for the pier's landings ... luckily, sea was calm, not windy and hardly any waves at all.  We saw a # of baby strollers being taken ashore by parents and returning afterward.  

 

 

The mini mall is just across the street on the Avenue from the cruise pier with the tender operations. 

 

 

Further up, the next block is Newport's "main street" for shopping - Thames Street.  Very easy to get around and do things on your own, if you rather do any guided tours or seen your share of the rich & famous' mansions & castles, etc.   Approximately a good 10 minutes drive away, maybe 15 ... is our favorite place to stop by to get our seafood, including their popular & fresh lobster rolls ... not as good as Boston or Portland.  Bar Harbor gets our thumbs up for the best lobster rolls, however.  

 

P.S.  Do not forget to pack, bring along and use suntan protection - and/or wear a hat & proper clothing - UV and sun can be harmful 😎

Edited September 20, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Escape cruisers on this week's N.E. Canada sailing - nothing ???   Was hoping to see a post or two on their own, how was Bar Harbor, Maine earlier today ... we surely missed this tender port and the chance to walk uphill to Restaurant 66 for their excellent food, especially their freshly made lobster rolls - we considered it among the best we've had over the years.   These photos were from our 2019 Norwegian Dawn cruise when the ship called there - 

 

 

For those that are heading north to Bar Harbor next week or later this season - it is worth that tendering trip to go ashore, IMHO.  <<  prices are certainly higher nowadays, like everywhere else ... but, and they are open once again  >> 

 

Two (2) extra Portland, ME photos that I selected from DW's Galaxy S22+ showing the cruise terminal area out front.  NCL's shorex buses are parked out here, easy to reach & find, not a long walk from the ship for anyone worried about mobility issues, SIL made it - slowly - with her walking cane from the ship.  

 

Opposite the terminal, in front or the other side is the narrow gauge train station stop, a short 100 yards walk to the right, can't miss it.  Book it online as they sold out quick, no need to print as e-Tix on the smartphone or iPhone will suffice.  It's one of the best & inexpensive, independent shorex (no refund, exchange or cancellations - $15 p/p for seniors, including handling fees only !!! - in that area.  Do this 45 minutes scenic tour early enough, leave you plenty of time to walk south (opposite direction) into "town" to explore the shops, find a restaurant for lunch or snap photos - Starbucks is along that stretch (with their free, unsecured WiFi - for anyone without a data plan traveling these days). 

 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

The longest day of our modified cruise last week - Wednesday, September 13th - Saint John, Bay of Fundy, NB  ... informed by the captain's decision, based on weather, the evening before as we sailed from Portland, Maine that we would be skipping Bar Harbor the next day as originally scheduled,  Head north to Saint John with an extended stay until 9:30 PM local (ADT) time.  Tours by NCL for the 2 skipped ports, including Halifax were automatically cancelled and being refunded - for those that knew our M.O. when cruising, we often just "wing" it on arrival or otherwise will only book tours that we can cancel or get refunded (within "reasons" of course)   With nothing originally planned, we didn't have to scramble to try to reach out to independent tours after 6 PM in the evening ... we knew others had to, yike 😳 😟 😬   It is what it is - mother nature

 

Several extra photos in front of & near the cruise terminal at Saint John, NB where we docked -

location, location and location ... and with 3 cruise ships docked there (originally, Escape wasn't scheduled until the following morning - 2:30 AM to 2:15 PM) 

 

 

 

 

 

These video clips are short and unforgetable for those of us on the ship that evening - the ship's horn going off at regular intervals as we turned around in the basin and headed out toward the Bay of Maine, out of the storm's way.  

 

Past all abroad time, we heard (I am not 100% sure, names of 2 passengers being called over ship's PA to contact guest services) and our departure was delayed slightly ... pier or dock workers were waiting, the gangway's lights had already been switched off and DW said the uniformed immigration/border officers apparently were leaving as well.  Never knew for sure if they made it back just in time or if we left them behind in that foggy weather.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mking8288]

Last but not least, perhaps, aside from maybe a few summary thoughts ... I think most of the bases in our sights are well covered by now - feel free to ask other questions.  About 2 months remaining for the next one but the "Gang of Four" are going to be on the road pre-cruise, time to turning and look ahead.   

 

These are mainly for the tech geeks and gadget loving CC'er looking for ideas & tips, others - feel free to skip it, for your convenience of course.  (Snoopy - optional, has been traveling with me for decades ... feel free to bring your own favorite "pet" along) 

 

 

With the newer ships and availability of bedside USB ports, it is going to be nice to carry fewer extension cords - this is what I plan to pack for the next cruise (sharing use w DW, of course) and should power all the electronic gears coming with us.  GE's Triple Outlet 3-prong Cube Tap and a EU 2 prong round 220 volts to 110 volts outlet adapter (not a power converter) that is on (almost) all NCL ships these days, old & new alike, and, commonly founded in EU hotels ... these can be found on Amazon and eBay, inexpensive and compact. 

 

The third item, is a EU 2 prong 220v to 110 v adapter with an On/Off switch, that fits perfectly in the ship's cabin - found it and sold at Ponta Delgada in the Azores during our recent TA, cost about 3 Euro only at one of the waterfront gift shop frequently shopped by ship crews on leave, apparently very popular.  Used it last week on the Escape, fit perfectly into the outlet, tightly and not loose - it's probably available on eBay out there but thus far, not seeing this on Amazon's USA marketplace for sale.  Will have to find them & get a few extras, for ourselves and will be a nice "gift" for our F&F circles that do cruises.  

 

 

These are the items that I'm going to pack for the next cruise, including the iPad Mini 5 (just updated to iPadOS 17) plus the Lenovo Chromebook (just read that Google is going support newer CB for up to 10 years - nice, if they last that long, batter-wise as they aren't designed to be replaced, even by the pro's.)  2 tiny / small Anker USB-C chargers and the regular Apple USB-C charger that's good for CB charging, plus a dual USB hi-output charger, a 10' and a 6' USB 3.0 extension cable - and the usual 1 m or 3 ft. USB-C and USB-A cables (tested for fast charging) along with certified Lightning cables (3' and 6' length).  A flat 6' HDMI shield cable to pair with the USB-C to HDMI 4K cable adapter (Samsung Galaxy friendly).  Anker 8-ports USB dongle-charger, 2 pairs of wired earbuds plus a pair of NC bluetooth earbuds.  Couple of assorted adapters, not shown, several mSD memory cards plus a Linux-based self-booting USB memory stick that'll run off most PC, RedHat OS. 

 

Just added another 10,000 mAH USB battery pack to the other 10,000 mAH USB battery pack - extra reserve & standalone power source for extended use, without the need to look for an outlet to recharge or for a quick boost. On sale for $10 at Amazon with a promo code but using points on one of the credit cards, free & delivered on disembarkation Sunday, just in time,   Plus, a Coleman multi-tool.  

 

All these fit into 2 Eagle Creek Pack-It-pouch "system" (small size) except for the iPad Mini; and, will board our flight & stuff them into my travel vest, together - unde 8 or 7 lbs.   How "cool" is that 😊 

 

On a side note - her 24" spinner weighted in at 36 lbs, mine with the 23" Kirkland (by Costco) expandable rollerboard (lifetime warranty - a heavy "beast" by itself at 12 lbs - also weighted at 36 lbs. and the eBags Motherlode 19" Junior convertible, expandable carry-on at 25.5 lbs that included all the electronics & gadgets, etc. shown here ... not bad.  Her carry-on 21" rollerboard by eBags at 20 lbs.  No chance that the airline's "gate" police will catch us exceeding the generous allowance for our upcoming flights ... especially not when we can check 2 luggage each, up to 50 lbs or 23 kg per piece plus a carry-on & small personal bag.  

 

[graphicguy]

Henry…as you pointed out, internet speeds range from dismal to non-existent….regardless of the “plan” you are using on board.

 

The trick if posting a live review, with pics, is to do the “dance” as you mentioned.  Post late at night, combined with using port internet access while docked.  Being on your balcony seems to help, but even that’s inconsistent.

 

Interestingly, when logging off NCL internet to access port internet, while still on board, seems to have some sort of “block”.  Most times I can access NCL internet while in port and on board, but not the internet access of the port, itself….almost like NCL is somehow blocking it.

 

Plus, there’s some sort of incompatibility between NCL’s internet access and Cruise Critic’s WEB Forums.  Not sure what it is.  In fairness, I find this with Royal internet and Cruise Critic access, too.  You would think that cruise lines would want easy and quick access to Cruise Critic and vice versa.  There’s some sort of bottleneck, though.

 

I don’t know that Starlink is the answer until the onboard bottlenecks are rectified first.  I believe it’s access infrastructure as the culprit, not internet speed from a satellite.

 

That said, I’m not an internet engineer.  I just play one on Cruise Critic!  LOL!

[mking8288]

On 9/21/2023 at 9:23 AM, graphicguy said:

... internet speeds range from dismal to non-existent….regardless of the “plan” you are using  ...  The trick if posting a live review, with pics, is to do the “dance” as you mentioned.  Post late at night, combined with using port internet access while docked ... on your balcony seems to help, but ... inconsistent.  < satellite internet's speed & usability are all over the charts, see those crazy benchmark #'s below  - 0.66 download and 0.66 upload , worst than analog DSL 15 to 20 years ago, our old house was more than a mile from the relays CO of our ISP, until they finally got us on Fios, which dragged for another 12+ months from the street corner overhead poles.  >

 

logging off NCL internet to access port internet ... seems to have some sort of “block” ... can access NCL internet while in port and on board, but not the internet access of the port, itself….almost like NCL is somehow blocking ... incompatibility between NCL’s internet access and Cruise Critic’s WEB Forums ... I find this with Royal internet and Cruise Critic access .... some sort of bottleneck, though.  < true, doing it while connected to ship's inTRAnet, it'll freeze & sometimes, give it 30 seconds, maybe more and the entire "webpage" will finish loading, minus the pix - which you can only see or review if you log back in, then quickly sign out to stop the ... and that slow sequence of careful steps will "cost" another 3 to 4 minutes at best, if you are quick & know exactly what you are doing, etc.">

 

Starlink (cannot be) the answer until the onboard bottlenecks are rectified ... access infrastructure as the culprit, not internet speed from a satellite ... not an internet engineer ... just play one on Cruise Critic!   < neither am I - but, probably like you ... been playing with external analog Hayes modem since the early 1980's when bulletin boards ran on 9600 bps > 

This sub-topic discussion is getting some of our CC mates and friends "lost" but the handful of tech geeks will appreciate the chat, and find a way.  @Jimsopus - currently on MSC at Dockyard in Bermuda shared one of the tips, to tweak & play with his VPN setting, and viola - upload success & reasonably quick.  That's the nice thing about paying for (extra or otherwise) unlimited access during the cruise ... not having to worry about signing out or out of those "free" minutes - the PAYG prices are outrageous. 

 

My motto for it, for emergencies, communication access is priceless - whether it's texting or SMS/messaging or able to access real-time info/news at sea ... even if and when we put ours in "away or vacation mode" with auto-replies.  One time, the niece SMS'ed us about the death of someone dearest to us while at sea, and that was like day 2 or 3 of our 14 nights on the Escape in 2019, not much we could do but, messages gone back-n-forth instead of being delayed for another 3 days (skipped a port stop) and she "represented" us and helped do whatever, as we couldn't be there. 

 

Now, 4 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up is more typical for many folks on a NCL cruise when the server's load isn't stretched or high on a sea day, with nowhere else to go for all onboard - usable for Skype & Zoom voice & video is possible, no assured ... Facetime & WhatsApp - not going to be consistent.  For your Epic trip in the Med next month, expect reasonable access most of the time.  You'll probably find land cellular signals to be good & strong enough at times to ditch or switch off WiFi from the ship.  

 

Meanwhile, stay tuned for further Escape news ... breaking update this morning.  Ooops - unhappy campers onboard - just posted a few minutes ago here by another local CC'er.  

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

Breaking news for a beautiful sunny Friday morning in NY - 

 

 

 

TD #16 is a fast moving one per NHC and weather experts, expecting to be name Tropical Storm Ophelia, won't reach hurricane strength by more of a Nor-Easter up the mid-Atlantic coast ... well, go to one's favorite weather source for details, charts & forecast.  Huh, continuous readiness planning 😮 

 

FWIW, with her given speed now ... all engines running at 21 knots and good sea state/conditions, etc. - will most definitely reach NY harbor sometime tonight, perhaps mid evening and drop anchor ??? again and begin shutting down the casino & shops early, again.  Truly, deja vue and a repeat of last week but not as bad, safety first vs. revenue.  

 

For whatever reasons, posted on the other thread as it should be seen by many others, not updating or being refreshed - CC portal or website being sluggish this morning ???  Sometimes, alas, CC itself also suffered from hiccups and/or the Mods are exercising discretion & reviewing, editing posts ... 

Edited September 22, 2023 by mking8288

[mking8288]

When we skipped or cancelled 2 ports last week and hopped ahead to Saint John, $100 refundable OBC per stateroom plus $60 (2 x $30 with 2 in the stateroom) - an additional 10% discount or "credit" was issued to be used to book & sail by Dec 31, 2024; and, will be available on/after Oct 2, 2023 (next month)  It appeared that this amount is becoming sort of a basis (i.e. Sky's modified itinerary out of Quebec ... 600 miles out of the way to try best to avoid Hurricane Lee, 15 to 19 ft. waves for extended duration, etc.) - FWIW.  We are okay with that, but wondering about those that pay thousands for Haven or suite if they feel it's adequate - it is what it is.  (And, I'm not cheering about all these and it's not nice for those that long planned & dreamed for a nice week onboard ... please make the best out of it all.  Good luck & safe travel) 

 

Surprise, that 10% discount or code was already generated & available in our MyNCL accounts for our 3 staterooms.  As a matter of fact, our BIL/SIL already used it to book a cruise ahead for May 2024, since they much rather reserve an accessible cabin, if possible & still available ... and, they did.  Prices for 2024 and there is just one and only ship available, the Norwegian Joy ... at least they are familiar with the ship, layout, the (re)design ahead for the OL should be fine with them, as we likely won't be cruising with them (different plan in place for us, subject to change) - our best (CAS) friends had that cruise date booked, so they'll have good company together.  

 

Nice, huh ... perhaps but the discount doesn't amount to much - as that 10% came to about $100 in savings only (will come to $200 if they are able to use the code from both individual accounts)   This month's DoubleUp CruiseNext Deposit promo is only valid for Balcony & Up, sailing at least 4 months out ... so, not "usable" at the moment.  On the lookout for extra deals & valid promo to apply them between now and next January when cancel/final payment deadline is reached.  With last week's cruise, they joined the rank of being Sapphire - not that it's really matter ... an extra "carton" of Flow water in the stateroom to welcome back on embarkation day.  

 

Actually, we only received 2 cartons of Flow water last week instead of 4, as we've been getting 4 "bottles" of Aquafina water all along ... before the switch.  Little details that didn't bother us & not worth calling Guest Services, let alone go stand in line to ask or question the Latitudes rep onboard.  

 

Oh, our points from this cruise hasn't been posted or updated to be reflected or shown in our MyNCL accounts, not a big deal, but got 12 months to track it - normally posted within 24 (to wait 48) hours upon disembark/end of the cruise to show up.  Emailed the NCL desk - verbatim replied as below:

Okie Dokie 👌 apology accepted herein  😬

 

Thank you for contacting Norwegian Cruise Line.
 
Our records indicate that your Escape reservation xxxxxxxx is included in your cruise history and we are in the process of updating your cruise rewards. Please allow up to 14 days for this update. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.
 
Sincerely,
Norwegian Cruise Line

 

 

Edited September 22, 2023 by mking8288

[cruiseny4life]

1 hour ago, mking8288 said:

Thank you for contacting Norwegian Cruise Line.
 
Our records indicate that your Escape reservation xxxxxxxx is included in your cruise history and we are in the process of updating your cruise rewards. Please allow up to 14 days for this update. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience.
 
Sincerely,
Norwegian Cruise Line

Not a big deal unless you're cruising again shortly. I know you are, but not that shortly. In my experience, we receive the points the day after getting off the boat, so interesting to see it may take a wee bit longer. Wonder if the big NCL website update a few days (or was it weeks, now) ago is causing a delay? Or, perhaps, for your convenience, NCL is just continuing to be inconsistent.