NCL Escape December 16-23

[slavetoabunny]

I just completed my first post-covid cruise on the Escape and it was nothing short of amazing!  Since we haven't sailed since March 2020 (we were on the last sailing of the Dawn before the shut down), I treated hubby and I to a Haven forward-facing penthouse suite.  We were on deck 14 outside of the Haven, but didn't mind it at all.  The thing that stood out the most was the outstanding crew, both inside and outside of the Haven.  After the first time meeting just about every person, we were always greeted by name.  The crew always seemed happy and the service was quick, even at the main pool bar.  The ship was sailing at full capacity, but never really felt crowded.  

 

We had checked-in online and embarkation was quick and easy.  Since we were Haven, we were directed to a separate security line and then proceeded to the Haven waiting area where we received our key cards and then were escorted on to the ship.  The escort took us to our muster station first where our key card was scanned and then brought us to the Haven.  By the time we got to the Haven, it was was about 11:30 and cabins weren't ready yet so we had lunch in the restaurant.

 

[slavetoabunny]

After lunch we proceeded to our stateroom, which was spacious and gorgeous.  Our stateroom was directly under the starboard wing and we had a PrivaSea balcony, which was fabulous for breaking the wind while underway.  I spent a lot of time out there reading.

[slavetoabunny]

We ate most of our meals in the Haven restaurant.  Breakfast was fantastic with a great buffet - I especially loved the lox and shrimp toast.  Lobster is on the regular dinner menu and I probably ate lobster for 4 of my dinners.

[slavetoabunny]

We are early risers and went on deck every morning to watch the sun come up.  The sunrises never failed to please.

[slavetoabunny]

They had an amazing gingerbread display on the ship.

[slavetoabunny]

While the Haven pool area was lovely and serene, we enjoyed the activity and people watching at the main pool.  On one of the sea days, they had the Mr. Sexy Legs contest which was extremely entertaining.

[slavetoabunny]

Then there was the Miss Biceps contest.  I haven't figured out what it had to do with biceps.

[slavetoabunny]

Our favorite stop was Jamaica.  We were up early, so enjoyed watching them tie up the ship and seeing all the lights.

[slavetoabunny]

We took our favorite excursion in Jamaica to the Green Grotto Caves.  I highly recommend a tour.  

[slavetoabunny]

Our last day was supposed to be at Great Stirrup Cay, but was cancelled due to weather (it is a tender port).  We went to Nassau instead, which I was happy about.  We weren't planning on leaving the ship at GSC and I had never been to Nassau before, so we went strolling around the waterfront and had a very pleasant day.  Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures.

 

The next day we disembarked, which couldn't have been easier.  We were escorted out by the concierge around 8:00 and were driving off by 8:30.  We got a porter in the terminal, which got us an 'express pass' and he took our luggage all the was to the garage for us.  I tipped him $30 and it was the best money we spent all trip!  It was an easy drive home and were arrived around 10:30.

 

I think I better start planning my next trip!!!

[TSUmom]

Would you recommend The Green Grotto for someone that is claustrophobic ?

 

[slavetoabunny]

10 minutes ago, TSUmom said:

Would you recommend The Green Grotto for someone that is claustrophobic ?

 

The cave is very open.  The are a few places you have to duck your head a little, but nothing major.  There is one place where you are offered the option to go on an open path or crawl through a little tunnel and I chose the first option.  I don't think the cave would be an issue for you.

 

[TSUmom]

1 hour ago, slavetoabunny said:

The cave is very open.  The are a few places you have to duck your head a little, but nothing major.  There is one place where you are offered the option to go on an open path or crawl through a little tunnel and I chose the first option.  I don't think the cave would be an issue for you.

 

Thank you!  

[First experience]

We were on this exact same cruise at the exact same time and our experience was completely different.  From hurricanes winds,  rain, crowded eatting places and elevators, to missed ports.   We felt the rocking every night from the wind and waves.  The buffets food was very bland and crowed.   It was hard to find something to drink between meals to stay hydrated.

[slavetoabunny]

4 minutes ago, First experience said:

We were on this exact same cruise at the exact same time and our experience was completely different.  From hurricanes winds,  rain, crowded eatting places and elevators, to missed ports.   We felt the rocking every night from the wind and waves.  The buffets food was very bland and crowed.   It was hard to find something to drink between meals to stay hydrated.

One thing that has never bothered us on a cruise is inclement weather.  In fact we enjoy it.  The weather we had on the Escape was nothing compared to our cruise from Buenos Aires around Cape Horn to Santiago, Chile.  Missed ports aren't an issue as we really enjoy sea days.  I suppose the difference in opinion on the food is that we never ate at the buffet or MDR.  We either ate at a specialty restaurant (we had Cagney's and Moderno) or in the Haven restaurant.  I also purchased a water package for our room for $49 - we didn't even finish all of it and took seven 1 liter bottles home with us.