the_redhead

Thank you! You've been a real help 😄

Thanks, you helped clear up some confusion! There are two locations marked for the ferry terminal on Google Maps, now I understand which one is correct. Definitely looks walkable, especially knowing Water St is closed to traffic.

Visiting Bermuda next week with my partner and 9 year old. We're planning to go to St. George's on our first day. Is it possible to walk from the ferry to the Visitor Centre? It looks like it should be, but I'm hoping someone will know for sure. Is there a sidewalk? We're all used to walking as transportation, but usually in a city with a sidewalk. I'm having a hard time getting a clear sense from Google Maps. I'd rather not take a taxi for what looks like a 10 minute walk, assuming it's safe. If it's not walkable, are there generally taxis at the ferry terminal?

1. No fridge in the Studio cabins, that's correct. There will be an ice bucket, but that'll only do so much to keep your drink cold :(

2. Assuming the Escape is like the Breakaway, there is no need to walk through the lounge to get to your room. You can avoid people as much as you'd like!

3. Sorry, can't help with that one!

4. Solo travel is basically my favorite form. The best advice I can give is to really take it as a chance to indulge yourself. This is an opportunity to prioritize your own needs and desires in a way that people don't often get to. It's really fun to get to focus on yourself! For cruising in particular, I recommend going to the solo meetup, at least on the first night. While you may not always want company, it's nice to meet some people and know that the option for dinner company is available. On my cruise, I ate dinner with the group about half the time and dined on my own the rest of the time. I liked being able to find a balance between taking time for myself and having people to talk to.

If price is the same, I'd go for a balcony. If a studio is less expensive, I'd go with that. If you're looking for somewhere quiet to sit and watch the world go by, it's usually not that hard to find a place for just one person.

I never would have thought to look for that info anywhere besides NCL's site. Thanks for the new resource!

I imagine O'Sheehan's will be doing something special for St Patty's Day. .This date has special meaning for me since that's when I stopped drinking back in 1984. All my former beer (and cigarette) money has gone into my cruising/vacation budget instead.

People like you are an inspiration for those of us earlier in recovery. Thank you for sharing. My former booze money goes to travel, too!

Yes, good idea...I did the same thing...I also carry masks...it helps if it gets too bad. I also bring prednisone with me, and antibiotics...I like to be prepared given my condition.

Some days the smoke spread to the Atrium...The Atrium on that ship is very large...and everything seems to be going on there...such as games on the big screen TV...dance classes..etc. There is also the guest relations desk, the shore excursion desk, the future cruise sales desk, a bar, and the internet cafe. It is extremely loud and difficult to hear. Having said that, the ship itself is beautiful..cabins nicely appointed, the food was terrific, as was the service.

Same as the Breakaway. I'm glad I'm going in a little more prepared this time. My biggest problem on the Breakaway was disembarkation. The line wove through the casino, and it was Not Good. Even without people actively smoking, my lungs were irritated. Lesson learned for next time: I will either be one of the first off the ship or one of the last. Waiting in that line isn't an option.

It was very disruptive for anyone with a respiratory condition, such as asthma.

My asthma is part of why I wanted to get a sense of how bad it is on the Escape. I always carry a rescue inhaler, but I will probably ask my doctor for a prescription for Prednisone just in case things get really bad, and I'll make sure to pack my nebulizer. Thanks for the reply!

Yes, we found it quite smoky on some days while walking on decks other than the casino deck.

 

Other days, wasn't so bad.

 

I think a lot depends on the outside weather. If people can't get outside to smoke due to the weather then they use the casino which makes more smoke inside.

Thanks, that helps!

I know that the Breakaway has a smoke issue due to cigarette smoke from the casino not being contained. Does the Escape have the same issue, since it's the same class of ship? I can deal with it, I'm just curious :)

Looking forward to more - especially about the thermal suite!

On this forum I saw a dining menu listing a Buena Vista Irish Coffee for $9.95. Would this be included in the UBP or is it a specialty coffee which is not included? I have the UBP for the first time ever and was wondering if there are any hot type coffee drinks included like a hot toddy whatever that is. I need recommendations also for any virgin drinks in addition to a mudslide as I want to get my monies worth out of this package but am not much of an alcohol drinker (the pkg was free but I still paid the gratuties). All suggestions welcome but the less calories the better unless it has chocolate in it. Don't want to drink pop. Thanks!

They can make a virgin pina colada, or a virgin version of the frozen strawberry and/or mango drinks (which I can't remember the names of!). Virgin mojitos are always nice, and very refreshing. If juices are included, sprite and pineapple juice is one of my go-tos. I had a virgin version of a strawberry caipirinha on my last cruise, basically just the muddled strawberries, lime juice, sugar and club soda, which was pretty great.

A creative bartender can figure out something NA and interesting with what they have behind the bar.

No refrigerator in the studios, just an ice bucket. Hot drinks are available in the lounge 24/7.

Looking forward to this. I'll be doing the Escape solo out of NY in March 2019.

After the first day, the bartenders will recognize you and you won't need the wristband. I actually never wore mine. I attached it to my bag and showed it when I was asked to.

Hope you have a blast. Thanks for letting us follow along!

Great start. Looking forward to reading more!

First time cruise. Will be on Jade in December. Should I know about VIBE? I hadn't heard about it. What is it? Thanks.

No Vibe on the Jade. It's only on the mega-ships: Breakaway, Getaway and Escape. The Epic has a similar area known as Posh.

I dislike crowds as well and sailed Breakaway in March, booked Escape for next May.

 

We just found our way around the crowds. Room near the staircase so we mostly avoid elevators, upper sundecks, earlier dining, early or late on/off the ship, got to shows early to get seats, etc. Not a problem on BA and I don't anticipate it to be on Escape.

Exactly! As long as you understand what you're getting into and you're a little familiar with the ship in advance, you can work around it. I found The Waterfront on the Breakaway to be lovely. And perhaps oddly, the buffet area at off hours was really nice. I found a table by a window and was able to write and watch the ocean for a good hour or so without feeling crowded at all.

I feel like the best advice I could give anyone regarding NCL is to do your research in advance. If I hadn't, I'd have been overwhelmed by the ship.

I just have to ask, if you don't like being around a lot of people, why would you choose a cruise ship with close to 4,000 people for your vacation?

I can't speak for OP, but I also dislike crowds and will be sailing on the Escape. For me, a large ship is appealing despite the crowds. I like having options for things to do, I love being able to take advantage of the water slides, I like the range of dining options. Besides that, there's the appeal of the itinerary, the thermal suite, and the studio cabins. With a little research (like OP is doing), even someone who dislikes crowds can have a good time on a mega-ship. I know I did last fall!

just going for the "Disney fix"..... any one else it would be crazy to go.

That's pretty much how I feel about it. If I don't get anything done beyond a spin on the People Mover and a Dole Whip float, I'll still feel like it was a day well-spent. Of course, I once flew down for one night to book a bounceback offer, so I definitely have a couple of screws loose ;p

Sorry to correct you but it's an hour bus ride from Port Canaveral to Disney world. Description says excursion is 7 hours total. Very costly to only get 5 hours of time in park.

It would be, and I don't think it's worth it for most people. I certainly wouldn't suggest it for a first-timer. But since this is likely my only chance to visit WDW again before 2021, I'll probably do it anyway. I have a Disney problem ;)

the ship usually arrives around 1, you should be able to get off the ship at around 1:10ish. if you purchase ship excursion/transfer to the park, that is around 1:30.

Perfect. I'll definitely be purchasing the NCL transfer, if only to make life a little easier :)

Can you buy them ahead of time?

 

 

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No, day passes can not be purchased in advance. They're only available if the cruise-length passes don't sell out.