Manbo

Embarkation was a breeze and we were on board by 10:30 AM.  

The ship is beautiful with a modern look. Since we had just gotten off the Escape the week before, we booked an inside cabin with hopes of winning an upgrade. Our cabin was very spacious and we were quite satisfied with our choice and not at all disappointed that we didn’t get the upgrade.

The overall design of the ship misses the mark as there are no large areas for people to congregate (sorry, I couldn't rotate this pix). 

There is really no atrium area, just a small place adjacent to the Penrose Bar on deck 6 where music is played. The area is limited to maybe seating for 40 people and defined by a glass shelving/art installation that limits the vantage point of folks outside of this area. NCL would be wise to remove this shelving allowing more people to gather.

The theater is also very small and both Donna Summer and Noise Boys was packed every night with huge stand-by lines. 

The pool was also small, but I guess the Infinity Pools and Ocean Boulevard on deck 8 justified that.

We really enjoyed the food and thought it was better than other recent ships we have sailed. However, the main dining room menus never changed. On the Escape the right side of the menus had daily offering. The menus for The Hudson Room and Commodore Room never changed.

The Indulge Food Hall and Food Republic were very good and we like the touch screen ordering.

The staff was friendly but obviously over worked. Our cabin steward had 24 rooms to do and they were spread out across two different sections of deck 14.

The bar staff was overwhelmed and getting a drink on sea days was very difficult. One day we were at the pool from 10 until 3:30 and never once did a server come by for a drink order. Once senior staff came to the pool bar and started taking drink orders to try to reduce the huge lines of people trying for a drink.

We purchased the Spa package ($335 pp) and took advantage of it! It is a very luxurious space. We preferred the Escape spa pool, but the Prima has better saunas and more loungers.

As far as entertainment, we really liked Donna Summer and Noise Boys. Also, the group Familiar Strangers was awesome. Duo Nico was also good. Syd Normans Pour House is way too small and people were literally lined up 1 hour and 45 minutes before show time just to get in.

Unless you had reservations in the theater, finding evening entertainment was very difficult. Since the Penrose was packed, there needed to be another option which there wasn’t. In talking with many other guests, we were all in agreement on this point. There were other areas such as the Metropolitan Room that could easily be used for musical entertainment.

Communication, signage and the NCL app were all lacking and I think first time cruisers might struggle.

We did early walk off and were on our way home before 8 AM.

We had a nice time, but doubt I would sail the Prima again. In fact, after 16 NCL cruises, we are going to try some new things next year.  

How do most folks travel back to NYC, Baltimore or Boston? 

I did one time and immediately cancelled as soon as I got home. I learned that the staff on board are just sales people for Cruise Next. Not up to date on all current offers and cabins, etc. 

I recommend sticking with the Cruise Next certificates and book at home. 

Not only would it not fit, as mentioned by Birdtravels, that would be well beyond the stewards authority.  

Just cruised 3 weeks ago...It was a specialty. 

The Free Style Daily is still printed and placed in your room each night. However, they no longer provide information about the ports. 

In the past their used to be a little map and some general information that was helpful. So be sure to research the ports before you cruise and hope they don't change the itinerary. 

About 5-6 years ago, I called my PCC to book a cruise on black friday. I specifically asked for a discount and she gave us $50 per person off our price. Tried again more recently with no luck. 

So, you could try, but don't hold out for it. I think those days are gone! 

We last cruised in Jan 2020 and there was a little poster board with some information and an insert that mostly showed shopping but there was a little info. 

My biggest complaint was the listing for Harvest Caye. A lot of folks expected an actual port. 

Just got off the Pearl and it was a great cruise. However, The FSD no longer provided any port information. In all of my previous cruises there would be a small map of the port area, some information on the currency, etc. 

It didn't matter much to us, but for inexperienced cruisers, it was an issue. Especially at Harvest Caye. It was listed as "Belize City". A large number of people had no idea that there was a beach there and they assumed that they had to purchase an excursion. 

I guess the big take away is to be sure to research your ports on your own before you sail.  

Sailing on the Pearl, March 3. I understand the show performers have been sent home. I am assuming that the musicians are still performing. Can anyone speak to the other entertainment?

Thanks for any information.

We have B2B booked for Jan 22 & 29....From all I have seen so far, it looks like I will be canceling my second week. 

I am not going to pay an extra $99 PP for the second leg...

I reached out to NCL....l am curious to see what the say. if anything. 

We sailed the Epic from Barcelona, to Italy and France and loved it! Only one sea day. Would sail that again! 

I booked once on board, I will never do it again. 

I brought all the information with me, including the room I wanted. As soon as I got home I had to cancel and rebook.

The Cruise Next staff are more oriented for selling certificates. They aren't cruise consultants. They were not up to speed with the perks and they kept telling me the cabin I wanted was not available, but I eventually booked it when I got home. 

I my opinion, wait until you get home. 

The following is a quick review of the Escape, 7-day, western Caribbean Jan 25 to Feb 1, 2020

We are baby boomers with Platinum status. 13^th NCL cruise, but first time on the Escape.

Embarkation: Super fast. Arrived at the pier at 10:45 AM, we were on board at 11:06 AM.

Disembarkation: Again, really fast! We waited for Yellow luggage tags to be called (right after Walk Offs) and we were in the Uber before 8:00 AM. The freestyle said to pick-up luggage tags after 3:00 PM on Friday however by 12:30 they were out and getting picked through! To get the Yellow tag (for Platinum or Gold status) I had to ask at the customer service desk. Be sure to go early and don't wait until 3!

Vibe passes were still available by 3:30 PM after boarding. I don’t think they ever sold out. I was able to look in from the Sun deck during the first sea day and it did not look very crowded. It seems over priced ($209 per person) in our opinion.

We had 2 at sea days and spent them both by the pool. Chair hogs were out in force. By 6:30 AM chairs were getting saved. One guy had towels and clips on 15 chaises by 7:00. I did not see NCL removing any towels, but they should have. Spice H2O had both chaises and chairs, but since there was little shade (and no little pool) it seemed it didn’t fill up as fast. However, we did enjoy both pool days.

The food was very good and other guests we talked with agreed. Here is our list of restaurants starting with the best:

Food Republic was awesome! We had both sushi and shared a bowl of Pad Thai. By far our favorite.  

Moderno was super good!

La Cucina got a thumbs up!

Manhattan Room (twice) was very good! We left full and happy!

Cagney’s is over rated in our opinion. We both got filets and they were very dry (thank goodness for sauces). We can get better steaks at a lot of local restaurants.

Bayamo was disappointing. I would not recommend it. Others on the ship seemed to agree.  

Entertainment:

We saw “After Midnight”, “Flashback Four” & “Choir of Men” in the Theater. Loved them all! We also saw Golden Octaves in the Supper Club (for drinks only) and the Skyline Bar. They are great!

As for the other musicians, we really enjoyed Dan & Ella, Diego (however his sets were a little too repetitive) and The Starbridge Quartet.  Dave E is the piano player, and really good, BUT, I never want to hear “Piano Man” “Margaritaville” or “Sweet Caroline” again!

Private Islands:

Great Stirrup Key was an easy tender to get off the ship, but coming back was a problem as 1 tender broke down. We waited about an hour to get back. Some folks waited even longer. The Sun was also there, so by 11:00 AM there were no chaises left.

There was a problem docking at Harvest Key, so we were delayed about an hour. As a result, a lot of folks stayed on board. But it is a beautiful place, too bad food and drinks are so pricey!

Our balcony cabin on deck 11 was nice and very clean. We never met or even saw our cabin steward. We did meet Marian at the pool area and Anthony at the Wine Cellar. They both helped make our vacation extra special.

We really had a great time and we both agreed, the Escape in now our favorite ship! Even though it is big, it never seemed too crowded. We will definitely sail her again!

I do a mock booking on line before calling NCL to book the reservation (so I know which room I want and the price). When they pull up your account, they will see the Cruise Next credits you own. 

Having cruised twice on the Epic, I totally agree with your assessment. 

As for the bathrooms, we always pick a room with the bed closer to the balcony and away from the bathroom.

We have watched a few Super Bowls on NCL ships and have decided that we would rather be home. A few issues:

You don't get the commercials. 

Few if any pre game coverage.

The last time there were pretty bad audio problems.

Seating can be an issue. Get to the Atrium early to get a decent seat. 

Great review! 

thanks!

I know that many disagree with me, but I have always found Cagney's to be overrated. We have better steak houses close to home. 

Just off the Dawn and thought the same thing as Jaja. It was a very cheap way to attempt to create "modern art" Something you would see on HGTV. 

9 hours ago, trex-de said:

Thanks for your review.  Dawn is my favorite ship. Shame you couldn’t use all your SDP. 

 

Was there any problems getting into Bamboo?  We have a tradition to eat at the Asian restaurant on the last night of our cruises?  Could you make reservations?  

 

Thanks

Yes, we made reservations for Bamboo but made them several days earlier. I suggest making your reservation as soon as you board! 

9 hours ago, tpginger said:

Thanks for your review.  We will be on the Dawn June 22 - can't wait!  Was there an optional formal/dressy night & a White Hot Party?  If so, which evenings were they?  Been staging clothes for days & days.  Thx.

The white hot party has been replaced with the Glow Party. It was mid week. Wednesday or Thursday. 

I don't recall hearing about a formal night, but on the second night there were a few folks dressed up in suits. No tux or gowns that I saw.

Just off the Dawn. It was offered at $19 a bag, free for platinum.

We tendered to GSK. It was beautiful! Plenty of lounge chairs. Clear water with good snorkeling! 

We were canceled on two previous cruises and very happy that we made it this time. 

Background: My wife and I are Platinum, our daughter and family joined us along with 2 grandkids, ages 7 & 4. The first cruise for them. 

Ship grade-B+.

We found the newly refurbished Dawn very clean and well maintained. In fact, the cleanest ship we have ever cruised.

We never felt overcrowded even though the cruise was sold out.  Plenty of seating at the pool and entertainment venues. Very different from our recent experience on the Epic in January.

The mattresses and pillows were very comfortable.

Our only negative was the kids pool/play area needs some supervision. Kids coming down the slides and crashing into each other at the bottom is common and many a little kid was crying.  We watched a little kid throw-up all over his father in the middle pool and then get washed off right in the pool!  It was pretty crazy. If your kids aren’t tough, I would stay away. We never returned after the first visit. But our kids had fun at the pool with us.

Food-B

We enjoyed the Venetian and Aqua main dining rooms as well as La Cucina, Cagney’s, Garden Cafe and Bamboo.

La Cucina was by far our favorite. I know that many will disagree, but the food was great and the service was the best on the ship! Loved Bamboo and main dining rooms.

Our food was great at Cagney’s, but the service was terrible. Over 2 hours for dinner.

We miss the pool side cooking and did get a little tired with the same old burgers and hotdogs at lunch. And the kid’s menu should have a few more options. Such as a pasta dish (besides Mac & Cheese), meatballs, etc.   

We didn’t use all of our specialty dining package because making a reservation before 9 PM is next to impossible once on board.  

Entertainment-A

The shows in the Stardust Theater were great!  We also really enjoyed Blue Moon, Azalea, V.I.P. band. Plus, we could always find a seat! The kids really loved Po (magician) and production shows. 

Staff- A+

A very friendly staff that did a great job! Big shout out to our server Irene at the pool! Luz was the Cruise Director and we really liked her. 

Embarkation & Debarkation-A

Both went much smoother than we experienced out of NYC in past cruises. No complaints. We got to the ship around 11 AM and were on board around 12:15.

No rush getting off, it took about 30 minutes total.

Overall Grade-A

Bottom line, we all had a great time! It confirmed that we prefer the smaller ships and we will be sailing on the Dawn again!