Review NCL Escape 6/10-17, 2018, NYC/Bermuda

Thanks so much for your posts! I’ll be on the Escape for my first cruise September 30! I can’t wait! :D

You are very welcome! Honestly, that is our best time to go to Bermuda. If you’re not the worrying type about cruising during hurricane season, it’s the best.

But then again, we almost always have cruised to Bermuda during Hurricane high times and never been affected or diverted. Once there were 3 hurricanes in the vicinity, last week of August...With 1 scheduled to hit Bermuda while we were there. The captain gave continuous weather updates, even so far as to how it’s handled if we need to leave Bermuda early due to the approaching hurricane.

Almost last minute it took a right hand turn, and the hurricane headed east into clear Atlantic waters. We were very grateful and appreciated the updates....hint, hint NCL, this was Celebrity, BTW. Also, this cruise was the smoothest cruise we ever took, EVER, Bermuda or not, Caribbean, Canada, Panama Canal, or Hawaii, NY or FL, before or since, ‘smooth as glass’, and on a small 45 kgt ship, X- Horizon, besides.

There you go....you will have a great time on this huge, state of the art, beautiful ship! Have fun!

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Dang, if they're serving it in Bayamo, they should serve it throughout the specialty restaurants -- especially the steakhouse! :rolleyes:

I agree too. And I’ll be sure to take new pix of menus for all my future reviews.

I hadn’t intended to write a detailed review this time so I didn’t carry my iPad around but next cruise I will. I know people like to see menus and food porn, as do I, which I included on my last 2 ‘live’ reviews on Royal’s Grandeur.

Now if, NCL would lower their WiFi costs, I would certainly enjoy and prefer to do live reviews.

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I agree too. And I’ll be sure to take new pix of menus for all my future reviews.

 

I hadn’t intended to write a detailed review this time so I didn’t carry my iPad around but next cruise I will. I know people like to see menus and food porn, as do I, which I included on my last 2 ‘live’ reviews on Royal’s Grandeur.

 

Now if, NCL would lower their WiFi costs, I would certainly enjoy and prefer to do live reviews.

 

 

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You gotta get in on one of those sales where they offer a selection of amenities. We always get the free WiFi, and the specialty dining (the tips on the "free" drink package is insane and not worth it).

You gotta get in on one of those sales where they offer a selection of amenities. We always get the free WiFi, and the specialty dining (the tips on the "free" drink package is insane and not worth it).

Unfortunately, it’s not ‘free’ only 250 min per cabin. We received 60 free minutes for Platinum and used that up checking emails twice, answering 2 emails very quickly, 1 web site for a phone number, and making a 2 minute phone call...that’s it.

Certainly couldn’t write a live review with 250 min...lol. I was going to buy WiFi with my $200 OBC, but realized it wasn’t worth it for me.

Btw, we did get the promos and chose the 3 specialty dinners and the drink package. Service charge was ~ $100 pp for the week which equals one drink per day/per person... UBP is certainly worth it for us!

Thanks ... that’s why I love CC for all the info.

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We got that offer for the upgrade last week. We are sailing with another couple and went through a lot to get the midship rooms we wanted with the couch near the verandah, so taking an upgrade and risking being separated to different decks, or worse (for me) being assigned a forward room was too risky.

Good points...I totally agree. Thanks.

Plus if one was upgraded to Haven and the other not upgraded you cannot tag along with perks like Haven pool, separate restaurant, priority boarding and debark, reserved section in theatre, etc.

I would love a Haven upgrade, just once, for the larger cabin and balcony, Haven pool and restaurant, Specialty Restaurant reservations, and tender priority (where applicable).

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Unfortunately, it’s not ‘free’ only 250 min per cabin. We received 60 free minutes for Platinum and used that up checking emails twice, answering 2 emails very quickly, 1 web site for a phone number, and making a 2 minute phone call...that’s it.

 

Certainly couldn’t write a live review with 250 min...lol. I was going to buy WiFi with my $200 OBC, but realized it wasn’t worth it for me.

 

Btw, we did get the promos and chose the 3 specialty dinners and the drink package. Service charge was ~ $100 pp for the week which equals one drink per day/per person... UBP is certainly worth it for us!

 

Thanks ... that’s why I love CC for all the info.

 

 

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Wow, that must be because you are platinum. When we were going to take the drink deal, they said the gratuities for the two of us would be $268. We don't drink enough to even make the gratuities worthwhile. I always say I'm going to try the special drink every day, and then don't. :( So I know if I got that package, we wouldn't drink our monies worth. Whereas the specialty dining gratuities were only $12 each total. Not bad.

Wow, that must be because you are platinum. When we were going to take the drink deal, they said the gratuities for the two of us would be $268. We don't drink enough to even make the gratuities worthwhile. I always say I'm going to try the special drink every day, and then don't. :( So I know if I got that package, we wouldn't drink our monies worth. Whereas the specialty dining gratuities were only $12 each total. Not bad.

Hmmm interesting?? Beverage service charge was $199.08 and dining ser. charge $24.84 (for both of us).

I think I know...they increased the value of the beverage package since we booked by $10 /day/person, therefore increasing the service charge.

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Last post reminded me: Only drink menu I have but gives you an idea on prices if you don’t have the beverage package or for budgeting.

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We didn’t take the free ferry to St. George’s this time. We paid for the ferry to/from Hamilton and would recommend visiting if you want to shop, visit sights, museums, parks and churches, have a bite and/or drink on an outdoor balcony, etc.

Also the bus terminal is in Hamilton if you purchase multi day, on/off, passes and want to visit all over the island on your own. Very easy to do and the people are so helpful. Have done this on past trips too...loved it. You can get the schedules online.

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Horseshoe Bay Beach. Apparently they now rent canopies as well as umbrellas. This particular day it was too windy for umbrellas.

(Not my photo but on a public forum).

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Are there porters available in the terminal as you exit? In some ports, there is a much shorter line through Customs for porter-assisted debarkation. For me, it's worth the tip to save time.

I really want to address the pool deck...didn’t like it on Breakaway and it was no better on Escape. We always got lounge chairs in the shade, which we prefer, but the deck is WAY too small. Chairs are butt-to-butt and the pools way too small. I think you all have seen the pix!

 

Spice H2O was not any better...totally packed so much you couldn’t even walk around and no shade! We did find 2 chairs but certainly not the vacation feel we expect, rather go to Jones Beach.

 

This really is a dealbreaker for us...we love being outside with other people and enjoy the music and antics at the pools, even though we have a balcony cabin. This class of ship is way too small in relationship to the number of passengers. Also we had a few bad weather days and inside activities and seating is lacking, and Anthem puts BA class to shame when forced inside.

 

I have to say Royal ships Anthem, Explorer and Liberty (NJ) were much better in this area. We have been on 12 NCL cruises and 7 Royal cruises and will only cruises BA class if the price is right and itinerary is unique, otherwise the Jewel class is our favorite with acceptable pool deck area, Spinakker lounge and the Great Outdoors...our favorite class.

 

I must say, services have improved incredibly since our last cruise on BA so we’re really happy about that and would compare all cruises equally. We usually cruise twice a year with one cruise planned far in advance and the other closer to the sail date. We live in the NY area so it’s very convenient to book a last minute cruise out of NYC, Bayonne, and Baltimore. Also want to add the NY, NJ , and CT schools were still in session so the ship, although sold out, was not at capacity. And have been on Royal and NCL during full capacity cruises.

 

Just our opinion. My rant is over...sorry to everyone but we’ve cruised over 25 times and always loved NCL but overall disappointed that they are not our first choice anymore.

 

 

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The ships have become bigger & especially for children. We cruise in February & Celebrity is the best for us. We are cruising NCL again, but only for the Haven to have our own heaven!

Are there porters available in the terminal as you exit? In some ports, there is a much shorter line through Customs for porter-assisted debarkation. For me, it's worth the tip to save time.

Yes there are porters but we wheeled our own and was lucky with no lines through customs. Walked right through after he looked at our passports, no questions this time...got lucky. Porters were mostly used by larger families or groups or handicapped passengers.

Also, our last few cruises there’s no need to fill out a customs form anymore, which I think helps. If you’re over the max you must go to an area on the ship, before disembark to declare.

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The ships have become bigger & especially for children. We cruise in February & Celebrity is the best for us. We are cruising NCL again, but only for the Haven to have our own heaven!

I’m jealous...lol. Would love to cruise Haven just once. I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

I agree, many of the activities are for children which we don’t use whether it’s rock climbing, slides, bumper cars, surf pools, race cars, ropes courses...etc. Although hubby tried IFly on Anthem and loved it. Also many times we cruise with multigenerational family and friends so it’s nice to have something for everyone.

We have cruised on ships or itineraries with older passengers and have found it to be quite boring for us. But we’re not into nighttime disco parties either! The Manhattan room features dinner and dancing, but the one night we saw it, only very small kids with parents and one couple were on the dance floor. Although we’re 60ish, we prefer a rocking piano bar after dinner, or a Bonjovi cover band in Music Hall, alongside our ‘kids’ in their 30s.

All kidding aside, we really like the larger ships for the variety of activities and entertainment, for all ages... and all the extra walking is a good thing too.

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I really want to address the pool deck...didn’t like it on Breakaway and it was no better on Escape. We always got lounge chairs in the shade, which we prefer, but the deck is WAY too small. Chairs are butt-to-butt and the pools way too small. I think you all have seen the pix!

 

Spice H2O was not any better...totally packed so much you couldn’t even walk around and no shade! We did find 2 chairs but certainly not the vacation feel we expect, rather go to Jones Beach.

 

This really is a dealbreaker for us...we love being outside with other people and enjoy the music and antics at the pools, even though we have a balcony cabin. This class of ship is way too small in relationship to the number of passengers. Also we had a few bad weather days and inside activities and seating is lacking, and Anthem puts BA class to shame when forced inside.

 

I have to say Royal ships Anthem, Explorer and Liberty (NJ) were much better in this area. We have been on 12 NCL cruises and 7 Royal cruises and will only cruises BA class if the price is right and itinerary is unique, otherwise the Jewel class is our favorite with acceptable pool deck area, Spinakker lounge and the Great Outdoors...our favorite class.

 

I must say, services have improved incredibly since our last cruise on BA so we’re really happy about that and would compare all cruises equally. We usually cruise twice a year with one cruise planned far in advance and the other closer to the sail date. We live in the NY area so it’s very convenient to book a last minute cruise out of NYC, Bayonne, and Baltimore. Also want to add the NY, NJ , and CT schools were still in session so the ship, although sold out, was not at capacity. And have been on Royal and NCL during full capacity cruises.

 

Just our opinion. My rant is over...sorry to everyone but we’ve cruised over 25 times and always loved NCL but overall disappointed that they are not our first choice anymore.

 

 

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I wish NCL would improve their new ship pool decks, it's obviously avoidable when designed a new ship and I feel like they have had enough feedback about the outdoor pool deck to change it for the better. That being said, I burn easily, so I try not to spend TOO much time on the pool deck and wander more towards the waterfront! I sailed Escape back in 2016 and the pool deck really annoyed me...now I have my own personal pool in my backyard, so maybe i will be less annoyed now

After the Escape in 2016, we took a break from NCL, did some RCI ones and while the layouts of the ships are awesome, the overall vibe is just...different. My last RCI one was a 9 night to ABC islands and was really disappointed with the lack of activities, as well as drink service and quality of drinks, so now I'm back to NCL for a bit, and trying the Escape for a second time to see if I like it better!

I wish NCL would improve their new ship pool decks, it's obviously avoidable when designed a new ship and I feel like they have had enough feedback about the outdoor pool deck to change it for the better.

 

Check out the Bliss. The pool deck is much better than the Escape.

Check out the Bliss. The pool deck is much better than the Escape.

That’s the plan, whenever she is doing an itinerary on my list! I’ve heard it’s a lot better, any details on why exactly!

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Hi! I have a quick question. I see that you said you boarded in an earlier group since you are Platinum. Does anyone remember if Gold boards earlier as well? It's been about 3 years since I sailed from Manhattan on NCL so I cannot remember. Thanks for the help! Awesome review!

We didn’t take the free ferry to St. George’s this time. We paid for the ferry to/from Hamilton and would recommend visiting if you want to shop, visit sights, museums, parks and churches, have a bite and/or drink on an outdoor balcony, etc.

 

Also the bus terminal is in Hamilton if you purchase multi day, on/off, passes and want to visit all over the island on your own. Very easy to do and the people are so helpful. Have done this on past trips too...loved it. You can get the schedules online.

 

 

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Daisy, can you advise me on what to do on some "Blank slots" in my schedule...my husband dives but I do not. I have been thinking about what to do the morning of the first day and the morning of the second day. St Georges is out due to time constraints, but have been thinking about getting on the first AM ferry to hamilton, but not sure what to do over there...thanks for any tips or advice in advance, tentative schedule below

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Wed (Day 1)

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9am-12pm (time slot OPEN)

TJ (my husband) needs to be at Blue Waters Scuba (somerset area) by 1pm

Aubrey needs to be at Restless native catamaran by 1pm-4pm, leaves from dockyard

(shopping afterward? Where?)

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Thurs (Day 2)

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TJ Scuba Excursion from Somerset in the AM - done by 1pm

Aubrey goes to (open time slot) ( Hamilton or excursion??? ) in AM

Boston Whaler at Fantasea Excursion in Dockyard by 1:30PM -5:30pm

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Friday

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Horseshoe Bay, shuttle is 7.00pp each way

Daisy, can you advise me on what to do on some "Blank slots" in my schedule...my husband dives but I do not. I have been thinking about what to do the morning of the first day and the morning of the second day. St Georges is out due to time constraints, but have been thinking about getting on the first AM ferry to hamilton, but not sure what to do over there...thanks for any tips or advice in advance, tentative schedule below

 

 

 

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Wed (Day 1)

 

—————————

 

 

 

 

 

9am-12pm (time slot OPEN)

 

 

 

 

 

TJ (my husband) needs to be at Blue Waters Scuba (somerset area) by 1pm

 

 

 

 

 

Aubrey needs to be at Restless native catamaran by 1pm-4pm, leaves from dockyard

 

 

 

 

 

(shopping afterward? Where?)

 

—————————

 

Thurs (Day 2)

 

—————————

 

TJ Scuba Excursion from Somerset in the AM - done by 1pm

 

 

 

 

 

Aubrey goes to (open time slot) ( Hamilton or excursion??? ) in AM

 

 

 

 

 

Boston Whaler at Fantasea Excursion in Dockyard by 1:30PM -5:30pm

 

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Friday

 

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Horseshoe Bay, shuttle is 7.00pp each way

Hi Aubrey, sorry I’m just getting back to you. I was away at our other love...camping.

I hope you asked this over on the Bermuda port threads. People there have so many good suggestions and there’s several people who live in Bermuda that can help you out.

I hesitate to answer, not knowing what you like to do and at what pace. We have taken part in so many activities over the years from kayaking, swimming, tours, beaches, buses, scooters and taxis at all three areas. But we do try to do things at a slower pace to enjoy each area fully.

If we have an activity in the afternoon, we have spent the morning in snorkel park, a short walk from the ship. It’s not very impressive but a little place to snorkel or take our grandson or have a drink when the weather was cool.

We have also walked to the sea glass each or shopping or a self tour at the maritime museum there too.

We have taken a ferry to Hamilton for shopping, lunch/drinks overlooking the harbor, gone to the Bermuda museum, walking tours and visited churches. Also gone on boat tours here with visit to a private beach with snorkeling and taken the buses to visit the aquarium/zoo, crystal caves, Fort in St. George’s, beaches, crystal caves, lighthouse, and friends went golfing. But all these take more time than you may have for a few hours.

We have taken the bus to Horseshoe Bay but it can get very crowded but it’s cheap. Also gone by taxi when we had 6 people in our group to split costs. Also secured a taxi for a half day tour which was a great option when 1 couple hadn’t been there before.

See what I mean .... there’s so much to do and see but it certainly takes a little work to investigate options. As I said we tend to take things slowly and not cram too much in one day.

Have fun....I’m sure you will!

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If we have an activity in the afternoon, we have spent the morning in snorkel park, a short walk from the ship. It’s not very impressive but a little place to snorkel or take our grandson or have a drink when the weather was cool.

 

We have taken a ferry to Hamilton for shopping, lunch/drinks overlooking the harbor, gone to the Bermuda museum, walking tours and visited churches.

 

See what I mean .... there’s so much to do and see but it certainly takes a little work to investigate options. As I said we tend to take things slowly and not cram too much in one day.

 

Have fun....I’m sure you will!

 

 

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Thanks!

A few tidbits about Newsletters, Upbids, and OBC.

 

I have all the Newsletters but others have posted them from previous Bermuda cruises. So if you have any questions; just ask or I’ll post them if there’s an overwhelming request.

 

I received an email to Upbid about 80 days before the cruise. We happened to be cruising at the time with another couple who would be cruising with us on this cruise also. We both decided not to bid because there was no guarantee that we would both get the upgrade (balcony to Haven). A few weeks later they cancelled due to an emergency so we submitted a bid. I bid just above minimum, still in the poor range, for the 3 lowest Haven categories. Received emails for each, 48 hrs. before the cruise, that our bid was not accepted. Not surprised but would like to cruise in a Haven once.

 

We received $200 total On Board Credit when we booked (balcony cabin 11300) August 2017. BTW, I kept checking rates but did not see any reductions in price until after final payment date. Daily gratuity could not be used towards OBC so we prepaid that as well. Only charges accrued on the cruise were the taxes on drinks ordered prior to the ship leaving NY. We then spent our OBC on items in the gift shops and had ‘zero’ balance at the end. We also had $6 pp credit applied to the account as well, which we later found out because of a port charge reduction for every passenger.

 

There you go....lol.

 

 

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Question about the comment highlighted above. Do you mean that your daily gratuities cannot be taken from your OBC? We have a $100 OBC from NCL for booking, but also have $300 OBC from the NCL credit card rewards. I was hoping they would pay for our grauities :(

We saw folks on the parking deck leaving, when we arrived. A porter bringing a load of luggage down was asked to get help too. He responded that they do not normally do this but happened to be on the deck. Apparently, porters will bring luggage up to the parking deck but not down, unless you get ‘lucky’, you must bring it down yourselves.

 

 

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The first two times we sailed out of NYC (once on Carnival and once on NCL Breakaway) there were no porters taking luggage in the parking area. BUT when we sailed on Carnival last Fall, it was a different dock and terminal and there was a porter in the lot strictly to take arriving passengers' luggage. He waived us over, we pulled up the car and he took the backs right out of the back and onto a luggage cart. We asked why they didn't do this at the other docks and he said "they're lazy" and refuse to help passengers down into the terminal! If they're going to do it for one, they should station someone at every lot to do it for all :confused:

Question about the comment highlighted above. Do you mean that your daily gratuities cannot be taken from your OBC? We have a $100 OBC from NCL for booking, but also have $300 OBC from the NCL credit card rewards. I was hoping they would pay for our grauities :(

The $100 OBC should be non-refundable and thus not able to use for the DSC. The other, I don't know.

The $100 OBC should be non-refundable and thus not able to use for the DSC. The other, I don't know.

Guess I better call and ask NCL. Thanks.

UPDATED TO ADD: I called twice and spoke to two different NCL reps (to be sure) and no, you cannot use any monies that NCL gives you as an incentive for booking the cruise to pay daily gratuities OR in the casino. However, you CAN use any reward dollars you transfer from the NCL Bank of America credit card to your onboard account toward daily gratuities. So it's a win-win!