Everything.. ESCAPE (live 29 Oct 2015!)

[LrgPizza]

OK, I am very confused. Could someone be kind enough to list the complementary restaurants. I have been trying to figure it out, but it seems I just can't figure it out.

Just yesterday I read that Margaritaville (sp) is now an a la carte venue..

Thanks in advance for any information anyone may have.

 

Here is the link that says what is currently specialty and what is complimentary. When it changes, someone will post the new info. http://www.escape.ncl.com/dining

[lastminutemama]

Can SDP be used at food republic?

 

Are Taste and Savour the same menus?

 

What are the best places to relax and read a book on board? I could never get comfortable to read long in the chairs on our balcony on Oasis so I'm assuming this will be similar.

 

My prior question has me pondering a spa pass.

[LadySpoilt]

OK, I am very confused. Could someone be kind enough to list the complementary restaurants. I have been trying to figure it out, but it seems I just can't figure it out.

Just yesterday I read that Margaritaville (sp) is now an a la carte venue..

Thanks in advance for any information anyone may have.

 

I'm with you on this one. Exactly what/where is complimentary?

As far as I can determine, MDR (sort of complimentary) buffet and for the time being O'Sheenan's.

Now for my rant, when we booked this cruise 11 months ago we did plan with thought to many things, one of the most important being the 17 month old Munchkin that is going with us. First off yes, I can afford to pay the stupid extra fees that have materialized out of thin air over the last months, that however is NOT the point! The point is that I paid for free room service, free Margaritaville, and several other things. Having free room service was important to us since if Munchkin was cranky or sleeping we could order and stay in room (remember we had paid for it), forget that now. Next since we aren't specialty eaters, nor would we be doing the dining room as the Munchkin really wouldn't like having to sit there about 2 hours, we took note of Margaritaville being a sit down complimentary venue and O'sheenans as well. OK, this would be ok, we and the Munchkin could have a nice served meal in a fairly short amount of time, without having to worry about Munchkin or the people around us.

Now that brings us down to these options. O'Sheenan's every meal, I don't think so. MDR fine, but when Munchkin starts getting antsy, remember we had planned for this Margaritaville and O'Sheenan's but DelRio or whoever has apparently yanked part of that option out from under us. OK that leaves the buffet. 7 people times 1 or 2 plates. Opps, we didn't like that, we'll just go back and get and try something else...etc....etc...etc. (hey we paid for it why not?) You can call it wasting food or whatever you want, BUT this would not be happening if we had the still had the option of the simple cheeseburger and fries or etc that we originally planned and paid for.

So for those that will get upset at Munchkin at the MDR or those of you that feel like we are "wasting" food at the buffet....remember NCL changed the "rules" midstream so we will apparently have to adapt to the new things. And if that means we have to eat in MDR, Munchkin be joining us, if this bothers you, sorry but blame us having to eat there on DelRio. If we try several different things in the buffet till we find something we really want to eat, don't say we are wasteful. We knew we would eat the burgers and such and not be wasteful, but yet again DelRio or whoever changed the rules on this as well, so if we are considered wasteful....put the blame on NCL. This vacation was thoroughly thought out, with many things in mind, cost, convenience, what I thought was a cruiseline that had advertised certain things, but reneged on so many of them, so now I guess I have to make the best of it!!! See you in the MDR or at the buffet!

[sjbdtz]

Stephen, just a clarification, please: is it a $4.99 cover charge, or $4.99 for the burger? If it's for the burger only, then I can see how they think they can call the venue complimentary with one upcharge item. If it's a $4.99 cover charge, they they're liars when they call this venue complimentary.

 

Glad you had a great time!

 

--Michael

 

Hi Michael,

 

I wish I had unequivocal info, but I don't. I overheard it in the elevator. I thought it was a cover charge, but I have no way of knowing.

 

But something can be complimentary one day, and a charge the next. I remember when the local gas station offered compressed air for my bike tires free...now it's $0.25. For air.

 

Stephen

 

.

[jssmith76]

Wow! Margaritaville is no longer complimentary? That in addition with room service having a "cover charge", MDR charging extra for prime rib and lobster, and the loss of Nickelodeon (the reason we chose this cruise for the kids), NCL is really starting to screw up this vacation! Pretty soon they're gonna start charging us for every flush if the toilet! Next thing, we'll find out that the "complimentary" buffet is gonna have a cover charge!

[SuiteCruiser]

Wow! Margaritaville is no longer complimentary? That in addition with room service having a "cover charge", MDR charging extra for prime rib and lobster, and the loss of Nickelodeon (the reason we chose this cruise for the kids), NCL is really starting to screw up this vacation! Pretty soon they're gonna start charging us for every flush if the toilet! Next thing, we'll find out that the "complimentary" buffet is gonna have a cover charge!

 

Pretzel rolls, on sale, today only $1.25 per roll ;)

[LMaxwell]

Pretzel rolls, on sale, today only $1.25 per roll ;)

 

You wink, but isn't there nothing complimentary at the atrium cafe now?

 

By the time I board the only thing from my booking that (might) work will be UBP, but I won't be able to get bread anywhere to sop it up! :eek:

[SuiteCruiser]

You wink, but isn't there nothing complimentary at the atrium cafe now?

 

By the time I board the only thing from my booking that (might) work will be UBP, but I won't be able to get bread anywhere to sop it up! :eek:

 

LOL. Sad but true :) Thankfully the onboard experience is what you make of it, and I think we're both roll with the punches people.

 

I will lend you a Canadian quarter if you only have a dollar in the buffet next time :)

[LrgPizza]

Can SDP be used at food republic?

 

 

 

Are Taste and Savour the same menus?

 

 

 

What are the best places to relax and read a book on board? I could never get comfortable to read long in the chairs on our balcony on Oasis so I'm assuming this will be similar.

 

 

 

My prior question has me pondering a spa pass.

 

 

No, SDP and UDP don't work at Food Republic. Don't let that stop you from going. It's the best food on the ship.

 

Taste, Savor, and Manhattan Room have the same dinner menus as each other.

[SuiteCruiser]

No, SDP and UDP don't work at Food Republic. Don't let that stop you from going. It's the best food on the ship.

 

Taste, Savor, and Manhattan Room have the same dinner menus as each other.

 

agreed :) so very good!

[lastminutemama]

Thanks. It definitely won't stop us from going, but it may stop.me from buying the SDP.

[LrgPizza]

Thanks. It definitely won't stop us from going, but it may stop.me from buying the SDP.

 

 

Me too. It will stop me from buying SDP on my next Escape cruise. I wasn't thrilled with the specialties on the TA, and I'm tired of them anyway. The money for a 3 or 4 day SDP will buy a heck of a lot of food at Food Republic. That's where my dough is going.

[Golfin55]

Wow! Margaritaville is no longer complimentary? That in addition with room service having a "cover charge", MDR charging extra for prime rib and lobster BTW Royal started that in 2012, and the loss of Nickelodeon (the reason we chose this cruise for the kids), NCL is really starting to screw up this vacation! Pretty soon they're gonna start charging us for every flush if the toilet! Next thing, we'll find out that the "complimentary" buffet is gonna have a cover charge!

 

 

 

 

Not too sure where you get your info... All these changes will be implemented throughout the industry. Also remember food costs are rising. To reduce consumption and waste a charge for certain premium items have to be introduced. And as far as the Nick license not being renewed. That was a decision of Comcast. The wanted to practically Triple the license renewal fees.

NCL, Said " See Ya". Besides, NCL needed to expand beyond the 5 -14 yo demo to include a broader demo.

 

And what about carnival allowing a guest with no seniority purchase a $50 early boarding pass?

 

 

NCL, Said " See Ya". Besides, NCL needed to expand beyond the 5 -14 yo demo to include a broader demo.

Edited November 11, 2015 by Golfin55

[insidecabin]

Stephen, just a clarification, please: is it a $4.99 cover charge, or $4.99 for the burger? If it's for the burger only, then I can see how they think they can call the venue complimentary with one upcharge item. If it's a $4.99 cover charge, they they're liars when they call this venue complimentary.

 

Glad you had a great time!

 

--Michael

charging may help overcome the capacity issues for lunch but breakfast also had issues.

 

The galley was backed up even when not that busy.

[sixesandeights]

No, SDP and UDP don't work at Food Republic. Don't let that stop you from going. It's the best food on the ship.

 

Taste, Savor, and Manhattan Room have the same dinner menus as each other.

 

This is not true. The old UDP provides a 25% discount at food republic, and the new SDP will allow you to order anything you want for a $7.95 up charge (uses one of your meals).

 

6&8

[sixesandeights]

charging may help overcome the capacity issues for lunch but breakfast also had issues.

 

The galley was backed up even when not that busy.

 

Were you on the TA? Other well know posters here that were on the TA said there was no issue getting in almost the entire trip.

 

6&8

Edited November 11, 2015 by sixesandeights

[LrgPizza]

This is not true. The old UDP provides a 25% discount at food republic, and the new SDP will allow you to order anything you want for a $7.95 up charge (uses one of your meals).

 

 

 

6&8

 

 

That is not correct. Food Republic is not and never has been listed as part of the UDP or SDP, and according to the Restaurant Manager on Escape it won't be.

[LrgPizza]

Were you on the TA? Other well know posters here that were on the TA said there was no issue getting in almost the entire trip.

 

6&8

 

 

The reason there weren't capacity issues most of the trip was because it was cold, rainy, and so windy that sometimes one had to keep a hand on his drink to prevent it from blowing off the table. Once the weather broke, it became very crowded with 30-90 minute waits for tables. The staff worked their butts off, but were overwhelmed.

 

The pool deck areas were a ghost town for the first 6 days of the cruise. Despite this, I ate lunch there 7 times and breakfast 3 times, and merely bundled up.

Edited November 11, 2015 by LrgPizza

[rob&tam]

The reason there weren't capacity issues most of the trip was because it was cold, rainy, and so windy that sometimes one had to keep a hand on his drink to prevent it from blowing off the table. Once the weather broke, it became very crowded with 30-90 minute waits for tables. The staff worked their butts off, but were overwhelmed.

 

The pool deck areas were a ghost town for the first 6 days of the cruise. Despite this, I ate lunch there 7 times and breakfast 3 times, and merely bundled up.

 

 

Could part of the be the limited hours creating a ship of 4,000 trying out a popular concept in a 3-5 hour period?

 

I am not happy that there is angst 2 weeks before out sail date...

[Mooguy]

Is it true there might be a $5 upcharge to use the slides per day?

Edited November 11, 2015 by Mooguy

[LrgPizza]

Could part of the be the limited hours creating a ship of 4,000 trying out a popular concept in a 3-5 hour period?

 

I am not happy that there is angst 2 weeks before out sail date...

It was open 12 to 5pm, which I didn't feel was limited. Based on its location, I can only assume this will always be the hours.

 

The days it was open for breakfast, it was also open 8am to 10:30.

Is it true there might be a $5 upcharge to use the slides per day?

Absolutely not. Edited November 11, 2015 by LrgPizza

[insidecabin]

Were you on the TA? Other well know posters here that were on the TA said there was no issue getting in almost the entire trip.

 

6&8

 

 

On the TA so real experience, getting in was not the problem getting food was.

25mins to get a single breakfast order with the place less than 1/2 full.

Once full tables get blocked for ages waiting for food.

 

 

Same in Bistro, cagnies, o'sheehans long waits for food, seemed to be galley issues keeping up with the numbers getting seated.

Edited November 11, 2015 by insidecabin

[Catnapper7]

It was open 12 to 5pm, which I didn't feel was limited. Based on its location, I can only assume this will always be the hours.

 

The days it was open for breakfast, it was also open 8am to 10:30. Absolutely not.

 

There's no confirmation from NCL on any Margaritaville cover charge and website still has it listed as complimentary. Do I remember from a ways back on this thread that this info is from what someone overheard in an elevator? Is that all we're basing this on or is there something more substantial?

[rob&tam]

It was open 12 to 5pm, which I didn't feel was limited. Based on its location, I can only assume this will always be the hours.

 

The days it was open for breakfast, it was also open 8am to 10:30. Absolutely not.

 

 

A 5 hour time period is limited if there is an hour wait within 10 minutes of opening. However, each of the experiences that are being measured so far are not what it will be like starting this weekend when it begins regular runs. On the TA weather might have played a factor in this not being as popular as it will be in the Caribbean. This past two day might be the other end of the spectrum as many travel agents and other reviewers were trying to squeeze in reviews of the new concepts putting unusual strain in places there will not be on a regular run...

 

I remember thinking Guys burger joint would be crazy busy after it was added on Carnival ships. Once staff was comfortable, it ran smoothly with high demand... However it had a burrito place and the buffet to spread the demand out for those looking for lunch on the upper decks.

 

I have wondered if this is real or someone just starting a rumor for fun.

[sixesandeights]

On the TA so real experience, getting in was not the problem getting food was.

25mins to get a single breakfast order with the place less than 1/2 full.

Once full tables get blocked for ages waiting for food.

 

 

Same in Bistro, cagnies, o'sheehans long waits for food, seemed to be galley issues keeping up with the numbers getting seated.

 

To be fair....I have never gotten my food in O'Sheehans any quicker than this either. NCL food service is slow across the board.

 

6&8