Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Everything.. ESCAPE (live 29 Oct 2015!)

FreestyleNovice

By FreestyleNovice,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

 Share

Recommended Posts

GoAndHaveFun

GoAndHaveFun

Posted
Posted
So sad! I hate the last night so much :(. Glad you loved the ship, I loved her too!

 

Yess! No matter how many cruises I take, last night is always the saddest night. I am at O'Sheehans now and watching the cruise events highlight reels (I was in a couple of them lol) definitely made me sad.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
tortuga39

tortuga39

Posted
Posted
http://cruiseradio.net/norwegian-adds-cover-charge-to-margaritaville/

 

This article state that guests received and email regarding the changes to Margaritaville. I did NOT get an email....did you?? :mad:

 

Actually I think if you booked directly through the cruise line then NCL should have sent you an email otherwise your Travel Agent should give you the details

Link to comment
Share on other sites
motleyfan

motleyfan

Posted
Posted
I sail tomorrow and booked this cruise with the understanding that Margaritaville would be complementary. I am EXTREMELY disappointed. Please save the subject to change discussion. I am still annoyed.

 

Well don't worry they're still many more complimentary place to go on the ship

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sotermarler

Sotermarler

Posted
Posted
Hi all,

 

I learned and benefited so much from reading the CC boards prior to my recent cruise, I wanted to share what I could. I know people have different experiences and opinions so, to be clear, this was what my husband and I experienced and, take or leave what you want from it.

 

 

 

Nov. 14th: 5:45am flight PVD to FLL-- great flight easy boarding, early arrival to FLL. We booked Jiffy Jeff transportation to ship on recommendation from CC posts. Our driver was late but Jeff did call to let us know. He made several stops-- in airport and at a hotel-- prior to leaving for port. We still arrived at POM around 11:30am. Embarkation was smooth, efficient and quick. Moderate lines moved quickly. After reading the reviews from previous cruises regarding long lines at Margaritaville, we headed right up there for lunch--for our cruise, it was complimentary except for bar drinks. Even though the restaurant was just opening, we were told the wait was over an hour and were really pushed to go to the buffet. There was a large section of empty tables. I asked to sit there while we waited (raining so outside tables not useful). At first we were told "no" but, then we were seated. A very nice waiter came over and offered drinks...and we started a very happy experience with our UBP!!. We did wait about an hour and the lines got huge with no where for the people to sit to wait. Once seated in the main restaurant, service was prompt and friendly. IMHO the food was plentiful but only ok---definitely not good enough for me to want to wait an hour or more again. I did note a really fun and friendly bartender who tried to get a party started by singing and dancing as he worked. Unfortunately, they closed Margaritaville and Spice H2O to the public so travel group could have private party for sailaway. This was SO WRONG!!.....they hogged two of the best places for sailaway. I have to admit, I got some evil satisfaction when it was pouring during sailaway so they really couldn't enjoy it. :o

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this lonnnngggg post helps/interests people. To those with upcoming cruises...have fun....I am soo jealous as I want to be back there right now!!

 

 

Momckb,

Thanks for your review. It was nice meeting you! I love that you "took evil pleasure in the rain" on sail away.....so did I!

 

Your review sounds quite a bit like mine. Here is mine. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2282445

 

The one thing I would like to change now is, that is M.Ville is no longer a free venue, I would no longer suggest going there. It was good because it was free and different, now that it's a pay restaurant it no longer has appeal to me. Very sad.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Yorkvillain

Yorkvillain

Posted
Posted (edited)
Many more? Name them big shot. I count...3? And one less than the -away ships?

 

Bummer. So NCL's biggest ship has 3 complimentary restaurants:

- main dining rooms

- buffet (Garden Cafe)

- O'Sheehans

 

Compare that to RCI's biggest class. On the Oasis of the Seas, the following are complimentary:

- main dining rooms

- buffet (Windjammer)

- Park Cafe

- Sorrento's pizzeria

- Cafe Promenade

- Vitality Cafe

- Wipe Out Cafe

- Boardwalk Dog House

- Solarium Cafe

 

And Johnny Rockets has free breakfast. Some of the venues I listed above on RCI are not open for dinner (or there is a fee for dinner like the Solarium) but I was thinking along the line of what is available for lunch. I considered Margaritaville a lunch type of place.

Edited by Yorkvillain
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Two Wheels Only

Two Wheels Only

Posted
Posted

I'll preface my post by stating that I'm no fan of Margaritaville. Neither love nor hate the place but (IMO) it's just another place. I've been to a few but not on Escape, yet.

 

I've seen excitement and anticipation surrounding Margaritaville on Escape.

I've seen questions about how the food would be served on Escape (some thought it would be pre-cooked and sit under heat lamps).

I've seen above average reviews of the food from those who sailed Escape.

I've seen complaints related to long wait times, under-staffing, and empty tables while people continue to wait.

I've seen questions related to whether or not those staying in the Haven could have Margaritaville food delivered to their stateroom by butler (they can).

Now, I've seen that Margaritaville is a specialty restaurant with a la cartel prices.

 

I hadn't planned on going there but I could/still can see myself ordering something and having it delivered. There are more interesting specialty restaurants on Escape that I am looking forward to trying.

 

HOWEVER, I fully understand the frustrations of people who believed that it would be complimentary. If Margaritaville had been announced as a specialty restaurant from the beginning (before the ship began construction), I doubt that people would have had a problem with it like they do now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sunset Lover 1971

Sunset Lover 1971

Posted
Posted (edited)
Oh man I feel sorry for the staff at Margaritaville over the next couple of days. There are going to be a lot of angry passengers taking out their frustrations on them.

 

I may be disappointed with the decision, but in no way would take it out on the staff.

Edited by Sunset Lover 1971
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Lily815

Lily815

Posted
Posted (edited)
Bummer. So NCL's biggest ship has 3 complimentary restaurants:

- main dining rooms

- buffet (Garden Cafe)

- O'Sheehans

 

Compare that to RCI's biggest class. On the Oasis of the Seas, the following are complimentary:

- main dining rooms

- buffet (Windjammer)

- Park Cafe

- Sorrento's pizzeria

- Cafe Promenade

- Vitality Cafe

- Wipe Out Cafe

- Boardwalk Dog House

- Solarium Cafe

 

And Johnny Rockets has free breakfast. Some of the venues I listed above on RCI are not open for dinner (or there is a fee for dinner like the Solarium) but I was thinking along the line of what is available for lunch. I considered Margaritaville a lunch type of place.

 

This is exactly why, after 8 years with NCL, we are heading back to Royal. :(. Just way too many changes on NCL. Also, IMO, the MDR choices and quality were better under Sheehan. When the new menus were rolled out on Getaway (when the ship first started sailing), the choices and quality were amazing. I just don't think it's as good now as it was. It's hard to justify all of these price increases now.

Edited by Lily815
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Buccaneergirl

Buccaneergirl

Posted
Posted

Leaving on Escape today and I got the email about Margaritaville late yesterday. So, less than 24 hour notice and I think the whole thing stinks! We probably would have eaten there once while on board, but now, not at all.

This is my first NCL cruise and I have to say that since I booked this cruise, there have been so many changes at NCL.

 

Can't wait to get on board today and see what an NCL cruise is like!:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
hpecorari

hpecorari

Posted
Posted (edited)
Well don't worry they're still many more complimentary place to go on the ship

 

FYI -

 

Escape, 4,248 Passengers - 5 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste/Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

 

Getaway, 3,969 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Tropicana Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Flamingo Bar and Grill - Breakfast and dinner

Shanghai's - Open for dinner only

 

Breakaway, 3,963 Passengers - 8 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - Only Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Uptown Bar and Grill

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

Sabrett's Hot Dog Stand

 

Epic, 4,100 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room and Taste - Only Taste open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Great Outdoors

Spice H20

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

So basically, on the Escape, which has the most passengers, you can:

Have free breakfast at Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's and the Buffet

Have free lunch at Taste/Savor but only when at Sea, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

Have free dinner at Manhattan Room/Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

 

Just a quick show of the different ships, the amounts of passengers on the ships and the complimentary venues now available.

 

Harriet

Edited by hpecorari
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Lily815

Lily815

Posted
Posted
FYI -

 

Escape, 4,248 Passengers - 5 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste/Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

 

Getaway, 3,969 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Tropicana Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste open for lunch when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Flamingo Bar and Grill - Breakfast and dinner

Shanghai's - Open for dinner only

 

Breakaway, 3,963 Passengers - 8 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - Only Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Uptown Bar and Grill

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

Sabrett's Hot Dog Stand

 

Epic, 4,100 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room and Taste - Only Taste open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Great Outdoors

Spice H20

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

So basically, on the Escape, which has the most passengers, you can:

Have free breakfast at Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's and the Buffet

Have free lunch at Taste/Savor but only when at Sea, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

Have free dinner at Manhattan Room/Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

 

Just a quick show of the different ships, the amounts of passengers on the ships and the complimentary venues now available.

 

Harriet

 

Thank you. This breaks it down nicely.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
shauncruises

shauncruises

Posted
Posted

Just got off the Escape! It was a wonderful cruise. Did not attempt to go to Margaritaville... it is just food, IMO. Although the wings at O'Sheehan's were incredible! The entertainment was fantastic! The ports were good, although that is not why we picked this ship. We wanted to go on the newest ship. We always get a balcony. We were in 11214. Originally we were on the deck 9 and then realized it was above many entertainment venues! So glad we changed! Deck 11 is so quiet! The room is more than large enough. The bed is near the balcony. The bathrooms are fairly roomy and the shower was wonderful!

 

We loved walking around the Waterfront on deck 8! It was very relaxing. The way the Garden Cafe is designed is genius! The food area is all in the center and the seating all around with lots of window seating! Also genius is having a bar located in the cafe for quick access to a cocktail!

 

All this being said, we enjoyed sailing on the Allure so much more and will probably stick with RCCL. It will really depend on the itinerary.

 

For everyone still preparing to cruise... Enjoy! I feel so blessed to be able cruise! Cannot wait until the next on!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dave85

Dave85

Posted
Posted
Actually, the 'aways have 5 complimentary dining spots vs. just 3 now on Escape, because the 'aways also have Shanghai Noodles.

 

 

 

 

Just a quick show of the different ships, the amounts of passengers on the ships and the complimentary venues now available.

 

Harriet

 

 

Thanks to both of you, the disparity is worse than I initially thought!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Minoushka

Minoushka

Posted
Posted
FYI -

 

Escape, 4,248 Passengers - 5 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste/Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

 

Getaway, 3,969 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Tropicana Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Flamingo Bar and Grill - Breakfast and dinner

Shanghai's - Open for dinner only

 

Breakaway, 3,963 Passengers - 8 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - Only Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Uptown Bar and Grill

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

Sabrett's Hot Dog Stand

 

Epic, 4,100 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room and Taste - Only Taste open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Great Outdoors

Spice H20

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

So basically, on the Escape, which has the most passengers, you can:

Have free breakfast at Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's and the Buffet

Have free lunch at Taste/Savor but only when at Sea, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

Have free dinner at Manhattan Room/Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

 

Just a quick show of the different ships, the amounts of passengers on the ships and the complimentary venues now available.

 

Harriet

 

The buffet choces are very limited and Sheehans is a greasy spoon IMO .i hope they bring back another free venue ...too many have fees plus lunch is the same in restAurants all week ....same repeated menu ....come on NCL ...do not disappoint ..step up .we paid for our cruise ...please deliver good food all the time everywhete not just specialty

Your nickel and diming is going to send you out to play alone

You are my favorite so fix this ....after I pay for my cruise ...not that cheap anymore .i really wAnt something good for my money ...come on you can do better

Link to comment
Share on other sites
motleyfan

motleyfan

Posted
Posted
FYI -

 

Escape, 4,248 Passengers - 5 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste/Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

 

Getaway, 3,969 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Tropicana Room, Taste, Savor - only Taste open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Flamingo Bar and Grill - Breakfast and dinner

Shanghai's - Open for dinner only

 

Breakaway, 3,963 Passengers - 8 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room, Taste, Savor - Only Savor open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Uptown Bar and Grill

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

Sabrett's Hot Dog Stand

 

Epic, 4,100 Passengers - 7 complimentary venues:

Manhattan Room and Taste - Only Taste open for lunch & only when at sea

O'Sheehan's

Buffet

Great Outdoors

Spice H20

Shanghai's Noodle Bar

So basically, on the Escape, which has the most passengers, you can:

Have free breakfast at Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's and the Buffet

Have free lunch at Taste/Savor but only when at Sea, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

Have free dinner at Manhattan Room/Taste/Savor, O'Sheehan's or Buffet

 

Just a quick show of the different ships, the amounts of passengers on the ships and the complimentary venues now available.

 

Harriet

 

Yeah but the for fee restaurants are just better.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Loonbeam

Loonbeam

Posted
Posted (edited)

A couple of notes -

 

1> Given the apparent cause of the issues with M'Ville, namely the size of kitchen, which cannot be easily adjusted, they could have sold me on a small cover charge in the name of demand management. Wouldn't have been thrilled, but I would have understood and still probably went there once or twice if it was like $5.

 

With that said, the sudden change to A La Carte cannot be spun any way but as a money grab to capitalize on demand. I'm not arguing they can't do it, or its not a good business decision but I do have to wonder how well it will do given the posted prices and if we will see a future adjustment.

 

Also with that in mind, one thing we don't know is how much influence BuffetCo has over it, for example could they have nixed the cover charge idea? We won't know that, but it is important to remember that unlike some other similar venues, NCL may not have complete control of the operation.

 

2> To me, the bigger issue here is there is now no complimentary waterside/outdoor dining, something pretty much every one of their competitors (and their other ships) have. Somehow, this will need to be rectified (my guess would be adding a patio feature to the buffet perhaps with another type of food during drydock, if physically possible.

 

3> Following all the threads, one thing I have noticed is that NCL REALLY hamstrings themselves with the Haven concept. Having a haven suite booked upcoming, I am personally thrilled with it, but it ties up so much real estate on these new builds that it limits their other outside options such as lets say a pizza venue or comp burger joint (if they had a 'standard' burger joint in addition to M'Ville, no one would care).

 

4> This leads me to another thought, which is that NCL isn't quite sure what it wants to be right now. Do they want to be a family focused line like RCCL, with ropes courses, etc? Or a foodie oriented line, with the SDP, or attract a luxury market with the Haven, or a mass market line with big ships, or.... And I think we are seeing that reflected in a ship design that tries to be everything to all people, which rarely goes well.

 

5> Circling back around, does anyone know if the complimentary venues on the escape are the same size as on the Aways. It's not a huge deal to have less of them (except for variety) if there are more available seats.

 

6> BTW, I am giving them a pass on the casino mess. It was obviously their clear intention to go non-smoking, so the design was not a build-time issue. It didn't work and while they could have handled the change better (seems to be a theme), there apparently was enough pressure from high rollers and their casino partners that they needed to make the switch back before they could do it properly. The eventual inclusion of a smoking area should help (if they drop that idea, I withdraw this statement entirely).

Edited by Loonbeam
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...