Escape TA: Likes, Dislikes and Random Thoughts

[Coastalbreezes]

Hi Tracy -

 

Thanks for the great review. Since I'm a smoker as well, I know the 5 O'clock Somewhere is smoking - do you know the other areas (as of your cruise)?

 

I decided to do the Haven Aft Suite (didn't like the balcony sizes of the suites in the Haven), so I'm trying to figure out the ship (usually I'm in the Haven).

 

Thanks!

 

Happy Cruising! :)

 

 

 

Heidi

 

 

Deck 17 pool bar was a smoking area and a great place to hang out. Smoking also allowed at Spice and the Cigar Lounge. If in Haven, the upper forward area on deck 19.

 

Tracy

[Frick_&_Frack]

Thanks, Tracy.

 

Can't believe after all these years, I'm actually getting excited to cruise "large" ships! LOL

 

Have a super day!

 

Heidi

[LrgPizza]

1) Every day going to the spa, you have to basically run a gauntlet of 4-6 spa crew members trying to sell you services or daily specials. Namaste, namaste, namaste, namaste, namaste...super annoying.

Tracy

I kept smiling, nodding and quickly saying, "my nasty" back to them. I don't know if any of them noticed.

[Medtech2]

Interesting about the casino being empty due to no smoking. We have said that would happen but the non smokers insist that they will put an extra $20 in the machines so it will work out lol. Thanks for proving what I have been saying.

 

 

Geri

I would say, and I don't mean this in a bad way, that people who are addicted to smoking would be the same ones who would be more prone to enjoy gambling, and gambling large.

 

It's not the smoking people object to but the total lack of clean air spaces available for non-smokers. In the other ships the smoke just envelopes the common areas, including some dining venues.

 

What they should have done in building is what people have been suggesting for YEARS. Glass in the smoking area, even if that turns out to be the majority space, and vent the air OUTSIDE. So simple and yet so out of NCL's grasp.

[Medtech2]

Oh, I just remembered two more things related to the spa:

 

1) Every day going to the spa, you have to basically run a gauntlet of 4-6 spa crew members trying to sell you services or daily specials. Namaste, namaste, namaste, namaste, namaste...super annoying.

 

2) In the what were they thinking department, the fitness center operates on both sides of the corridor leading to the spa entrance but without walls! The heavy scent of body odor permeates the hallway and is rather offensive.

 

Tracy

Another reason for glass walls and venting!

[luvtheships]

Interesting about the casino being empty due to no smoking. We have said that would happen but the non smokers insist that they will put an extra $20 in the machines so it will work out lol. Thanks for proving what I have been saying.

 

 

 

 

 

Geri

 

 

The casinos will eventually be non smoking or walled off and vented just like everywhere else

 

Give it time

Edited November 10, 2015 by luvtheships

[luvtheships]

I would say, and I don't mean this in a bad way, that people who are addicted to smoking would be the same ones who would be more prone to enjoy gambling, and gambling large.

 

 

 

It's not the smoking people object to but the total lack of clean air spaces available for non-smokers. In the other ships the smoke just envelopes the common areas, including some dining venues.

 

 

 

What they should have done in building is what people have been suggesting for YEARS. Glass in the smoking area, even if that turns out to be the majority space, and vent the air OUTSIDE. So simple and yet so out of NCL's grasp.

 

 

This too will eventually happen

 

Why? Well...lol...I'm no fortune teller of course but in my years I have had the pleasure of seeing my suggestions put into effect many times....it's not that anyone or anyplace asked my opinion of course....it's just that I can think logically about solutions...and it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that any smoking area in this day and age needs to be walled off (plexiglass works) and vented to the outside and away from any living thing that requires air to survive. Lol

 

 

What does surprise me though is the high paid geniuses at Ncl would actually not do this on their newest ship....they will eventually though on the subsequent ships

[boopsahoy]

Interesting about the casino being empty due to no smoking. We have said that would happen but the non smokers insist that they will put an extra $20 in the machines so it will work out lol. Thanks for proving what I have been saying.

 

 

Geri

 

So glad! Even Atlantic City tried a no smoking Casino-the Revel- a beautiful place but closed in 2 years! Casinos need to allow smoking and I would never cruise a ship that didn't as that's our favorite place to be!

[AZ ParrotHead]

Great review! Thank you!

[Loonbeam]

Depending on what the missing item is, it could have be reallocated from another dish or venue that didn't meet expected demand (for example, if it was shrimp and there was a dish using similar shrimp not being ordered as expected in the MDR, they can reallocate.

 

We also LOVED the food at Food Republic, and were disappointed to see the Rock Shrimp Pad Thai was sold out.... But get this - we went for lunch on the last day of the cruise, and miraculously it was available! I have no clue how it could have been sold out the entire cruise, then suddenly it wasn't, but that happened. :rolleyes: Oh, it was delicious, too, (like everything else we ate there.)

 

It was nice to have met you. Enjoy your next cruise!

[LMaxwell]

So glad! Even Atlantic City tried a no smoking Casino-the Revel- a beautiful place but closed in 2 years! Casinos need to allow smoking and I would never cruise a ship that didn't as that's our favorite place to be!

 

No one ever considers that Atlantic City is basically some nice hotels in the middle of a degenerated slum with third rate entertainment and nothing else to offer outside of the casino. And for this NJ robbed its own state employees pension funds. Plenty of other casinos have closed as well. Atlantic City is a trash dump.

Edited November 10, 2015 by LMaxwell

[asubaru]

This is a very nice, informative review, Tracy, and much appreciated. I hope your concern/issues improve for your upcoming sailing.

 

It's nice to hear of the food in the Haven since I haven't had much luck on other ships. Sorry to hear of your tiny balcony. I have stayed in other Haven 2 bedrooms and think they are way too small for price (and size of suite).

 

When you did play in the casino, what games do you play? I was curious about Video Poker pay tables if those were of interest to you? If you played table games, were payouts decent (comparable to land based casinos)?

 

Did you have much interaction with casino hosts or casino manager? Do you recall their names? I'm curious due to knowing some from previous ships.

 

I would appreciate any info you can provide.

 

Hope you have a great return cruise!

 

 

 

 

 

Casino

 

 

I usually spend most of my time here and the casino is laid out pretty much the same as the Away ships. For the TA, it was announced only days prior to our sailing that the casino would be 100% nonsmoking. Let me tell you, as predicted by many, the casino was eerily quiet for most of the voyage. Never ever crowded and there were 100 invited players (including myself) who barely played because of the no smoking. From discussions I had, revenue was way, way down and because people weren’t playing, servers had no one to bring drinks to and get tips in return. On the inaugural there are over 200 invited players and my understanding is that a large section of the casino will be for smokers beginning November 14th. Also, they had some huge sound issues with slot machines on the TA. There were many machines that were deafeningly loud (with volume that could not be lowered!) – so much so that people were really getting annoyed. Other machines especially in the rear of the casino had no sound at all which made them not fun to play. Instead, cheesy songs such as “Kokomo” and other songs of that ilk played on a seemingly endless, tortuous loop.

 

I cannot speak to any of the main shows because I am going to wait and see them all with my son on our cruise next Saturday.

 

One thing I want to mention is the wine…especially the LACK of it, especially if you wanted pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. Gone after day one!! What everyone told us was that those two types of wine along with Prosecco were drunk by everyone on board during the preview cruises Hamburg to Southampton with no restocking happening until Miami. Pretty much all that was left to drink of any white varietals were Rieslings and low-end chardonnay. So, even though I had the beverage package, I didn’t drink that much during the TA as I am a pinot grigio drinker.

 

 

 

Lastly I want to say that as always with a new ship, the best of the best crew and officers are aboard and this was no exception. Our captain was Evans Hoyt and it was wonderful to also see Sean (HD) and Errol (Asst. HD), Poppi, Klaus and so many others (including casino hosts, my wonderful concierges Adrian and Karen) who are just genuinely wonderful people.

 

 

Being a transatlantic, there were people from literally all over the world and I met so many interesting people throughout the 10 days. Although the weather was chilly and rainy and so gloomy with high seas for almost seven days, people came together and made the best of it and had fun anyway. And when the sun finally came out (just after a double rainbow no less), spirits really brightened – you could really feel the change of vibe when that sun came out!

 

Thanks for reading this.

Tracy

[kimala]

The same info about Margaritaville not being complimentary after 11/14 has been posted by a second TA cruiser.

Next up.......O'Sheenan's??? :rolleyes:(pure speculation about O'Sheenan's, but at the rate Del Rio is going I would not bet against this happening)

 

I really hope this is not true or if it is they reconsider. The thing I most like about cruising is that it has always been an easy vacation to budget. Once the final payment was made I considered it basically paid for except the tips and any drinks besides the iced tea and coffee etc that is available. I have talked two other couples into going on the Escape with us next October and it's almost embarrassing to think they plan on Nicle and dimeing people so much.

[Jane Don]

The casinos will eventually be non smoking or walled off and vented just like everywhere else

 

Give it time

Interestingly, the whole gaming industry is suffering a lack of growth and some believe that smoking plays a role. Health conscious people won't go to smoky casinos. They therefore don't get bitten by the gambling bug. Smoking is on the decrease (17% US wide), while healthy, active living is on the rise.

 

For the long term, casinos are going to have to start marketing to the health aware. Millenials won't tolerate the pollution. If they don't their attendance will decrease with the smoking rates. In the short term, it will be an adjustment, and they may incur short term losses. In the long term though they will grow their consumer base.

 

In my opinion, it starts in Vegas. As soon as smoking in casinos is outlawed, and it will happen, the entire landscape and demographic of the industry will change. Several years ago, all Canadian casinos went smoke free. They are still making money and even recruited new gamblers because the smoke averse were willing to give it a shot. And let's face it, an addicted gambler will play even if they have to go outside to smoke.

[Coastalbreezes]

This is a very nice, informative review, Tracy, and much appreciated. I hope your concern/issues improve for your upcoming sailing.

 

It's nice to hear of the food in the Haven since I haven't had much luck on other ships. Sorry to hear of your tiny balcony. I have stayed in other Haven 2 bedrooms and think they are way too small for price (and size of suite).

 

When you did play in the casino, what games do you play? I was curious about Video Poker pay tables if those were of interest to you? If you played table games, were payouts decent (comparable to land based casinos)?

 

Did you have much interaction with casino hosts or casino manager? Do you recall their names? I'm curious due to knowing some from previous ships.

 

I would appreciate any info you can provide.

 

Hope you have a great return cruise!

 

I'm a slot player and normally only play the QuickHit machines. But the bank of them on Escape were way in the back of the casino and they were having sound issues in that entire area. None of the machines made any noise, so it was kind of strange to play without all the "belles and whistles" happening.

 

I ended up playing a Triple Stars machine when I did play. There are lots of Video Poker machines on board and I cannot speak to the table games.

 

Casino Staff: Mgr - Ian Spencer

Exec Host - Christina Bica

Hosts - Christina Masgo and Rex Aguirre

 

The casino hosted an invitational party just after sailaway which was fun. We sailed at 5:00 p.m. but oddly the casino wasn't allowed to open until 11:30 p.m. Apparently it took us that long to gt into international waters.

 

I'll report back with any updates when I return on the 21st.

 

Tracy

[Single Cruiser]

For me the likes and dislikes:

 

Likes:

 

Bar Brewhouse district - although a lot of beers ran out early due to NCL vastly under estimating German and Brits drinking!

 

New menu in O'Sheehans now includes the specials like Shepherds pie!

 

Magaritaville - ate there twice and both times were great meals and key lime pie.

 

Moderno - new menu cuts and still great choices

 

Supper club - great Brat pack show beats the cirque stuff but same fixed menu

 

USB bedside charging points - in balcony and above by the bedside lights

 

 

Dislikes

 

No nightclub bliss venue :(

They've removed Oreo cheesecake from the Cagneys a la carte menu

Moderno now $24.95 no longer qualifies for the platinum reward dinner

No waterfront bar for non-smokers. With an unused wine bar one side and the 5-o'clock smokers bar the other there was no where to order a beer on the waterfront.

Million dollar quartet/after midnight , unless you are of a certain age these might not appeal to you as much as say legends.. One person Carl somebody had to look up on the internet lol.. Walked out of after midnight which was just random uncordinated ballroom dancing..

 

 

Out of the big 4 Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and Escape (sailed on all) its sadly no.4.

 

Oh and Miami has to be the worst terminal to disembark at. Lack of staff and poor immigration every time. They even were sending people into another part of the warehouse to get bags before doubling back against flow of people. Then the angry border agent woman who seemed so happy with her job was sending people to wrong lines. She never apologised when I queried and just said oh I guess they switched the lines!! The agent who fingerprinted, photographed and whatever else they insist on doing to visitors just mumbled. No "welcome to America" or sorry for the delay etc.. :rolleyes:

[LrgPizza]

For me the likes and dislikes:

 

Likes:

 

Bar Brewhouse district - although a lot of beers ran out early due to NCL vastly under estimating German and Brits drinking!

I think they underestimated that the Germans and Brits would drink mostly the light, wimpy beers. Those were the ones that ran out! :p

[majorwibi]

I'm guessing most people didnt eat in the MDR for lunch on most days because I havent seen one comment about how the MDR lunch menu was the same for the whole TA.

 

That's my only substantive complaint that I let Norwegian know about in the post cruise survey. All the rest of my complaints I can easily attribute to growing pains or poor logistics (which I blame on Norwegian but chalk it up to sailing location as it wasnt their normal provisioning effort) in not restocking in South Hampton before departure across the Atlantic.

[SuiteCruiser]

For me the likes and dislikes:

 

Likes:

 

Bar Brewhouse district - although a lot of beers ran out early due to NCL vastly under estimating German and Brits drinking!

 

New menu in O'Sheehans now includes the specials like Shepherds pie!

 

Magaritaville - ate there twice and both times were great meals and key lime pie.

 

Moderno - new menu cuts and still great choices

 

Supper club - great Brat pack show beats the cirque stuff but same fixed menu

 

USB bedside charging points - in balcony and above by the bedside lights

 

 

Dislikes

 

No nightclub bliss venue :(

They've removed Oreo cheesecake from the Cagneys a la carte menu

Moderno now $24.95 no longer qualifies for the platinum reward dinner

No waterfront bar for non-smokers. With an unused wine bar one side and the 5-o'clock smokers bar the other there was no where to order a beer on the waterfront.

Million dollar quartet/after midnight , unless you are of a certain age these might not appeal to you as much as say legends.. One person Carl somebody had to look up on the internet lol.. Walked out of after midnight which was just random uncordinated ballroom dancing..

 

 

Out of the big 4 Epic, Breakaway, Getaway and Escape (sailed on all) its sadly no.4.

 

Oh and Miami has to be the worst terminal to disembark at. Lack of staff and poor immigration every time. They even were sending people into another part of the warehouse to get bags before doubling back against flow of people. Then the angry border agent woman who seemed so happy with her job was sending people to wrong lines. She never apologised when I queried and just said oh I guess they switched the lines!! The agent who fingerprinted, photographed and whatever else they insist on doing to visitors just mumbled. No "welcome to America" or sorry for the delay etc.. :rolleyes:

 

Loved the Brat Pack too! My oceanview also had the USB plugs in the bedside lamps-great idea.

 

Escape and Epic are now a toss up for #1. Not a fan of Breakaway, but Margaritaville and especially Food Republic has tipped Escape up toward the top. 4 cruises on Epic within 9 months last year with no umbrellas or way to cool off in Posh vs a great new Vibe may also be the reason.

Edited November 10, 2015 by SuiteCruiser

[hpecorari]

Loved the Brat Pack too! My oceanview also had the USB plugs in the bedside lamps-great idea.

 

Escape and Epic are now a toss up for #1. Not a fan of Breakaway, but Margaritaville and especially Food Republic has tipped Escape up toward the top. 4 cruises on Epic within 9 months last year with no umbrellas or way to cool off in Posh vs a great new Vibe may also be the reason.

 

I have not been on the Escape yet and won't be until January, however I was on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway and the one thing I really *hate* - not dislike but actually hate......is that they have all the 'minor' entertainment in the Atrium. Friendly Feud, 55 to stay alive, Etc. etc. etc. It's way to noisy, way to busy, you can't really sit down and enjoy the 'show' with a drink and man if you need to visit guest services or restaurant reservations, etc. you can't hear yourself think!

 

Harriet

[LrgPizza]

I'm guessing most people didnt eat in the MDR for lunch on most days because I havent seen one comment about how the MDR lunch menu was the same for the whole TA.

 

That's my only substantive complaint that I let Norwegian know about in the post cruise survey. All the rest of my complaints I can easily attribute to growing pains or poor logistics (which I blame on Norwegian but chalk it up to sailing location as it wasnt their normal provisioning effort) in not restocking in South Hampton before departure across the Atlantic.

 

We never ate in the MDR either. Same menu the entire cruise, and we didn't like any of the choices. We had Margaritaville for lunch 7 times, and Food Republic the other 3.

 

I have not been on the Escape yet and won't be until January, however I was on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway and the one thing I really *hate* - not dislike but actually hate......is that they have all the 'minor' entertainment in the Atrium. Friendly Feud, 55 to stay alive, Etc. etc. etc. It's way to noisy, way to busy, you can't really sit down and enjoy the 'show' with a drink and man if you need to visit guest services or restaurant reservations, etc. you can't hear yourself think!

 

 

 

Harriet

 

 

It's the same on Escape.

[hpecorari]

We never ate in the MDR either. Same menu the entire cruise, and we didn't like any of the choices. We had Margaritaville for lunch 7 times, and Food Republic the other 3.

 

 

 

 

It's the same on Escape.

 

I know and I already hate it!

 

Harriet

[hencoll]

We also LOVED the food at Food Republic, and were disappointed to see the Rock Shrimp Pad Thai was sold out.... But get this - we went for lunch on the last day of the cruise, and miraculously it was available! I have no clue how it could have been sold out the entire cruise, then suddenly it wasn't, but that happened. :rolleyes: Oh, it was delicious, too, (like everything else we ate there.)

 

It was nice to have met you. Enjoy your next cruise!

 

We had the same experience. Went to Food Republic a couple of times for lunch and the Rock Shrimp Pad Thai was sold out. Went back a couple of nights later and it was available. It was quite delicious. I also fell in love with the duck dumplings with the pumpkin puree. Fantastic. Loved Food Republic!

[SuiteCruiser]

I have not been on the Escape yet and won't be until January, however I was on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway and the one thing I really *hate* - not dislike but actually hate......is that they have all the 'minor' entertainment in the Atrium. Friendly Feud, 55 to stay alive, Etc. etc. etc. It's way to noisy, way to busy, you can't really sit down and enjoy the 'show' with a drink and man if you need to visit guest services or restaurant reservations, etc. you can't hear yourself think!

 

Harriet

 

I don't go to any of those shows, but totally understand that it would be rotten for those who do. I did have to go to guest services a few times while they were on and it didn't look like much fun to me.

Edited November 11, 2015 by SuiteCruiser

[Coastalbreezes]

I have not been on the Escape yet and won't be until January, however I was on the Epic, Breakaway and Getaway and the one thing I really *hate* - not dislike but actually hate......is that they have all the 'minor' entertainment in the Atrium. Friendly Feud, 55 to stay alive, Etc. etc. etc. It's way to noisy, way to busy, you can't really sit down and enjoy the 'show' with a drink and man if you need to visit guest services or restaurant reservations, etc. you can't hear yourself think!

 

Harriet

 

Harriet, I totally agree! When there is something in the Atrium that I want to see or participate in, I literally have to arrive one hour in advance in order to get a seat and will usually bring a book to read while I wait for the event. Talk about poor planning.

Tracy

 

Tracy