My Escape Review from a Royal Loyalist

[GirlWriter]

It actually does impact the cruise. One show was actually called "Cotton Club" ...Cotton...Club... And you are getting up in arms about he word "Urban"? I have since found out it was the name of an actual club, but that still seems offensive to me. I mean actually offensive, not the things that our delicate flower of a society deems to be offensive in the year of the CryBullies.

 

So if one show is "Cotton Club" and both comedians are African American (though thankfully one of them was race-neutral) the other made sure to talk about racism, racial profiling, and how the racism of law enforcement. In a time when Black Lives Matter protesters are LITERALLY calling for the murder of law enforcement, the last thing I would like to hear on a vacation is about how cops are the racist ones...

 

Also, if we had gotten on the cruise and noticed it was 80% Irish people, and the music was all Irish folk music, and the dancing was all Riverdance. We would have mentioned that in a review, too.

 

Stop being so easily offended people.

 

 

As to the shows...I didn't know a single song from Cotton Club, and only a couple from Million Dollar Quartet. I found the shows extremely boring as a result. I'm not sure if you're unaware...both Hairspray and Mama Mia were made into movies in the 2000s...so most young people are familiar with them. Not to mention they are or were both on Broadway pretty recently.

 

One of the reasons we wanted to try Norwegian is because of things like Blue Man Group and the Aerial shows we had heard the line put on. We were disappointed that on the brand new ship they had nothing but musicals with very dated music.

 

As an African-American, I find your comments offensive pretty much from start to finish. Exactly how does having some percentage of "urban" people on your cruise "impact" it? Certainly you don't think that the shows that you didn't like were chosen to appeal to that specific group -- or do you think that? If you don't think that, then please explain the "impact."

[Tarheel_Cruiser]

It is sad really, when loose comments are made.

 

Seems to be the norm in the NCL forum. :(

[dolita22]

OK-I can not seem to find it or have missed it with my reading::o

 

OP-Did you do the sampler cruise???

Reason I ask is, first, you've sailed a lot with Royal, as have I and I am trying NCL for the first time.

 

Most know, no matter what line, if it be a brand new ship and the short cruise-those are tough to get a good read on.

 

I am not the OP, but yes, it was a 3-day public inaugural U.S. sailing. We were also on the cruise. Loved it, but also went in knowing there would be plenty of people having a good time (and they were), the staff would still likely be learning the ropes (they were), and that there would be kinks to be worked out (there were). All in all, we were happy with the cruise, loved the ship (have sailed Royal before) and can't wait to sail again in January on a 7 day!

[Debde]

I am not the OP, but yes, it was a 3-day public inaugural U.S. sailing. We were also on the cruise. Loved it, but also went in knowing there would be plenty of people having a good time (and they were), the staff would still likely be learning the ropes (they were), and that there would be kinks to be worked out (there were). All in all, we were happy with the cruise, loved the ship (have sailed Royal before) and can't wait to sail again in January on a 7 day!

 

thank you!!

Just my theory but I'm just not sure you can get a clear read on any ship that is one of these first time sampler cruises. All cruise lines seem to have lots to work out and I for one would not judge to harsh.

You seem to have the right idea!!:)

[newmexicoNita]

thank you!!

Just my theory but I'm just not sure you can get a clear read on any ship that is one of these first time sampler cruises. All cruise lines seem to have lots to work out and I for one would not judge to harsh.

You seem to have the right idea!!:)

 

Amen to this:

 

3 or 4 day cruises are never a good way to get introduced to a cruise and add the brand new ship to this, it certainly isn't going to be all sunshine and roses.

[metuken]

Stephen- exactly re the early arrival, immigration, and quick and many turns last week. On the TA from Southampton I did see what I would call staffing issues, but I have no basis of fact other then it is a new ship and EVERYONE, staff and passengers included, are figuring this out. I loved my crossing on Escape and saw any experienced issues (not those overheard) as the growing pains of a new ship. Funny, how cc'er comment on things they BELIEVE to be true, or overheard, and never experienced themselves. Also, re immigration - if there are issues with slow immigration, it is not a part of NCL and should not be held against the line. Re carrying your own bags off the ship - It is great that NCL allows passengers to carry off their own luggage, however, don't complain about carrying down the stairs, or down the gangway. NCL clearly explains this is your option. No assistance provided. A saying I once heard re luggage on a plane, but works here as well - "If you pack your own bag, you better be able to lift it over your head and place it on the top of your refrigerator. If you can't, check it, or have someone else handle it. Don't rely on others to assist."

 

Cheers.

[torgotom]

After Midnight thrilled me to goosebumps!

[motleyfan]

EMBARKATION: What a nightmare that is. The ship spans two terminals, which is why you need to check you e-docs again right before you board. We spanned in Miami, Terminal B & C. Keep in mind parking is at Terminal C. Knowing which terminal to go to wasn’t clear to everyone, the lines were long (noon) and the hot was beating down. While there was a desk with a NCL rep, he said nothing. The baggage handlers were directing traffic, and it took me a while to actually find a handler who would take my bag and I was waving a $5 bill to get someone’s attention just to place it on the cart I was standing right next to. Once we make it into the terminal, another long, long line. There is a priority room, I guess for NCL Elite and another line for Latitude members. But all lines were moving extremely slow. MUSTER: no one had to stand outside and we did not need to listen to multiple languages, although we did wait a long time for everyone to show up. This specific cruise had a very high urban composition.

 

SHIP: Of course it is shiny and new but there was clearly a lack of air conditioner, especially in the elevators. There are two sets of elevators but they are the smallest elevators I’ve ever seen on ship, so I would give the elevators a D. Very hard to get an empty one going in your directions. NCL seems to include a free package of your choice for a while now for balconies and above. So it seems like the entire ship had the Ultimate Beverage Package that the bartenders could not keep up with. Getting a drink was extremely difficult. The multiple lines streaming out of each bar seemed to be 5 to 10 deep. It was horrible, but they didn’t seem to mind giving you multiple drinks at once. The price fix for a UBP Drink is now $15.00. Don’t forget if you start ordering drinks as soon as you board you pay the tax until you on your way out to sea. For simple questions, the staff never seemed to know the answers.

 

ROOM: We booked a mini-suite spa a long time ago, included was the ultimate beverage package and the thermal spa. The mini suite was way smaller than I expected, the photo makes it look way bigger. The bathroom however, was huge, double faucet sink, walk in double door spa shower (numerous jets including overhead shower). Great water pressure and hot, hot, hot water. Shower gel and a combo shampoo conditioner in on wall dispenser. Lotion and more shampoo on sink counter. We had three in the room, they separated the bed into two singles and the couch was made into a bed at the beginning of the cruise. It was a very hard couch, so we requested and received the second night a thin egg crate, which helped. The refrigerator was filled up with mini bar items.

 

The flat screen TV had few stations and although you would assume the remote was new, it was very difficult to change the channels. Press, press, press and nothing would happen, then all of a sudden it would skip 5 channels. What I really liked, they had the push button for make up the room or do not disturb. These must be connected to the stateroom attendants, because you do not see them lingering in the hallways at all.

 

POOL: None of the hot tubs are hot. Those using seemed to enjoy the slides. Some hottubs were clearly marked Adults, but children were in them and the staff standing right there, did not ask them to leave. We even asked that deckhand where the adult hot tubs were and he didn’t know to tell us about h20 spice, the adult only exclusive area.

 

FITNESS & SPA: The fitness center was nice, smaller than I’ve seen on other ships, you must walk through to get to the salon and spa. Thermal spa was included with our suite (or you can pay $40 per day). The warm tile lounges lined a large window, so passengers were treating them like regular lounges and “hogging” them with towels/shoes, etc. These lounges are part of the spa treatment, and “were” to be used by passengers only if you were lying on them. Because they were mostly being used by a pair of shoes, or magazine, I found that extremely annoying. The staff kept telling us, that there was a sign, stating these rules, plus you were to limit use to 30 minutes. I never found that sign, nor did I see “housekeeping, removing left items as the staff said they were expected to do. So good luck on that one. Also we were in the spa women’s locker room, also ceiling to floor windows and sure enough, along comes a window washer (MALE) on his slider. Two women were completely naked drying off. Someone reports it to the front check in, and the staff come running in to pull the shade down.

 

FOOD : I would say the food is better on NCL than RCI. I really do like the concept of separate complimentary dining venues (even though I thought it odd they all have the same menu). We always went around 5:30 and got a window seat. It sort of felt like you were in a specialty restaurant atmosphere. The typical MDR experience on other ships I find to be so loud and chaotic so I did like this. Sometimes we had to rush to get to a 7 pm show and just returned later for our dessert. The Garden Café buffet was nice as well, many choices and the food was decent. I didn’t care for their breakfast, so would opt for the Taste or Savor where there were cooked to order options. We wanted to try and book the Italian specialty but it was sold out the whole time. Of course we saw plenty of empty seats whenever we passed by.

 

ENTERTAINMENT: Me 60, DD 32. Before even leaving I was leery of the entertainment onboard. And mind you, my DD and I go to Broadway plays on a regular basis and love the theater. We wished one of the shows, had more currently music and themes. Both complimentary shows were set in the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. And if you want something more recent like the 80s you can pay for the Brat Pack. UGH. With such high caliber shows on Royal, we were disappointment with the selection on NCL. Let me say, these folks were very talented. Some of the best singing I’ve ever heard from cruise singers and dancers. But the music just wasn’t our type. There are so many musicals to choose from, I have no idea why NCL chose these three shows with old decades old music to have on the same ship.

 

We did purchase and really enjoy the Wine Lovers Musical in the Supper Club. Again, very talented singers, fun, upbeat, and you get to drink wine. We saw two comedians plus the host in the comedy theater, BOOK THESE quickly as they sell out and the venue is small. The host was my favorite Gina Brillon. The other two Frank Townsend and Landry were eh.

 

ATTRIUM: I felt the need to point out that the atrium was the center for much entertainment. Trivia and other cruise director games and such; dancing, music and of all things this is where they played their daily MOVIE. It was nice having the trivia questions up on the screen in case you didn’t understand the accent of the staff asking the questions. The down side of this location, was this is also the location of guest services (by the way this line never let up and was lengthy always), but the noise level was crazy and you couldn’t even be heard by guest services when speaking with them due to the activity.

 

DISEMBARKATION: Aside from it being pouring in Miami when we disembarked, it went way better than embarkation. As odd as I thought that the attendant did not distribute luggage tags the last day, I realized how great it was that we went to select our own luggage tags. I want to choose what time I disembark, I hate most lines, select that for you.

 

Wow you seem wayyyy too picky, the shows were awesome. Sorry there were no shows with the crap they call music today. What about the poolside music? Or the h20 music?

[UPNYGuy]

...and these issues are why we NEVER sail on a ship as soon as it sails. It takes a good year for everything to start running smoothly.

[UPNYGuy]

As an African-American, I find your comments offensive pretty much from start to finish. Exactly how does having some percentage of "urban" people on your cruise "impact" it? Certainly you don't think that the shows that you didn't like were chosen to appeal to that specific group -- or do you think that? If you don't think that, then please explain the "impact."

 

 

Thank you!!! I also found that verbiage very offensive! In NO way does ethnicity determine level of culture or sophistication.

[UPNYGuy]

One of the reasons we wanted to try Norwegian is because of things like Blue Man Group and the Aerial shows we had heard the line put on. We were disappointed that on the brand new ship they had nothing but musicals with very dated music.

 

 

That "dated music" tends to appeal to individuals that have more disposable income. You don't see aficionados of fine food and wine having a discussion about the latest Chris Brown CD. Rather, topics of music will likely revolve around classical and jazz. People with higher I.Q. tend to prefer less "structured" music. And it is no secret that people with high I.Q tend to earn and spend more.

[Tura Lura]

That "dated music" tends to appeal to individuals that have more disposable income. You don't see aficionados of fine food and wine having a discussion about the latest Chris Brown CD. Rather, topics of music will likely revolve around classical and jazz. People with higher I.Q. tend to prefer less "structured" music. And it is no secret that people with high I.Q tend to earn and spend more.

 

Wow. You lost me with this post. I grew up being taken to Lincoln center, the ballet, theater... I still go to performances 2-3x month. I make damn good money, own a place in nyc... Like fine food... And my fave music? punk rock! :)

 

Open your mind.

[kismet618]

Wow. You lost me with this post. I grew up being taken to Lincoln center, the ballet, theater... I still go to performances 2-3x month. I make damn good money, own a place in nyc... Like fine food... And my fave music? punk rock! :)

 

Open your mind.

Thank you for that...I too enjoy an eclectic mix of music. I have been going to Broadway Shows and plays since I was small, along with Ballet and Opera...I am a deadhead that saw the Grateful Dead play 100+ times. I can't wait for After Midnight, and Million Dollar Quartet. The chutzpah of some of the posters here to bring their "elitist" babble is nauseating :cool:.

[NLH Arizona]

Thank you for that...I too enjoy an eclectic mix of music. I have been going to Broadway Shows and plays since I was small, along with Ballet and Opera...I am a deadhead that saw the Grateful Dead play 100+ times. I can't wait for After Midnight, and Million Dollar Quartet. The chutzpah of some of the posters here to bring their "elitist" babble is nauseating :cool:.

I saw Million Dollar Quartet in Las Vegas, it is outstanding.

[Cruisin2success]

First let me say that I was on the 2 night pre-inaugural from Nov 9-11. It was fantastic, great service, food etc. However, it was a totally different cruise than the 3 night that I just got off of.

 

Note: This was my 46th cruise and my 12th time escorting our annual J.U.G.S (Just us Girls) cruise. We've only done NCL one other time - the Sky last November, which we loved. Most of the other times it was on Royal Caribbean ships with a Carnival sprinkled in.

 

The Good:

• Great cabins - large bathrooms, comfy beds, DND and "make up room" buttons are a great idea
  
• Lots of options & venues
  
• Open air casino
  
• Food was better than average
  
• Great shows and especially loved Howl at the Moon.
  
• Loved the Mojito Bar
  

 

The Bad:

• Drink service was horrible. Most of the time there weren't any servers walking around the pool or H20.
  
• Every bar was short handed and was at least 2-3 people deep.
  
• There was always a 2-3 hour wait at Margaritaville yet there were always open tables. WTH!?
  
• The pool area is WAY TOO SMALL for 4,000 + passengers. It's more for a 70,000 ton ship, not a 160,000+ one. Very bad design on NCL's part
  
• Venues such as O'sheans weren't open when they said they would be. And when we went there for lunch, we waited way too long for our food and then it was cold.
  
• Any type of Guest Services issues required waiting in very long lines. I needed 3 different keys before I received one that would open my cabin yet my cabin mate's worked fine.
  
• Our last night at Taste took forever to get our food and we went early enough and the dining room was only half full. We couldn't get bar service other than wine at dinner. My friend ordered Surf and Turf but 15 minutes later she was told that they ran out of lobster. So they gave her 2 steaks and still charged her $25. What?
  

The bottom line, they were not prepared for this sailing. I don't know if the 2 day pre-inaugural sailed at less than full capacity or if they brought on extra crew members for the Agents and VIP's. But the 3 night was severely lacking in many areas. The crew always looked frazzled or overwhelmed and although I felt bad for them, it made for a less than desirable cruise.

 

I had many seasoned cruisers with me and they were also disappointed. But more importantly, I also had many first time cruisers with me - even tho they had nothing to compare it with, they were very unhappy with the service. All I can say is, thank God we had GREAT weather because I think I would have had a mutiny on my hands.

[perditax]

That "dated music" tends to appeal to individuals that have more disposable income. You don't see aficionados of fine food and wine having a discussion about the latest Chris Brown CD. Rather, topics of music will likely revolve around classical and jazz. People with higher I.Q. tend to prefer less "structured" music. And it is no secret that people with high I.Q tend to earn and spend more.

 

 

And if you have a high enough IQ, you realize that those self-reported studies are basically bunk.

[perditax]

Wow. You lost me with this post. I grew up being taken to Lincoln center, the ballet, theater... I still go to performances 2-3x month. I make damn good money, own a place in nyc... Like fine food... And my fave music? punk rock! :)

 

 

 

Open your mind.

 

 

Argh, we really need to end up on the same cruise and be introverts at each other from across the ship.

[Tura Lura]

Argh, we really need to end up on the same cruise and be introverts at each other from across the ship.

 

Seriously! I'm trying anthem of the seas - unlimited high speed internet! Apparently fast enough to stream movies.

[perditax]

Seriously! I'm trying anthem of the seas - unlimited high speed internet! Apparently fast enough to stream movies.

 

 

Hmm, I hadn't found RCI intriguing so far, but on another thread just now I saw someone mention a "studio balcony", so now ... Intrigued.

[Tura Lura]

Hmm, I hadn't found RCI intriguing so far, but on another thread just now I saw someone mention a "studio balcony", so now ... Intrigued.

 

They do have those. I'm in an inside studio with a virtual balcony. Cause I'm cheap like that :)

[almondglaze]

Hmm, I hadn't found RCI intriguing so far, but on another thread just now I saw someone mention a "studio balcony", so now ... Intrigued.

 

They are studios with a "virtual" balcony like their inside cabins. I checked on one today for a cruise on the Anthem

[NLH Arizona]

They are studios with a "virtual" balcony like their inside cabins. I checked on one today for a cruise on the Anthem

I just pulled one up and it looks pretty cool. At least you have the illusion that you can see the sea.

[jonbgd]

latest Chris Brown CD. .

 

I didn't realize what the Op meant by Urban I do now after reading thru the thread

 

BUT Really you bring this to the table.

He beat up Rhianna and you find that OK:confused:

[perditax]

Ok, NOW it's popcorn time.

[texangal39]

ok, now it's popcorn time.