11/21 - 11/28 Thanksgiving Escape to the Caribbean: A review with pictures

[GoAndHaveFun]

Welcome home. The photos are fantastic. Really enjoying this review. Glad to see Adrian on the Escape. He is the best ever.

 

Glad to hear you are enjoying the review and the photos despite I feel they are a bit blurry at times and also kinda big. Adrian was awesome and made more of an impression on me than Anoop on Breakaway.

 

Loving your review. Great pictures :)

 

Thanks for checking our my review. Stay tuned for more! :)

[GoAndHaveFun]

O'Sheehans

 

 

I really like that O'Sheehans has changed their menu a bit. My go-to meal there was chicken fajitas (with no sour cream and tortilla) with fries on the side. That made for such an awesome late night snack or anytime snack really. I have always been ehh about service at O'Sheehans but this time, the service was pretty good. I also had the country soup and that was also pretty good too. I also tried the half dozen chicken wings jerk-chicken style and it was yummy!

 

 

Jamaican jerk styled chicken wings..they were yumm!

 

Chicken fajitas with guac, pico de gallo, and fries on the side and old country soup!

 

 

Teppanyaki

 

 

Simply put, we love teppanyaki and would always dine there every cruise. As previously mentioned in my Breakaway review and other posts on here, you dine at teppanyaki once or twice, you will know their exact jokes and tricks. However, I am still and will always be entertained by the teppanyaki chefs. We dined here twice this cruise and for the first chef, he wouldn't add oil on the grill before cooking our seafood and it would always stick to the hibachi grill. It would also seem like he would get carried away with the jokes and tricks that he forgot about cooking the food and would then be in a hurry to finish cooking and serving the food. For our 2nd time at teppanyaki, it seemed like we were gonna have the same chef again as we even took pictures with him. However, it turns out he came to the wrong table as he was supposed to go to the table next to ours. He learned he was at the wrong table when he asked the waiter for the paper that has our orders on it and the waiter was like "umm, you are at this table!" LOL. Our 'real' chef then came a few minutes after and we took pictures with him again. I then joked and said "now we can buy 2 photos!" This teppanyaki chef was way more skilled and was very, very quick with his hands. You know how to warm up, the chefs would do 'Japanese' fork and knife exercises? This chef took those exercises to a whole new level! I also like that the chefs were also very accomodating as my parents can't take too much sodium and would always request less soy sauce on the fried rice and seafood (our typical order). The only negative was that both times, the fried rice was hard and crispy.

 

 

New teppanyaki menu with some slight changes. I think perhaps the most important change is that you can no longer fold the menu into an origami. That doesn't bother me though as I could never fold my menu to what it's supposed to look like.

 

Our teppanyaki chef cooking our food

[UKLloyd]

Hey Goandhavefun,

 

Sorry to go off topic ever so slightly, was just looking for advice. We are coming over from the UK to cruise out of miami but will be flying to SFO to spend a few days before our cruise. Only airlines I see flying that route is Virgin america or American airlines. Are these the only 2 airlines which operate that route?

 

Thank you so much if you can help.

[GoAndHaveFun]

Hey Goandhavefun,

 

Sorry to go off topic ever so slightly, was just looking for advice. We are coming over from the UK to cruise out of miami but will be flying to SFO to spend a few days before our cruise. Only airlines I see flying that route is Virgin america or American airlines. Are these the only 2 airlines which operate that route?

 

Thank you so much if you can help.

 

HOW DARE YOU DERAIL MY REVIEW? J/k...I welcome any and all questions!

 

I just looked up flights from Heathrow (pretending you are from London) to SFO on a random date on expedia and airlines flying this route include United, British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Airlines, Delta, KLM, Lufthanasa, Iberia, Air Canada, Air France, Swiss and many more. Because SFO is a relatively big international hub in the West Coast, I highly doubt there would only be 2 airlines flying that route.

 

Do you have a particular loyalty to any airline mileage program? If you are part of the One World Alliance, then I would recommend American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia etc as they are part of One World. If you are part of Star Alliance (like I am for example), then I recommend taking either United, Swiss International, Lufthanasa, Air Canada etc. If you have no particular loyalty to any airline mileage program, then simply choose one that's decently priced and don't have horrible reviews.

 

For domestic route from SFO to Miami, United, AA, Virgin Airlines and couple others would fly that route.

[UKLloyd]

HOW DARE YOU DERAIL MY REVIEW? J/k...I welcome any and all questions!

 

I just looked up flights from Heathrow (pretending you are from London) to SFO on a random date on expedia and airlines flying this route include United, British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Airlines, Delta, KLM, Lufthanasa, Iberia, Air Canada, Air France, Swiss and many more. Because SFO is a relatively big international hub in the West Coast, I highly doubt there would only be 2 airlines flying that route.

 

Do you have a particular loyalty to any airline mileage program? If you are part of the One World Alliance, then I would recommend American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia etc as they are part of One World. If you are part of Star Alliance (like I am for example), then I recommend taking either United, Swiss International, Lufthanasa, Air Canada etc. If you have no particular loyalty to any airline mileage program, then simply choose one that's decently priced and don't have horrible reviews.

 

For domestic route from SFO to Miami, United, AA, Virgin Airlines and couple others would fly that route.

 

HAHA, I thought oh no. lol. Thanks for answering.

 

I was meant to say from SFO to either MIA or FLL. Not loyal to any program.

When we fly from SFO to miami it will more than likely be chosen on cost.

 

Thank you so much for your help. Your review is great. Getting me very excited for our cruise on the Escape. Shame it is still a year away.

[aubreyc1988]

Great review so far - I have questions, but I will wait until you finish, in case you answer them anyhow :)

[GoAndHaveFun]

La Cucina

 

 

Because we loved La Cucina on the Breakaway, we had it twice this cruise. As you know, La Cucina is a-la carte now and that translates to no more ordering multiple different appetizers (I miss the minestrone soup with grilled shrimp) and no more pizza. I used my Platinum dinner here so I was able to get one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert. Of course, you also get a complimentary bottle of wine and we chose Moscato as my parents love Moscato. If you have UDP or SDP, you can get one appetizer, one pasta, one entrée and one dessert. I love the calamari appetizer and the seafood pasta. I ordered the t-bone steak the first time and lobster with pasta second time around. Both were yummy but for lobster pasta, you get half a tail. For dessert, the tiramisu was delicious along with the afogatto (ice cream with expresso). Service here was pretty good as the waitress/waiter would remember us. Our 2nd dinner here, we had a wonderful server from Macedonia. She was very cheerful and was also very happy when I knew where Macedonia is (it's next to Greece and formerly part of Yugoslavia). Protip, if you want to make a lasting impression on any crew member, show them you know a thing or two about their country. It was nice getting to know our server. She told us she likes the Escape a lot as she gets her own cabin.

 

 

 

The calamari. I love calamari!

 

The chicken, seafood linguine, lobster pasta and t-bone steak. They were all very yummy.

 

No Italian dinner is completed without tiramisu.

 

Moderno

 

 

Moderno was the only place that I thought was meh and I have always loved Modernos also. For one, they got rid of the seafood chowder and went with a lobster bisque that had a weird smell. There was also nothing in the bisque either. It also seemed as though there wasn't enough seasoning in the meat and some of the meat (like flank steak and pork) was really dry. I think I have been spoiled by churrascarias in Rio Grande do Sul as that's where churrasco originated from. I am definitely not one to say "OMGZ you haven't try real Brazilian barbecue until you go to Fogo de Chão" but Moderno's just didn't do it for me this time. However, I still love the cinnamon pineapple even though our last batch was cold.

 

Lamb chop, pork and sausage! Meat galore

 

Salad bar! I didn't see ceviche though!

 

If you go to Moderno's, go there very hungry and be sure to pace yourself!! I didn't do that on the Getaway last year and felt terrible afterwards as my stomach was SO full!

[49erfan007]

Thanks for your review, I just was curious about the casino, if you went. Was it very smoky? I am an ex smoker (we hate smoke the most) and I keep hearing that the casinos on NCL ship are VERY smoky. I was wondering if you have any experience. Loving the pictures too

Cathy

[aubreyc1988]

Thanks for your review, I just was curious about the casino, if you went. Was it very smoky? I am an ex smoker (we hate smoke the most) and I keep hearing that the casinos on NCL ship are VERY smoky. I was wondering if you have any experience. Loving the pictures too

Cathy

 

 

49erfan007, the casinos on NCL ships are very very smokey - basically, if an ashtray is by a machine, its free game, and is not policed well. And because the open layout of hte casino and that its open to other floors, such as the atrium, the smoke can be smelled even 2 floors down.

 

This is something I would love to know as well - I know the CLAIM that they are building this separate enclosed room for smoking casino players, but not sure if its up yet or even being built currently?

[ruthperryman]

We're on the Escape in January and are flying SFO to FLL (Fort Lauderdale). The options are JetBlue, Virgin and United.

[Poop_Deck]

Loving your detailed review! We were in the Haven on Getaway in October and are trying to figure out how to get back in there for our July sailing on Escape;)

I really appreciate your photos/info re: the fitness center- I don't often find much about them in reviews! I look forward to seeing what else you have in store for us:)

[GoAndHaveFun]

HAHA, I thought oh no. lol. Thanks for answering.

 

I was meant to say from SFO to either MIA or FLL. Not loyal to any program.

When we fly from SFO to miami it will more than likely be chosen on cost.

 

Thank you so much for your help. Your review is great. Getting me very excited for our cruise on the Escape. Shame it is still a year away.

 

If you have time to kill and don't mind layovers, those flights will be cheaper. In fact, the following will sound crazy but we actually flew from SFO to Newark then to Miami as direct flight from SFO to Miami was pretty pricey. I also saw this as a way to rack up mileage although the trade-off was spending half a day in airports and planes and being super tired. Definitely look into flying into Ft Lauderdale as well as flights might be cheaper going there.

 

I am glad my review is getting you very excited for the Escape!

 

Great review so far - I have questions, but I will wait until you finish, in case you answer them anyhow :)

 

Oh no, please feel free to ask any questions you might have about the Escape..even if I haven't gotten to reviewing other venues or aspects of Escape!

[Yorkvillain]

Were there any crab legs or any other seafood at the seafood buffet?

[Lily815]

Were there any crab legs or any other seafood at the seafood buffet?

 

I was just going to ask the same question.

[brookie848]

I wonder if your steward was the same Maribeth we had earlier this year on the Epic. She was wonderful. We are also staying on Deck 17 on our cruise in February and it would be great if we are lucky enough to have her again.

 

Enjoying your review!

[TardisDance]

Thanks for taking the time to post a review. I like the fact that you post pictures and thoughts regarding the fitness center. It's can be really hard to find out information. I know it's a vacation, but I like burn some of it off!

 

Yeah, also I'm still bummed out about La Cucina no longer serving pizza. I guess pizza is too low brow? Since Latittudes Magazine said that al la carte won't be fleet wide until Mid Month, I'm hoping I can still get the last of the pizza on my BA cruise in January.

[GoAndHaveFun]

Thanks for your review, I just was curious about the casino, if you went. Was it very smoky? I am an ex smoker (we hate smoke the most) and I keep hearing that the casinos on NCL ship are VERY smoky. I was wondering if you have any experience. Loving the pictures too

Cathy

 

The casino can be a bit smoky at times..especially when you are playing or standing next to the slots as that's where a lot of people would smoke. People also smoke at table games but I didn't play any table games so I am unable to comment about the smoke level there. I know there's also a nonsmoking table game section that's directly across the Skyline Bar (it took the place of Bliss Lounge and is more spacious).

 

49erfan007, the casinos on NCL ships are very very smokey - basically, if an ashtray is by a machine, its free game, and is not policed well. And because the open layout of hte casino and that its open to other floors, such as the atrium, the smoke can be smelled even 2 floors down.

 

This is something I would love to know as well - I know the CLAIM that they are building this separate enclosed room for smoking casino players, but not sure if its up yet or even being built currently?

 

I have actually never heard of this claim! I can't imagine the dealers would enjoy being trapped in a room filled with smoke and they probably prefer the open space now. I have a feeling if the player is VIP or Golden, the Pit Supervisor or any of the casino supervisors isn't gonna tell the person not to smoke as the supervisor doesn't want to risk upsetting the player.

[rayness]

Thank you for posting. I'm thinking about booking a studio cabin on this ship so it was nice to see one and the lounge.

[aubreyc1988]

The casino can be a bit smoky at times..especially when you are playing or standing next to the slots as that's where a lot of people would smoke. People also smoke at table games but I didn't play any table games so I am unable to comment about the smoke level there. I know there's also a nonsmoking table game section that's directly across the Skyline Bar (it took the place of Bliss Lounge and is more spacious).

 

 

 

I have actually never heard of this claim! I can't imagine the dealers would enjoy being trapped in a room filled with smoke and they probably prefer the open space now. I have a feeling if the player is VIP or Golden, the Pit Supervisor or any of the casino supervisors isn't gonna tell the person not to smoke as the supervisor doesn't want to risk upsetting the player.

 

 

I think there is a cruise critic written article about it.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6615

 

Says retrofitted in November so curious as to what the situation is

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoAndHaveFun]

Loving your detailed review! We were in the Haven on Getaway in October and are trying to figure out how to get back in there for our July sailing on Escape;)

I really appreciate your photos/info re: the fitness center- I don't often find much about them in reviews! I look forward to seeing what else you have in store for us:)

 

You know, I wanted to know what the fitness center looks like for the longest time but I couldn't find any pictures. It wasn't UNTIL one night when I decided to search Escape vids on youtube and sure enough, a Dutch cruiser posted an Escape video that included the fitness center. I got so excited seeing how things were more spacious and they got rid of the walls that separated the cardio and weights room.

 

Were there any crab legs or any other seafood at the seafood buffet?

 

Unfortunately, there were no crab legs despite I saw crab legs on Instagram weeks before my sailing. Other seafood include salmon, other types of fish, some squid in the cioppino, more shrimps, mussels and that was about it.

 

Here's a quick reference pic...aka one of the very few pics I took from Seafood Buffet Night. I had the seafood cioppino with my steak and then the big cocktail shrimps

[GoAndHaveFun]

I wonder if your steward was the same Maribeth we had earlier this year on the Epic. She was wonderful. We are also staying on Deck 17 on our cruise in February and it would be great if we are lucky enough to have her again.

 

Enjoying your review!

 

Were you guys in the Haven on the Epic? If so, then there's a good chance this is the same Maribeth as I imagine NCL would send Haven cabin stewards from one ship to another ship. If you don't get Maribeth as your cabin steward, you can simply go up to deck 18 and say hi! That was what I did with Miller as he was on deck 17! :cool:

[GoAndHaveFun]

Thanks for taking the time to post a review. I like the fact that you post pictures and thoughts regarding the fitness center. It's can be really hard to find out information. I know it's a vacation, but I like burn some of it off!

 

Yeah, also I'm still bummed out about La Cucina no longer serving pizza. I guess pizza is too low brow? Since Latittudes Magazine said that al la carte won't be fleet wide until Mid Month, I'm hoping I can still get the last of the pizza on my BA cruise in January.

 

You are very welcome! I was always hoping someone on the TA or 3 day cruise would post something about the fitness center about they never did. As for being on vacation and burning it off, it reminds of a brief convo I had with my brother on the Jade this year. I noticed that no one signed up for the TRX class so I communicated to my brother and he simply said "That's cuz people are on vacation and aren't worried about the gym." Because of that, I do wonder how many people even use the services of the 2 personal trainers onboard!

 

Thank you for posting. I'm thinking about booking a studio cabin on this ship so it was nice to see one and the lounge.

 

I wish I have stayed in a studio before to comment on that but I never did. From what I saw in the studio lounge, it just looked like such a great environment to chat with other fellow studio loungers.

[Yorkvillain]

Unfortunately, there were no crab legs despite I saw crab legs on Instagram weeks before my sailing. Other seafood include salmon, other types of fish, some squid in the cioppino, more shrimps, mussels and that was about it.

 

Great, thank you!

[GoAndHaveFun]

I think there is a cruise critic written article about it.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6615

 

Says retrofitted in November so curious as to what the situation is

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Oooo..thanks for the link. If they go through with this, I can imagine they enclosed parts of the table games on the Starboard side as that's where a lot of smokers would play and also the slots near the cash register. I can imagine NCL enclosing the area the same way they enclosed the high-limit area from the rest of the casino.

 

PS..sorry for the quadruple posts as for some reason, if I try to multiquote more than 2 people, things get funky.

Edited November 30, 2015 by GoAndHaveFun

[GoAndHaveFun]

Food Republic

 

 

I cannot believe it took me till the final night to try this place as I loved the food. I got the Japanese grilled squid and the Dragon Roll and they were pretty good for a very reasonable price. On land, Dragon rolls can cost up to $15 but it was $5 here at Food Republic. What I like about this place is that you can have a full meal or just a snack (like I did) and this is where a-la carte dining makes for a great system. I also really like how you can order everything and pay for it using the iPad they provide at like every table. It's like once the waiter/waitress shows you how to use it, you are good to go and don't need their help again unless something goes wrong. If I take Escape again, I am definitely coming back to Food Republic many times.

 

 

The Food Republic sign out front. It's close to the 5'o Clock Somewhere Bar (starboard) on deck 8 and before you see the deck 8 staterooms.

 

The iPad used to order and pay (you swipe your room key to the right of the iPad)

 

As you can see, couple iPads for you to order. You don't have to fight anyone for the iPad!

 

The Japanese-style grilled squid. It was delicious though I thought the portions would be a bit bigger.

 

The Dragon Roll. It was very good and I left very happy!