Sid's solo adventure on the Escape, May 21-28 2016

[HowardK]

Great review so far- eager to hear about joost van dyke I am waiting to book it as soon as it is available

[Jim The Lizard]

Great review!.

[sail_ORN]

Thanks for this review! I've heard not so good things about the Escape. It's time I took a second look :cool:

[sid_9169]

Thank you all for your kind comments. And thanks to everyone else who made it this far. I'm getting to relive the adventure all over again, and take you all along...

 

If only a handful of you enjoy my story, then it was all worth it... Thanks again, NLH Arizona, denatravels, cml4958, samiam0403, Alaska Lily, Shawnkat, lbdiro, HowardK, Jim The Lizard, and DukeBlueRN...

 

I'm almost done writing Day 5, will be up soon...

[Starflyr3]

sounds like you had an awesome time!

[sid_9169]

Wednesday morning I was up at 06:00 for my excursion on the Rebel Yell catamaran to Jost Van Dyke. I went up to take some pictures of the sunrise over Tortola as we pulled into port. This was the one thing I was most excited about doing this voyage. Last time I was here I did The Baths of Virgin Gorda. It was a true bucket list destination, however, with my "been there, done that" attitude, I wanted to see what else the British Virgin Islands had in store...

 

Our meeting point was in the theater at 07:00, and I arrived just as people were filing out to the gangway. I found our meeting point, and soon enough we were boarding the Rebel Yell, helmed by Claudia from Australia and her 3 deckhands. Waivers were signed and brief safety instructions were given, and in short order, we were on our way. The journey to JVD is very scenic, and you can see just how close we were from our previous port, St Thomas. Heading West along the coast of Tortola, we were flanked by St John closely on our port side. Shortly after that, White Bay grew closer on the horizon. We were the very first boat to make landing on this day, and we departed the catamaran into knee deep water close to shore.

 

At this time of day, the Soggy Dollar is the only thing open, so everyone made a bee line in that direction for some of their famous Painkillers. I stopped by for my first one then set out exploring. First to the East, over the rocks to Ivan's Stress Free Bar (closed at this hour) Then back by for another Painkiller before heading West towards Seddy's One Love Bar and Grill (also closed this early) I took a swim in the calm cool waters and basked in the serenity of a nearly empty beach. Everyone else was still hovering around close to the Soggy Dollar, and I had the entire area to myself. A couple of more Painkillers, and another swim later and I was feeling pretty good...

 

Our meeting time to head back was at 11:15, and the now merry cast of characters loaded up one by one for our voyage back to Road Town. On the way back rum punch was poured, as if I needed any more to drink at this early hour. But, when in Rome... By the time we got back I was getting a bit hungry after a morning filled with rum and sun, so I headed into Road Town on foot to a local restaurant I discovered last time I visited. The Roti Palace (aka Ruby Roti Queen) A very quaint (6 tables) establishment, known mainly by the locals, and serving up some fine Indian / Caribbean fare. When traveling, I like to steer clear of the touristy port area and explore the tastes of the islands. Bollywood videos droned in the background on a small TV above the counter, and in minutes I was dining on the unique flavor of East meets West cuisine. Chicken curry roti with some homemade habanero hot sauce with a nice kick.

 

I made my way back through Road Town towards the port area bypassing the new shopping area completely, and found myself back on board Escape in minutes. Back on the ship, still salty and sunburnt from the day, I decided to try out the water slides, something I have never done on a cruise ship. First, the Aqua Racer with the inner tubes. Then I wanted to try out the free fall slide. They don't allow any jewelry whatsoever on this particular slide, so I was wearing my T shirt to conceal my nipple ring. I knew they would not allow me otherwise. He said I would probably get stuck with a shirt on, but I told him I was had sun burn and he let me go... The floor dropped out from under me and I felt the rush of gravity as I plunged downward. I made it almost to the top of the loop, but soon found myself sliding backwards to the bottom. The only thing I could think at this point was that I hope they don't send anyone behind me. I searched and found the emergency hatch above, and felt a rush of relief to make it out unscathed.

 

I went back to my cabin and showered again to try and shake off some of the mornings earlier than usual drinking. Afterwards I met up with a couple of the girls from the bar crawl and headed to Spice H2O. The last thing I needed right now was more drinks, so it was just water for me at this point. It was still early and had reservations at Cagney's later, so I needed to maintain my composure.

 

I was able to convince the young lady down the hall to join me tonight at the steakhouse. I had made this reservation months ago, knowing that a sea day followed so I could fully enjoy this giant meal. The SDP allows for unlimited appetizers, so I went with the shrimp trio, crab cake, and the slow roasted pork belly. Feeling better, I had a couple of glasses of cabernet to accompany dinner. The bone in veal chop for the main event, with truffle fries, asparagus, and brussels sprouts. The lady had the bone in ribeye with a side of? "What, just steak?" I asked... Yep. Just a giant slab of medium rare meaty goodness for her... Each to his own, but I love variety, and proceeded to stuff myself to capacity. Dessert time came, and I was just about to give in, but decided that I could handle one more shrimp trio.

 

Afterwards, we headed to the smoking area at the upstairs Waves Bar so my companion could get her nicotine fix. This area overlooks the main pool area, and tonight they were having a teen pool party. The party MC announced that it was almost time for the teen wet t-shirt contest, which turned out not to be what I was thinking when he said it. After that, we made another appearance at Howl at the Moon for a bit until I was plain worn out from the long, long day.

 

Another great day was in the books upon the beautiful Norwegian Escape...

[Nator72]

I'm loving your review. It seems like you are having the time of your life.

[Victorious8]

Loving your review! I am going to be in a solo cabin on the escape in just two months!

[sid_9169]

Loving your review! I am going to be in a solo cabin on the escape in just two months!

 

You will love the Escape! I've already booked again for next year in the exact same cabin...

[boopsahoy]

Great review! :D

[TheDougOut]

Hey sid_9169... loving your trip report! Thanks for taking the time to share your adventures with us.

[sid_9169]

Hey sid_9169... loving your trip report! Thanks for taking the time to share your adventures with us.

 

Thanks, TheDougOut... That's high praise coming from the King of all Live Reviews...

[kackles]

Love following your review! Thanks for sharing with us.

[cincicruisers]

Awesome review. Love your writing style.

[bbryan5]

Very good review so far!

[cruizin4sho]

Do you know if solo travelers who are not staying in solo studios can participate in solo activities?

 

Thanks for posting.

 

I was a solo on this same cruise and yes, solo travelers not staying in solo cabins can participate in solo activities. Sharon, the solo cruise director, will leave the door open to the solo cabins around 6, so entry to the lounge shouldn't be a problem.

[cruizin4sho]

Before we begin, I'll give you a quick summary of my overall impression of the Escape, and the service provided by NCL in general... The short version, it was AWESOME! Also, there will most likely be no pictures, as my lack of computer skills is only rivaled by my lack of writing skills... What you are about to endure is merely my experience, and will be told from the point of view of a mostly boring, not very outgoing, maybe just a bit odd, solo traveler.

 

The Escape is a beautiful ship. Easily NCL's greatest to date. Whomever has been perpetrating negative reviews of her deserves to be banned from cruising altogether. From a solo point of view, Norwegian sets the standard for the industry with the advent of the single occupancy cabins and lounge provided. And, as the group leader for this sailings' Cruise Critic Meet and Greet, they literally treated me like royalty... Bvlgari soaps and lotions from the Haven, check. A plush robe and slippers in my cabin upon arrival, check. An invitation to the Captains reception in the Haven, and access to the premier mixologists on the ship at the Haven Bar (More on that later) check. Treats in my cabin every day, often more than once a day, to the point where they started piling up, check. They truly went out of their way to do so much for me that I felt undeserving of the attention at times.

 

With the preceding introductory bits out of the way, lets get this journey started... After a mostly sleepless night, I was up at 04:45 to make my way to Miami from Atlanta. In a cab by 06:00 to the Marta station to try to catch the first train of the day. The news reports of late led me to believe there would be long lines at the worlds busiest airport. A quick 25 minute subway ride later, the accounts became reality when I exited the station staring down the longest security line I had ever bared witness to. Luckily I had an ace up my sleeve with my newly minted status of TSA Pre-Check. I presented my boarding pass to a representative, and was swiftly whisked past the throngs of plebeians to a short 5 minute wait, whereupon my shoes remained on my feet, and I was not looked upon as a potential threat to national security. I made it to the gate with a full hour and forty five minute wait for boarding, thinking to myself, that was the best $85 I've ever spent in my life for the TSA Pre-Check program.

 

After a routine, uneventful flight, I was deplaning at the Miami Airport at 10:20. An expeditious cab ride later, I found myself at the port in mere minutes. I was issued boarding group 8, and after a brief wait, I was making my way up the gang plank (or, long, glass enclosed ramp thingy. Not sure of the correct nomenclature.) It was right about noon, and I had finally made my way onto the beautiful decks of the new Norwegian Escape.

 

Rooms were not yet ready, so I made my way down to Savor; suitcase in tow, for the my first meal of this epic journey. A blackend grouper sandwich and cajun shrimp salad later, and the announcement was made that the cabins were prepared for occupancy. I went directly to cabin 12539 and visited my new home for the week in the Studio Cabin sector. Relieved of my bags, I set out for my first drink of the day at Tobacco Road. First a Grass Clippings, a specialty drink I had not yet experienced. Next, a Mango Meltdown at Spice H2O. Then several others at various bars, and I was well on my way to a foggy afternoon.

 

My muster station was in the Escape theater on deck 7, and was soon followed by more exploring (and more drinking) I knew that I wanted to attend the solo gathering at 18:00, but needed some food to absorb my indulgence of adult beverages. I showed up at Food Republic at around 17:20 to try to be the first customer and make it out in time for the solo meeting. Ordering here is accomplished via an IPAD system, by the way, they are not on a swivel as I quickly learned as the IPAD loudly crashed to the floor in the quiet restaurant. My embarrassment was concealed by my intoxication, and food soon started to arrive. Buffalo-style rock shrimp followed by brussels sprouts, and duck and pumpkin dumplings.

 

I made it out with 3 minutes to spare to make my way to Tobacco Road for the solo gathering. Now this is where things started to get a little foggy for me. I remember having a few more drinks, and we made our way back to the solo lounge. Sharon Waugh was the solo travelers' host. Introductions were made, and afterwards everyone went their separate ways. Now, I am a bit of a weird dude, and the solo gatherings have never resulted in any real or imagined companionship for me. This would be my one and only appearance at the solo meet up...

 

According to my notes, I then made my way up to the Garden Cafe, however everything else that happened on this long travel day were getting to become very blurry at this juncture. Also according to my notes, this was the point when I walked face first into a wall and decided that the UBP had gotten the better of me, and set out to locate my cabin. Thus ending day 1 on the Escape...

 

Up next: The Cruise Critic Meet and Greet. A monumental Bar Crawl followed by the Captains reception in The Haven...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Sid, I was a solo on this trip and met you on the first day and the cruise critic meet & greet the next day. Thanks for organizing the event! Really enjoying your review so far. Makes me wish i was back on the cruise!

 

If there are any solos out there contemplating whether to take the Norwegian Escape, STOP AND JUST DO IT! Norwegian takes care of their solo cruisers! Sharon, the solo cruise director was great and took care of us solos who attended every meet & greet, which to my surprise averaged a strong 15/20 people. Great times, great ship!!!

[Victorious8]

You will love the Escape! I've already booked again for next year in the exact same cabin...

 

Awesome! I am booked in a solo right now but I just had a friend FINALLY commit to coming with me. I had been passively urging her to take the trip with me for months so I am pretty excited about it. We will see though if she comes through. I am trying to decide though if it is possible should I move with her into a balcony (it would save me less than a hundred bucks), or have her book in the studio's with me (the room next to me is actually available).

 

Is there any "better" part of the studio section to be in?

[sid_9169]

Awesome! I am booked in a solo right now but I just had a friend FINALLY commit to coming with me. I had been passively urging her to take the trip with me for months so I am pretty excited about it. We will see though if she comes through. I am trying to decide though if it is possible should I move with her into a balcony (it would save me less than a hundred bucks), or have her book in the studio's with me (the room next to me is actually available).

 

Is there any "better" part of the studio section to be in?

 

Having a balcony is always a great way to escape the crowds, but living in a confined space with someone for 7 days can rear it's own challenges... I was in 12539, which is all the way down the hall, furthest from the lounge, and it was very quiet down there. You'll just have to weigh the luxury of the balcony with having your own personal space...

[sid_9169]

I slept in until about 09:15 on this day and realized that my vacation was rapidly coming to an end. I went to the studio lounge to partake of a couple of shots of espresso from the fancy dispensing machine. This was really the only part of the lounge experience that I ever utilized. A custom omelette at the Garden Cafe and I was ready to conquer the world... At this point I had the sudden revelation that I had not been in a single hot tub this entire journey. I'd been so busy eating and drinking and running around that I neglected one of my all time cruising traditions. Now, I do have an issue hanging out in a hot tub, marinating with dozens of people of unknown personal hygiene. (among other things) However, first thing in the morning, while the water is still sanitary, I do like to relax and reflect upon the meaning of life and whatnot.

 

I first took a dip at Spice H2O, then went all the way forward on deck 19 to take in a soak with a view. My skin beginning to wither, I retreated to a lounge chair to take in the sunshine. Now dry, I noticed that there was no line at the ropes course, so I went back and retrieved my shoes and strapped in for a go of it. Only one of the zip lines was open this week. (which is the funnest part) The rest is okay, but not challenging. I did walk the plank, but didn't pull the cord, as I had no intention of buying a $25 picture. With that accomplished, I showered and took in a nice sit down lunch at Taste.

 

On a mid-day walkabout, I happened upon one of the bar crawlers and took in a round of Big Bang Theory trivia in the Atrium. (We got 23/30, a solid B minus...) Afterwards, we ran into the rest of my adopted cruise family, and I joined them for (2nd) lunch. It then hit me that it was early afternoon and I had not yet partaken in any adult refreshments. To catch up, I headed to the Spice H2O bar for mango margaritas, then Sugarcane Mojito bar for a jalapeno cucumber mojito. Next to Tobacco Road for a grass clippings, and finally back to Spice for more straight tequila...

 

Now caught up on drinking, I prepared for round 2 at Cagney's Steakhouse. Tonight I would be dining alone, so I could feel free to pig out even more than my usual. Shrimp trio, oysters rockefeller, crab cake, wine (obviously) For the main, filet and lobster with asparagus, truffle mashed potatoes, and brussels sprouts. Tonight I would go for the 7 layer chocolate cake for dessert. Now burdened by a couple of pounds of food in my belly, I stumbled back to my cabin for a bit. I couldn't reach any of the others on the I Concierge this evening, so I wandered back to the Glow Party solo for a few minutes. Booming rave music not really being my thing, I retreated back to Sugarcane for a jalapeno cucumber mojito to go, and meandered back "home" to 12539...

 

This was the point when the pre-post-cruise depression struck. Knowing that there was but one day left... I would have to make the most of it.

 

I took my sleeping pill and installed my foam earplugs and drifted off into dreamland...

Edited June 2, 2016 by sid_9169

[Victorious8]

Having a balcony is always a great way to escape the crowds, but living in a confined space with someone for 7 days can rear it's own challenges... I was in 12539, which is all the way down the hall, furthest from the lounge, and it was very quiet down there. You'll just have to weigh the luxury of the balcony with having your own personal space...

 

I'm I think almost as close to the lounge as you can get but I am a heavy sleeper ESPECIALLY when drunk which is likely to be most of the time. I think you'e right, having my own space will definitely be nice. Even with my sister who I ADORE as my cabin mate I have wished for my own place more than a few times.

[Barb Nahoumi]

Thank you for sharing the story about your special friend.

[sid_9169]

Friday morning. The last day of the cruise. I awoke relatively early, knowing that my vacation time was growing short. A quick coffee and breakfast at the buffet, and it was time for another hot tub tour. I contemplated my week on the Escape, and the people I had met. The late nights out. The wonderful variety of food and beverages I'd consumed. The solo adventures out into strange distant lands. I thought about my friend in Heaven, hopefully looking down upon me and joining me in spirit.

 

 

After the hot tub tour, I soaked up the rays on this last full day. I met up with my adopted cruise family for 2nd breakfast. They would be heading out into Nassau today to enjoy our final port of call. I've seen as much of Nassau as I have a desire for on prior cruises, and opted to stay on board a mostly empty ship. I went back to my cabin to get the bulk of my packing done. I like to just get it out of the way early so I can savor my last day on board. I tipped Uriel my cabin steward for his hard work this week, even though a clean freak like me doesn't leave him much to do. I went down and paid up my tab in cash at guest services so I wouldn't have to worry about any further credit card debt.

 

With the heavy lifting out of the way, I headed back to Spice to get some use of my final day of the UBP. After a few drinks, I decided to debark to get some exterior pictures of the ship. With only one other ship in port today, I was able to get some decent shots from a distance of one of the empty berths. With that out of the way, I returned to my cabin and did my final packing and showered. Less than a half a day left now on this magnificent vessel, what would I get into next.

 

Alone and bored, I had the idea to try to get back into the Haven for another Smoke and Fire cocktail from Marc, the master mixologist. I went down to guest services and told them that I had neglected to take pictures for the review, and that it would be great if I could get back in briefly. An agent escorted me up to deck 17 and I found myself back inside the fortress of luxury. (and fancy handcrafted drinks) I photographed the courtyard, bar and Haven restaurant. I then told him it would be great to get a picture of one of Marc's master creations. He said I would need permission from the other patrons of the bar, as I was merely a guest in their opulent lair. So I sidled up to the bar and inquired of the guests. They were intrigued by my reporting and agreed to have me join them in a drink. A nice couple even invited me to dine with them this evening in the Haven if I wished. I reluctantly declined their offer, as I was hoping to spend time with my adopted cruise family this last night on the Escape.

 

Again, I couldn't reach anyone on the I Concierge this afternoon, so I headed to Moderno at it's 17:30 opening time for one last dinner. I piled up a plate from the ample salad bar and flipped the card to green. Soon, cuts of meat began to appear before me at a rapid fire pace. Filet, lamb chops, chicken, and beef ribs were scarfed down, along with a couple of baskets of the cheeses rolls. I tried not to over do it as I usually do at my local Brazilian steakhouse back home.

 

After dinner, I went for a wander about the open decks to soak in my last night on board, and ran into one of my fellow (female) bar crawlers. She had a good head start on me in the drinking category this night, so I tried to catch up. It was the eve of her birthday, and she felt lucky, so I went with her to the casino and watched as she tore up the roulette table. Another one of our companions found us at the casino and the roll continued. Turn after turn, she was hitting on every number. $100 soon turned into over $500 and she decided to cash in her winnings and run rather than slowly lose it back to the house. Next, we found ourselves back at Howl at the Moon for one final show.

 

It was around 23:00, and she realized that she had not yet packed and left her bags out for debarkation. We made a dash back to her cabin where she literally threw everything into her two large suitcases and tagged them for pickup. (Also known as the "chuck and zip" method) I walked with the the other girl back towards our respective cabins and we said our goodbyes. It's a weird thing about cruising. You meet and hang out with total strangers who over the course of the week become like old friends. Then the end of the cruise comes, and you realize that you will probably never see nor hear from them ever again. That's the way it's been for me, anyway. But, like I said at the beginning, I'm a bit of an odd dude...

Edited June 2, 2016 by sid_9169

[SMSACE6]

Sid_1969. I am very sorry for your loss of your best friend!

 

I do thank you for your review of the Escape. I believe that I have read a previous review of yours. I was briefly booked on the Getaway and later the Escape for this year, but had to cancel, due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

I am now booked yet again for the Escape, but it will not happen till September next year, so a long wait ahead:) I also travel solo, and I really like it that way, so I may or may not actually attend any of those solo gatherings, I have lots of time though to decide on that.

 

So, thanks again so much for your excellent review. Love your writing style. Wish you many many more cruises to come.

Edited June 2, 2016 by SMSACE6

[sid_9169]

Sid_1969. I am very sorry for your loss of your best friend!

 

I do thank you for your review of the Escape. I believe that I have read a previous review of yours. I was briefly booked on the Getaway and later the Escape for this year, but had to cancel, due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

I am now booked yet again for the Escape, but it will not happen till September next year, so a long wait ahead:) I also travel solo, and I really like it that way, so I may or may not actually attend any of those solo gatherings, I have lots of time though to decide on that.

 

So, thanks again so much for your excellent review. Love your writing style. Wish you many many more cruises to come.

 

Thank you so much for your kind words. You will love the Escape. As for my writing style. I failed English on more than one occasion, so, it is what it is... Thanks again for following along...