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

[timeracer72]

Great review Sid. We're very similar in our on board activities it seems. Drinking various adult beverages while getting sun burnt is the way I roll lol.

 

Looking forward to a Epic bar crawl in December!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Alaska Lily]

Really enjoyed your review of the week Thanks for taking the time to post. DH and I were on the same cruise and I could totally relate to your "pre-post cruise depression". It's hard to believe that the people who "stole our cabin" are now already on their Day 6! I have just one question for you...we met a couple of times on the ship and I have to ask how do you stay so slim with such a zest for copious amounts of food??? :)

[sid_9169]

Really enjoyed your review of the week Thanks for taking the time to post. DH and I were on the same cruise and I could totally relate to your "pre-post cruise depression". It's hard to believe that the people who "stole our cabin" are now already on their Day 6! I have just one question for you...we met a couple of times on the ship and I have to ask how do you stay so slim with such a zest for copious amounts of food??? :)

 

Other than good genes, I would say the secret is commuting 5 miles per day to work on my bicycle, or walking the same distance on foot... Or possibly just good metabolism...

[soaringfalcon]

You have a quite a knack for story telling. I've really enjoyed this review. Thank you!

 

I think it's great that you continue to honor your friend's wishes and to take her with you

[sid_9169]

You have a quite a knack for story telling. I've really enjoyed this review. Thank you!

 

I think it's great that you continue to honor your friend's wishes and to take her with you

 

Thank you for tagging along on my journey... It was great to relive it all again...

[Shawnino]

I was just re-reading my prior posts, and it appears that my "review" is more akin to the ramblings of a gluttonous, habitual alcohol abuser, with tendencies toward perversion... But I digress...

 

 

 

 

You're a brilliant writer. We laugh, we cry.

What a great recap.

[sid_9169]

As with all great journeys, this one too, must come to and end... After a mostly sleepless night, I tossed and turned until I just gave up. Normally, I try to get up early on the last day to be one of the first to debark, and beat the lines. At 07:00 I wearily sprang from bed and went to the solo lounge for a double shot of espresso. A quick breakfast at the crowded Garden Cafe before showering and gathering the last of my belongings. I ran into my adopted cruise family as they were heading out to breakfast, and we said our final goodbyes.

 

I grabbed my suitcase and took one more look at what had been my "home" for the week, and I was off. Or, so I thought... I made my way down the stairs to deck 7 where I was met with a line snaking all the way down past the casino. I heard rumblings and rumors of a weather delay, or fueling delay. No one really knew, but this line was not moving at all. Slowly, we began to finally start to move, and about 30 minutes later, we were dinging out one last time. Members of the crew sang and cheered as we passed, but this was a somber moment for all those debarking the beautiful Norwegian Escape.

 

Minutes later I was in a cab headed for Miami International Airport, but my days journey had just begun. Normally, when I have a late flight home, I store my luggage at the airport and take the bus to South Beach for the day to round out my vacation. With little sleep, I just didn't have it in me to walk around like a zombie all day in the heat and humidity. Time felt like it was standing still as I paced up and down the terminal awaiting my now-delayed flight.

 

Finally, the time came to board the plane, and the long travel day was at least moving again. As I sat in window seat 21A, it appeared that my neighboring seat may go unoccupied as the last passengers made their way on board. About that time, a drop-dead gorgeous (and, I mean supermodel gorgeous) woman approached, and took a seat beside me. I thought to myself, "great, I'm going to be spending the next 2 hours in uncomfortable silence all the way home." We taxied out towards the runway for what seemed like forever, and I said "it looks like were just going to drive all the way back to Atlanta." She laughed out loud hysterically, and thus began a pleasant banter between us that lasted the whole way home. Her name was Desi, from Persia. (better known as Iran) It turned out that she had just graduated med school, and was in Miami celebrating with friends. She was easily the most pleasant seat mate I had ever encountered on the not so friendly skies...

 

Safely on the ground in Atlanta, we said goodbye as if old friends, and she was off to catch her connecting flight. I made my way through the airport towards the subway station knowing that my long journey home was not over yet. On the train ride home, we stopped at the Peachtree Center Marta station, where apparently the Mexico vs somebody soccer game had just ended. Throngs of revelers filled the subway car to maximum capacity. When I finally made it to my stop, the crowd had thinned enough to allow me to exit. I was now within a mile and a half of home, where I usually catch a cab after a long travel day. I had not eaten since breakfast on the ship, so I dragged my bag over to a local Barbecue place. Afterwards, growing tired from the long day, I decided to just walk the rest of the way home. Lord knows, I could stand to burn more calories after a long week of eating and drinking.

 

Back home, I was welcomed by a mailbox stuffed to the gills with bills, and reality had begun once again.

 

Thus concludes my wild and crazy week on what turned out to be one of the greatest vacations of my life...

 

For everyone who made it all the way to the end with me, thank you so much for following along. I guess this turned out to be less of a review, and more just my personal experience... It's strange how through my good friends passing, that I have learned how to live... I look forward to taking her on my next adventure on the NCL Getaway in 114 more days...

 

Again, thank you all so much for reading...

[Nator72]

Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed following along on your journey.

[suron]

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

 

Thanks for posting.

 

 

My first solo cruise on NCL Epic was booked on a special promotion and I was lucky enough to be upgraded to a balcony cabin. This did not exclude me from the Studio Lounge as all I had to do was go to Guest Services, have my cabin card swiped to indicate I was a solo passenger and I was able to access the lounge. My second cruise on Epic I had a solo cabin and loved it. On both occasions the crew member assigned to the studio lounge was excellent - organised for groups to have dinner together, go to the shows and even helped organise shore excursions for us. Two years down the line I am still in contact with some of the fellow solos and we plan to meet up again on a cruise either later this year or early 2017.

 

You will enjoy the solo lounge and a studio cabin.

 

On Epic it was possible to purchase a pass for the Posh Club - an adults only area on Deck 18 where you could escape the crowds especially on sea days. There is a bar which serves drinks and food and the waiters there were great. Passes are limited so head to Guest Services as soon as you board. It was the best $59 I spent for the week

 

Good Luck with your plans

 

Suzanne

[JessMCee]

As with all great journeys, this one too, must come to and end... After a mostly sleepless night, I tossed and turned until I just gave up. Normally, I try to get up early on the last day to be one of the first to debark, and beat the lines. At 07:00 I wearily sprang from bed and went to the solo lounge for a double shot of espresso. A quick breakfast at the crowded Garden Cafe before showering and gathering the last of my belongings. I ran into my adopted cruise family as they were heading out to breakfast, and we said our final goodbyes.

 

I grabbed my suitcase and took one more look at what had been my "home" for the week, and I was off. Or, so I thought... I made my way down the stairs to deck 7 where I was met with a line snaking all the way down past the casino. I heard rumblings and rumors of a weather delay, or fueling delay. No one really knew, but this line was not moving at all. Slowly, we began to finally start to move, and about 30 minutes later, we were dinging out one last time. Members of the crew sang and cheered as we passed, but this was a somber moment for all those debarking the beautiful Norwegian Escape.

 

Minutes later I was in a cab headed for Miami International Airport, but my days journey had just begun. Normally, when I have a late flight home, I store my luggage at the airport and take the bus to South Beach for the day to round out my vacation. With little sleep, I just didn't have it in me to walk around like a zombie all day in the heat and humidity. Time felt like it was standing still as I paced up and down the terminal awaiting my now-delayed flight.

 

Finally, the time came to board the plane, and the long travel day was at least moving again. As I sat in window seat 21A, it appeared that my neighboring seat may go unoccupied as the last passengers made their way on board. About that time, a drop-dead gorgeous (and, I mean supermodel gorgeous) woman approached, and took a seat beside me. I thought to myself, "great, I'm going to be spending the next 2 hours in uncomfortable silence all the way home." We taxied out towards the runway for what seemed like forever, and I said "it looks like were just going to drive all the way back to Atlanta." She laughed out loud hysterically, and thus began a pleasant banter between us that lasted the whole way home. Her name was Desi, from Persia. (better known as Iran) It turned out that she had just graduated med school, and was in Miami celebrating with friends. She was easily the most pleasant seat mate I had ever encountered on the not so friendly skies...

 

Safely on the ground in Atlanta, we said goodbye as if old friends, and she was off to catch her connecting flight. I made my way through the airport towards the subway station knowing that my long journey home was not over yet. On the train ride home, we stopped at the Peachtree Center Marta station, where apparently the Mexico vs somebody soccer game had just ended. Throngs of revelers filled the subway car to maximum capacity. When I finally made it to my stop, the crowd had thinned enough to allow me to exit. I was now within a mile and a half of home, where I usually catch a cab after a long travel day. I had not eaten since breakfast on the ship, so I dragged my bag over to a local Barbecue place. Afterwards, growing tired from the long day, I decided to just walk the rest of the way home. Lord knows, I could stand to burn more calories after a long week of eating and drinking.

 

Back home, I was welcomed by a mailbox stuffed to the gills with bills, and reality had begun once again.

 

Thus concludes my wild and crazy week on what turned out to be one of the greatest vacations of my life...

 

For everyone who made it all the way to the end with me, thank you so much for following along. I guess this turned out to be less of a review, and more just my personal experience... It's strange how through my good friends passing, that I have learned how to live... I look forward to taking her on my next adventure on the NCL Getaway in 114 more days...

 

Again, thank you all so much for reading...

 

 

First, I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm sure she is watching over you and loving that you are enjoying cruising so much!

 

Your reviews have been awesome! My husband & I are cruising the Escape on July 6th with his parents and plan on following in your bar crawling foot prints! What was your favorite bar & drink (besides the haven since we won't be getting in there lol).

 

I'm looking forward to the water slides, zip lining and ropes course too! Did you not go all the way through the slide because of your shirt? I would probably have a major anxiety attack if I got stuck!

 

We have the UDP but not an SDP, we do have a dinner at La Cucina that was included when we booked. Was Cagneys worth the extra money? What about the other sdps?

 

Thanks for the great review & info!

 

Jess

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[snowcones]

I really enjoyed reading your review/personal experience. Keep cruising & I am looking forward to reading any future reviews. Cheers!

 

Brenda

[sid_9169]

First, I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm sure she is watching over you and loving that you are enjoying cruising so much!

 

Your reviews have been awesome! My husband & I are cruising the Escape on July 6th with his parents and plan on following in your bar crawling foot prints! What was your favorite bar & drink (besides the haven since we won't be getting in there lol).

 

I'm looking forward to the water slides, zip lining and ropes course too! Did you not go all the way through the slide because of your shirt? I would probably have a major anxiety attack if I got stuck!

 

We have the UDP but not an SDP, we do have a dinner at La Cucina that was included when we booked. Was Cagneys worth the extra money? What about the other sdps?

 

Thanks for the great review & info!

 

Jess

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for reading...

Some of my personal favorites- in no particular order.

Grass Clippings from Tobacco Road

Mango Margarita from Spice H2O (like a mango meltdown, but ask for it with tequila instead of rum)

Jalapeno Cucumber Mojito and Raspberry Guava Mojito from Sugarcane Mojito Bar

 

Yes, I did totally get stuck in the tube on the free fall slide. My t shirt created too much friction. Yes, it was scary being stuck in the tube thinking they may send someone else down crashing into me at 70 mph...

 

The UDP is basically the same as the SDP, you can order as many appetizers and sides as you want, so the a la carte prices don't mean anything as far as the package goes.

 

Hope this helps. Have a great cruise, and thanks for reading...

[bbryan5]

I can honestly say, that was the best/most interesting "review" I have ever read on here. Your writing style kept me interested, and wondering what's going to happen next. I really enjoyed that! Also, very sorry about your friend.

[queenschick9b]

Great review!

[sid_9169]

I can honestly say, that was the best/most interesting "review" I have ever read on here. Your writing style kept me interested, and wondering what's going to happen next. I really enjoyed that! Also, very sorry about your friend.

 

Wow! What a nice comment. Thank you for following along, and in a 122 more days you can join me on my next solo adventure on the Getaway.

[sid_9169]

I just want to take a moment and personally thank every single one of you who commented, and followed along on my amazing journey. I'm absolutely blown away by all of your kind words...

 

I had considered abandoning this "review" on day 3 or 4, but your input gave me the encouragement to continue.

 

Thank you again, Starflyr3, Nator72, Victorious8, boopsahoy, TheDougOut, kackles, cincicruisers, bbryan5, cruizin4sho, Barb Nahoumi, SMSACE6, timeracer72, Alaska Lily, soaringfalcon, Shawnino, suron, JessMCee, and snowcones. You have all made my week by chiming in...

 

In 121 more days you can all come along on my next solo adventure on the Getaway...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[matondo]

I love your writing style!

 

FYI, I am a total armchair quarterback. I have never written a review and doubt I ever will but I sure enjoy reading everyone else's reviews.

[ProfDen]

A great way to honor your friend. God bless you, her family and friends. Looking forward to the next installment as well as any advice you share regarding the Escape.

[Yorkvillain]

What an outstanding review Sid. I loved it. I can't wait for your Getaway review.

[sid_9169]

What an outstanding review Sid. I loved it. I can't wait for your Getaway review.

 

Thanks, Yorkvillian... I was "there" for your cruise on the Escape, nice review... Counting down the days till the Getaway! 109 more days!!!...

[kackles]

Great Review! Loved following along. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

[Wedgie Wedgie]

Thanks for the great read. Inquiring minds must know- did you take advantage of a tug job?

[LSauls7537]

First, I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm sure she is watching over you and loving that you are enjoying cruising so much!

 

Your reviews have been awesome! My husband & I are cruising the Escape on July 6th with his parents and plan on following in your bar crawling foot prints! What was your favorite bar & drink (besides the haven since we won't be getting in there lol).

 

I'm looking forward to the water slides, zip lining and ropes course too! Did you not go all the way through the slide because of your shirt? I would probably have a major anxiety attack if I got stuck!

 

We have the UDP but not an SDP, we do have a dinner at La Cucina that was included when we booked. Was Cagneys worth the extra money? What about the other sdps?

 

Thanks for the great review & info!

 

Jess

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Sure wish you were sailing with us, we would have had a great time..even though we're "old farts", we still love life and people. Thanks for a GREAT review, you're awesome!

[skynyrd]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I can tell from your review though that you've taken your loved one's advice and are living every moment.

[sid_9169]

I was always the type that would go for years without taking a vacation because of the expense involved. But now I've learned that lifes experiences and memories are the only thing that can't be taken away...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I can tell from your review though that you've taken your loved one's advice and are living every moment.