JW and Jerome's Adventure on The Norwegian Escape

[breezy270]

You should publish this as a book.

 

I completely have to agree....I am reading and laughing!!! My boyfriend thinks I am nuts...he cannot understand how a review on CC can be so funny....this should be a book and I would be first in line to buy one!!! Truly a great review!! I was truly on the edge of my seat hoping that Jerome would get his manhattan on the third try....

[CruiserRob]

JW we're jonesing for the next installment. Help us out:D

 

Robert

[Bibble]

I completely have to agree....I am reading and laughing!!! My boyfriend thinks I am nuts...he cannot understand how a review on CC can be so funny....this should be a book and I would be first in line to buy one!!! Truly a great review!! I was truly on the edge of my seat hoping that Jerome would get his manhattan on the third try....

 

Have you read any of his other reviews?

I would gladly pre-order a book called

JW and Jerome's Adventures on the High Seas!!!!!

[avez007]

I'm booking this cruise for my birthday next year. Thank you so much for the great review.

 

I feel like I'm catching up on a previous season of a great show on Nextfix LOL

[17cruisesnsl]

Great review. Really enjoying it

Glad you were able to recover from the accident and spinal surgery. Congratulations on your wedding.

 

After taking a three year break from cruising, due to a Noro virus fiasco in Jan 2012 on another line and a disappointing Breakaway cruise,even with Vibe, in June 2013, with some trepidation I booked the Escape using a Harrahs cruise certificate for a mini-suite and sailed February 5, 2016

 

We loved the Escape.

 

Totally recommend booking Super Bowl week on the Escape. Great party and for non -sport fans, like my mom, she had the casino almost to herself plus the fun Super Bowl food. Nachos while playing China Moon, she was very happy. And if you chose that week, wings are available everywhere on SB Sunday - no need to leave the slots for O'Sheehans.

 

We booked Super Bowl week again, February 4th, 2017, this time in the Haven. Trying to figure out if we can do a B2B but I can't $wing the Haven for two weeks. I'm totally happy in a mini as long as I have a Vibe pass but not sure if my mom will be content outside the Haven again.

 

Because of the great time on the Escape, and the points/Tier level achieved in the casino, I had a fabulous CAS offer and sailed in a Haven cabin on the BA from June 12-19. Happy to say it was a huge improvement from 2013, everywhere on the ship.

 

The Escape has become my favorite. They corrected some of the design issues on the earlier Away class ships and we thought their CAS team was extremely, if not overly, attentive. I was surprised by the lack of interaction by the BA casino team, although we did receive wine and chocolate covered strawberries twice, which seemed to amuse or perhaps surprise our butler. I agree with other posters who advise tracking your tier points very carefully and taking photos of your points next to your cruise card. I didn't on the BA and I have learned for next time

 

Whichever date and ship you chose - enjoy! It's obvious those sailing with you will have a great time.

[mabones]

It's been almost a week since your last post. Hope everything is ok! Can't wait to read more.

[avez007]

I purchased these packing cubes for our first cruise. I was able to pack for 10 days in Hawaii in a carry-on suitcase. Would I every try to do that again...never, but at least I know I can. Now any trip over 5 days will have to be in a regular suitcase. But the packing cubes, IMO well worth every penny. I highly recommend them.

 

When I saw your video and saw the shoe rack immediately added that to my packing list. I found one this weekend at IKEA FOR $4.99. I'm going to check Family Dollar for the square cubes.

 

With regards to the cubes:

 

Now, this past weekend, Jerome and I were in Family Dollar and I found cubes, 12 x 12 in packs of 3 for only $6.00. Really neat, and less weight than my originals (for those of you concerned about flying and suitcase weight).

 

The cubes make a wonderful organizational addition to a room with no drawers and virtually no storage.

 

Our friends also take these cool things that organize in their suitcase called packing cubes, and they sit on the shelves of the closet. They just pull them out of their suitcase already packed and clothes separated, and place them on the shelf for instant organization and space saving. Ingenious!

 

Here is the link to the packing cubes, they are expensive to me, but still really neat.

 

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/ultralight-packing-cubes-super-packer-5pc-set/309406?productid=10408193&CAWELAID=120011660001618503&sourceid=MSNKPRODLU&couponid=94790994&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20Travel%20Accessories%20-%20Adaptive

 

 

 

 

 

[emoji92][emoji484][emoji512][emoji92] PLANNING 2017 Norwegian Escape | Western Carribean ~ Birthday Celebration Cruise [emoji92][emoji512][emoji484][emoji92]

[emoji92][emoji267][emoji92]* SAILED Sept 2012 Norwegian Pride of America ~ HAWAII *[emoji92][emoji267][emoji92]

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[avez007]

Ok so I'm finally caught up. Again thank you for such a detailed and entertaining review. Thanks to your review and a couple others here on CC I booked my birthday trip today. I'm taking the Escape Western Caribbean cruise. [emoji92][emoji512][emoji484][emoji92] Was even able to grab one of the balcony aft cabins with the larger balcony.

 

Congratulations on your recent nuptials. I pray your recovery from your accident and surgeries continue to go well.

 

 

[emoji92][emoji484][emoji512][emoji92] PLANNING 2017 Norwegian Escape | Western Carribean ~ Birthday Celebration Cruise [emoji92][emoji512][emoji484][emoji92]

[emoji92][emoji267][emoji92]* SAILED Sept 2012 Norwegian Pride of America ~ HAWAII *[emoji92][emoji267][emoji92]

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[cruiseguys2009]

Okay, We are back.

 

My plans are to bring the "Adventure" all the way to our August 20th sailing and then continue with all the areas that we missed on this journey. Having a six week interval between sailings on the same ship is certainly interesting, but just gives more umph to the new personalities I will encounter to write about.

 

Before I drop another chapter, I wanted to include this tid bit:

 

 

A couple of our observations on Tasty Snicky Snacks while our Adventure.......

 

Bayamo was never crowded on our sailing. We had friends who tried it on the first night (who were from Miami and Cuban food aficionados) and they were not totally disappointed, but not totally pleased either. There were several items that they liked and several that they thought were just meh. That being said, the restaurant, though very small inside, has a large seating area outside on The Waterfront, so tables seemed to be available.

 

The Very Best Mojitos are from The Sugarcane Bar, where handcrafted creative concoctions are presented masterfully by very happy and well trained Bar Professionals.

 

Food Republic, though absolutely fabulous, was always busy and since our cabin was so close to the restaurant (Yeah, just down the hall!), Jerome went often to put a sushi order in and would bring it back to the cabin so he could enjoy it on our huge balcony. The restaurant has Awesome views, prompt, quick service, wonderful food and charming atmosphere all coming together for a truly enjoyable, unexpected experience. We will be doing the same thing on our August 20th cruise.

 

I fancied going to Pincho Tapas Bar nightly for my Happy Hour appetizers and usually got the ala carte Charcuterie Platter with three meats and three cheeses with fresh sliced breads and crackers. Perfect with my Martini from Tobacco Road at Happy Hour. We opted one afternoon to enjoy The Waterfront with our cocktails and hor d'ourves (Jerome picking his sushi from Food Republic and mine from Pincho with our cocktails from Tobacco Road) in a beautiful public access seating area located just outside Tobacco Road, with overstuffed sofas and chairs, cocktail tables and fabulous breezes while overlooking the ocean...............priceless.

 

We went to Margaritaville on the first day at sea, it was only open on sea days, by the way (:() but after my first experience, I don't think I will be returning. It is completely outdoors, though mostly covered overhead. There is a hostess to seat us. I was not really of fan of the Margaritaville concept to begin with, but thought, what the heck, I will try it. I don't get "paying" for food there, though, when similar fare is available elsewhere on the ship complimentary.

 

My take on it is this. The location was hot, sticky, loud, service was extremely slow, and the food was limp, soggy and icky. The ice in the cocktails and soft drinks melted almost immediately, creating a gusher of condensation on the table that formed a steady stream that eventually found it's way onto my lap without me knowing.

 

It appeared like I wee wee'd myself after I got up from the table. Not that I noticed, but one of our dear friends kindly pointed it out to me as I walked by their table. "Uh, JW" I turned and said, "Oh Hi, I did not see you!" (Yes I did, I just didn't want to talk to them, bad JW) "Uh JW"...."Did you Tinkle Yourself?" (All the while that anyone knows JW knows that I "Tinkle" at the sound of the ship's horn blast, not really, just an endearing quote "It makes me Tinkle"), she was pointing to my Netherland area and I looked down, and by golly Miss Molly, this tired old Queen let out a scream that stopped Jerome in his tracks already 20 feet in front of me! "Oh" "My" GAWD"!!!!!!!!! Jerome comes rushing over to the table, greets our friends, and now that everyone seated around us is also completely paying attention to The White Tornado, Queen of The Escape (Another self imposed title) shifting from one foot to the other trying to figure out what is wrong, me screaming like a mad woman on a fire ant hill.....Jerome looks at me and down "there" and says "JW, I really think it's time for Depends for you!" "Again with the Depends?......Dangit Jerome!", I said and continued, as I snatched the napkin out of my friends lap (I know, How Rude!) "Give me that!". I tucked her napkin in my waistband and then proceeded to say my Goodbye's and gracefully waltzed out the door into the elevator lobby, into the elevator, then proceeding right to our cabin, which by the way, when I got there, my pants were completely dry.

 

But such is life on a cruise while eating outdoors in the hot weather with JW.

The Seafood Buffet is a Must Do. Most everyone on board, thankfully, did not attend, however, it was off the chain. Three Foot Long Crab Legs, Lobster, Prawns the length of my arm, more shrimp cocktail than I could have ever imagined, "Mounds of Shrimp" to be exact. There were so many types of fish, broiled, grilled, baked, it is amazing. The Seafood Buffet runs half the length of the ship and truly was the best buffet I have ever seen in 40 years of cruising. I have become so disillusioned with ship buffets that Jerome and I stopped going to them years ago, I mean we have Golden Corral at home (and we don't even go there!). But, we were told if we were to see just one buffet, we must see the Norwegian Escape Special Seafood Buffet. Yep, they were right. We had planned to just go for a look-see, and continue on to Savor for dinner, but we ended up with piles of shrimp, crab, and all sorts of sea treats that we just could not help ourselves. Yummy for my tummy, and of course cocktail sauce all over my white shirt.

 

Oh my gosh, did I just admit to eating at The Buffet?

Edited July 27, 2016 by cruiseguys2009

[TheDougOut]

I'm curious to see if crab legs are present at "seafood" night at the garden cafe during your return trip. I've seen the occasional mention (you might be #2 or 3), but it seems to be the exception rather than the norm.

 

Unless things are changing in a favorable direction? That would be nice.

[cruiseguys2009]

I'm curious to see if crab legs are present at "seafood" night at the garden cafe during your return trip. I've seen the occasional mention (you might be #2 or 3), but it seems to be the exception rather than the norm.

 

Unless things are changing in a favorable direction? That would be nice.

 

 

How interesting..........perhaps seasonal? I definitely will be checking out The Seafood Buffet again for sure. I will inform you of my findings in a couple of weeks.

 

I know that the size must vary according to "The Catch", but was amazed at the awesome size of the crab legs. Thank you so much for bringing this point up, I too am curious, and in a month I will be back to answer that question!

[sbt518]

First I want to say congratulations on your wedding and I'm so glad to hear that you have recovered from your accident. I've been a fan of the two of you since you started with your reviews on the Celebrity board. So thank you for doing this review! I'm reading everything I can about the Escape in preparation of booking a last minute cruise sometime this fall once I figure out when we can get the time off.

 

Secondly, I have a few questions about the food you just posted about if you don't mind.

 

Do you have a picture of the charcuterie platter from Pinchos? One thing I'm often disappointed about on NCL is the food and I'd hate to pay extra for something and then be disappointed. I do love charcoots (as I fondly call them) so that is something I would definitely want to try when I go on Escape.

 

And, do they announce the seafood buffet in the daily? Or how do you find out about it?

 

Thanks.

[CruisinNikki]

Welcome back, JW. So we don't make other reservations on seafood night, which night was it? We'll be on the August 20 cruise with you. Can't wait to say hello!

[cruiseguys2009]

Welcome back, JW. So we don't make other reservations on seafood night, which night was it? We'll be on the August 20 cruise with you. Can't wait to say hello!

 

 

I have no idea what night on the August 20th sailing the seafood buffet will be on, as this is the special 8 night sailing....................could be night two, perhaps not.

 

That being said, it was on Night Two, and yes it is in the Daily.

 

Not to be confused with the All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Basket presented the same night at O'sheehan's as well.

[cruiseguys2009]

First I want to say congratulations on your wedding and I'm so glad to hear that you have recovered from your accident. I've been a fan of the two of you since you started with your reviews on the Celebrity board. So thank you for doing this review! I'm reading everything I can about the Escape in preparation of booking a last minute cruise sometime this fall once I figure out when we can get the time off.

 

Secondly, I have a few questions about the food you just posted about if you don't mind.

 

Do you have a picture of the charcuterie platter from Pinchos? One thing I'm often disappointed about on NCL is the food and I'd hate to pay extra for something and then be disappointed. I do love charcoots (as I fondly call them) so that is something I would definitely want to try when I go on Escape.

 

And, do they announce the seafood buffet in the daily? Or how do you find out about it?

 

Thanks.

 

No, we usually don't do food porn pics, however, if I recommend something then you can count on it to be fabulous and well worth it.

 

There are six different hand sliced cheeses to choose from, six different meats to choose from or mix and match. I did the meats plus the olive assortment, for the Martini's of course.

 

The Seafood Buffet on the seven night sailing was on Night Two, which is also Dress Up or Not Night, and that would be the reason that most folks would be in the MDR's or other restaurants for Formal Night and would not attend the Seafood Buffet. Jerome and I were dressed up and yet we ended up being so amazed at the presentation that we took off our jackets, rolled up our sleeves and dug in, still, I enjoyed getting cocktail sauce all over my shirt.....Oh and Butter too!

[sbt518]

No, we usually don't do food porn pics, however, if I recommend something then you can count on it to be fabulous and well worth it.

 

 

 

I trust you! I'll try it when we go.

[cruizinwithkids]

 

Not to be confused with the All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Basket presented the same night at O'sheehan's as well.

 

That's funny because I was confused - though since I don't eat seafood, it didn't matter.

[cruiseguys2009]

Our First Night "On The Town", in this case, The Casino!

 

So here Jerome and I were, stuffed from the marvelous first dinner we truly enjoyed at Taste, (could not believe it was actually complimentary as the food was awesome!) so we moseyed up to The Casino and boy was it packed. Wall to wall ladies everywhere! The sounds........."Ding!" "Ding!" "Ding!" of the machines paying out. The lights! The machines! "Oh Look Jerome!" I exclaimed, "The Wizard of Oz!" "OH and Lookie!" I continued, just about to Tinkle "Willie Wonka, (not the Johnny Depp Willie Wonka, but the original Gene Wilder Willie Wonka). What I am saying......"I can't wait!" "This is sooooooo exciting!" Jerome is thinking "Oh great, I can't wait to part with all my money!" I say to the Casino God's with my arms outstretched: "Take me, Oh Gawd of the Magnificent Electronic Jungle of Fabulous Machines, I am Yours!" Jerome just shakes his head saying "Oh Lord".

 

Over on the tables, we see a whole group of Japanese players, and "They Play", it's scary. The amount of money those guys lose in a round is mind boggling. They just smile when they lose and say "Sankuberrymush" to the dealer, then place another whopping bet. Whew! Watching them is exhausting and I feel like I am in church near their table as no one utters a word while the cards are being dealt. Just a couple of Japanese phrases and laughs here and there. These guys are serious.

 

Then there are the Craps tables. "Hooray!", "Yeah!", Yes!", then the occasional "Shyte!" (It's a G rated review, can't say it) and a whole lot of other "Forbidden Four Letter Words". When they win they all shout, when they lose they shout louder. Craps, to me, is scarier than the Japanese Card Men. It's even scarier with a die hard Gal, or Gals, up there with all the Men's! I call that a Potty Mouth Delight!

 

Well, I guess I am a little different when it comes to Slot Machines. My formula is simple. I sit at a machine, I put my Casino Card in the slot, I put money in, I order a drink from Jazz, I lose my money, I take my card out of the machine, I go to the next machine and repeat. It's simple.

 

If I win, I usually don't draw attention to myself. I try not to let on if I am winning, up or down. On the occasion that I have hit a jackpot, I try to be as inconspicuous as possible (and that is very hard for me as you can well imagine)as the Casino has to pay you at the machine for any jackpot win over $1,200. When that has happened to me, I try to be discreet, just like in Vegas, the less attention the better for safety reasons. I don't want to be mugged going to my room you know. So when I win, it really is the only time that I don't "Queen Out" and get all "Mad White Woman on a Red Ant Hill", it does not always work, as you will see, but I really do try, as I am in my own little world. Only avid slot players will understand, so I will leave it at that.

 

So Jerome knows the drill, once I get into the casino and start scoping it out, I kinda lose all sense of time and he is on his own (isn't the casino lucky? Heck, isn't Jerome lucky? Never mind that, I have been known to be very lucky, that is why Jerome does not get upset). I wander around getting a feel for the place. Jerome plays the slots, but not like I do. He likes this time while I am gaming to explore, to see the live bands and to see the ship, things like that.

 

Oh, but wait! We have to see Christina Bica, the Casino Manager. "Jerome", I say, "Let's go find Christina!" Off we go, trotting over to the Casino Players Club booth. At this time, I was not aware that the other, former "Kooky" Casino Manager I did not like was not with Norwegian any longer and I had heard from others she was on this ship. I was afraid, very afraid. If I ran into that kook, I would have probably tinkled right there, maybe even buick'ed dinner on her because she was so awful to me on The Norwegian Epic.

 

But as we approached the Casino Players Club and there, sitting on her high chair, was dear Christina. No sign of the other Kooky at all. I was relieved. Christina looked up at me and we recognized each other immediately! She said that she secretly had seen me earlier walking around (I see, "I spy with my little eye", ehh?). We screamed like little girls, "AHHHHHHHHHH!" Christina came out of the booth and we hugged. Screamed again "AHHHHHHHHH!" Jerome just doesn't get it, as he looks around so embarrassed. I think to myself, "Really Jerome? After all these years with me?"

 

Well, the very First thing out of my mouth was "Where is such-n-such?", I was referring to the kooky and very mean (now former) Casino Manager. Christina said, with a huge smile, "She is no longer with the company!" Well drop my drawers and Tinkle in my pants (yes we all know JW Tinkles) I was elated. It was like the Heavens opened and the Angels rejoiced. My smile was ear to ear. We all laughed and Jerome comes out with "Oh Thank Gawd!" "That's all he's talked about for the last two weeks, whether or not he could stomach seeing that Knumb-nut here for the week", he finished by saying "You just made JW's cruise, Christina!"

 

Well, with our re-introductions finished, we discussed Casino this and that, we talked about her marvelous brother, Adrian, who I mentioned to you all earlier was the Concierge and we think he is FAAAABULOUS, and then it was time to do what I normally do in a Casino. Drink and Slots!

 

I have to mention that I also had a wonderful Professional Bar Server who stuck to me like Glue in the Casino, for the whole entire cruise. I was never without a Martini, and he was never without a dollar each time he brought me a drink. His name was Jazz. I love Handsome JAZZ. He was awesome, and so were all the other servers, but Jazz really stuck out in my mind and provide me with the level of service that made me feel that I truly was special and graciously taken care of. All of the bar service was exceptional, even at all hours day or night, but Jazz was the Best of The Best!

 

Jerome and I finally found the machine that pays off! Oh my gosh! It was Crazy! Paid off every time! Now listen closely, the Slot Queen will divulge his little secret. There are two machines in the Casino that are Guaranteed to Pay 100 percent of the time. They have an unusual name, only letters actually. The only machine that pays off is called, ready for it? It's the ATM.

 

Yep, this was going to be the first of many, many, and "more" many, visits to this Cash Cow called the ATM. But dagnabit! There I found out that there is stupid kind of a limit on how much my financial institution will give me in a 24 hour period. Knumb-Nuts. Who anointed them King? It's okay, once I have reached that limit, I should be heading off to the cabin to go to bed anyway, as it is usually a couple of minutes before everyone else's Bloody Mary time. Oh well, later on I told myself that I could sleep in VIBE, or so I thought, yeah, didn't happen. So I did not sleep for a good 39-40 hours. Jeez, no recovery time this first night. Oh my, the night is just beginning and you have not heard the half of it!

 

Oh My, Oh My, Oh My. "JW NO! What happened?" you are saying to yourself now........ You are just gonna Tinkle when I tell you.

 

 

Edited July 27, 2016 by cruiseguys2009

[Victorious8]

YASSSS! So glad you are back! I sail Sunday. I really wish this was finished before I left because I am hanging onto every word of yours and feel like we and kindred spirits. If you want to give me a quick "must do" list I would LOVE that. I am a SOLO so while I am excited I am a bit nervous... Now just ONE more day of the CA Bar Exam and then I can officially be in vacation mode!!!

[LrgPizza]

I love the way you write. I'm glad you're back.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[cruiseguys2009]

YASSSS! So glad you are back! I sail Sunday. I really wish this was finished before I left because I am hanging onto every word of yours and feel like we and kindred spirits. If you want to give me a quick "must do" list I would LOVE that. I am a SOLO so while I am excited I am a bit nervous... Now just ONE more day of the CA Bar Exam and then I can officially be in vacation mode!!!

 

 

I am continuing the Adventure all the way thru our next Escape sailing on August 20th. I am sooooo excited for you to be sailing tomorrow. I can't wait for you to come back and chime in here to tell us all about the things you did.

 

JW and Jerome's Recommended Norwegian Escape Must sees:

 

Clarence with the Hat, Bartender at the 5 O'clock Somewhere "Outside" Bar, Deck 8 On the Waterfront, hysterical

 

The Water Slides, just do it!

 

VIBE! Get there at the port by 10am so you can to be in one of the first 10 boarding groups. Then once on board The Escape, high tail it to Headliner's (one deck down from boarding) to get in line to snag a VIBE pass for the week ($100 per person). You will be glad you did as you are traveling solo and this is a wonderful place to meet new friends for your journey. Plus it's the only place to get Shot O'clock every day at 4pm!

 

If you are traveling in one of the Solo Cabins, they are amazing and the camaraderie your Solo Host ensures, will make it easier to meet new friends. They can pair you with a group for dinner, social activities, shore excursions, and there is a really neat social center just for solo cruisers.

 

Have fun in the Casino, and don't forget to say hello to the Casino Host Christina Bica, tell her that you read "ALL ABOUT HER" on JW and Jerome's Cruise Critic adventure.

 

Definitely see the comedy shows in Headliners. Depending on which comedian is on board, the shows are usually always fun. Go to the late show, it's really naughty and dirty, just how I like it!

 

Also, don't miss "Howl At The Moon" dueling pianos. That is an awesome treat. Plus you just might be called up on stage to be part of the show.

 

Drink! If you have the UDP, then use it for goodness sake. Try everything! If you don't like a drink, just get something else, it's included!

 

Have Breakfast every day in Taste or Savor. It is a civilized experience like being at a resort or country club each morning and it starts the day out in a way that you will always remember.

 

Grab a piece of Homemade Fudge or an outrageous cupcake at The Bake Shop. A lot of folks forget about this little Gem. It's on The Waterfront.

 

Buy a stogie at Tobacco Road and go into the Cigar Lounge and puff away like Puff the Magic Dragon and feel like The Great Gatsby. Hey, girls can do that too you know. It is not just a boy thing.

 

The Ropes Course is awesome. It is an exhilarating journey literally above and beyond the ship. Not for the faint of heart or the fearful of heights.

 

You are going to love it so much that I know you will want to come back on Norwegian, so down at the Guest Services area, Deck 6, is the CruiseNext Certificate Desk. Buy two, $250.00 each, future cruise certificates, pay $500, then get an OBC of $250 back on the sailing you are on. Great deal. Plus, on selected sailings, both certificates can be used together as a form of payment. JW likes this investment lots!

 

Join in and try to participate in Cruise Director Tyler's "The Escape Celebrity Dance Off" Show. It is hilarious and even more fun if you are a participant. One of the best passenger participatory shows ever, located in the expansive Central Atrium.

 

By the way, every time you see The Cruise Director Tyler, give him a High Five.

 

All you can eat Prime Rib at O'Sheehan's. It is a madhouse but it is offered twice on your sailing. The first night (Oh My Gawd, it is packed) and then later on in the cruise. If you are a carnivore, you'll love it.

 

3AM Buffalo Chicken Wings at O'Sheehan's. Nothing is better at 3 O'clock in the morning, as I am drunk off my ass, (did I say that, nooooo, not JW!) is to eat deliciously greasy, traditional Buffalo Chicken Wings at O'Sheehan's. Funny thing is, it's packed with like minded individuals all chowing down on wings. One of the most memorable experiences that I frequently repeated.

 

Food Republic, if you love Asian Infused and Inspired cuisine, this wonderful place is a must visit on a daily basis. Deck 8.

 

The District Brew House is the most underrated place on the ship, Deck 8. It's literally a secret. They have a truly amazing selection of almost 100 beers, but the best part is the entertainment. It's for Adults Only, and on our sailing, this charming, young, talented lady, who was a dynamic musician with the biggest Potty Mouth in town played to a riotous crowd as if we were in a secret club. As word of mouth spread, the crowds got bigger and bigger and bigger each night, until the final night and The District was busting at the seams. It is a must see, and one of those secrets, until the word gets out. Plus if you love beer, this is the place.

 

On the second to the last night, to replace the White Hot Party, is the Glow Party up on deck. It is high energy, loads of fun, and even though the famous NCL Angel Wings are gone, the party is very South Beach in feel and lights up the night. Still bring something all white to wear, as that tradition still stands. With their special lighting, everyone Glows to the music under the stars.

 

These are just a few of the highlights we recommend and had a blast enjoying on the first adventure. There is no way anyone could really do everything this ship has to offer in one week. That is why we are sailing The Escape again in just 22 days! We have to do the "Other" half of the ship on this next Adventure.

 

Have a blast. Oh, congratulations up front for passing the CA Bar (I could never pass a Bar in my life without going in and having a Martini!) and just a reminder..............You're going on a cruise tomorrow!

 

JW

Edited July 28, 2016 by cruiseguys2009

[StlGal]

Amazing review!!! So glad you are back. Can't wait to read about the rest of your adventures.

 

Will you be writing a review for your upcoming cruise? Are you still planning on doing Vibe again? I would love to hear about how this cruise and your upcoming cruise were same/different and what new things your discover.

[cruiseguys2009]

Amazing review!!! So glad you are back. Can't wait to read about the rest of your adventures.

 

Will you be writing a review for your upcoming cruise? Are you still planning on doing Vibe again? I would love to hear about how this cruise and your upcoming cruise were same/different and what new things your discover.

 

 

Hi! Yes, this Adventure will continue with the August 20th sailing and I will be comparing both sailings and service. I expect that our next sailing will be similar, but different (only 6 weeks apart), because all the major Officers will be off the ship on vacation, which is precisely what happened to us on The Epic (everyone was on vacation), which was our worst cruise ever. So I really want to see if it's true "While The Cat's Away, The Mice Will Play" kind of thing happens, or Consistency is the driving force behind the New Norwegian and we have an equally phenomenal time. My money is on the latter as no matter what, we always find something hysterically funny on every cruise vacation we are on.

[buckeye rob]

JW, I see your career professionalism rising to the surface. Great point. Hope the Epic was an anomaly, because I might suffer with you. :). Really looking forward to this first ever NCL cruise. Skoal! Regards, Gerry

Hi! Yes, this Adventure will continue with the August 20th sailing and I will be comparing both sailings and service. I expect that our next sailing will be similar, but different (only 6 weeks apart), because all the major Officers will be off the ship on vacation, which is precisely what happened to us on The Epic (everyone was on vacation), which was our worst cruise ever. So I really want to see if it's true "While The Cat's Away, The Mice Will Play" kind of thing happens, or Consistency is the driving force behind the New Norwegian and we have an equally phenomenal time. My money is on the latter as no matter what, we always find something hysterically funny on every cruise vacation we are on.

Edited July 28, 2016 by buckeye rob

[cruiseguys2009]

While in St Thomas, another option is to go to St John on your own.

 

Once the ship docks in St Thomas, the "Well Traveled, Repeat Cruiser Set" make their way to the Transportation Supervisor at the dock, you will see her, she is the real "mean" one screaming at all the drivers and directing all the folks to different Jitney's. When you get off the ship, go see her and tell her you want to go to the Ferry at Red Hook. She will say, and trust me on this, "Get on that bus over there" and will point once. Thing is, there are 20 different buses. She is a no nonsense "Ain't Got Time For That", kinda rude, kind of person. She has been there for perhaps 15, maybe 20 years now and she doesn't take crap or questions from anyone. You'll see. If you see me later, you will say, "Oh JW you were so right, that lady is so Mean!"

 

Then as you make your way over to the line of jitney open air buses, several drivers will accost you and inquire where you are going. Tell them Red Hook to the St John Ferry, then they too will direct you to the right bus. They want to fill their bus up and all have different destinations assigned to them. Once on the bus, enjoy the show from the Supervisor yelling at all the drivers. They hate her, and are so scared of her, and it's funny to see the one's she actually likes vs the one's she doesn't.

 

The Jitney should be stopping at Coki Beach first, then onto Red Hook. There should be other folks going on the Ferry to St John, so you won't be alone. The Taxi fare $10 per person paid to the driver once at Red Hook, and a couple of dollars extra, for gratuity if you care to tip.

 

Once at Red Hook, the Ferry has a schedule to and from St John. It is not a long journey over, and sometimes its more fun to explore on your own once you are there. The cost for the Ferry is $7.00 each way. Plenty of Guides with information and help will be available once you arrive in Cruz Bay, if you have questions. I like some of the shops over there better than in St Thomas, more fun, unique and authentic.

 

There are several beaches to go to and just be mindful of the return Ferry to St Thomas. To reassure yourself, ask when purchasing your R/T Ferry Tickets at Red Hook what time you should take the Ferry back, to make sure you get to your ship on time, they will gladly tell you. I think the 3PM return Ferry, if I remember for a 6PM sailing. Others will take the 4PM Ferry, but personally, I don't care to cut it that close. The taxi should take about 20 minutes back to the ship.

Here is the schedule:

 

Per person, each way $7.00 adult, $1.00 child (2-11), luggage $4 per piece

 

15 to 20 minute ride Daily Leaving Red Hook 6:30AM, 7:30AM then

Every hour, on the hour, 8AM-Midnight Leaving Cruz Bay Every hour, on the hour, 6AM-11PM

 

There usually are taxi's waiting at the Red Hook Ferry dock and you just might meet up with others who are also on the ships in port, that you can share a taxi back to the port with. It doesn't matter as the Taxi fare each way is the same, $10.00 per person (plus gratuity, of course).

 

The one excursion that I usually don't participate in, is taking one of the "Cattle Morons" (Catamarans) excursions that will run about $100 per person and are packed to the rafters with upwards of 80-100 people. It's just me, I am not into that kind of day with so many other personalities. I like the freedom of smaller excursions or what personal explorations give me. But that is not to say that others will certainly disagree and enjoy those experiences.

 

If you are off the boat no later than 8:30, on your way to the Ferry by 9ish, you will make the 10:00 Ferry over (only about 15 minute ride to St John). Plenty of time to enjoy St John.

 

Some of the fun places within walking distance in town are The Beach Bar, that is to the right, getting off the Ferry, along with Gallows Point Resort, located right there on the bay, and then the Sip n' Chill, a real charmer.

 

To the left of the Ferry dock and a couple of blocks over is Cruz Bay Visitors Center, where you can get some local information, Uncle Joe's Barbecue, yummy and other beaches close by.

 

If you want, there are colorful taxi's available to take you on a tour of the island, or down to the Westin Resort, which is also an option. I just go to drink, shop and relax. You know what? We were going to go in town as we have not been in ages, but after writing all this, I may just talk myself into going over on the ferry to St John too! We shall see.

 

One other thing. There is a Ferry from town (Charlotte Amalie) to St John, leaving from across the bay from where we dock. It costs $13 and is a 45 minute to an hour boat ride over. The only Ferry over in the morning is at 10am and the only time that the Ferry returns, leaves St John at 3:45pm. But, it has been many folks experience that this Ferry is not as reliable as Red Hook, and the one thing is, I would not want to chance it, getting to port after 5PM. It has happened. But fortunately we leave at 6pm, so this is an option if you miss the 3PM Ferry to Red Hook.

 

I would only do this Ferry if we docked in Crown Bay, which is across from the normal terminals folks who have been to St Thomas usually know, Havensight/West Indian Port. (Crown Bay is where The Oasis/Allure of The Seas and Disney ships Dock)

 

Enjoy St John, it's Charming!