Epic vs Escape vs Getaway, which to choose?

[Doc2725]

Hi All,

 

Looking to sail in February on either the Epic, Escape or Getaway. Last summer, we sailed on the Breakaway, and loved it. That being said, we were lucky enough to get the Vibe Beach Club passes. Had we not had these passes, the cruise would have been significantly less enjoyable due to the sheer madhouse and space constrictions that was the regular pool deck.

 

My question to this forum is.....is it the same situation on the Epic, Getaway and Escape? We typically stay in Spa Mini-suites, as the Haven is a bit too expensive. I know the chances of again getting Vibe/Posh is very slim, given that we are not saying in the Haven (the only reason we got it last time was because someone in our group had VIP boarding.) Also, is Posh/Vibe just as popular on these Florida based ships as it is on the NYC based Breakaway?

[Jenjer]

I have sailed all 3 and Escapes pool deck was insane worst then the other 2. Epic was off season (Nov)so doesn't count as much.

 

I would pick Getaway if felt less crowded then Escape. Unless you are a foodie then go with Escape because of Food Republic. Its extra but worth every penny.

 

If you could get Haven on any of these ships go that route. We had Haven on Escape and it was unbelievable.

 

Vibe is in strong demand, crazy strong demand so do not select a ship planning on getting Vibe. Go for it but know its not a guarantee.

[Doc2725]

Thank you, good to know about Escape. Narrows us down to Epic vs. Getaway.

 

Which pool deck do you think would be more crowded- Epic or Getaway? Also, I think we are going to shoot for going in January instead.

 

Easier to get Posh on Epic, or Vibe of Getaway? (prediction)

[LrgPizza]

I've been on all 3 (the Escape twice). In order, my favorites are:

 

1. Escape

2. Epic

3. Getaway

 

The Escape is absolutely my favorite ship ever. I love all the food options, entertainment options, and just the overall vibe of the entire ship. If you read some recent reviews posted on this forum, you will see how outstanding the service, etc. is. Of the 3, I would definitely choose this one first every time.

 

I like Epic because it has an amazing, open-feeling pool deck. The pool decks on Getaway and Escape are designed weird that make them crowded. Epic is completely different, and we like that. The pool area makes up for the weird bathroom situation.

 

We also loved Getaway, and now that the entertainment has been upgraded with the addition of Million Dollar Quartet (formerly on Escape), I think she's improved.

 

I like them all, and would sail any of them again, but prefer the Escape.

[Two Wheels Only]

Sailing in February, it might not be as crowded (as usual) on the pool deck no matter which ship you choose.

 

If you have Spa Access, you'll have a place to "get away" from or "escape" the "epic" crowds. :D

[sid_9169]

I agree with LrgPizza... Would choose Escape over all 3, but would not hesitate to sail any of them...

[Doc2725]

Thanks everyone.

Easier to get Posh on Epic, or Vibe of Getaway? (prediction) Also, if we booked a spa mini suite balcony, how much earlier does that get you onboard compared to everyone else?

[buchman67]

I don't believe being in a Spa mini suite gets you on any earlier as they don't consider it a true suite.

 

I have been on both the Getaway and the Escape and am booked for the Epic in February. I was one of the lucky ones to get the VIBE pass on both prior trips. That being said I got to the port early...was actually first in line outside the terminal both times. I made sure I was on that ship and where I needed to be. A note the Getaway you get the VIBE pass at customer service and the Escape you go to the Headliners.

 

From what I have read the Epic spa does have a nice outside area that might help in the case that you don't get a Posh pass. All of this being said I will again try for the Posh pass in February and hope that I remain one of the lucky ones.

[LrgPizza]

Thanks everyone.

Easier to get Posh on Epic, or Vibe of Getaway? (prediction) Also, if we booked a spa mini suite balcony, how much earlier does that get you onboard compared to everyone else?

Personally, I think Posh on Epic is unnecessary. There is plenty of space on the open sundeck, and if you want to get away from kids, head to Spice H2O, which is very large and has tiered seating, and views all around. There is also food there.

 

Escape (which it appears you've ruled out, for some reason) has the best Vibe area, because it has the cantilevered hot tub and the misting water feature, which aren't present in Vibe on Getaway. It also has lots more lounge chairs since they got rid of those stupid cabana-type ovens.

 

There are no perks to mini-suites. You'd board with the rest of the passengers in all non-suite cabins.

Edited June 29, 2016 by LrgPizza

[Doc2725]

Lots of good replies here, thank you all.

 

In terms of getting to the terminal early, what time would you recommend to be first in line? Any other ways or tips to ensure earliest possible boarding? Last time, we tagged along behind people we saw had casino VIP boarding, and they just let us in with them. Also, I have heard that if you claim you didn't get a boarding number, that they will let you in early, any truth?

[Driberif1]

Hi All,

 

Looking to sail in February on either the Epic, Escape or Getaway. Last summer, we sailed on the Breakaway, and loved it. That being said, we were lucky enough to get the Vibe Beach Club passes. Had we not had these passes, the cruise would have been significantly less enjoyable due to the sheer madhouse and space constrictions that was the regular pool deck.

 

My question to this forum is.....is it the same situation on the Epic, Getaway and Escape? We typically stay in Spa Mini-suites, as the Haven is a bit too expensive. I know the chances of again getting Vibe/Posh is very slim, given that we are not saying in the Haven (the only reason we got it last time was because someone in our group had VIP boarding.) Also, is Posh/Vibe just as popular on these Florida based ships as it is on the NYC based Breakaway?

 

 

We have been on all three ships in just over 2 years, I think a lot of your decision may depend on you, we tend to enjoy the nightlife and because of that we felt that the Getaway was the best ship for us, every night there was entertainment going until 2-3AM, we were on the 2nd sailing of the Getaway, after that we went on the Epic last year and we can never have a bad time on a cruise but after being on the new Getaway the Epic seemed a little rough around the edges but we still managed to have multiple good nights. We just returned from the Escape and it is an amazing ship, it seems as though they took everyones thoughts of how to make the other ships better and they perfected it with the Escape, although the Escape did not provide much nightlife so we did not enjoy it as much. Coming from a 30's aged group we would say we enjoyed the Getaway the most and we will be booking our next cruise on the Getaway in the next few days for next April.

[cruisetimeforme]

What's weird about them, please? Thinking of sailing Epic next time around, after twice on the Getaway and one Escape. Thought it'd be good to try a different one for the various shows, dining, etc. I'd sail either of the other two again for sure

[SuiteTraveler]

What's weird about them, please? Thinking of sailing Epic next time around, after twice on the Getaway and one Escape. Thought it'd be good to try a different one for the various shows, dining, etc. I'd sail either of the other two again for sure

 

It's a European space saver bathroom which has been a very controversial design on Cruise Critic. From the entry hall of your cabin, the shower will be on one side - not in a room itself, actually directly off the entry hall behind frosted glass and the toilet will be on the other side, directly off the entry hall behind a sliding frosted glass door. The sink will be on a cabinet in your stateroom at the foot of the bed or across from the sofa (whichever is closest to your cabin door.) There is a curtain that goes across the entry hall for privacy for showering. The toilet situation is not exactly private being that it is just behind frosted glass. The cabins are designed like a funnel. The sofa side is narrow and it widens where the bed is. The rooms on Epic alternate: bed near bathroom, bed near balcony. IMO, those with the bed near the balcony feel a bit more spacious - or at least look it visually. The way I think of these things, I don't have to live with this design. It's not in my house and it's not my ship, so I don't really care about the design that much. Others can't stand the design. You know what is and is not OK for you, so decide based on this information.

[LrgPizza]

We have been on all three ships in just over 2 years, I think a lot of your decision may depend on you, we tend to enjoy the nightlife and because of that we felt that the Getaway was the best ship for us, every night there was entertainment going until 2-3AM, we were on the 2nd sailing of the Getaway, after that we went on the Epic last year and we can never have a bad time on a cruise but after being on the new Getaway the Epic seemed a little rough around the edges but we still managed to have multiple good nights. We just returned from the Escape and it is an amazing ship, it seems as though they took everyones thoughts of how to make the other ships better and they perfected it with the Escape, although the Escape did not provide much nightlife so we did not enjoy it as much. Coming from a 30's aged group we would say we enjoyed the Getaway the most and we will be booking our next cruise on the Getaway in the next few days for next April.

 

 

The nightlife is going to vary so much sailing to sailing, based not only on the entertainment on board, but the dynamics of the particular passengers that week. Our experience with nightlife on Getaway vs Escape was the exact opposite of yours. On Getaway, everything was dead by midnight. The ship was a ghost town. On Escape, there was still music and parties going strong in at least 4 different spots at 2 am nearly every night! You just never know. I hope you have good luck again on your next cruise!

Edited June 29, 2016 by LrgPizza

[Askmelanie]

The nightlife is going to vary so much sailing to sailing, based not only on the entertainment on board, but the dynamics of the particular passengers that week. Our experience with nightlife on Getaway vs Escape was the exact opposite of yours. On Getaway, everything was dead by midnight. The ship was a ghost town. On Escape, there was still music and parties going strong in at least 4 different spots at 2 am nearly every night! You just never know. I hope you have good luck again on your next cruise!

 

I agree about the cruise passengers and nightlife. We were on the Escape in Jan and did not go to bed before 2am once! Mostly back to the Skyline casino bar after the outside partys!

 

We are booked on Epic in Jan and hope to get Posh passes. Does anyone know where we get those on Epic?

[DMH15]

Lots of good replies here, thank you all.

 

 

 

In terms of getting to the terminal early, what time would you recommend to be first in line? Any other ways or tips to ensure earliest possible boarding? Last time, we tagged along behind people we saw had casino VIP boarding, and they just let us in with them. Also, I have heard that if you claim you didn't get a boarding number, that they will let you in early, any truth?

 

 

Why not just get there early to get them the right way.? The other two methods you mention basically take them away from someone who is deserving.

[Minoushka]

I have been on all 3loved them all ..going back on Epicfor Med and transat beeon on it in Caribbean ....btb Med Transat ....doing Med .transat on Epic ...loved it..myhugebalcony ...B6

I guess it ismy favorite ...loved the food andshows .....allthe show s onall 3 ships were awesome ..Cirque Dreams ...Spanish dancers on Epic

Burn the Floor on GetawY

Escape ..someting quartetand the detroit show whose costumeswere out of this world

All 3 ships are amazing

The HM onall 3 shipswerewonderful to me The HM spoiled me on all 3 ...evengot special bday Libra celebrationon Escape ...thank you ...thank you

..I really like NCL ..go have fun

CannotwIt to see the New. Refurbished Epic .....NCL specialty restaurants are top knotch service excellent

 

Cannot wait

 

Michele

[rmmom1962]

Why not just get there early to get them the right way.? The other two methods you mention basically take them away from someone who is deserving.

 

 

Agree and then you start your cruise with bad karma. It's rude and the me me me mentality sucks.

[graphicguy]

What's weird about them, please? Thinking of sailing Epic next time around, after twice on the Getaway and one Escape. Thought it'd be good to try a different one for the various shows, dining, etc. I'd sail either of the other two again for sure

 

Epic is probably my favorite large ship. And, I've sailed all the competitors' large ships for comparison.

 

Epic was Sheehan's first entre into the mega ship arena and there were many unique features built into her, that were later incorporated into the Breakaway, Getaway, Escape.

 

So, if you want to complete the mega ship experience with NCL, Epic and Breakway (unique because it docks in Bermuda for consecutive nights, acting as your hotel during your stay). First time I sailed the Haven was on the Breakaway. Totally wonderful experience unmatched anywhere else that I've experienced on any cruise line.

 

Leaving on the Getaway this coming Sunday. Probaby could leave today, if asked as I'm already packed and ready to go.

[Doc2725]

Agree and then you start your cruise with bad karma. It's rude and the me me me mentality sucks.

 

Why not just get there early to get them the right way.? The other two methods you mention basically take them away from someone who is deserving.

 

We still plan on getting there at 9 AM, but even with that, I still don't think it will be enough to get Vibe/Posh, given the demand. Although these two methods are in bad taste, it's a case where I'd be willing to take the hit in karma in order to ensure we got the passes. The pool deck on Breakaway would have been unbearable without us having Vibe. Do you two posters have any tips regarding what I said, or did you just comment to say that you disagree with the method?

[LrgPizza]

We still plan on getting there at 9 AM, but even with that, I still don't think it will be enough to get Vibe/Posh, given the demand. Although these two methods are in bad taste, it's a case where I'd be willing to take the hit in karma in order to ensure we got the passes. The pool deck on Breakaway would have been unbearable without us having Vibe. Do you two posters have any tips regarding what I said, or did you just comment to say that you disagree with the method?

 

You will not have a problem getting Vibe passes if you get to the port at 9. Don't worry about it. If for some reason you don't get the first or second boarding group, that doesn't mean you can cut in line. Don't be a tool. Get there early like you have planned, and you will be fine. For what it's worth, on our Getaway cruise, passes were still available at 9PM. On our Escape cruise a month ago, people who boarded an entire hour after we did still got passes.

 

On Epic, Spice H2O is better than Posh, so if you don't get your passes, consider it a bonus that you get to spend more time at this area.

Edited June 30, 2016 by LrgPizza

[Doc2725]

You will not have a problem getting Vibe passes if you get to the port at 9. Don't worry about it. If for some reason you don't get the first or second boarding group, that doesn't mean you can cut in line. Don't be a tool. Get there early like you have planned, and you will be fine. For what it's worth, on our Getaway cruise, passes were still available at 9PM. On our Escape cruise a month ago, people who boarded an entire hour after we did still got passes.

 

On Epic, Spice H2O is better than Posh, so if you don't get your passes, consider it a bonus that you get to spend more time at this area.

 

That is good to know, thank you. To be honest, I don't think we'd go on any of these ships were we not able to get Vibe, the pool deck is just too damn crowded (minus Epic from what I hear.) But if we get there very early, and the chances that we will get them are high, then we'll take the shot.

[cruisetimeforme]

Thanks for the Epic bathroom description, SuiteTraveler. I've been cruising since '91 and early on was a travel agent/owner that attended every Cruise a Thon they had in Ft Lauderdale or Miami back then. Part of that perk was getting onboard as many ships as you could to see cabins, etc. during turn around day. This is the first time I've heard of any cruise company designing their bathrooms like this. I'll have to start researching the Epic further, but for sure won't be sharing a cabin with my daughter and grand daughter with that arrangement. I'm hoping to get a Solo for myself. I've just recently within the past year come back to NCL after a 10 year absence, so never kept up with the NCL boards till lately. Been giving all my cruise funds to their competitors. OP hope you get your pass and have a great cruise!

[Momofcandk]

We still plan on getting there at 9 AM, but even with that, I still don't think it will be enough to get Vibe/Posh, given the demand. Although these two methods are in bad taste, it's a case where I'd be willing to take the hit in karma in order to ensure we got the passes. The pool deck on Breakaway would have been unbearable without us having Vibe. Do you two posters have any tips regarding what I said, or did you just comment to say that you disagree with the method?

 

 

I also do everything and anything I need to do to get Vibe on breakaway. My cruise would be horrible without it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[ppcox]

We still plan on getting there at 9 AM, but even with that, I still don't think it will be enough to get Vibe/Posh, given the demand. Although these two methods are in bad taste, it's a case where I'd be willing to take the hit in karma in order to ensure we got the passes. The pool deck on Breakaway would have been unbearable without us having Vibe. Do you two posters have any tips regarding what I said, or did you just comment to say that you disagree with the method?

 

We are hoping to get Vibe for cruise in September so I having been reading others advice.

 

Get there early ( as you plan too) to ensure Group 1 or 2 boarding.

Listen out for the call be ready to join the queue head straight to the right place i.e. its Headliners for the Escape so I know I need to go straight down a flight of stairs and join the queue.

I have heard staff hand out numbers and if you get one great you will be able to buy a Vibe pass. There is a set number (70 on Escape) but some are reserved for Haven guests in case they want to buy them so it appears that numbers 30-70 are handed out at embarkation.

All members of the party must be present to get them

 

As for the Karma points raised I totally agree with them,I have read people have pretended to have mobility issues, tagged on with others with VIP boarding etc. It does make me wonder if I should bother to go for it if we miss out because others lied /pushed in etc. as I will be gutted not to get them if I get their really early and follow all the above advice. However much you say to yourself oh there is no guarantee it is bound to start the cruise off with a downer.

But IMO its NCL's fault as its ridiculous that we have to have this stress to spend money why are they happy to sell us Spa passes months ahead of time but not Vibe!