Escape September 10-17

[mnd_brooke]

Here's my attempt at my first review!

 

So this trip was planned a little over three months ago, it was a girls trip with just me and my mom, and also it was my first cruise. I have to start out by thanking everyone on here that has left reviews and answered questions because it helped me out soooo much! I made sure to do a ton of research just so I kinda knew what to expect, and I'm so glad I did! This trip was a bittersweet trip for my mom and I because we were supposed to have a full family vacation with my parents, my sister and her husband and myself. But my sister had some medical problems and is unable to travel for a few months, which she is doing very well now and she was pushing us to go on vacation, and my mother couldn't switch her vacation time so we picked a cruise! So I'll try and do a day by day and tell you my opinions from a first time cruiser!

 

Pre-cruise- Well we booked through a travel agent so they took care of all the hard stuff lol. We had the drinking package, 3 dinner plan, and we paid the added gratuity. One thing I'm glad I did was do my research! I have heard some horror reviews about calling NCL to book dinners and such and had to wait forever. I must say that I NEVER had this problem! Every time I called with a question or to book a dinner, show, or excursion everyone I dealt with was amazing! Make sure you book everything before you go! Sometimes people had no problem getting into somewhere with no reservations, but other times they had no room for them. So if you want take a chance feel free but we played it safe and I'm so glad we did!

 

September 10th - Our flight left Cleveland at 7:00 am, and somehow our pilot waved a magic wand and go us to Miami 40 minutes earlier then expected!We landed around 9:20. We had payed for the transportation from the airport to port and back. So got down to luggage claim and found an NCL employee right away! He walked us to to get our luggage, which of course we get my moms and the conveyor belt broke down leaving mine sitting in the back and I had to wait, but the guy at the counter was making me laugh telling me that it was 5 feet away but he wasn't allowed to go back and get it. Eh no big deal I'm a pretty laid back person, and the guy was great made the 10 minutes pass quickly. Well after finally getting my luggage we walk back over to the NCL group where we get out passes for the bus, wait a whole 2 minutes and then they escort us to the bus lol. The trip to the port was maybe 10 minutes and I enjoyed being able to look around as we drove. After getting off the bus, we walked to Terminal C where there was no line and check in was a breeze and we were in group 4 to get on the ship. Which I guess terminal B had the odd numbers and C has the even, so we were the 2nd group to get on. We waited in the terminal for about a half hour, which was good for me because I was able to change my clothes and relax a little. They had drinks waiting in the terminal and we had no problem getting seats, which I heard some people say it was a nightmare in there. Well after getting up to throw away a cup, I accidently threw away my group number slip lol!! Come on I had been running on 2 hours of sleep, and I hadn't had coffee! But I went and talked to a security guy and they said no problem just asked me to remind him when we was checking group passes when we were to board. Boarding was a breeze and since it was about 11:45 we went to O'Sheehan's and grabbed lunch and had our first drink on the cruise! Ok I might go ahead and add, yes I like to drink, yes I took advantage of the drink package, but no I did not get drunk because my mom doesn't drink a whole lot. Anyways, after lunch we walked around a bit, some area's were still closed off from cleaning, but we ended up in Margaritaville for drink #2. After a while we went inside and hung around, then it was announced that our room was ready and I believe that was around 2:30. We were in a mini suite 12800 and I loved it! The room was a perfect size for us, and I was really happy about the bathroom. So here is where I should tell you that I'm 6'1 and was a little nervous about the shower size and such, but the bathroom was HUGE!! Moving on.....We were supposed to have the drill at 3:30, but we did not have it until 4:15ish, and we still hadn't gotten our luggage. We were getting nervous because we had 5:30 dinner reservations at La Cucina. The drill ended around 5:10 and we after fighting our way through 2,000+ people to get back to our room, our luggage had arrived!! So we had hardly no time to run and get ready, and get ready for dinner. I have to say that dinner was AMAZING!!!! We sat outside and watched the sail away, it was raining in the distance and we saw a rainbow, food was good, drinks were good, and service was top notch! But I have to say my mom and I are so lame! After dinner we went back to our room to unpack because I think we were the last people to get our luggage. We hung around on our patio until we were out of port, then we were inside and asleep before 9:30 lol!

 

I'll try and do a couple more days tomorrow!!

[js]

Here's my attempt at my first review!

 

So this trip was planned a little over three months ago, it was a girls trip with just me and my mom, and also it was my first cruise. I have to start out by thanking everyone on here that has left reviews and answered questions because it helped me out soooo much! I made sure to do a ton of research just so I kinda knew what to expect, and I'm so glad I did! This trip was a bittersweet trip for my mom and I because we were supposed to have a full family vacation with my parents, my sister and her husband and myself. But my sister had some medical problems and is unable to travel for a few months, which she is doing very well now and she was pushing us to go on vacation, and my mother couldn't switch her vacation time so we picked a cruise! So I'll try and do a day by day and tell you my opinions from a first time cruiser!

 

Pre-cruise- Well we booked through a travel agent so they took care of all the hard stuff lol. We had the drinking package, 3 dinner plan, and we paid the added gratuity. One thing I'm glad I did was do my research! I have heard some horror reviews about calling NCL to book dinners and such and had to wait forever. I must say that I NEVER had this problem! Every time I called with a question or to book a dinner, show, or excursion everyone I dealt with was amazing! Make sure you book everything before you go! Sometimes people had no problem getting into somewhere with no reservations, but other times they had no room for them. So if you want take a chance feel free but we played it safe and I'm so glad we did!

 

September 10th - Our flight left Cleveland at 7:00 am, and somehow our pilot waved a magic wand and go us to Miami 40 minutes earlier then expected!We landed around 9:20. We had payed for the transportation from the airport to port and back. So got down to luggage claim and found an NCL employee right away! He walked us to to get our luggage, which of course we get my moms and the conveyor belt broke down leaving mine sitting in the back and I had to wait, but the guy at the counter was making me laugh telling me that it was 5 feet away but he wasn't allowed to go back and get it. Eh no big deal I'm a pretty laid back person, and the guy was great made the 10 minutes pass quickly. Well after finally getting my luggage we walk back over to the NCL group where we get out passes for the bus, wait a whole 2 minutes and then they escort us to the bus lol. The trip to the port was maybe 10 minutes and I enjoyed being able to look around as we drove. After getting off the bus, we walked to Terminal C where there was no line and check in was a breeze and we were in group 4 to get on the ship. Which I guess terminal B had the odd numbers and C has the even, so we were the 2nd group to get on. We waited in the terminal for about a half hour, which was good for me because I was able to change my clothes and relax a little. They had drinks waiting in the terminal and we had no problem getting seats, which I heard some people say it was a nightmare in there. Well after getting up to throw away a cup, I accidently threw away my group number slip lol!! Come on I had been running on 2 hours of sleep, and I hadn't had coffee! But I went and talked to a security guy and they said no problem just asked me to remind him when we was checking group passes when we were to board. Boarding was a breeze and since it was about 11:45 we went to O'Sheehan's and grabbed lunch and had our first drink on the cruise! Ok I might go ahead and add, yes I like to drink, yes I took advantage of the drink package, but no I did not get drunk because my mom doesn't drink a whole lot. Anyways, after lunch we walked around a bit, some area's were still closed off from cleaning, but we ended up in Margaritaville for drink #2. After a while we went inside and hung around, then it was announced that our room was ready and I believe that was around 2:30. We were in a mini suite 12800 and I loved it! The room was a perfect size for us, and I was really happy about the bathroom. So here is where I should tell you that I'm 6'1 and was a little nervous about the shower size and such, but the bathroom was HUGE!! Moving on.....We were supposed to have the drill at 3:30, but we did not have it until 4:15ish, and we still hadn't gotten our luggage. We were getting nervous because we had 5:30 dinner reservations at La Cucina. The drill ended around 5:10 and we after fighting our way through 2,000+ people to get back to our room, our luggage had arrived!! So we had hardly no time to run and get ready, and get ready for dinner. I have to say that dinner was AMAZING!!!! We sat outside and watched the sail away, it was raining in the distance and we saw a rainbow, food was good, drinks were good, and service was top notch! But I have to say my mom and I are so lame! After dinner we went back to our room to unpack because I think we were the last people to get our luggage. We hung around on our patio until we were out of port, then we were inside and asleep before 9:30 lol!

 

I'll try and do a couple more days tomorrow!!

 

Thank you! Love your review! I sail with my dh and family and stay out until about 12-1 am but when I sail with my mom, about once a year, I am just like you LOL I do enjoy my drinks and my mom can have two and be done LOL When we cruise, it is a big night if we stay out until 11 pm. Sailing on the Escape next July with just my dh for my 50th but sailing on Getaway in February with my mom and look forward to reading more about your trip!

Edited September 22, 2016 by js

[Sand and Seas]

Nice start! Looking forward to the rest of your review:)

[The Merrill]

We were in bed early too by 10 pm. I think it was the slow sway of the ship that made me sleepy! LOL I look forward to reading more about your review and see if we agree on anything! LOL :D

[TenForward]

I'm looking forward to this! I'm a first time cruiser too sailing in 15 days! :D:D Like you, I've been doing tons of research thanks to everyone here on CC. I never tire of reading every new review, lol. We also have a mini suite, on deck 13 and were also thinking of LaCucina for the sail away... were you overlooking Miami or the wide ocean? I'm a foodie so would love to hear more about your meal there (or anywhere!). :)

[cincicruisers]

Great review. Looking forward to more.

[easyboy]

Following your review.

[djacobson]

I'm looking forward to this! I'm a first time cruiser too sailing in 15 days! :D:D Like you, I've been doing tons of research thanks to everyone here on CC. I never tire of reading every new review, lol. We also have a mini suite, on deck 13 and were also thinking of LaCucina for the sail away... were you overlooking Miami or the wide ocean? I'm a foodie so would love to hear more about your meal there (or anywhere!). :)

 

I was also on the Sept 10-17 cruise. My first dinner with the Ultimate Dining Package was at La Cucina. I had the Shrimp Diavolo and the Ricotta Cheesecake with Lemon Curd.

 

La Cucina is on the port side of the ship. You can dine inside or outside on the Waterfront.

 

I had dinner at the Manhattan Room, Cagney's and Moderno and the food was great at each restaurant.

 

Some of the shows include dinner, such as Oh What A Night. There was also a supper club cabaret event with a lady named Sharon Watkins. They served a four or five course meal that was excellent.

 

There are so many restaurants I could not make try them all.

 

You will definitely enjoy the Escape.

[Frick_&_Frack]

We also have a mini suite, on deck 13 and were also thinking of LaCucina for the sail away... were you overlooking Miami or the wide ocean? I'm a foodie so would love to hear more about your meal there (or anywhere!). :)

 

I was also on the Sept. 10 - 17 sailing. I was at Cagneys the first night. (Also, port side, inside and outside seating). I was inside during sail away. You don't overlook downtown Miami, but it really was still very beautiful to watch.

 

In LaCucina - I was outside for 2 of my 3 meals there. Our sailing was quite warm with not much breeze underway even, so it was pleasant. Cagneys I was inside each time (it was very very busy there each time - of the 4 times - that I was there). This was the first NCL cruise (see history below - and most of those were all/almost all meals in Cagneys because DH loved it there), that I was disappointed in Cagneys.

 

As odd as it sounds, I enjoyed LaCucina more. YMMV.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

 

Enjoy!

[mnd_brooke]

I'm looking forward to this! I'm a first time cruiser too sailing in 15 days! :D:D Like you, I've been doing tons of research thanks to everyone here on CC. I never tire of reading every new review, lol. We also have a mini suite, on deck 13 and were also thinking of LaCucina for the sail away... were you overlooking Miami or the wide ocean? I'm a foodie so would love to hear more about your meal there (or anywhere!). :)

 

Sorry I cant add much about the view because I had been up since 2 am that day, but I do remember that it was really nice. Are you sailing solo or with friends? Sorry to get personal but one piece of advice I learned that I found on another site, which it made life a little more comfortable, was look up a product called poo pourri! The bathrooms don't have a vent so after you go, it keeps things fresh! It makes things a little easier to deal with in small quarters!

[mnd_brooke]

I was also on the Sept. 10 - 17 sailing. I was at Cagneys the first night. (Also, port side, inside and outside seating). I was inside during sail away. You don't overlook downtown Miami, but it really was still very beautiful to watch.

 

In Lacuna - I was outside for 2 of my 3 meals there. Our sailing was quite warm with not much breeze underway even, so it was pleasant. Cagneys I was inside each time (it was very very busy there each time - of the 4 times - that I was there). This was the first NCL cruise (see history below - and most of those were all/almost all meals in Cagneys because DH loved it there), that I was disappointed in Cagneys.

 

As odd as it sounds, I enjoyed LaCucina more. YMMV.

 

Happy Cruising! :)

 

Enjoy!

 

 

I agree with you a 100%! I wasn't that wowed by Cagneys, and I was a little disappointed because I had been hearing such great reviews about them. Don't get me wrong the food was good, but I was expecting great! And I have to say that our best meal by far was at Lacuna!

[Frick_&_Frack]

I agree with you a 100%! I wasn't that wowed by Cagneys, and I was a little disappointed because I had been hearing such great reviews about them. Don't get me wrong the food was good, but I was expecting great! And I have to say that our best meal by far was at Lacuna!

 

I just looked and I killed the spelling - it's La Cucina. ugh.

 

I can't count the number of times I've eaten at Cagney's over the years; however, one meal this time was "OK", one was "sort of OK-ish", one was not very good, and the last time I ate there (Thursday) was downright awful. Very unusual for them. I was really surprised and very disappointed.

 

I eat very little so, to me, it didn't mean very much. Left more room for a Mudslide upstairs on deck after dinner (which I used in lieu of dessert) ;) :D

 

I did stick with the Beef Carpaccio and the Osso Bucco at La Cucina (each of the 3 nights). It was really very good (to the point I ate almost all of it - which is unheard of for me). Meat was a bit more fatty than in the past; however, flavor was really good. I recommended it to someone I was speaking to and she sought me out the next day to tell me she really enjoyed it. Again, YMMV since food is highly subjective.

[mnd_brooke]

Alright here we go, I even took notes at the end of the day so I wouldn't forget anything!

 

September 11 - Beds were very comfortable so my mom and I slept great! Went to the buffet for breakfast, and I was a little confused at first but they pretty much have the same things on both sides. There was always people walking around cleaning tables, wiping down the stations, and we never once had a problems getting a seat. Yes there was only 2 of us, but we ended up being able to grab a booth most days, normally we wouldn't try and take up a table for more but my mom was having some back pains and the booths were just more comfortable for her to sit in. The buffet was exactly that, a buffet. I didn't know what to expect but people seemed to have mixed reviews saying the food was bad, or it was excellent but its a buffet! I had a few things that were just eh, but for the most part I enjoyed it. After going back to the room to let our food settle we went back up by the pool on Deck 16, found chairs in the shade and just hung out and read for a few hours. I cant say much for the pool because I never went in it, but on sea days it was jam packed full! And the first few days the lines for the water slides were insane too. But I will say that there were always employees walking around to get drinks, we used them a few times but I mostly just went to the bar, and the longest I waited was like 3 minutes. The drinks of the day are always really strong because they are pre-made, so if you aren't a huge drinker i would suggest ordering something frozen that they make.... especially a Mango drink! Sorry I cant remember what its called, but if you say the Mango drink they know what it is! Only reason I can remember is because everywhere called it something different, so just say Mango and you are good! We went to the buffet for lunch, but I don't know if it was the drinks or I just hadn't gotten my sea legs yet, but it was just an ok meal. After lunch we went back to our room to relax, my mom cant to heat right after she eats, and we both ended up taking a nap. Which was fine by me because I think we still tired from traveling the day before. Woke up sat on the deck for a while, then we both took showers and went to Taste for dinner. The was food was good and the service was just ok, I got the impression that most of the people that worked there didn't want to be there. We explored decks 6, 7, and 8 for the shopping, art, and such. Then I found my happy place..... the SUGARCANE MOJITO BAR! I have to tell you, this is by far the best place to sit and relax. Bong was just amazing!! He was playing games with all of us, some I took for me forever to figure out, but his personality was just so welcoming. And he remembered us for the rest of the trip, even when we walked by he would say hi! Yes we goofed around a lot with him, but one night when he had a slow period we were able to really talk to him and it was great to get to know him on a personal level as well.This was my moms first time ever sitting at a bar, and let me tell you, we were there everyday after that! The guava raspberry is a MUST! If you like spicy the cucumber jalapeno was very good also! So after a drink.... or for me 3 later we went up on deck and just hung out and and listened to the sea. Then we went and got in bed.

 

One thing I want to add is there is a channel on the tv.. I think its 21, but they tape all the parties and the competitions and they replay them. Which was cool to watch because we missed the sail away party, and we missed mr. sexy legs.

 

Also there are two stations on the ship where you can take a quick photo and either e-mail it or post it to facebook or twitter. It worked out for us because we didn't get the internet package and my dad was a little worried about my mom and I. But the two stations are one is right outside of La Cucina and the other is outside of O'Sheehan's.

[SLRoth]

Awesome to know about the photo station. I had no idea!!!

[TenForward]

Thanks for the replies... I love hearing everyone's input/experiences - seems I always find something new!

 

I had heard about the photo booths you could email, etc. but didn't know where to find them. Thanks mnd_brooke, now I'll know right where to drag DH :) Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[Sand and Seas]

I'm loving this thread! It's getting me ready for our second trip on the Escape next month.

 

Those photo booth emails are great. You could send one as often as you like to 'keep up' with people back home. And the Mango drink is most likely a Mango Meltdown. It's a frozen mango drink with a ribbon of strawberry through it. Absolutely delicious on a hot day:D

[WAHMto5]

Thank you for the review so far, can't wait to read the rest!

[Sunny G]

Good review so far, can't wait to read more

 

 

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[mnd_brooke]

Alright back to it, sorry I had a weekend full of family birthdays, clam bakes, and bon fires!

 

September 12 - Well, it was another beautiful sea day. Woke up really early and watched the sun rise from out patio, and it was such a site! Then sat around a little, got ready, and went and had breakfast at the buffet. The food was good, still plenty of seats, and people always walking around cleaning up tables and food stations. Ummmm I have yet to mention the Washy Washy guys lol. Don't get me wrong I think they were great, and the kids loved them, but I was kinda over it by the end of the week. There are stations all over for hand sanitizer and a few sinks to wash your hands. After breakfast we went back to room to let our food settle and got changed into pool clothes then went back up to the pool deck. Yet again, no problems getting a chair, but it was also before 10 am. Just relaxed and laid around, read a book, drank some more :). I was always able to get a seat at the bar, but their were employees walking around getting drinks but I wanted to get up so I went to the bar. OH I ALMOST FORGET!!!! You know how everyone talks about the whole water package deal... Well at the towel return they have a price cut on water. We were able to get six 20oz bottles delivered to our room for $22. Normally I think they were either $5 or $6 per bottle. We had lunch at Margaritaville and had a cheeseburger in paradise... yum! It was worth the $6.50. I've heard some people say that no one was ever there, but every time I walked by, or we stopped in, there was at least 8+ tables that were taken. But I was a little disappointed in the drinks, because they were pre-made, and they tasted pre-made. But the burger was worth it! We also had the conch fritters and fruit plate which were very good. After lunch we went back to the room took a power nap, took showers and got ready for our 5:30 dinner reservations at Teppanyaki. WOW it was by far the best hibachi meal I have ever had. The whole experience was great, it was like a competition on what table could be the loudest, but it was so much fun!! This is a must to try if you go on this cruise! I will say that the house drinks were just eh, I had to finish my moms for her because she didn't like it much. So after dinner we walked around to work off some of the food we ate, tried to go see Bong at the mojito bar but it was packed, so we headed into the 5:00 somewhere bar to see what was going on. Well, it was karaoke. I have nothing against it, but I use to be a bartender and I had to work karaoke nights for about 5 years every Friday and Saturday nights. But my mom had never been to a karaoke night and she wanted to stay so I sucked it up, ordered a couple drinks and stuck it out. She loved it! We hung around for about two hours, I may have been cringing inside, but it was worth it because my mom was singing along and had a big smile on her face. Afterwards, we stopped to see Bong to get a few mojitos to go. Went back to our room, sat on the deck, drank our drinks and listened to the sea!! We did have a problem with our tv not working, but they restarted it and it was good to go after that. Little fact if you are a first timer, they have a channel on the tv where you check your current balance for your account, make dinner reservations, and get reservations for shows!

 

September 13 - Woke up early and watched us pull into port, which was cool to watch. We had both decided not to get off the boat that day. I was really tired and I think its because I ate so much the night before. Went up to the buffet for breakfast, and only half of the buffet is open when you are at port. The ship was a dead!!!! And trust me that was the time I took full advantage of the water slides! As pretty much everything on the ship is closed when your in port we didn't have much to do besides lay around by the pool and read. Which have you seen a pattern here... yes we wanted a relaxing vacation and we both like to curl up with a good book! After a while we went and explored and ended up in the arcade by O'Sheehan's. We had fun because we didn't have to fight any kids to do anything lol. We bowled a couple games, and played some ski ball! After a while we went back to our room, took showers, and went to dinner at 5:30 at O'Sheehan's. The food was good, my mom got the special and I had the sheperds pie which was good. Then we went to the Brat Pack at 7:00. I heard mixed reviews about the show, some people said it was to raunchy for them.... well I don't agree at all! If you love any shows in the 80's this show is a must! Yes they updated a little bit, and it had a little bit of all the best movies from the 80s.. and we had such a good time!! I would definitely recommend this show... I would say don't bring anyone younger then an older teenager though. Sadly after the show we went back to the room and went to bed because we had an excursion the next day and we had to be at the end of the pier by 7:10am!! I will write more tomorrow!

[js]

Thanks so much! Can't wait to read more!

[Jana60]

I don't think "mnd_brooke" is coming back. Would have liked to read the rest of the review!

 

 

 

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[easyboy]

It seems you are right. But I hope mnd_brooke is just busy.