Vibe on Escape - Needed or is there enough places to sit and drink/read?

[SailLaVie]

Heading out on Escape soon and I was just wondering people's thoughts on Vibe passes. We had them on Getaway last year, but it was so windy a couple days (sea days, of course) that they ended up closing it down.

 

Also, we had no trouble getting passes for Vibe on Getaway, it sounds from what I've read that Escape is harder to get? Any thoughts are appreciated!

[CruisinHarvey]

I don't sun. So, DW doesn't want get a Vibe pass by herself. As a result, she goes to Spice H2O. The loungers aren't cushioned, and usually you have to get up to get your own drink from the bar. Unless you get there late, finding a couple of loungers is usually not a problem.

[SailLaVie]

I don't sun. So, DW doesn't want get a Vibe pass by herself. As a result, she goes to Spice H2O. The loungers aren't cushioned, and usually you have to get up to get your own drink from the bar. Unless you get there late, finding a couple of loungers is usually not a problem.

 

 

Thank you for the information. My son wants to try for it, so I guess we'll see how it goes. :)

[Two Wheels Only]

The Waterfront during the day is a nice & quiet area that's free. Depending on where you sit, there are bars nearby, too.

[Sissaaaaaa]

Heading out on Escape soon and I was just wondering people's thoughts on Vibe passes. We had them on Getaway last year, but it was so windy a couple days (sea days, of course) that they ended up closing it down.

 

Also, we had no trouble getting passes for Vibe on Getaway, it sounds from what I've read that Escape is harder to get? Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

We never had a problem finding loungers on the Escape, and we sail during peak times.

[thatjoeguy]

Heading out on Escape soon and I was just wondering people's thoughts on Vibe passes. We had them on Getaway last year, but it was so windy a couple days (sea days, of course) that they ended up closing it down.

 

Also, we had no trouble getting passes for Vibe on Getaway, it sounds from what I've read that Escape is harder to get? Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

We couldn't get Vibe passes on our Escape cruise (lots of people on the second leg of a B2B got them first) and we usually found places for all 7 of us to hang out together; it just took a bit longer than usual. That said, I'd still prefer to get the Vibe pass if I could - the usually empty bar and cushioned chairs are real nice.

[Son of a son of a ...]

We never had a problem finding loungers on Escape or Getaway or Breakaway for that matter. You will not be poolside, but that's OK for us. Drink service is spotty ... either get a bucket of beer, get up and get your own, or tip the first server very heavily. We are only good for 2 hours at a time in the sun - we either burn or get bored.

 

Edit: it is only two of us so your experience may differ if you have a larger group

[SailLaVie]

The Waterfront during the day is a nice & quiet area that's free. Depending on where you sit, there are bars nearby, too.

 

 

I actually want to be where there is music and happy, smiling, dancing people. It's my son who wants to try for the Vibe passes. I think I'm going to try and convince him to forget about the Vibe and go where the party is. I'm recently separated and don't need the quiet of my own thoughts. ;)

 

Thank you for the information about The Waterfront, I'm looking forward to seeing it all. :)

[SailLaVie]

We never had a problem finding loungers on the Escape, and we sail during peak times.

 

 

With only the two of us, it shouldn't be too hard. Thank you for the information. :)

[SailLaVie]

We couldn't get Vibe passes on our Escape cruise (lots of people on the second leg of a B2B got them first) and we usually found places for all 7 of us to hang out together; it just took a bit longer than usual. That said, I'd still prefer to get the Vibe pass if I could - the usually empty bar and cushioned chairs are real nice.

 

If I were still married, I would want them again, but being single now, I think I'm okay with the hustle and bustle of H2O or the pool area, I just have to convince my son. Thanks for sharing your information :)

[sanger727]

With only the two of us, it shouldn't be too hard. Thank you for the information. :)

 

 

Agree.... there are loungers everywhere on the ships I've been on. And the plus of not being committed to one place is you can move as the sun and wind changes. 7 together would be hard, but 2 won't be. But I do usually give up on waiting for drink service and just go to the nearest bar myself.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[SailLaVie]

We never had a problem finding loungers on Escape or Getaway or Breakaway for that matter. You will not be poolside, but that's OK for us. Drink service is spotty ... either get a bucket of beer, get up and get your own, or tip the first server very heavily. We are only good for 2 hours at a time in the sun - we either burn or get bored.

 

Edit: it is only two of us so your experience may differ if you have a larger group

 

 

I don't need to be poolside, I just want to be near people and have fun. I certainly don't mind getting my own drinks and like you, I burn easily and don't want to be laying in the sun all day. We are only two as well, but hopefully, I'll make a lot of new friends. Thanks for the info. :)

[SailLaVie]

Agree.... there are loungers everywhere on the ships I've been on. And the plus of not being committed to one place is you can move as the sun and wind changes. 7 together would be hard, but 2 won't be. But I do usually give up on waiting for drink service and just go to the nearest bar myself.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

I will be moving around for sure, as my idea is to stay out of the sun as much as I can. I'm very fair and don't spend much time in the sun. As for the drink service, I didn't actually know they came around and served people. That would seem slower to me than just getting your own drink, no? Besides, it's easier to meet and mingle if you're getting your own drinks. ;) Thanks for the information :)

[LMaxwell]

Same deck as Vibe, other side, is free. It's not well known early on. There are hot tubs, misting showers, a bar, a view over the bow of the ship. Never had trouble getting a chair and it was pretty quiet there and depending on time of day and location of ship, plenty of shade.

 

Plenty of seating on main pool deck as long as you don't want to be right near pool or in sun (doesn't sound like this is an issue for you).

 

Deck 8 waterfront has LOTS of couches and comfy chairs. It got popular as the week went on, but a perfect place to sit and read in quiet.

 

Spice h20, never had trouble getting chairs near the bar there, but shade is limited.

 

In short, I never had any trouble getting a chair where I wanted to be and never paid a dime for it either. I highly suggest deck 8 for what you want.

[cruiseguys2009]

Vibe and the new Latitude Boarding Priority.

 

In Miami, the boarding rules are changing so if you are Platinum, you will most likely have no issues obtaining VIBE or POSH (EPIC, Port Canaveral) tickets for any of the sailings, because of the new Boarding Priorities, Latitudes Platinum and Platinum Plus will be boarding way ahead of everyone else, more so than before, so VIBE and POSH could become a kind of a more exclusive Platinum/Haven Members Only club.

 

If I were in the Haven, I would certainly not waste the $99 per person entry fee into VIBE, as on The Escape, just on the other side of VIBE, is the Haven's own VIBE, for free. It is exactly like VIBE without the bar, but the VIBE Bartenders service the Haven side as well, so it is exactly the same, without the lively bar crowd, and I think even more "Haven-ly" secluded.

 

There are usually 70-80 VIBE passes held for each sailing. The Haven and Back to Back sailing Guests get first dibs on them, that is why on our sailings we have asked upon arrival to the Headliners Club to secure our spots, "How many VIBE tickets are available?" On our sailings for us, the answer has varied between 54 to 61.

 

Before, up until about a month ago, to get VIBE passes since we were not Platinum yet, it was how early one got to the port to secure a "Boarding Priority" Number, and we were always group 1 or 2. We made our mad dash to Headliners to get in to the line for the privilege to buy our passes. Now, there is Boarding Priority according to Latitudes Ranking. Ambassador and Haven will be group 1 now, then Platinum Plus and Platinum. No real changes here. However, next in order of boarding is CAS (Casinos At Sea Invited Comp Guests), then Gold, Silver and Bronze. Then the rest of the Passengers according to time of arrival to the boarding area. The boarding card now reads the Latitudes Priority, it's becoming much more like Celebrity Cruises Boarding procedures.

 

Although, I do know that just last week, a couple who were in Boarding Group 16, regular passengers, were able to high tail it to Headliners and secure the last two spots in VIBE, so it can be done, as long as there are folks who already boarded in groups in front of you that are not willing to shell out another $100 bucks a piece for the week to gain access to, what some say, is just a glass walled-in seating area with a bar.

 

That being said, VIBE for us, is a truly unique experience and once inside, we forgot that we were on a mega liner packed to the rim with folks. Even on Port days, most of the VIBE guests were as "Port Experienced" as we were and opted to stay on board and enjoy the VIBE experience instead of venturing off to the tourist destinations. There is nothing like Shot O'Clock each day, though. And with the UBP, yeah baby! I like it like that!

 

On our last sailing, weather did play a factor in not being able to enjoy VIBE, save but for one day, and there are no refunds due to inclement weather and the bar is always open up there. So, we always ask ourselves, is it worth parting with $200 for both of us, making a mad dash to purchase the tickets for the privilege, rather than spend the money on shore excursions or a CruiseNext certificate?

 

We also have been on a sailing recently where we could not secure the passes and Headliners was overwhelmed with VIBE enthusiasts and we came away, at the time, very disappointed. Pouty lips and all if you know me! However, just to the other side of the glass wall of VIBE is what I call "VIBE Lite". It is a mirror image of VIBE without the padded loungers. It has the same misting system, two hot tubs and shares the actual VIBE Bar and same bartenders. They even will do shot o'clock on that side of the bar too. There are plenty of cocktail servers as well, so for FREE, we found VIBE Lite to be just as palatable and it saved us $200.

 

Truthfully, it was only our bruised EGO of anticipation on not getting VIBE, the perceived Exclusivity of it all. I guess that is really what we were upset about, and now, because of the new boarding priority system, we will have to get used to it until we reach Platinum to guarantee at least a shot at it, or be lucky enough to snag a winning bid for a spectacular Haven accommodation. No worries, if we get it we get it. My other favorite place, Spice H20, is just as marvelous a party!

 

The other crazy fun bar we enjoy is Clarence's bar on deck 8. Known as "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" Bar which is located just outside it's namesake on the Waterfront. Clarence will also participate in Shot O'Clock daily. And the most fun to be there is on the last day sail-a-way from Nassau. Oh My Goodness, Clarence does go into "Rare Form Performance Mode" for the other ships docked across the way.

 

Norwegian Escape has so much to offer, but again, if you are a family on vacation during the High Holidays (Spring, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mid-Summer) I know you will love it and so will your kids. Adults as just a couple or small group traveling at these times, take it from our personal experience, could possibly have challenging times with the varied crowds which makes all the more reason that VIBE becomes a viable option.

 

Now, who wants a Martini?

Edited February 5, 2017 by cruiseguys2009

[Son of a son of a ...]

Thank you, cruiseguys. Very informative post!

[SailLaVie]

Same deck as Vibe, other side, is free. It's not well known early on. There are hot tubs, misting showers, a bar, a view over the bow of the ship. Never had trouble getting a chair and it was pretty quiet there and depending on time of day and location of ship, plenty of shade.

 

Plenty of seating on main pool deck as long as you don't want to be right near pool or in sun (doesn't sound like this is an issue for you).

 

Deck 8 waterfront has LOTS of couches and comfy chairs. It got popular as the week went on, but a perfect place to sit and read in quiet.

 

Spice h20, never had trouble getting chairs near the bar there, but shade is limited.

 

In short, I never had any trouble getting a chair where I wanted to be and never paid a dime for it either. I highly suggest deck 8 for what you want.

 

 

Thank you for all the information. It's getting close and I'm getting excited! Just want to feel that warm sunshine on my face and sail away from all the worries back home. :)

[SailLaVie]

Vibe and the new Latitude Boarding Priority.

 

In Miami, the boarding rules are changing so if you are Platinum, you will most likely have no issues obtaining VIBE or POSH (EPIC, Port Canaveral) tickets for any of the sailings, because of the new Boarding Priorities, Latitudes Platinum and Platinum Plus will be boarding way ahead of everyone else, more so than before, so VIBE and POSH could become a kind of a more exclusive Platinum/Haven Members Only club.

 

If I were in the Haven, I would certainly not waste the $99 per person entry fee into VIBE, as on The Escape, just on the other side of VIBE, is the Haven's own VIBE, for free. It is exactly like VIBE without the bar, but the VIBE Bartenders service the Haven side as well, so it is exactly the same, without the lively bar crowd, and I think even more "Haven-ly" secluded.

 

There are usually 70-80 VIBE passes held for each sailing. The Haven and Back to Back sailing Guests get first dibs on them, that is why on our sailings we have asked upon arrival to the Headliners Club to secure our spots, "How many VIBE tickets are available?" On our sailings for us, the answer has varied between 54 to 61.

 

Before, up until about a month ago, to get VIBE passes since we were not Platinum yet, it was how early one got to the port to secure a "Boarding Priority" Number, and we were always group 1 or 2. We made our mad dash to Headliners to get in to the line for the privilege to buy our passes. Now, there is Boarding Priority according to Latitudes Ranking. Ambassador and Haven will be group 1 now, then Platinum Plus and Platinum. No real changes here. However, next in order of boarding is CAS (Casinos At Sea Invited Comp Guests), then Gold, Silver and Bronze. Then the rest of the Passengers according to time of arrival to the boarding area. The boarding card now reads the Latitudes Priority, it's becoming much more like Celebrity Cruises Boarding procedures.

 

Although, I do know that just last week, a couple who were in Boarding Group 16, regular passengers, were able to high tail it to Headliners and secure the last two spots in VIBE, so it can be done, as long as there are folks who already boarded in groups in front of you that are not willing to shell out another $100 bucks a piece for the week to gain access to, what some say, is just a glass walled-in seating area with a bar.

 

That being said, VIBE for us, is a truly unique experience and once inside, we forgot that we were on a mega liner packed to the rim with folks. Even on Port days, most of the VIBE guests were as "Port Experienced" as we were and opted to stay on board and enjoy the VIBE experience instead of venturing off to the tourist destinations. There is nothing like Shot O'Clock each day, though. And with the UBP, yeah baby! I like it like that!

 

On our last sailing, weather did play a factor in not being able to enjoy VIBE, save but for one day, and there are no refunds due to inclement weather and the bar is always open up there. So, we always ask ourselves, is it worth parting with $200 for both of us, making a mad dash to purchase the tickets for the privilege, rather than spend the money on shore excursions or a CruiseNext certificate?

 

We also have been on a sailing recently where we could not secure the passes and Headliners was overwhelmed with VIBE enthusiasts and we came away, at the time, very disappointed. Pouty lips and all if you know me! However, just to the other side of the glass wall of VIBE is what I call "VIBE Lite". It is a mirror image of VIBE without the padded loungers. It has the same misting system, two hot tubs and shares the actual VIBE Bar and same bartenders. They even will do shot o'clock on that side of the bar too. There are plenty of cocktail servers as well, so for FREE, we found VIBE Lite to be just as palatable and it saved us $200.

 

Truthfully, it was only our bruised EGO of anticipation on not getting VIBE, the perceived Exclusivity of it all. I guess that is really what we were upset about, and now, because of the new boarding priority system, we will have to get used to it until we reach Platinum to guarantee at least a shot at it, or be lucky enough to snag a winning bid for a spectacular Haven accommodation. No worries, if we get it we get it. My other favorite place, Spice H20, is just as marvelous a party!

 

The other crazy fun bar we enjoy is Clarence's bar on deck 8. Known as "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" Bar which is located just outside it's namesake on the Waterfront. Clarence will also participate in Shot O'Clock daily. And the most fun to be there is on the last day sail-a-way from Nassau. Oh My Goodness, Clarence does go into "Rare Form Performance Mode" for the other ships docked across the way.

 

Norwegian Escape has so much to offer, but again, if you are a family on vacation during the High Holidays (Spring, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mid-Summer) I know you will love it and so will your kids. Adults as just a couple or small group traveling at these times, take it from our personal experience, could possibly have challenging times with the varied crowds which makes all the more reason that VIBE becomes a viable option.

 

Now, who wants a Martini?

 

 

I am only a lowly bronze member, so I doubt it's even worth trying for now that you've explained it so thoroughly. I think my son, once he sees the atmosphere of Vibe over H20 or closer to the pool, will see that Vibe isn't where he wants to be. I think Vibe is great for people who want to be quiet and read, or a couple that want some time together. I'm not that person anymore, so I'm gonna go seek out the fun. Thank you so much for all the information. I'm sure it'll come in handy for a lot of people wondering if Vibe is worth it. :)

[cruiseguys2009]

I am only a lowly bronze member, so I doubt it's even worth trying for now that you've explained it so thoroughly. I think my son, once he sees the atmosphere of Vibe over H20 or closer to the pool, will see that Vibe isn't where he wants to be. I think Vibe is great for people who want to be quiet and read, or a couple that want some time together. I'm not that person anymore, so I'm gonna go seek out the fun. Thank you so much for all the information. I'm sure it'll come in handy for a lot of people wondering if Vibe is worth it. :)

 

 

You are so much more correct in your thinking.

 

What VIBE originally started out being was Kevin Sheehan's idea (The old CEO no longer at NCL)of creating a South Beach Club with "VIBE" for 80 lucky people each cruise. It's was supposed to be different on The Escape. Select music, a party atmosphere, camaraderie, exclusivity, private bar, same folks for the cruise every day. Very Chic and very Clubbie. Folks clamoring for status, stuff legends are made of and just bursting to spend their hundred bucks for the exclusivity of it all.

 

Now, what it has evolved to be, is basically padded chaise lounges with no music and very little VIBE atmosphere, just a glass door separating "Us" from "Them". Apparently, too many passengers complained about the music being too loud in VIBE and those folks insisted it be like a "Retreat" or a "Sanctuary". Those same folks have even complained when there is too much fun going on. So, no music anymore. However, that never stopped me from being a tad bit outrageous and having a communal participatory blast when Jerome and I were in there. Most of those "Sanctuary" folks leave by 3PM anyway, so the rest of us have Shot O'clock and can really let loose. I am not going to a Sunday Meetin' ya know. For me, if ya want peace and quiet, then sail on Holland American for goodness sake.

 

The staff (Especially Rommell, Ruby and Minon) does an incredible job of trying to maintain what VIBE was initially trying to be, provide exceptional service, but continually apologizes to everyone at the beginning of the vacation when undoubtedly they are constantly asked, "Where's the music?" "They made us turn it off, sorry, no music".

 

I guess it really hit home the last time we sailed on The Escape and could not get VIBE passes and realized we had bruised Egos and could not be "Exclusive" and "Fabulous" anymore and we were no longer "US" and suddenly realized we became "THEM". Then realized how dumb we were feeling and moved on.

 

Will we still try for VIBE? Probably Yes, but we have a new outlook on what it actually is and I won't be so disappointed next time if we can't get passes also in the fact that I could not spend my $100 to be exclusive and fabulous. I will simply drop that money into a slot machine!

 

Enjoy!

[BirdTravels]

Vibe is not worth the time and Money.

 

80 people out of 4500. The other 4420 have just as good a time.

[SailLaVie]

You are so much more correct in your thinking.

 

What VIBE originally started out being was Kevin Sheehan's idea (The old CEO no longer at NCL)of creating a South Beach Club with "VIBE" for 80 lucky people each cruise. It's was supposed to be different on The Escape. Select music, a party atmosphere, camaraderie, exclusivity, private bar, same folks for the cruise every day. Very Chic and very Clubbie. Folks clamoring for status, stuff legends are made of and just bursting to spend their hundred bucks for the exclusivity of it all.

 

Now, what it has evolved to be, is basically padded chaise lounges with no music and very little VIBE atmosphere, just a glass door separating "Us" from "Them". Apparently, too many passengers complained about the music being too loud in VIBE and those folks insisted it be like a "Retreat" or a "Sanctuary". Those same folks have even complained when there is too much fun going on. So, no music anymore. However, that never stopped me from being a tad bit outrageous and having a communal participatory blast when Jerome and I were in there. Most of those "Sanctuary" folks leave by 3PM anyway, so the rest of us have Shot O'clock and can really let loose. I am not going to a Sunday Meetin' ya know. For me, if ya want peace and quiet, then sail on Holland American for goodness sake.

 

The staff (Especially Rommell, Ruby and Minon) does an incredible job of trying to maintain what VIBE was initially trying to be, provide exceptional service, but continually apologizes to everyone at the beginning of the vacation when undoubtedly they are constantly asked, "Where's the music?" "They made us turn it off, sorry, no music".

 

I guess it really hit home the last time we sailed on The Escape and could not get VIBE passes and realized we had bruised Egos and could not be "Exclusive" and "Fabulous" anymore and we were no longer "US" and suddenly realized we became "THEM". Then realized how dumb we were feeling and moved on.

 

Will we still try for VIBE? Probably Yes, but we have a new outlook on what it actually is and I won't be so disappointed next time if we can't get passes also in the fact that I could not spend my $100 to be exclusive and fabulous. I will simply drop that money into a slot machine!

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Now that sounds like Vibe would be more to my liking with that party atmosphere. I spent a few hours up there on Getaway with my ex-husband and it was boring, just like him! All he wanted was to sit quietly reading and drink beer, and that's why Vibe was perfect for him. He hates crowds and line ups and noise, so I guess he was one of those people that turned Vibe into what it is today. An outdoor library with a bar and hot tub! ;)

 

You sound like a fun guy to party with... too bad you weren't on my sailing. Thanks again for all your info, much appreciated. I'm going to save my $100 and put it in the slots! ;)

[SailLaVie]

Vibe is not worth the time and Money.

 

80 people out of 4500. The other 4420 have just as good a time.

 

Thanks for commenting. I'm saving my money this time around, and looking for some parties on ship ;)

[Laszlo]

Heading out on Escape soon and I was just wondering people's thoughts on Vibe passes. We had them on Getaway last year, but it was so windy a couple days (sea days, of course) that they ended up closing it down.

 

Also, we had no trouble getting passes for Vibe on Getaway, it sounds from what I've read that Escape is harder to get? Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

Check out my video....you decide..........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXeroHJikWI&t=13s

[jakoblovesships]

We loved our vibe pass and will never travel again without it!

[SailLaVie]

Check out my video....you decide..........https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXeroHJikWI&t=13s

 

 

Thanks, it's not the atmosphere I'm looking for. I've decided to not get the passes. :)