Escape (& other Breakaway Class) Vibe Passes, New procedure

[RedRover96]

I assume the below new boarding process has started. For those who are interested and don't meet the new boarding requirements for Vibe passes, how have you fared in getting Vibe passes? We have a 9:30 boarding time made months ago in hopes of securing Vibe passes, however if it's not practical, it seems much smarter to arrive around 11:00 or so and basically "walk on" the ship.

 

"Prior to your sprint, the new embarkation policies allow Havens guest to board first. Then Casino guests. Then Ambassadors, Platinum Plus, and Platinum members. Hundreds of people will board before general boarding starts. Then they will start general boarding using boarding group numbers."

[natefish95]

Following because I'm curious what people have to say. Going on the Escape next week.

[Bsens07]

Same here. We are first time with NCL and decided to use them for our honeymoon. We have plans of getting there early and waiting for the doors to open in an attempt to secure Vibe passes. But if standing and waiting is gonna be a waste, I will elect to sleep in and enjoy my vacation.

[hladygirl]

We were on the dawn last October. We were casino at seas and platinum and were given boarding number two after the suites and handicap. This. Was the first time we had priority boarding. We got to the terminal at 11 am. It was nice for us but those that got there early were not thrilled with much higher boarding numbers.

[BirdTravels]

I assume the below new boarding process has started. For those who are interested and don't meet the new boarding requirements for Vibe passes, how have you fared in getting Vibe passes? We have a 9:30 boarding time made months ago in hopes of securing Vibe passes, however if it's not practical, it seems much smarter to arrive around 11:00 or so and basically "walk on" the ship./quote]

 

The 9:30 is not a boarding time. It is the time you signed up to arrive at the port. The time is not enforced, you could show up when you want.

 

Security will open around 10ish and you proceed to check-in. Once you have checked in, you get your boarding group number and go up to the waiting area where you wait. General boarding will start 11:15-11:30.

 

If you show up at 11:00, there will be a line at security, and longer line to check in. And you will board after noon. (No walking on the ship until later in the afternoon since 4200+ of your new friends will all be trying to get through the check-in lines).

 

If you are departing from Miami on the Escape, note the terminal number on your boarding pass. NCL uses Terminal B and Terminal C for the mega ships in Miami. Your room key is only at the terminal on your boarding card. And depending on the number of priority boarding passengers in each terminal, general boarding by boarding group will start at slightly different times.

[happy cruzin]

 

The 9:30 is not a boarding time. It is the time you signed up to arrive at the port. The time is not enforced, you could show up when you want.

 

Security will open around 10ish and you proceed to check-in. Once you have checked in, you get your boarding group number and go up to the waiting area where you wait. General boarding will start 11:15-11:30.

 

If you show up at 11:00, there will be a line at security, and longer line to check in. And you will board after noon. (No walking on the ship until later in the afternoon since 4200+ of your new friends will all be trying to get through the check-in lines).

 

If you are departing from Miami on the Escape, note the terminal number on your boarding pass. NCL uses Terminal B and Terminal C for the mega ships in Miami. Your room key is only at the terminal on your boarding card. And depending on the number of priority boarding passengers in each terminal, general boarding by boarding group will start at slightly different times.

 

 

I believe with the new boarding procedures that boarding is called by color (Latitudes level). Disabled guest, those in the Haven followed by Casino guests, Ambassadors, Platinum Plus, and Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze then Lavender (new cruisers) are called to board.

 

Boarding numbers assigned when you check in are no longer provided.

 

OP is concerned that by the time his level is called to board - the Vibe passes will be gone.

 

 

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Edited March 14, 2017 by happy cruzin

[mkmaj]

I assume the below new boarding process has started. For those who are interested and don't meet the new boarding requirements for Vibe passes, how have you fared in getting Vibe passes? We have a 9:30 boarding time made months ago in hopes of securing Vibe passes, however if it's not practical, it seems much smarter to arrive around 11:00 or so and basically "walk on" the ship./quote]

 

The 9:30 is not a boarding time. It is the time you signed up to arrive at the port. The time is not enforced, you could show up when you want.

 

Security will open around 10ish and you proceed to check-in. Once you have checked in, you get your boarding group number and go up to the waiting area where you wait. General boarding will start 11:15-11:30.

 

If you show up at 11:00, there will be a line at security, and longer line to check in. And you will board after noon. (No walking on the ship until later in the afternoon since 4200+ of your new friends will all be trying to get through the check-in lines).

 

If you are departing from Miami on the Escape, note the terminal number on your boarding pass. NCL uses Terminal B and Terminal C for the mega ships in Miami. Your room key is only at the terminal on your boarding card. And depending on the number of priority boarding passengers in each terminal, general boarding by boarding group will start at slightly different times.

So what time do you recommend showing up? We are leaving NYC on the 26th and weren't given a specific time on our edocs. (I think it gave a general "after 11am" or something of the like)

 

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[drneal]

After going on the Getaway and Escape I can say that it is more difficult to get

Vibe passes on the Escape for the reasons mentioned by the OP.

If you are reading this blog you are in the minority.

Most passengers don't know about the Vibe.

Having said that there are only about 70 passes and many Haven guests buy them.

If you don't get the passes at boarding put your name on a wait list.

Also go check out the meet and greet and speak to the hotel director,

he/she may be able to help you.

I would say that getting these Vibe passes is the most stressful part of the trip.

If all else fails get a drink at the waterfront, or Spice H20.

Not going to Vibe won't ruin your trip.

It can get VERY windy up there.

[Vegascouplewilltravel]

We are going in July and staying in the Haven. Is it really worth also getting Vibe passes? We aren't taking the kids on this trip and I don't mind some kids (if not just running around like wild ones). This will be my first cruise and my boyfriend's first with NLC.

[Two Wheels Only]

We are going in July and staying in the Haven. Is it really worth also getting Vibe passes? We aren't taking the kids on this trip and I don't mind some kids (if not just running around like wild ones). This will be my first cruise and my boyfriend's first with NLC.

 

School will be out so I'd suggest getting them. Kids usually stay in the Haven courtyard and not the sundeck but for the price, getting VIBE passes just in case is a good idea.

[LMaxwell]

If you can't get Vibe passes just chill on the other side of the same deck. Not too many find it, plenty of loungers, hot tub, view forward, bar, misting shower, even an upper sun deck. Not loud or too busy out there. Not same as Vibe, but no cost if you can't get those Vibe tickets.

[Cyclops32]

School will be out so I'd suggest getting them. Kids usually stay in the Haven courtyard and not the sundeck but for the price, getting VIBE passes just in case is a good idea.

To me spending the cash just to get away from a few kids seems like a waste. Vibe is outdoors right next to the Haven outdoors. Not that many kids that are wild would want to just sit outside and do nothing. So odds are you are going to pay just to have a wall between the two spaces. I would rather spend cash right now other things and not worry about racing to get passes.

 

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[kayjay76]

Sailed the Escape on Feb 4th 2017. New boarding process started the 3rd.

 

Now... this was our first cruise so I can't compare to anything but I did tons of research and did absolutely everything right and we did not get them. I really do think the new priority boarding played a roll. Here's what we did:

 

Arrived at pier at 9am. Go in line for security, waited awhile in line before they started security. We were about 20th in line.

 

Got in, filled health form, checked in and walked to terminal C and got boarding group 1. ( we were really excited to get group 1 as from reading past posts this was prime spot)

 

Started lining up when called, we were at front. I'd say there couldn't have been more than 10 people tops who boarded before us. Walked very fast onto ship, down the stairs and to headliners.

 

Saw huge line already, walked up and were told passes were all gone.

 

 

Totally disappointed for about 10 minutes. But realized very quickly that in no way could we have gotten there any quicker. We Did everything right. Now... I can only assume that the new boarding process is why we didn't get passes. But who knows. Could have been lots from haven who wanted them. We will never know.

 

I planned for months dreaming of these passes lol. But no way were we going to let this dampen our cruise. We knew going into it, it was totally a chance to get them. Our cruise was awesome and after coming home, 3 days later, we booked another for next year!! So.... my best advice is hope for them, but do not let it disappoint you too much if if doesn't work out.

 

I haveeeee to throw my opinion in on this so be nice lol... some will say Haven shouldn't be allowed to get them because they have their own private area. I disagree with this as we are all paying for a vacation and those of us who do not choose to book haven... well that's our choice (or like me the inability to financially have that choice lol).

BUT I do wish NCL could come up with a method to give everyone an equal chance for the passes. I don't think priority boarding should get first chance. I think everyone on the ship should get an equal opportunity to obtain passes.

[Jim The Lizard]

Sailed the Escape on Feb 4th 2017. New boarding process started the 3rd.

 

Now... this was our first cruise so I can't compare to anything but I did tons of research and did absolutely everything right and we did not get them. I really do think the new priority boarding played a roll. Here's what we did:

 

Arrived at pier at 9am. Go in line for security, waited awhile in line before they started security. We were about 20th in line.

 

Got in, filled health form, checked in and walked to terminal C and got boarding group 1. ( we were really excited to get group 1 as from reading past posts this was prime spot)

 

Started lining up when called, we were at front. I'd say there couldn't have been more than 10 people tops who boarded before us. Walked very fast onto ship, down the stairs and to headliners.

 

Saw huge line already, walked up and were told passes were all gone.

 

 

Totally disappointed for about 10 minutes. But realized very quickly that in no way could we have gotten there any quicker. We Did everything right. Now... I can only assume that the new boarding process is why we didn't get passes. But who knows. Could have been lots from haven who wanted them. We will never know.

 

I planned for months dreaming of these passes lol. But no way were we going to let this dampen our cruise. We knew going into it, it was totally a chance to get them. Our cruise was awesome and after coming home, 3 days later, we booked another for next year!! So.... my best advice is hope for them, but do not let it disappoint you too much if if doesn't work out.

 

I haveeeee to throw my opinion in on this so be nice lol... some will say Haven shouldn't be allowed to get them because they have their own private area. I disagree with this as we are all paying for a vacation and those of us who do not choose to book haven... well that's our choice (or like me the inability to financially have that choice lol).

BUT I do wish NCL could come up with a method to give everyone an equal chance for the passes. I don't think priority boarding should get first chance. I think everyone on the ship should get an equal opportunity to obtain passes.

 

 

I was on the same cruise as you, terminal C also. We got the passes but we ran. Only about 10 ppl behind us got passes also. Terminal B got in a full 5 minutes earlier than Terminal C, based on our conversations with people in Vibe. I think we were one of three couples and a single who got Vibe from a terminal C. Good for you not letting it ruin your week, we rebooked Escape also again, same time next year. Hopeful got Vibe again!

 

 

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[Two Wheels Only]

To me spending the cash just to get away from a few kids seems like a waste.

The same could be said for spending on VIBE vs free Spice H2O. It's up to the individual to decide if $100pp is worth it.

 

 

Vibe is outdoors right next to the Haven outdoors. Not that many kids that are wild would want to just sit outside and do nothing. So odds are you are going to pay just to have a wall between the two spaces. I would rather spend cash right now other things and not worry about racing to get passes.

I understand your opinion but some Haven guests have reported here on CC that "I wish I had gotten VIBE..." when kids were "out of control" in the courtyard. There's nothing wrong with people with priority boarding using it to get a VIBE pass (they don't have to race for them) if they want the option.

 

 

99% of the time, kids in the Haven are fine. If someone is stuck during that 1% that kids are out of control, they are going to wish that they had VIBE. For only $100, if someone is worried about it, they should take the passes.

[Vyhanek]

Oh no. If you are a Haven guest on the Escape you will want a Vibe pass. Don't make the same mistake I did.

 

The Haven upper sundeck is ridiculously small. It doesn't have a bar (like the Haven sundeck on the Epic), it doesn't have nearly enough loungers for the Haven guests that want to be up there. THEN, with the extremely limited space, then 1/3 of that space is the Haven smoking deck. Unlike the other ships with a Haven sundeck, the guests have to resort to chair hogging. Bar service is limited because the one and only bar in the Escape Haven is down 2 floors.

 

So if you are a Haven guest, I highly, highly, highly recommend getting a Vibe pass.

 

Like many of you, I'm a Haven regular and didn't expect to need a vibe pass. My last Haven experience was a great outdoor sundeck nice bar, and plenty of loungers for everyone, this is not the case on the Escape. So when I chose to skip the Vibe pass, it was a huge mistake.

 

Trust me, after you've spent big bucks to be in the Haven, you want a nice day at sea. The Haven outdoor space is too small and il equipped to match the Vibe. You want a Vibe pass!

[sverigecruiser]

I haveeeee to throw my opinion in on this so be nice lol... some will say Haven shouldn't be allowed to get them because they have their own private area. I disagree with this as we are all paying for a vacation and those of us who do not choose to book haven... well that's our choice (or like me the inability to financially have that choice lol).

BUT I do wish NCL could come up with a method to give everyone an equal chance for the passes. I don't think priority boarding should get first chance. I think everyone on the ship should get an equal opportunity to obtain passes.

 

As long as the Haven has no adults only area Haven guests must be able to book Vibe, I think.

 

Do you have any suggestion how NCL could handle it so that everyone got an equal chance to get them?

[LMaxwell]

Do you have any suggestion how NCL could handle it so that everyone got an equal chance to get them?

 

Make it so you can book online pre-cruise. Open up offering at same time for all cabin categories; say 45 days before sailing.

[happy cruzin]

Make it so you can book online pre-cruise. Open up offering at same time for all cabin categories; say 45 days before sailing.

 

That is about the only way!

[BostonGal35]

having stayed in the Haven and also having used VIBE, i cant imagine why you would need both. but that said, we never sail at peak "bring your kids on a cruise" times (i.e., summer, school breaks, holidays).

 

as far as VIBE vs. Spice H20, Spice gets very full and isnt as personal as VIBE. we got awesome service from teh bartender in VIBE and never had to worry about finding a seat or space in the hot tubs.

[natefish95]

I was on the same cruise as you, terminal C also. We got the passes but we ran. Only about 10 ppl behind us got passes also. Terminal B got in a full 5 minutes earlier than Terminal C, based on our conversations with people in Vibe. I think we were one of three couples and a single who got Vibe from a terminal C. Good for you not letting it ruin your week, we rebooked Escape also again, same time next year. Hopeful got Vibe again!

 

 

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Where you one of the first to board in that boarding group? How can I ensure to be one of the first few people in a group to board? I'm ready to run!!

[RedRover96]

OP, here, pretty much answers my question, relax don’tget in a hurry, beat the crowds, by coming on later. I can’t imagine if I waited in line 30-60minutes before boarding starts, hustled to board, group 1, 1st 10 onboard, ran over people getting to Vibe registration and miss the passes, don’tneed that stress before the cruise even starts. With that being said, I can understand the “pecking order” that NCL hasselected to get Vibe passes. If I bookeda Haven 2 bedroom suite for what say $5,000-$10,000, say 30 days out and hasdenied access to Vibe, not a happy camper. same for the upper Latitude members,for what they have invested with NCL in all the monies they have spent, morepower to them. Maybe the rest of us willsomeday meet those requirements, until then, less stress & $200 saved.

[js]

OP, here, pretty much answers my question, relax don’tget in a hurry, beat the crowds, by coming on later. I can’t imagine if I waited in line 30-60minutes before boarding starts, hustled to board, group 1, 1st 10 onboard, ran over people getting to Vibe registration and miss the passes, don’tneed that stress before the cruise even starts. With that being said, I can understand the “pecking order” that NCL hasselected to get Vibe passes. If I bookeda Haven 2 bedroom suite for what say $5,000-$10,000, say 30 days out and hasdenied access to Vibe, not a happy camper. same for the upper Latitude members,for what they have invested with NCL in all the monies they have spent, morepower to them. Maybe the rest of us willsomeday meet those requirements, until then, less stress & $200 saved.

 

This of it this way, we have so many port days that you really wouldn't be getting the max use out of the Vibe as you would on a sailing with more sea days :D Hopefully, you will be up and out at the ports and you wouldn't be using Vibe anyway. Happy planning! See you soon! :D

[RedRover96]

Yep with just 2 sea days ,1st and last, on Escapes Western swing, plus great ports we will do just fine without them. Also with 4 port days if you take it easy and stay around the ship instead of being gone all day, then you have all the chairs and bar tenders you need!

[Jim The Lizard]

Where you one of the first to board in that boarding group? How can I ensure to be one of the first few people in a group to board? I'm ready to run!!

 

 

I literally was the third person through the turnstile from Terminal C, my wife was second, and another guy was first. My wife and the other guy ran, I walked really fast with other guys wife. True to form, all of us had to be present to get the numbers. There was a lot of Pats fans on the cruise for the Super Bowl, including an obnoxious travel agent arguing with the port personnel that he had 30 people there promised Vibe passes. I was pissed off, and glad to see none of those shenanigans were indeed rewarded with Vibe. As for others on here telling others to complain loudly enough to get passes, my three experiences with Escape Vibe have yielded no truth to that claim.

 

 

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