Escape Aug 5rh - 12th - Do you ave questions you want us to answer while on the ship?

[kskelley40]

Hello,

We are boarding the NCL Escape on August 5th ( 6 days....YEAH!) I have been an avid reader of these boards for years and have read many exceptional reviews and live reports about the Escape. The information has been exceptional and I am not sure I can add to what is already posted but....

 

I will be online every morning (husband is a late riser) and I have the internet package so if you have any areas of the ship that you would like for me to explore and report on...just submit it.

 

Just to clarify a few things before we board in 6 days...yeah!:

 

1. We have cruised for years on several different lines. I think this is our 20th cruise and will be only our second cruise on NCL. The first was a Panama Canal cruise this past December. HIGHLY recommend that cruise by the way. Have been on little ships, medium ships and big ships. This will be our first time on the Escape.
   
2. We are in our mid 50's. Planning on doing the water slides, rope courses, walk the plank etc...probably on port days. As long as my back holds up. But my husband is really looking forward to the water slides.
   
3. We are not going to try to get Vibe passes. I "might" go down and see if any are available when we board but it is not a priority. If we happen to get them, not sure about spending $200 for a "secluded" area, I will let you know.
   
4. We are only doing one specialty restaurant - Le Bistro. Part of a package deal we received, the "romance package" married 32 years and when the booking agent at CAS found out, he sent us the package for free.
   
5. We are not foodies, so I will only take photos of food and menus if requested. We did all of the specialty restaurants on our last NCL cruise, so do not see the need to repeat them, like I said, we are not foodies and meals are not a priority to us.
   
6. We are not "show" people so I do not anticipate attending any shows. We are not big on crowds and husband hates musicals, so if I happen to walk by a show while in progress, I might poke my head in....but will not be planning on seeing any. Late night swim or casino is always a better idea in my eyes.
   
7. We have the Beverage Package and plan on utilizing it to the fullest, as usual. Love the Pina Coladas on NCL. Also chose the internet package - have work to do while cruising (I am a workaholic and this cruise is a "working" cruise)
   
8. We are only getting off the ship in Cozumel - doing the Salsa & Salsa excursion.
   
9. Have been to these ports (Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatan Bay) so many times that we are planning on staying on the ship and enjoying all she has to offer while everyone else is away. Of course, this may change depending on our mood on any given day, especially Harvest Caye.
   
10. Haven't been to Harvest Caye yet, but from what I have read it doesn't appeal to me. Seems like I will be able to get the same things on the ship for free, i.e. drinks, food, pool etc... Souvenirs? How many shirts, hats, etc....do you need? Rope course? There is one on the ship. Zip Line? Did that in Haiti and I don't think anything can compare to that so we will probably stay on the ship.
    
11. No kids (our youngest is 26 and is not cruising with us this time). So unless requested, will be avoiding the kid only areas.
    
12. We are in a mini suite on deck 15. Will be attending the CC Meet & Greet. Booked our trip through the Casinos at Sea program so will be able to give more info on the perks of that - did I mention trying to stay out of the casino?
    
13. There will be just the 2 of us, me and my husband. We are pretty laid back people but like to be taken care of when we are on vacation, especially me (workaholic, remember?). So: bar service, wait staff service, room amenities and service, crowds etc...will be noticed!
    
14. After reading the boards, there are a couple of things I really want to check out and report on....for example, slow drink service once they find out you have the drink package was a complaint I read on another post....so that will be well noted and reported.
    
15. We are using the "Self carry off" service at the end of the cruise - have an early flight. So will be able to comment on that.
    

With all that said, I love exploring and taking photos, helps to keep me out of the casino. So, if you have any requests please feel free to post them. I will try to get to them as soon as possible daily. But please keep in mind the internet service on the ship can be spotty. If I can't post everything on the ship, I will get to it when we return.

 

I like to plan cruises and research everything about the ship I am going on but there is always something that is not covered in reviews or posts once you get on board. I hope I can answer those questions for you.

 

I will do a generic review once we return, but feel free to send special requests through out the week. I will start a note book this week of requests... just remember, any cruise is a great cruise if you let it!

 

Talk to you soon!

[kskelley40]

Just read my post....sorry for the typos in the "info" line. Sitting here having Coronas listening the Jimmy Buffet on the back porch while typing...getting ready for the cruise!

[MacCruising2018]

Have fun!! Will look forward to your view of the ship when you return. If you get a chance, I'd love a photo of room 11280.... hehe. ;) I think we will have to wait until we board to finally see our stateroom.

[Mparis184]

I look forward to reading your review of the ship and am sure we will meet at the Meet and Greet on Sunday. I think this is my 37 cruise and 3rd on NCL. I am traveling with my friend Joyce and you will probably meet up with her quite a few nights in the Casino because she is the Casino Queen.

 

Marion

[babynurse06]

Have fun on your trip! If you happen to wander by Teppanyaki, would you mind asking if you can get a Wasabi cocktail from their bar without eating there? If the answer happens to be yes, you should try one, because they're amazing! It's my favorite drink, and I've always been able to get them from the sushi bar on Getaway, but there isn't one on Escape, and I don't like Teppanyaki, so I'd rather not eat there. Thanks!

[Mparis184]

Thanks. We do have a reservation to go to dinner there and I can't imagine them not taking your drink order when you are a paying customer but I will double check for you!

 

Marion

[marmirdc]

We are on the same cruise (second time on the Escape). Look forward to meeting you at the meet and greet!!

[easyboy]

Looking forward to your updates. Enjoy!

[Love my butler]

No.

[POA1]

Sort of related to a previous request - If you like it specialty restaurant's signature cocktail but you aren't dining there, can you order it?

[kskelley40]

I will check on the specialty restaurants policy about just ordering drinks....such a hard task, but I think I will be up to it. Will let you know!

[Suna]

Looking forward to your report ;)

 

 

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[POA1]

I will check on the specialty restaurants policy about just ordering drinks....such a hard task, but I think I will be up to it. Will let you know!

Awesome. Thanks!

[kskelley40]

You are welcome. I will have to try the "Special" drink at each specialty restaurant to make sure....such a hard job!

[Diamondbb]

We will be going on the Escape August 26. I believe they have a Seafood Buffet in the Garden Cafe the second night of the cruise. I would appreciate it if you had a chance to see if they serve Crab Legs. I know they no longer serve Lobster. I hope you have smooth sailing and enjoy your cruise. It was so nice of you to offer to do this. Thanks in advance.

[gatorchinsky]

I've heard the wine by glass selection has been greatly reduced. If you could share a photo of the Cellars wine menu that would be greatly appreciated. It will give me an idea of the choices I will have for our upcoming cruise.

 

 

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[kskelley40]

We will be going on the Escape August 26. I believe they have a Seafood Buffet in the Garden Cafe the second night of the cruise. I would appreciate it if you had a chance to see if they serve Crab Legs. I know they no longer serve Lobster. I hope you have smooth sailing and enjoy your cruise. It was so nice of you to offer to do this. Thanks in advance.

 

Seafood? My absolute favorite...so it will be my pleasure to check this out. Will try to get photos for you too and personally try each entree for taste testing.

[yankees111]

How crowded did the ship feel?

 

 

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[kskelley40]

I've heard the wine by glass selection has been greatly reduced. If you could share a photo of the Cellars wine menu that would be greatly appreciated. It will give me an idea of the choices I will have for our upcoming cruise.

 

 

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I will add this to my list....thank goodness for the beverage package as I am sure that I will want to taste some of the wines personally.

[kskelley40]

How crowded did the ship feel?

 

 

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We board on Saturday August 5th....so I will be able to let you know then! I am curious too especially on sea days.

[Coreysgrl06]

I've read some complaints about slow food service in MDRs. I'd be interested in hearing what you expeience. And pictures of the menus would be appreciated! Enjoy!

[kskelley40]

We are on the same cruise (second time on the Escape). Look forward to meeting you at the meet and greet!!

Looking forward to meeting you also.

[kskelley40]

I've read some complaints about slow food service in MDRs. I'd be interested in hearing what you expeience. And pictures of the menus would be appreciated! Enjoy!

Good request.... I will make sure we eat at all of the MDRs to get a taste of all 3. We will try to do both lunch and dinner.

And I will get photos of the menus for you.

 

Thanks for the request.

[kskelley40]

Have fun!! Will look forward to your view of the ship when you return. If you get a chance, I'd love a photo of room 11280.... hehe. ;) I think we will have to wait until we board to finally see our stateroom.

 

I will see what we can do. My husband is very congenial and you never know. Might be able to stalk the room and go in when the cabin steward is cleaning.

[Langham1865]

I have sailed the escape 2X and like it. I am going to be on again in December. If you go to the 5 O'clock Somewhere Bar outside, say hi to Clarence (aka "the Chocolate Cowboy") if he is there and ask him if he will be on board in December. Also If you like to sit outside and drink wine, the cellars has an outdoor wine bar. Jocelyn is usually out there ans is wonderful as well. I personally love the Waterfront (outdoor deck 8). Great place for outdoor quiet during the day. I guess these are as much my hints as questions... (I left off going to Food Republic since you seem to be limiting your specialty restaurants, though it is only on Escape)