Back from Escape after a 7 year hiatus with NCL!

[caribbeanboy]

Last time I made a cruise with NCL was on the Dawn in November 2010. Didn't care for the ship, the food was just ok and wayyy too many announcements, so I decided to take my business elsewhere and built my loyalty with some other cruise lines. Since I read about the Bliss, it triggered something in me, and thought it is about time to try them out again. I was actually on another cruise (MSC Divina) in Mobay and saw that I could book the Sept 23 sailing without paying single supplement. I sent my TA a mail and after 15 minutes I was all set. I got an inside on deck 10 assigned within minutes.

 

I disembarked the MSC Divina, went to do some shopping and went back to POM. Of course I had been eyeing the Escape/ Getaway for the last couple of weeks, so I knew more or less what I could expect. Well I was pleasantly surprised. I must say the NCL has step up her game BIG TIME! there was nothing not to like about the cruise , the food (excellent quality and taste!) and the ship ( which sometimes can get crowded, but you just have to know how to avoid that) everything was top notch. The service, did I say the food, the shows. Everything! I liked it so much that i decided to make use of the promo they had running to buy 2 future cruise certificates@ $250 each and they would double it, so now I have 4 certificates worth $250 each. Amazing deal if you ask me. I'm already flirting with the Oct 29 sailing on the Getaway at the moment...

[luvcruzing]

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. Welcome back.

[TonyFred]

I was literally in the same boat as you. Sailed the Sky, POA and Star and was underwhelmed with all 3. But after sailing the Getaway and Escape, NCL has really upped their game. Especially food wise.

[Air2Cruise]

Wait, so you enjoyed waiting for the elevators? I only used them to go up and down 5+ decks usually. Stopping at every deck seemingly, and usually with no space for anyone else to get on. The Best was the obviously able bodied taking the elevator DOWN one deck or two. The elevator logic is terrible.

 

The main atrium on the Escape is lacking. There is truly no 24 hour dining option. Unless a cold sandwich is industry standard.

 

I made the best of this cruise, but it felt small and confined after about 4 Days. Maybe I was too active... or they just built a giant floating hotel without much else.

[BirdTravels]

The Escape is our favorite ship! Unlike Air, I don’t find the elevators any worse than other ships or land-based hotels (and we stay in hotels every week).

[whattodo]

I liked it so much that i decided to make use of the promo they had running to buy 2 future cruise certificates@ $250 each and they would double it, so now I have 4 certificates worth $250 each.

 

I am wondering if the promo you received was the same as buy 4 certs and receive $500 instant on board credit. Were they offering 4 certs for $500? Was that special available every day on your cruise or just a 1-day promo?

[meeks973]

 

The main atrium on the Escape is lacking. There is truly no 24 hour dining option. Unless a cold sandwich is industry standard.

 

I made the best of this cruise, but it felt small and confined after about 4 Days. Maybe I was too active... or they just built a giant floating hotel without much else.

 

 

 

I went on the escape in July first time on NCL and I enjoyed it. I agree with the points made here though. I was a bit upset that after 3am I think, o’sheehans only served cold sandwiches. But other than that I loved the ship. Great staff, food was great although I didn’t do any specialty dining. I’m eying the bliss as well but not sure if I wanna do another 7 day cruise. I was ready to head back by day 5, partly cause I outdid myself on the drinking. But escape was great all around.

 

 

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[caribbeanboy]

I am wondering if the promo you received was the same as buy 4 certs and receive $500 instant on board credit. Were they offering 4 certs for $500? Was that special available every day on your cruise or just a 1-day promo?

 

Yes, 4 for $500 or 8 for $1000! It was available every day of the cruise.

[ambersfamily]

What can you use that $500 instant on board credit for? Could I use it in the casino or daily service charges? Thanks!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

[newmexicoNita]

Last time I made a cruise with NCL was on the Dawn in November 2010. Didn't care for the ship, the food was just ok and wayyy too many announcements, so I decided to take my business elsewhere and built my loyalty with some other cruise lines. Since I read about the Bliss, it triggered something in me, and thought it is about time to try them out again. I was actually on another cruise (MSC Divina) in Mobay and saw that I could book the Sept 23 sailing without paying single supplement. I sent my TA a mail and after 15 minutes I was all set. I got an inside on deck 10 assigned within minutes.

 

I disembarked the MSC Divina, went to do some shopping and went back to POM. Of course I had been eyeing the Escape/ Getaway for the last couple of weeks, so I knew more or less what I could expect. Well I was pleasantly surprised. I must say the NCL has step up her game BIG TIME! there was nothing not to like about the cruise , the food (excellent quality and taste!) and the ship ( which sometimes can get crowded, but you just have to know how to avoid that) everything was top notch. The service, did I say the food, the shows. Everything! I liked it so much that i decided to make use of the promo they had running to buy 2 future cruise certificates@ $250 each and they would double it, so now I have 4 certificates worth $250 each. Amazing deal if you ask me. I'm already flirting with the Oct 29 sailing on the Getaway at the moment...

Isn't is amazing how we all see things, especially food in a different light. I totally agree with you, for the most part I think NCL has improved the product especially in the food field. The only exception is no lox and bagels in the buffet at breakfast. While you and I think the line has improved, I have just read 2 reviews that say the food has gone down hill. Amazing isn't it. I am glad you came back, have lots of more great cruises.:D

[beerman2]

Wait, so you enjoyed waiting for the elevators? I only used them to go up and down 5+ decks usually. Stopping at every deck seemingly, and usually with no space for anyone else to get on. The Best was the obviously able bodied taking the elevator DOWN one deck or two. The elevator logic is terrible.

 

The main atrium on the Escape is lacking. There is truly no 24 hour dining option. Unless a cold sandwich is industry standard.

 

I made the best of this cruise, but it felt small and confined after about 4 Days. Maybe I was too active... or they just built a giant floating hotel without much else.

 

O'Sheehan's is open 24 hours. They DON'T serve cold cuts and you CAN get hot food. Yes it is sandwiches , but it's as close to a 24 hour dining option on any of the major (mass market) cruise lines there is.

[WashyWashyHappyHappy95]

What can you use that $500 instant on board credit for? Could I use it in the casino or daily service charges? Thanks!

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Forums mobile app

 

It's not OBC. Common misconception. If you buy $500 worth, you see that $500 charge, and then there is $250 subtracted from your total bill for the cruise. You don't get it as OBC.

[caribbeanboy]

Isn't is amazing how we all see things, especially food in a different light. I totally agree with you, for the most part I think NCL has improved the product especially in the food field. The only exception is no lox and bagels in the buffet at breakfast. While you and I think the line has improved, I have just read 2 reviews that say the food has gone down hill. Amazing isn't it. I am glad you came back, have lots of more great cruises.:D

 

Every morningI had bagel with salmon spread which was yummy.

[caribbeanboy]

It's not OBC. Common misconception. If you buy $500 worth, you see that $500 charge, and then there is $250 subtracted from your total bill for the cruise. You don't get it as OBC.

I understood that you get instant obc to use on this cruise!

[Still Dreaming]

Thanks for your review! We are 2 weeks minus 1 day away!!

[newmexicoNita]

Every morningI had bagel with salmon spread which was yummy.

and I was disappointed in it. Maybe it was just cause I was so accustom to having the real thing. I will have to give it a try next cruise.

[tokidoki]

Salmon spread????. Is Lox available in the MDR? Thx