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Preferred my Escape Away much more than my Break Away!

RIvacationgirl

By RIvacationgirl,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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RIvacationgirl

RIvacationgirl

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My DH and I ( both in our 50's) just returned from our Escape cruise yesterday. I ended up getting a Casino of the Seas offer and the Escape cruise fit our plans to try the Eastern Caribbean and the time of school vacation. The itinerary was changed due to the damaged ports to the Western Caribbean, with two new ports to us- Grand Cayman and Jamaica.

We had previously been on the Breakaway from NYC on a school break, which was very nice but very crowded in the common areas and we decided then that we preferred the mid-sized ships. We had some trouble enjoying the events in the Atrium and it was just a much louder, faster vibe than we prefer. WELL, that all changed after we went on the NCL Escape. It had a different vibe of quiet relaxation. with color schemes of subdued hues. There were VERY few announcements over the PA system, venues easily accessible, and as usual NCL service was outstanding.

 

We had the UBP for the first time, and never had to wait for a drink, with the staff frequently coming by to offer us service at the bars, buffets and restaurants. One evening in the Manhattan Room the Head of Beverage Service came by and asked us how the service had been on the ship. We told them we were very satisfied. The next day, we had a little surprise in our cabin- chocolate covered strawberries compliments of the Hotel Captain. We went to Bayamo and Le Bistro which were both excellent.

 

We ended up winning an upgrade from a mid-ship interior to the forward facing cabin 10104. We had plenty of storage space, with a lot of space unused. It was a bit noisy one night that we had rough seas- cracking and knocking sounds, but other than that it was very quiet and we did not notice any extremes in motion. This was our first time in the front of the ship- always staying prior either mid or aft, and we both were concerned about movement, but it turned out all good. Our room steward was very good, and our cabin was always ready upon our return to the room.

 

We did the Ocho Rios Highlights- very informative, and we went to the shorter Stingray excursion in Grand Cayman. This was quite out of our comfort zone, with unusually high surf and the waves were going over our heads at times! It was a once in a lifetime adventure, exciting to hold the ray and actually kiss it! Costa Maya and the Bahamas were repeats for us, so we just went for a short shopping trip in each port. Getting on and off the ship each time was a breeze and we only needed to take our keycard and drivers license.

 

The pool area is the pool area- always busy and crowded, however we really do not partake in the water fun. We found an area in the shade on Deck 8 that had plenty of wicker/rattan type chairs and tables which were shaded and quiet. There were bars open out there as well.

 

We went to the opening night variety show, as well as the Brat Pack show- both fun. The casino was clean, not as smoky as the Breakaway. We were also able to watch the Olympics in the evenings on the television which was nice.

 

Disembarking was very organized except for when we had to find our luggage in the terminal- there was little direction or signs on where to find our bags. After walking all the way to the front, we could not see our bags, and after asking we were told to back track and go into another area around the corner and look for the colored signs. I feel maybe a person directing people to the colored areas of the luggage tags would assist those who may have mobility issues.

 

SO, in conclusion, the Escape is my new favorite ship- clean, classy and continually making me a happy cruiser. If you have any questions, please let me know!

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ama123

ama123

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This is great to hear. Our first NCL cruise was on BA and we really enjoyed it, but it was a bit hectic at times. Then the Gem which we also enjoyed but determine we prefer the variety of things to do on the larger ships. Your description of the Escape sounds perfect. Cant wait!

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RIvacationgirl

RIvacationgirl

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We've sailed the BA five times and cannot find fault...except the atrium (at times).

 

How was the Escape's atrium different? Was the entertainment in other venues? Was the atrium just a quiet area to lounge?

 

No the set-up was the same for the Atrium, but somehow there was always space to see what was going on, and upstairs where O'Sheehan's is overlooking the Atrium was better as well. There were some things like the Supper Club that I do not think were on the BA, yet we did not have Fat Cats- which we did miss on the Escape.

Both times we were on school vacation, so I have to think the BA and the Escape had about the same amount of passengers as far as how busy it was.

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detroitlions

detroitlions

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Yes the Escape is my favorite by far and I am sad to see her leave for NYC.

I will never do a NYC cruise those are usually the worse so now Escape will have complaints you watch.

 

Escape moving caused me to book Getaway for the third time this year I am ok with it I have been on all the big ships except the 2 new ones cant wait to go on them.

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TonyFred

TonyFred

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Like most others, the Escape is now my favorite ship. I am sailing her for the 3rd time in April. I liked the Getaway too but the Escape just has a different feel---and the District Brewhouse and Food Republic. Those are my 2 favorite venues of any ship I have sailed on.

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funCruise3

funCruise3

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Awesome review! Did you go to the CC meet and greet, if there was one organized on your cruise? We're booked on the March 10th and can't wait to "escape" Eastern Canada to enjoy the warm sun in the south. May I ask as I am a foodie, what were your top 3 meals or snacks and top 3 cocktails? And I promise last question, did you have use of the thermal suite? Cheers!

 

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

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RIvacationgirl

RIvacationgirl

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Awesome review! Did you go to the CC meet and greet, if there was one organized on your cruise? We're booked on the March 10th and can't wait to "escape" Eastern Canada to enjoy the warm sun in the south. May I ask as I am a foodie, what were your top 3 meals or snacks and top 3 cocktails? And I promise last question, did you have use of the thermal suite? Cheers!

 

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

 

Hello! We did not go to the Meet and Greet on this cruise, AND we were so busy we forgot to go to the Latitudes party. We had an invitation for the Latitudes party and that was on the second day of the cruise.

 

We went to Bayamo- and my husband who loves seafood ( and we are from Rhode Island!) thought the lobster was very good. I had the surf and turf and this was also delicious, HOWEVER, our favorite place was Le Bistro- and we find this is consistent across all of the ships we have tried. The escargot is delicious, and my meal of shrimp in a cream sauce with white potatoes was excellent, bouillabaisse was great as well. The desserts are all expertly presented and delish. The Manhattan Room, Taste and Savor had a nice peppercorn steak, and I had the pork dish with sweet potato mash twice. I did not enjoy the creme brulee- as it was filled with fruit and I like my brulee to be all creme-LOL.

 

In the buffet, there was a theme everyday for dinner. All was pretty good, but I can't recall anything that stood out except the salad "Action" station where the food service person would mix up a number of choice for you, and it was different each day. The pizza was always fresh and tasty. They also had a made to order crepe station at night which is always good. For breakfast, there was a limited breakfast buffet in Margaritaville- which was complimentary, but because it was not busy, we felt the food was a bit old and very cold. I went up two times to get scrambled eggs, the second time I had to tell her I could not eat my first helping because it was very cold, please could I have some from the bottom of the eggs, which she did, and they were still cold. It was a nice place to get away from the busy main buffet, but we decided not to return there from then on.

 

The Long Island Iced tea was my favorite, however, after discussion with my DH, we agreed each drink of the day was good- but they tend to be quite sweet, so take that into consideration. I had my first Mojito, and thoroughly enjoyed it!

 

We did not use the thermal spa, however I did have to massages in the Spa which were great.

 

Have fun in March!

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kimhinterman

kimhinterman

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Great info! DH and I were on the Getaway last year and I'm on the Escape for the first time in May with my daughters. Can't wait to compare! Breakaway is booked next year out of New Orleans with DH and already had me a little worried because it is during Mardi Gras, but what the hay, it is what you make it!

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RIvacationgirl

RIvacationgirl

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Great info! DH and I were on the Getaway last year and I'm on the Escape for the first time in May with my daughters. Can't wait to compare! Breakaway is booked next year out of New Orleans with DH and already had me a little worried because it is during Mardi Gras, but what the hay, it is what you make it!

 

I am interested in how you make out for the Mardi Gras. We have contemplated leaving from this port during this time and wondered if it would be too congested and crazy.

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