So how insane is the 7/4 trip on Escape gonna be??

[kit125]

It's been a while since I've cruised, and even longer since I cruised during a holiday. But my mom has been dying to go to Bermuda and I feel like a cruise is the right way for us to do it (and that's a whole week I'm getting off work without penalty). Everything I'm reading is that Escape is lovely, but we're pool people, and seems like will be very crowded if we can't get into Haven (which look very booked). Thoughts? There are ample Spa Mini-Suites we'd consider if we can't get into Haven Spa Suite.

 

Thanks in advance and happy cruising!!

[barb65]

The pool is VERY overcrowded. Go for the spa mini-suite if it's still available since it includes access to the Thermal Spa. You will love the Thermal Spa! Total relaxation and peace and quiet. The Escape also has Spice H2O, which is an adults only area with hot tubs, but no pool. You could also try for Vibe passes, but they are very hard to get. From what I understand, they only issue 60 passes and it's a mad dash once you board to get them. The Vibe area is also adults only, however, no pool, just hot tubs.

[DaisyL]

The summer out of NYC are very crowded whether it’s July 4th or not. I know that BA pool was exceptionally crowded even in off season so if you want a less crowded pool experience choose a different ship or cruise line.

 

We’ll be on Escape in a few months but the pool is not a dealbreaker for us and we seek out shady spots away from the crowds and have a balcony cabin or just hang out at the bars....lol.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[BirdTravels]

It's been a while since I've cruised, and even longer since I cruised during a holiday. But my mom has been dying to go to Bermuda and I feel like a cruise is the right way for us to do it (and that's a whole week I'm getting off work without penalty). Everything I'm reading is that Escape is lovely, but we're pool people, and seems like will be very crowded if we can't get into Haven (which look very booked). Thoughts? There are ample Spa Mini-Suites we'd consider if we can't get into Haven Spa Suite. Thanks in advance and happy cruising!!

Take the Spa Mini. You'll spend a lot of time off the ship (Harbor Nights when you arrive).

 

The ship sails full every week. People think that just because it is a holiday, that the guests will be 2x on the ship, which is really not the case. The Escape has a big draw since it the first time a Breakaway Plus ship is in New York. Here are a few pictures and dailies from the Escape from last week (Western Caribbean) so you can see what kinds of things happen on the ship. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2624246

[deefer]

To avoid the crowds it’s either the haven or the thermal spa. If the haven is sold out (or cost prohibitive) I would absolutely go with the thermal spa.

 

You also have the option of getting a regular cabin and just purchasing the thermal spa pass ahead of time.

 

Price it out and see which is cheaper - a spa mini suite or a regular minisuite with the purchase of a spa pass.

 

If you go with a non spa room, my only advice would be to purchase that thermal spa pass 90 days out to ensure you get one. I have seen them sell out on several sailings.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[bbryan5]

July 4th, out of NYC will be nuts. Definitely booked to capacity is my guess.. Personally I wouldn't go on a free cruise out of NYC in the summer time.

[NYcruzzer]

July 4th, out of NYC will be nuts. Definitely booked to capacity is my guess.. Personally I wouldn't go on a free cruise out of NYC in the summer time.

 

Would you take a free cruise out of Boston or Miami during the week 4th of July ? I'm pretty sure all ships from all ports will be packed during the Summer.

[meatball_nyc]

Our first cruise on Breakaway (not Escape) the week of July 4th was one of our best sailings. You have 2 sea days and 2 1/2 Days in Bermuda. It wasn’t insane at all.

Port days are great and ship doesn’t feel crowded as compared to the FL/Bahamas trips.

Just my OP.

Happy Sailing.

[Cozmic206]

To avoid the crowds it’s either the haven or the thermal spa. If the haven is sold out (or cost prohibitive) I would absolutely go with the thermal spa.

 

You also have the option of getting a regular cabin and just purchasing the thermal spa pass ahead of time.

 

Price it out and see which is cheaper - a spa mini suite or a regular minisuite with the purchase of a spa pass.

 

If you go with a non spa room, my only advice would be to purchase that thermal spa pass 90 days out to ensure you get one. I have seen them sell out on several sailings.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

How do you purchase a spa pass? I do not see it online, is it call in only? And how much is it?

[deefer]

How do you purchase a spa pass? I do not see it online, is it call in only? And how much is it?

 

 

They are available on line 90 days before you sail (100 days before if you are in a suite).

 

The price varies by ship and by length of cruise. It seems to average about 200pp/week for the bigger cruise ships (which have the nicer spa areas). It’s about $150pp/week on the jewel class ships. You save $20pp if you purchase it before you board.

 

If you are within 90 days of sailing and cannot see it on line under the “spa” section - phone NCL and see if they can book it for you. I know the website acts up at times.

[newmexicoNita]

Would you take a free cruise out of Boston or Miami during the week 4th of July ? I'm pretty sure all ships from all ports will be packed during the Summer.

You are right and the larger NCL ships seem to have the least amount of pool and desk space for whatever reason. OP to be honest you will need to be content with a lot of people and for pool time get there before 9am. Otherwise do the spa or something else if you want to enjoy the sunshine and water.

[kit125]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. My mom is hemming and hawing about this trip. She's had some (minor) medical issues and doesn't want to commit to the trip yet. I fear we might miss out this year, but trying to stay optimistic! I think she'll really enjoy this cruise no matter, since she'll get to check off a bucket list item. I just need to talk her into it!

 

Thanks again and happy cruising to all!

[Laszlo]

It's been a while since I've cruised, and even longer since I cruised during a holiday. But my mom has been dying to go to Bermuda and I feel like a cruise is the right way for us to do it (and that's a whole week I'm getting off work without penalty). Everything I'm reading is that Escape is lovely, but we're pool people, and seems like will be very crowded if we can't get into Haven (which look very booked). Thoughts? There are ample Spa Mini-Suites we'd consider if we can't get into Haven Spa Suite.

 

Thanks in advance and happy cruising!!

 

You might want to consider the Vibe Beach Club......Run don't walk to get your passes

 

And or book a Spa Balcony

.

[Love my butler]

You are right and the larger NCL ships seem to have the least amount of pool and desk space for whatever reason.

 

Let me help you out. The reason for the lack of pool and deck space is NCL figured out they make more profit by reducing common space/area and increasing cabins. That is the one and only reason why NCL's newer ships have less and less pool and deck space.

 

NCL has even gone back to some older ships, Dawn, Star and POA and eliminated common area in favor of more cabins. Again, purely for profit.

[bbryan5]

Would you take a free cruise out of Boston or Miami during the week 4th of July ? I'm pretty sure all ships from all ports will be packed during the Summer.

 

Nope. Been on 10 cruises, and not a single one in June/July/August. Too many kids. No thanks.

[taylortime05]

We were thinking of doing this cruise June 2 2019. Do you will we will miss the summer crowds?

[TampaFLCruiser]

We did the Escape in 2016 during the week of July 4th. I will say that the kids on the day at sea did get frustrated with the lines at the slides but other than that I thought that they did a good job of moving the crowds quickly and there wasn't much bottleneck. We mostly did freestyle and didn't have to wait for tables, the casino wasn't packed at night, we did make our reservations for entertainment right after we booked. However, my kids said it was their best vacation and that they loved the ship.

[caddykid12]

When I got the free offer. Thsts y i booked June 24 instead

 

Way too much on July 4

[BostonGal35]

summer cruises are packed in general, particularly with alot of KIDS. we avoid sailing in June/July/Aug.

[kit125]

Update: I got mom to agree and we booked into Haven Spa Suite! (she doesn't exactly know that....would flip out if she knew what we were paying, but it's on me and I want this to be a memorable experience). Any advice in advance is greatly appreciated. I'm excited about this trip too!

 

Happy cruising to all!