Just off ESCAPE! (05/05/19 Trip)

[Bowlingbob]

05/05/19 - 05/12/19

 

Hey gang, Bob from Connecticut here. I read a lot of good info here leading up to my cruise, so I figured I could give back by joining (instead of staying as a lurker) and maybe help some folks out. My wife and I are in our 40's. This was only our 2nd cruise, having previously been on the Jewel years ago. This is the first time we were on the Escape. Instead of a "review" I thought I'd just share some random thoughts. Hope this helps someone!

 

Food - We thought was fantastic. We only did Cagneys as a specialty restaurant, and really enjoyed it. The main dinning room food was very good as well. We had the stuffed chicken, prime rib, a shrimp dish, mushroom raviolis, to name a few. We also gave Pinchos Tapas Bar a shot. Just got meat and cheese boards there, but it was great!

 

Entertainment - We saw Choir of Man, and can't say enough good things about that show! It was very entertaining, and fun. If you sit towards the front, it seemed that you have a chance to get beer served to you! It's a must see! Also took in the Dueling Pianos which was a lot of fun too.

 

Casino - We aren't big gamblers, but we did extremely well! I hit a decent slot jackpot that we had to fill out tax paperwork for 😉 which gave me the confidence to learn some other games I've never played (3 card poker, texas hold em' ultimate (or something like that), and 21. I did well at everything I tried (beginners luck? lol) so with my slot winnings and table game winnings, it was enough to pay for our trip, and probably enough to book 2 more! I saw several people winning, including a $10,000 hit, and several in the $1,000-$2,000 range. I'm sure there were more losers than winners tho lol.

 

Bars - Had the drink perk, but we aren't big drinkers. Had 3-4 drinks per day max, which is a lot for us. The bars we went to included O'Sheahans, 5 O'Clock Somewhere, and the Mojito bar. Never waited too long for a drink.

 

Staff - 95% very friendly with smiles on their faces all day. 5% could have been friendlier, but I understand everyone is entitled to a rough day!

 

Other passengers - This is a hard one to explain.. there seemed to be TONS of people complaining about everything and anything! And for the life of me, I could not understand why. I guess some people just live to complain. 

 

All in all, it was a GREAT cruise! If anyone has any questions, I'll do my best to answer.

[JamieLogical]

So happy you had such a great time! I love the Escape and will be sailing on her for my 4th time three weeks from now. I suspect your casino success contributed a lot to the overall success of the trip! When I was on the Escape in April, it was the first time I ever walked off the ship with more money that I started with from the casino and it wasn't by much! I usually have pretty bad luck, but I stick to a budget and have fun.

 

You mentioned you made enough in the casino for a couple more trips. Did you go ahead and purchase some CruiseNext deposits or even book something on board?

[Newleno]

38 minutes ago, Bowlingbob said:

05/05/19 - 05/12/19

 

Hey gang, Bob from Connecticut here. I read a lot of good info here leading up to my cruise, so I figured I could give back by joining (instead of staying as a lurker) and maybe help some folks out. My wife and I are in our 40's. This was only our 2nd cruise, having previously been on the Jewel years ago. This is the first time we were on the Escape. Instead of a "review" I thought I'd just share some random thoughts. Hope this helps someone!

 

Food - We thought was fantastic. We only did Cagneys as a specialty restaurant, and really enjoyed it. The main dinning room food was very good as well. We had the stuffed chicken, prime rib, a shrimp dish, mushroom raviolis, to name a few. We also gave Pinchos Tapas Bar a shot. Just got meat and cheese boards there, but it was great!

 

Entertainment - We saw Choir of Man, and can't say enough good things about that show! It was very entertaining, and fun. If you sit towards the front, it seemed that you have a chance to get beer served to you! It's a must see! Also took in the Dueling Pianos which was a lot of fun too.

 

Casino - We aren't big gamblers, but we did extremely well! I hit a decent slot jackpot that we had to fill out tax paperwork for 😉 which gave me the confidence to learn some other games I've never played (3 card poker, texas hold em' ultimate (or something like that), and 21. I did well at everything I tried (beginners luck? lol) so with my slot winnings and table game winnings, it was enough to pay for our trip, and probably enough to book 2 more! I saw several people winning, including a $10,000 hit, and several in the $1,000-$2,000 range. I'm sure there were more losers than winners tho lol.

 

Bars - Had the drink perk, but we aren't big drinkers. Had 3-4 drinks per day max, which is a lot for us. The bars we went to included O'Sheahans, 5 O'Clock Somewhere, and the Mojito bar. Never waited too long for a drink.

 

Staff - 95% very friendly with smiles on their faces all day. 5% could have been friendlier, but I understand everyone is entitled to a rough day!

 

Other passengers - This is a hard one to explain.. there seemed to be TONS of people complaining about everything and anything! And for the life of me, I could not understand why. I guess some people just live to complain. 

 

All in all, it was a GREAT cruise! If anyone has any questions, I'll do my best to answer.

I love it

Edited May 12, 2019 by Newleno

[kittykittygrrl]

Thank for sharing!  So nice to read a positive review!  We escape in September and are looking very much to it.

 

I'm going on the Escape BECAUSE of my gambling, so I love to hear that someone hit a hand pay.  We hit the casino late at night until the snacks come out, then we get a few more drinks and go to bed.  Terribly indulgent and fun.

[NCLetscruise]

16 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

So happy you had such a great time! I love the Escape and will be sailing on her for my 4th time three weeks from now. I suspect your casino success contributed a lot to the overall success of the trip! When I was on the Escape in April, it was the first time I ever walked off the ship with more money that I started with from the casino and it wasn't by much! I usually have pretty bad luck, but I stick to a budget and have fun.

 

You mentioned you made enough in the casino for a couple more trips. Did you go ahead and purchase some CruiseNext deposits or even book something on board?

 

Thanks so much! Enjoy your upcoming trip! I hope you win again!

 

I thought about the cruise next program, but truth be told, I'm not sure we'll cruise again within the 4 year window. 99% of our vacations are all-inclusive resorts. My wife prefers that over cruising (tho she also had a fantastic time.) I read about the cruise next program, and it seems like a very good deal for frequent cruisers. 

[NCLetscruise]

5 minutes ago, kittykittygrrl said:

Thank for sharing!  So nice to read a positive review!  We escape in September and are looking very much to it.

 

I'm going on the Escape BECAUSE of my gambling, so I love to hear that someone hit a hand pay.  We hit the casino late at night until the snacks come out, then we get a few more drinks and go to bed.  Terribly indulgent and fun.

 

Thanks! I really couldn't think of anything that wasn't positive the entire time! If you're going for the gambling, it's the right place lol. As I said, I saw several people getting hand paid! I didn't even know the casino had snacks? I guess we didn't stay late enough. Enjoy and good luck in Sept!

[Oceangal711]

Other passengers - This is a hard one to explain.. there seemed to be TONS of people complaining about everything and anything! And for the life of me, I could not understand why. I guess some people just live to complain. 

 

OMG my husband and I took a 14 day in January and felt the same way . I really don't understand it either we had a great time. We had been on the breakaway  many times prior to the escape from the same port so one would assume the same passenger demographics. I had seen a post that asked to design your ideal NCL ship and was going to answer that the ships were all great and could we get rid of the whiny passengers. 

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, Bowlingbob said:

 

Other passengers - This is a hard one to explain.. there seemed to be TONS of people complaining about everything and anything! And for the life of me, I could not understand why. I guess some people just live to complain.

 

Some people look forward to complaining. They'll wait on line, chew out some random employee who had nothing to do with the complaint, and then when NCL "caves in" and sends the complainer a $3 bottle of "champagne" (sparkling wine), the complainer feels like a "winner".

 

There's also the "I'm a guest, you're the employee...worship me" ego trip that some guests engage in for 1 week.

[Newleno]

31 minutes ago, Oceangal711 said:

Other passengers - This is a hard one to explain.. there seemed to be TONS of people complaining about everything and anything! And for the life of me, I could not understand why. I guess some people just live to complain. 

 

OMG my husband and I took a 14 day in January and felt the same way . I really don't understand it either we had a great time. We had been on the breakaway  many times prior to the escape from the same port so one would assume the same passenger demographics. I had seen a post that asked to design your ideal NCL ship and was going to answer that the ships were all great and could we get rid of the whiny passengers. 

hehe quit complaining about the complaining already.  caught red handed!  As far as real complaints well not everything is perfect.  Pretty much the only thing I really complain about is the conduct of the other passengers, never have I filed a complaint against an employee (even the very few times when they were bad) - I really appreciate all their work.  I love to cruise thought we were gonna be able to take a cruise  on may 18 (great price nyc roundtrip on ncl, another great price on hal sea round trip) but found out our grandaughter has an even we dont want to miss.

Edited May 12, 2019 by Newleno

[imacruiser99]

21 minutes ago, Oceangal711 said:

Other passengers - This is a hard one to explain.. there seemed to be TONS of people complaining about everything and anything! And for the life of me, I could not understand why. I guess some people just live to complain. 

 

OMG my husband and I took a 14 day in January and felt the same way . I really don't understand it either we had a great time. We had been on the breakaway  many times prior to the escape from the same port so one would assume the same passenger demographics. I had seen a post that asked to design your ideal NCL ship and was going to answer that the ships were all great and could we get rid of the whiny passengers. 

Wholeheartedly agree.  We are getting ready for our 8th cruise (Escape in September), 6th with NCL, 1 Carnival and 1 RCI.  Not one of the cruises would I say I ever had a bad experience.  True there may have been some disappointments, but I think they were more my fault than anyone else's.  I guess I eventually discovered that I am on vacation and just need to learn to enjoy the trip and not worry about if everything goes the way I would want them to.  If I can't see a show, then I make over arrangements, if the food is sub-standard to my liking, then I find something else.  All food on a cruise ship cannot be horrible, or I wait until the next port and find a real nice local place (isn't that what you are supposed to do anyway, check out the local scenery?)

[Oceangal711]

18 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

 

Some people look forward to complaining. They'll wait on line, chew out some random employee who had nothing to do with the complaint, and then when NCL "caves in" and sends the complainer a $3 bottle of "champagne" (sparkling wine), the complainer feels like a "winner".

 

There's also the "I'm a guest, you're the employee...worship me" ego trip that some guests engage in for 1 week.

This is so true and sad. Went to my cabin one afternoon to find our cabin steward Julie crying because someone had just told her off and complained that there bathroom mirror was not cleaned to perfection. Now mind you there was norovirus on this cruise and everything was being wiped down with bleach. I don't understand some people.

[shout19661966]

Just got back from this cruise. Great time on board. Order what you want off the menus. I do agree some of the passengers on this ship were out of control disrespectful but I am not surprised at all. 

[Bowlingbob]

18 minutes ago, shout19661966 said:

Just got back from this cruise. Great time on board. Order what you want off the menus. I do agree some of the passengers on this ship were out of control disrespectful but I am not surprised at all. 

 

I'm glad I wasn't the only one that noticed! 

[cincicruisers]

When we went on our last cruise a woman was complaining loudly at The Local that her room wasn’t ready. (It was only noon).  I think there are some people who aren’t happy unless they have something to complain about.

[shout19661966]

46 minutes ago, Bowlingbob said:

 

I'm glad I wasn't the only one that noticed! 

1. people leaving kids in cabin unattended

2. my wife and I taking a picture on the stairs and a lady pushed her way by us in the middle of the picture.

3. Playing BJ dealer paid me on a tie and a player at the table pointing out her mistake to her.

[Bowlingbob]

20 minutes ago, shout19661966 said:

1. people leaving kids in cabin unattended

2. my wife and I taking a picture on the stairs and a lady pushed her way by us in the middle of the picture.

3. Playing BJ dealer paid me on a tie and a player at the table pointing out her mistake to her.

 

Unreal. Some people aren't happy unless they're miserable! 

[drvmywifecrzy]

3 hours ago, shout19661966 said:

1. people leaving kids in cabin unattended

2. my wife and I taking a picture on the stairs and a lady pushed her way by us in the middle of the picture.

3. Playing BJ dealer paid me on a tie and a player at the table pointing out her mistake to her.

 

Be thankful #3 happened for three reasons

1. Karma
2. I have seen them track down over payments and make you give the money back.  There is surveillance on every table/slot. 
3. The staff typically get a write up for a miss pay and enough of those you get fired

So while you are mad the other spoke up.  You should have questioned the pay.  IMO

[shout19661966]

Well the look of the pit boss and the dealer    Doesn’t match your theories. An I think you missed my point. He should have minded his own business plus at that particular game you are playing against the dealer the table should play together. Not against each other. 

[vacation44]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and glad you had an wonderful time.

[LD Silver]

We love the Escape...thanks for taking the time to share your review.

 

I agree with you assessment of the main dining rooms.  While it is not specialty quality, it is more than good enough.

[Shellmac]

Thank you for sharing your report!  We leave on the 19th, first time out of NYC.  Did you find a perfect spot for viewing departure?  Glad you had a great time! 

[fourofakind]

I was on this cruise with you and agree it was EXCELLENT! Food was fantastic, specialty restaurants and main dining rooms alike not a bad meal to be had anywhere. And the casino action was great! I saw two $12,000 jackpots and several smaller ones while I was in there. I wasn't that lucky but had a blast trying!

 

Congrats on your winnings and great review thanks!

[Bowlingbob]

8 hours ago, Shellmac said:

Thank you for sharing your report!  We leave on the 19th, first time out of NYC.  Did you find a perfect spot for viewing departure?  Glad you had a great time! 

 

I liked the Waterfront, deck 8, for sail away. Enjoy your trip!

 

5 hours ago, fourofakind said:

I was on this cruise with you and agree it was EXCELLENT! Food was fantastic, specialty restaurants and main dining rooms alike not a bad meal to be had anywhere. And the casino action was great! I saw two $12,000 jackpots and several smaller ones while I was in there. I wasn't that lucky but had a blast trying!

 

Congrats on your winnings and great review thanks!

 

Glad you had a great time too! The food was great, casino was great, everything was great! Thanks so much!

 

20 hours ago, vacation44 said:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and glad you had an wonderful time.

 

Very Welcome!

 

20 hours ago, shout19661966 said:

Well the look of the pit boss and the dealer    Doesn’t match your theories. An I think you missed my point. He should have minded his own business plus at that particular game you are playing against the dealer the table should play together. Not against each other. 

 

Couldn't agree more

[NCLetscruise]

Nice write up. I was considering this cruise but my work schedule didn't allow for it. I'm looking at an early June sailing. Good job in the casino! 

[Bowlingbob]

4 hours ago, NCLetscruise said:

Nice write up. I was considering this cruise but my work schedule didn't allow for it. I'm looking at an early June sailing. Good job in the casino! 

 

Thanks! Sorry you couldn't make the cruise. And as far as the casino goes, just blind luck lol 

Edited May 18, 2019 by Bowlingbob