Last minute 6/23 Escape to Bermuda

[GA Dave]

15 hours ago, mking8288 said:

 

Off-topic but somewhat related: this summer could be hell for air travelers caught unlucky with various labor issues on top of the B737Max issues, which doesn't look anywhere nearly dealt with, resulting in flight cancellations (now, thru September ...)   AA apparently in the cross-hair.  

https://www.inc.com/chris-matyszczyk/american-airlines-shocking-admission-passengers-truly-worried.html

https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2019/06/23/american-airlines-mechanics-making-their-mark/

 

Another thing driving delays/cancellations for the regional airlines is a severe lack of pilots.  There have actually been a few small carriers who went out of business simply because they could not find pilots qualified to fly their aircraft.  When the FAA dramatically increased the minimum hours to obtain an ATP Certificate (Air Transport Pilot) to 1500 hours flight time, 500 hours cross-country time, 100 hours night flying and 75 hours instrument, they drastically reduced the pool of qualified candidates.  And with the big reduction in pilots coming out of the military, it will only get worse.

Edited June 24, 2019 by GA Dave

[graphicguy]

Sorry for the delay in posting.  But, I’m sailing, solo, meeting wonderful people (some from the arctic, wonderful to talk to), eating, drinking....ya know the drill.  Crew has been great, too!

 

No LISTING this cruise....an added bonus.

 

Some children sailing...not as many as I thought there would be.

 

I’ve only seen a couple of scooters and a couple of strollers.😁

 

There were about 25-30 at the M&G.  Stayed at the District an hour after the M&G just talking to my newfound friends from the Arctic and Germany.  Loved chatting with them.

 

NCL kept us well stocked with snacks and craft brews.

 

Today, behind the scene tour and will attempt to add to my $400 casino winnings.

 

Ship is spotless, as expected.   Crew cannot be more accomodating.

[graphicguy]

Not sure why, but this showed up in the cabin.... THX!

Edited June 25, 2019 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Cabin....balcony GTY with the drinks, dining, internet, $50 excursion credit!....

 

 Comfy and quiet...even though it’s right at the Aft Elevators!

 

More SailAway pics.....

[graphicguy]

Love seeing this when you first board....

 

There’s another “add-on” to the drink package.    Not interesting to me....

Edited June 25, 2019 by graphicguy

[graphicguy]

Internet speeds at Ocean 678....

 

In my cabin....about 1/10th of this.....

[All-ready2cruise]

Thanks for the great pictures. Glad you're having a good time. 

Cheers 🍻🍸🍹

[graphicguy]

Just hit Bermuda about an hour ago.  Weather’s been great.

 

Did the behind the scenes tour yesterday.

 

A few facts mentioned.....

 

-the Escape goes through 7,000 dozen eggs/week

-produce is loaded in NYC for cruises starting there.  But, it’s also supplemented with fresh produce at each port

-all meats are kept at a constant temp of -20F until the day of cooking

-the show Choir of Man is the most popular out of all the NCL shows on all the ships.  As such, NCL is going to expand it to other ships

-all shows sign in for a 5 year run.  The only exception is Rock of Ages, which was renewed for an additional 5 years (total of 10) because until Choir of Man, it was NCL’s most popular show

-the average life cycle of bedding and towels is 2 months.  Unless, it was used in the sick bay or taken from a cabin with ill passengers.  In that case, they’re destroyed immediately!

[Chesneygirl]

3 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Just hit Bermuda about an hour ago.  Weather’s been great.

 

Did the behind the scenes tour yesterday.

 

A few facts mentioned.....

 

-the Escape goes through 7,000 dozen eggs/week

-produce is loaded in NYC for cruises starting there.  But, it’s also supplemented with fresh produce at each port

-all meats are kept at a constant temp of -20F until the day of cooking

-the show Choir of Man is the most popular out of all the NCL shows on all the ships.  As such, NCL is going to expand it to other ships

-all shows sign in for a 5 year run.  The only exception is Rock of Ages, which was renewed for an additional 5 years (total of 10) because until Choir of Man, it was NCL’s most popular show

-the average life cycle of bedding and towels is 2 months.  Unless, it was used in the sick bay or taken from a cabin with ill passengers.  In that case, they’re destroyed immediately!

Which day and time was the behind the scenes tour?

How did you know when and where to sign up for it? 

 

We are platinum plus and have never paid any attention to when this tour is offered but would love to do it on our upcoming cruise. 

[graphicguy]

Another tidbit....

 

-all food, room and board as well as healthcare is free to crew

-on average, crew sends 90% of their salaries home to family and/or savings account

-there are 24 laundry personnel.  They work 12 hour shifts with 2 hour breaks 7 days/week

 

More behind the scenes pics.....

 

 

[graphicguy]

More fun facts....

 

-while the entertainers are employed by NCL corporate, they are under a different subsidiary than the rest of the ship

-all laundry is free to all crew

-on board shops, spa and art auctions are not employed by NCL, but only lease space on the ships

[graphicguy]

Looks like we have company in Bermuda....from my balcony this a.m.

 

Will have more in-depth review and pics when I get home.  Just touching the tip of the iceberg right now.  Will post more when I can......

[graphicguy]

Oh yeah...I forgot.....It’s looking like I’m in the finals for the Black Jack tournament.  Won the prelim yesterday!

[graphicguy]

11 minutes ago, Chesneygirl said:

Which day and time was the behind the scenes tour?

How did you know when and where to sign up for it? 

 

We are platinum plus and have never paid any attention to when this tour is offered but would love to do it on our upcoming cruise. 

It should be part of your Platinum Package in your cabin when you board.  It’s in the info for free specialty dinners, free laundry, etc.

 

If not, go to the “Cruise Next” desk as they arrange the tour!

 

Very worthwhile!

[js]

Enjoy your cruise! I was away from here a few days and was holding my breath that you made it on the ship!  The Escape is, so far, our favorite NCL ship, salied her two years ago out of MIA. LOVED ending the night at the 5 O'clock Somewhere bar outside with the Clearance, the Chocolate Cowboy. 

 

Looking forward to hearing about your catamaran tour since we are going to Bermuda in July 2020 on the Encore. 

 

Happy the casino is your friend. Noticed your "MLife" travel luggage tag on your suitcase 🙂

 

Enjoy!

 

Edited June 26, 2019 by js

[Von & John]

GG - what area/country are your Arctic friends from?   It seems the initial challenges have not impacted your enjoyment in the least...

 

Cheers to a great rest of the cruise!!!

[GA Dave]

Looks like a beautiful day in Bermuda!

 

 

[graphicguy]

9 minutes ago, Von & John said:

GG - what area/country are your Arctic friends from?   It seems the initial challenges have not impacted your enjoyment in the least...

 

Cheers to a great rest of the cruise!!!

Not sure about their Specific

Arctic origins.  I’ll see if I can find out.

 

Having a blast.

 

Off to party in Hamilton and do a rum sunset cruise tonight 😁😁

[graphicguy]

9 minutes ago, Von & John said:

GG - what area/country are your Arctic friends from?   It seems the initial challenges have not impacted your enjoyment in the least...

 

Cheers to a great rest of the cruise!!!

Not sure about their Specific

Arctic origins.  I’ll see if I can find out.

 

Having a blast.

 

Off to party in Hamilton and do a rum sunset cruise tonight 😁😁

[graphicguy]

16 minutes ago, GA Dave said:

Looks like a beautiful day in Bermuda!

 

 

Dave....lucky.....it’s pretty darned nice.

 

Don’t know if you and your wife have been,  it put it on your cruise list!👍

[mking8288]

Enjoy the City of Hamilton and taking the Fast Ferry, we've loved that scenic ride, quick & easy, to checkout the Harbour Festival (this evening ... as I recall, post & upload pix later, if.)  We picked up a solid 4G/LTE signal on the ferry (free roaming on DigiCel, rather cool.)  

 

Those are satellite WiFi speed in the public area ... wow, that's pretty good, IMHO and not that slow compared to Fios in our house.  At 1/10 speed inside the staterooms, still usable except not for HD streaming - are you on 2.4Ghz or 5 Ghz (it's less congested, if you can switch/default to it) 

 

Spotting any new 2019 MDR and/or even Specialty Dining menu items ... and, if you do end up eating lunch in Taste or Savor, ask if they have any specials for the day (most likely, not - only on longer cruises, we're told.) 

Edited June 26, 2019 by mking8288

[bluesea777]

8 hours ago, js said:

LOVED ending the night at the 5 O'clock Somewhere bar outside with the Clearance, the Chocolate Cowboy. 

Enjoy!

 

 

Sorry I had to laugh at your spelling …. it's Clarense.

 

He was on the Bliss in April/May.

 

We first met him on the Escape TA in Oct 2015, and then when we went to the bar (upon embarkation on Bliss in April) where he was working he immediately recognized us and came out of the bar to greet us with hugs. We were so surprised (and of course delighted) that he would recognize us after 3 1/2 years as I had gone from neck length brown highlighted hair to short grey, and DH has grown a goatee!

 

He is a great person and mentor (to newbies) and we and he enjoyed chatting together.

 

[TDCroone]

Finally got my GTY cabin assigned on the NCL Escape...11898...now...if Sunday could get here already...

Edited June 27, 2019 by TDCroone

[js]

14 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

 

Sorry I had to laugh at your spelling …. it's Clarense.

 

He was on the Bliss in April/May.

 

We first met him on the Escape TA in Oct 2015, and then when we went to the bar (upon embarkation on Bliss in April) where he was working he immediately recognized us and came out of the bar to greet us with hugs. We were so surprised (and of course delighted) that he would recognize us after 3 1/2 years as I had gone from neck length brown highlighted hair to short grey, and DH has grown a goatee!

 

He is a great person and mentor (to newbies) and we and he enjoyed chatting together.

 

 

LOL

 

Yes, I wrote on my Vacation Hero card that Clarense was my Vacation Hero and specifically noted he is under utilized and should be a mentor to newbies.  I hope he is on the Encore when we sail next July.

 

 

[graphicguy]

The booze locker (behind the scenes) and my first food the day I boarded.....OSheehans Reuben (after I ate ½ of it.

 

Served quick and hot (and delish)!