Should I Cancel my Upcoming Cruise and Set My Money on Fire Instead

[Wedgie23]

29 minutes ago, perditax said:

I saw it in a recent thread. Maybe 2-3 weeks max? 

 

I wonder if m'ville and FR were being under-utilized. 

HAHA sounds like it was changed the week after I was there and tried to go to Food Republic then. Just when I think I'd have one of the more current states of opinions on Escape having gone last month they go and change it on me 😃 

 

Margaritaville did certainly look to be empty though I only saw it while walking through to get to somewhere else. Same on breakaway 2 years ago, we were just about the only ones there which should have clued us in to being an up charge. They didn't tell us till the end of our meal and first cruise didn't know any better, at least the kind Matri-d for Food Republic told me right away. 

 

It's great they are including more, certainly seems to go against the grain of the other threads. 

 

21 minutes ago, perditax said:

The Bliss was nice, and I'm glad I got to see the Observation Lounge before they turn it into Haven suites. 😉

I find this post to hilight the take away of everyones posts in the thread. Perditax experienced the observation lounge and will miss it on future cruises of the bliss. Other posters I'm sure protested and complained when it was turned into more 'upcharge/suite' space instead of public. But OP you wouldn't have experienced the lounge so you wouldn't even notice you were missing it like former passengers would and have no idea why they felt their recent experience wasn't as good as their former. 

 

I think that is the goal of the NCL management team in regards to Encore. If they snag first time cruisers they aren't going to know that sundecks shouldn't be that crowded, that virtually all outdoor space comes at an even higher premium than their fare. Or, how much better things were before because they have no frame of reference to compare it to. I'd wager the other lines are watching closely to see if this is something NCL is able to pull off. If it is they can follow suit, if it's not they will be looking to be the ones to snag the abandoning NCL customers with new adverts focusing on their 'inclusion for all'. 

[tomservo]

1 hour ago, tallnthensome said:

The Escape is better than the Bliss, been on both . You’ll love it ! 

 

Side topic - a few people on this thread have mentioned liking the Escape the best, or liking it more than the Bliss. What do you guys like about the Escape vs the Bliss? We’ve never been on the Escape but are planning our first Bliss cruise next year. Have only done the Getaway so far. 

[TheGinBoy]

Haha, ignore the negativity Twipenne!

 

CC is no different to any other review site like yelp or tripadvisor. People usually are more motivated to leave a review when something bad happens rather than when they have a good time.

 

CC is slightly different in the fact it's full of very privileged and fiercely brand loyal people who will declare war when their Captains Special Diamond Reward Martini is missing an olive.

Ignore it all. Escape is a beautiful ship. NCL is one of the best cruise lines out there. You'll have an incredible time.

[PTC DAWG]

The Escape is a great ship...go and enjoy.  

[perditax]

9 minutes ago, tomservo said:

 

Side topic - a few people on this thread have mentioned liking the Escape the best, or liking it more than the Bliss. What do you guys like about the Escape vs the Bliss? We’ve never been on the Escape but are planning our first Bliss cruise next year. Have only done the Getaway so far. 

 

For me:

 

--Escape has a better buffet than Bliss did in December. Bliss's had fewer stations open, a smaller selection of foods and desserts, and was just meh. Maybe it's because they also have to stock and maintain the buffet/snack stations in the Observation lounge. It could also be because they had weird holiday desserts that I was just not into. (Peppermint bark, fruitcake, etc.) 

--I don't like that the thermal suite is aft on Bliss instead of forward on Escape. I prefer the forward view (on Escape/GA/BA), and the ship motion meant I was more likely to be slightly queasy in the aft thermal suite. On that note, I believe Escape's thermal suite is the biggest.

 

I believe the ships are very similar otherwise. Well, Bliss has a paid go-kart track, which I think replaces the free ropes course on Escape? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

 

Edited June 27, 2019 by perditax

[PTC DAWG]

8 minutes ago, tomservo said:

 

Side topic - a few people on this thread have mentioned liking the Escape the best, or liking it more than the Bliss. What do you guys like about the Escape vs the Bliss? We’ve never been on the Escape but are planning our first Bliss cruise next year. Have only done the Getaway so far. 

I would have no use for the go karts etc on the Bliss...just a waste of open deck space, IMHO.  

[tomservo]

12 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

I would have no use for the go karts etc on the Bliss...just a waste of open deck space, IMHO.  

 

I’m with you on that. I think laser tag and go karts is such a waste on a cruise ship (but a money maker for NCL), I’d rather have the (free) ropes course back. Eventually every activity on NCL will be for fee...

[Zippeedee]

36 minutes ago, Wedgie23 said:

 

I find this post to hilight the take away of everyones posts in the thread. Perditax experienced the observation lounge and will miss it on future cruises of the bliss. Other posters I'm sure protested and complained when it was turned into more 'upcharge/suite' space instead of public. But OP you wouldn't have experienced the lounge so you wouldn't even notice you were missing it like former passengers would and have no idea why they felt their recent experience wasn't as good as their former. 

This is how rumors start and flourish. Perditax, I believe, was joking. There is speculation that the observation lounge is too nice to leave as free space for all to share. As of today at least, NCL has not made any changes to monetize that area. Enjoy it while you can!

[Laszlo]

2 hours ago, Twipenne said:

Let's start with the fact that I've never taken a cruise in my life, though it's been on my bucket list for about three years. After doing some research, I booked the Norwegian Escape for Jan 25th because between the solo cabins, the no set dining time, the fact that with free at sea I only have to spend $139 on drinks for the week, the water slides and ropes course, it seemed like a ship I would want to try. But then I found CC after I placed my deposit and all I've seen are posts saying that the line is going down hill and they've been miserable on their cruises. And when I look into RCL and Carnival, I find complaints there as well.

 

So, I ask, should I even bother trying cruising?

Take everything you read with a grain of salt......

[GA Dave]

Yeah, cruising is absolutely horrible.  That is why millions and millions of additional people are doing it each year.

 

 

Don't listen to the haters.  They also complain that the cheese slices on a McDonald's cheeseburger are getting thinner.

 

 

[js]

Remember what this site's name is:

CruiseCRITIC

 

Especially it's your first cruise, you are golden! How can you pay $140 for the week for drinks and be worried LOL You are not at work, you have entertainment, meals, someone making your bed, changing towels and can relax or be as busy as you want.  Escape is my favorite NCL ship.  You will have a blast especially if you go in with an open mind, ready to relax or be busy and have fun and remember, not one day EVER is perfect, although being on a cruise is pretty darn close!

 

Enjoy!

 

[Wedgie23]

22 minutes ago, Zippeedee said:

This is how rumors start and flourish. Perditax, I believe, was joking. There is speculation that the observation lounge is too nice to leave as free space for all to share. As of today at least, NCL has not made any changes to monetize that area. Enjoy it while you can

Ah thank you for clarifying, I didn't catch the joke. 

[Junebug27]

2 hours ago, Twipenne said:

Let's start with the fact that I've never taken a cruise in my life, though it's been on my bucket list for about three years. After doing some research, I booked the Norwegian Escape for Jan 25th because between the solo cabins, the no set dining time, the fact that with free at sea I only have to spend $139 on drinks for the week, the water slides and ropes course, it seemed like a ship I would want to try. But then I found CC after I placed my deposit and all I've seen are posts saying that the line is going down hill and they've been miserable on their cruises. And when I look into RCL and Carnival, I find complaints there as well.

 

So, I ask, should I even bother trying cruising?

Yes!!! There are so many Debbie downers on cc so many people so worried about getting the most for their money it’s just ridiculous,  I have done 7 cruise with ncl and am about to go on another in 2 weeks.  One cruise when I first discovered cruise critic I spent too much time on the boards and let the negativity get to me, now I make sure to just check in quickly here and there but not let the overly critical negative people get me down!

 

our last cruise was on the escape, beautiful ship, lots to do, great food choices and entertainment! Get yourself the drink of the day each day and you mentioned water slides, we have a 7 year old and I probably went down 75 times over the course of the trip, the enclosed one with the clear plastic section over the ocean was my fav, so much fun! I had a blast!

[Linda the Book Lover]

I remember our first cruise and it set us on the journey for many more. Opinions vary but in the end only yours really matters to if you enjoy the cruise or not. I love cruising and I ray I can continue for many more years. I have changed cruise lines for various reasons from curiosity about the ship to a ship was sailing to where i wanted to go at the time I wanted to go. I just enjoyed a MSC cruise and next up is NCL and then Carnival (see what I mean). Enjoy your first cruise and many more!

[KarlChilders]

3 hours ago, Twipenne said:

Let's start with the fact that I've never taken a cruise in my life, though it's been on my bucket list for about three years. After doing some research, I booked the Norwegian Escape for Jan 25th because between the solo cabins, the no set dining time, the fact that with free at sea I only have to spend $139 on drinks for the week, the water slides and ropes course, it seemed like a ship I would want to try. But then I found CC after I placed my deposit and all I've seen are posts saying that the line is going down hill and they've been miserable on their cruises. And when I look into RCL and Carnival, I find complaints there as well.

 

So, I ask, should I even bother trying cruising?

I feel your concern, clearly your best course of action would be to pay in full for the cruise, but then transfer it to me, who will take the bullet for you and cruise, sparing you the agony.  🙂

 

[GA Dave]

Here is a little comparison I posted on another site that is for a different type of vacation.  Same exact dates. Please note that other vacation does not include unlimited adult beverages.

"A little direct comparison shopping for you. I picked the same week for both a cruise and a WDW deluxe. The cruise is on the Norwegian Breakaway in their Haven area. It comes with all meals, unlimited adult beverages, butler service, concierge service, private pool deck, private sun deck, private lounge, private restaurant, plus all the other amenities on the ship (water park, mini-golf, casino, clubs, shows, etc.) plus visits to three countries/four ports. The Haven is advertised as their "ship-within-a-ship" concept and has to be experienced to be believed. I compared it against a club-level lagoon view at the Poly, with tickets and meal plan included.
Interesting result."

 

 

[PTC DAWG]

10 minutes ago, GA Dave said:

Here is a little comparison I posted on another site that is for a different type of vacation.  Same exact dates. Please note that other vacation does not include unlimited adult beverages.

"A little direct comparison shopping for you. I picked the same week for both a cruise and a WDW deluxe. The cruise is on the Norwegian Breakaway in their Haven area. It comes with all meals, unlimited adult beverages, butler service, concierge service, private pool deck, private sun deck, private lounge, private restaurant, plus all the other amenities on the ship (water park, mini-golf, casino, clubs, shows, etc.) plus visits to three countries/four ports. The Haven is advertised as their "ship-within-a-ship" concept and has to be experienced to be believed. I compared it against a club-level lagoon view at the Poly, with tickets and meal plan included.
Interesting result."

 

 

I'm pricing some Disney stuff right now...it gets pricy quick.  Thankfully there is a big box store that can help.  

[GA Dave]

4 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

I'm pricing some Disney stuff right now...it gets pricy quick.  Thankfully there is a big box store that can help.  

Just an FYI:  I did not include the new parking fee for resort guests ($19/day, going to $20/day), or anything other than three meals a day.  In the Haven, we always had afternoon snacks delivered, could go to O'Sheehan's at any time if we wanted something, etc.  Last I checked, even a basic ice cream bar at WDW was going for at least $5.

We are meeting my DD, SIL, and granddaughter at WDW this September for a couple of days.  The costs for just a moderate resort make me look forward to my cruise in 2020 even more.

[fmrlkr]

DH tells this story:

 

A salesman goes into a diner for breakfast.  He tells the waitress he is new in town and asks what the people are like.  She asks him what the people are like where he comes from.  He replies that they are snakes in the grass, they cannot be trusted, and will lie to your face.  The waitress tells him that he will find that the people here are just like that.

 

Later that day a salesman comes in for lunch and tells the waitress that he is new in town and asks what the people are like.  She asks him what the people are like where he comes from.  He tells her that they are the salt of the earth, friendly people who will give you the shirt off their back.  The waitress tells him that he will find that the people here are just like that.

 

So I say, "What have your other vacations been like?  This one will be like those. "

Edited June 27, 2019 by fmrlkr
Spelling error

[PTC DAWG]

7 minutes ago, GA Dave said:

Just an FYI:  I did not include the new parking fee for resort guests ($19/day, going to $20/day), or anything other than three meals a day.  In the Haven, we always had afternoon snacks delivered, could go to O'Sheehan's at any time if we wanted something, etc.  Last I checked, even a basic ice cream bar at WDW was going for at least $5.

We are meeting my DD, SIL, and granddaughter at WDW this September for a couple of days.  The costs for just a moderate resort make me look forward to my cruise in 2020 even more.

No doubt.  

[PTC DAWG]

1 minute ago, fmrlkr said:

DH tells this story:

 

A salesman goes into a diner for breakfast.  He tells the waitress he is new in town and asks what the people are like.  She asks him what the people are like where he comes from.  He replies that they are snakes in the grass, they cannot be trusted, and will lie to your face.  The waitress tells him that he will find that the people here are just like that.

 

Later that day a salesman comes in for lunch and tells the waitress that he is new in town and asks what the people are like.  She asks him what the people are like where he comes from.  He tells her that they are the salt of the earth, friendly people who will give you the shirt off there back.  The waitress tells him that he will find that the people here are just like that.

 

So I say, "What have your other vacations been like?  This one will be like those. "

I've heard that my entire life...a lot of truth to it.  

[Chesneygirl]

I guess by most people's definition I am a cruisaholic. No 12 step needed, thank you. IMHO opinion cruising delivers the most bang for the buck of any vacation.  Take a look at my latest Caribbean cruise video and I will let you decide if we look like a couple who is having a miserable time on their cruise. 

 

 

 

[rkelly21]

3 hours ago, Twipenne said:

Let's start with the fact that I've never taken a cruise in my life, though it's been on my bucket list for about three years. After doing some research, I booked the Norwegian Escape for Jan 25th because between the solo cabins, the no set dining time, the fact that with free at sea I only have to spend $139 on drinks for the week, the water slides and ropes course, it seemed like a ship I would want to try. But then I found CC after I placed my deposit and all I've seen are posts saying that the line is going down hill and they've been miserable on their cruises. And when I look into RCL and Carnival, I find complaints there as well.

 

So, I ask, should I even bother trying cruising?

Try Princess. My favorite is the Royal. Great consistent service, especially the food and excellent front desk assistance. I would take the Escape.

[DirtyDawg]

3 hours ago, Twipenne said:

Let's start with the fact that I've never taken a cruise in my life, though it's been on my bucket list for about three years. After doing some research, I booked the Norwegian Escape for Jan 25th because between the solo cabins, the no set dining time, the fact that with free at sea I only have to spend $139 on drinks for the week, the water slides and ropes course, it seemed like a ship I would want to try. But then I found CC after I placed my deposit and all I've seen are posts saying that the line is going down hill and they've been miserable on their cruises. And when I look into RCL and Carnival, I find complaints there as well.

 

So, I ask, should I even bother trying cruising?

 

My experience is somewhat like yours. I wasn't new to cruising but I had never read the Celebrity Forum until after I booked my first Celebrity cruise. So when I started reading the forum it was like; "Who the heck are these Grumps?" They were complaining  about every little thing, fighting with each other on-line, and just being a very nasty group. I thought to myself; " The ship and the actual cruisers can't be all that bad, can they?"

 

We booked late and could not cancel so we held our noses and boarded the ship. The ship was great, the fellow cruisers were great. We had a terrific time. A lot of times CC posters are from a galaxy far, far, away from reality, so hold your hose, board the ship,  and see for yourself. 

 

Edited June 27, 2019 by DirtyDawg

[rkelly21]

Drinks are not cheap on ships unless you buy the package however you must drink a lot to break even. Never buy a drink package on a ship that has many stops as you are seldom onboard. I prefer long days at sea so the package works out well for me.