New to NCL - Family Holiday Cruise on Escape?

[msmayor]

Planning a 2020 holiday cruise and needs to be sailing out of Port Canaveral.  While researching a while back, only RCL and Carnival had ship schedules out that far (I know Disney sails from there but way too $$ and not enough of what the adult kids want).  Not a fan of Carnival so was going to settle on RCL and Harmony.

 

This morning I decided to check NCL and I see that the Escape is sailing that week as well (Dec 27).  Never been on NCL before, but the pricing is VERY attractive compared to RCL, especially since the 'Free at Sea' includes beverages and some other credits, plus $50 deposits right now (I need to reserve three staterooms).  We've never sailed on NCL before.

 

I'm doing some research now and it seems that I can get a Mini-Suite for a bit less than what I'd have to pay for a Boardwalk Balcony and pay for the drink package on RCL.  If I go to a regular balcony, I'm less.  I could also choose aft balcony staterooms (which I love - have done three so far on other lines)

 

Curious to hear what others who may be NCL cruisers would say about going on Escape over Harmony with adult children (age 25-32).  Do balcony dividers open?  Would it be difficult to get any dining reservations for large groups?  (there may be others who choose to join us on this trip).  

 

Is the unlimited beverage package really unlimited, and includes everything?

 

This type of deal may be just the thing that convinces us to try NCL.  Right now the RCL cruise is pricing out at a few thousand more than the NCL for a balcony stateroom.  I'd love to have those thousands to spend elsewhere.

[happygolucky62]

Hello! I may not be able to answer all of your questions, but I am also on that sailing leaving December 26th.

I am taking my adult daughter and maybe one of my other daughters will join us.

I will be aft, in a Suite.

I have sailed NCL on the Norway, Dawn and Jade. This Christmas, I will be on Dawn again. The Escape is much larger so I am excited to see all it has to offer.

I am very happy with NCL.

The Beverage package will cover Alcoholic drinks up to $15 each as well as sodas. the first 2 guests in each Cabin will get the package, if you choose it.

There are a lot more people on these boards who can tell you in more detail about everything but I will be happy to put in my 2 cents if you have anything specific for me.

Welcome to the Forum! Maybe we will meet on board!

Cheryl

[KeithJenner]

I can't compare to the Harmony, but can make a few comments.

 

Generally, balcony dividers don't open.

 

I've never travelled in a large group, but many people manage to make bookings without too much trouble. Just be prepared to make reservations in advance.

 

The beverage package isn't unlimited. There is the $15 limit mentioned above. Other things that surprise people is no bottled water of speciality coffees.

 

[ColeThornton]

Make sure you read the Terms and Conditions for the promos you are getting.  "Free" isn't what it seems, you are on the hook for gratuities on the drinking package and the dining package.

[smplybcause]

I'm in my 30s and have been on Escape and Oasis. Personally I enjoyed both and would go on either again. The adult only area on Escape (Spice H20 on the top aft of the ship) is a lot more lively than the Solarium on Royal. Escape has a lot more bars with views of the sea - and the Waterfront is really nice. I prefer the Howl at the Moon over the late night piano at Schooners. Escape will have a few themed parties up on deck in Spice plus the club in the casino. I think show quality between the Oasis class and Breakaway class is comparable. Instead of Sorrentos Escape has O'Sheeans for late night meals - bar food instead of pizza. 

 

I think the activities would be more the deciding factor. Harmony has the Abyss and Flowriders while Escape has the 3 level ropes course (with ziplines in it). Both have water slides (Escape has the drop slides, not sure what slides Harmony has since I haven't been on her). Also if you like trivia I think that's handled better on Royal then the Escape. I can't recall if Escape had karaoke or not - I think it does, but my group was pretty much Howl at the Moon then club. 

 

I don't know how far you went in the mock booking on NCL, but make sure to include the gratuities when doing the price comparisons (the price you see on the screen after selecting your free perks shows the all-in price). It's $19.80pppd for the drink package. And NCL's doesn't include fresh juice, coffee, water bottles, energy drinks - but the vast majority of alcohols are covered in the $15 limit. You can also get 2 drinks at a time. NCL also has an upgrade option that adds in everything the "free" one includes for an additional ~$35pppd. 

 

As for large groups - if more than 8 want to dine in next to each other you'll be way better off making reservations for the meal. Under 8 they usually have no problem, but when we had more it was either a long wait or one table was often out of eyesight of the other. 

Edited July 25, 2019 by smplybcause

[jbethel11]

Not to go off topic, however, why aren't y'all a fan of Carnival? They have the new Mardi Gras, which is supposed to be their version of an Oasis class ship, with newer attractions (like a roller coaster). The Havana area seems cool if you are into "semi-private" areas to lounger and swim.

[Two Wheels Only]

1 hour ago, jbethel11 said:

They have the new Mardi Gras, which is supposed to be their version of an Oasis class ship, with newer attractions (like a roller coaster).

 

Although large (largest Carnival ship to date), Mardi Gras will be significantly smaller than the RCCL Oasis Class. The closest things to the Oasis Class as far as size are the World Class (MSC), the Global Class (Genting Dream), and Project Icon (RCCL). 

 

 

[msmayor]

On ‎7‎/‎25‎/‎2019 at 2:13 PM, jbethel11 said:

Not to go off topic, however, why aren't y'all a fan of Carnival? They have the new Mardi Gras, which is supposed to be their version of an Oasis class ship, with newer attractions (like a roller coaster). The Havana area seems cool if you are into "semi-private" areas to lounger and swim.

 

Sailed on the Pride a few years ago and while I know as an older ship you can't really compare to a new one, just wasn't enamored with the product.  Of course, pricing comes into play here too, same reason I was tempted to NCL over RCL.  I just priced out a balcony stateroom on the Mardi Gras for the same week, about the same location (mid-ship deck 12) that we've been considering for the Escape.  Carnival priced out today at about $3600 for each stateroom with a refundable deposit.  For the extra $600 on NCL I'm getting the unlimited drink package, $200 shore-ex credit per stateroom, dining package for use in specialty restaurants up to $160 value, and some wifi minutes.  Since I'm paying for three staterooms/six people, all of legal drinking age, I can't ignore the value here.

 

I was able to book this afternoon, just $50pp deposit and fully refundable. 

 

NCL was a line that, but for this trip and looking for good value, my husband and I might never have tried.  The agent I spoke with to complete the booking asked me why we'd never considered NCL before, and I told her that the whole freestyle concept seemed intimidating to me, and that my husband and I were far more 'traditional' when it comes to cruising.  I did tell her, though, that we're going into this with totally open minds.  The trip is our gift to our kids and the chance to spend a week of quality time with them, and check off a bucket list item - New Year's Eve celebration in a big way on vacation.  Who knows, this trip may just end up turning us into NCL fans.

 

Thanks to all who offered up information.  Much appreciated as I get to know the NCL product and learn more about the Escape.

[jbethel11]

8 hours ago, msmayor said:

 

Sailed on the Pride a few years ago and while I know as an older ship you can't really compare to a new one, just wasn't enamored with the product.  Of course, pricing comes into play here too, same reason I was tempted to NCL over RCL.  I just priced out a balcony stateroom on the Mardi Gras for the same week, about the same location (mid-ship deck 12) that we've been considering for the Escape.  Carnival priced out today at about $3600 for each stateroom with a refundable deposit.  For the extra $600 on NCL I'm getting the unlimited drink package, $200 shore-ex credit per stateroom, dining package for use in specialty restaurants up to $160 value, and some wifi minutes.  Since I'm paying for three staterooms/six people, all of legal drinking age, I can't ignore the value here.

 

I was able to book this afternoon, just $50pp deposit and fully refundable. 

 

NCL was a line that, but for this trip and looking for good value, my husband and I might never have tried.  The agent I spoke with to complete the booking asked me why we'd never considered NCL before, and I told her that the whole freestyle concept seemed intimidating to me, and that my husband and I were far more 'traditional' when it comes to cruising.  I did tell her, though, that we're going into this with totally open minds.  The trip is our gift to our kids and the chance to spend a week of quality time with them, and check off a bucket list item - New Year's Eve celebration in a big way on vacation.  Who knows, this trip may just end up turning us into NCL fans.

 

Thanks to all who offered up information.  Much appreciated as I get to know the NCL product and learn more about the Escape.

I agree with you. Maybe with an Encore cruise in 2020, I might switch from being a Carnival loyalist to a Norwegian loyalist. I really loved the Breakaway back in 2013, but I was so young, I barely remember everything about it.

[yearsofcruising]

Family cruise guy here..Family of 8 with 2 grandkids 12&9..

Booked spring cruise a few yrs back on BA out of NY to islands .Left deposit on previous cruise. When I got home called NCL & connected with PCC.

He was able to connect 4 cabin reservations for all SDP's ( 6 were included ) ; all UBP's ; all dinner shows ; even reserved at mdr's & Taste n Savour restaurants. Never had any lines with grandkids.

Way to go...

He earned his keep .He has since booked 5 more cruises....

Never saw the grandkids on the 1st morning at sea. They took off in their PJ's to explore ship at 7am...

Edited July 27, 2019 by magicmawk

[UFMOM]

We have been on both and love both. Having Symphony and Encore booked for before the end of the year. Just like Royal, make all your show reservations online a head of time. Unlike Royal, you can reserve your dining pkg restaurants on line instead of on the ship. I highly recommend this.

Also make your mdr reservations online too. Comedy club can only be booked on the ship, so do that as soon as you board. One person can do this if they have all the reservation numbers. I can’t remember if there is an Escape  room activity on board. If so, great to do with a group. Not sure if it can be booked ahead. Bookings usually open up about 120 days ahead so keep an eye on that. Great idea to link your reservations. 

 

Mary Ann

[Kfamilycruise]

We've been on both Symphony & Escape -- I think you get more for your money on the Escape and you have a great time on both. Important here to note that a mini suite is a balcony with a bigger bathroom (double sink and full size shower). You don't get additional benefits like you would in a junior suite.

 

As others mentioned value of drink is $15 -- you can pay for difference above that, but the number of drinks you get is unlimited. Both adults in a room have to get the package.

 

Don't count on balcony dividers opening as some do it and some don't. I've never had a problem booking group dining when booking it 120 days before as soon as it opens. 

 

The Escape is my favorite (and my kids' 16,15,10) NCL ship to date. You can't go wrong either way.