My Great Escape
January, 2023
Greetings from the cruise ship ‘Norwegian Escape’! The adventure began at my arrival by private vehicle to a pay to park lot at Port Canaveral, Florida. The parking facility was nearly full to capacity as there were several ships in port. The unfortunate aspect of this method is that it included and you had to rely on the timely shuttle service to get you to your ship at your ‘appointed check-in’ time. This did not happen. Whether staffing issues and/or vehicle availability issues, there was no way people were able to make their designated check-in time onboard. NCL has obviously a great program in assigning check-in times to avoid the obvious large numbers of people at the check-in point at the same time. In addition to providing passengers with the health recognition of spacing during the boarding process. My check-in time was 12:00 noon (and I was on site for an on-time boarding). I did not step aboard the ship until 1:30 PM. On this date, the Park Port Canaveral shuttle service was ineffective.
Once inside the terminal, the security screening, health questionnaire and documentation review went smooth and my stateroom key issued. I arrived onboard and asked an Officer in the Atrium about the time the staterooms would be available. He informed me that an announcement would be forthcoming and that normally rooms would be available between 1:30-1:45. That Officer is Kivanc Ucar, General Manager, who was very professional and gave me his business card offering his availability if I had any need. And, no sooner had we finished our conversation, the announcement of staterooms now being available was made.‘
Having already seen the safety briefing at home prior to boarding, there was the mandatory safety drill. We gathered at our designated muster station where a crew member scanned my key card to confirm my attendance. After a demonstration of putting on the lifejacket by a crew member and a few welcome words from the Bridge, we were dismissed from the drill.
Departure from the Port was timely and efficient. Wine at O’Sheehan’s, dinner in the Manhattan room and an introduction to Homer, my cabin attendant. My stateroom was clean with all amenities. You will also find your FREESTYLE DAILY information. This is your daily guide to all the times and locations of everything onboard from dining to activities. My luggage was delivered in a timely manner. A long day and I could tell that breakfast room service ($) would be necessary the next morning for that first cup of coffee. Depending on your Latitude Reward status, you may request the amenity of having a coffee maker in your stateroom. The day of departure is considered Day One.
Day Two. At Sea. There are always questions when you first board a ship. And, there are always the helpful crew members to provide guidance and assistance. For many, the day begins with getting their wi-fi set up. If you are not a techie or tech savvy, not to worry. There is an Internet Café with both instructions available and the hours that the internet manager who will be there to help. Based on my observations, if you are not tech savvy, take note of the internet manager’s hours and try to be the first in line or you will find yourself in a very long queue. (Imagine the line for ice cream in July times 10). If you can wait a day, you will find it much easier.
As this is a sea day, there are many onboard activities for passenger participation. On this sea day, the weather is pleasant. We are still experiencing some of the chill from when we left Port Canaveral. But, it has proven to be a non-issue as people have gathered around the swimming pools and already in a relaxed state of mind. On this sea day, I had dinner reservation at Le Bistro. There was nothing less than excellent in all areas from food quality to service quality at this high end French restaurant. Following dinner, I enjoyed the entertainment provided by ‘Legacy in Concert’. A talented vocal group providing a range of popular music renditions from the 1950’s to present day.
Day Three. Arrival at approximately 0900 to Amber Cove at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
You could tell the weather was warming up and it was going to be comfortable in the 70’s (F).
After breakfast at Savor, I went for a walk at Amber Cove. A very nicely done port environment and the meeting place for all excursions. Speaking of excursions, the staff on the Escape provide the thoughtful knowledge and insights for you to enjoy with confidence your shore excursion when booked aboard. A very professional presentation of the environment. I strolled the areas and had a ‘fish foot massage’. You will have to Google it in order to get a better description that I can give. It was different, I will say that.
Day Four. We docked at St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands earlier than our scheduled noon arrival. This morning, there is barely a cloud in the sky and gentle breezes. Before arrival, several passengers, including myself, walked the promenade at deck eight. I had breakfast at O’Sheehan’s which is open 24/7. I was surprised that during the early hours there were not many people in the restaurant.
I did get off the ship when we docked and cleared by Customs. I walked around for a while taking note of the many shops and restaurants. Also, you will be amazed at the yachts at anchor or docked at Yacht Haven. I will not avail myself of the many shoreside excursions this trip. I will instead enjoy the quiet environment onboard after my walk.
This evening, I have a reservation at Cagney’s steakhouse. You will not find a better steakhouse on land or sea. I have been on several NCL ships, and those with a CAGNEY’S Steakhouse offer unparalleled quality of food and service.
Following dinner, I enjoyed the entertainment of ‘Levity Entertainment’ in the Escape Theater. Levity provides a high level of energy and entertainment to the stage with their comedic presentation.
After a stroll on the promenade deck, I enjoyed a night cap at one of the bars. I then looked forward to a smooth and short cruise to our next port of call, ‘Tortola, British Virgin Islands’.
Day Five. We arrived to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, at approximately 0600. It is always interesting to go to bed and when you awaken in the morning, you are in port and already cleared to go ashore. We have an ‘all-aboard’ at 12:30 with a departure time of 13:00. The weather is perfect for a walk about town or perhaps an excursion to the beach. I walked about town and on my return, noticed that many passengers had taken to just spending the day onboard and relaxing. After dinner in the Manhattan room, I took in the early evening show at the Escape Theater. Tonight featured a Magic Show. Who does not like a good magic show? This evening, we had ‘No Limits: Magic Beyond Possibility’ featuring Jackson Rayne. Jackson joined us for this cruise only and will be returning to his gig in Las Vegas once we return to Port Canaveral.
Our departure from Tortola was as scheduled and we are now headed for a day at sea.
Day Six. We are at sea! Another perfect weather day, calm seas and fair winds. Kudos to the Captain! There is no shortage of things to do during a sea day. Or, any day for that matter. Consulting your FREESTYLE DAILY which is provided to you the evening before, you can plan and map out your strategy for the following day. Today, with the weather is so nice, people are enjoying the pool area and enjoying the sunshine. That being said, as I stroll the decks, there are people enjoying all manner or activities. Some are participating in shipboard activities and some enjoying a leisurely game of cards with their fellow passengers.
This evening, I will be dining at La Cucina, the onboard Italian specialty dining room
I do not have reservations for any of the shows this evening. I may see if there is a ‘stand-by’ option for any passengers who choose not to attend.
Day Seven. We have arrived and anchored off Great Stirrup Cay before 0900. There was a bit of a chill in the air on arrival. However, as the morning hours passed, we now have only wispy clouds and very warm temperatures. Passengers wishing to go ashore will do so by tender boat. A lifeboat is sometimes used to tender passengers from ship to shore and return. In this case, the crafts used are those that are owned by NCL but located on the island. The crafts have a solid roof and open on all sides for viewing and fresh breezes. There are excursions and we received a separate information flyer which not only listed the many activities, but also a map of the island. Again, a perfect place to enjoy your own private piece of an island.
I remained aboard to continue my entries.
The last tender from the island leaves at 1700. Once everyone has been accounted for, we will raise the anchor and proceed to our starting point, Port Canaveral, Florida.
However, there is still a full evening of activities that I have no doubt will have the passengers going full steam ahead!
We have already received our disembarkation information and I have no doubt it will be an efficient process.
Day Eight. Arrival to Port Canaveral, FL at approximately 0600. Passengers who can carry off their own luggage, are allowed to ‘walk-off’ the vessel as early as 0730. Disembarking the vessel is always a challenge. However, knowing that beforehand will arm you with patience. It is a process that despite the numbers of passengers, the queue moves steadily along.
NOTES:
NCL has a program that may be of interest to you. Subject to stateroom inventory, you may have the opportunity to ‘bid’ on an upgrade from your present accommodation. For example, I chose an inside stateroom for this cruise. I then received an invitation from NCL to bid on an upgrade. They provide the instructions and made the process easy. I bid on an upgrade to a balcony stateroom. As the program states, within two or three days of sailing, you will be notified if your bid has been accepted. My bid was accepted and I received an upgrade to a balcony! As a solo traveler, my bid was doubled as the upgrade program is based on a minimum double occupancy. It was still very much worth it. And, if your bid is not selected, you do not lose your originally assigned stateroom.
Specialty dining. When you made (if you did) reservations ahead of time, you may not have gotten the times that were best for you; dining early rather than later. Unfortunately, some passengers will use an app and sign up for multiple reservations. It happens that these passengers just choose not to show up at their reservation. This is very frustrating for the NCL staff as they have little control over reservations made using the app. However, I have found a solution. I was originally assigned a dining time of 9 PM which is rather late for me. There are staff at the Reservations Desk who is familiar with this issue. They were able to recognize the duplication of reservations and able to secure for me earlier times. Not just for Cagney’s, but for the other specialty dining reservations I had.
