Norwegian Escape Review
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Boarding was painless except that the men taking bags at curb seemed to be competing for $ and were yelling at us which didn't give a very warm first impression. We had free drinks...all under $15 were free. We paid nothing despite asking for call brands. Shows we loved: Brat Pack...funny...adult-themed so don't go if you mind foul language...amazing talented individuals. Wine tasting lunch...entertaining, funny, talent. Comedians were great but there wasn't enough seats for everyone so many couldn't go. Same thing with the hypnotist. So so show....After Midnight Cotton Club Cabaret...talented dancers...especially the men. Singing slowed it down. Some folks out. Not so great show...Brenda Braxton. Her story and singing were interested and entertaining but she thinks quite highly of herself which was a major turnoff to all of us. We all wished we hadn't paid to see her. The miscellaneous musicians onboard were talented and fun, but lacked great voices.
We had 3 free dinner upgrades and chose Bistro (okay meal but make sure you tell them you want to sit inside the restaurant not out in the hallway), Cagney's (phenomenal steaks), and Teppinyaki (cook at your table...excellent food and talented entertaining chefs). All other meals we ate were the free ones and they were all delicious with plenty of choices for everyone. Breakfast had everything you could think of although I would like to see the staff there smiling and more "service oriented".
Our balcony package included a spa package. We loved the spa and utilized the steam room, the therapy pool, and relaxing in heated recliners overlooking the bow of the ship. We booked a massage as soon as we boarded the ship for 5 p.m. that day. They neglected to tell us the lifeboat drill was at 4:30. We couldn't get an elevator and had to climb from the 7th deck to the 16th. We got there 5 minutes late and were stressed out. The massages were very good but recommend you don't book that first appointment. Spoke to other couples that were not thrilled with the pressure sales for products after the massage. I must agree...we were there for relaxation and therefore didn't appreciate the upsell attempt. So be prepared and just say no thank you and please don't push this on me.
Cabin Review
Spa Balcony Stateroom
The cabin was very nice. We enjoyed having a balcony and being starboard. Blow dryers were provided so don't bring one. We did bring a case of water for three adults which was delivered to our room...no need to pack it in your suitcase. They tagged it at the curb. The AC cuts off when you open the balcony door so you need to pay attention to turn it back on when you come back in. As mentioned previously, the service here was outstanding. There is a safe in your cabin for passports/jewelry/etc. Didn't use the mini bar as it is not included in the free drinks package. You can ask to borrow iron/ironing board but plan ahead if you want it as it may not be available. You can also send clothes out to be pressed but it's a minimum 24 hour turn around for that. We liked being on the 15th floor as the café for food was only one floor up so we avoided elevators a lot. The stairwells are wide and double so it's easy to walk down flights.
Port Reviews
Nassau
Went shopping. Way overpriced jewelry. A gal told us about some cute handbags. She said she would show us the shop just up the street. She took us (2 women) up a side street (many tourists were on it) and we passed a few shops to the one she was pointing to the sign. But when we got in front of it she told us to go up a staircase....there was not a storefront. It felt sooooo wrong. I turned and told her I was uncomfortable and no longer interested. Told my friend we were leaving immediately. The young gal then tried to get us to go into two other stores on eiher side of this side street. I told her no and to leave us alone. She left. Beware! I'm mad at myself for even following her at all!