My wife and I are die-hard Norwegian cruisers!!!! This was our 8th cruise on NCL and 3rd time on the Escape and we can't wait until we are back on her December 16, 2017 with our grown children. As usual, the ship was very clean and the employees were motivated as always once we boarded.
We were in group 1 and decided to go for the Vibe passes and they were so worth it and more! In the Vibe, you are treated very, very well. Since there are no more than 60 passes (I believe) it is never crowded, has the loungers/umbrellas with nice spa covers, loungers in the mist area (fabulous), a big Jacuzzi, and the great bar tenders will take your orders from your lounger as well. They will also serve you fruit skewers and bring you a cold towel to cool off.
Every time we cruise NCL it gets better and better each time!!!! The amazing Cruise Critic get together (Thanks BakerMom) was well attended by the Escape Officers and we were fed outstanding appetizers and some great beers in the District Brew House. I would like to give a big shout-out to all of the staff and Deeptak Punia, Hotel Director, Errol Nelson Assistant Hotel Director, Kivanc Ucar, Food & Beverage Director, Ronney Dsouza, Executive Housekeeper, Tyler Gray, Best Cruise Director so far, Nomita Rambhunjan, Guest Service Manager, Charles Fernandes, Executive Chef, Melvyn Lobo Restaurant Manager and the one and only Jose Contreras Beverage Manager!!!!!! I would also like to shoot out to Sun our Stateroom Guy, The Bar Tenders in the Vibe, O-Sheehan's, and the 5 O'clock Somewhere Bar (Chocolate Cowboy and Johnie for their great jobs of always keeping us happy and not wanting to go home!!!!! The "Washy, Washy" crew always started our day off with their singing!!!!!
Our cabin was very clean and had a ton of storage space. Most people do not realize that the sofa has two drawers for storage as well. The closet was just the perfect size for cruising attire. We loved the balcony and I would wake up to the perfect start of the morning and I would also look for UFO's at night.....lol!!
Sun, our Cabin Stewart was always on point and had the room immaculate everyday!! His smile and professionalism is what makes NCL a great line to cruise on. We normally don't talk about the cabin folks, but they are very hard workers who will go above and beyond to ensure that we are happy. Sun's towel animals were a nice to touch to end the day everyday.
We arrived in Miami a couple of days early to celebrate our 31st Anniversary and the wife's birthday and went to the Key's for an overnighter. The Keys were fun and we highly recommend it!!!! Rent the golf carts and ride around the town and hang out on Duvall Street for the food and drinks, and interesting people watching.
We walked around the port and decided to take a cab downtown and that is where we spent money (well worth it) at Alpha Jewelry. Sonny and his staff were great.
Hung out at the bar closest to the ship for wifi and drinks. We have done this port many times.
Wife went to the casino and I got on the wrong bus back to the port and rode around on a city bus in Nassau for an hour and a half for only $1.25! It was awkward at first, but a site-seeing ride somewhat.