This was the first part of a B2B on the Escape. I had a fabulous time despite an outbreak of the noro virus during the second week of the cruise. Embarkation was a breeze. I got there early and was in boarding group 1. I found the ship to be very clean as I boarded. I was in a mini suite with my wife. The cabin was well maintained and very roomy. The larger bathroom and European style shower were great. We ate in both the MDR as well as Cagney's, Le Bistro, La Cucina, and Teppanyaki. The food was excellent as well as the service. The After Midnight show featuring Melba Moore was fantastic. We skipped the Brat Pack since we've recently seen it. The comedians in the Levity Comedy group were excellent. I went to many of the bars but my favorites were the 5 O'clock Somewhere (outside) with Chips Ahoy as the bartender, he's a riot. I also enjoyed sitting at the Waves Pool Bar during the day and the District Brew House in the evening. JR on the piano in the District was fabulous. In Port Canaveral I went over to Coco Beach and the Coco Beach pier, we had to skip Great Stirrup Cay because it was unsafe to tender even though the weather was sunny. Some people felt we could have gone but I trust the Captain who said it wasn't safe and the forecast for the afternoon was for even stronger winds. In Ocho Rios we took an NCL excursion to tour the area and enjoyed it. In Harvest Caye I took the NCL snorkeling excursion, great crew on the catamaran and great leader in the water. in Grand Cayman I took the NCL swing with dolphins excursion, it was amazing getting to touch the dolphins and swim belly to belly with them. In Harvest Caye I went snorkeling again. In Costa Maya I just hung out on the ship and in the plaza off the pier. In Cozumel we did the Jose Cuervo Tequila Experience and learned a new way to enjoy tequila.

Now a little about the noro virus outbreak. After the first week NCL started there sanitation procedures due to some passengers and crew coming down with gastrointestinal issues. These procedures included continuous cleaning of all walls, handrails and elevators. Some passengers complained about the odor from the chemicals used. In the buffet, all guests were required to wash hands with soap and water before entering. There were no condiments or silverware on the tables, it was handed to you from one of the attendants. All food had to be served, no self service, including coffee. In the restaurants, they replaced the normal menus with paper copies. The spa was closed and those that paid were given refunds. In the casino if you were playing table games, they sprayed your hands before you could play. In the cabins coffee machines and ice buckets were removed for sanitizing and returned on request. Door to public bathrooms were kept open so hands did not have to be used to open and close. There were constant announcements by the captain and cruise director as to why this was done and all passengers were reminded to make sure they washed their hands.

Many passengers were upset. As for myself, I appreciate all the hard work done bye crew. They were working extrememly hard and long hours to stem the spread of the virus. This is a contact virus that is only spread by improper hygiene. I did not let these issues stop me from having a great 2 weeks and applaud NCL for their efforts.