Norwegian Escape pool area
The Cellars
The Haven
Michael & Dina Mondavi
The District Brewhouse
I have been cruising on 2 wonderful ships spending much of my time, eating, drinking, beer
sipping (and I don’t even like beer), making cocktails (I can make a good
martini but my shaker ability has definitely
improved) and also tapping my toes, clapping
and giving standing O’s to all the great entertainment on both ships.
Yes indeed,
I was a privileged guest on 2 of the newest ships on the planet; 1
st
on the newly arrived and spectacular Anthem of the Seas, now “Anchored
in America” to quote their own line and then on the
Norwegian Escape
– the newest, most hip, party-on vessel I have sailed in a while. I need
a cruise to relax and sleep after the inaugural activities graciously hosted by Norwegian!
Today I am going
to focus on
Escape and cover Anthem next time. So here are
my thoughts about the ship, her audience,
what I liked (what needs some work) and my impressions.
I make no
secret of the fact that I am a huge Norwegian fan: I thought that both
Breakaway
and Getaway were among the best ships
in recent years. They are lovely, well designed with all the bells and
whistles a mainstream, contemporary cruiser (here
come the Millennials!) could ask for. So
Escape is those ships - on steroids. Breakaway Plus has several more ships
coming in ‘18 and ‘19 as well as a new ship being designed expressly for the
Chinese market.
I knew what
to expect but they have upped the ante and in areas that I enjoy. The Haven by
Norwegian is my favourite space - because it truly is a haven. A calm, soothing enclave where guests can “escape the ESCAPE” when
they need a little more peace and quiet. I
prefer to sail in The Haven personally – it’s just more my thing. I love that
this “ship within a ship” has been enhanced for
Escape and is another
deck higher, has 2 lounges and its own restaurant with al -fresco dining as well. The various accommodations
are beautiful, are decorated in soft aqua tones with faux wood floors and have
a sense of spaciousness - just lovely. There’s a
retractable roof over the pool and lounging area and also outdoor deck
space, several hot tubs as well as hot and cold running butlers and concierges
to cater to every whim.
Entertainment
is truly one of Norwegian’s mainstays and they have nailed it. We saw 3 excellent shows, of the highest caliber with
great talent. All were interesting and different. We dined at the 6pm show in the new Supper Club (this is the Illusionarium
on Breakaway class) and saw For the
Record: The Brat Pack focused on the iconic 1980’s movies from John Hughes such
as The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Sixteen Candles and more. The
intimate space ensures your involvement in the show (my leg almost tripped up
one of the cast) and the dinner service is excellent too. Eating in the dark
just a bit and the menu is limited but
delicious – this is a must see. I absolutely loved this show.
After
Midnight in the Escape Theater, is a
phenomenal performance with superb costuming and singing. This production
focuses on the Golden Age of Harlem’s famed Cotton Club – and is a smash hit
musical nominated for a number of Tony Awards. Another must-see show. And then
a great rocking take-me-back to the 50’s moment, with Million Dollar Quartet –
can someone say “goodness gracious, great balls of fire!” This show features
the true story of one night in December 1956 when 4 greats came together in one
recording studio – Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis
– another sure-fire hit.
Some other
notes: loved the coffee maker in my room (please, could every line do this?)
and the big bathroom with the massive shower and the double sink. Those jets in
the shower were an excitement all of their own! Also enjoyed The Cellars by the
Michael Mondavi family. A beautiful small space evoking Napa Valley and a
chance to taste some excellent wines as well as learn more about same. Tobacco
Road, the iconic Miami bar is now at sea as is Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
and the 5 O’ Clock Somewhere Bar.
Norwegian is going to have to figure out how to manage the popularity of
Margaritaville and the burgers it produces. It was too popular on our short cruise
and this may become a spot they’ll have to charge
for.
The whole
678 Ocean Place, introduced on Breakaway Class, is alive and well on Escape,
and possibly noisier. There are new additions here including Bayamo by Jose
Garces and Pinchos a tapas bar as well as the Food Republic by the Pubbelly
Group. I particularly enjoyed The District Brew House –with its sea views,
comfy leather chairs and great beer brewed by a small family craft brewhouse
based in Miami. Way to go Luis and Pops! The Waterfront concept continues to be
a huge winner and a lovely spot to enjoy a cocktail as you watch the ocean – love that. Overall
Escape is an evolution of
the Norwegian brand – according to Andy Stuart, President (at last!) of
Norwegian. There are too many restaurants to count and food is becoming a more
important aspect – watch for higher quality here.
There’s so
much to write about this ship - I could do 3 columns on all the things to
see and do. Truly a huge WOW with all the “freedom
and flexibility” and a ship that will do extremely well. Congratulations
to my wonderful friends and colleagues at
Norwegian – well done!
