NCL Escape - Miami - Feb 2017

Got off of the NCL Escape after a great week. We flew in on the Friday before sailing and stayed at the Intercontinental on Chopin Lane in Miami. Had a harbor view room and got to see our ship from the room Saturday morning. Short taxi ride from the hotel to the port. 

We stayed in Haven, Owner's Suite, 17700. Embarkation, walked through initial screening at door in minutes. Once through the terminal front doors went into a room on the left for Haven Check-in. In a matter of a couple of minutes we had our room cards and were escorted to the Haven.  

Once in the Haven Lounge we received a quick overview of the Haven from Adrien, the Consigner. We walked to our room on the 17th floor at the front of the ship and upon walking in our Butler, Cristol and Cabin Steward, Mario came into the room and introduced themselves to us. We were asked what we would like that is not in the room and given instructions on how contact either of them at any time. Both were very  attentive to our every need. I asked for extra ice and next thing I knew there was a large bucket in the room and that was at least 2 times a day unless we used more and then they were quick to refill the buckets. Cristol made sure we had snacks in the room each afternoon and evening and saw to the refrig being restocked continuously.  

6th cruise on NCL, 2nd in the Haven area. Our room, 17700 was unbelievable. It has a large balcony facing forward, with 2 lounge chairs and round table with 4 chairs. At time when sailing if you walked up to the railing you could feel the wind but, if you stepped back a couple of feet you felt no wind. My wife loved the large balcony that allowed her to lay in the sun on a lounge chair while not leaving the room.  

Haven Sun Deck: Really nice however, there were times when very crowded especially whe at sea and the jacuzzi was not working at full capacity, basically only 3 jets flowing. 

I wish I could remember his name but the guy in charge of the deck was unbelievably on top of everything going on. When it was busy he would take drink orders to assist the wait staff, and was always cleaning and seeing everything was in order. As a side note, even in the Haven area you had the inconsiderate people who would save seats early and not show up for hours, or just show up to pick up their belongings and leave.  

The Haven bar staff were extremely nice and friendly. The bartenders remembered you by name and drink, they made you feel at home and comfortable sitting at the bar for a drink throughout the day or night. Drinks were definitely quality and the beer was ice cold, which kind of make them go down easier! 

The Haven Restaurant food was above and beyond expectations. Although the menu is limited, the food could not be better. I think much of that is due to the staff from the time you walk up to the hostess to the wait staff and bus staff. 

One thing that could be improved for those are early risers, have coffee available earlier than 7 am in the pool area.  

Restaurants:  

Cagney's as always excellent...service and food are both worth going back for, we dined there 2 nights. 

LeBistro - very good food, we ate there 2 times, first time outside on the patio and second inside. First time the service was excellent, second time, inside, not so good, the waiter was not attentive and we ended up having a woman assistant take care of us. Simple things like, taking the wine glasses from the table and then having the assistant bring our drinks to the table only to find out their were no wine glasses, or having a server bring our meals only to find our app plates were sitting on the table, causing him to put down the meals on a table and clean the plates that should have been gone 10 minutes before and no bread and then when we asked for the bread it took a good 10 minutes for him to bring it to the table. The meal was great, the beef tenderloin was at the same level or better than at Cagney's which is our favorite restaurant.  

Bayamo, not worth the extra $15/person charge over the UDP. Food Republic is not part of the UDP and again, not worth the money, only good if you like to play and order from an iPad on your table. 

Margaritaville: Went there once onboard first day prior to leaving port for lunch. Very good bar food and a nice atmosphere.  

Garden Cafe: Went to the breakfast buffet and found it to be very good with a selection that has something for everyone. Same with the lunch went there and found a great selection for lunch. 

Supper Club: Frankie Vali/4 Seasons Review...show was great and the food was more than enough and good, 3-course meal, (chicken) complimentary, and good entertainment were worth the reservation. 

The ship is very clean and the staff are friendly and always go out of the way to say, "good morning, afternoon, night" and ask you are and if you need anything. Very happy energetic staff. 

Thermal Spa: Well worth the money...what a great way to unwind, very nice atmosphere and aid to help you forget about the world. 

We have found NCL to be great to relax, they do all they can make you feel you can do whatever you want when ever you want...no dining times, many choices for eating, both, included and upcharge or UDP. Only 2 restaurants require long pants for men and most of the ship is very informal if you want or as formal as you want. 

The unlimited Internet plan is worth the money if you want or have to stay in touch with the real world. We did not do shore excursions, we like to get off of the ship and walk around and return while everyone is off, makes it more relaxing onboard.  

Embarkation: First time our of Miami and found it to be different...we were allowed to use a private elevator to get to the embarkation floor and then mixed in with the other groups leaving the ship. In other ports we found that Haven guests were escorted directly to the baggage area. Other point, porters have no easy access to Customs, something we have seen in other ports, must create a problem for them making money since many were lugging their own baggage on the line. The Customs lines moved very quickly and the agents were friendly. 

We are already looking at our next cruise and will stay in the Haven again, it so relaxing without the hustle bustle on the rest of the big ship.