Back To The Caribbean!

Excitement was high. We were finally going on our cruise! Our hotel-included shuttle to the port of Miami went smoothly, as did security into the cruise terminal. Once through, we went straight into the Haven check in where the process was completed in lightning speed. We were then escorted straight away to board the gorgeous NCL Escape and taken by priority lift to the Haven lounge area. How nice it was to skip the crowds! We were given our options for lunch and we were also able to put our carry ons into our staterooms despite the cabins being closed to everyone else.  Margaritaville which normally required a cover charge was complimentary today for Haven guests. Not one to turn down a deal, we headed over for lunch. The serving sizes were humungous. We capitalised on our free alcoholic beverage package to try some cocktails. After days of drinking rum based drinks in Cuba we were ready!

The children gorging on cookies whilst checking in

Opa made smarter choices!

Within 10 minutes we were on the ship!

And straight to the suite area

Enjoying complimentary drinks and sliders at the Haven lounge

The Haven private pool area

Lunchtime! Free for Haven guests today

SO MUCH FOOD!

Havana Banana! 

Our staterooms were ready shortly after lunch. The family were split into two 2-bedroom family suites within the Haven, the name given to NCL’s suites. They were beautifully appointed with the main bathroom having an ocean view. We found a bottle of champagne as well as sparkling wine in our staterooms. The Nespresso machine and wide array of teabags brought us much joy. The whole family doubly appreciated and enjoyed the luxury after our time in Cuba.

The weather, unfortunately, was not on our side today. It was cold, and it had started to rain. This put a damper on the sail away party. We opted to wave goodbye to Miami from our balcony instead. Once out at sea, we explored the Escape which had a great outdoor activity area including a ropes course, mini golf, and an array of water slides amongst others. The only minor down side of the ship was that the central area always had a slight smell of cigarette/cigar smoke and the shopping area was quite small.

The main bedroom

The main bathroom

Shower area

Living room of the 2 bedroom suite

The drinks area

Nespresso machine

good selection of tea bags

Champagne anyone?!

Or sparkling wine?!

Complimentary snacks

Fresh flowers a nice touch

A little surprise from our amazing travel agent!

There was a special at Food Republic, the ship’s Asian inspired restaurant, whereby Haven guests get 50% off. So guess where we ate! The food was surprisingly good! The sushi rolls were tasty as were the gyozas and tatakis. The only miss was the ramen where the broth was too salty. We rolled to our cabin. The last thing we did on Jonah’s request was to go on the balcony in the dark to look for twilight squids. They apparently could be found off the coast of Miami. With the child satisfied that no twilight squid could be sighted, we finally retired for the night.

Japanese for dinner

Ordering from the ipads a great novelty

Different drink tonight!