One of the most striking aspects of sailing on the Norwegian Escape is the leadership culture onboard. Captain Matko Candrlić and General Manager Kivanc Ucar set the tone—and it shows. This is a ship where the senior team is not tucked away behind closed doors. I met Kivanc on the gangway during embarkation and saw him again ashore in the morning as guests walked into port, personally welcoming people on and off the ship. And here’s what really stood out: every time I met a senior staff member, they handed me their business card—with a direct phone number. If there was a question, a concern, or something that could make the experience better, they wanted to know immediately.
Across the vessel, senior staff are consistently present and genuinely engaged. Housekeeping Supervisor Andro Bautista came to greet me at my cabin. I met Executive Sous Chef Gerum Genavia during a lively dinner at Teppanyaki. And in the Garden Café, Maitre D’ Lilibeth Espinosa ensured the dining experience felt warm, attentive, and effortless. These aren’t one-off moments; this is the culture. After working for three different cruise lines, sailing dozens of ships, and attending several inaugurals, I’ve never seen a leadership team this visible, approachable, and proactive. A supported crew creates a supported guest—happy crew, happy passengers—and the Escape embodies that beautifully.
The NCL app also stands out for its ease and clarity. I made dinner reservations directly in the app, menus and specialty dining pricing were clearly displayed, and everything simply worked the way cruise technology should. It’s surprisingly rare for an at-sea app to feel this intuitive and reliable.
The Garden Café offers thoughtful variety and smart design—yes, including silverware already set on tables, so you’re not juggling plates and utensils. I especially enjoyed the Taste of India and Asian selections, and the evening crêpes were a delightful treat.
Entertainment, particularly The Choir of Man, an all-male musical performance filled with big vocals, audience participation (including inviting guests onstage for a beer), and an unforgettable tap sequence, was exceptional. Teppanyaki delivered both flavor and fun, with chefs who sing while they cook, turning dinner into an experience. Paired with a comfortable balcony cabin, a caring housekeeping team, and consistently warm service, the Escape didn’t just provide a voyage—it created a collection of shared, meaningful moments.
What ultimately set the Norwegian Escape apart for me was how cohesive the experience felt. The food and beverage offerings were consistently delicious and thoughtfully presented, the service was genuinely warm, and the entertainment brought real joy to the journey. It’s rare to find a ship where hospitality, leadership, and creativity are all so strong—and so aligned. This voyage didn’t simply check boxes; it exceeded expectations and delivered a truly memorable experience at sea.
The question for the Jewish people today is not merely whether we believe in the future but whether we are willing to become the kind of people that the future requires.
The concept, brought to life by Israeli chef Eyal Shani, is deceptively simple: pita as a canvas, filled with everything from lamb kebab and rib-eye minute steak to schnitzel and their signature candy steak, overnight seared brisket, aioli, mustard, pickles, tomato, and red onion.
The current Jewish debate cannot end with a choice between fighting antisemites and strengthening Jewish life. Both are necessary, but neither fully answers what this moment requires.
The question for the Jewish people today is not merely whether we believe in the future but whether we are willing to become the kind of people that the future requires.
Israelis view themselves as fighting for survival, just, fair, moral and brave, while the rest of the world sees something else entirely, viewing Israel as a country that has lost its brakes, destabilizing the order and running amok without justification.
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If I toss out a can of baked beans that expired one day earlier for fear of botulism, what do you think goes through my mind when it comes to bears, mountain lions, sharks and rattlesnakes?
As we weigh the benefits and downsides of a potential two-state solution, the unguaranteed but plausible prospect of an unprecedented regional peace should be considered as part of that discussion.
The question is not whether Jewish communities will use AI; they already are. The question is whether we will adopt these tools passively, or shape them deliberately according to Jewish values, Jewish learning, and Jewish responsibility.
Posner said he hopes he can reach levelheaded people with open minds who have the viewpoint that they are open to changing their opinions if the evidence points in a certain direction.
Where Service Becomes Story: Sailing the Norwegian Escape
Lisa Ellen Niver
One of the most striking aspects of sailing on the Norwegian Escape is the leadership culture onboard. Captain Matko Candrlić and General Manager Kivanc Ucar set the tone—and it shows. This is a ship where the senior team is not tucked away behind closed doors. I met Kivanc on the gangway during embarkation and saw him again ashore in the morning as guests walked into port, personally welcoming people on and off the ship. And here’s what really stood out: every time I met a senior staff member, they handed me their business card—with a direct phone number. If there was a question, a concern, or something that could make the experience better, they wanted to know immediately.
Across the vessel, senior staff are consistently present and genuinely engaged. Housekeeping Supervisor Andro Bautista came to greet me at my cabin. I met Executive Sous Chef Gerum Genavia during a lively dinner at Teppanyaki. And in the Garden Café, Maitre D’ Lilibeth Espinosa ensured the dining experience felt warm, attentive, and effortless. These aren’t one-off moments; this is the culture. After working for three different cruise lines, sailing dozens of ships, and attending several inaugurals, I’ve never seen a leadership team this visible, approachable, and proactive. A supported crew creates a supported guest—happy crew, happy passengers—and the Escape embodies that beautifully.
The NCL app also stands out for its ease and clarity. I made dinner reservations directly in the app, menus and specialty dining pricing were clearly displayed, and everything simply worked the way cruise technology should. It’s surprisingly rare for an at-sea app to feel this intuitive and reliable.
The Garden Café offers thoughtful variety and smart design—yes, including silverware already set on tables, so you’re not juggling plates and utensils. I especially enjoyed the Taste of India and Asian selections, and the evening crêpes were a delightful treat.
Entertainment, particularly The Choir of Man, an all-male musical performance filled with big vocals, audience participation (including inviting guests onstage for a beer), and an unforgettable tap sequence, was exceptional. Teppanyaki delivered both flavor and fun, with chefs who sing while they cook, turning dinner into an experience. Paired with a comfortable balcony cabin, a caring housekeeping team, and consistently warm service, the Escape didn’t just provide a voyage—it created a collection of shared, meaningful moments.
What ultimately set the Norwegian Escape apart for me was how cohesive the experience felt. The food and beverage offerings were consistently delicious and thoughtfully presented, the service was genuinely warm, and the entertainment brought real joy to the journey. It’s rare to find a ship where hospitality, leadership, and creativity are all so strong—and so aligned. This voyage didn’t simply check boxes; it exceeded expectations and delivered a truly memorable experience at sea.
VIDEOS from my CRUISE On NCL Escape:
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