zackarykeef

For all those whining about Pommery, who haven't heard of it, or who haven't tried it...a simple Google search can answer a lot for you. On Vivino, for example...Veuve has a 4.3 rating with average price of $72/bottle, whereas Pommery has a 4.0 rating with an average price of $65 per bottle. I find wines/champagnes on Vivino with 4.0+ ratings to be typically very good. Other reputable sites have comparable good ratings of Pommery. If you've tried it and don't like it, fine...that's one thing. However, if you haven't, don't think you're getting some cheap, no-name champagne...it's good stuff, and you just might like it. Veuve isn't the end-all be all just because of it's marketing. Landside, there are WAY better options across the board.

Just off Encore yesterday. They weren’t out of anything.

Pommery rosé and Prosecco ‘66 always available. I quite like Pommery and have had it previously on NCL and landside. It’s definitely drier, but it’s a nice bottle. People overlook rosé champagnes, thinking they’re “lesser than,” but they’re not. Some of the best champagnes are rosés. The Prosecco ‘66 was good as well, albeit on the sweeter side (as prosecco usually is). It’s MUCH better than the standard Prosecco you get with the regular package.

If you have P+ and order any drinks like aperol spritzes, Hugo spritzes, etc, remember to specify which type of prosecco/champagne you want!

Veuve available by the glass and bottle in both Le Bistro and Ocean Blue. We ate in Le Bistro twice, and both times our servers kept our glasses full all night with the bottle in the wine bucket next to our table.

Oh, and it’s Duckhorn 😉

We had a VERY rocky day at sea on Friday on Encore, so it makes sense that Escape and Pearl were unable to make GSC that day. We were worried we wouldn’t make it on Saturday, but we did without issue. I can say those were the two roughest tender rides I have ever been on, though! It was still pretty windy and wavy.

Call me lucky, but I have never missed GSC…made it 5/5 times now. If you want to go, schedule your next sailing with me 🤣

Regardless, don’t be upset if your ship doesn’t make it. It does happen, but I guarantee you the experts making the call whether to stop or not are doing what’s best for the safety of everyone involved. I don’t get all the people complaining and saying things like “the weather is fine, they made a bad call” etc…I doubt the guests are more of an expert on the topic than the staff. It doesn’t help NCL to skip GSC, so just be prepared either way and enjoy your vacation.

Thank you both!

Has anyone ever had a roll call disappear? I’m sailing on Viva Jan 7, and there was an active roll call that I posted in…and now it’s gone. Every other Jan date is there, except the 7. Not sure what this means or if it was accidentally deleted, but just wondering if anyone had any thoughts! Thanks!

Not trying to give false hope nor do I know from a fact, but according to other SM sites, they’ve been having to cancel performances of CoM this week and last, as the seas have been extremely rough, making it unsafe for the performers. They mentioned they preemptively cancelled all the reservations the next two sailings because they may not be on the days scheduled, so they don’t want people thinking they have set evening dinner/show plans, and that they would announce show times/days in real-time based on the weather during the sailing.

Idk if that’s true or not, but I’m also sailing 10/15 and received the email…and that’s what people are saying 🤷🏼‍♂️

4 hours ago, chill6x6 said:

1. I'm not really sure one can beat the Haven price for those wanting a more upscale experience based on what IS included.

2. Maybe they don't have a lot of suite experience. No suite experience is perfect and differ between cruise lines. I've done Celebrity, Royal, HAL, and NCL, several times in their top suites. No suite experience is perfect or even what they could/should be. All have things they do great and then things that aren't so good.

3. I have generally been satisfied with the Haven product. 

 

 

You should try MSC Yacht Club. Clearly by the OP’s username, they’re an MSC fan. I’m an NCL fan by and far, but I don’t think any suite class tops Yacht Club. The pricing is MUCH more affordable (almost a steal tbh), and literally everything is included, down to the thermal suite. Even the elevators (on the entire ship, not just in Yacht Club) work just for you and take you to the floor you want without stopping when you swipe your card. I’ve had butlers literally push through steerage to make way for us. Hands down the best value and the best suite class overall IMO.

TBH, they're last few videos have been annoying and extremely negative overall, whether re: NCL or another line. They may be trying to post videos to "warn" or give a head's up, but I just feel they've been leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

They also have become more deceiving with the title/preview pic, as many YouTube videos do nowadays. I feel like they're becoming more popular and adding click bait for views, which you can't blame them for, but...oh well 🤷‍♂️

On 9/8/2023 at 7:09 PM, BirdTravels said:

The Birds took a lazy ride down the Chillkat River in Haines to take in nature’s beauty. 

Was this an NCL excursion, or did you just take the ferry to Haines from Skagway and back on your own? We were fortunate enough to be one of the very few ships to call in Haines on our Princess cruise this summer, and it was by far our favorite port in Alaska. As not many ships call there, we would love to go back!

I finally pulled the trigger an booked! Bumping for visibility!

7 hours ago, njhorseman said:

NCL is one of the cruise lines that participates in the Port of Seattle's complimentary Port Valet program. Your luggage is transferred from the ship to the airport and you're free to enjoy the day without having to worry about your luggage. The airlines participating are  Alaska, American, Delta, Horizon, JetBlue, Southwest and United.

 

https://www.portseattle.org/page/port-valet-enjoy-seattle-luggage-free

Oh, this is awesome! I didn't know this! Thank you so much...will definitely be using this. My Air Tag is ready 😂

Does anyone have any recommendations for luggage storage after an Alaskan cruise. It’ll be a Sunday (Encore) in a few weeks. Flight isn’t until 9:30pm, so don’t want to go straight to the airport. Thank you!

There are too many holes in this story.

Has anyone considered foul play?

Could his brother have done something in the room and wheeled him off in a suitcase?

Do we know if all of his stuff was still in the room?

The entire family (especially his brother) just disembarks and doesn't say anything until they're off?

If I was in a room with my brother, I don't think I'd get off without him...

I don't see how he could've gotten off without scanning his card, but I can see the customs part. One of my most recent cruises disembarking at PoM, they just had a customs agent on board randomly pulling people from the self-assist line and checking their passports. I wasn't pulled, and I walked off the ship with my luggage and was outside of the port in less than 2 minutes without any customs or immigration check. The weird thing would be that they never spotted him on any PoM CCTV.

I don't think he's still on the ship. He would've been noticed by now, and I'm sure security is on high alert. True, someone could sleep on the deck normally without anyone batting an eye, but with a missing person, I'm sure they would be noticing anything out of the ordinary.

I say the family (or one/some of them) are involved...🤷‍♂️

Anyone gotten Vibe on Encore or Bliss in Alaska and can share their experience? I’m considering it, as I think the hot tubs with that weather and scenery would be so nice, along with the outstanding service. However, I don’t want to be the only one…that would be boring 🤣 nor do I want to make the staff be outside if they don’t have to…unless they staff it regardless. Idk…just a random thought wondering if people have done it before. Otherwise, I’ll probably just get a thermal suite pass. Thanks in advance!

12 hours ago, PixieMom3 said:

We are on the Encore in November and considering a Vibe pass. Did some searches but didn't specifically see reviews about the space on the Encore, only saw other ships, so I'm wondering if there are places in the shade and if anyone is willing to share whether they feel the $500 for two is worth it (with the understanding that this is subjective). The person I talked with at NCL said we could get a refund if we change our minds before sailing so I'm thinking we might just purchase it and then think on it a little more. 

 

Thank you. 

I've been in Vibe on Encore...I love it. It's huge with plenty of space. There is plenty of shade, but sometimes they have to close the umbrellas due to wind. However, the other side of the ship usually has shaded chairs just due to the structure of the ship. You could also look into getting a cabana, which would include 2 passes and has guaranteed shade.

IMO, Vibe is 💯 worth it, and I don't like to cruise without it. If you're debating and have the funds, I say do it so you can see for yourself. If you don't like it/think it's worth, you won't need to worry about it in the future (but you'll love it 😉).

IMO, Vibe is always worth it lol especially if you have sea days. It’s not just the space…it’s also the service. It will definitely be nice weather for it. I think you should go for it!

What ship and itinerary?

I don’t think a cost for a medical center visit counts as “nickel and diming.” I agree with what others mentioned above.

I also find the comment that NCL “nickels and dimes” all the time interesting, because so many people say it and don’t give examples. I’ve sailed many lines, and I haven’t found NCL to upcharge for things any more than any other line 🤷🏼‍♂️

I’m not saying you said this, but I’m just curious as to what people think is different with NCL.

It lets you add whatever, but as mentioned, it just returns it later. My friend tried to do it with the double up offer to apply two CNs to a sailing despite it not being 4 months in advance. It let her, but she later got one returned. I’m assuming it would be the same with a CF + CN. 

4 minutes ago, olemissreb said:

My March '25 cruise got canceled by the cruise line, so now my sister and I are looking to replace it with a cruise in the Viva.  Looking at the website, I have some questions on the cabins...

 

1- what is the real difference between a balcony cabin and a deluxe balcony suite (or however they named them)?

The deluxe balcony suite has a bigger bathroom with a bathtub. Otherwise, not much different, and I don’t think worth the extra cost.

4 minutes ago, olemissreb said:

2 - in the pictures of the balcony cabins (and deluxe balcony suite), the beds look like sofa hide-a-beds. Do they really look like that and if so, are they as uncomfortable as a sofa bed?

They’re regular beds despite how they may look, and they’re very comfortable IMO.

4 minutes ago, olemissreb said:

3 - any pointers in choosing a cabin? We prefer mid-ship and higher decks.

If you prefer mid-ship and higher, book that. The higher and more forward the better on Viva, as you’ll otherwise look down onto Ocean Boulevard instead of the ocean. I feel deck 9 aft would be the worst location IMO.

4 minutes ago, olemissreb said:

 

4 - anything else you can share (good, bad and ugly) about NCL in general and the Viva specifically?

The Viva is only just finishing her inaugural sailing tomorrow, so the reviews should start coming in the next few months. However, it’s basically just like the Prima, so you can go off of those reviews for now. I personally loved Prima and am already booked on Viva. The ship is extremely beautiful and modern with the most spacious standard rooms and bathrooms I have seen, and the food was outstanding.

4 minutes ago, olemissreb said:

This is the most active I’ve seen for an LGBTQ roll call. Y’all are really persuading me to book. I was nervous about going solo on this long of a trip, but seems like it’ll be fun!

On 8/14/2023 at 8:26 PM, macewank said:

 

The breakaway+ ships have a cold water feature on the very top

I didn’t think about the misters…I guess I was thinking of this little water coves in Spice. Would be nice to at least have some of those in Vibe, or on the new class, have one a hot tub and the other a regular pool. Regardless, still love Vibe!

41 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

And most have some sort of water feature to help you stay cool.

 

I’ve never seen a water feature in Vibe other than hot tubs and showers…

2 hours ago, theloo said:

First, thank you for your review.  I already have a cruise booked on the Crown, so I may need to adjust some expectations.  

I'm sorry the food was disappointing, but since you mentioned that you're foodies and that the plating and menu choices were outdated, would you say the food is basic or maybe homestyle and not fancy?  Was there anything wrong with the preparation or flavors?  

Also, since you went to the gym, did you see any foam rollers?  If I don't have to pack one, that'll save me a lot of space 😁

You’re very welcome!

I wouldn’t call it homestyle…I’m originally from the Midwest, and I love homestyle cooking. I think my main issue was that it felt like more mass-produced cafeteria food (I know that’s harsh, but I mean like a protein with regular mashed potatoes and a few steamed veggies). I guess basic is a good word like you mentioned. It really was outdated…if you search some of the recent menus, you can see the choices…things that would’ve been considered “fancy” and served in nice restaurants a long time ago, possibly on the Titanic 🤣 just not modern enough for me I guess.

My biggest issue was the seafood, which I felt was all overcooked. I like seafood on a cruise and especially Alaska, so that was a let down. Overall flavor seemed to be standard salt and pepper 😴 Just my opinion, but the Princess fans still rave about it so idk 🤷🏼‍♂️ 

I honestly don’t remember the rollers or not, and I don’t want to give you incorrect information…I’m so sorry!

(I’m not sure who replied to you above, but it seems like he hijacked my post and only joined CC right before posting 🤣🤷🏼‍♂️)

27 minutes ago, Glaciers said:

 

Do you know about how far you were from the face of the glacier. Did you make it past Haenke Island?

Probably about 4-5 miles, as we were just before the island. In the photo below, I think you can see the island on the right, then the glacier.