Jonslola

48 minutes ago, Mrs_Reevo said:

How did that work for e docs? We’re you able to re download them or was it fine to use the ones with the old cabin? It says they become unavailable 3 days before sailing . We have bids in so curious how it works as never done it before 

Yeah, so we couldn't get new e docs. The email notification said I would get ANOTHER email ( I assumed with new e docs?) but I never got one. Once we got to port, we told the person taking our luggage that our cabin changed, he looked us up, and attached luggage tags with our new cabin number, it was super easy.

I suggest to print out everything just in case you need it. I had a copy of the upgrade email and I printed out a new copy of our Vacation Summary with the new cabin number in case I needed to show it to someone.

10 hours ago, 4cats1house said:

When did you find out you got the upgrade?  We are sailing on the Encore on Sept 18th & put in a few bids to upgrade.

My sailing left on the 21st, I got the upgrade email on the 19th. Some people got them a couple days earlier than that, and some got them on the 20th. NCL likes to keep you waiting, lol.

I was just on the August 21st sailing on Encore and my bid was accepted! I bid from from an inside to a balcony. Many others on my sailing had bids accepted for various balcony categories, and many said their bids were pretty "low". I spoke with another passenger that bid less than I did ($200 less) for the same upgrade from inside to balcony and also got the upgrade. I think most of the bids are being accepted due to the lower capacity, and they want our extra money, lol. Good luck!

Thank you so much for posting! I will be on the Encore in 16 days, this makes me even more excited!

On 7/13/2021 at 11:58 AM, JamieLogical said:

 

Apparently jeans are okay as long as they are "nicer" jeans with a "dressier" top on normal night, but not the Evening Chic nights? All of my jeans are pretty frumpy. Not holey or frayed, but just not designer jeans by any stretch of the imagination. Also, I don't really have any shoes to wear with jeans besides sneakers and unless they are "nicer" sneakers, like maybe the leather ones my husband has, I don't think those would work either. Remember, some of my concern is what is socially acceptable, not just what is within the "letter of the law", because I don't want to stick out or feel judged.

It may be silly, but I have been known to watch cruise and travel vlogs just to observe what people in the background are wearing, I found it really helpful! 

Looking forward to your posts! I am curious about the differences and similarities you experience between the two lines. 

11 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I follow a vlogger who was on the first RCCL sailing out of Nassau and they retested the people who initially tested positive and did allow them to board after their second test came back negative. I sincerely hope NCL will do the same. If I have to take extra precautions a week or two before sailing to make sure I don't end up with a break through infection, I am more than happy to do so.

 I saw that as well, it made me feel better about the testing. I know that it was RCL, but I am going to assume NCL will do the same retesting if needed. I also plan on taking extra precautions in the week or two leading up to sailing.

I can't wait to be on a ship again!

33 minutes ago, chaching said:

Thank you! How is the Complimentary dining food? Seems pretty pricey to have to pay so much for Specialty dining.

 For dinner we have always enjoyed the food in the MDR finding it to range from good to excellent. As a previous poster mentioned, The Local/O'Sheehans also has good food if you are looking for pub-type fare. Some ships also have a complimentary Asian restaurant too (Lotus Garden?) that we have found to be 50/50 on quality, but still a nice option for something different.

I also prepay my gratuities, as previous posters have said, it's nice to have one less thing to worry about. 

I, too, only got the email confirmation but not the text. It would not allow me to add a photo, I will try again later.

29 minutes ago, jcu1210 said:

Who are you looking at for Icry Straight? I was a bit disappointed by the offerings 

I booked with Glacier Wind Charters for a whale watching trip, last I spoke with them they had 2 spots left. You can find them online and contact them through the website, they are really nice people!

9 hours ago, lepidoptera said:

Does any one know if NCL is requiring you to use their tour operators to get off the ship in Alaska? I had just started looking into rebooking Alaska before they took they took it down to switch ships- not sure I would want to do a full blown excursion every port or just get off and walk around. 

I chatted with an agent to ask this exact question, they said we CAN book with independent vendors so no requirement to book through NCL. I have an independent vendor booked for Icy Strait. 

My cabin changed to a different deck. My TA called and on the Encore the cabin is a higher category than it was on the Bliss so I would have to pay more, I said no thank you! Our original cabin was on deck 8 (Waterfront deck) now we are on 11. Eh, if that's the worse thing that happens to me today I really can't complain! 

I just tried a mock booking for my sailing on Aug 21st and it is indeed showing it as sold out. Interesting developments.... lol

4 hours ago, AdoraBelle said:

 

Hmm, they've been there for me, but I don't know Alaska and I don't know if I should be seeing more excursions than a couple of 'lumberjack shows'. 🙂

Mine were there before the itinerary change, then they disappeared, lol! I'm on the August 21st sailing, I'm sure they will load them back up soon!

14 hours ago, CaptainWoody said:

My guess is that this test requirement will be removed fairly soon.

I feel the same, I think they will remove the testing requirement. Fingers crossed 🤞

Thanks for sharing, great news! That means the excursions will start showing up for my cruise in August, woo hoo!

This has to be the BEST review I have ever read! Thank you so much for sharing, you definitely have a talent for writing, I can't wait to read more of your adventures!

Thanks for your review!

I actually liked the weird cabin layout, but did not care for the ship, mainly because I like a promenade and the Epic did not have that. I felt too closed in, not enough ocean views for me. While I don't prefer it, I might sail on the Epic again if I'm looking for a specific itinerary.  I did enjoy the Spice H2O area, spent a lot of time there! While it's not my cup of tea, many others enjoy Epic, and I would never tell someone not to sail on her just because of my preferences. I always take reviews with a grain of salt, and you can easily weed out the petty ones, lol!

Don't sweat it too much, the Dawn is small, you shouldn't have an issue if you need to move reservations around once you're on board. Enjoy your cruise, I love the Dawn!

Thank 

13 minutes ago, Dawnya00 said:

In the buffet. I start looking around 1:30. There is a spot where they will have small pastries and cream scones. I’ve found them as last as 3pm. It’s only in one spot on the cruise. 

Thank you so much, I will keep my eye out for them next time!

46 minutes ago, Dawnya00 said:

I always miss the crepes! Always! I’ll have to remember this. I discovered two cruises ago, they do scones with cream and jam around ‘tea time’. I legit will eat a plate.

Wait, when and where may I find these illusive scones you speak of? I haven't encountered them in my last 3 cruises. Please "spill the tea" !

My very first cruise was on the Dawn as well, it's the perfect ship to get you hooked on cruising!

1 hour ago, L1211 said:

Current situation. I went to the MDR but didn’t want to spend the time. Family is sleeping in and I’ve been working. Sea day work day for me!  
 

I love breakfast food. But I’ve had none on this trip due to late dinners.   But, here’s a perfectly prepared veggie egg white omelette. And breakfast menus. 

I LOVE having breakfast in the MDR on a sea day, however, getting my butt out of bed in time on a sea day is difficult! Plan for next cruise, get butt out of bed and to the MDR for breakfast, then back to bed? Hmmm.....