OceanBlueWaters

6 hours ago, bkrickles1 said:

Choir of Man was my favorite show on Escape and maybe my favorite show on any cruise.

It was in the supper club, for a fee, but so well worth it.

We actually saw the original guys that are now out touring all over.

Sailing Encore in January and looking forward to seeing it again with a new set.

I also saw them in the Supper for a fee (Escape 10/18).  They were amazing!  I recently just saw them in the Theater (Escape 10/19 Cruise).  The two venues are very different.  The Supper Club was more "personalized".  They danced all around us. I got called up for the Pina Colada Song and it was toooo fun/funny!  The new venue in the theater is quite different.

The show is still AMAZING and also received several encores, but it was just different.

The front rows were roped off to Haven.  As were other shows.  Some of the worst behavior of "parents" I witnessed was in the Haven Rows with their children. They cried, screamed.  Eventually they brought them out while simultaneously disrupting the show(s) for others.

Haven Clientele may have the $ to acquire front row seats, but that does not give you the right to subject me to your crying kids and your oblivious attention to your misbehaved kids and disrupt the show in progress for other passengers.

JMO of new venue and my experience...but Choir of Man is NOT to be missed. They ROCK 🙂

Escape 10/13/19 Cruise to Bermuda:

I left a note for Cabin Steward to please leave me a beach towel for excursion next day. I received a phone message stating I had to go down to pool deck to get the towel.  No problem.  Just take a towel, no key/room card required.

Upon disembarking ship, there was also a "towel station" set up on pier (clean towels to take and used towel bin).  Upon returning to ship, you just threw the used towel into the bin on pier.  No key/room card needed.

I am just wondering... how are all these towels accounted for and how many will mysteriously fly away to unknown destinations? How does this reduce cost and why the change? 

Not a big deal, but hmmm.

JMO 🙂

13 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

 

They used the ship's lifeboats not local Bermuda boats for the tendering?

Yes.  They were small (Orange) with frequent drop offs to dock.

6 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

 

Port schedules may have errors but they try. Tendering ships are listed on the schedule. Aidaluna was listed as Grassy Bay:Anchor. I recall reading that and feeling sorry for the Aida passengers. 

They had all the stops out for tendering passengers next to Calico Jacks.  Drinks, towels, food, music.  It was a party on the dock for Pax returning/leaving in Lifeboats!  I did not know AIDA would be there.  They were beside us at MCT before leaving.  Need to research better next time to include "tendering" ships at port.  LOL! 🙂

Just FYI...

On the 10/13/19 Escape cruise to Bermuda, AIDA was tendering in on Wednesday (first day docked).  RCCL was also docked with us.  The dockyard was extremely busy.  Locals/crew said that it was only the 2nd time AIDA tendered.  I don't recall seeing AIDA in the mix when I searched for who would be in port with us.  That explains why Horseshoe Bay was extremely crowded and everything else. Three ships at Dockyard.  AIDA left the next day...

Point:  Port Schedules may or not be accurate.  "Hard docking" may be valid, but "tendering" ships may not be reflected in schedule.

JMO 🙂

On 10/7/2019 at 12:25 PM, PelicanBill said:

 

 

Thank you both!

 

The really keen-eyed weather watchers are talking about various low pressure areas and models but both the areas of interest being noted by NOAA are expected to be of no worry and stay well out to sea... with perhaps a minor concern for NCL Escape and anyone else heading to Bermuda next week.  That is the only thing I am watching.  There is nothing really anywhere else... just the rainy season!

I am heading to Bermuda on Sunday via the Escape.  What is this "minor concern" you speak of?  LOL!

Let's hope for GREAT weather for everyone!  If not, I will have a great time no matter what Mother Nature brings 🙂

Have a wonderful cruise PelicanBill! 

I have a feeling this thread will go to infinity and beyond!  😨

Hi Wilson!

Well, I haven't had time to read through the ENTIRE Blog/Vlog, but somehow I landed here...

Keep it coming 🙂

2 hours ago, Von & John said:

Woo Hoo to the Great Start on this one...

We leave in 15 Days - so having some challenges focusing on the here & now...

First Sid's review & now yours will keep us going...

Glad to hear you've actually boarded, enjoyed cocktails & departed already 🙂

Yes!  I agree!  Just wondering if he can EAT like Sid!! LOL!

🍗🥩🐛🐜🐙

GG...have a great time!

Oh...I forgot to mention that while you gone, the 50th Brady Celebration was going on.  Yup...HGTV revamped the "the exterior" and entire home and brought it to life.  I don't watch "Survivor" or any reality TV for that matter, but this caught my eye.  Marcia, Marcia, Marcia...

Ahhh...memories...

🙂

Welcome home Wilson!

During the time that you traveled today, I spent cleaning out my garage. Eww.  I swept out leaves, broke down boxes for recycling, and realized I really gotta stop ordering from Amazon.  LOL! 

Your next cruise is right around the corner.  That deserves a BIG SMILE!  I will be watching for your review of the Encore in the style that you do which is honest, real time, and not influenced.

See ya soon 🙂

3 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

It's strange how the ship becomes your home for the week, then, all of the sudden, it becomes the home for an entirely different set of people... By this time in a couple of days, they'll have forgotten all about me and this entire group of passengers.... We'll be in the "past tense"...

Yup, the last day is ALWAYS the worst.  Even though you have to go to work tomorrow, think about how fortunate you are.  You are able to cruise/vacation...

I find it much easier disembarking knowing there is another trip planned.  Something to look forward to.  You my friend, are heading off on the new Encore in December!  I will be waiting for your review of the ship (whether "live" or not).  

Enjoy the ship until they kick you off!

🙂

25 minutes ago, Bacci111 said:

Has anyone gotten their bidding accepted or denied, as of yet for the 13thof October sailing? 

Anxious to hear!

Join the Roll Call.  They may have more real time info you need:

https://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/norwegian-escape-october-13-2019/

8 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

I don't really care about the hull art... I'm not really excited about the race track or laser tag, but my plan is to get a Vibe pass, and enjoy the nice large forward area. I do plan on doing a "Live from" although I hate Norwegians internet pricing...

I'll give you a hall pass on the Hull Art since "Art" is in the eye of the blah, blah, blah.  LOL!   I would never pay that $ for the Vibe...but that's  just me.  I know you love it and hope you get a pass. 🙂

Sorry if I hijacked for a moment, now carry on 🙂

2 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

I'm ordering this shirt for my next cruise... Which is on December 1st... NCL's brand new Encore...

 

I LOVE this shirt!  However, I am unsure of the Encore since I can't get pass the Hull Art.  It literally makes me twitch!  No Spice is a downer too.  Anyway, are you going to do a "Live - Solo"? 

Party on my friend!

Hi Wilson!

Couple questions:

A.  What don't you eat (i.e. Tide Pods)?

2.  How was your shirt received at Chef's Table? 😜

🙂

2 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

Several minutes later, the ferry showed up, and I was heading to the other side of the river.

 

Holy Flood Zone!  FEMA Flood Insurance rates would be off the charts here at 1 foot above sea level!  LOL!  Thankfully they have survived. Never been there, but have been to Bonaire on a dive trip years ago...

Great pics and loving your review as usual 🙂

8 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

Side note: I'm definitely not coming back to the MDR this week...

That is my worst nightmare!  I feel your pain!  

One good part about NCL is the ability to get a table for ONE at any given time. 

Hang in there 🙂

2 hours ago, L2float said:

We had the Aurea experience last June on Armonia and utilized the Top 13 deck. It was worth it to us to have a place where you didn't have to compete for deck chairs. The attendants were happy to get bar service when you wanted it, provided fresh fruit skewers, and gave us cold misters.The misters were really helpful because there is minimal shade on Top 13. The coveted shady area was usually taken by a couple of families who ran up there early in the day to deposit their belongings. If you just want a place with abundant, comfy loungers to soak in the sun for a short time, it's worth the splurge. If you do not have the Aurea experience, the daily price is well worth it, especially on crowded sea days.I can't say that children were not allowed in this area, but it's doubtful they would enjoy spending a significant amount of time there.

As an added note, I wish they would provide true cabanas like those on HAL. They provide privacy and shade along with amazing food and beverage service! 

Great inside info!  Thank you!

On 9/19/2019 at 11:18 PM, Essiesmom said:

This is the sign on Armonia as of the Aug. 26 cruise:  

 

 

 

I don't know where/what the cabanas are...  EM

Perfect!  Thank you for the pics!

5 minutes ago, sid_9169 said:

And, maybe they could have a fleet of e scooters so they could get from the Starbucks to their cabin without having to walk...

Perfect!  Love it! 

On 9/21/2019 at 9:34 AM, sid_9169 said:

I went out to find some breakfast once the rain let up... This is one of my favorite views in Brickell... I love that curved building.

 

 

 

It looks like these d@mn e scooters have made their way down here to Miami... It's not so much the scooters themselves, but the people riding them... I don't really have anything against millennials per se... Well, maybe their hairstyles. Or, the music they listen to... Or, their political beliefs... Wait. What was I talking about? Oh, the e scooters... Yeah, I just don't like 'em... There, I said it...

 

 

Hi Wilson!

I am binge watching and had a thought when I came across this...

I understand Cruise Ships are catering towards millennials since they are the future cruisers.  Well, if that is true, the only thing cruise ships need to do is eliminate everything on the top deck (race cars, laser tag, roller coasters) and install a REALLY big Starbucks with FREE WIFI!  I think I just saved the cruise industry millions!  You're welcome!  LOL!

Enjoy your sea day  🙂

There you have it.  Lots of folks encouraging you to spend more $ for Vibe/Thermal Spa (which NCL wants). Or you can just roll with it.  Find a space on the Waterfront.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

4 minutes ago, OceanBlueWaters said:

Norwegian Cruise Line's Encore Moments campaign, which runs from Sept. 18, 2019 to Oct. 18, 2019 will recognize and reward 52 people across the U.S. (one person from each state including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), and one person from each of Canada's provinces and territories (excluding Quebec). The 64 nominees with the most votes in their state, province or territory will win their choice of a three-to-five-day cruise for two on almost any Norwegian Cruise Line ship.  They will also be provided airfare and accommodations for an award ceremony taking place in New York City on December 16, 2019. 

I got that from a different website.  Conflicting.  Of course NCLs TCs & Cs don't say that.

1 minute ago, Mechman1971 said:

website

 

rules (https://encoremoments.ncl.com/promo_terms/33350)

 

 

hmmmm..Im confused???

Norwegian Cruise Line's Encore Moments campaign, which runs from Sept. 18, 2019 to Oct. 18, 2019 will recognize and reward 52 people across the U.S. (one person from each state including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), and one person from each of Canada's provinces and territories (excluding Quebec). The 64 nominees with the most votes in their state, province or territory will win their choice of a three-to-five-day cruise for two on almost any Norwegian Cruise Line ship.  They will also be provided airfare and accommodations for an award ceremony taking place in New York City on December 16, 2019.