justhappy

I saw on a social media site today an article that suggests that the Encore might be having cabins added on deck 15 forward port side in what is now the port Observation Lounge just like the Joy had done. 
Someone found that on NCL’s website forward port cabins on deck 15 are listed for booking in 2025. These cabin numbers are the same as the ones on Joy that were just added.

I checked and the deck plans on NCLs site still shows the current deck 15 plans, but sure enough shows the new cabin numbers.

I can guess the observation lounge is underutilized during Caribbean cruises but it will be missed during Alaska sailings.

Shouldn’t we be having this discussion tomorrow?! 🤔 😂

41 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Port Valet is actually paid for by airline and port fees, according to the Port of Seattle. If I were a Seattle resident, I'd be quite upset if my tax dollars were funding vacationers luggage transfers. 

 

Source: https://www.portseattle.org/news/190326-Cruise-Port-Valet-Release

 

Source: https://meetings.portseattle.org/portmeetings/attachments/2023/2022_02_14_RM_8e_Memo_Cruise-Luggage-Port-Valet-Program.pdf

I would not be surprised if the Port Valet Program was started to help with the horrible congestion at SeaTac on the weekends the cruise ships are in port.

No airlines would take your luggage until a few hours before your flights due to lack of space.

Security lines were hours long.

It is better at the airport than it used to be, thinking back to my experiences in 2015.

I also wonder if the plan was to also encourage tourists to spend a few more hours (and dollars) in town.

14 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

Kind of surprised they would charge extra for an additional small lobster tail.  I can stomach an upcharge in the MDR for something like that, but not the Haven restaurant.  

 

FWIW - Had a nice conversation with our PCC about the cost of the Haven and what you get out of it compared to similar lines and service.  Free at Sea should just be included in the Haven fare, not extra and the minibar should be stocked and possibly restocked in every Haven room.  Small things like that.

Back in 2015 FAS was included with no gratuities charged on it and no limits, you could eat at specialty restaurants every night if you wished and no price limits on any alcoholic beverages.

If I’m considering the nicest and least expensive cabin I’ve ever cruised in it would have to be the studio cabin I had for a 5 night cruise on the Getaway. Best sleep ever and since it was a group cruise it came with a lot of perks.

On the other hand the most expensive but definitely my favorite is the aft Haven balcony on deck 9.

  Over 3 cruise lines I’ve sailed in insides, ocean view,  balcony, Central Park balconies, club balcony and Haven.

It’s more about the fun you have and friends you meet vs what kind of cabin you’re in. So the nicer cabin is just a bonus.
 

6 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

Well, that is upsetting! You shouldn't have to make the request more than once or twice. I'm sorry the service wasn't up to par. This is one (of several) reasons I mentioned I've given up on cruising NCL for the moment. I have no idea how long that "moment" will last. 

 

I do think there is a service difference between Breakaway and the other ships in the line. If you read enough lives/reviews you notice subtle differences. The reviews don't have to be folks staying in the Haven either. It just seems Breakaway (and maybe Jewel) have different senior leaders that do things differently, leading to a better experience than others report. It's just a gut feeling I have. No proof whatsoever, just me reading between the lines (that may or may not be there). 

 

 

I think this is a big part of it, regarding service and guest experience.

GM’s like Errol Bailey and Kivanc Ucar

worked their way from the bottom up and tend to be better for it, and the crew performance reflects how well they are treated imo. That works its way down to the guests.

13 hours ago, luvcruzing said:

To reach the Mega Store, you would cross the street and turn right.

This is true, but my directions were from the point of view that you were already across the street, as we were made to go across and through the port shopping area, before getting back to the street itself. Leaving the port shopping area we were made to go through it’s to your left if you’re facing the pier. Of course it could be different now. That’s why I included the map and satellite photo.

When you go @YVRteacher, be sure to visit the produce section, even if you can’t bring them back on the ship, I loved browsing the variety of fruits.

On the ground floor are various shops, take the escalator upstairs to the store 

I’m glad you can shake off the bad experiences and focus on the good.

if I remember correctly, about 10 to 15 minutes before a show starts in the Theater the Haven seats are open to everyone, at least that’s how it was a few years ago. Help yourself unless you’re worried about being heckled by the comedians!

 As for the Mega store, if the ship docks at Punta Langosta pier, you have to go through the folks waiting on shore excursions up to the second level and then back down unless they’ve fixed the broken escalator.

Then once outside the port area you head 

left and it’s a very short walk along sidewalks to the store.

17 hours ago, YVRteacher said:

We threw lines at 5pm, slid sideways from the dock, pivoted and were on our way by 

5:07pm. Sailaways are such a part of my cruise stories. When my dad and I cruise together in a warm climate we always have sailaway drinks in hand (beer for him, used to be a Mango Meltdown or Mudslide but these days most likely an Old Fashioned for me) and we always pull deck chairs right up to the railings.

Today I found an oversized snuggle chair on the waterfront until it was time for dinner at La Cucina. The rain stopped just as we left New Orleans so I got some great views of the bridge and the fuming smokestacks.

 

Had I known we would be so close to prime swampland and arable farmland I would have made a later dinner reservation. Cows! There are cows next to the river!

 

For dinner I was seated at 5:30pm, salad was served at 5:51pm and my half portion main course (I always order half portions of pasta) at 6:03.

I used a specialty dining credit from Free at Sea and no lecture was provided on what I could or could not order. The table behind me got the lecture instead.

 

This is by far the best Misto Insalada served on NCL. Fresh, crisp, quality ingredients. Delicious and so enjoyable!

 

My entree was the Fettuccine Alfredo Con Funghi. The sweet tangy smell of perfectly roasted garlic entwined with the gooey melted cheese and perfectly cooked noodles. The mushrooms were too mushroomy for me (not NCL’s fault-I just don’t like mushroomy mushrooms) so I didn’t eat them but I savoured the meal, twirling noodles on my fork while enjoying the shifting scenery.

The waiter asked if I would like another Bellini with dessert and I replied, “oh, yes!” The waiter brought the drink and said “I’m sorry. It’s a different bartender this time.” It looked (and tasted) the same as the first one.

Can someone with internet please tell me if the Mississippi has been dredged to allow for cruise ships or if it is naturally deep and just how deep is it?

 

For dessert I ordered the cannolis with no powdered sugar. For once I remembered! The cannolis were not very good as the shells were overcooked and the filling was just so off. Oh well. I licked the decorative garnishes off the ends and left the rest. The waiter came to check on me and asked why I didn’t eat them. I told him the shells were burnt and they didn’t taste good. He said they are normally covered in powdered sugar so he didn’t know they weren’t supposed to look that way. 😂

He offered to bring me new ones but I was full and I knew the filling would be the same.

Between dinner and the show I listened to Rob the musician in the Atrium and went outside to capture the sunset.

 

Overheard entering the theatre:

“Jeanie! I got your mom corked on two drinks!

Jeanie: “Perfect. She’s taking a nap now. Let’s keep it that way.”

 

To Jeanie’s mom: your family really loves you and is thoroughly enjoying your company and your vibrant personality on this cruise and they can’t wait to cruise with you again!

 

Overheard in the theatre from a charming preteen: “I’m the guy that can learn anything in 24 hours!” Love his confidence!

 

The comedy show was fun. As a single Canadian vegetarian teacher I am not the target demographic. There were hunting and Church’s chicken jokes I didn’t even get. People laughed and I had no idea where the funny was. I did get the snow jokes. I’m a good Canadian.

 

Overheard coming out of the theatre at 8:21pm: “Anthony, if you want any late night snacks now’s the time to get them!”

 

Also overheard at 8:21pm from a little girl: “mom! There’s a bar!!!”

 

Now I’m at headliners for Howl at the Moon.  I have been wanting to see this for YEARS!  For real!! I really want a drink but I can’t get up and leave my seat. What to do?

 

Howl at the Moon trio said there were 1200 kids on board last week. I’m curious to find out how many kids are on this cruise.

 

Jen, Alisa and Kyle made dueling pianos not only a trio but a treat! They were amazing. Kyle just joined the ship today so the 3 of them had never played before yet they had instant rapport. Such talent and energy! We were treated to songs from

Lizzi

Nickleback

Johnny Cash

Elton John

Taylor Swift

Billy Joel

Neil Diamond

Tina Turner

Jerry Lee Lewis

Queen

and so much more.

This was the single best night I’ve ever had on NCL!!!

 

 

 

 

We were at Howl at the Moon Saturday night, Jen was amazing!

She sang Back to Black by Amy Winehouse and, WOW!

On 3/17/2024 at 4:05 PM, YVRteacher said:

Tour of a studio cabin:

 

The curved wall is magnetic

 

 

Not surprisingly the studio cabin on the Breakaway looks just like the one I had on the Getaway. I loved it, it felt so cozy, but not at all claustrophobic to me. I think the white walls and bright lights helped.

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

Don't worry! I'm used to not having a clue about pop culture references. My husband's working late tonight, so I'm going to see if I can find Captain Ron on one of the streaming platforms. Then I'll be educated in the way of 1992 yacht movies.

Those crowds are...absolutely incredible (and not in a good way). Wow. Just stunningly crazy wow! 

 

Are you a 3/16 and 3/17 baby? I'm a St. Patrick's baby myself. I used to tell everyone I had not a lick of Irish in me (my family didn't think I did)...then I did the whole ancestry.com spit test thing. Welp, I do have a wee bit of Irish! Happy belated to you! 

 

Last year, on my birthday I was flying to Miami to get on Joy on 3/18. Oh, how times change! I'd much rather be on the cruise...I remember being embarrassed by the Haven Restaurant servers singing happy birthday to me too! That muffin with berries looks incredible! 

 

I hope you are home and recovering from your restful trip. 🙂

DH and I were talking last night about how being born on a holiday, sometimes your birthday is overshadowed by the holiday. Not so with St Patrick’s day! Everybody just wants to celebrate and drink🍀

Glad to know you’re my birthday buddy!

My TA put down on the booking to celebrate my birthday on Saturday although it is actually the 17th.

Yes it was embarrassing after the first time they sang Happy birthday. On Sunday morning I told them I’m celebrating St Patrick’s day but I still got more Happy Birthdays. 

I just had to add that my adult drink total for the cruise was 18, and as DH pointed out, about 17 1/2 more than a normal week at home for me. 
DH had double the drinks I did, but he also has a glass of Tullimore Dew or Jamison’s a couple of times a week.

Our next cruise is on the Getaway out of New Orleans in October with friends. Back in a regular balcony stateroom, and a more active trip for sure. 

 Wishing you all fair skies and following seas! 🛳️

On 3/11/2024 at 11:44 AM, cruiseny4life said:

I'm a day late, but you're still posting, so I'm on time! Have a lovely time! I hope the meander down the river was fun. That's the only reason I want to sail out of New Orleans. The big muddy.

 

It's heartening to see you be on a cruise, enjoying relaxing, and each other's company without having to deal with the stress of every day living. Have a phenomenal time! And thank you for sharing! 

 

I'll be the first with a super annoying question: do you know if an alternate option for lunch was offered on embarkation day? 

First of probably 100 questions for you. I feel so special! 🍻

 Hey @cruiseny4life You are about 99 questions short 🤣

I hope your next cruise is as marvelous as this one was for me.

Sad it’s over but on our way to pick up Daisy so not too sad.

After a nice last breakfast and handing out tips and goodbye hugs we were escorted down at 7:59am. We scanned off the ship and joined the line of what looked to be most self assist passengers. By 8:15am we had our luggage, through customs (Yay for facial recognition!) and got on a shuttle bus for the garage at 100 Poydras St.

 Amazing that we had a private ride.

By 8:30 am we were in our car and headed to Biloxi.

And just like that, our fun week was over.  
 

Thanks for following along, 

and may the spirit of Captain Ron be with you always!

As usual my internal alarm clock had me awake way before the 6 am alarm I set.

In stepping out on the balcony at 6:15am it was warm and so far no rain.

Radar shows it’s moving in though.

We will head up soon for breakfast and then  wait to be escorted off by the concierge team. We are in no rush as I don’t think the LZA garage at 100 Poydras opens until 8:30 or so. Of course by the time we get our luggage and get through customs we still have to wait for the shuttle bus back to the garage.

 We will have a short drive of 1&1/2 hours to the Beau Rivage in Biloxi MS where we will spend the night before finishing the drive home on Monday.

The Breakaway trip reports continue with @YVRteacher for the next two weeks.

Her trip reports and photographs are excellent so I’ve handed off the reins to her!

6 hours ago, we12brich said:

We will be boarding her tomorrow. I hope we get Sheila as well. We are in one of the DOS. Belated Happy Birthday!

I hope you have a great cruise!

Apparently when your travel agent notes on your reservation that you’re celebrating your birthday the word gets around!

Every where we went today I was wished a Happy Birthday.

Every time I entered the Haven restaurant I was sung Happy Birthday 

and brought more treats.

From my stateroom attendant-

From the restaurant servers-

 The server made a napkin rose for me 🌹

I can’t say enough about how kind all the staff of the Haven are.

And not just to me and DH.

We spent the better part of the day reading in the warmth and sunshine knowing that tomorrow it would be cool and possibly raining.

Around 4pm we packed our suitcases so we wouldn’t have to worry about it later.

  Dinnee in the Haven restaurant then we headed to Howl at the Moon and enjoyed some very talented musicians before heading back to our stateroom.

  We spent  a few minutes watching the harbor pilot board the ship for our slow trip upriver.

 Off to bed for an early wake up tomorrow.

To correct a few things I got wrong, DH didn’t play arcade games because you needed to purchase a package, he was just swiping his card wrong and saw the sign about arcade packages and assumed he needed to purchase one. So you can still play them without purchasing the package.

Also the port fee credit was from missing Harvest Cay.

3 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

What drink is that?

The first one was a poinsettia, champagne and cranberry juice, the other pic is a painkiller.

5 hours ago, Oakman58 said:

 

I'm sorry but I had to Laugh Out Loud at your crowds on the pier comment.  This is what the Costa Maya pier looked like last month when we visited and there were five ships in port.

Holy crowds Batman!

For breakfast DH ran down to Starbucks for some coffees and we ate the birthday cake Sheryl had left for me last night, then it was off to the Haven sundeck since an overnight rain storm left our lounge cushions soaked.

Nobody up this early…

 DH was spotted at the bar by the Haven restaurant staff who asked him when we were coming for breakfast.

He said we had already had breakfast bug they insisted we come have just a little something.

This is the little something they brought out while they sang happy birthday to me!

Then the bartenders brought these and sang Happy Birthday!

By the time breakfast was over I’m not sure how many times I’d had Happy Birthday sung.

to me😬

We hung out in the lounge until it was time for the debarkation briefing by the concierge.

  We received our luggage tags and instructions on luggage assistance and also restaurant hours for the morning.

 After that it was back to the sundeck for more sun and reading and drinks!

 Since I’m about debark tomorrow and end my trip report I hand over the ship to you and am hoping you have a great and stress free cruise. ❤️

 Love your trip reports and can’t wait to  read about your adventures!

Day 7 at sea

We are sadly headed back to New Orleans, the captain says we will enter the mouth of the Mississippi River around 9:30 pm tonight.

Chance of rain this afternoon, likely rain tomorrow.

Love New Orleans, but sad to be heading back.

its a funky place 

We decided to save the cake and bubbly for breakfast.

The butler had also brought a pitcher of OJ so we put that in the fridge.

 We planned to go to tonight’s comedy show in the theater but had some time to kill so we visited out favorite slots again. This time I stared into the eyes of the wolves and came out ahead.

We headed for the theater and enjoyed both comedians. It was another full show.

After another very funny show we meandered back to our stateroom and settled in for the night.

I forgot to mention that on the afternoon of our canceled Roatan day we had $20 per person OBC 

in our accounts, I’m assuming refunds of port fees.

i sure hope those of you who haven’t seen Captain Ron aren’t totally scratching your heads!

My drink total for the cruise so far-15