tx121

55 minutes ago, marktwothousand said:

CAN WE BOOK TENDERS VIA NCL APP BEFORE CRUISE OR ONLY ONCE CRUISE STARTS?

IF SO, AT WHAT POINT DOES BOOKING TENDERS BECOME AVAILABLE TO US DURING CRUISE?

It was mentioned on Day 3 on the Freestyle Daily. Now it could of been available to reserve on day 1 of the cruise as well. I didnt check the app if it could of been done on their. It was available on the tv and the touchscreens around the ship

1 hour ago, toothy26 said:

So if I have the 2 restaurant dining perk for my 5 night cruise can my husband and I split the restaurants as you did or is that a specific dining plan that you chose?

As long as you have a dining plan, you can choose to use it however you like. So if you really want to stretch out your 2 credits per person, you can technically do 4 specialty restaurants by using 1 credit per restaurant.  Again, it depends how hungry you are and if the portions are big. For instance,  I think Le Bistro is a restaurant where you would use 1 credit each per person because portions are on the smaller side. But, say your travel companion doesnt like French Food but you want to try the restaurant, you can use the dining credit and he/she can order something a la carte or have a dessert. Or they can just pick at what you ordered and have wine/drink. 

6 hours ago, adam3313 said:

Thanks for posting your review! Ill be boarding the Encore in 3 weeks!

 

I read in your daily that it seems the casino tables aren’t open on the night of San Juan? Do you recall if that’s true?

 

Thanks!

I don't recall if the tables were open. We departed San Juan at midnight, so the earliest they could of opened back up would be around 12:30am. 

The slot machines are open all night every day until we got to a port. I think the casino gives their dealer staff a night off in San Juan.

6 hours ago, mdchachi said:

Regarding Glow party, I noticed in pictures elsewhere people were waving around glow sticks or lights of some sort. Were they passing them out or selling them?  If the latter, wondering if I should buy some in advance.

Yes they are given out for free. Some people bring their own glow type stuff as well since this is a popular event. They also do face painting. 

3 minutes ago, cruisinwmom said:

Thank you again for taking the time to do this and all the info provided.  I’ll be boarding the ship tomorrow and your posts have helped so much.  This is definitely the most thorough information I’ve ever found on any cruise I’ve ever taken.  I hope you enjoyed your cruise and have a safe journey home.  

Thanks! I'm glad I could help. I hope you guys have a wonderful cruise! So jealous that your vacation is just starting! Lol! Enjoy!

32 minutes ago, mdchachi said:

Yes really appreciated as I'll be on the Encore in 8 days if all goes as planned.

 

I wonder if the 8% tax on the photos only applies on the last night or if you have to pay Florida tax no matter when you buy.

By the way, is it possible to pull the dining credit splitting trick in all the restaurants or only certain ones where it's easier to share the food?

I'm not too sure about the photos and the taxes on it. I havent bought photos on a cruise in awhile.

So I think splitting the dining credit can work at certain places more than others.

For instance, I think it would be harder to do it at Le Bistro since portions aren't that big. Also since it is a la carte pricing, if you want to order something extra, you can do so to add to your meal. 

3 minutes ago, david_sobe said:

Thanks for taking us along.  A genius way to expand the specialty dining package especially since portions are so big.  Wonderful review.  Its always so sad the last night of a cruise.  But all good things must come to an end.  Thanks again for taking the time to post photos and your experiences!

You're welcome! I think people should thank you too since I wouldn't of done the review if you didnt ask for it in the other thread. Lol!

Day 7- Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas -Continued

Part 2

After our time at the pool, we went back to the room and took a bit of a rest before packing. Below is a flyer that explains the Debarkation process in Miami. Unlike other cruise lines, NCL let's you pick the color luggage tag you want. Each color coincides with the estimated time of departure. You can pick your color luggage tags at guest relations.

Packing is always a real downer because for obvious reasons that your vacation is coming to an end and the other reason is how the heck did I fit all this crap in my luggage in the first place?! Lol! 

We decided to do the self assist option where we will take our bags off the ship. We find it easier to do it this way, especially if things are getting backed up in the terminal / customs and you are just sitting around the ship waiting for your color to be called. 

After finally getting everything organized, we decided to use our last specialty dining credit at Q BBQ restaurant. Last night we used one credit for Food Republic and shared the 4 items. Tonight we used one credit for Q and again shared the meal. For food Republic and Q, we didnt have reservations and had no trouble getting seated. By using 1 credit, it allowed us to try 2 more specialty restaurants instead of one. 

You can definitely share the food at Q since the portions are big. We ordered the Deviled Eggs, Loaded Fries and the Pitmaster's feast which included 1/4 lb of brisket, chicken, 2 ribs and sausage along with corn bread, coleslaw, potato salad, pickles, and beans. Surely enough for 2! The food was good....It had that nice smokey flavor. The meat could have been seasoned more, but it was still good with the BBQ sauces provided. We finished it up with dessert- Banana Pudding which was delicious!

When we first walked in you see the place settings on the table with the Red Solo Cups. At first I was like wow that's kind of tacky serving us drinks in a plastic cup. But when you pick it up, it actually is a ceramic cup with the Q logo on it. Lol! Kind of clever!

We were stuffed after our meal. We decided to goto the atrium and watch the 55 second game show. It was ok, something to pass the time as we have no further plans for tonight.

Anyways, this concludes my experience on the NCL Encore. Thanks for coming along! I hope you guys enjoyed my review and that I answered your questions! We had a nice relaxing cruise vacation that let us escape the cold weather up north! Dreading going back home to cold dreary weather. 🤦‍♂️ 

Well if you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I will be posting my overall experience review in another thread with my pros and cons of the Encore and some tips. 

Hope you guys have a great vacation whenever that may be!

1 hour ago, sharktooth2005 said:

Thanks for all the great information.  Does the ship enforce the policy of being back on the ship 2 hours before sailing?

Besides embarkation port which is all guests to be on the ship 2 hours before departure, all other ports are half hour before departure. 

Day 7- Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Part 1

I figured I write part 1 of my daily review while I am sitting on the pool deck. We all know how on the last day things get a little chaotic with packing, settling the bill, etc. So I figured I get a head start.

Today we are in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, NCLs private island. We actually "arrived" early around 8am. The captain made an announcement that because of the swells in the ocean, they would only be operating 2 tender boats today. The cruise director called groups 1 and 2 and those who are ready to get off the ship. We went to the Encore theater and then we were directed to get on the tenders on deck 4. It was a rough ride heading to the island but we made it. 

The weather in the morning was overcast with spots of sun at times. Since we were the first tender boat to arrive, we had a wide selection of seats to choose from. 

We went to the shore excursion booth to see how much snorkel equipment was to rent. We decided to go in the water and then decide if we needed to get the snorkel equipment.  Good thing we did because the water was sooo cold! The outdoor temperature was only 70-75 degrees.  The water was freezing! I attempted to go in waist deep, but my body rejected. We decided to lay out for an hour, get a burger and then head back to the ship. It was too cold and windy for a beach day. I rather layout by the pool and use the jacuzzi!

Before we went towards the tenders, I took a picture of the prices of rental equipment,  cabana rentals, watersports,etc. Look where I have the three red dots next to. Now what in the world??? Do people really have a interest in swimming with pigs on the beach for $100+?? 😆

The ride back to the ship was again very rocky, but we survived. Surprisingly it was 11:45am and there was still a large crowd trying to get to the island. Wouldn't want to fight those crowds trying to come back, so it was good we came back early!

I am enjoying the empty ship again by the pool deck and the WARM jacuzzis that are unoccupied! Life is good!

To be continued......

8 minutes ago, mdchachi said:

Sad day for you.getting to last hours. Thanks again for all your posts. 
Dod you happen to know if they offer any WiFi packages onboard that’s different from what you can buy in advance?

 For example if I decide I want more than the 250 minutes I have, are there other options besides moving up to unlimited for $80? If not I may as well prepurchase now. 

Yes it feels weird that today is our last day since we are in port. I'm so used to having a sea day and then disembarking the next day. 

There were no specials onboard for wifi. I would upgrade to unlimited if it is only $80 more.

3 hours ago, jfio1021 said:

what time did the hot tubs close

10pm but always check planner to make sure

2 hours ago, Snorkelfoodie said:

Such a great review! I was reading fine print on 1 of the dailies from a port day & it said no food allowed off the ship. Question: does this apply to pre-packaged sealed food? We have been on other cruise lines & have been allowed to bring commercial snacks such as chips, trail mix & protein/granola bars off ship for beach day. We are going to Bermuda in May & just need something light in afternoon  before returning to ship for supper. Planning on buying Soda & beverages at beach. Do you know if packaged snacks are allowed off ship? Thanks for taking time to respond to everyone’s questions! You rock!

You're welcome! Glad you are enjoying! Yes anything sealed like cereal, chips, cookies can be taken off the ship. They just dont want you to bring anything like fruit, cooked items, etc off the ship.

6 hours ago, SunnyTahitianDaze said:

 

Tex (is that the TX?) sorry to bother you again, but if you can possibly find out how much the zip line is at GSC I would be SO obliged.  I am trying to decide if we should zipline in St Thomas or at GSC.

 

Thank you so much!!! 

The zipline is still in construction right now so there is no pricing available yet. Sorry! Here is a picture of the main point of the zipline. 

Also, I've been asking about the Bubly drink around different bars and some bartenders are saying no it is not included but....I can give it to you. So I guess you just have to get the right bartender who will do it for you. 😉

Today's spa special

Day 7 Menu

Day 7 Freestyle Daily 

Day 6- At Sea

Yesterday's GLOW party was great!  The energy was there and the DJ played a great mix of music. The cruise director and staff did a good job setting the tone of the party and getting everyone involved. Definitely another highlight of the cruise!

Today I was proactive and decided to get up early (8am) to get a good spot on the pool deck. No such luck as all the seats were taken on Deck 16. There were still loungers in the sun on Deck 17, so I count it as a win and worth getting up early for. 

We spent most of the morning and early afternoon sunbathing, going in the pool and relaxing in the jacuzzi. I might have over done it as now my back is sun burnt! Good thing I packed some aloe gel. 🥵

We went to have a late lunch at The Local and then decided to try our luck at the blackjack table. Table minimums are cheaper in the afternoon starting at $10. At night it goes to $15 and above. Lady luck was on my side as I won $135 on my first hand! There is a side bet on the table where if you play $1 minimum, you win 125:1 if your first 2 cards are 2 Queen of Hearts. So I won $125 on the side bet and my original hand of $10! It went up and down and I decided to cash out at $100 profit!

After getting up early, getting too much sun and the adrenaline of winning in the casino wearing off, we decided to take a nap in the room until dinner.

We actually cancelled our dinner reservation at Onda and I decided to use my last specialty dinner at the Food Republic. With the dining package you are allowed to pick any 4 items off the menu. Using a little strategy, we decided to use only 1 of our dining credits and share the 4 items. You order off an iPad which provides pictures and descriptions of the items. After selecting your items, it is sent to the chefs and then brought out to the table by the waiter. We decided to get the Ramen Soup, Fried Calamari, "Tiger" Sushi Roll and the Lamb Chops. 

The food was excellent! Everything was full of flavor. If you enjoy Sushi, Asian/Latin fusion food, you will love this restaurant! 

Since we only used 1 dining plan, we still have 1 more credit to use for tomorrow at a specialty restaurant.  I think we will goto Q for some BBQ food which will also be possible to split or American diner.

After dinner, we went to the Cavern to watch the Beatle Story: Abbey Road. The singers did a great job with the songs from this era that included Let it Be and Hey Jude. The crowd was very much in to it. 

After the show we decided to get a quick bite at the buffet before heading to Ocean Music Fest by the pool deck. We just got back from The Music Fest and we thought it was another go to event! The rock band performed a variety of hits and it was a great outdoor concert. 

Well time to turn in!

Tomorrow- Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas!

Fun Fact for those who have never sailed on NCL:

If you look at the carpets in the hallways of the stateroom areas, you will see tiny fish swimming. If you are going with the flow and in the same direction of the fish, you are going towards the front of the ship. If you are going against the school of fish, you are going towards the back of the ship.

The Social Club on Deck 6 on Embarkation day. Later on you can do it at the Galaxy Pavilion if there is still room

1 hour ago, SunnyTahitianDaze said:

OK I have a really silly question.  I see that the ship now has Bubly (Pepsi's version of LaCroix).  I am totally prepared to bring my giant starbucks glitter cup and refill it at the soda fountain with club soda every hour or whatever (I am obsesssssed with sparkling water...yes I am a millennial sue me haha. Even my two year old twins are always saying "want so-a wadder" lol.  Please don't judge :p) but I cannot figure out if Bubly is included in the drink packages.  It's not "bottled water" but it's not fountain either.  I saw that they stock Bubly on the menus here (under "Non-Alcoholic Refreshers" ) but it is unclear whether that is included or no

 

 

I asked the bartender if Bubly is included in the Beverage Package and he said No because it comes in a can. You can get sparkling water as a fountain drink though.

Spa Flyer

Day 6 Menu

Day 6 Freestyle Daily

22 minutes ago, cruisinwmom said:

This is best review.  Enjoyed following. Thank you for taking the time to do this and post picture and answer questions.

 

Is there a regular size hairdryer in the cabin?

Yes it is regular size and located under the desk in the room.