alohayall

7 minutes ago, hallux said:

Spice H2O is free, and is all but completely a "sun area" (entry walkway, awning over the bar and dependent on where the sun is).

 

You may be thinking of the Vibe Beach Club, which has limited passes for sale on embarkation day, that costs money.

You’ve got the names for the places I was thinking of.  Thank you. I know there’s a Vibe on the Encore; wasn’t sure of the name (or reality) of it on the Bliss - and was too lazy at that moment to look it up.  (But took the time to look at deck plans and pictures of the Majestic Princess.  Go figure.). I’ve read lots of complaints about how the Encore utilized lots of sun deck space with the go-karts and laser tag. And how there’s no Spice H2O free adult area.  At least I am sailing to cold AK (and don’t utilize fully sun space any time of the year.  I want some shade to go with the sun).

This is me:  Cruises: 24, of which 17 are Disney.  Princess 5, RoyalC 1, Carnival 1.  Next: NCL to AK.

My first thought was that you can’t compare POA to anything else NCL, based on general observation/ reading reviews.  It seems like a floating hotel to get you from island to island.

I agree with the poster who said compare ship to ship.  I even do that within a cruise company; I have certain ships I prefer depending on the destination.

I’ll be in the Encore, the Bliss’ fraternal twin.  And have read lots of reviews.

My question for you is whether deck chair availability matters.  Or if deck chairs should be free.  The situation on the Encore sounds horrible for sun worshippers; the Bliss sounds a little better, but I would read up on that.  Look specifically at that top area; the exclusive Haven may take a chunk of space.  The Bliss does have an adult area called H2O spice, which may be free.  But it may also have a for-fee (but limited capacity) sun area.  Pictures of the Majestic Princess look like they offer more open sun deck space (Lido and Sun decks). 
 

Pre-Cruise, I can see that NCL is good at getting money from you after the fare price; but it is all truly optional.  
 

I chose to try NCL on the Encore due to features that it and the Bliss offer for an Alaskan cruise:  the large Observation Lounge for viewing from a climate-controlled space and a Thermal Spa to have access to warm water.  Plus a solo cabin without a single supplement.  (I have sailed Princess to AK 3 times - they were more expensive this year).

But - if you want to try any large ship - this might be the year to do it while the capacity is reduced.

On 7/28/2021 at 2:41 PM, warburg said:

Greetings from South Beach. This is a resort but I still want to cruise. A victim of multiple cancellations and a recent widow, I booked a Studio on the Encore because I want to meet other solos in the designated lounge. My husband and I sailed PH's on Oceania, and Haven on NCL. I never met a solo in either of those categories. Everyone on  American Dream in  Singapore was confined to quarters when covid was discovered. The incident when the woman was Medevaced back to the Bronx although first testing negative twice including at boarding also has me worried. The idea of being confined in a Studio is unacceptable. I have claustrophobia that is manageable only if leaving is unrestricted. Final payment is due in November. There is time to see how things play out. It is reasonable to confine people who on board who test positive, and a retest is also reasonable. It is unreasonable to confine everyone else. If that is the new norm, the cruise industry will have trouble surviving. Destroying life as we know it because of a disease defies logic.

.

(I am writing this without catching up with the entire thread; forgive me if this is covered).

I am cruising in a Studio, too, mainly for the price.  I have read that they have gatherings for solo travelers, no matter which cabin category they are in.  If I had the money, I would select a balcony cabin.  No need to give up your space and fresh air for a common lounge area.?
 

I haven’t figured out how to use Cruise Critic to make the pre-Cruise connections that I did on Disney.  For a Panama Canal cruise, we had a group of 12 that shared a dining table (fixed time seating; NCL cruising does not seem to work so well with this scenario).

My solution is mathematical:  look at the menus and pick the items you truly want to eat.  If the total price for this a la carte pricing is more than the package price, then yes.

And do it for all the places you want to eat.  It’s possible that you have some meals that could be best purchased a la carte - and use your package meals for more expensive ones.

In several of the restaurants, my choice of entree is $29-35.  Appetizers can be $15.  That, alone, makes up for the package price (if you would be happy paying $47 + tip for a meal.  That’s on the high end for where I normally eat.  Actually, I almost never pay that much for a meal.)

The second question is whether you want to eat two more times in specialty restaurants.  I’m happy just paying the tips on the 2 Free Dining meals.  Those should be well worth the ~$9 in tips.

Hope this helps.  

8 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

When we cruised the Joy two years ago, the American Diner had a smaller breakfast bar you could do.  Does only Joy have this or do any of the other ships?

Other ships, too, pre-Pandemic.  Now it’s a wait and see if reduced capacity means changes in meal options.

2 hours ago, scooter6139 said:

Sorry, yes, the Observation Lounge.  Loved it so much we made sure our cabin was very close.  

 

And yes, we eat like Hobbits do.  1st breakfast, 2nd breakfast, tea time, early lunch, lunch. etc etc.

Elevensies! 😊

Next month, I am driving ~ 12 hours to Tampa (with an overnight break on the way), then flying to Seattle for an Alaskan cruise.  Not an either/or situation.

(I have an Orlando vacation scheduled to start when cruise is over, so opted for cheaper flights - and nonstop - from FL.  And Tampa was a better deal than Orlando).

Since this a US-destination cruise, do you have passport checks/ customs as you disembark?

Duplicate info.  See BirdTravels info.  

On 7/29/2021 at 12:45 AM, Cruising Lynne said:

We also declined the dining promo since we have the two platinum dinners. One of the reasons we didn't get it is that we don't  like to  have all those reservations.  We just go to the MDR when we are ready. Or occasionally the buffet I may get the promo next time if we are on a ship with Food Republic or other option where you don't need a reservation. 

Haha.  I am also a Lynne - and I totally get that logic.  I’m planning for my first NCL cruise on the Encore and wondering if my dinner reservations will conflict with whatever entertainment will be offered in September.  I’m used to Disney, with dinner seatings designed to get you to the evening show either before or after your scheduled meal.  And I have been reading reviews that mention not being able to get a seat at the shows.  My only hope is that the reduced guest capacity allows every an opportunity to enjoy what is touted as excellent shows.

On 7/23/2021 at 11:48 AM, pugsammy said:

I don't know what to pick...help!

Did you pick a side - or go with aft?

Since September is Glacier Bay instead of Dawes Glacier, I would say port, based on my experience cruising G Bay.  Going in, the glaciers were on that side.  When we reached the end, the ship rotated 180 degrees.  The eastern side of the bay had lovely scenery, just not the big glaciers.

I’m in a studio, so it’ll be The Waterfront or Observation Lounge depending on seating availability and weather. 
 

Have a great cruise.

Last night, I read about 90 reviews of the Encore in preparation for cruising in Alaska in September.

A lot of them are not pleased with the Encore in a way that might affect your cruise planning:  deck space and deck chairs on the pool deck.

The go-carts, laser tag, Haven, and limited-quantity for-fee Vibe Beach area seem to have left about 1/3 of that deck available to accommodate nearly 4,000 cruisers.

The Encore sounds perfect for cold-weather Alaska, with its large climate-protected Observation Lounge.  But its twin, the Bliss, seems a better option when traveling to warm weather climes.

Despite my preference, I am happy that Pepsi fans actually get what they want.  I just wish soft drink contracts weren’t exclusive.  
 

Last year, Sam’s Club offered both at their self-serve machines.  The banner read - “Now It’s Your Choice.”

A few months later, they switched to Pepsi.

Saves me from drinking those 32 oz cups of Coke.  

On 5/31/2021 at 8:30 PM, BirdTravels said:

What they need is a Freestyle Coke machine. 

As I do not want a Pepsi instead of Coke, I also do not want my Coke to taste like any of the other flavors that have come out of the Freestyle Machine.  
 

It was a lovely idea, but doesn’t work for me.  I avoid restaurants with them, get the food to go, or just drink water.

I’d rather pay the bartender $2 for a can than get unlimited Freestyle Coke on Royal Caribbean (or bad fountain Coke on Princess).

On 6/20/2021 at 10:57 PM, complawyer said:

that's why you should always say "pepsi please"

Wasn’t that a commercial decades ago?

On 7/30/2021 at 10:11 AM, complawyer said:

'ROLL TIDE"!

Since this is a v. Thread, I feel compelled to respond

”War Eagle.”

On 6/20/2021 at 5:22 PM, WarfRatWA said:

I'm originally from Montana....and we always called it pop.

On 6/20/2021 at 6:36 PM, GeriatricNurse said:

Well, here in Canada we call it 'Soft Drinks'!

I call it Coke; we’ll, usually I say Coca Cola - saves the question of “diet?” Because that’s what I’m ordering 🙂.

If I’m offering you a beverage, I say “would you like something to drink?” 
 

I think “Coke” is the commonly used term here.  If I am referring to soft drinks in general, then I say soft drinks, too.  Way to go, Canada!

On 6/10/2021 at 6:01 PM, rabidstoat said:

When you order Diet Coke and the server asks if Diet Pepsi is okay the proper response is: "No, my god, what is wrong with you???" 😉

On 6/10/2021 at 7:35 PM, complawyer said:

so do you go without if the diet coke is unavailable? 

Love that response.  I’ve always said, “I’ll have water.”

When asked what I want to drink, my response is “do you have Coke or Pepsi?”  I don’t get asked if Pepsi is okay.

Yes, I go without.  On the Encore, I expect to make an Arnold Palmer to get my caffeine.  I’ll miss the carbonation and phosphoric acid which help clear the palate.  And look for a Coke on our port days to consume before reboarding.

On 7/26/2021 at 10:11 PM, Fla Senior said:

I posted this as a reply on another post and no one responded. So will ask everyone:

"I really don't have a dog in this one way or the other. Just curious. Carnival is sailing from Florida with a 95% vaccination requirement and no resistance from the Gov. Wondering why NCL can't do same."

I’m going with “because Risk Management” said it was the best option.

It’s only through October 31, and the Alaska runs haven’t started yet.  They aren’t even leaving from FL now, right?  Just start slowly, with few ships and reduced capacity and test the waters.

It will get zealous cruisers back on the ships and earn some money.

Not whether or not to tip - but alternate methods to carrying cash on a daily basis - especially with the drinks package.

Do we have a paper bill to sign, with a place to add a tip? Or do they just verify you’re eligible with your card?

If you were able to sign for a tip - does it go to the bartender, waiter… who served you or get pooled? 

Or is it truly better to to take a wad of ones with you (or do the $20 bill route before, during, after)?

From my experience with wait staff over the years, There have attentive and inattentive servers - which is not obvious ahead of time.  The poster who figures out where he is getting most of his drinks seems to have a workable system.

On 6/24/2021 at 9:07 PM, bapaleg said:

What tour company are you using in Juneau that combines both tours

Missed this question, it seems.  I have used cruiseline offerings in the past.   I ended up booking Mendenhall Glacier + Mount Roberts Tramway through NCL.  Doing whale watch in Icy Strait Point (combined with ZipRider).

There should be several offerings of Mendenhall + whale watch.  Allen Marine has been a name I have seen for many years.  
 

Hope you have found some great ideas for fun.

We flew with Island Wings Air Service, in Ketchikan, in 2011.  Whatever flight we were supposed to take was cut short and we were refunded a portion of our cost.
 

I never figured out exactly what we missed - it was a fun plane ride over the Tongass Forrest, landing on a glacier-created lake.  Maybe we missed being on a glacier? but we did that in Juneau.  Which is an answer to the other question - no, I don’t think you need to do multiple glacier visits on one cruise.  Unless you are really into them.  
 

Four cruises: I have visited Mendenhall Glacier each time.  It’s an easy visit, nice break from more intense ports.  By the time your daughter is old, it will have receded so much.  It is great to pair it with whale watching to make a fun day.

I love whale watching.  Have done it in AK, HI, and Massachusetts.  Scheduled for September in Icy Strait Point.  I am really into this.

Skagway is a tough one.  The views from the railroad are nice.  We did our helicopter ride / land on a glacier there.  I would love to do a summer dog sled camp there someday.  
 

Hope you get some great excursions.

Hope you have a great cruise.  
 

I’m booked on my fifth AK cruise this September, fingers crossed it happens.  I’m a fan.  
 

Hoping for at least a sixth cruise to visit Sitka.  This year, Icy Strait Point is my new port.  No two cruises have followed the same itinerary.

I’ve done RT from Vancouver, RT from Seattle, and Northbound and Southbound (Whittier/Vancouver - Princess cruises). 
 

I don’t see a whole bunch of difference.  All have stopped at the usual 3 ports - Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan.

I’m thinking a one-direction cruise might get another port - Sitka or Icy Strait Point.  Sounds like I need another cruise.  (Booked for this September on NCL, with Juneau, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, and Icy Strait Point.  Maybe it’s the time returning to Seattle that makes us omit Skagway?)

I love the glaciers and find College Fjord on the Northbound a great addition (also spending a day in Glacier Bay).

Next year prices may be up - but unless you have airfare already for this year, airfare and cruise fare may even out next year.  I’m wondering if this year’s cruises are really happening.

And if you’ve got a current passport, bring it along.  

You two have had a nice conversation.  Here’s my two cents (not as interesting).

We got off a northbound cruise in Whittier and got to Anchorage somehow.  Overnight at the Embassy Suites (near shops and hotels, not downtown).  Walked to Moose’s Tooth for pizza for dinner.  No car. 

Early next morning, hotel shuttle took us to train depot.  We had a lovely 12-hour ride to Fairbanks, dropping off most people at Denali.  Wish I had time to actually go into Denali - at least for the record.  Saw the multitude of hotels across the way (not in the park) where they store the tourists and was glad to have missed that.

Our car had replica (but comfortable 1950s seating and a glass-domed observation car upstairs). RCL had its own car towards the back of the train.  Ours was very peaceful.

We were fortunate to see Mt Denali for a long time.

Lovely interior Alaska:

We stayed overnight in sleepy Fairbanks.  Next day, walked along the river and visited the museum before a late night flight back to the SE lower 48.

Happy anniversary.

Any day you can see glaciers is a good one.  Hope  it is for you.