PATRLR

We did similar, except for us it was Manhatten.

That would depend on how the 2nd leg was booked. If all on same PNR, sure, Delta problem. But knowing how NCL goes for the cheapest possible itineraries, my guess is that they were on two different PNRs and NCL never dealt with the second one. Maybe NCL didn't know there was going to be a problem with the second one, but, it doesn't seem like it should be incumbent on the OP to know that the 2nd leg wasn't also being taken care of when the first leg was.

Unless you are very sensitive to your cabin location, look at the "Sail Away" rates. We've done it before but we don't care about where our cabin is located. I am pretty sure you will find a decent cost savings with that rate. And fwiw, the cost of gratuity on the Specialty Dining is pretty cheap, well worth the money IMO.

Didn't give us a choice on Encore in November. Just handed us the Walco in the photo.

I understand what you are saying, but, I also understand OP bailing on the trip. I'm not sure I would trust NCL to actually get me to the next port, I'd be worried about getting stranded even further away from home.

OMG - you are putting this on the OP? Really? And NCL offered to take them to the next port so everything is "OK"? You can't be serious. If it's "well known not to fly in the day of a cruise", maybe NCL should stop selling such flights? @BigWaveDaveAZ - Despite what other insensitive people may say, in my opinion this is in no way your fault. NCL dropped the ball here. (Now get ready for the NCL apologists to come to their defense)

As a point of reference, recently on Encore we ordered extra appetizers at Cagneys and Ocean Blue and were not charged.

To the OP - Wow, heartbreaking story and I am sorry that happened to you. I am really surprised by the NCL bus saying "no" - just awful. Did you buy the AON insurance from Steve at the trip insurance store? If so, I am curious what they (Steve/TIS) have to say about why you are only getting $500. (If you didn't buy it from Steve, why is Steve's name in the picture you posted?) I know that the insurance Steve sold us came with an 800 number to call if problems enroute. Did yours have similar?

This is one of the most insensitive posts I've seen in a while. Did you even read was was written? They had NCL book their air and NCL didn't book the last flight out. If you actually read the post, it sounds like after NCL air failed them they booked a flight on their own that did indeed make it in time but the NCL bus that was there at the airport wouldn't take them. So they actually made it in time!

@detroitlions - My money is on you docking at Amber Cove. Hopefully you'll remember to let us know.

NCL had Encore docking at Puerto Plata on November 18. Guess where it docked? Amber Cove. I knew it before we got on because I checked Portmapper. NCL didn't feel a need to tell us until we boarded, by way of a letter in our cabin. Sorry, I have more faith in Portmapper than I do NCL which is notoriously bad about communicating and being forthcoming with its guests.

You might want to spend some time in the travel insurance forum: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/ The broker who is present in that forum, Steve, from TripInsuranceStore is very helpful. You should visit his site, educate yourself a bit and then feel free to call him. He and his staff (there are only a couple others on staff) are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. www.tripinsurancestore.com

According to Portmapper, Escape is scheduled for Amber Cove on the 19th and the 26th.

By the way, perhaps my wife has me better trained than you have trained your husband, but, I too am a very early riser. At home it's easy to exit the bedroom and head to my office (where I interact with my European clients). On a cruise it's gotten to the point where I leave shoes, card key, book and/or laptop by the door so I can easily sneak out in the dark.

You can thank me for this idea on a future cruise by getting me a drink from your drink package 😉 🙂

No, the other person could choose to stay in a different cabin. Or not go on the cruise at all.

Our November 18 Encore stop in the DR was at Amber Cove. As we had a full day excursion booked to the Damajagua falls that was unaffected by the change in ports, we didn't investigate or pay attention to what other options were available to us. We barely even saw the shopping area as our excursion was late getting back. I've since learned that Carnival has a big pool area right next to the shopping area. My question is, is that area available to NCL guests when NCL stops there? Looks kind of nice but I suspect it's off-limits to non CCL lines as I don't recall seeing or hearing anything about it.

I need to chill? You come in here claiming it's OK to steal, you make weak justifications for stealing, you accuse NCL of stealing and you accuse this community of being hypocritical, yet I need to chill? OK, I get what you are. I can't call you out on it, but I get what you are.

If someone asked "I know it's technically over the speed limit but how big a deal is it to go 16 mph in a 15 zone" or "I know it's technically over the speed limit but how serious an offense is it to go 16 in a 15 zone" is it wrong to answer both questions that it's against the law? That they would be speeding and could get ticketed for same?

"It all comes out in the wash"??? Wrong. NCL has run their numbers and included the fact that some don't drink as much as others. So there is no NCL makes up for it becuase your wife doesn't drink as much. That train of thought is nothing more than a very weak attempt to justify stealing from NCL. Might as well just say that the one drink won't affect their bottom line because they are so big. I believe it absolutely. What kind of society does not believe this to be true? Do you really need someone to explain to you the fact that the requirement that both passengers purchase the drink package is part of a contract between you and NCL that you have all the right to accept, or not? YOU agreed to that requirement when you booked the cruise. NCL did not agree to having people steal from them when they don't get the drink package. Injustice? Since when is something that you have a choice to accept or not an injustice (referring to the both passengers have to buy the package). Are you new around these boards? There are countless examples of people complaining about each and everyone of those topics, many coming from the same people commenting in this thread.

Unless they booked a Sail Away rate - in that case the cost is significant.

Question 3: We found the food to be "OK" at all the MDRs. Manhattan seemed to have better service and we liked dining there better than the others. Question 4: No dueling pianos, much to our disappointment.

I still wouldn't worry about swapping names. As stated, NCL doesn't check. The waivers I've seen have you print your name and sign. the person should print their name (not the name on the ticket) and sign. What's the worst that can happen, they invalidate the waiver that signs all your rights away?

On our recent Encore cruise, I saw many people grabbing the paper cups and lids from the Starbucks machine and walking over to the free coffee to fill. I did it myself every morning. I'm sure they are trying to avoid waste and all, but, at some point it seems like they should recognize a need and provide paper cups for the free coffee. At the very least I wish they'd provide decent sized mugs rather than those small cups they provide.

I suspect that the Thermal Suite, like Vibe, has become part of a "Haven lite" experience that more people are seeing as an alternative to the much, much higher prices of Haven. I wouldn't be surprised to see those prices continue to climb.