LIVE from the Encore

[Newfun4me]

Thank you so much for your review!  (So sorry about your camera, though!)...  We are on the May 31 sailing from NYC to Bermuda - also in the haven on deck 17.  My son gets motion sickness and I've heard that the rocking on the higher decks on this ship really is worse than other ships.  We cruised on the Jewel from Seattle to Alaska a few years ago and, although he was sick the first night (it was VERY rocky), he was fine the rest of the time.  Obviously, he'll have medication, but I'm just wondering if it seems worse than others.  We are past final payment, so there isn't a lot we can do about it - just wondering.  Thank you!

[Peachypooh]

David-Funny you said that it felt like you ran over a whale the first night. When we commented

on the rough night to our steward he said he would talk to the Captain about not hitting so many whales! LOL Glad you got a good night's sleep last night.  Alice

Edited February 26, 2020 by Peachypooh

[Cruising since 3]

Did I miss what Haven cabin you are in? I know deck 17 2 bedroom, I'm just curious which one regarding the motion being felt.  Thanks for this review!

 

[david_sobe]

to answer a few questions:
I am in 17100.  We are barely moving to Tortola tonight so seas are calm.  IMHO a spa pass is worth it if you use it at least 4 times during the week.  A great place to chill and relax.

I heard the concierge tell a woman anyone in the Haven can invite their friends to the Haven restaurant for a price (he did not say how much) but they are only allowed 3 times during the week LOL

Today was a great day.  We had a late excursion so we took full advantage of the ship and did the spa in the morning.  Then we went to the buffet before leaving the ship.  Wow, the buffet is really nice.  I have not been on NCL for 5 years and the place is really nice. Love the high top seating and they even have a full bar now.  When Breakaway debuted it was modern to have an automatic wine dispenser.  Now there is a full bar and bartender!  The food was really good there.

Saphire beach resort was really good.  I normally hate beach excursions because you are crammed on some beach with millions of tourists.  This was not bad at all.  It had a bar, a live band, free chairs and a great beach. Not that crowded either.  Weather was still windy but the sun did come out for a good part of the day.  Water was beautiful.

Onda Onda Onda

The best meal of the cruise so far.  OMG.  I could eat just the bread for a meal its that good.  When you bite into fresh pasta and fresh sauce it hits you like a ton of bricks.  Top notch all the way.  Not joking when I say just like grandma's cooking on Sunday.  My wifes grandma was from Italy so the family is picky about Italian but they loved it.  

Here is a tip to save money.  You dont have to eat so much or use your dining plan.  The pizza alone is big enough for 2 to have a meal. Plus you can also share an appetizer.  And that would be so inexpensive to share.

Also the waitress told us that we were allowed up to 2 appetizers, one entree, 2 sides and dessert for the meal plan.  We thought that was very fair.  IMHO  Onda must be part of your Encore experience.  We wanted to go back but they are booked solid the rest of the cruise.  I made my reservations months ago.  

I have never seen a casino so crowded on a ship before.  I am not a big gamer but we thought we would play some tonight.  Not joking but every electronic game machine was in use.  I even wondered into the smoking casino and sure enough those games were all taken too.  We finally found a small machine and it ate our $60 gladly.  Maybe there is a gaming crowd on board?  Who knows but the casino is packed!!!!

No surprise but not enough chairs in the atrium for shows.  People get pissed.

I am eating way too much but not drinking enough lol

We did go back to the Galaxy Pavilion tonight.  $8 per game and there are 4 of us.  Things add up quickly but boy those games are so fun and they do make you dizzy because some of them you are flying through space or something.  But its really fun.  No big plans for Tortola. Just another beach day if weather cooperates.  Cant believe the cruise is half over.

Ok thats it for now.  Hope to check in tomorrow.

[david_sobe]

On 2/25/2020 at 8:43 PM, SunnyTahitianDaze said:

 

You must not work in health care haha.

 

I have a couple of questions: I saw you're in the haven, the sun deck is 16+ right?  I just put in an upgrade bid for 3/8 (showing sold out but I am hoping...you know) and I was hoping that would eliminate our need for Vibe passes, since someone ELSE commented that there is an MLM group on our sailing that buys out that whole section (bs if you ask me but I digress...)

 

Is the dining service in the Haven restaurant super slow as well?  I have heard it's that way in the MDR but I wanted to see if that was similar across those classes.

 

Do you feel like the spa is "worth it" like are you finding value in that area or is it just sort of "just ok?"

 

Also I wanted to say, I read your bit about your camera (man I hate when I break stuff!!!  The worst.) and your photos should still be on an SD card yeah?  My computer (super old macbook pro) has an SD card reader; if you're super desperate/want those photos the internet cafe place might have something available like that.  And if that doesn't work then you can bring it to a repair place on land, they can get most data off of most anything.  Just in case that is helpful idk.

 

Thanks a lot!!!  Have a great trip!!!

The Haven sundeck is just as nice if not nicer and a whole lot less crowded than Vibe so yes scoring a Haven upgrade would solve your Vibe issue.  IMHO Spa passes are really great.  Use them during non peak hours to maximize your enjoyment.

[adam3313]

Thanks for your review!  I'll be boarding the ship on Sunday, so keep her in good shape 🙂

 

Very much looking forward to Onda!  The menu looks incredible.  Would you say this week's crowd has been a typical spring break crowd?

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!!

[Drinal01]

Haven...  My understanding that Haven is a "ship within a ship" basically pay an extra fee you get a section of the ship reserved for you (well all Haven people)?

 

I see the prices are 2x or more (generally) than the normal cabins. 

 

Is my understanding correct?  Probably stupid asking if it is really worth it because you did book it, but can you give us your reasons?

 

Thanks!  Just started investigating the April 12th sailing on the Encore.  Of course Haven is already sold out.

[david_sobe]

6 hours ago, adam3313 said:

Thanks for your review!  I'll be boarding the ship on Sunday, so keep her in good shape 🙂

 

Very much looking forward to Onda!  The menu looks incredible.  Would you say this week's crowd has been a typical spring break crowd?

 

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!!

Spring break begins on your cruise.  No spring breakers on this cruise.  Mostly an older crowd and few kids.  Besides a great menu at Onda forgot to mention we had reservations at 730 and we had the bread, wine, appetizers, main course, and dessert all served within 75 minutes.  I could not believe how good and fast the meal was.  The meal was "lick the plate" good.

[david_sobe]

We are now sailing away from Tortola.  Amazing day.  I was not thrilled about coming to Tortola but we had probably the best beach day on a cruise ship.  We normally go to St John for the better beaches in St Thomas and lesser crowds.  I was worried about Tortola.  All beach excursions were sold out so we walked to town and took a taxi to Long Bay Beach.  OMG.  The beach rivals St John (although Honeymoon beach is still better).  The crew at the beach have it down to a science.  They will make sure to get you cabs and the cab drivers wait for you at the beach to make sure you are back at the ship on time.  There was a bar and restaurant and chair rentals only $10.  Cab ride $12 pp one way.  Its on the other side of the island as the port.  Even the local cab drivers said that Long Bay Beach is the best beach on Tortola.

Just came from the buffet.  We have kinky boots tonight and need to eat something before the show because dinner will be late tonight.  Its great the buffet is only one stair case down from the Haven.  I did not want to wait till 530 and the Haven restaurant to open.  Sometimes when you are hungry you just want to grab and go.  Nothing better than a fresh buffet burger hot off the grill.  BTW, love the bigger glasses they have in the buffet. Remember the small ones where you had to take 3 of them just to finish your meal.

Its fun and not so fun to people watch. I have some crazy stories that I will share with a mini review when I get back. 

We shared a cab with a couple from Ireland today. It was fun talking to them.  They loved Choir of Man and were floored how authentic Ireland it was.  The lead singer/actor is from Ireland.  He speaks with an Irish accent but you dont know if he is acting and putting on an Irish accent.  But he is authentic because the Irish couple met him after the show and the small world we live in they discovered they were from the same town and knew some of the same people.

We are full steam back to Miami now.   Tonight and 2 sea days left.  My only gripe is how its so easy to miss shows you want to see.  We have been trying to see the Beatles in the Cavern but again tonight they play during our Kinky Boots performance.  Just remember you cant see or do it all!

I will leave you with a funny story that I woke up laughing about today.  We were at the Galaxy Pavilion last night and kept on playing the games.  They do get you dizzy after awhile.  We were fighting and shooting at zombies again.  I had a few rebelious fish drinks after while watching the lip sync battle.  When I went to bed I had the CRAZIEST dream that I was at a cemetery and trying to buy the lots next to my parents but the people at the cemetery would not let me.  But I knew they were secretly zombies and I had to escape them.  They exhumed my mother's grave and it was zombies attacking me again.

Lesson learned.  Rebellious Fish and the Galaxy Pavilion dont mix.  When I woke up today and told that dream at breakfast people looked at me with horror but also could not help to laugh.

Ok that is it for now.  Maybe more later tonight.

[david_sobe]

6 hours ago, Drinal01 said:

Haven...  My understanding that Haven is a "ship within a ship" basically pay an extra fee you get a section of the ship reserved for you (well all Haven people)?

 

I see the prices are 2x or more (generally) than the normal cabins. 

 

Is my understanding correct?  Probably stupid asking if it is really worth it because you did book it, but can you give us your reasons?

 

Thanks!  Just started investigating the April 12th sailing on the Encore.  Of course Haven is already sold out.

Yes the Haven cabins are expensive.  But the main reason I booked is because we are sailing with 4 and I got the 2 sail for free deal.  So when you divide by 4, it makes the price a bit more reasonable.  We dont use the haven pool and such but the Haven offers lots of service like making all your reservations, priority embarkation and even getting on the ship while in port.  They have a separate gangway for Haven guests.  They also have their own private restaurant.

Oh btw.  The Haven restaurant at dinner serves the Tiger shrimp as their appetizer.  $5 upcharge at Cagneys.  Speaking of Cagneys they not only have tables and chairs outside the restaurant against the wall in the Mixx Bar area but now added a second row.  I assume soon they will be seating Cagneys guests at the Mixx bar LOL

[BEACHBARB]

Thanks for the posts!!!  We have a 2 bedroom in Haven booked for next February.  There will be 5 adults in the cabin - hope we are still family when we disembark.  Will the 2 in the 2nd bedroom be comfy enough?  Thanks for any response.  We love the Haven.  

[david_sobe]

14 hours ago, BEACHBARB said:

Thanks for the posts!!!  We have a 2 bedroom in Haven booked for next February.  There will be 5 adults in the cabin - hope we are still family when we disembark.  Will the 2 in the 2nd bedroom be comfy enough?  Thanks for any response.  We love the Haven.  

Yes 2 in the second bedroom is fine. If they are a couple they can share the bed, if not there is a bunk above the bed.  If they are a very large couple the bed may not be big enough

Edited February 28, 2020 by david_sobe

[david_sobe]

Good morning from the Encore

Beautiful and smooth sea day today.  Sunny too!  Last night was Kinky Boots.  A really good show.  I would say Choir of Man is a tad more entertaining just because its a more simple kind of show.  Kinky boots has intricate themes, etc.  Its good to know what the show is about before seeing it.  I remember about a year ago I was laying in bed one night flicking channels and saw the movie come on. I thought it would be a great thing to watch the movie before the cruise.  I only could watch about 45 mins of the movie and lost interest.  Its about a shoe factory in England that is very successful because of the quality of their shoes and how the workers are treated by the owner.  The owner dies and the son inherits the business but he has no interest in shoe making and is about to get married. Soon the business suffers because of his lack of interest and quality suffers putting profits ahead of quality.  The shoe factory is about to close until the son runs into this drag queen.  They bond and she helps him save the business by creating very colorful boots.  They realize they have more in common because the drag queen was the son of a successful boxer and he felt he was never the son the father wanted.  The shoe maker's son always felt his father thought he was also the son he never wanted because they each had different interests and who they are.  Soon the company is saved and everyone is happy in the end.  That's a quick synopsis of the show.

There are several drag queens that are so good, I thought they were women through the beginning of the show.   Its a good show and kudos to NCL for not being afraid of putting on an edgy show.   

Saw several parents bring their 5 year old kids and then walk out.  Not so much because of a drag performer but you cant expect young kids to be interested in broadway singing shows.  IMHO its rude to walk of of a show.  

 

On the first night, I did try a paper straw at the mojito bar but it soon fell apart and never asked for another straw.  They will not give you any straw for your drinks (including soda) unless you ask for a straw.

 

Tonight is the escape room and then laser tag and then Cagneys.  Will probably get some sun today and then the spa.

 

Even though I was wearing sun protection 50, I still got a little red in tortola yesterday.  Remember your sunscreen!  Yesterday was so nice.  I literally was that Corona commercial. I had a beach chair with umbrella and a bucket of Corona on an island looking out at the beautiful water.  Talk about paradise.  The tortola beach was so soft white sand, no rocks.  Very similiar to St John.  Saphire Beach St Thomas is nice but the sand is not as nice and a little rocky.  BTW, the bucket of Corona bottles (6) was only $20!

 

 

Great trip so far.  Every port right on time.  No medical emergencies.  No spring breakers.  No virus craziness.   It will be sad to think tomorrow will be the last day.  But 2 days on this ship is alot because there is so much to do.

 

I will do an "unleashed" review of everything when I get back.  I have some crazy stories to tell.

Enjoy your Friday at work everyone 🙂😛

Edited February 28, 2020 by david_sobe

[CruisingSince1982]

Just received a text message for us to come two hours later on Sunday. Are people sick onboard or something??

[marktwothousand]

59 minutes ago, CruisingSince1982 said:

Just received a text message for us to come two hours later on Sunday. Are people sick onboard or something??

Same. WFT's up.

[CruisingSince1982]

20 minutes ago, marktwothousand said:

Same. WFT's up.

 

Nothing on NCL's website. Crazy that they don't give more information ….

[Freckles_51]

Thanks for the live review. Would you know the average cost of arcade games please?

[david_sobe]

I have not heard about anyone being sick.  If someone was sick you would think we would be arriving early.  My hunch is your embarkation delay is with the port of Miami.  The captain has made no announcements about any change in our arrival.  If I hear something, I will come back to post.

 

The main pool is closed today.  Bodily fluids and an NCL employee came with a special suit and put a net over the main pool and its expected to be drained.  How many times has this happened on the Encore already?  Someone in the elevator told me it was a kid in a diaper but you cant take elevator gossip too seriously.  But I saw them closing it while I was in line for the tube slide.  BTW, the tube slide is not worth the wait.  Lamest slide at sea.  Every Epic slide from 10 years ago is far superior 

 

I have not been in the arcade.  But Galaxy Pavilion prices are typically $8 pp per game. Some games are more expensive .  Go carts $15 per ride

Edited February 28, 2020 by david_sobe

[david_sobe]

I will inquire and try and find out what is happening with the next cruise delay.

 

Deal or no deal in the atrium now.

 

I booked most everything online even though I am in the Haven.  The concierge (Armando) did book my go carts and Escape room.  I never have done any special requests with the Haven before.  As I mentioned earlier we really enjoyed Onda so much that we wanted to book again.  We had a long conversation with the Onda manager who was so good to us.  She said they were booked but would try and notify us of a change.  I spoke to our butler about ordering a few Onda dishes on the last night and deliver them to the Haven. He of course said, no problem just let me know.  When I stopped to mention it to the concierge (Armando) he made a face as if I was asking to steer the ship.  He then said he would have to check with the Haven restaurant manager.   I was so surprised at that reaction.  Outsiders are allowed in the Haven and pay to eat at the restaurant yet a Haven guest must get special approval?  Very strange.  Armando is nice but he seems unsure about lots about the Encore.  If you ask him anything, he turns to his assistant for the answer.  Its the difference of a good concierge and bad one.  If Adrian was here, he would say, "Sure, let me know the time and date you want."  I would not be surprised if Adrian even got us into Onda.  But we are not asking for special treatment to force our reservation.  We just will gladly pay and eat at the Haven.  I am sure it will be ok but it goes to show you what a difference the concierge will make.  The one simple request, the concierge cant commit to a Haven guest eating in the Haven with butler service?   Its just lack of training IMHO.  There is more to the job than smiling and waving.

Ok off the rant.  Maybe I am getting cranky because the cruise is ending. 😪

 

Spent some time on the Haven sundeck this morning and then went over to the main pool for the slides.  Its a sunny sea day and the pool deck was insane.  I think its a joke with the "jogging" track with chairs all over the path.  Some may like that party atmosphere with loud music and people jammed everywhere.  I looked up to Vibe and it looked very nice and uncrowded.  I cant imagine with the pool closed how that sea day is happening LOL
BTW, not to rant again but whats with everyone cutting lines.  At least 5 times saw children AND adults cut the line for the slide.  Its nice to hear a child say once from the back "we are not supposed to cut the line" but few listen.

 

Btw, if anyone hears what the delay is before me, post it here.

 

[david_sobe]

Just back from the Escape room.  And I feel like an idiot.  Thank goodness several on my team have done escape rooms before.  You could have put a gun to my head and I would not have been able to figure it out.  Even with my experienced team, the crew had to give us 2 clues to move on.

Not for kids at all.  I was the dummy of the group but we did succeed!

Even the race cars in the Galaxy Pavilion are not for kids.  A child could not successfully drive a race car and the crew get frustrated because they cant handle the wheel and keep crashing.  Is not an arcade game but virtual reality.  It rained earlier so go carts down but laser tag should reopen at 7 if rain holds off.

Looking forward to Cagneys later.

IMHO dont book Escape room unless you really appreciate a challenge.  You could have put a gun to my head and offered me 10 million dollars and I could not have figured up.  I wont say much more beacuse dont want to ruin it for anyone

[BSR]

Thanks for your review.  Can you post who the Officers are?

[siestatom]

David, incredible review.  Much thanks.

I too got the 2 hour delay message for the subsequent sailing (probably everyone).  Given what's going on in the world, you wonder why this happened.

Any intel you can provide would be appreciated.  But I'm sure hundreds of us have benefited from your posts already. A big thanks.

[Hit Em With The Hein]

Hi... would any bar/restaurant be the best place to go to watch live sports from US and/or UK?  

[FamilyCruisers1023]

Thank you for the Live Review!

We will be staying in the Haven for the first time.

Do you have any favorite or recommended drinks from the Haven bar?

Also, do you know if there’s reserved seating for Haven guests at the comedy shows?

Thanks!

[david_sobe]

1 hour ago, siestatom said:

David, incredible review.  Much thanks.

I too got the 2 hour delay message for the subsequent sailing (probably everyone).  Given what's going on in the world, you wonder why this happened.

Any intel you can provide would be appreciated.  But I'm sure hundreds of us have benefited from your posts already. A big thanks.

Spoke with my butler tonight who informed me that Encore will dock 1 hour early in Miami on Sunday  morning.  They will be deep cleaning the ship.  The early docking should not impact passengers and they can still disembark at normal times but will be allowed to leave the ship 30 mins after docking in Miami.  Also was informed that extra scrutiny will be applied to passports from high risk countries i.e. Italy, Japan, far east countries, etc.    I don't know what this means.  Is this the cruise line or the government.  You will have to do your own post to inform all of us what you encounter at the port. Unfortunately this may be the new normal until things hopefully go back to normal.  Just keep patience and have a great cruise!