LIVE from the Encore

[maryivo]

3 hours ago, Freckles_51 said:

Hope you have an awesome cruise!

 

If you go to the Video Game Arcade could you please check out approx cost for individual games, green swipe and otherwise?

We know they offer an Ultimate package for the week to play only the green swipe games. Just trying to decide if it is worth buying the package.

 
Also if you are able get the week’s schedule for Entourage teen activities and post it here that would be great. 

 

Thanks

 

Yes, i would love to have the teen schedule as my teens are on pins and needes!  

[Freckles_51]

2 hours ago, david_sobe said:

Yes they sell daily unlimited passes and unlimited hour passes.  Don't remember if they have unlimited weekly.  Be advised it closes down at periods of time every day and closed while in port.  So if you get unlimited day pick a day where its open the most.  Games range from $8 for most of them and up to $20 for the super race car.  Most of them are $8 pp and fun enough especially the space ship fighter.  Be careful of unlimited hourly because many of the games take time to prep and then ride.  Not sure how many you can get in within the hour but definitely many of them.  In my experience, nights were the best time to ride and least crowded.

Thanks for the additional info.

[XuGator]

PricesGo Kart / Galaxy / laser pricing

[McFins]

On 3/1/2020 at 10:27 AM, david_sobe said:

 

Will post a short review of everything (not a day by day) but a list of favorites and least favorites from the Encore.  I am ready for my own bed.  Did not sleep the greatest this cruise.  

 

Thank you so very much your updates.  Very helpful for those us considering sailing on the Encore.  May I ask if your not sleeping well was attributed to this particular ship (i.e. cabin noisy, bed uncomfortable, ship rocking? ) 

 

Thanks again.  Really appreciate that you took the time while on vacation to provide us with details.

 

 

Edited March 2, 2020 by McFins

[david_sobe]

39 minutes ago, McFins said:

 

Thank you so very much your updates.  Very helpful for those us considering sailing on the Encore.  May I ask if your not sleeping well was attributed to this particular ship (i.e. cabin noisy, bed uncomfortable, ship rocking? ) 

 

Thanks again.  Really appreciate that you took the time while on vacation to provide us with details.

 

 

No, I my bad sleeping was not the ship.  I had a very comfy bed.  First night of no sleep was combination of 3 mojitos, excitement, and rough seas.  The older I get the more drinking affects my sleep patterns.  This cruise I drank the least of any cruise yet I had the drink package.

Thank goodness I have always had quiet and respectful neighbors on all cruises. I always worry about that because I've had that at hotels.  But it crossed my mind but was thankful for quiet neighbors.  Never heard them and they never heard us.

[Hit Em With The Hein]

Day at sea. Buffet has been great thus far. Literally an omelette station every 10 feet. Rest was solid breakfast cuisine. 
Gym was crowded but the TRX room was a great mostly unused resource for general workout stuff. Finally got on a treadmill and finished in 1.5 hours while kids kicked it in Splash Academy.  Wife and I explored rest of ship that we hadn’t seen yet. 
Lunch was also at buffet and again very good. Kids loved the pizza... I’m not a fan but I went for the grilled chicken and put it on a salad. Solid choice. Also, the Yucca fries were prepared perfectly with a great chimmichurrey sauce. Overall very pleased with the buffet thus far. 
Now, for the main point of contention on the encore, the pool deck. My family of four had no trouble securing 2 chairs in the sun and then a third. It was just about being patient for a few mins and allowing someone to get up. It is very tight spacing. 
Lots of available chairs on deck 17 throughout our 3 hours on the pool deck. 

Both kids loved the tube slide and went again and again. Not a very long line. They aren’t big enough for the ocean loops so we didn’t even check it out but that line wasn’t long either. 
Kids loved the kids play area and the kids pool BUT it is insanely windy. We are seeing winds from 22 knots and the pool deck, even with the sun, it was cool out of the water. 
Pool deck band was fun and upbeat but I could see how some would think that it is very loud. 
It has been rather choppy. Hopefully that dies down after we get to PR. Several people on board have been overheard talking about how they haven’t seen winds like this on a cruise before.  Still slept ok last night but the rocking did wake me in the morning. 
Our favorite things thus far was finding the afternoon snack area in the observation deck. Amazing scones with fruit and clotted cream. Change your life good. Kids loved the jello and pudding. The afternoon snack game is on point in observation. 
Tonight is Los lobos with the kids. Hopefully some more time for them in the kids club and maybe some casino time for daddy. 
 

[david_sobe]

Our cruise had the same winds and choppy waters.  It was so windy that you could not enjoy the sundeck.  However after Puerto Rico the seas calmed down and the ship is going so slow it helps things along.

[Freckles_51]

3 hours ago, XuGator said:

PricesGo Kart / Galaxy / laser pricing

 

Thank you!

[Freckles_51]

Another question about Galaxy Pavilion please, if anyone knows. 

A report on youtube said their young teen was not allowed in Galaxy Pavilion without an adult. Does anyone know the minimum age that a teen can go in unaccompanied by an adult?

Thanks

[GMoney]

I don't know the formal answer; however, on the 23 Feb cruise, I was in GP for a bit and there was an unaccompanied ~10yo kid up there on his own playing game after game. I'm assuming his parent dropped him off and he has some kind of pass.

[david_sobe]

[McFins]

Thanks David....hope you are sleeping better now.  

[Hit Em With The Hein]

Puerto Rico was fine but short. We took the kids the fiesta Latina show excursion for some local flavor. They took us in a bus to a place that would have been a 5 minute walk but we had some real old timers with the Group. 6/10 

 

Yesterday during daytime we largely did the same thing but thankfully the weather was warmer and sunnier but wind was still high AND we were pulling 11 foot seas. It has been enough rocking to be highly noticeable (especially in the dining areas) but my family isn’t having difficulties.  Crew is saying this is the worst they have seen on this run. 

 Pulling into San Juan and watching from the port side was a highlight for my family. 

Saw a comedian who was largely underwhelming but had a few funny lines. 
Also saw the Beatles show in the main theater, that was fun. My understanding is that most shows for Beatles are in the cavern club but 2 shows are in the main theater. Easy to get a seat in theatre versus stand room only in cavern club. Plan accordingly. 

St Thomas today. Seas much calmer thus far. We are going to leave kids in kids club while we head in town for shopping. Lunch back on ship. Back out to Meagans bay with kids after lunch. Choir of man tonight. 

Edited March 4, 2020 by Hit Em With The Hein

[helloxxannie]

 

On 2/27/2020 at 4:57 PM, david_sobe said:

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.

How long is the cab ride to Long Bay Beach? Heading on this ship in a few weeks! Thanks for your updates btw! 

[david_sobe]

1 hour ago, helloxxannie said:

 

How long is the cab ride to Long Bay Beach? Heading on this ship in a few weeks! Thanks for your updates btw! 

About 20-25 mins.  Its not the miles but the intense hill climbs in the cab/van.  Sometimes you have to go slow up the hill because of traffic.    The cab drivers hang out at the bar/restaurant and have you covered.  No chance of missing the ship and you can leave whenever you want.  Its $12 pp.  We stayed on the ship for awhile in the morning but one couple we met at the beach was off the ship at 8am and at the beach by 830.  All aboard is 530 (I think) so you get a long beach day.  If you take the NCL excursion, I believe they go to another part and the hours are less.

Edited March 4, 2020 by david_sobe

[Hit Em With The Hein]

On 3/4/2020 at 4:44 PM, helloxxannie said:

 

How long is the cab ride to Long Bay Beach? Heading on this ship in a few weeks! Thanks for your updates btw! 

Did the ncl excursion to long bay. Pickup was 10:30 at the end of the pier. Took about 25 mins in 10 passenger van.  Was there for 2 hours. Beautiful beach. Definitely get the ribs and jerk chicken at the tent with the moose. Chairs are 10 each and umbrella is 5. 
The rest of tortolla is pretty sad. Beautiful but when you look how the people actually live, it wasnt very pretty.  1:30 onboard time for 2:00 departure. 
St Thomas is probably our favorite thus far. Good shopping and really enjoyed the synagogue with the sand floor. Full day of fun and sun there. Cab to Magens bay was a little pricey and the drivers are pushy but the beach was beautiful. 
Today is at sea on way to stirrup cay. 

[Hit Em With The Hein]

Day at sea was great. Easy living. No problem securing one chair which usually turns into two or three when people next to you leave. I think that’s the secret. My wife is eagle eyed when it comes to finding one chair or someone leaving. We have gone to the pool 4 days and had at least one chair within 5 mins of looking each day. All of those times when we visited were after lunch. 
Le Bistro was an excellent meal. So pleased we booked that one. Service was amazing and food was the Star. Lamb chops done to perfection. 
Ocean dance party to wind down the day last evening. 
Stirrup Cay cancelled due to high waves. We have 14 foot seas with winds gusting to 23.  We sailed by the island and saw the Royal Caribbean island next door with two ships docked. 
Another day at sea for us.  I’m sitting in the observation lounge on deck 15. Kids are back to  kids club and wife and I are reading. 
We are going to do the self disembark tomorrow  because we have a car at 8:00 for a 10:20 flight.

There hasn’t been much worry about coronavirus on the ship. It’s actually been nice to be removed from the hysteria. My mother in law says that the shelves are half full in grocery store. Crazy. I guess we will be back in it tomorrow.  

[Freckles_51]

1 minute ago, Hit Em With The Hein said:

.....
Stirrup Cay cancelled due to high waves. We have 14 foot seas with winds gusting to 23.  ....

 

Thanks so much for your review.  The COVID-19 hysteria is crazy, you will be happy that you had your cruise already and don't have to deal with it.

 

Do you find the ship to be rocking a lot?  I've seen several comments that the Encore seems to rock and roll more than other ships. Have you seen anti-nausea pills readily available at guest services or around the ship? Just curious....we will be bringing our own, and ginger, just in case.

[Hit Em With The Hein]

1 minute ago, Freckles_51 said:

 

Thanks so much for your review.  The COVID-19 hysteria is crazy, you will be happy that you had your cruise already and don't have to deal with it.

 

Do you find the ship to be rocking a lot?  I've seen several comments that the Encore seems to rock and roll more than other ships. Have you seen anti-nausea pills readily available at guest services or around the ship? Just curious....we will be bringing our own, and ginger, just in case.

Having never been on a cruise, I can’t tell you whether this is better or worse than other ships, but I can tell you that the staff at the kids club told us that it is the worst they have seen it rocking on this voyage due to the seas. 
It’s not bothering my family but we have the anti nausea pills, brackets and stickers for behind the ear with us. We aren’t using any of them though. 

[Freckles_51]

16 minutes ago, Hit Em With The Hein said:

Having never been on a cruise, I can’t tell you whether this is better or worse than other ships, but I can tell you that the staff at the kids club told us that it is the worst they have seen it rocking on this voyage due to the seas. 
It’s not bothering my family but we have the anti nausea pills, brackets and stickers for behind the ear with us. We aren’t using any of them though. 

 

Glad you are having such a good time on your first cruise.

[OnTheGoMom921]

On 3/1/2020 at 11:52 AM, tutuwahineLV said:

Hi OnTheGoMom921,  

the loops do not cross in front of the balconies.  I was looking at the NCY port cam this morning, and the Bliss is sitting there in all her glory.  The loops do cross in front of the windows that are just above the balconies, but not farther down.  

https://www.portnywebcam.com/ 

 

I personally would stick with the aft balcony because of the large size, and the wider view you get from the aft, but that's just me.  Good luck on your upgrade, and enjoy your trip. 

Tutu 

Thank you, Tutu! I appreciate the info! With all the cancellations, I'm thinking I should cancel my upgrade bids and just stick with my aft balcony. It fits 2 lounge chairs and I may want to just hang out there instead of a crowded pool deck!

[Hit Em With The Hein]

We had a great cruise. Lots of “washy washy: happy happy” 

I only now heard about a big fight that happened on our cruise in the main 6/7/8 hall early on in the cruise. There is a video online. Literally heard nothing about it until I got home. 
 

[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.  Thank you!

[david_sobe]

Since there is not much to talk about, many of us re-live our most recent cruises.  One year ago tomorrow, I embarked on the Encore.  I had booked Encore 1.6 years prior to sailing.  My expectations were very high.  It was surreal to board a brand new ship after waiting for so long.  As high as my expectations were, I was not let down.  My cruise met or exceeded my expectations in many areas.  This was the first cruise in my life that I was not depressed the last day on board.  I came, saw, and did so much that I was tired and ready to go home.  The Haven experience was over the top.  It truly felt like I was sailing a luxury line.  Little did I know, I was on the next to last sailing before cruises were cancelled.  This worked out almost too perfect for us because we had family fly in from Argentina and we got them back home before lockdown.  Just a few things that I really liked about Encore:

The Haven and the Horizon lounge.  What a wonderful way to wake up and step 10 steps to the Horizon lounge for coffee, juice and just stare out at the sea with soft zen music playing softly.

 

The food.  Onda and Cagneys were out of this world.  The Food Republic was also incredible.

 

Tortola.  I was actually disappointed when NCL scrapped St Martin for Tortola but it was the best beach day in my life.

The service.  

 

Thanks for joining me for this trip down memory lane.

[debenson0723]

4 hours ago, david_sobe said:

Since there is not much to talk about, many of us re-live our most recent cruises.  One year ago tomorrow, I embarked on the Encore.  I had booked Encore 1.6 years prior to sailing.  My expectations were very high.  It was surreal to board a brand new ship after waiting for so long.  As high as my expectations were, I was not let down.  My cruise met or exceeded my expectations in many areas.  This was the first cruise in my life that I was not depressed the last day on board.  I came, saw, and did so much that I was tired and ready to go home.  The Haven experience was over the top.  It truly felt like I was sailing a luxury line.  Little did I know, I was on the next to last sailing before cruises were cancelled.  This worked out almost too perfect for us because we had family fly in from Argentina and we got them back home before lockdown.  Just a few things that I really liked about Encore:

The Haven and the Horizon lounge.  What a wonderful way to wake up and step 10 steps to the Horizon lounge for coffee, juice and just stare out at the sea with soft zen music playing softly.

 

The food.  Onda and Cagneys were out of this world.  The Food Republic was also incredible.

 

Tortola.  I was actually disappointed when NCL scrapped St Martin for Tortola but it was the best beach day in my life.

The service.  

 

Thanks for joining me for this trip down memory lane.

I was on this sailing also and it is hard to believe it was a year ago.  I really enjoyed Onda and Food Republic (ate there twice!).  I did have a disappointing meal in LeBistro, which was usually one of my favorites, but brought the issues to the F&B manager so hopefully they were resolved going forward for the rest of that cruise. Since I had been to these ports multiple times, I only left the ship for about 30 minutes each stop, spending the port days in an empty Thermal Spa, which was fabulous. Service was exceptional, from top to bottom.  I knew a lot of the staff from my previous cruises on the Bliss, so that didn't hurt either.  With a few exceptions, we had the best of the best, for sure.

I enjoyed the Encore but I always say if the Bliss had Onda, it would be the perfect ship for me.