COME SAIL AWAY... FINALLY! Live Review of NCL Encore Alaska 8/21-8/28

[joeflow80]

3 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

ok I mispoke he is curious if it is conventional or face up, he said to show you this

Differences between Face Up Pai Gow Poker and conventional Pai Gow Poker

 

• Dealer cards dealt face up.
• No 5% commission.
• Dealer ace-high pai gow is an automatic push.
• No player banking

Interesting. I don't think I've seen that version before. Not sure if the auto push on what should usually be a winning hand outweighs the commission cancel. And it's fairly rare when seeing the dealer's hand early makes a difference. I'm sure someone has run the math. My theory is the more gimmicky the house makes the game, the more it swings in their favor.

 

I don't believe they allowed player banking on the Encore. Thought I heard someone get turned down for it.

[drumexpert510]

2 hours ago, JYDCruise said:

Yoikes! I assume that Haven guests don't have to worry about this?

Yes they would... there is only 1 gangway. No other option. If you are a person and want off the ship, you are going out the same gangway.

[ChiefMateJRK]

31 minutes ago, drumexpert510 said:

Yes they would... there is only 1 gangway. No other option. If you are a person and want off the ship, you are going out the same gangway.

No way.  From what I've read, people in the Haven are always given some kind of special treatment.  Otherwise, why would they pay twice as much as the poor people in steerage?

[SliderNc]

5 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

No way.  From what I've read, people in the Haven are always given some kind of special treatment.  Otherwise, why would they pay twice as much as the poor people in steerage?

The Haven guests wouldn't have to wait in line with the rest of the non-Haven guests.  They would go up to the Haven Lounge and take the service elevators to the embarkation gangway and get ahead of the line.  That's what happened with us on previous cruises.

 

[Cruising Lynne]

5 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

No way.  From what I've read, people in the Haven are always given some kind of special treatment.  Otherwise, why would they pay twice as much as the poor people in steerage?

You are so right! I have never been in the Haven, but I have been about to get off when I was held back as a group from the Haven was escorted out of a crew passageway and down the gang way ahead of me. Seems like a great perk of the Haven, but for my budget I would rather do another cruise than pay the premium. 

 

Another time I witnessed the Haven privilege was when we were trying to get on the tender during a thunder storm at Great Stirrup Key. A Haven group was brought to the front of the line to get the last available seats on that tender run.

[drumexpert510]

Unfortunately that was not the case here. Ship was late getting in and tours were waiting. Shorex got off as soon as the gangway was lowered and the ship was cleared. That was around 600 people. 
 

Now... if at some point the Haven guests got walked down at some point ok... but that would have been after the bug initial rush. 
 

And again, they was only 1 gangway there was not a separate one for crew as they are not allowed off the ship. 

[NikiPinkston]

Last week, there were a lot of passengers by the stairs and elevators waiting to get off in Icy Strait Point, but everyone was patient and good-humored and it didn't seem much different to us from some previous cruise disembarkation experiences that we've had, definitely not what I would call chaotic.  Passengers with shore excursion tickets were told to get in a separate line & given priority and exited first, so maybe we missed some of the confusion because we were in that group...?   True, there isn't much to do in ISP, but we knew that from prior research.  Hopefully, they'll add some more shops & attractions over time.  For us, it was all about the ZipRider (which was awesome!).  After flying down the mountain, we peeked into the other buildings and sat by the fire pit for awhile, just enjoying the scenery.  Then we were fine to go back onboard the Encore & spend some time enjoying the ship.  Maybe we're just super easy-going. 

[Wink87]

Looks like NCL docks a bit out of downtown. Is there a shuttle into downtown? TIA

[karatemom2]

3 hours ago, NikiPinkston said:

Last week, there were a lot of passengers by the stairs and elevators waiting to get off in Icy Strait Point, but everyone was patient and good-humored and it didn't seem much different to us from some previous cruise disembarkation experiences that we've had, definitely not what I would call chaotic.  Passengers with shore excursion tickets were told to get in a separate line & given priority and exited first, so maybe we missed some of the confusion because we were in that group...?   True, there isn't much to do in ISP, but we knew that from prior research.  Hopefully, they'll add some more shops & attractions over time.  For us, it was all about the ZipRider (which was awesome!).  After flying down the mountain, we peeked into the other buildings and sat by the fire pit for awhile, just enjoying the scenery.  Then we were fine to go back onboard the Encore & spend some time enjoying the ship.  Maybe we're just super easy-going. 

 

You are super easy going!! I admire that. My head was about to explode with the whole ordeal. We had a private tour scheduled and they had already been kind enough to change the time for us when I notified them we would be two hours late - but then we were even later and we couldn't even get off the ship in a timely way due to the absolute mass of people trying to exit all at once. I was a ball of stress. And then to get off and see the line for the gondola - we were so so late! Someone said the walk took 40 minutes so we waited in the gondola line hoping that would be quicker. It probably was about the same - I don't know. I was just so mad and stressed and not in proper vacation head mode at that moment because we were so looking forward to our canoe trip and thought we were going to miss it. But those dear people waited for us and held everyone else going up so we could make it. But I felt terrible that we inconvenienced others and just wish it could have been an easier and less stressful process to navigate that port.

[mpk218]

On 8/22/2021 at 8:50 PM, Wink87 said:

Have you seen any whales?

 

Eya , Just a Big White One wit a bit of an attitude 🧐

[Wink87]

2 minutes ago, mpk218 said:

Eya , Just a Big White One wit a bit of an attitude 🧐

Lol 😂

[alohayall]

2 hours ago, Wink87 said:

Looks like NCL docks a bit out of downtown. Is there a shuttle into downtown? TIA

You’ve been missing the reports of the “Ward Cove Disaster?” (my name for the new pier, based on passenger reports).

 

Yes, docking at Ward Cove, about 7 miles north of town.  It’s also the place where several shore excursions start, if you read the excursion descriptions (that aren’t updated to reflect this change of docking).

 

So no ability to walk off the boat and be right in town.

 

The last report I read is that the shuttle buses for our ship do not have a $ charge (it was $8 the Aug 7 sailing).

Edited August 25, 2021 by alohayall

[Oceansaway17]

On 8/24/2021 at 3:44 PM, Wink87 said:

Did they still have the carts to get you from the older port to the shops?

I do not remember carts. Oldest port is right in front of shops (I used in 2012). 2nd newest dock is 4 minute walk (I used in 2019). I think the gondola takes Encore passengers over to where the walkway starts from the new dock that is 5 yrs old and 4 minute walk to shops.

 

[lks93]

Encore went from GREEN to YELLOW status today - using data submitted yesterday -  according to the CDC color coding.  This means:

• Cases reported in 0.10% or more of passengers (e.g., if 6500* passengers on board, CDC’s investigation threshold is met if there are 7 or more cases among passengers occurring during the previous 7 days), or
  • This percentage includes passenger cases occurring within 5 days of disembarkation that CDC was notified of by state or local health departments.
• One or more cases reported in crew.

Were there any announcements made about positive cases onboard?

[NikiPinkston]

3 hours ago, karatemom2 said:

 

You are super easy going!! I admire that. My head was about to explode with the whole ordeal. We had a private tour scheduled and they had already been kind enough to change the time for us when I notified them we would be two hours late - but then we were even later and we couldn't even get off the ship in a timely way due to the absolute mass of people trying to exit all at once. I was a ball of stress. And then to get off and see the line for the gondola - we were so so late! Someone said the walk took 40 minutes so we waited in the gondola line hoping that would be quicker. It probably was about the same - I don't know. I was just so mad and stressed and not in proper vacation head mode at that moment because we were so looking forward to our canoe trip and thought we were going to miss it. But those dear people waited for us and held everyone else going up so we could make it. But I felt terrible that we inconvenienced others and just wish it could have been an easier and less stressful process to navigate that port.

I'm so sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience, @karatemom2. We met our ZipRider tour group right at the end of the gangway & he took us to a special line for the gondola and we got on right away & to the ZipRider base.  We did have to wait for about 40 minutes as there was a group ahead of us that had also been affected by our late arrival, but it was okay.  (I guess we are pretty laidback LOL.). I think after 5 canceled cruises we were just so happy to be on a cruise that we just let it roll off our backs.

Edited August 25, 2021 by NikiPinkston
Stupid autocorrect!

[karatemom2]

11 minutes ago, lks93 said:

Encore went from GREEN to YELLOW status today - using data submitted yesterday -  according to the CDC color coding.  This means:

• Cases reported in 0.10% or more of passengers (e.g., if 6500* passengers on board, CDC’s investigation threshold is met if there are 7 or more cases among passengers occurring during the previous 7 days), or
  • This percentage includes passenger cases occurring within 5 days of disembarkation that CDC was notified of by state or local health departments.
• One or more cases reported in crew.

Were there any announcements made about positive cases onboard?

 

We were on last week and didn't hear of any positive cases onboard - however, our room steward was off sick one day which made us a little nervous, but he was back the next so assuming he was fine. They wouldn't have let him work if he had been positive. In Ketchikan a fellow passenger told us she saw some crew in hazmat suits removing plastic wrapped luggage, so that sent up a bit of a red flag. And apparently some people have stated they saw a couple being wheeled of the last day by crew in hazmat suits. So I guess it is possible - but absolutely nothing was shared with the passengers about it. Unfortunately given the current situation it is bound to happen even with how very careful NCL is being.

 

I also heard that this CDC number could be impacted by the people who show up positive at port and are denied boarding, so that could be the case as well if a few people who arrived last Saturday to board tested positive.

 

It's tough traveling right now!

[zerooveride]

20 minutes ago, lks93 said:

Encore went from GREEN to YELLOW status today - using data submitted yesterday -  according to the CDC color coding.  This means:

• Cases reported in 0.10% or more of passengers (e.g., if 6500* passengers on board, CDC’s investigation threshold is met if there are 7 or more cases among passengers occurring during the previous 7 days), or
  • This percentage includes passenger cases occurring within 5 days of disembarkation that CDC was notified of by state or local health departments.
• One or more cases reported in crew.

Were there any announcements made about positive cases onboard?

Hazmat was seen on Deck 10 yesterday 

[drumexpert510]

Skagway review:

 

I always love coming to this town, it is stuck in time. If you do not have a tour scheduled, you will want to make your way over to Broadway where you can find some nice shopping. 
 

The pier is quite a distance from town and the easiest way is hoping on a “Smart” bus which will cost you $2 per trip or $5 for an all day pass.

 

Under normal circumstances, I recommend taking transpiration up into the Yukon and see places like Emerald Lake, do some dog sledding, walk across the suspension bridge and take some photos of the very scenic drive. 
 

If you are looking for some souvenirs, might I suggest picking up an Alaskan made Ulu knife and Ulu bowl, most places will even ship for $5-$10. While you are out and about, try to find Doughboys, they have some amazing made to order treats you will really enjoy! 
 

We were in port ALL DAY, so after a couple hours of strolling and shopping we headed back to the ship for some spa relaxation.

 

Added Bonus: Check out the rock wall at the port where the ship docks. You can see hand painted rocks along the mountainside from cruise ships first port of calls. There are some quite old ones and it can be very nostalgic to see some ships up there from yester-year!

[Look4theLight]

22 minutes ago, drumexpert510 said:

Skagway review:

 

I always love coming to this town, it is stuck in time. If you do not have a tour scheduled, you will want to make your way over to Broadway where you can find some nice shopping. 
 

The pier is quite a distance from town and the easiest way is hoping on a “Smart” bus which will cost you $2 per trip or $5 for an all day pass.

 

Under normal circumstances, I recommend taking transpiration up into the Yukon and see places like Emerald Lake, do some dog sledding, walk across the suspension bridge and take some photos of the very scenic drive. 
 

If you are looking for some souvenirs, might I suggest picking up an Alaskan made Ulu knife and Ulu bowl, most places will even ship for $5-$10. While you are out and about, try to find Doughboys, they have some amazing made to order treats you will really enjoy! 
 

We were in port ALL DAY, so after a couple hours of strolling and shopping we headed back to the ship for some spa relaxation.

 

Added Bonus: Check out the rock wall at the port where the ship docks. You can see hand painted rocks along the mountainside from cruise ships first port of calls. There are some quite old ones and it can be very nostalgic to see some ships up there from yester-year!

Love Skagway! There used to be a nice little sports bar there with a really good burger. I was hoping it might still be. I'd love to stop in for a burger again!

[Old & Retired]

58 minutes ago, NikiPinkston said:

I'm so sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience, @karatemom2. We met our ZipRider tour group right at the end of the gangway & he took us to a special line for the gondola and we got on right away & to the ZipRider base.  We did have to wait for about 40 minutes as there was a group ahead of us that had also been affected by our late arrival, but it was okay.  (I guess we are pretty laidback LOL.). I think after 5 canceled cruises we were just so happy to be on a cruise that we just let it roll off our backs.

So you had less stress because you cut the line.

[aubreyc1988]

My plan is to have a morning cocktail at atrium before getting off and have a very relaxed vibe about any line I am waiting in thereafter. 😄  So excited to cruise again, I will wait in line no problem! Things that used to cause stress precovid are now put into perspective for me 

[The Traveling Man]

39 minutes ago, Old & Retired said:

So you had less stress because you cut the line.

Well that's kind of snarky, isn't it?  It's sort of like saying someone has less stress because they live in a comfortable house instead of a ramshackle hut.  Well, they paid for their comfort and convenience, while others did not.  Don't be envious or jealous.  If someone paid roughly double for a stateroom in the Haven, then they deserve all of the benefits that come with it.  If someone pays for an NCL shorex and one of the benefits is that they get to be first off the ship and first in line for transportation, then so be it.  They paid for it.  If someone has sailed with NCL often enough to reach Platinum Plus Latitudes status, one of their benefits is that they get to go to the front of the line for the theater and other entertainment venues.  That's NCL's policy.  They earned it, so don't be envious.

[SteamboatCruiser]

1 hour ago, Old & Retired said:

So you had less stress because you cut the line.

Kindness is always fashionable, and always welcome.

[drumexpert510]

Currently heading towards Dawes Glacier. We are in the Observation Lounge, it is packed but it is the place to be! Make sure to high-tail it up here after Juneau day and grab a seat early because it fills up fast!

 

We should be in the glacial area in an hour or two! 

[zerooveride]

Evac at Dawes Glacier- Crew had N95 Masks, Gloves and Tyvek suits under their life vests