Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 #1 Share Posted September 3, 2021 This post was recognized by CC Help Jenn! "Thanks for generously sharing your time at sea with everyone at Cruise Critic" aubreyc1988 was awarded the badge '"Live from...."' Hey all, so excited to give you guys a LIVE review on Encore this upcoming week! I have the basic unlimited wifi, I hope that it is fast enough to post some good photos and such for you! 1) Feel free to ask any questions, I will do my best to answer them 👍 2) 🍹 I am a glass very full sort of person. I don't mind waiting in line, hiccups, etc. So if you are looking for a review filled with outrage and such, this will not be it. 3) I hope you enjoy the review! 😄 Quick Details: I am flying out tomorrow morning at 7am Central time, out DFW airport to SEA with the airfare promo and transfers to the port. I got my negative PCR test yesterday morning as a precaution, and I have been in a self quarantine for 3 weeks since both my husband and I work from home. We are both DINKS, no kids, two dogs, we like to drink, we do not smoke, we do gamble and we love a good meal or two. We have done Alaska before with NCL in 2019, on the Bliss, almost same itinerary except the Bliss went to Skagway. We are sailing comped through Casinos At Sea, and have a balcony cabin on deck 9 that is angled (woohoo) (I'll be back in a bit to give more pre cruise details, gotta go clean my house and double check my packing 😛) 25 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Fusion FoodsJ Posted September 3, 2021 #2 Share Posted September 3, 2021 23 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said: Hey all, so excited to give you guys a LIVE review on Encore this upcoming week! I have the basic unlimited wifi, I hope that it is fast enough to post some good photos and such for you! 1) Feel free to ask any questions, I will do my best to answer them 👍 2) 🍹 I am a glass very full sort of person. I don't mind waiting in line, hiccups, etc. So if you are looking for a review filled with outrage and such, this will not be it. 3) I hope you enjoy the review! 😄 Quick Details: I am flying out tomorrow morning at 7am Central time, out DFW airport to SEA with the airfare promo and transfers to the port. I got my negative PCR test yesterday morning as a precaution, and I have been in a self quarantine for 3 weeks since both my husband and I work from home. We are both DINKS, no kids, two dogs, we like to drink, we do not smoke, we do gamble and we love a good meal or two. We have done Alaska before with NCL in 2019, on the Bliss, almost same itinerary except the Bliss went to Skagway. We are sailing comped through Casinos At Sea, and have a balcony cabin on deck 9 that is angled (woohoo) (I'll be back in a bit to give more pre cruise details, gotta go clean my house and double check my packing 😛) Looking forward to the review Aubrey! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellbelle28 Posted September 3, 2021 #3 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Are you going to play @drumexpert510's drinking game with us? Forum members suggest a drink, you order it and give us your rating and share a photo so we can virtually enjoy your beverage too. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OrcaGirl Posted September 3, 2021 #4 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Yay, so excited to follow along on your adventures! We'll be on the Encore in mid-October and can't wait. Random question requests as you have time to answer them: 1. Your thoughts on the various entertainment options and on-board activities 2. Favourite drinks (of course) 3. Dailies (really appreciated the Bird's sharing of the dailies but that itinerary was slightly different) Bon voyage! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BoozinCroozin Posted September 3, 2021 #5 Share Posted September 3, 2021 (edited) All I saw was Mojito!!!🍹 With the NCL airfare/bogo thing, what airline did they select for you? Edited September 3, 2021 by BoozinCroozin 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #6 Share Posted September 3, 2021 15 minutes ago, Shellbelle28 said: Are you going to play @drumexpert510's drinking game with us? Forum members suggest a drink, you order it and give us your rating and share a photo so we can virtually enjoy your beverage too. sounds dangerous, maybe 😄 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #7 Share Posted September 3, 2021 5 minutes ago, BoozinCroozin said: All I saw was Mojito!!!🍹 With the NCL airfare/bogo thing, what airline did they select for you? American. Direct, earliest flight American had for Sept 4th that was non-stop. The fare is marked as "Flexible" and I did get to choose my seats once I added the flight to my AA account. When we checked in this morning, there were more seats available and we were able to get two seats together, a bit further up from where we had been. Doing NCL airfare promo was about 100.00 total cheaper, but the real perk was that I was able to use my FCC to pay for the flights and transfers, vs booking direct. I was offered the option to deviate, but wanted to try flying in the day of to reduce potential covid exposure prior to the cruise. Plus hey, it saves money on the hotel. I will admit, I am a bit nervous about it, but I do have travel insurance as well. We are not checking any bags, just two carry ons/two backpacks. I will go take some photos of my bags and my packing stuff so you guys can see, I love buying travel gear and stuff, sort of like a hobby of mine to pack as efficiently as I can! 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BoozinCroozin Posted September 3, 2021 #8 Share Posted September 3, 2021 2 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said: American. Direct, earliest flight American had for Sept 4th that was non-stop. The fare is marked as "Flexible" and I did get to choose my seats once I added the flight to my AA account. When we checked in this morning, there were more seats available and we were able to get two seats together, a bit further up from where we had been. Doing NCL airfare promo was about 100.00 total cheaper, but the real perk was that I was able to use my FCC to pay for the flights and transfers, vs booking direct. I was offered the option to deviate, but wanted to try flying in the day of to reduce potential covid exposure prior to the cruise. Plus hey, it saves money on the hotel. I will admit, I am a bit nervous about it, but I do have travel insurance as well. We are not checking any bags, just two carry ons/two backpacks. I will go take some photos of my bags and my packing stuff so you guys can see, I love buying travel gear and stuff, sort of like a hobby of mine to pack as efficiently as I can! Thank you. I just signed up for the BOGO deal on Wednesday I think. Flights for me booking are $2,100. Flights through NCL was $448. Massive difference. We are flying a day early for ours and hoping they give us the early morning flights so we can enjoy NOLA for the night. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #9 Share Posted September 3, 2021 1 minute ago, BoozinCroozin said: Thank you. I just signed up for the BOGO deal on Wednesday I think. Flights for me booking are $2,100. Flights through NCL was $448. Massive difference. We are flying a day early for ours and hoping they give us the early morning flights so we can enjoy NOLA for the night. wow that is an incredible savings! I have heard that NCL primarily uses Delta/American/United. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aputt Posted September 3, 2021 #10 Share Posted September 3, 2021 See ya onboard! We are flying out this afternoon on United and staying at the Marriott by Pier 66 tonight. Looking forward to getting onboard tomorrow and enjoying life at sea again! Safe travels to everyone! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BoozinCroozin Posted September 3, 2021 #11 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Enjoy your cruise everyone. I will be watching this thread. Mojitos catch my attention very easily. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milolii Posted September 3, 2021 #12 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Following, enjoy everyone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefMateJRK Posted September 3, 2021 #13 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Enjoy your cruise! Stay off that phone!! Just enjoy yourself and pass along the highlights. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #14 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Ok so here is some packing by Aubrey! Disclaimer: My husband thinks I am crazy, he normally just throws his stuff in, but I am the one who makes sure we have everything we need 😄 I won't be including links to items, as I don't want to violate any CC rules and I don't get any sort of kickback from recommendations, but I will include the brand names if I remember them and you can do some googling! Both of my Bags here Calpak Ambeur suitcase, 22" carry on (Got it on sale for 100, but I do wish I had the rose gold version, maybe next suitcase) GONEX backpack, opens like a suitcase, bought on Amazon, no longer sold. 18.1x12.6x7.1 inches, fits within Spirit Airlines guidelines (18x14x8). American is a little more loose with their personal item requirements so I got my backpack looking really fat for this flight haha! I have kept one side of my suitcase mostly empty for stuff I buy in ports. I want to get a few mugs and maybe a few t-shirts, who knows! Gotta remember the fun anchor straws (6.00 on Amazon) Toiletry Bag I got from Ipsy. Ipsy is a great way to get travel sized makeup/toiletries that are high end for cheap. Plus they give you a fun bag each month. This one was from last year, I love the cube size of it and the design of course. I put all my non liquid toiletries in this, as well as things like clothespins, hair ties, etc. Vlando Rollie Portable Jewelry Roll, Amazon, 15.00 Ollio Black Glitter Flats (also have in pink), Amazon, 27-29.00 pair. Look how flat they get, perfect to smoosh into your luggage and they totally add pizazz to an outfit and are pretty comfy. See how I just crammed the shoe in the side of the luggage like a pro?! 😄 Onto the GONEX backpack, which is SO nice (my husband has one as well) Love how it opens like a suitcase. It has a nice laundry bag attached. I put my liquid toiletries on the outside pocket, even though I am precheck. You never know if a precheck line is open or not, or if the agent still wants you to pull out your liquids. I put my masks in the other outside pocket for easy access. I I can pack these three compression cubes from Tripped (amazon) in my Gonex bag. I also have my big Columbia coat compressed in one of these. Small skinny guy has undergarments in it and lots and lots of socks. Supposed to be pretty rainy this week and I hate wet socks. I love Matador products. I have two of their products. This is a 18L packable waterproof tote. it fits in so many nooks and crannies of any bag I am using, and if I need to use it, it provides a nice sized bag. and I think the design is cute too! Last think I'll pack is my macbook air, which will go in my backpack (there is a padded sleeve in the back of the backpack I forgot to take a photo of) and my cords, which I keep in this case One thing I WEAR on the plane is this packable fanny pack from Matador. It is my favorite thing ever because I put the ESSENTIAL things I need constant access to while in the air (my headphones, small power bank, my portable apple watch charger, some petty cash, tylenol packets, eyeglass wipes, alcohol wipes, chapstick). Having it around my waist under my hoodie means I don't have to rummage in my backpack for anything, thus no accidental elbowing of the stranger sitting next to me. I am a very considerate flier! After my flight, I just pack it up like this if I am not going to use it and throw it in my bag. ANYHOW, I hope you liked this EXTREME packing post HAHA 22 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #15 Share Posted September 3, 2021 32 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Enjoy your cruise! Stay off that phone!! Just enjoy yourself and pass along the highlights. I will probably post recaps at the end of each day while unwinding before bed 😄 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debenson0723 Posted September 3, 2021 #16 Share Posted September 3, 2021 I have those anchor straws too but did not pack them. Love the idea of the fanny pack on the plane...why didn't I think of that?! See you tomorrow. Safe travels. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellbelle28 Posted September 3, 2021 #17 Share Posted September 3, 2021 35 minutes ago, debenson0723 said: I have those anchor straws too but did not pack them. Love the idea of the fanny pack on the plane...why didn't I think of that?! See you tomorrow. Safe travels. Oh is bringing your own straws still a thing? NCL doesn't have paper ones yet? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #18 Share Posted September 3, 2021 6 minutes ago, Shellbelle28 said: Oh is bringing your own straws still a thing? NCL doesn't have paper ones yet? I am not sure if they do or not , so I am erring on the side of caution. But I know mine will be cuter than the plain white ones NCL provides anyhow lol 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #19 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Painted my own nails (which I normally hate to do) but didn't want to break my quarantine to go sit at a nail salon to get my nails done Not bad, not bad. I used a gel nail kit, and I only practiced once. The color is like a minty blue, hopefully like the colors of glacier waters 🙂 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlGoodShips Posted September 3, 2021 #20 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Love the nail color💙 By the way, what cabin is angled on deck 9? Have a fabulous time.⚓ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #21 Share Posted September 3, 2021 1 minute ago, FlGoodShips said: Love the nail color💙 By the way, what cabin is angled on deck 9? Have a fabulous time.⚓ I'll tell the cabin number after the cruise, for security reasons 🙂 I will of course take photos and a mini video! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlGoodShips Posted September 3, 2021 #22 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Also love those flat shoes. You are the Queen of packing 😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare OrcaGirl Posted September 3, 2021 #23 Share Posted September 3, 2021 Will be curious to hear how you liked the angled balcony! We've got one booked for our Encore cruise in a few weeks, and made a point of getting one with the angle 'facing' aft so that there's hopefully less wind. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NikiPinkston Posted September 3, 2021 #24 Share Posted September 3, 2021 5 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said: I will go take some photos of my bags and my packing stuff so you guys can see, I love buying travel gear and stuff, sort of like a hobby of mine to pack as efficiently as I can! Love that you are a glass very full kind of person, @aubreyc1988! I have the same hobby, and I think it's pretty awesome. 🤩 Fyi, there were no straws to be found anywhere on board during our cruise two weeks ago. Have an amazing time! Really looking forward to following along. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare aubreyc1988 Posted September 3, 2021 Author #25 Share Posted September 3, 2021 10 minutes ago, OrcaGirl said: Will be curious to hear how you liked the angled balcony! We've got one booked for our Encore cruise in a few weeks, and made a point of getting one with the angle 'facing' aft so that there's hopefully less wind. Mine is facing forward. It was the only angled one left in the BF category so I felt lucky to get one Looking at NCL website now, they have lots of cabins open so I called Casinos At Sea to see if I could get a cheap upgrade. NOPE, 400.00 pp to upgrade to a Mini Suite...no thanks, I'll keep my BF with angled balcony haha. Two cruises I had booked before this one were cancelled, both were Haven suites, both would have been my first time in the Haven (a 10 year anniversary treat). I got a great deal on those suites, about 4,500 per cabin with all taxes and fees. They wanted 8-10k total for a Haven for this sailing and I just couldn't do it, even for a late 10 year anniversary treat. ONE DAY though! I am satisfied with my balcony tho. It actually is a small treat as I normally try to do insides to save money to do really neat excursions. During this pandemic, I have only been booking balcony cabins or up because I need the assurance if I have to quarantine, I can at least go sit outside! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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