CarolinaMamma Posted January 19, 2022 #1 Share Posted January 19, 2022 We are on board Encore and having a great time! There are only 1,300 passengers, and about 1,700 crew. no Kinky Boots this week, but we did have Choir of Man, the Beatles and comedy shows. Everything is just walk-in, no reservations required. The Beatles show did fill up, but I think other than that, it’s been pretty easy for anyone to see any show they wanted. We were supposed to have 1,500 passengers, and I’m not sure what happened to the other 200. I hear some had flight issues and are meeting us in St. Thomas today. I don’t know if the rest cancelled last-minute, tested positive, or what. Here is the pool deck at 9:00 on the first sea day. Plenty of loungers to be had. Let me know if I can answer any questions. 15 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolinaMamma Posted January 19, 2022 Author #2 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Here is Starbucks the first morning, hace not had more than one person in front of me the whole cruise. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omyjamie Posted January 19, 2022 #3 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I am so glad you were able to go on your cruise! I know you had a lot of reservations but I am glad it all worked out!! Mine was cancelled 😞 Have a fantastic time!! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worktocruise610 Posted January 19, 2022 #4 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Wow that is crazy! Glad you’re having a great time. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueBabe Posted January 19, 2022 #5 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Are they strict about wearing masks inside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wintersun48 Posted January 19, 2022 #6 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Thanks for posting, we are due on a week Sunday. Fingers crossed it goes ahead. Omicron numbers are dropping like a stone here in the uk. Really excited, hope it gets busier for Norwegian’s sake but will be nice to not have to queue etc. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolinaMamma Posted January 19, 2022 Author #7 Share Posted January 19, 2022 1 minute ago, SueBabe said: Are they strict about wearing masks inside? Crew are 100% wearing masks. Most passengers are wearing them when not eating or drinking, which obviously leaves a pretty big loophole. I haven’t noticed staff policing anyone, because I think most people are complying, I really wanted a maskless cruise, but I’ve spent so much time out on deck, or eating or drinking while inside, that I feel like I’m really only wearing the mask for a few minutes here and there, while walking from one place to the other. It’s just not a big deal and not detracting from my vacation at all, but I understand not everyone feels that way. There’s also plenty of room for social distancing, so anyone who is not comfortable around unmasked people sipping a cocktail can just move away. Everybody seems pretty chill about it and just happy to be here. 9 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtlantaCruiser72 Posted January 19, 2022 #8 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I was on Encore in December with 1900 onboard. Other than the pool deck during the afternoon on the sea days it was never crowded anywhere. Was a wonderful trip on a wonderful ship with a wonderful crew! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sand and Seas Posted January 19, 2022 #9 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Thanks for posting! These pictures tell the story🌞 Hope you have a wonderful cruise. We plan to be on her in about 80 days 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhtravels Posted January 19, 2022 #10 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I'm so happy you are enjoying the Encore! We were on her the 1st week of January, with approximately 1700 pax. And other than missing St. Thomas, Tortola and GSC, it was one of our favorite cruises! I hope you enjoy St. Thomas today! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JGmf Posted January 19, 2022 #11 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I'll join the Cruise Critic community in sharing our happiness that you are on-board and having a great time. The weeks heading into this cruise were stressful. Have a blast, you deserve it! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TominNC Posted January 19, 2022 #12 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I think I read your cruise made St. Thomas? So how close to the original intinerary are you? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
halos Posted January 19, 2022 #13 Share Posted January 19, 2022 3 hours ago, CarolinaMamma said: We are on board Encore and having a great time! There are only 1,300 passengers, and about 1,700 crew. no Kinky Boots this week, but we did have Choir of Man, the Beatles and comedy shows. Everything is just walk-in, no reservations required. The Beatles show did fill up, but I think other than that, it’s been pretty easy for anyone to see any show they wanted. We were supposed to have 1,500 passengers, and I’m not sure what happened to the other 200. I hear some had flight issues and are meeting us in St. Thomas today. I don’t know if the rest cancelled last-minute, tested positive, or what. Here is the pool deck at 9:00 on the first sea day. Plenty of loungers to be had. Let me know if I can answer any questions. I am so happy for you and a tad jealous! Our 1/5 Getaway cruise was cancelled at the last minute and what you're experiencing is exactly what I was hoping to have....a big ship practically to ourselves. Enjoy it!!!!!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Oceansaway17 Posted January 19, 2022 #14 Share Posted January 19, 2022 3 hours ago, CarolinaMamma said: Here is Starbucks the first morning, hace not had more than one person in front of me the whole cruise. Enjoy that uncrowded ship. you might look back fondly on this cruise as "good ole times with less crowds" Just sorry you did not get to see Kinky Boots. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAHMto5 Posted January 19, 2022 #15 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Thanks for sharing. Hope you have a great cruise! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mking8288 Posted January 19, 2022 #16 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Very nice post with the photo telling it all. More chairs than hogs to worry about, what a change - enjoy. How are the MDR and specialty dining ... do take photos & share it here, as you wish. Assuming that you are posting over ship's satellite WiFi on CC - can you do that successfully without needing to log into your account, difference in speed and/or lag time ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolinaMamma Posted January 19, 2022 Author #17 Share Posted January 19, 2022 1 hour ago, TominNC said: I think I read your cruise made St. Thomas? So how close to the original intinerary are you? We missed GSC Monday because of weather, which I think happens a lot. Skipping GSC meant we arrived in St. Thomas a few hours early, so we had a nice, long day here, and the weather was perfect. We are headed to Tortola tomorrow and Puerta Plata on Friday. No word of any changes. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolinaMamma Posted January 19, 2022 Author #18 Share Posted January 19, 2022 (edited) 42 minutes ago, mking8288 said: Very nice post with the photo telling it all. More chairs than hogs to worry about, what a change - enjoy. How are the MDR and specialty dining ... do take photos & share it here, as you wish. Assuming that you are posting over ship's satellite WiFi on CC - can you do that successfully without needing to log into your account, difference in speed and/or lag time ? We are in the Haven so I haven’t eaten in the MDR yet. All specialty restaurants are open. Had dinner at Cagney’s the first night. Food and service excellent. I had the prime rib, and it was “like buttah,” so tender. I didn’t buy a Wu-if package because I cruise to get away from internet. In St. Thomas, you have regular cell service like you would in the US, so that’s how im posting now. Edited January 19, 2022 by CarolinaMamma 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizaSTN Posted January 19, 2022 #19 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Does it feel *too* empty? We’re looking forward to low crowds but I’m starting to get nervous it’s going to feel like a ghost town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisekitty22 Posted January 19, 2022 #20 Share Posted January 19, 2022 We were on the Encore Dec 5-12, 2021 so I am reliving our cruise through you! Great review so far and spot on. The ship does not feel like a ghost town with less people. I thought it was great and hope they keep it that way permanently. No waiting/lines for anything. We saw Choir of Man too. Best show ever! We were disappointed in LeBistro and didn't get to the Italian restaurant. The main dining room food was fine for us. That prime rib looks fabulous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefMateJRK Posted January 19, 2022 #21 Share Posted January 19, 2022 45 minutes ago, ElizaSTN said: Does it feel *too* empty? We’re looking forward to low crowds but I’m starting to get nervous it’s going to feel like a ghost town. Really?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizaSTN Posted January 19, 2022 #22 Share Posted January 19, 2022 17 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said: Really?? Yes, really. If you have nothing of relevance to say, you are under no obligation to post a response, just FYI. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtMo Posted January 19, 2022 #23 Share Posted January 19, 2022 1 hour ago, CarolinaMamma said: We are in the Haven so I haven’t eaten in the MDR yet. All specialty restaurants are open. Had dinner at Cagney’s the first night. Food and service excellent. CarolinaMamma, We'll also be in the Haven on Escape soon - if you have any thoughts on Haven food versus specialty, favorite items, etc. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Also would love a photo of Haven wine selections by glass if possible. Have a great trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vacruizer Posted January 19, 2022 #24 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I’m so happy you made your cruise!!! We are pushing forward and going for it on the Joy in 10 days. Just got our Haven upgrade and am so excited to be there! Thank you for sharing with us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiefMateJRK Posted January 19, 2022 #25 Share Posted January 19, 2022 34 minutes ago, ElizaSTN said: Yes, really. If you have nothing of relevance to say, you are under no obligation to post a response, just FYI. Well, I think it is quite relevant to question why a person would be expressing such an outrageous concern; especially in a feel good thread about a cruise ship with much fewer passengers. That said, it's a free country/forum and I'll post whatever I want. Just FYI..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now