Quincella

I jumped on board and booked Viva for August of 2023 - Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece (I think).  I just adore that new ship smell. 🙂

Not bothering with a Haven booking because it is so incredibly port intensive. Even so, the prices definitely made my eyebrows raise a bit.  

Having sailed both, I'd choose Bliss, but that's because I've been to all those ports and so I'm a sucker for the ship at this point.  I really like the Breakaway, but the Breakaway Plus class is just special for me.  I simply adore all the outdoor space and bars.

On 1/20/2022 at 9:16 AM, Tiffany18 said:

I am currently onboard Encore as well and completely agree with @CarolinaMamma. I think we are all so use to seeing masks that it hasn’t made the cruise feel restricted. As she said, it feels like you just wear a mask for short spurts of time. There is an overall sense of relief that we all made it on the ship! 🥰 
I am also in Haven, which is full. I’m kinda wondering where all the people are. Haven lounge is empty every time we are in there. Last night was the first time the Haven bar seemed busy but we were still able to get drinks quickly. Haven pool area, ghost town. I figure since the ship is less crowded maybe Haven guests are venturing out more. 
I have been to the Garden cafe once for lunch and it didn’t feel crowded. Comedy shows in the comedy club do fill up so we arrive early. 
I’m very happy we decided to cruise. A very unique experience. 
 

I found the people! They were on the Haven sun deck, which I thought was a gorgeous place.  We didn't have trouble getting loungers or anything, but I think all the people were there instead of in the pool area which, like you said, was remarkably empty the entire time.  I think if they'd kept the roof open more people would have gone there.  And by "more people" I mean me. 🙂

16 hours ago, norway olin said:

The roof did retract.  We didn't spend much time in there, but I did notice the roof was open on one of our walkthroughs toward the end of the week

Really?  Good to know!  My husband I I spent a tiny bit of time in the pool there and saw there were rails to retract, but since we never saw it we didn't know if it didn't, or just wasn't.  We were tempted to request that it be retracted, but we just were too lazy and probably tipsy to get off our butts to do it. 🙂

19 hours ago, p5woody said:

I just cruised last week on encore (awesome cruise).  I saw NCL enforce mask wearing a couple of times.  Entering the buffet, the cavern, and the social.  However, I followed the rules so these are the only ones I witnessed and was never hassled.  I took my mask off when eating, drinking, and when I was outside.  At the buffet I put my mask on when getting food and took it off again after sitting down.  With all the drinking, eating and lounging outside, I probably had my mask on less then 20% of the time.  I didn't find it to be a big deal to just follow the rules and not force the crew into uncomfortable situation.  I am sure they hate bothering passengers.

I was on with you, and my experience was almost exactly the same.  I didn't actually witness any crew asking someone to put on a mask, but then I wasn't looking for it, either.  I wasn't on vacation to be the mask police (as you weren't, either), but I also followed the rules, and most people seemed to, most of the time.  

In conclusion.....

That trip was really special.  The food, the service (generally),  how genuinely glad the locals seemed to be that we were there on their islands, how fun the crew were......all of it, really. 

I'm trying to come up with negatives or nit-picky things, to avoid being called an NCL Groupie or whatever, but there honestly isn't much, which is why I've been choosing NCL for my cruises for so long now.  But to satisfy that itch:

1. We only ate in a main dining room once (Manhattan Room, for lunch).  The service was just incredibly slow.  We weren't in a hurry, but it was close to two hours, and there were only maybe 1/2 dozen groups in the entire place. We found out later that most of the delay was due to them cooking our daughter's chicken tenders in a different kitchen to avoid cross-contamination (she has a shellfish allergy), and while I really appreciate that, they could have told us.  Communication is key.

2. The roof over the Haven courtyard either doesn't retract, or simply wasn't retracted.  I'm sure someone here knows.  I just thought it was a waste of a beautiful space in the Caribbean, where it was definitely warm enough to be open.

3. One of our waitresses was not good at all, in Q. She clearly didn't want to be there (and admitted it to us), and was just not a good server in general. 

That's it, honestly.  It really was that good.  As for what we did in different places:

St. Thomas: We did an island tour and beach stay through Sunny Liston tours.  We were the only three with him, and we had so much fun! His energy and pride for his country are palpable. He also played music and sang, and seemed to know and greet everyone we saw.  It was a lovely time.  I've been there many times but have never gone with him before. I don't know that I'd go with anyone else now that I know what I was missing.

Tortola: We did The Baths of Virgin Gorda and Snorkel trip, through NCL because our time there was so short.  I mentioned in a previous post how I was not a fan of the tour operator, at all.  The Baths are lovely, but there is no snorkeling to speak of because it's just a sandy bottom.  Next time I'm in Tortola, I'll either go back to Jost Van Dyke like I normally do, or maybe stay on Tortola itself and explore, but I won't do this again. 

Puerto Plata: The highlight of our trip! First of all, the new port is beautiful.  I mean the actual port is an industrial working port, but the new cruise terminal they've built is really impressive.  For an excursion we booked through TripAdvisor a Zipline, horseback ride and Dominican lunch thing. The name of the place was Country World Adventure Park. Again, we were the only three from the ship who were there, and we were the only people at all until we were about to leave.  The grounds/ranch were the park is is gorgeous!  The zip lines were decent. I've done better, but it was still fun.  The horseback ride through the grounds was nice everything was so lush and pretty!  And the lunch....oh, my....it was like someone's abuelas or tias were there in the kitchen cooking for us.  Totally authentic, everything delicious.  We loved it there.  My husband and I are actually considering moving to the Dominican Republic in a couple of years, and this trip reminded us why.  

Miami - Pre-cruise:  We stayed two nights at the Hotel Beaux Arts, which is a boutique hotel inside the JW Marriott Marquis in downtown Miami.  I would not recommend this hotel.  It was pretty enough, but nothing special for the prices they charged.  The toilet wouldn't stop running, and there were no toiletries in the room when we got there and it took three trips from housekeeping to get what we needed (shampoo, conditioner, body gel, and hand soap).  I will say they were quite responsive and got to us quickly, but come on....that's pretty basic stuff.   I'll be back in the Intercontinental when we return, for sure.  We walked to Bayside that night to eat, which was what Bayside is (touristy and overpriced, but my husband and step-daughter had never been, so you just do it anyway). On Saturday, we rented a car and drove around for a bit.  I graduated from the University of Miami so it was fun to show my family the campus, where I lived, etc.   

Miami Beach - Post-cruise:  Because I knew we wouldn't be anxious to get back to the frozen tundra where we live, I booked us for tonight in the Savoy Hotel on Miami Beach.  We arrived very early today but they stored our luggage and we went out through their beautiful garden and pool area to the beach (there is direct access from the hotel).  It was very cloudy and cool this morning, but the location can't be beat!  And because we had time to kill, we decided to take a guided Segway tour, which, despite the chill, was a blast.  Lunch somewhere not very memorable, then back to the beach for a peek because I love Miami Beach and the sun came out for a bit.  We'll be staying in most of tonight because our flight is early tomorrow, but it's nice to sit here with the balcony door open, listening to the waves crash. I'd love to stay here longer. It's an adorable space.

That's it! Again, if anyone has anything you'd like to ask, feel free.

I’ve been quite lax in posting updates here, because I’ve just been having the most amazing time!

Overall, I’d put this in my top 3 cruises ever. The port schedule didn’t change for us, apart from no GSC due to weather conditions (which has happened nearly every time GSC has been on the itinerary for me anyway), and we got more time in St, Thomas than anticipated.  
 

Choir of Man was excellent. The ship is incredibly uncrowded, but with enough people on board still to make it fun.  The weather has been perfect. If I could stay on for next week I absolutely would. 
 

My only negative has to do with the one ship-sponsored shore excursion we took, only because of the very short time in Tortola. I didn’t care for the tour operator the ship partnered with for our Virgin Gorda Baths and Snorkel boat trip. I found the  primary guide was a bit rude, and he eyed my 17-year old like she was a piece of meat, going so far as to ask her how old she was, and to hit him up on Instagram.  Not ok, dude. 
 

I’ve had all sorts of things come into my mind that I intended to share, but right now, sitting on my balcony watching the world go by, I cannot think of a single one of them.  🙂

On 1/20/2022 at 9:49 PM, Sand and Seas said:

Hope you are enjoying your cruise!  Thanks for posting information for us🌞

 

We love the Encore and plan to be back on her in April.  If you happen to visit the casino, would love to know who the Hosts are. 

I’m sorry but I haven’t paid a single how bit of attention to that!  If I get back today, I will make a point of it. 

On 1/19/2022 at 9:49 PM, tinafernnn said:

glad you're enjoying your trip! who is the haven concierge?

The concierge is Sonya. 

My favorite is, by far, the Epic. She’s the I my ship I’ve ever sailed more than once, and I’d do it again tomorrow.  I absolutely love the one-of-a-kind design, and the bathrooms don’t bother me at all. 
 

After that, I’d say the Breakaway-plus class is incredible. Of those, I’d put the Bliss at the top. 

My least favorite is the Dawn. And although I enjoyed the Jewel-class ships, I really prefer the larger, newer vessels. 

21 minutes ago, Wintersun48 said:

Wow that’s amazing, looks like it’s back on track for the program. Wonder why it wasn’t allowed to dock last time? What’s changed?

Could be fewer Covid cases on board? I’m just guessing. 

Good morning from beautiful St, Thomas!    We have an extended day today, as I believe we were originally scheduled to arrive at 11:00, but we arrived and cleared (I think….I couldn’t hear the announcement) at 8:30. 
 

On 1/16/2022 at 6:51 PM, Susandt said:

So the line for testing is not separate for haven?  It’s after that you get separated?

That’s correct.  

Today was a perfectly u eventful day. The whether was nice and I did a lot of looking at the ocean and the backs of my eyelids, in various places on the ship. 
 

Dinner at Cagney’s was delicious, and the restaurant was as full as I’ve ever seen it on any ship!  Choir of Man was a really fun show and I’m glad we got to see it. We learned tonight that they lost a cast member from this very ship’s COM cast to Covid., and the encore song was a tribute to him and all else lost. It was lovely. 
 

For the person asking for the Wines by the Glass list, I can’t really get it. Everything g is on an iPad, and a bit spread out, so I can’t really get just one list. Sorry about that. 
 

Tomorrow is another sea day, where I hope to continue my book and love affair with the sea and the flying fish. 

Good morning!  We’re missing GSC today for the very normal reason of weather conditions.  It’s pretty windy out there, so we have a sea day. 

To be honest, it feels kind of good to miss a port for the same reason I’ve missed it nearly every time I’ve tried to go. Very non-plaugue-like.  
 

Choir of man is tonight. No official word yet on Kinky Boots, one way or another, which could be a good sign?  We shall see. 

10 minutes ago, amnorto87 said:

 Yes! what is your itinerary? Would love to know how it compares to the sailing on 1/23. Would love it is GSC was first!

 

Monday:  GSC

Tuesday: Sea Day

Wednesday: St. Thomas

Thursday: Tortola

Friday: Puerto Plata

Saturday: Sea Day

Now we’ll just have to wait and see if that all sticks. I’ll be shocked if it does. 🙂

7 minutes ago, amnorto87 said:

Have a great time! We are sailing next week! I do have a couple questions, if you have time!!

 

1. When testing is it self administered?Or do they have someone swab you?
2. Do you know if the internet packages are cheaper once on board? We got the 250 minutes as a promotion but have a kiddo at home ( staying with grandparents 🤪) and we would like to be available if needed. I wasn't sure if I should upgrade now or wait til we are on board. 

 

Thanks for your time and have a great time!!!

1. The test is self-administered.  
2.  I just checked the Freestyle Daily and I don’t see anything about internet discounts.  I booked my in advance. 

44 minutes ago, Annies88 said:

We’re you always scheduled for gsc tomorrow? My itinerary for 1/23 has us there Saturday. I truly appreciate your responses here.  

Yep. It was always GSC tomorrow. 

36 minutes ago, bortman23 said:

Congrats, enjoy! We're likely cancelling out Encore sailing on Jan 23 😞

Oh no!  I understand. Everyone has to do what makes them most comfortable.  
 

As of this minute, we’re still scheduled for GSC tomorrow, and there are only 1530 passengers scheduled for this cruise. I’m really glad we made the decision not to cancel, but like I said I completely understand those who do. 

42 minutes ago, Annies88 said:

Did you test 72 hours prior just in case? It appears that is not required for the next couple of sailings.  

We did. It is not a requirement,  but if we were to test positive at the port and would like NCL assistance for lodging and such, you have to show proof of a negative test within 96 hours of sailing.  

59 minutes ago, KurtMo said:

If you get a chance, can you post some photos of the wine list including the by-glass selection?  Trying to decide if upgrading to the "plus" package makes sense or just buy my DW some decent bottles (she's not a big cocktail person, but likes decent wine!).  Thanks.

I will absolutely try to remember to do that!

9 minutes ago, Tralfie said:

Congrats! I didn't think NCL actually had any ships sailing at the moment, what with all the cancellations and postponements! 

 

You mentioned you're in the Haven lounge enjoying coffee... I'm curious, as I'm doing Haven for the first time in March (on the Getaway): Did they handle testing, etc any differently for Haven guests? Or was it all sort of one big mish-mash? 

Hope you have an amazing time! 

Nothing different for Haven guests until after testing. 

I can’t believe we actually made it!  

Step 1: Negative Covid test 72 hours ago

Step 2: Hope NCL doesn’t cancel the cruise

Step 3: Change flights to avoid snow and canceled flights

Step 4: Test negative at the port 

As I type, I’m enjoying a cup of coffee from the Haven check-in area.  It’s nice!  They have coffee, juice, some pastry and canapés.  
 

Check-in was a bit of a clown show, but it didn’t take any time.  We got here at about 8:45 for our 9:00 testing time. The porter took our luggage and told us where to go. When we got in, the security woman did not say what she wanted me to do. She just kept doing some sort of pantomime that I ended up realizing meant she wanted me to put my purse on her table and spread my arms and legs so she could wand me, but why she didn’t just speak those words is beyond me. 
 

So then we went inside to the testing warehouse where they asked for passports and vaccine cards, then in line to wait for them to start testing at 9:00. I’m glad we got in early because lines were forming quickly. 
 

When our turn came, we went to the testing table, swabbed our noses, and were sent to wait.  We received texts with links to our results about 20 minutes later, showed it to some other people who gave us wrist bands, then tried to figure out where to go next. 
 

Turns out that next place was actually outside and around the building. Through security again, where we had to show passports, and boarding passes, then inside to the physical security line where we went through the metal detector.   Then over to the line to get actually checked in and get our keys, and then, finally, the lounge to wait. 
 

When I say it was a clown show, I actually just mean there were a lot of steps with little, if any, direction. That said, we arrived at 8:45 and were through everything in less than an hour.  Not too shabby. 
 

I titled this post “live-ish,” because Im sure I won’t post an actual play by play, every day, in spite of my best intentions.  BUT…if anyone wants to know or see anything in particular I’ll do my best to get to it. Just let me know.  I’m assuming the number one thing on everyone’s minds will be where the heck we actually go once we set sail. I know that’s my biggest question!   

If NCL cancels our Sunday cruise, we'll be in a resort in the Keys.  There is no way I'll spend next week in the frozen tundra when I can be somewhere in south Florida, with flights already booked. 🙂

11 hours ago, CarolinaMamma said:

The question is, why did they cancel these latest sailings, especially Joy and Escape?

 

Too many crew positive or in quarantine?

Can’t get into the ports?

NCL has calculated that these sailings will operate at a loss? 

The answer might tell us if there are more to come. 
 

This Sunday’s Encore sailing hasn’t been cancelled yet, but this week there is no Kinky Boots or Choir of Man, and they are basically sailing to Nassau, GSC and two ports in the DR, something none of us would have chosen. I would not be heartbroken if they cancelled it and gave me a full refund, but I’d rather be on a diminished cruise than be stuck with FCC or take the 25% hit using our CFAR insurance. 

Assuming all goes well between now and then, I'll be quite happily on board the Encore with you on Sunday.  At this point in my cruising "career," I don't actually care much where the ship ends up in the Caribbean, specifically, although I agree I wouldn't have intentionally selected these odd itineraries.  

For me, the balcony of my cruise ship cabin is my happy place.  It's the only thing in the world that immediately slows down my monkey mind.  

I admit I'll be really disappointed if they cancel.  Or, if the 4-8" of snow expected here on Friday keeps me from flying out.  Or if one of the three of us test positive for Covid before we fly. Or at the port.  Or or or hahahaha.

Also? I'd identified a "back-up" cruise, just in case this one cancelled, but it's now also been cancelled.  So now I have a hold on a great room at a resort in the Keys.  I'm hell bent on doing something out of the cold next week!