KansasTexan

You're right. We'll never know. Just going by numbers, there are a LOT of studio cabins for solo travelers. Perhaps we can all just get along, pay our fares, and follow the rules. Seems so simple...

Thanks for all the input. Deposit made. Now it's just a matter of planning for the next 693 days. :)

Last month, my upgrade bid on the Encore was accepted. I went from Solo cabin to Aft Balcony. Bid 90 USD so it cost my $180.00 It was a nice cabin but honestly, I used the balcony very little. The Waterfront on the Encore is wonderful. I wasn't all that impressed with the Observation Lounge. It was warm and crowded. I got so much fresh air out on the waterfront and there was always somewhere to sit if I wanted to.

I'd like some of that old money. :) I'm retired and on a budget.

I've always been one to book my cruise and pay for it (the whole thing) at the same time. In looking at the NCL website, it appears I can put a small deposit down and then payment in full is due 120 days before sailing??? Is it that simple? I'm looking at a cruise nearly 2 years out. A lot can happen in that time. I appreciate input into this decision. Thanks.

On the NCL website, all the way at the bottom is a FAQ area. If you click on that, there are many tabs that can open, depending on what you're looking for. There's a lot of information and even if you think some of it might not apply to you, it can be helpful. Happy Sailing!

Agreed. I was happy to see a thread that hadn't devolved into political blah, blah, blah. Anyway...Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael came to mind for me. :) And I know they're not female names. Just had a giggle.

I was on the Encore Sept 11-18, 2022. I was looking forward to the Seafood Buffet and as it turns out, that night my brother and his wife had specialty dining booked so I was on my own for dinner. I ate (kind of?) at the buffet. It was the only meal the entire week that disappointed me. The cold shrimp was good and plentiful (mounds and mounds) but the other selections were really not that great. I would have been better off eating in the MDR. Your mileage may vary.

Thanks! I'll check out the app.

I have pretty much however much time I want. (Retired and someone will happily watch my dog for a couple weeks or more.) My interests vary but I'd like to see art, architecture, and have some wonderful meals. I'm thinking maybe add a few days at beginning and end of a cruise...especially those that depart from Italy/France. Agreed, port stops aren't generally long enough to experience more than a taste of a city. I learned that well enough on my recent Alaska cruise.

I'm a fairly seasoned traveler from the U.S. I've flown to Mexico, London, and Hawaii for solo vacations alone and have been on numerous cruises solo. I would VERY much like to see more of Europe and am thinking a cruise might be the way to go. My only real hesitation is managing airports, train stations, bus transfers, etc by myself. I wouldn't have more than one suitcase and a carryon so that's not the real problem. I'm more concerned with finding my way around with English and a touch of cantina Spanish. Does anyone here have experience with this? Thoughts? Advice? Thanks in advance.

Here's a link to the insurance information I received with my recent reservation. Maybe this will help? https://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/booksafe

This is right up there with wearing too much cologne/perfume, putting your feet on cocktail tables, or conducting a long conversation during a show. 😕

Just FYI. My upgrade bid was accepted the day before my cruise and a couple of things that I expected to be in my cabin weren't (excursion tickets and airport transfer info for debarkation). Guest Services was happy to print duplicates for me.

I'm enjoying this very much. Thank you. My Encore cruise starts next Sunday and I'm busy preparing. (Packing, etc.) I, also, rarely drink alcohol anymore but am wondering if I should have a drink or two this week to prepare my liver. :)

This is on my edocs for an upcoming cruise. My paperwork includes 2 transfers with info as follows: "Transfer Information Upon arrival to SEA-TAC, please claim all luggage checked with your airline. please proceed to the Norwegian Cruise Line podium located between baggage claims 12 and 13 where a representative will be available between 9:00a and 2:00pm , the first bus will depart at approximately 10:00am>Please have your transfer vouchers ready. Transportation is arranged as a scheduled shuttle service, based on guest¿s arrival time and numbers. You may experience a short wait until the arrival of the next available shuttle>Hand-carry all travel documents, medications, and valuables.>Guests arriving prior to day of sailing requesting transfers on day of sailing, should meet at the following airport location: NCL podium baggage claim 12 and 13 at 10:00 am.>If you are unable to find a representative on the day of sailing, please call our local Seattle representative at 206-849-4184. In the event of an emergency, please contact Norwegian Cruise Line at 1-800-327-7030 within the USA. Outside of the USA please call 305-436-4000. >" "Transfer Information Bell Street Pier 66 Cruise Terminal, WA to Sea-Tac International Airport. Detailed disembarkation information and luggage tags will be provided to you while on board. Our representative will meet you upon disembarkation from the ship for your pier to airport transfer. The Port of Seattle is proud to offer Seattle Norwegian Cruise Line guests a complimentary Valet Luggage program, where your luggage can be transferred directly from your stateroom to your airline. Program is limited to specific airlines and flight times and is for domestic flights departing y on your disembarkation day. Please see the Front Office onboard the vessel for more information and availability. Hand-carry all travel documents, medications and valuables. Please have your transfer vouchers ready. Transfers are non-refundable and no credit will be given for any unused portion. In the event of an emergency please contact Norwegian Cruise Line at 1-800-327-7030 or 305-436-4000."

Good question. I'm also seeking information about the transfers. In my mind, I'll claim my bags and a smartly dressed chauffeur will be waiting (with a sign so I can identify him). He'll handle my bags and sweep me off to the ship in a stretch limo...but I'm probably wrong. :) Just hoping to be able to identify the driver and know where to find him.

Please tell me that pic was taken from a seat on the NCL transfer bus. Looks so chaotic out there!

Enjoyed your review and it has me even more excited for my September cruise on the Encore. Thanks for taking the time to give so many details.

Thanks for posting! Just what I need to get fired up for my September cruise on Encore.

I don't remember the first time I had a White Russian but I was on a cruise with a friend and we ordered them at the bar after dinner. Decided to walk over to the casino and plunked down $20 on the roulette wheel, #32. (My friend had never played Roulette and asked me if I'd show him how. 32 was my grandma's favorite number, so that was what I played on my first spin.) It hit. He wanted to play more. I showed him how to cash out chips at the cashier's cage and we went for another White Russian instead - my treat. :)

Solo on NCL Encore Sept 11 to Alaska. Looking forward to rest and relaxation after a hectic year.

Thanks for all your replies. Helpful!

Is it possible to book a specialty restaurant for a party of 1? (Online?) So far I'm not having any luck with that.