Encore Inaugural Miami - replacement ideas

[Chelsea1]

So now that the Encore Inaugural Miami Cruise (17 November 2019) has been cancelled, I need to find an alternative.

This cruise fitted perfectly with dates, coming from the UK (9+ hour flight) and length - also fitting in with a work visit.

I was also really excited about a brand new ship, versus the ports on the occasion.

 

We (husband and I) want to do something different from the ships sailing from the UK and enjoy the American style cruises.

Having sailed with RCI, Princess and HAL before in Asia/Canada and a Transatlantic, we would prefer to try something different - the experience this time being the ship.

We really enjoyed a short cruise on Disney, but not sure I would want to do a longer Disney cruise.

 

The best alternatives seem to be from Miami: MSC Seaside, Carnival Horizon, or NCL Breakaway.

Departure dates must be beteen 9 and 18 November for 7-9 nights.

 

Not too bothered by the ports, but we do like a good variety of dining (not all gormet) and flexible times (on HAL virtually everything shut at 8.30PM!), evening entertainment - music, show , variety of lively bars, Casino on a few nights. During the day if possible a cinema/film and somewhere quiet and shady outside - we are too fair for much sunbathing, but do like to see what is happening around the pools and sports areas and then retreat to the shade.  

 

Have not done a Caribbean cruise before, other than the 3 night Disney, so would appreciate ideas from regular cruisers here.

 

Price-wise, as it is a long haul trip, Suite/Haven class is the benchmark with drinks package included.

I do qualify for a 15% discount from NCL if booked by 20th February due to their cancellation (after I manage to retrieve the $300 they charged me for "my" cancellation:))

 

Thanks for ideas.

[deweytrader]

Been on all 3 of these ships, they are all great.  I would go with the one that has the best price/perks ratio.  The YC on MSC most likely would be much lower than the Haven on NCL.

[misguy]

We loved the Breakaway, and I can say the Haven cabins I got to visit were amazing.

[dexddd]

Been on BA in Haven, going on Seaside in YC in a few weeks and Divinia once before.  Would do a longer Disney or b2b2b on Disney or Seaside.

Edited January 29, 2019 by dexddd

[Chelsea1]

Thanks for the feedback, I looked at both NCL and MSC, and MSC is certainly cheaper for the Yacht Club than Haven.

 

It's interesting though, most of the MSC suites are sold, but virtually all the Haven suites are available for the same weeks.

 

Is this the NCL bidding thing - everyone booking a balcony, or whatever, and then waiting for the bidding to start?

 

Does this change the Haven atmosphere, having everyone on an ebay style bidding system?

 

I'm not being rude - I'll do the same if thats the way it works - but on most cruises I've booked the the suites sell out early.

 

[BirdTravels]

NCL, like most cruise lines, has always sailed with their suites full. The automated bid system replaces a manual telephone system. With NCL launching a new mega ship every year, the telephone system could not keep up. So, the Haven atmosphere has not changed. Just the way you request an upgrade.