Exchange sailing Encore to any other ship would do

[Barker16]

We have a sailing booked on Dec 1 on the Encore. After looking closer at this new ship we have decided that it just isn't for us a race track and laser tag with my 75 year old parents just will not be enjoyable. Oh yes and as everyone has seen absolutely no outdoor pool space for 3 at sea days. Yes we should have waited to book and done our home work before booking. But we didn't . We tried yesterday to contact Norwegian to see if we could exchange not to cancel or get money back just exchange sailings. In total we spent 1 1/2 hours on hold waiting for a supervisor and in the end they wouldn't even speak to us. I guess that 2 and a half months is past  when we can make changes. They told us that we are to late to make any changes at all and no they couldn't transfer us to a supervisor as the phone system wasn't working properly lol.

 

We are willing to pay a change fee and upgrade if need be is there anything we can do? I'm sure we can make the best of this vacation who can complain we aren't at work and will miss all the Canadian snow, but this was a gift for my parents maybe there last vacation and want it to be the best for them.

 

Any ideas?

 

 

[Sweetnspicy]

You would only be able to cancel and be hit with all the cancellation fees if you do it.   

 

I think you all should purchase a spa pass to have a place to get to get away from the crowds. 

Edited September 18, 2019 by Sweetnspicy

[smplybcause]

As the sailing is 74 days away you're in the 50% cancellation tier. So you could cancel and take the 50% refund to go on another sailing. But that's probably a huge hit to take. 

 

It's a bummer you didn't look at the deck plans earlier. I believe the layout for the top deck was out at least during the 25% cancellation time frame for your sailing and might have been out before your final payment date. 

[Peachypooh]

There are things that might compensate for what you point our are very valid concerns.

The observation lounge would be perfect for your parents. Comfy seating, snacks and a

beautiful view. Unless your parents are swimmers there will be acceptable areas to sit out in the sun

on other decks like the waterfront. Save your swim/beach time for St. Thomas.We are close to

your parent's age and are booked. It will still be fun.

 

Edited September 18, 2019 by Peachypooh

[Barker16]

Yes we have learned the hard way, we got a great rep from Norwegian when we called and booked too quickly. We will be on vacation so we will enjoy it for sure.

[js]

I'll be on the Encore but in August 2020.

 

I can tell you I have been on a lot of new ships and read how awful they are going to be prior to getting on (or even prior to them being built) and take everything that is important to me into consideration.  This even includes when CCL first built the outside promenade on their ship the Dream (I think that was the name, about 9 years ago).  Everyone on the CCL hated the idea, hated that cabins could look down on the area, etc. and look now, a lot of the NCL ships (and other lines) have it and it is a favorite to most.  That CCL trip was for my dd's Sweet 16 and I didn't tell anyone in my family any of the negative reviews and we had one of our best cruises, really!

 

I don't sit by the pool but I do enjoy being outside.  My family of older "kids", 25 and 21 enjoy hanging there though.

You are booked and past final payment so get spa passes, Vibe or find a place for all to enjoy the day and go with an open mind and remember you are on vacation.  Nothing in life, not one day ever is perfect, so it won't be on vacation but you can make it pretty darn close.

Enjoy and come back and let us know how you enjoyed your trip.

 

 

 

 

[Rsavtechcruise]

There is still plenty of out door space it’s a new ship go and enjoy your on vacation because any this point you will loose / waste 50-75% of what you paid   If you are willing to throw that away maybe throw that amount in to a haven room so you have all the extra haven amenities and private outdoor deck space

[dolita22]

With cruising, when you're past final payment, it's considered a cancellation because NCL now has to sell that room for that itinerary. Unless you're willing to take the 50% penalty then pay whatever the rate is to move to a different ship or sailing, there's really nothing you can do except wait for reviews and learn about the things you think you'll enjoy about the ship. We are not into race tracks or ropes courses, but still manage to find lots to do on a cruise ship. Hope it all works out for you, OP, and that you have an enjoyable cruise!

[Victorious8]

With the money you’re willing to pay to upgrade maybe look into spa passes and Vibe. It seems Vibe won’t be as competitive and by the nature of you being on these boards you will be able to formulate a game plan for that. The Vibe will be much nicer than the pool and I’m sure your parents will love the specialty treatment you get in there. 

 

You sound like you already have accepted it. Who knows maybe at 75 go karts will be exciting if they aren’t used to driving much anymore. I know my Nana got more into roller coasters as she got older. 

[tallnthensome]

I agree, buy therma spa passes if available ......Also, spend more time on the Waterfront deck. Much quieter. I too am canceling my Encore cruise  for 2021.  I have no interest sailing with my two kids during spring break on the Encore now that it's apparent that the Encore pool deck has room for about 60*people now ...... It's a shame the level they're taking their money grab too. 

[Blitzburggirl]

52 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

I agree, buy therma spa passes if available ......Also, spend more time on the Waterfront deck. Much quieter. I too am canceling my Encore cruise  for 2021.  I have no interest sailing with my two kids during spring break on the Encore now that it's apparent that the Encore pool deck has room for about 60*people now ...... It's a shame the level they're taking their money grab too. 

I thought the lack of an expansive pool deck (but massive farms of deck chairs elsewhere) on the Getaway was pretty irritating when I got on the ship. I just don't understand it. One of the biggest things that frustrates people is lack of poolside deck chairs. LOL

 

I do agree with a previous poster- it is what you make of it, and if you focus on the positives, it'll likely still be a fantastic vacation.

[Kalum]

So 50% penalty would be of the cruise fare only...you should get taxes and port fees and even the service charge for the "free" drinking package back (maybe even a CruiseNext deposit)...correct?

 

So for example on one of my next cruises...5700 total...but if I substract the above...3800 left...so that would mean I would loose 1900...still more than 900 less than what you might think first... so only 1/3...not 50%

 

Maybe that helps you a bit...

 

[Occhie]

After reading these posts I’m concerned about pool area sitting! Could it be possible that there are only 60+ plus chairs at pool? I thought there were 3 pools on board. 

I’m booked for 2/2/2020 with 3 days at sea I might want to reconsider. I’m not that concerned about swimming but would like to be able to sunbathe. I haven’t made my final payment yet!

Edited September 19, 2019 by Occhie

[bonniboo1]

Didn’t know if your travel insurance had a “cancel for any reason” clause on it...

[smplybcause]

20 minutes ago, Occhie said:

After reading these posts I’m concerned about pool area sitting! Could it be possible that there are only 60+ plus chairs at pool? I thought there were 3 pools on board. 

I’m booked for 2/2/2020 with 3 days at sea I might want to reconsider. I’m not that concerned about swimming but would like to be able to sunbathe. I haven’t made my final payment yet!

 

There's only 2 open to everyone. The third pool is haven only. Only 60 is likely an exaggeration, but with no spice and an expanded vibe the public deck space is quite a bit less than other ships. 

Edited September 19, 2019 by smplybcause

[OceanBlueWaters]

There you have it.  Lots of folks encouraging you to spend more $ for Vibe/Thermal Spa (which NCL wants). Or you can just roll with it.  Find a space on the Waterfront.

Whatever you decide, have fun!

[Sand and Seas]

The Observation Lounge on the Bliss was a surprising space to us on our February cruise.   We enjoyed the Bliss so much we have booked two future cruises on Encore and another on Joy.  The Observation Lounge is such a huge space and when you are on a Caribbean cruise it wasn't crowded at all.   Very much enjoyed the light buffet options too.   Also, if you or your parents plan to spend any time in the casino we found it to be our favorite at sea.   And as mentioned above, the WaterFront on the newer NCL ships are a wonderful place to spend some time, too.   

[BirdTravels]

10 hours ago, Barker16 said:

We have a sailing booked on Dec 1 on the Encore. After looking closer at this new ship we have decided that it just isn't for us a race track and laser tag with my 75 year old parents just will not be enjoyable. Oh yes and as everyone has seen absolutely no outdoor pool space for 3 at sea days. Yes we should have waited to book and done our home work before booking. But we didn't . We tried yesterday to contact Norwegian to see if we could exchange not to cancel or get money back just exchange sailings. In total we spent 1 1/2 hours on hold waiting for a supervisor and in the end they wouldn't even speak to us. I guess that 2 and a half months is past  when we can make changes. They told us that we are to late to make any changes at all and no they couldn't transfer us to a supervisor as the phone system wasn't working properly lol.

 

We are willing to pay a change fee and upgrade if need be is there anything we can do? I'm sure we can make the best of this vacation who can complain we aren't at work and will miss all the Canadian snow, but this was a gift for my parents maybe there last vacation and want it to be the best for them.

 

Any ideas?

You waited too long. 

 

Now, if you switched to the Bliss or Joy, you get go karts and laser tag. If you switch to the Escape, Breakaway or Getaway, you get a ropes course (climbing on ropes and walking out over the edge of the ship culminating in a zip line) and basketball court. Most other ships have a basketball court and water slides. 

 

I guess I don’t appreciate the “problem”. Every ship has large areas set aside for the young at heart and the more mature at heart (Waterfront and Observation Lounge). 

 

We’er no spring chickens, but gave the go karts a go on our cruise last month. Reliving younger days where we routinely drove [unsafe] gas carts. 

 

Enjoy your cruise. Stop worrying about not participating in every activity. There are those across cities in every ship. There is plenty to do and see. And you’ll get as much/little sun as you want. 

[david_sobe]

Over planning your cruise or vacation has negative results.  Every new cruise ship has bells and whistles for fun activities.  You may not enjoy that stuff but no reason to cancel a cruise. You could start cruising the older ships or another cruise line that does not cater to kids and families.  However, there are also great things about a new ship.  The cabins are nicer and you get so many new restaurants not to mention the entertainment is top notch.

You are talking yourself out of your cruise which will result in a negative time.

[zqvol]

On 9/18/2019 at 9:02 PM, Occhie said:

After reading these posts I’m concerned about pool area sitting! Could it be possible that there are only 60+ plus chairs at pool? I thought there were 3 pools on board. 

I’m booked for 2/2/2020 with 3 days at sea I might want to reconsider. I’m not that concerned about swimming but would like to be able to sunbathe. I haven’t made my final payment yet!

 

There is lots of deck space to sunbathe, it is just not right next to the pool.

[llcruisers]

There are plenty of other open spaces - we love the Waterfront and also the deck above the pool if there are lounge chairs up there.  We generally don't like sitting around the pool unless you are planning to go swimming.  As the previous poster mentioned every ship has something on the "Sports Deck".   I hope you enjoy your cruise - I think the real joy your parents will have is vacationing with family.  Quality time spent enjoying a good meal, watching a show,  sitting in a lounge listening to music, enjoying the sea breeze, beautiful sunsets - all cherished memories - priceless!

Edited September 20, 2019 by llcruisers