BirdTravels on the Inaugural Voyage of the Encore to the Eastern Caribbean

[dshefter]

4 hours ago, bkrickles1 said:

Thanks so much for providing such a detailed account of everything Encore.

We're sailing Encore January 19th and you've already provided so much value with copies of just about everything and tips too. I love to plan our days to a certain extent so I sincerely thank you for taking so much time and care with it.

Quick question for my wife and daughter. On the Escape they had "Frose" (I'm probably butchering it) at the pool bars and my girls just loved it. Does it exist on the Encore? TIA and have a wonderful time!

Great stuff and information. Looks like I can get a Glenmorangie single malt with the UBP. Says $15 on menu. Can't wait to sail the Encore on Jan. 19.

[LeesaB]

Following!  Thanks for posting.

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, KAYKAY121 said:

How crowded is the pool deck today?

The pool deck is busy. If you want a seat in the sun, they are available. If you want a seat in the safe, they are available. If you want to be outside, you can be outside. 
 

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, aero777 said:

Sea day on a Thanksgiving sailing in the Caribbean...I would guess wall to wall.

So, NCL sells out the ship EVERY week (except one-off repositioning cruises). This week, there are more kids than normal, but that does not really impact the crowds on deck. 

[aero777]

1 hour ago, KAYKAY121 said:

I am looking for a response from the OP since they are currently sailing. Thanks for your insight though.

 

You’re welcome! 
I’m sure the vultures are circling, waiting for evidence of a crowded pool deck. But crowds would be expected on a full holiday cruise in warm a climate. So it really proves nothing. 

[aero777]

13 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

The pool deck is busy. If you want a seat in the sun, they are available. If you want a seat in the safe, they are available. If you want to be outside, you can be outside. 
 

Looks like NCL planners got it right. Spreading people out between free and paid venues.

Thanks for another fantastic review Bird!

Edited November 25, 2019 by aero777

[KAYKAY121]

4 minutes ago, aero777 said:

You’re welcome! 
I’m sure the vultures are circling, waiting for evidence of a crowded pool deck. But crowds would be expected on a full holiday cruise in warm a climate. So it really proves nothing. 

I have sailed holiday cruises without a problem finding a chair and again not looking for what is expected. I am looking for reality so I can plan. Vibe or no Vibe. Thanks again.

[KAYKAY121]

14 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

The pool deck is busy. If you want a seat in the sun, they are available. If you want a seat in the safe, they are available. If you want to be outside, you can be outside. 
 

 

 

That is pretty crowded. If I were on there this week with 1000+ kids, I would definitely want Vibe. Just can't decide for two weeks from now. Thank you. Have a great cruise.

[dshefter]

19 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

The pool deck is busy. If you want a seat in the sun, they are available. If you want a seat in the safe, they are available. If you want to be outside, you can be outside. 
 

Looks pretty crowded to me. Definitely going to purchase Vibe passes.

[bluesea777]

2 minutes ago, KAYKAY121 said:

That is pretty crowded. If I were on there this week with 1000+ kids, I would definitely want Vibe. Just can't decide for two weeks from now. Thank you. Have a great cruise.

 

Do all 1000+ kids use the loungers, or they spend all their time in kids club, in pools, and running amok around ship.

 

On busy sea days I don't see a lot of kids on loungers by themselves as they were either in pool or sharing lounger with other kids.

 

Also, on cruises with 1000+ kids the casino has less gamblers 😉.

 

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, ceilidh1 said:

Are you on a private sailing? LoL. Where is everyone??? Your pictures make the ship look empty! Thanks for taking us along!

The ship is empty. A ghost ship. 

[FlGoodShips]

List of officers, please

[Cruising Latitude]

2 hours ago, KAYKAY121 said:

I am looking for a response from the OP since they are currently sailing. Thanks for your insight though.

 

 

I am not the OP but I am currently on the ship.  

 

Personally I find the pool deck to be VERY busy with lots of kids and adults. I walked around a few times but always ended up leaving fairly quickly.  

 

The people who are on the pool deck do seem to be enjoying themselves though.  There was a Sexy Leg competition going on a short while ago and people were having fun.  Lots of laughters. 

 

 

Edited November 25, 2019 by Cruising Latitude

[BirdTravels]

48 minutes ago, aero777 said:

You’re welcome! 
I’m sure the vultures are circling, waiting for evidence of a crowded pool deck. But crowds would be expected on a full holiday cruise in warm a climate. So it really proves nothing. 

Again. If the ship sails full every week, what makes this week any different. You seem very keen on differentiating this week over any other week of the year. I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make.

[BirdTravels]

Some asked about the waterfront. This afternoon, there were seats available. These photos were taken shortly after the pool pictures someone asked for. 
 

[Phaedrus78]

We're on this sailing in mid-January, so definitely following along.  Thank you for all the great info so far.  

[RedwingHockeyFan]

2 hours ago, NoobCroozer said:

I agree......and I LOVE the rock beach at Tortola.

 

We've been going with either of the Western Caribbean itineraries because we prefer 4 stops to 3.  But, In fall 2020 they are adding Puerto Plata, DR to the Eastern Caribbean itinerary.

 

EDIT: I forgot to tag the original post talking about how nice this itinerary is.

Edited November 25, 2019 by RedwingHockeyFan

[dporter]

Thank you for sharing, I am enjoying all the information and pictures.

[valleyvillage]

4 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

No. The blue tube is not there in the “real” laser tag area 

 

5 hours ago, bluesea777 said:

 

Nope, I don't think they ever put that blue tubing in. It wasn't there during our inaugural TA and I thought they'd put it in during the last 2 weeks, but apparently not.

 

 

Thank you Bird and bluesea. It was driving me crazy. And that's a short drive. More like a putt.

 

[iguss]

Great pics! Any sign of shuffleboard being added?

[tokidoki]

Bird, can u please tell me the time for the behind the scenes tour? Thx

[VegasMIGolf]

22 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Lots of sorting going on at the terminal. Need to get on the right line or you’ll never get on the ship. BTW the terminal letter on our edocs (downloaded a few days ago) was wrong. 
 

 

What terminal was on the edocs and what terminal did you end up at?

[BirdTravels]

58 minutes ago, tokidoki said:

Bird, can u please tell me the time for the behind the scenes tour? Thx

The Platinum (and above) BTS tour meets at 9:50 in the Atrium. Remember to have close toe shoes. They made a big deal about this was for platinum only (no substitutions, no guests). Today, there were 40 guests split into 2 groups. 

[BirdTravels]

58 minutes ago, VegasMIGolf said:

What terminal was on the edocs and what terminal did you end up at?

The ship boards out of Terminal B and C. I went to the terminal on my edocs... had to walk back to the other (not a big deal). Your room keys are at only one of the terminals. Divided by odd and even decks. 

[tokidoki]

4 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

The Platinum (and above) BTS tour meets at 9:50 in the Atrium. Remember to have close toe shoes. They made a big deal about this was for platinum only (no substitutions, no guests). Today, there were 40 guests split into 2 groups. 

Thx😻