"Live" NCL Encore Embarkation Day 2/2/2020

[tx121]

Greetings from NCL Encore! 

I just wanted to go over my experience of the embarkation process so it can help others prepare for their cruise out of Miami. 

 

Usually we fly out the night before the cruise and stay at a hotel. Little did we know that Miami was hosting the Superbowl and that is why the Red Roof Inn was $400 for the night! 😳 So instead of spending that insane amount on a usually cheap hotel, we decided to fly in the same day of the cruise which is always risky due to weather conditions and unexpected cancellations. We took a chance and luckily it all worked out!

 

Our flight arrived at 8:25am which left us plenty of time to get a sit down breakfast at the airport before heading to the pier. After breakfast around 10am, we called a Lyft which cost about $13(Uber was $17) We decided to take the cheapest option. It was about a 25 min drive and arrived at the pier around 10:30am. We handed our bags to the porter and went through security. So far so good. 

 

After security they have 3 lines, one being priority for Platinum and higher and Casino guests. The other lines were for general boarding. The lines went pretty smoothly but the staff working in the terminal could use some organization. All in all it wasn't too bad. It took 30 minutes to get processed. We then headed to the waiting lounge where we were assigned Group #9. They do not start the boarding process until 11:30am. It took another 30 minutes before our number was called and we were allowed to board. 

 

We went straight to the Teppanyaki Restaurant to book our dining reservations. Don't be discouraged if you are unable to book online. They hold most of the reservations so people have a chance to book on board. We were able to get in to all the specialty restaurants we wanted just fine. 

 

We then went across the way to the Social club to book our show reservations. The whole process took 10 minutes. Again, there were plenty of spots open for each show. You can actually reserve your shows on the touch screens throughout the ship. This is easier since it tells you how many available spots there are. If I were to do it over again, I would book the show reservations first and then the dining. We went to Q to see how the lines were for the Vibe passes. Let's just say I think that will be the most crowded that venue will get for the whole week! 

 

It was crazy crowded at the buffet and Local pub as expected on Embarkation Day. We are now in the Observation Lounge which I have never experienced on a NCL ship. I have to say I already know this will be my favorite part of the ship! Unless parents bring their loud kids through. It is so relaxing and a good place to wait for your room to be ready. You are allowed to get in to the stateroom at 2pm. 

 

Due to the Coronavirus, the crew are serving at the buffet and at the observation lounge. 

 

Well I hope this helps some of you who were wondering how the embarkation process goes for this ship. All in all, it took 2 hours from drop off to getting on the ship and booking reservations for the shows and dining. 

 

Just a fair warning, the lines did start to get longer to check in when we were waiting in line. So if you get to the pier by 10am-10:30am it should be similar to my experience. It may take longer if you arrive after that time and the dining and show reservations may not be available the longer it takes to get on the ship. 

 

 

[catgags]

Thank for the info! We cruise on 2/23!

Have a safe and wonderful cruise!

[Putter23]

Were you able to get Vibe passes?  Or were they sold out?  Have a great cruise!

[JohnBoy in NC]

Just got off today! Had a great time—music is great on the ship. Food also good. Enjoy!

[david_sobe]

Happy Sailings!  What a day for sail away!  A little chilly for Miami standards but mostly sunny and bright blue skies.

Give us a review.  Will be sailing her in 3 weeks!

[Snorkelfoodie]

I have a few questions, if you don’t mind. We are a family of 3 sailing in May to Bermuda.
1) Do you need to have all 3 cruise cards with you to make in person reservations for 3 people in your cabin for go karts, laser tag and day spa? Or, can family split up & make reservations separately for 3 people with a card from 1 of the family members?
2) Are you able to use your regular internet provider while still  in port, or do you need to use the ship’s WiFi once board?
3) If you are using complimentary WiFi (Free at sea perk for 120 min. / cabin) - do the minutes run continuously once you 1st access or can they be used intermittently for short periods of time  throughout the cruise?

 Thanks so much! Have a great cruise! 

[tx121]

Really great sailaway from Miami! People in great spirits 🙂 Thanks everyone for well wishes! Will answer questions...just have to purchase internet package. Will review as much as possible!

One thing is worrying to me is the pool deck does look quite congested. I wasn't able to get the Vibe passes unfortunately.  Hopefully something opens up! Bon Voyage!

Edited February 2, 2020 by tx121

[tx121]

14 minutes ago, Snorkelfoodie said:

I have a few questions, if you don’t mind. We are a family of 3 sailing in May to Bermuda.
1) Do you need to have all 3 cruise cards with you to make in person reservations for 3 people in your cabin for go karts, laser tag and day spa? Or, can family split up & make reservations separately for 3 people with a card from 1 of the family members?
2) Are you able to use your regular internet provider while still  in port, or do you need to use the ship’s WiFi once board?
3) If you are using complimentary WiFi (Free at sea perk for 120 min. / cabin) - do the minutes run continuously once you 1st access or can they be used intermittently for short periods of time  throughout the cruise?

 Thanks so much! Have a great cruise! 

1)Only 1 person in your party needs to be there to reserve as long as 18 or above. Waiver forms. Just need to provide one card.

2) You should check with your provider for international plan per day. For Verizon I paid $10 a day to use in Bermuda. Bermuda also has free wifi at visitors center areas.

3)For NCL wifi, you login to your account. The time starts once you are logged in. Once you are finished, logout and the time stops until you sign in again.

[tx121]

2 hours ago, Putter23 said:

Were you able to get Vibe passes?  Or were they sold out?  Have a great cruise!

Unfortunately no but will check tomorrow. Fingers crossed! The pool deck looks intimidating! Lol We kept going back and forth if we needed to get them. Once decided it was too late.

Edited February 2, 2020 by tx121

[RedSoxGirl08]

Thanks for the great info from your first day. We board in 3 weeks.  I would love to see some of the Freestyle Daily Schedules.

[david_sobe]

….

Edited February 2, 2020 by david_sobe

[tx121]

11 hours ago, RedSoxGirl08 said:

Thanks for the great info from your first day. We board in 3 weeks.  I would love to see some of the Freestyle Daily Schedules.

You're welcome! I will post the Freestyle Daily schedules from this cruise for each day in a new thread all together. 

 

[tx121]

14 hours ago, david_sobe said:

Happy Sailings!  What a day for sail away!  A little chilly for Miami standards but mostly sunny and bright blue skies.

Give us a review.  Will be sailing her in 3 weeks!

 

Yes it was very chilly for Miami standards, but I'll take it coming from the Northeast! lol. I will start a daily live review in a new thread with freestyle planners and info

[Snorkelfoodie]

Thanks so much for replying to my questions. Very helpful! We were planning on getting an international plan for WiFi as we will be in The US for 1 week prior to the cruise. I was wondering if we are on board ship in NYC port waiting to sail away, if we can still use our international plan, or does it get “charged” to NCL because we are physically on the boat, but just haven’t sailed away yet? Have a great cruise. Can’t wait to see your daily reviews & freestyle planners!!

[PistolPete13]

32 minutes ago, Snorkelfoodie said:

Thanks so much for replying to my questions. Very helpful! We were planning on getting an international plan for WiFi as we will be in The US for 1 week prior to the cruise. I was wondering if we are on board ship in NYC port waiting to sail away, if we can still use our international plan, or does it get “charged” to NCL because we are physically on the boat, but just haven’t sailed away yet? Have a great cruise. Can’t wait to see your daily reviews & freestyle planners!!

 

For the sail away from NYC, you will still be able to get a good cell phone signal for over an hour AFTER you cross under the Verrazzano Bridge and into open water.  This means you'll be able to use your plan for all of the time you're onboard in the pier and for a good amount of time after that.

[2+2]

Thank you for the report. We will be leaving on sister ship Joy out of Miami soon, and your details are very helpfull.  I  noticed you said the buffet and the Local was open when you boarded. Do you or any others know if any other dinning options are open  before sail away ?  Also, I have always had my carry-on luggage with me from boaring time to until are room is ready. Does anyone have any tips to help make this less awkward dragging around. I  have noticed many others without carry-ons and always wondered what they were doing.

[tx121]

1 hour ago, 2+2 said:

Thank you for the report. We will be leaving on sister ship Joy out of Miami soon, and your details are very helpfull.  I  noticed you said the buffet and the Local was open when you boarded. Do you or any others know if any other dinning options are open  before sail away ?  Also, I have always had my carry-on luggage with me from boaring time to until are room is ready. Does anyone have any tips to help make this less awkward dragging around. I  have noticed many others without carry-ons and always wondered what they were doing.

You can also have lunch at Savor and Taste dining rooms. I saw some people store their carryons by the entrance of the restaurant while they ate. The venue was practically empty since most people went to the buffet and the local. You can also goto the observation lounge which offers sandwiches and small plates. Very quiet and plenty of space to have luggage while you wait until the rooms are ready at 2pm. 

I'm not sure if there is a designated area where people can store their carryons while they roam the ship. We usually only carry on a backpack with us.

Edited February 3, 2020 by tx121

[Crooser]

Do you know where to sign up for escape room ?

[tx121]

The Social Club on Deck 6 on Embarkation day. Later on you can do it at the Galaxy Pavilion if there is still room