COME SAIL AWAY... FINALLY! Live Review of NCL Encore Alaska 8/21-8/28

[drumexpert510]

1 hour ago, zerooveride said:

Is it just me or did it seem like they didn’t announce the time change or put it in the Daily like the did with the first one?

You are correct, it seemed like an after thought.

[drumexpert510]

Cigar Lounge menu (back of Maltings)

[drumexpert510]

Galaxy Pavilion:

 

First note: YOU ONLY NEED THE ONE HOUR PASS. Do not do the day pass. Our group wanted to do the day pass and it was suggested to “try” the one hour and it was perfect. It took us 55 min to do everything 1 time and with the rocking on the ship... that was enough. I usually have a very tough stomach when it comes to this kind of stuff and even I was starting to feel it. 
 

I recommend doing this once and only if you don’t have vertigo or dizziness issues! 
 

its $29 for the 1 hour pass.

[ecco41]

I am new to NCL and haven't been on a cruise in 3 years, before that it was 10 years.  Myself and 2 friends are interested in the Spa on a Port Day.  we have seen cold rooms, snow rooms, steam rooms, etc. in videos but have not been able to find prices.  Is there a charge to get access to the Spa, Is there a daily charge for the Spa?  I am assuming the massages etc. are extra and there would be a menu from which you can choose.  Is it usually full?  Thanks in advance for any guidance.

[cruiservictor]

The following was posted a few hours ago on the roll call for the first Breakaway cruise on Sept 26. Are you aware of any of this?

 

 

Update on my current cruise on the NCL Encore…apparently we had one passenger test positive for Covid during the cruise.  That entire family was taken off the ship.  However the bridge crew are now in code red meaning they are in lockdown and wearing N95 masks and can’t meet with any other passengers or crew.  However, hadn’t really impacted anything else.  As far as I know it is just to ensure the critical crew are not exposed!

[BlasianGrl]

1 hour ago, cruiservictor said:

The following was posted a few hours ago on the roll call for the first Breakaway cruise on Sept 26. Are you aware of any of this?

 

 

Update on my current cruise on the NCL Encore…apparently we had one passenger test positive for Covid during the cruise.  That entire family was taken off the ship.  However the bridge crew are now in code red meaning they are in lockdown and wearing N95 masks and can’t meet with any other passengers or crew.  However, hadn’t really impacted anything else.  As far as I know it is just to ensure the critical crew are not exposed!

Encore is currently listed as "yellow"  

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/cruise-ship-color-status.html

[ClwtrBoi]

That's not good, next color ir red which could mean return to port and/or cancel next sailing(s)

[Cruiser021421]

4 minutes ago, ClwtrBoi said:

That's not good, next color ir red which could mean return to port and/or cancel next sailing(s)

It’s been yellow since Wednesday.

[lks93]

1 minute ago, ClwtrBoi said:

That's not good, next color ir red which could mean return to port and/or cancel next sailing(s)

Encore was ORANGE once before I believe - transitioned back to GREEN.  It has to stay in a color level for a set amount of time (7 days for ORANGE level).  Can then transition according to the CDC investigation.  It seems NCL has been on top of each incident.  I appreciate the transparency of the reporting by the CDC.  Cases will happen.  How they are handled is what makes the difference.  

[debenson0723]

3 hours ago, ecco41 said:

I am new to NCL and haven't been on a cruise in 3 years, before that it was 10 years.  Myself and 2 friends are interested in the Spa on a Port Day.  we have seen cold rooms, snow rooms, steam rooms, etc. in videos but have not been able to find prices.  Is there a charge to get access to the Spa, Is there a daily charge for the Spa?  I am assuming the massages etc. are extra and there would be a menu from which you can choose.  Is it usually full?  Thanks in advance for any guidance.

The Thermal Spa has a weekly rate (not sure what it is for this cruise) and they sell a certain amount of passes. During sea days, it can be very full most of the day.  On Port Days, depending on occupancy, they sometimes offer a Day Pass for $59.  This gives you access to the various rooms, the heated tile loungers (my favorite) and the therapy pool.  You are right in assuming that any treatments (massages, facials, etc.) are an extra price and there is a menu to chose from. Be aware that if you do get a treatment, you are NOT granted access to the Thermal Spa. It is one of my favorite spots on the ship and when I bought a Day Pass on the Encore in St. Thomas, I was the only one in there for hours.

[LNielsen]

Encore was yellow after either the travel agents cruise or the first revenue cruise. Went to green for day, then to orange for a week, to green for a couple of days and now back to yellow.    I’m pretty sure this is a pattern that wil be seen for quite a while.   

[drumexpert510]

Thermal Suite:

 

I personally feel this is a must have on an Alaskan Cruise, it is the one way to guarantee pool and hot tub time no matter the weather or temperature outside.

 

The amenities are amazing, from the heated thermal pool, hot tub, heated stone chairs, snow room, salt room or even the steam bath. It is well worth the $269 for the week per person. 
 

I spent tons of time in the heated pool and under the faint water fall that does wonders for your neck and back. Then after a nice long soak I always head to the snow room for about 5 min to cool down. On to the steam room next, this opens your sinuses and just feed amazing. Then we end it with a relaxing stay in the salt room to the point where one almost falls asleep. If none of that is for you, you can just relax on the heated stone chairs and watch whales out the back until you fall asleep.

 

If you only listen to one thing off of this live review, please let it be to get the Thermal Spa Pass!!!

[drumexpert510]

Last night we ate at Ocean Blue. I really liked this restaurant and the staff was really on top of the service. I got the steak and lobster tail combo which was a $19 up charge from the UDP. It was good but I would pay for it again purely for the fact that the lobster tail was very small (as you can see by the pictures). My favorite item was the ribs, these things were amazing and I almost ordered more. The fish eater in our group tried the fresh snapper but both did not have their minds blown... they said it was “ok”. 

 

I say give this restaurant a try for yourself and see what you think. I would go back personally on a future cruise!

[drumexpert510]

We have now safely landed at home in Orlando, Florida! Thank you so much for everyone who followed this over the past week! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! If I helped one person with their future cruise, then it was worth it!

 

I look forward to doing more of these in the near future! Remember, we all need to do our part to get this industry back in its feet and show the world this is still a safe and fun way to travel and vacation!

 

Thanks again,

 

Drumexpert510 (Brad)

[NJLVW]

Brad fantastic review. Thank you for taking the time out of your days to keep us updated. You have some beautiful pictures as well as some very informative. I felt like I was on this cruise. Alaska is on my bucket list. Hoping to get there someday. Thank you again. 

 

[davencl]

We had the thermal suite pass too.  Best $500 I've ever spent(for the week).  Perfect for an Alaska cruise.

[davencl]

Regarding covid posts.  I ignore anything not coming directly from CDC or NCL.  Don't believe anyone on our cruise tested positive for covid.  No proof whatsoever.

[drumexpert510]

9 minutes ago, davencl said:

Regarding covid posts.  I ignore anything not coming directly from CDC or NCL.  Don't believe anyone on our cruise tested positive for covid.  No proof whatsoever.

We just took at rapid test after getting home this evening and was negative... just peace of mind. (Same test NCL uses at embarkation)

[davencl]

3 hours ago, drumexpert510 said:

Last night we ate at Ocean Blue. I really liked this restaurant and the staff was really on top of the service. I got the steak and lobster tail combo which was a $19 up charge from the UDP. It was good but I would pay for it again purely for the fact that the lobster tail was very small (as you can see by the pictures). My favorite item was the ribs, these things were amazing and I almost ordered more. The fish eater in our group tried the fresh snapper but both did not have their minds blown... they said it was “ok”. 

 

I say give this restaurant a try for yourself and see what you think. I would go back personally on a future cruise!

 

We had the same meal.  I was looking forward to a whole lobster but the waitress steered us away.  Said it was very tiny.  However my steak was the best I've had in long time.  A surprise as I think of Ocean Blue for seafood.   The lobster tail was tiny and not any better than you could buy frozen.

 

 

[BirdTravels]

Thank you for taking us with you on your cruise @drumexpert510. Great Job!

[zerooveride]

4 hours ago, drumexpert510 said:

Last night we ate at Ocean Blue. I really liked this restaurant and the staff was really on top of the service. I got the steak and lobster tail combo which was a $19 up charge from the UDP. It was good but I would pay for it again purely for the fact that the lobster tail was very small (as you can see by the pictures). My favorite item was the ribs, these things were amazing and I almost ordered more. The fish eater in our group tried the fresh snapper but both did not have their minds blown... they said it was “ok”. 

 

I say give this restaurant a try for yourself and see what you think. I would go back personally on a future cruise!

Lobster tail looks better than the one I got in Cagney’s last night. 
 

Best food we had: Chicken Parm in the main dining room for lunch one day! One of the best I’ve ever had!

[ChiefMateJRK]

2 hours ago, davencl said:

Regarding covid posts.  I ignore anything not coming directly from CDC or NCL.  Don't believe anyone on our cruise tested positive for covid.  No proof whatsoever.

That's good to hear.  Thanks.

[SeaTacMike]

Fantastic reporting, thank you so very very much !

[Old & Retired]

Best Encore review ever!  Thanks for taking the time and effort Brad.

[L0bsterl0ver]

11 hours ago, drumexpert510 said:

We just took at rapid test after getting home this evening and was negative... just peace of mind. (Same test NCL uses at embarkation)

Thank you so much for your live review….you helped ease our minds with the whole testing and Ward cove fiasco that happened on the previous cruises.  Great pics and also loved your reviews on the drinks… I’ll be trying some of the ones you featured. Great idea on the test when you arrive home too.   10 out of 10 for your review!