It's time for some Mojitos - NCL Encore Live Review Sept 4th 2021

[aubreyc1988]

Hey all, so excited to give you guys a LIVE review on Encore this upcoming week! I have the basic unlimited wifi, I hope that it is fast enough to post some good photos and such for you!

 

1) Feel free to ask any questions, I will do my best to answer them 👍

2)  🍹 I am a glass very full sort of person. I don't mind waiting in line, hiccups, etc. So if you are looking for a review filled with outrage and such, this will not be it. 

3) I hope you enjoy the review! 😄

 

Quick Details: I am flying out tomorrow morning at 7am Central time, out DFW airport to SEA with the airfare promo and transfers to the port. I got my negative PCR test yesterday morning as a precaution, and I have been in a self quarantine for 3 weeks since both my husband and I work from home. We are both DINKS, no kids, two dogs, we like to drink, we do not smoke, we do gamble and we love a good meal or two. We have done Alaska before with NCL in 2019, on the Bliss, almost same itinerary except the Bliss went to Skagway. We are sailing comped through Casinos At Sea, and have a balcony cabin on deck 9 that is angled (woohoo)

 

(I'll be back in a bit to give more pre cruise details, gotta go clean my house and double check my packing 😛)

 

 

[Funky Fusion FoodsJ]

23 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Hey all, so excited to give you guys a LIVE review on Encore this upcoming week! I have the basic unlimited wifi, I hope that it is fast enough to post some good photos and such for you!

 

1) Feel free to ask any questions, I will do my best to answer them 👍

2)  🍹 I am a glass very full sort of person. I don't mind waiting in line, hiccups, etc. So if you are looking for a review filled with outrage and such, this will not be it. 

3) I hope you enjoy the review! 😄

 

Quick Details: I am flying out tomorrow morning at 7am Central time, out DFW airport to SEA with the airfare promo and transfers to the port. I got my negative PCR test yesterday morning as a precaution, and I have been in a self quarantine for 3 weeks since both my husband and I work from home. We are both DINKS, no kids, two dogs, we like to drink, we do not smoke, we do gamble and we love a good meal or two. We have done Alaska before with NCL in 2019, on the Bliss, almost same itinerary except the Bliss went to Skagway. We are sailing comped through Casinos At Sea, and have a balcony cabin on deck 9 that is angled (woohoo)

 

(I'll be back in a bit to give more pre cruise details, gotta go clean my house and double check my packing 😛)

 

 

Looking forward to the review Aubrey!

[Shellbelle28]

Are you going to play @drumexpert510's drinking game with us? Forum members suggest a drink, you order it and give us your rating and share a photo so we can virtually enjoy your beverage too.

[OrcaGirl]

Yay, so excited to follow along on your adventures! We'll be on the Encore in mid-October and can't wait.

 

Random question requests as you have time to answer them:

1. Your thoughts on the various entertainment options and on-board activities

2. Favourite drinks (of course)

3. Dailies (really appreciated the Bird's sharing of the dailies but that itinerary was slightly different)

 

Bon voyage!

[BoozinCroozin]

All I saw was Mojito!!!🍹

 

With the NCL airfare/bogo thing, what airline did they select for you?

Edited September 3, 2021 by BoozinCroozin

[aubreyc1988]

15 minutes ago, Shellbelle28 said:

Are you going to play @drumexpert510's drinking game with us? Forum members suggest a drink, you order it and give us your rating and share a photo so we can virtually enjoy your beverage too.

sounds dangerous, maybe 😄 

[aubreyc1988]

5 minutes ago, BoozinCroozin said:

All I saw was Mojito!!!🍹

 

With the NCL airfare/bogo thing, what airline did they select for you?

American. Direct, earliest flight American had for Sept 4th that was non-stop. The fare is marked as "Flexible" and I did get to choose my seats once I added the flight to my AA account.  When we checked in this morning, there were more seats available and we were able to get two seats together, a bit further up from where we had been.  Doing NCL airfare promo was about 100.00 total cheaper, but the real perk was that I was able to use my FCC to pay for the flights and transfers, vs booking direct. I was offered the option to deviate, but wanted to try flying in the day of to reduce potential covid exposure prior to the cruise. Plus hey, it saves money on the hotel. I will admit, I am a bit nervous about it, but I do have travel insurance as well. 

 

We are not checking any bags, just two carry ons/two backpacks. 

 

I will go take some photos of my bags and my packing stuff so you guys can see, I love buying travel gear and stuff, sort of like a hobby of mine to pack as efficiently as I can! 

[BoozinCroozin]

2 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

American. Direct, earliest flight American had for Sept 4th that was non-stop. The fare is marked as "Flexible" and I did get to choose my seats once I added the flight to my AA account.  When we checked in this morning, there were more seats available and we were able to get two seats together, a bit further up from where we had been.  Doing NCL airfare promo was about 100.00 total cheaper, but the real perk was that I was able to use my FCC to pay for the flights and transfers, vs booking direct. I was offered the option to deviate, but wanted to try flying in the day of to reduce potential covid exposure prior to the cruise. Plus hey, it saves money on the hotel. I will admit, I am a bit nervous about it, but I do have travel insurance as well. 

 

We are not checking any bags, just two carry ons/two backpacks. 

 

I will go take some photos of my bags and my packing stuff so you guys can see, I love buying travel gear and stuff, sort of like a hobby of mine to pack as efficiently as I can! 

Thank you. I just signed up for the BOGO deal on Wednesday I think. Flights for me booking are $2,100. Flights through NCL was $448. Massive difference. We are flying a day early for ours and hoping they give us the early morning flights so we can enjoy NOLA for the night.

[aubreyc1988]

1 minute ago, BoozinCroozin said:

Thank you. I just signed up for the BOGO deal on Wednesday I think. Flights for me booking are $2,100. Flights through NCL was $448. Massive difference. We are flying a day early for ours and hoping they give us the early morning flights so we can enjoy NOLA for the night.

wow that is an incredible savings! I have heard that NCL primarily uses Delta/American/United. 

[aputt]

See ya onboard! We are flying out this afternoon on United and staying at the Marriott by Pier 66 tonight. Looking forward to getting onboard tomorrow and enjoying life at sea again! Safe travels to everyone!

[BoozinCroozin]

Enjoy your cruise everyone. I will be watching this thread. Mojitos catch my attention very easily.

[milolii]

Following, enjoy everyone.  

[ChiefMateJRK]

Enjoy your cruise!  Stay off that phone!!  Just enjoy yourself and pass along the highlights.

[aubreyc1988]

Ok so here is some packing by Aubrey! Disclaimer: My husband thinks I am crazy, he normally just throws his stuff in, but I am the one who makes sure we have everything we need 😄 

 

I won't be including links to items, as I don't want to violate any CC rules and I don't get any sort of kickback from recommendations, but I will include the brand names if I remember them and you can do some googling! 

 

Both of my Bags here 

 

Calpak Ambeur suitcase, 22" carry on (Got it on sale for 100, but I do wish I had the rose gold version, maybe next suitcase)

 

GONEX backpack, opens like a suitcase, bought on Amazon, no longer sold. 18.1x12.6x7.1 inches, fits within Spirit Airlines guidelines (18x14x8). American is a little more loose with their personal item requirements so I got my backpack looking really fat for this flight haha!

 

 

I have kept one side of my suitcase mostly empty for stuff I buy in ports. I want to get a few mugs and maybe a few t-shirts, who knows! 

 

Gotta remember the fun anchor straws (6.00 on Amazon)

 

 

Toiletry Bag I got from Ipsy. Ipsy is a great way to get travel sized makeup/toiletries that are high end for cheap. Plus they give you a fun bag each month. This one was from last year, I love the cube size of it and the design of course. I put all my non liquid toiletries in this, as well as things like clothespins, hair ties, etc. 

 

 

Vlando Rollie Portable Jewelry Roll, Amazon, 15.00 

 

 

 

 

Ollio Black Glitter Flats (also have in pink), Amazon, 27-29.00 pair. Look how flat they get, perfect to smoosh into your luggage and they totally add pizazz to an outfit and are pretty comfy. 

 

 

 

See how I just crammed the shoe in the side of the luggage like a pro?! 😄 

 

Onto the GONEX backpack, which is SO nice (my husband has one as well) Love how it opens like a suitcase. 

 

It has a nice laundry bag attached.

 

I put my liquid toiletries on the outside pocket, even though I am precheck. You never know if a precheck line is open or not, or if the agent still wants you to pull out your liquids. 

 

 

I put my masks in the other outside pocket for easy access.  

 

I

 

I can pack these three compression cubes from Tripped (amazon) in my Gonex bag. I also have my big Columbia coat compressed in one of these. Small skinny guy has undergarments in it and lots and lots of socks. Supposed to be pretty rainy this week and I hate wet socks. 

 

 

I love Matador products. I have two of their products. This is a 18L packable waterproof tote. it fits in so many nooks and crannies of any bag I am using, and if I need to use it, it provides a nice sized bag. and I think the design is cute too! 

 

 

 

Last think I'll pack is my macbook air, which will go in my backpack (there is a padded sleeve in the back of the backpack I forgot to take a photo of) and my cords, which I keep in this case

 

 

 

One thing I WEAR on the plane is this packable fanny pack from Matador. It is my favorite thing ever because I put the ESSENTIAL things I need constant access to while in the air (my headphones, small power bank, my portable apple watch charger, some petty cash, tylenol packets, eyeglass wipes, alcohol wipes, chapstick).  Having it around my waist under my hoodie means I don't have to rummage in my backpack for anything, thus no accidental elbowing of the stranger sitting next to me. I am a very considerate flier! 

 

After my flight, I just pack it up like this if I am not going to use it and throw it in my bag. 

 

 

ANYHOW, I hope you liked this EXTREME packing post HAHA 

 

[aubreyc1988]

32 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Enjoy your cruise!  Stay off that phone!!  Just enjoy yourself and pass along the highlights.

I will probably post recaps at the end of each day while unwinding before bed 😄  

[debenson0723]

I have those anchor straws too but did not pack them.  Love the idea of the fanny pack on the plane...why didn't I think of that?!  See you tomorrow. Safe travels.

[Shellbelle28]

35 minutes ago, debenson0723 said:

I have those anchor straws too but did not pack them.  Love the idea of the fanny pack on the plane...why didn't I think of that?!  See you tomorrow. Safe travels.

Oh is bringing your own straws still a thing? NCL doesn't have paper ones yet?

[aubreyc1988]

6 minutes ago, Shellbelle28 said:

Oh is bringing your own straws still a thing? NCL doesn't have paper ones yet?

I am not sure if they do or not , so I am erring on the side of caution. But I know mine will be cuter than the plain white ones NCL provides anyhow lol

[aubreyc1988]

Painted my own nails (which I normally hate to do) but didn't want to break my quarantine to go sit at a nail salon to get my nails done 

 

Not bad, not bad. I used a gel nail kit, and I only practiced once. The color is like a minty blue, hopefully like the colors of glacier waters 🙂

 

[FlGoodShips]

Love the nail color💙

By the way, what cabin is angled on deck 9?

Have a fabulous time.⚓

[aubreyc1988]

1 minute ago, FlGoodShips said:

Love the nail color💙

By the way, what cabin is angled on deck 9?

Have a fabulous time.⚓

I'll tell the cabin number after the cruise, for security reasons 🙂 I will of course take photos and a mini video!

[FlGoodShips]

Also love those flat shoes. You are the Queen of packing 😊

[OrcaGirl]

Will be curious to hear how you liked the angled balcony! We've got one booked for our Encore cruise in a few weeks, and made a point of getting one with the angle 'facing' aft so that there's hopefully less wind.

[NikiPinkston]

5 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

I will go take some photos of my bags and my packing stuff so you guys can see, I love buying travel gear and stuff, sort of like a hobby of mine to pack as efficiently as I can! 

Love that you are a glass very full kind of person, @aubreyc1988!  I have the same hobby, and I think it's pretty awesome. 🤩 Fyi, there were no straws to be found anywhere on board during our cruise two weeks ago.  Have an amazing time!  Really looking forward to following along.

[aubreyc1988]

10 minutes ago, OrcaGirl said:

Will be curious to hear how you liked the angled balcony! We've got one booked for our Encore cruise in a few weeks, and made a point of getting one with the angle 'facing' aft so that there's hopefully less wind.

Mine is facing forward. It was the only angled one left in the BF category so I felt lucky to get one 

 

Looking at NCL website now, they have lots of cabins open so I called Casinos At Sea to see if I could get a cheap upgrade. NOPE, 400.00 pp to upgrade to a Mini Suite...no thanks, I'll keep my BF with angled balcony haha. 

 

Two cruises I had booked before this one were cancelled, both were Haven suites, both would have been my first time in the Haven (a 10 year anniversary treat).  I got a great deal on those suites, about 4,500 per cabin with all taxes and fees. They wanted 8-10k  total for a Haven for this sailing and I just couldn't do it, even for a late 10 year anniversary treat. ONE DAY though! 

 

I am satisfied with my balcony tho. It actually is a small treat as I normally try to do insides to save money to do really neat excursions. During this pandemic, I have only been booking balcony cabins or up because I need the assurance if I have to quarantine, I can at least go sit outside!