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

[Brickwood]

On the sailing after you and am so looking forward to following along.  You've already started a great review!  

[Baxter68]

7 hours ago, OrcaGirl said:

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!

I second these requests! And I’m so happy you’re doing a live review. I loved reading the other ones recently and it keeps me so excited for when we go in October.

[aubreyc1988]

9 minutes ago, Baxter68 said:

I second these requests! And I’m so happy you’re doing a live review. I loved reading the other ones recently and it keeps me so excited for when we go in October.

Normally, I would not do a live one because I love to live in the moment and such, but I know I was so anxiously awaiting reviews and there are SO FEW, just going to do my part for the community and do the best I can! 

[left the dog at home]

@aubreyc1988, do you mind if I share this link on our Encore Alaska roll call?  I'm so excited to follow along.

Edited September 4, 2021 by left the dog at home

[aubreyc1988]

4 minutes ago, left the dog at home said:

@aubreyc1988, do you mind if I share this link on our Encore Alaska roll call?  I'm so excited to follow along.

go right ahead, flattered!

[Dreamingana]

Thanks for doing this.  Just have a question about the Casinos at sea comp.  How much does one have to gamble to qualify?  We have Caesars status so CAS gave us a modest discount however it was far from free.  I plan on playing roulette. 🙂

Edited September 4, 2021 by Dreamingana

[aubreyc1988]

1 minute ago, Dreamingana said:

Thanks for doing this.  Just have a question about the Casinos at sea comp.  How much does one have to gamble to qualify?  We have Caesars status so CAS gave us a modest discount however it was far from free.  I plan on playing roulette. 🙂

There isn't a published amount. It is all based on average theo loss probably. It's harder if you play tables vs slots. I usually take 200-300/night per person to PLAY with and I don't always lose the whole amount every night. Whenever I call in, they usually give me at least one comp. Casinos are kind of a mystery about how they calculate comps, sorry I can't be more of a help. I will say this tho: Play for fun, not for comps. Comps are like a happy surprise lol. 

[Dreamingana]

10 minutes ago, aubreyc1988 said:

Play for fun, not for comps. Comps are like a happy surprise lol. 

Thanks, will do. 🙂

[aubreyc1988]

I completely forgot to show you guys these things

 

I have this matching pouch for my toiletry bag!  I put my travel meds in. Isn't the zipper the cutest thing ever? Also an Ipsy find! You can find people who offload their Ipsy bags they don't want on ebay! 

 

 

My husband and I have this folder that has been with us for as long as we have been cruising. He "designs"  a new coversheet and tagline for each cruise.  We put important documents in this. 

 

[left the dog at home]

1 hour ago, aubreyc1988 said:

go right ahead, flattered!

Thank you! 

[BirdTravels]

Have a great cruise! The Bird will be following along, sailing vicariously. 

[dobiemom]

13 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

ANYHOW, I hope you liked this EXTREME packing post HAHA 

Yes I did, thanks! 👍🙂
Have a safe flight! 

[JCDCA]

15 hours 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 😛)

 

 

We are boarding later today (made it to SEA! Yay) Also dinks, drinkers and gamblers. 😎 Hope to see you 

[newtocruising56]

Thanks for doing this detailed trip report.  I love all your packing gear!   Our cruise is Sept 25th, and afterwards we are spending a couple nights in Seattle.  We are packing for cool-cold weather, so sweaters and bulky items.  I don't think we could do it with carry on luggage.  We don't have to pay for checked luggage on our flights so have never minded traveling with larger suitcases in the past,  but as a first time cruiser I think I may be bringing way more clothing than is needed.  (especially as we get one complimentary bag of laundry)   How many outfits/pieces of clothing did you bring?  I guess I am having a hard time with this because it is totally different than any other kind of vacation we have done before.  I can tell you are very organized so would appreciate packing tips for a late September Alaska cruise.   

[Nclcruise1415]

Excited to follow along! Have a great week! 

[snorklinbarb]

Thanks for doing this!  Encore is a wonderful ship and with that incredible Observation Lounge (for viewing and general hanging out) you are in for a treat!

 

If you (and DH) are this excited during the packing phase, can only imagine your reaction when you get onboard!  Love the sweet touch of his adding the folder cover for each cruise!  

 

Looking at those ballet flats.  They say run true to size.  Hope that's the case.  

 

Have a safe, happy and healthy cruise!  I'm in for the ride!

[LoveByrds]

Good morning! I'm leaving the Encore momentarily, and leave it in your good hands! 

 

Try out my new favorite drink, The Painkiller! I usually substituted Malibu for the Prussars. Yummm. 

 

Also try the Miami Vice on the pool deck. It's an off menu it that will wow everyone!

[NikiPinkston]

11 hours ago, aubreyc1988 said:

I completely forgot to show you guys these things

 

I have this matching pouch for my toiletry bag!  I put my travel meds in. Isn't the zipper the cutest thing ever? Also an Ipsy find! You can find people who offload their Ipsy bags they don't want on ebay! 

 

 

My husband and I have this folder that has been with us for as long as we have been cruising. He "designs"  a new coversheet and tagline for each cruise.  We put important documents in this. 

 

Love that bag - wanderlust is my middle name - and your nails match!  The folder idea is so clever, too; I may have to steal it.  Have a wonderful first day aboard!

Edited September 4, 2021 by NikiPinkston
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[nslatin]

Thanks in advance for this live review.  We sail on the Encore on October 16th.  Can you share some detail regarding the testing (location, are people still in possession of their luggage, time you showed up, time to process through).  

 

Neal

[Steam]

I love your optimism! Looking forward to your review.

[aubreyc1988]

5 hours ago, newtocruising56 said:

Thanks for doing this detailed trip report.  I love all your packing gear!   Our cruise is Sept 25th, and afterwards we are spending a couple nights in Seattle.  We are packing for cool-cold weather, so sweaters and bulky items.  I don't think we could do it with carry on luggage.  We don't have to pay for checked luggage on our flights so have never minded traveling with larger suitcases in the past,  but as a first time cruiser I think I may be bringing way more clothing than is needed.  (especially as we get one complimentary bag of laundry)   How many outfits/pieces of clothing did you bring?  I guess I am having a hard time with this because it is totally different than any other kind of vacation we have done before.  I can tell you are very organized so would appreciate packing tips for a late September Alaska cruise.   

I brought 3 sweaters, one of them is a base layer by underarmour. I have undershirts for every day ( I always wear an undershirt, even under a tshirt, just a quirk of mine), 2 pairs of jeans, a sweater dress, 2 pairs of shoes, a hoodie or two, a coat, and a jacket or two. I like to mix and match outfits on various days, and layering. 

 

 I’ll take some photos of myself some days and show some of my outfits! 

Edited September 4, 2021 by aubreyc1988

[aubreyc1988]

2 hours ago, snorklinbarb said:

Thanks for doing this!  Encore is a wonderful ship and with that incredible Observation Lounge (for viewing and general hanging out) you are in for a treat!

 

If you (and DH) are this excited during the packing phase, can only imagine your reaction when you get onboard!  Love the sweet touch of his adding the folder cover for each cruise!  

 

Looking at those ballet flats.  They say run true to size.  Hope that's the case.  

 

Have a safe, happy and healthy cruise!  I'm in for the ride!

I think the sparkly ones are true to size, the suede ones run a tad small. And yes, get your own folder going!! 

[aubreyc1988]

2 hours ago, LoveByrds said:

Good morning! I'm leaving the Encore momentarily, and leave it in your good hands! 

 

Try out my new favorite drink, The Painkiller! I usually substituted Malibu for the Prussars. Yummm. 

 

Also try the Miami Vice on the pool deck. It's an off menu it that will wow everyone!

Sad that your cruise is over, hope the next one is soon for you!!!  
 

I will try those drinks for sure

[aubreyc1988]

1 hour ago, nslatin said:

Thanks in advance for this live review.  We sail on the Encore on October 16th.  Can you share some detail regarding the testing (location, are people still in possession of their luggage, time you showed up, time to process through).  

 

Neal

 Absolutely will! Typing this as I am sitting on the airplane waiting to deplane! Once I am off the plane, we are heading the baggage claim to meet our NCL shuttle transfer to the port/testing! 

so excited! 

 

[aubreyc1988]

Everything was really smooth this morning. The flight landed early, shuttle was easy and left as soon as we got on it, no insane waiting for shuttle to be filled. They do make you check your bags at the airport with luggage tags. Make sure you keep a bag with important documents with you! 
 

Yay! We both tested negative! Boarding process was very easy and streamlined, took 45 min max, we are waiting to board right now!