Norwegian Encore – Eastern Caribbean *LIVE*

[BirdTravels]

Join the Bird for a spring break getaway to the Eastern Caribbean, featuring the Dominical Republic and Great Stirrup Cay. The Bird was booked on the ill-fated Norwegian Escape, anxiously awaiting her return to service after she grounded herself leaving the Dominican Republic. Now she sits, undergoing repairs at Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal 5. On Tuesday, 4 days to departure, The Bird got the dreaded email from NCL that the Norwegian Escape was being cancelled for a third week in a row. NCL quickly and seamlessly transferred The Bird to this wonderful cruise on the Encore, sailing on the same itinerary. 

 

The Encore was delivered to NCL on October 30, 2019. On November 21, 2019, the Norwegian Encore was christened and named by her godmother, Kelly Clarkson. The Bird’s was on the inaugural voyage of the Encore from Miami on November 24, 2019. 

 

The Encore served her passengers for a little over 3½ months before the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus forced NCL to suspend operations. During the suspension, the Encore traveled around the world, returning crew members to their home countries, awaiting her return to service. 

 

On August 7, 2020, The Bird was on NCL’s Great Cruise Comeback, when the Encore was the first NCL ship to return to service in the United States. The cruise was the Encore’s first voyage to Alaska with maiden calls at many Alaskan ports. 

 

Come along with the Bird for a Spring Break Getaway to the Eastern Caribbean. 

 

Sun Apr 03 Miami Depart 5:00 pm

Mon Apr 04 At Sea

Tue Apr 05 Puerto Plata 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wed Apr 06 St. Thomas 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thu Apr 07 Tortola 6:00 am – 1:00 pm

Fri Apr 08 At Sea

Sat Apr 09 Tortola 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sun Apr 10 Miami Arrive 7:00 a.m.

[BirdTravels]

The Encore is using the new Pearl of Miami terminal at PortMiami. The new terminal is purpose built for Norwegian and her ships. 
 

 

Edited April 3, 2022 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

The Bird is not sure if the ship’s photographers know what ship they are on. 

Edited April 3, 2022 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

We have rules! 
 

Protocols for this Voyage

 

Mandatory Vaccinations Against Covid-19

All guests age twelve and over, as well as all crew, must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure in order to board. While we welcome unvaccinated children under the age of 12 onboard, it is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing.

 

Socially Responsible Check-In

We’ve designed an enhanced, staggered embarkation process and new check-in system to streamline check in for guests by allowing documents to be signed electronically.

 

Universal testing & Pre-Embarkation Protocols

At time of check-in, all guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party or via medically supervised home test within two days prior to embarkation date for cruises originating in a U.S. port and within three days prior for voyages departing from a non-U.S. port.

 

In order to facilitate, Norwegian has partnered with Inspired Diagnostics lab to ensure that guests have access to a quick, efficient and easy way to access the required FDA-approved proctored in-home antigen test prior to embarkation from the comfort of their own home. Inspired Diagnostics is a subsidiary of Inspire Health Alliance, a leader in best-in-class health services. Testing at home is safe, simple, and convenient. Purchasing in-home testing kits is simple.

• Sign up on the testing site https://inspirediagnostics.com/ncl/
• Receive the test kit(s) by UPS
• Schedule an on-line proctoring consultation
• Receive certified results via email

Guests are also responsible for complying with all local health and safety requirements which may include additional pre-embarkation testing at the terminal. On select sailings where local government or health authorities may require guests to partake in additional COVID-19 testing prior to boarding, NCL will provide free testing at the terminal. Please refer to Cruise Travel Requirements by Country for country specific requirements.

 

All unvaccinated guests under the age of 12 on sailings from or to a U.S. port will be required to bring proof of a negative NAAT test (i.e. PCR) result administered by a verified third party within three days prior to embarkation date. Failure to comply will result in denial of boarding. Additionally, these guests will be subject to additional testing at embarkation and disembarkation administered and paid for by the cruise line, as part of the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships Operating in U.S. Waters.

 

Other available pre-embarkation testing services:

Additionally, the following services offer a verified third party or medically supervised at home testing: eMed or BioReference-Scarlett Concierge testing service – BioReference sends a trained Scarlet Health Professional to your home to collect your COVID-19 test specimen.

 

Face Coverings

Our cruises will operate with 100% vaccination of crew and guests age 12 and over, therefore face coverings are not required while onboard. However, we recognize the added protections provided when wearing a mask covering and recommend that all guests do so onboard when indoors, except when actively eating or drinking, or seated at a table in a dining setting, or when in their stateroom. Mask coverings are also recommended outdoors when physical distancing of at least six (6) feet cannot be maintained. The decision to wear a mask covering when onboard is at the discretion of each guest.

 

Hand Sanitation

All guests will be required to engage in frequent handwashing and hand sanitizer will be prominently placed and easily accessible throughout the ship.

 

Continuous Ship-Wide Cleaning & Disinfection Measures

Comprehensive enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols, using EPA approved disinfectants, have been implemented throughout the cruise experience.

 

Upgraded Medical-Grade Air Filters

We are strategically installing medical-grade air filters of the highest filtration grade, MERV 13 or HEPA, capable of removing 99.9% of airborne pathogens, including COVID-19, and implementing new bi-polar ionization technology.

 

Enhanced Onboard Medical Teams & Health Services

We have improved our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing relative to capacity and enhanced facilities including new and upgraded equipment and onshore medical institution partnerships.

 

Dedicated Public Health Officer

All ships will sail with a dedicated Public Health Officer on board that will oversee the day-to-day sanitation and cleanliness of all public areas and accommodations.

 

Strategic Itinerary Development & Shore Partners

We constantly monitor the health environment across the globe and will modify or cancel itineraries to affected areas as needed.

 

Partners in Prevention

We’re partnering with our local destinations and tour operators to extend our comprehensive health & safety protocols to shore.

 

Beyond the Port

Guests are free to explore ports of call on their own, according to protocols in each specific port, and can purchase shore excursions as they wish. Face coverings may be required in certain settings to comply with local requirements, for example in terminals for embarkation and disembarkation or at ports of call. We will continue to monitor public health guidance, including from the CDC, at the time of your voyage and modify requirements accordingly.

[Two Wheels Only]

59 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

The Bird is not sure if the ship’s photographers know what ship they are on.

 

The photographer made an executive decision.....knowing that Encore's hull art would eliminate any possible photo sales. 😉

[Katarae]

Following this thread! You give great reviews and I will be on the Encore for the May 15th round trip out of Seattle! Excited to see the itineraries as friends of ours have never been on NCL and anxiously wondering what to pack for with any social things on the ship!

[BirdTravels]

30 minutes ago, Katarae said:

Following this thread! You give great reviews and I will be on the Encore for the May 15th round trip out of Seattle! Excited to see the itineraries as friends of ours have never been on NCL and anxiously wondering what to pack for with any social things on the ship!

Google Great Cruise Come Back BirdTravels for The Bird’s live post from the Encore on her first R/T Seattle last year. 

[YVRteacher]

Please say hi to my favourite bartender, Ali, if you see him!  He is amazing.

[Sand and Seas]

So glad you were able to change your plans and made your way from the cancelled Escape cruise over to the Encore.  What is that saying?  Blessed are the flexible for they will not allow themselves to become bent out of shape..... 

 

Looking forward to following along with another in-depth and enlightening BirdTravels review.   

Thanks for sharing with us all😎

[BirdTravels]

[BirdTravels]

Day 1 Main Dining Room

 

Edited April 3, 2022 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

experimenting with the Freestyle Daily from the NCL app. 
 

Edited April 3, 2022 by BirdTravels

[udking]

So excited to follow this.  We will be on next week 🙂

 

Could you tell me who the current Cruise director is?

 

Also, does it look like Kinky Boots is actually playing?

 

Thank you!!!  Have a great cruise!!

[BirdTravels]

38 minutes ago, udking said:

So excited to follow this.  We will be on next week 🙂

 

Could you tell me who the current Cruise director is?

 

Also, does it look like Kinky Boots is actually playing?

 

Thank you!!!  Have a great cruise!!

I think the CD is Dan Dan. 
 

The Bird promises not to break the ship and bring it back in one piece (no holes in the hull). 
 

They are kinda closed lipped about Kinky Boots. Can’t tell if it is COVID or problems with the cast. 
 

Entertainment disappointing. 

Edited April 3, 2022 by BirdTravels

[FlGoodShips]

Can you advise how many guests onboard?  

Thank you.

[ChiefMateJRK]

We'll be on board next month.  How is that Paulo guy on the piano?

[Booboochase]

Hijacking this thread as I just cruised on Encore 3/27-4/3 (today!) Kinky Boots did in fact play as did Choir of Man ( I don't recall which nights.)  Will be doing a short review soon.  We had 3500 passengers due to Escape passengers booking (according to Haven staff.) I see one of the comedians is different, Brad replaced Jill.  Lucky you.  

[Jim The Lizard]

Super happy to see a Bird Travels review!   Comprehensive and informative always!  Thanks Bird Travels!!!

[BirdTravels]

We were w bit late off the dock, but are on our way!  Party time!

 

 

 

Edited April 4, 2022 by BirdTravels

[tokidoki]

Looking forward as always to your reviews!  Are u in the haven this cruise! Enjoy👍

[BirdTravels]

34 minutes ago, tokidoki said:

Looking forward as always to your reviews!  Are u in the haven this cruise! Enjoy👍

Down with the common folks. Last minute transfer from the Escape. Kind of pot luck wrt rooms. 

[BirdTravels]

How about some steak for dinner?

 

Edited April 4, 2022 by BirdTravels

[BirdTravels]

Latitudes Dinner at Cagney’s

 

We found that waiters didn’t care as much about exceeding the $35 as much as stating that the SDP upcharges were the same for the latitudes dinner. 

Latitudes Wine List 

[tokidoki]

I see theres still no Behind the Scenes Tour?  Do they offer u some OBC?

[rbalfour]

Will be following as I am taking my 1st Haven cruise in Jan '23 for my 25th anniversary