Shadowmeboy's 2022 Encore Christmas and New Year's Southern Caribbean Cruise Adventure

[shadowmeboy]

Hey all! Shadowmeboy here!

 

Some of you may be saying "haven't you sailed twice in 2022 already?" If you said that, you would be correct. Well, we had credits from the Norwegian Sun cruise that was cancelled on us back in July that were set to expire at the end on 2022, plus my parents, without knowing we had booked an Norwegian Encore cruise, booked the same cruise in January 2023 as us. They were super excited to finally sail by themselves, as their two previous cruises were with us.  So we were actively looking for a different cruise leaving in 2022. I did a search of cruises that fell between the dates of Susan's Winter break from school and low and behold an 11 night southern Caribbean Cruise on the Encore popped up, and it was at an awesome price. I couldn't hit book fast enough!

 

So here goes the 3rd review of 2022!

 

We are making up for lost time in 2022. In April, we sailed the Breakaway to the Western Caribbean, followed by the Spirit in July to Alaska. You will find all the review links plus other adventures below! 

 

Let's take a step back in case you missed my Breakaway review from the Spring or my Spirit review from the Summer. I know some of you probably have missed my pictorial reviews. I have missed doing them. Covid really screwed up some awesome trips that we had planned. We had a total of 5 cruises cancelled on us, so we were finally glad to be sailing again!

 

What did we do during our unplanned pause in cruising?

In July 2020, when we were supposed to sail Alaska, we ended up doing a 13 day, 7 state road trip. It got me up to 48 states visited, as I hit my 47th State (Wyoming) and 48th (South Dakota) along the way!

 

This picture I took near Glacier National Park was published in a train calendar for 2021! 

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubE1rop-vFZS1p-7tqOKvd0O)

 

In December 2020, Susan got her 48th and 49th states when we traveled through North and South Carolina to surprise my Mom and Dad on Christmas Day in Florida.

 

Sunset picture from Indian Rock Beach, FL near Tampa.

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubELw7b1b-LHcGNfTHHGRVDA)

 

In April 2021, we took a train ride from Seattle to South Bend, Indiana, rented a car, and drove to my 49th State of Ohio. We visited family, the Ohio State Reformatory (where the movie Shawshank Redemption was filmed), and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 

There I am in front of the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubGUpI47p3TseK36oE6g81RA

 

Finally, we snuck away for a Las Vegas Getaway in January 2022 for my Birthday. 

 

A Lion Fish at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Shark Reef Aquarium.

Videos from our trip are on my YouTube channel (Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6BY6HPmDubGSUJn9EuQ-19fbfBb184vw

 

That caught us up to April of 2022. When we finally got back to cruising!

 

Our Cruise History!

 

My wife, Susan, and I love to cruise and do it any chance we can. We have sailed 15 times together and I have sailed once by myself.

 

In 2016 we sailed the Norwegian Sun on a Southbound Cruise from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. You can read the review here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2529761

 

The Norwegian Sun is pictured in Sitka, AK.

 

In June of 2017, We sailed the Norwegian Escape to the Western Caribbean. Review: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2516206

 

The Norwegian Escape pictured in Costa Maya, Mexico.

 

In December 2017, We sailed the Norwegian Star to the Mexican Riviera over Christmas. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2581330

 

The Norwegian Star pictured in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

 

In June 2018, We sailed the Norwegian Jewel Northbound Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Seward, Alaska. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2557365-north-to-alaska-shadowmeboys-jewel-shimmering-pictorial-review/

 

The Norwegian Jewel pictured in Juneau, AK from the Mount Roberts Tram.

 

In November 2018, We sailed the Norwegian Bliss on a Eastern Caribbean Cruise out of Miami. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2614687-shadowmeboys-blissful-eastern-caribbean-pictorial-cruise-review/

 

The Bliss docked in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin islands.

 

In June 2019, we sailed the Norwegian Dawn on a Canada/New England Cruise out New York City. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2678378-shadowmeboys-norwegian-dawn-canadanew-england-pictorial-review/

 

The Norwegian Dawn anchored just outside the harbor of Newport, Rhode Island.

 

In September 2019, I sailed a 7 Night Alaska roundtrip on the Norwegian Bliss without Susan. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2707063-shadowmeboy-helps-close-down-alaska-on-the-bliss/

 

The Norwegian Bliss docked in Ketchikan, Alaska.

 

In April 2022, We returned to to cruising aboard the Norwegian Breakaway! We sailed a 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise out of New Orleans. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2851477-shadowmeboy-breakaway-adventure-from-new-orleans-to-the-western-caribbean/

 

 

 

Norwegian Breakaway docked next to the Norwegian Dawn in Cozumel, Mexico!

 

In July 2022, we finally got to return to Alaska sailing with our friends, Trace and Maria, on a 7 night Alaska Seattle Roundtrip on the Norwegian Spirit. Review: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2888618-shadowmeboys-spirited-return-to-alaska/

 

 

 

The Norwegian Spirit docked at Ward Cove in Ketchikan, AK.

 

About us:

My wife, Susan, is a Elementary Math Specialist and I stopped working for a grocery store and now work a county near our home in elections as a Washington State Certified Elections Administrator!. Susan and I have been married 15 years! Due to her school schedule, we cannot sail as much as we would like.

 

We live in the Pacific Northwest, along the Columbia River on the "dry" side of Washington State among the Apple and Cherry Orchards.

 

 

This Caribbean Cruise on the Norwegian Encore is our 16th Cruise together!

 

Most of the pictures in this review are taken with my Canon EOS 90D, Canon Rebel T5, My iPhone 10R, my GoPro Hero 7 Black or my GoPro Hero Black 9, along with some shots from Susan's Samsung phone.
 

Please feel free to ask questions along the way! I will try to answer them as quickly as I can. This review will be (as always) very picture heavy, especially since we arrived in Florida several days early to have early Christmas and see my family. I was a little delayed getting this review started due to having over 3600 pictures to sort, edit, and prepare for this review. I love to relive my journeys through my pictures! I hope you enjoy them as well!

 

Let's get this trip aboard the Norwegian Encore started!

 

 

Norwegian Encore docked in Willemstad, Curacao!

[shadowmeboy]

Start of trip!

December 17th, 2022

 

We started out from home at about 7 am in order to make it over the passes and into Seattle.

 

 

The Columbia River as we head towards Wenatchee

 

 

 

 

Entiat River emptying into the Columbia River.

 

 

Typical North Central Washington winter day!

 

 

Turtle Rock - Just North of Wenatchee

 

 

North Wenatchee

 

 

Crossing into Wenatchee on US 2/97.

 

 

 

Luckily, US 97 was in great condition for December as we started over Blewitt Pass.

 

 

 

As you can see, we got a ton of snow this year.

 

 

 

 

Is that the Sun?

[shadowmeboy]

 

 

 

Over the top of Blewitt Pass and heading down the South side!

 

 

 

 

Don't let the Sun fool you. It was still only 8 degrees at 9:48 am. It would get down to -5 at home while we were on the cruise.

 

 

Beautiful snow covered Kittitas County!

 

 

On Interstate 90 westbound toward Seattle, heading up to Snoqualmie Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was beautiful up near the summit!

 

 

 

Over the top of Snoqualmie Pass and headed down the Mountain to the Seattle area!

[shadowmeboy]

 

Waterfalls are icicles this time of year!

 

 

 

 

By the time we got down the mountain just east of Seattle it was raining. Go figure! heading west on Washington 900 between Issaquah and Renton.

 

 

We had a special item to pick up ahead of our flight to Orlando!

 

 

That's right! Chuck's Donuts! We had preordered a dozen of Chuck's famous maple bars. My mom loves them, and can't find anything close in Florida. So, we decided to bring some down to her, but we had to make sure they were safe to travel!

 

 

Susan holding the precious cargo!

 

 

On Interstate 405 heading to the Airport!

 

 

 

We were parking our car at Doug Fox parking, so we arrived ready to head out!

[justhappy]

Glad to see another trip report from you guys, hope you’re doing well!

[shadowmeboy]

 

We took the shuttle to the terminal.

 

 

We checked out bags and headed to Security. Between the time we had out ID's checked and reaching to screeners we found out our flight was delayed 3 hours. Fun, not.

 

We headed out to the N Concourse and the Alaska Airlines lounge to relax, eat, and watch airplanes!

 

 

 

 

The view from the lounge! It will do!

 

 

 

 

 

They had salads, soup, and Coffee made to order!

 

 

 

We are relaxed for having a delay, as we are on vacation!

 

 

One of Alaska Airlines 737 planes sporting the Education paint job. My favorite was always the Salmon three seven! 

 

 

Here is a time-lapse I did while in the lounge! 

[shadowmeboy]

 

Luckily, Alaska was able to lop a hour off the delay, so we were only two hours late boarding the flight.

 

 

Holding the precious cargo!

 

 

Finally time to board!

 

 

 

Rainy night in Seattle!

 

 

 

We are ready for warmer weather!

 

 

Here is the take-off video from Seattle!

 

 

[shadowmeboy]

We settled in for a long dark flight to Orlando. I was able to let my parents know when we were expected to land and also where were as we flew due to Alaska Airlines having free text and messaging.

 

 

This photo is a little blurry, but its Mission Ridge. Mission Ridge is a ski area just South of Wenatchee.

 

Service got slowed down to turbulence over the Rockies. Thus I started watching Below Deck with my phone on the free inflight entertainment options.

 

 

Susan and I got the fruit and cheese plate for our food service. We both did not care for the hot entrée offered, and we made sure to eat "dinner" in the lounge before we left.

 

 

 

At the end of an episode, I looked out and saw this. This is Alliance, Nebraska. We stopped here for lunch on our 2020 road trip. It is also home to a big BNSF yard. The really bright lights at the top of the town, is the BNSF yard.

 

 

Wichita, Kansas

Interesting note: The 737 I was flying in originated in Wichita at Spirit Aerospace and then was transported by BNSF train to Renton, WA for final assembly.

 

 

 

Bentonville, Arkansas - home of Walmart

 

 

Little Rock, Arkansas

 

 

Later in the flight we got mixed nuts and ice cream. Susan is taking a photo of the Ice Cream in this shot! 

 

 

Here is her posing with said ice cream!

 

 

Starkville, Mississippi

 

 

Selma, Alabama

 

 

Dothan, Alabama

 

 

Gainesville, Florida

 

 

Icon Park in Orlando area - the dark area with the lights inside is a Lockheed Martin plant.

 

 

Florida Highway 528

 

 

SeaWorld Orlando

 

 

Orlando area on final approach

 

 

On the ground in Orlando, waiting on the gate crew to bring us into the gate. We sat looking at the gate for over 15 minutes.

 

 

Orlando Landing video

 

 

[shadowmeboy]

December 18th, 2022 

Orlando, Florida

1:30 am or so

 

 

Loved the artwork for cleaning!

 

 

On the tram to the main terminal

 

 

 

Someone is tired. The donuts made it!

 

 

My mom met us at baggage claim, as we knew it would be hard to handle the bags to the car. This allowed us to surprise her with the donuts, which she loved! She actually ate one at baggage claim!

 

Unfortunately, it took almost 45 minutes for our bags to get on the carousel from the plane. So mind you its now 2:15 am and we have an almost hour drive to my parents house. 

 

 

Someone is ready for bed

 

We make it to my parents house at around 3:15 am.

Edited March 29, 2023 by shadowmeboy

[shadowmeboy]

My parents sing at their church, so we had to be at the church by 9:30, so we were up by 8 am.

 

 

It is a beautiful day here in Florida!

 

 

Here is a picture of right before the choir sang.

 

 

Palm trees outside the church. I took this one for Susan!

 

 

After church, we had an early family Christmas with my parents and my sister, her husband, and my niece! The Prime Rib was awesome!

 

 

My sister Megan and my niece Addy!

 

 

Addy opening our present!

 

 

 

Getting distracted!

 

 

 

 

She loved the Scentsy Buddy we got her!

[shadowmeboy]

 

She isn't so sure about me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had Megan for my gift recipient this year and got her some shirts!

 

 

Addy was the big winner!

 

 

Yum! Plastic tastes really good!

 

 

Frosting and eating sugar cookies!

 

 

keeping a good eye on me!

 

 

 

 

I still wonder how much cookie was actually eaten?

 

 

 

 

 

Wonder where she gets that from?

 

 

 

Megan, Harley, Addy, Susan and I

 

 

A bit later, we started working on our tip bag for this cruise.

 

--

 

I will work on this some more tomorrow! 

[Lupush]

A Shadowmeboy review always helps me get through my work week a little easier.  Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[TSUmom]

Yay another Shadowmeboy review!  You are so enjoyable to read and always make me that much more excited about my upcoming cruises!!!

[SenatorsFan]

So nice to see another one of your reviews! I was on Encore in Nov. and will be looking forward to seeing all of your pictures! 😊

[NikiPinkston]

So happy to see another @shadowmeboy review! Thank you for taking us along!

[Maleficent's Dad]

I love your reviews - so many pics!

What do you and Susan put into the "tip bags?"  I love the idea, have seen it before, but would like to get an idea of what others do.

[jx2mom]

So excited for another Shadowmeboy review! Your pictures and narrative are awesome. Thank you for sharing. 

[shadowmeboy]

23 hours ago, justhappy said:

Glad to see another trip report from you guys, hope you’re doing well!

 

Thank you! We are doing well!

[shadowmeboy]

7 hours ago, Lupush said:

A Shadowmeboy review always helps me get through my work week a little easier.  Thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

Glad you enjoy them! I actually like doing them for you all!

[shadowmeboy]

6 hours ago, TSUmom said:

Yay another Shadowmeboy review!  You are so enjoyable to read and always make me that much more excited about my upcoming cruises!!!

 

Ah, Thank you! Glad you enjoy them and they make you excited!

[shadowmeboy]

4 hours ago, SenatorsFan said:

So nice to see another one of your reviews! I was on Encore in Nov. and will be looking forward to seeing all of your pictures! 😊

 

Thanks! I have a few of them 😉 

3 hours ago, NikiPinkston said:

So happy to see another @shadowmeboy review! Thank you for taking us along!

 

Thanks! You are most welcome!

[shadowmeboy]

3 hours ago, Maleficent's Dad said:

I love your reviews - so many pics!

What do you and Susan put into the "tip bags?"  I love the idea, have seen it before, but would like to get an idea of what others do.

 

Thank you! So for this cruise we put in Chocolates, mini candy canes, peppermint balls, and a small tip. A non Christmas cruise will generally be Ghirardelli squares, starlight mints, and a small tip and those are typically in a small burlap style bag. 

[shadowmeboy]

2 hours ago, jx2mom said:

So excited for another Shadowmeboy review! Your pictures and narrative are awesome. Thank you for sharing. 

 

Thank you! Glad you enjoy them!

[www3traveler]

What do you have booked for 2023?

[shadowmeboy]

Just now, www3traveler said:

What do you have booked for 2023?

 

We have an 10 night Alaska on the Sun leaving late June from Seattle and a Christmas cruise on the Jade out of Tampa to the Western Caribbean.