An encore cruise on the Encore August 27-September 3 2023. A live trip report!

[justhappy]

After we spent an hour hanging out on the Waterfront we gave our friends a short tour of the ship. We explored the racetrack and laser tag areas, walked past the pools and slides. They were in high demand due to the high temperature. It looked the the pool deck of a Caribbean cruise.

We cruised through the buffet and stopped to get a soft serve cone to go.

 I think they have a good feel for the layout now.

We headed back to our respective rooms to unpack luggage, but our luggage didn’t arrive until 4pm. Deck 11 had luggage by 1pm. It makes me think they may have started delivering by floor, which makes sense to me.

Our stateroom attendant delivered the luggage and introduced himself, then asked if we needed anything. Since we are just a few doors down from the observation lounge and have the P+ package we didn’t feel the need for a coffee maker.

The stateroom itself is in very good condition and I love a club balcony suite for the shower.

[justhappy]

We met for dinner at Cagneys at 5:30.

We asked if they were seating outside and the hostess said we could have a window table. A few minutes later they seated a couple outside.🤷‍♂️

What the ?

We stopped the restaurant manager and asked what’s up and she was very apologetic and said they try to discourage outdoor dining on the first day as the ship is sailing very fast and it gets very windy and very cold fast.

 She later brought by a bottle of wine for us to take back with us and we told her just let us know if they saw any wildlife 😉  

She came by often to make sure we were happy.

 Other that a filet being ordered medium rare and being delivered rare, all the food was excellent and I don’t think I’ve ever had better grilled asparagus than what I had last night.

Heres some food porn~

Edited August 28, 2023 by justhappy

[justhappy]

After dinner we went to see The Beatles 

in the main theater. They kept it real because Ringo could not sing. I’m wondering if the guy sang off on purpose to truly play the part😂

The show was well attended and good if you’re a Beatles fan.

I was 10 in 1967 so a little young to be a screaming teen fan but I had two older sisters who were, and they played those 45s nonstop. We had a cat named George, can you guess who was their favorite 😉

[justhappy]

After the show I wanted to check out the casino but it didn’t open till 9:30 and it was only 8:30.

We decided to head in for the night and that work out well for us as we got a good nights sleep and were awake at 5 am.

After a quick shower we headed first to Starbucks for a hot caramel macchiato for me and a a red eye for DH. No line at 6:10 am. No lines anywhere!

By 6:15 we were seated in the Local for breakfast.

[justhappy]

Our current conditions are foggy but not too cold outside.

A Carnival ship is passing us.

[justhappy]

A MASSIVE TWO STORY FIRE ON THE ECORE!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

😂😂

Edited August 28, 2023 by justhappy

[cruiseny4life]

On 8/26/2023 at 10:35 AM, justhappy said:

On 8/26/2023 at 10:35 AM, justhappy said:

The walk back to the hotel was lovely in part due to the smoke giving the sky a reddish hue.

 I can’t I tell you how glorious the lower temps and humidity feel to these southerners!

WATER!

We were so dehydrated after nearly 6 hours on a plane, despite constantly drinking water. I scored my personal best 

aft lavatory visit record on the flight from DFW to SEA.

 I have several new friends that were sitting in the last row😂

This is going to be me in less than a month as we fly out to Las Vegas. I drink like a gallon of water every day...my husband is crazy - he drinks like a glass a day and is fine. Ugh! I'm glad I have a water buddy now! 

 

There is one good thing about wildfires. Only one. And that is the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. We had that smoke back in June and July here in NY which was a bit earlier than I am used to after living in Montana/Wyoming for five years. This time of year is certainly more normal to me...but what is normal now?

 

On 8/26/2023 at 10:29 PM, justhappy said:

Oh, I've already had breakfast and it's not lunch time, but I'm hungry! Those pastries look amazing. Mmmm.

 

15 hours ago, justhappy said:

I think you got me! I was not going to try The Local on our next cruise, but gosh both of those entrees look oh so good! 

 

The really important question though - Starbucks has rolled out their Pumpkin Spice Latte on land as of a day or two ago...have they done the same onboard? I wouldn't ever order it, but I'm curious if the ships are following the land-based release schedule. 

 

How were the Scalloped Potatoes or are they called Potatoes au Gratin? I forget...anyway, I remember not really liking them when we went to our first, and only, Cagney's meal. They look good! I hope they were yummy.

 

And finally, now that I'm caught up - those hash browns. Mmmmm! Thank you for confirming hash browns. We had a troublemaker a couple months ago claim hash browns were going away. I'm glad to see them plentiful and on your plate. Because, ya know, I need the carbs. 🙂

[justhappy]

1 minute ago, cruiseny4life said:

This is going to be me in less than a month as we fly out to Las Vegas. I drink like a gallon of water every day...my husband is crazy - he drinks like a glass a day and is fine. Ugh! I'm glad I have a water buddy now! 

 

There is one good thing about wildfires. Only one. And that is the gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. We had that smoke back in June and July here in NY which was a bit earlier than I am used to after living in Montana/Wyoming for five years. This time of year is certainly more normal to me...but what is normal now?

 

Oh, I've already had breakfast and it's not lunch time, but I'm hungry! Those pastries look amazing. Mmmm.

 

I think you got me! I was not going to try The Local on our next cruise, but gosh both of those entrees look oh so good! 

 

The really important question though - Starbucks has rolled out their Pumpkin Spice Latte on land as of a day or two ago...have they done the same onboard? I wouldn't ever order it, but I'm curious if the ships are following the land-based release schedule. 

 

How were the Scalloped Potatoes or are they called Potatoes au Gratin? I forget...anyway, I remember not really liking them when we went to our first, and only, Cagney's meal. They look good! I hope they were yummy.

 

And finally, now that I'm caught up - those hash browns. Mmmmm! Thank you for confirming hash browns. We had a troublemaker a couple months ago claim hash browns were going away. I'm glad to see them plentiful and on your plate. Because, ya know, I need the carbs. 🙂

I don’t remember if the Starbucks had pumpkin spice but when I go back today I’ll ask.

 

The scalloped potatoes were really good, very creamy and cheesy, in fact all the sides were much better than my last meal in Cagneys. The creamed spinach was much better. I remember complaining about the fact they were not as good as before due to lack of cream and no seasoning and these definitely had more, plus I could taste the nutmeg which makes the dish pop!

I’ll be raising a glass of water and drinking a toast you you my H2O buddy.

And completely agree on the hash brown rounds. I’ll cry if they ever take those away!

[justhappy]

@cruiseny4life

About to start the Behind the scenes tour so we asked  at Starbucks and sorry to report no pumpkin spice anything 🙁

[chefchick]

I am newly platinum (yeah)! and would love to partake in the behind the scenes tour….is the cruise next desk where I go to sign up for this?  I assume if I need to book comedy or rearrange dinner reservations that is someone else….like the social for example?  Also, will you be able to post pictures of the dailies or MDR menus perhaps?  Boarding the Encore on Sunday so I’m loving the preview 🌸

[amygutman]

7 hours ago, justhappy said:

We met for dinner at Cagneys at 5:30.

We asked if they were seating outside and the hostess said we could have a window table. A few minutes later they seated a couple outside.🤷‍♂️

What the ?

We stopped the restaurant manager and asked what’s up and she was very apologetic and said they try to discourage outdoor dining on the first day as the ship is sailing very fast and it gets very windy and very cold fast.

 She later brought by a bottle of wine for us to take back with us and we told her just let us know if they saw any wildlife 😉  

She came by often to make sure we were happy.

 Other that a filet being ordered medium rare and being delivered rare, all the food was excellent and I don’t think I’ve ever had better grilled asparagus than what I had last night.

Heres some food porn~

WOW! 

That meal looks amazing and it sounds like you are having a lovely time. 

Curious - I know you have sailed both in and out of the Haven...do you feel you are being treated just as well? That special Haven experience is to be treasured, but it would be wonderful to confirm from a very reasonable source such as yourself that yes...you CAN be "justhappy" outside of the suite area. 

Happily following your adventures....Warmest Amy

[justhappy]

2 hours ago, chefchick said:

I am newly platinum (yeah)! and would love to partake in the behind the scenes tour….is the cruise next desk where I go to sign up for this?  I assume if I need to book comedy or rearrange dinner reservations that is someone else….like the social for example?  Also, will you be able to post pictures of the dailies or MDR menus perhaps?  Boarding the Encore on Sunday so I’m loving the preview 🌸

Yes, the cruisenext desk is where you sign up for the tour.

You do usually need to go to I think the social club on deck 6 to book dining but they said they could book our show reservations for us. You can also book shows on the touchscreens near the elevators or at the box office.

[justhappy]

56 minutes ago, amygutman said:

WOW! 

That meal looks amazing and it sounds like you are having a lovely time. 

Curious - I know you have sailed both in and out of the Haven...do you feel you are being treated just as well? That special Haven experience is to be treasured, but it would be wonderful to confirm from a very reasonable source such as yourself that yes...you CAN be "justhappy" outside of the suite area. 

Happily following your adventures....Warmest Amy

Amy, yes I feel like the staff outside the Haven give just as great service so I do feel I am being treated just as well. 
To me the Haven is extra pampering for sure, but the Haven value to me comes from the uncrowded areas within the Haven itself. I’m very sure the Havens Observation lounge is a quiet oasis compared to the one on deck 15.

Plus the Haven restaurant is usually not crowded and without a wait. So far no long waits for us but we eat at off times.

And this cruise every night we are having specialty dining.

[ezcruiser56]

Would you be so kind as to post a list of the current officers on the ship. I believe you can get a picture of the officers in the front stairwell lobby on 7th or 8th floor. Thanks so much if you can.

 

[ezcruiser56]

Just saw your post to current officers....

 

Thanks so much!

 

[cb2367]

8 hours ago, justhappy said:

After dinner we went to see The Beatles 

in the main theater. They kept it real because Ringo could not sing. I’m wondering if the guy sang off on purpose to truly play the part😂

The show was well attended and good if you’re a Beatles fan.

I was 10 in 1967 so a little young to be a screaming teen fan but I had two older sisters who were, and they played those 45s nonstop. We had a cat named George, can you guess who was their favorite 😉

Is the Beetles show new on Encore? The only show I could reserve was choir of man. White I don't mind seeing it again, it would be great if there was a different show. I'll be onboard next week.

[justhappy]

4 hours ago, cb2367 said:

Is the Beetles show new on Encore? The only show I could reserve was choir of man. White I don't mind seeing it again, it would be great if there was a different show. I'll be onboard next week.

I don’t think it is new or maybe I saw it on another ship in the last year? No reservations needed.

[LouChamp]

Aloha. Enjoying your posts and pictures especially the food.  We have been blessed to sail with NCL since 1976 and have generally had very good experiences. I find their specialty restaurants provide very good service and food. I only sail NCL in the Caribbean and we did try Hawaii for fun also. Remember the Norway and also was the the pier when she sailed into NYC for the first time in 1981. A special ship. While having cruised countless times on countless lines she along with QE2 and QM2 happen to be one of the few ships I have sailed in more than once. I generally try to sail different ships within a line just for fun. Enjoy and thank you again!

[gerry1.10]

8 hours ago, justhappy said:

I don’t think it is new or maybe I saw it on another ship in the last year? No reservations needed.

Hi

 

Happy Sailing! Can you kindly list the officers currently on board?

 

thank you

gerry1.1o

[gerry1.10]

14 hours ago, ezcruiser56 said:

Just saw your post to current officers....

 

Thanks so much!

 

hein? how do i find it?

 

thanks

[www3traveler]

46 minutes ago, gerry1.10 said:

hein? how do i find it?

 

thanks

Look on the 2nd Page of this thread.  You are looking for "Where Are They Now Officers and Crew 2023".  What was posted for The Encore is Posting #251.

[justhappy]

So the Behind the scenes tour was highly impressive, 1000 lbs of bacon a day!

And all those Haven fans of the almond croissants, we learned they are not made on the ship but purchased from an outside source. 
I wonder who?!

 

After the tour we decided it was high time to pay our dues to the casino gods. After some fun for a few hours but no big wins we went to the Local for lunch.

Here is my big issue with the way the Local serves food- we were not very hungry so between the 4 of us we ordered appetizers, except for me having made the fatal mistake to order an entree.

Now this is not limited to the Encore as the same issue happened on the Escape in January.

They bring out the appetizers and everyone starts eating. 15 minutes later I have not received my entree. I ask where is my entree? It’s coming soon I’m told.

5 more minutes, ask again, Soon.

It seems that the appetizers are served first and then when those are done they bring our entrees. That’s great if everyone is having appetizers and entrees. Not so much if you aren’t.

 I asked to speak to the restaurant manager and of course they bring out my entree then. So we should be happy that we have all our food right?

No I am not happy that I had to sit and watch my friends eat and then when they are done they have to wait for me to eat.

And even if you ask for them to bring out your entree with the appetizers they do not do it. 
I tried to explain to them how it makes me wait then makes my friends and family wait.

After many rounds of apologies later I finish and we head our respective ways. My sinuses are acting up again so I head back to the cabin for some medicine and end up falling asleep.

The entree that caused the issue-

It was good although the pork could have been a bit more flavorful.

The plantains were delicious.

[cruiseny4life]

1,000 pounds of bacon a day? I shouldn't be surprised....but I am! WOW! I'm a little surprised by the almond croissant answer, but hey if outsourcing creates such a spectacular product then who am I to ask. Did they say just that croissant or all croissants? That would be a lot of laminating if all the other croissants are made onboard! 

Sorry about the awkwardness of your meal. I hate when that happens as well. The pork looks like it was cooked properly, just devoid of spices. Alas, cooking for the masses eh? 

[Sand and Seas]

I love those sweet plantains!    Just can't get them until I go to Miami or on a cruise.

I have been known to ask for them as a side dish along with my Reuben or Chicken salad sandwich.  

[gerry1.10]

5 hours ago, www3traveler said:

Look on the 2nd Page of this thread.  You are looking for "Where Are They Now Officers and Crew 2023".  What was posted for The Encore is Posting #251.

Thanks! Found it!