gknep

May 5-12

I got priority tags in the mail a few days ago for an Encore sailing in May. Regular Club Balcony and platinum. My parents on the same cruise and in a Haven Aft Facing Suite got nothing.

I still enjoy actually reading books. I cannot get the hang of listening to them on a regular basis.

If you have Platinum of above status on NCL you also get 2 free specialty dining meals. One with a bottle of wine.

Jan 4 2025 Konigsdam 7 Day Baja Peninsula

I've been on the Encore a few times. Had great meals at Ocean Blue, Onda, and Le Bistro. I was less impressed by Los Lobos just because I get great Mexican food where I live. Cagney's has been fine but not outstanding. Aside from the specialty dining the Indian food at the buffet is not to be missed.

This has been a really interesting thread for me to read. I've been on HAL and NCL multiple times. We leave on Tuesday for our first Princess cruise. From what I'm reading it sounds like Princess sits in a nice middle ground between HAL and NCL in terms of activity level, entertainment, and service.

That was not my experience of the chocolate surprise on a September cruise on the Zaandam.

On my September cruise from Montreal to Boston you could sign for dinks in the Neptune lounge and they were included in your HIA package.

I've done both in the past and prefer Glacier Bay by far.

Slainte Margarita: Irish Whiskey, Cointreau, Lemon juice, Agave Syrup. There used to be a martini variant on the menu that they will still make on request. It has gin, vodka, and Grand Mariner in place of vermouth.

We were on the Zaandam Sep 3-13 and the cards were not prepunched. They did punch the cards on disembarkation day to show that we had cleared immigration and customs.

Yes there are daily happy hours. There should also be organized tastings (beer, and wine) and a mixology class. All for an extra fee of course.

The Martini Bar is next to Mix on Deck 5. They don't print up any special menu, but they can make all kinds of variations of the martini. A couple of my favorites from past HAL cruises are the 0010 Martini which is Tanqueray 10, vodka, and Grand Mariner. It is served up with an orange twist. Another one is the Slainte Margarita which is made with Irish Whiskey, orange liquor, lemon juice, and agave syrup. They also do a chocolate martini that was well received by those who ordered it.

Just checked my pictures. Those were still on the bow during our cruise.