kmeeker

Has anyone done this excursion? Thoughts? Can you tell a bit about what it was like? We are trying to decide if it is worth it and how much walking, etc is required. Is anything included in it as far as the food/beverages? 

Thanks !

I don't often do reviews, but after reading on here so many negative reviews, I want to assure others about to travel with NCL and on the Encore that our experience was NOT what others might have you think yours is going to be! There were (4) adults in our party and I'll give you an honest review of our experience. 

Our trip started with flights (booked by NCL) to Seattle on the day of the cruise via United Airlines. The times were just fine and our first leg to Chicago was seamless. We hit a snag in Chicago..a BIT snag. We realized quickly this was on United and could've happened if we booked our own flights. We reached out to NCL Airline helpline immediately upon being delayed. We still had time, but they were gracious and told us they were putting us on 'flight monitoring' to please call back with any changes, but all was still good. We were delayed at least 3 more times putting us past the time we could board at 3PM in Seattle. We called each time and each time, they updated the port and told us we could still board, but to hurry and to get an Uber. They suggested we also ask United to move our seats to the front of the plan and ask if they would please let all of us trying to get to port off before those with longer connections. United did exactly that. We were seated up front and flew off the plane for luggage and Uber. I won't get into the nitty gritty, but at 4:30PM after running down some stairs with out luggage to the Port, the security was yelling, "Are you the group from Chicago?"  We were!! They checked us in as fast and safely as they could and told us to breathe, we were there...then the terminal closed!! KEEP IN TOUCH with NCL Airline Help if you have problems....They knew where we were and what we were doing as they could track us. They waited as long as they could to get us on!! The flight issues were NOT theirs...United did not have the crew needed to fly..could've happened to anyone on any flight! (Before you get all high and mighty about coming in the day before, that is NOT an option for everyone for many reasons!) 

So, we are on the cruise and leave port! We are relieved and hungry, but we are ON!!!  The cruise was full, but we did not care! We made it! 

Food:  We ate most dinners in the Savor Dining Room! We loved the size, the service, and with a group of 4 never waited more than 5 minutes or so to get in during dinner. We did not have one complaint. They let us order multiple appetizers, desserts, meals...whatever we wanted without issue. They got us beverages without fail. The Savor was awesome!  Breakfast and lunches were mostly in the Buffet. Even on sea days, we found seats for the 4 of us. The food was good buffet food. It was fresh and there was enough variety for everyone in our group. My ONLY complaint at the buffet was the cruisers that didn't wash their hands despite being asked to do so...DO BETTER Humans...Do Better!! The washi washi guy at breakfast was hysterical and don't miss the "Muffin Girls" that sing at breakfast...so fun!! Scale of 1-10, I give food a solid 9....

Drinks/Drink Package/Bars:  We did not wait for drinks and we never tip extra until the end of the cruise!! My very favorite bar was the MIXX on 6th floor. (Hi Rafael) and we also loved the Observation Lounge Bar and enjoyed the Mojito Bar (Sugarcane). There were never long waits and there were a ton of available drinks that qualified for the package!! Some of our group's favorite drinks included (but certainly not limited to) mudslides, Prosecco, Bahama Mama, Bloody Mary, Mango Meltdown, Pina Colada, Mojitos, Aperol Spritz, and so many others we tried....The package is a true deal!! 

Ports:  Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and a day in Glacier Bay! All amazing!! My personal favorite port was Ketchikan, but my group loved Skagway as well and Glacier Bay is beautiful!! A tip for Glacier Bay...go to Deck 8 outside of Los Lobos. It's undercover and nobody was there!! They come around with seafood chowder, Cocoa, and Irish Coffees...So fun and not crowded. We saw a few whales during the week, a bald eagle, otter, and a seal. 

The Crew - Amazing! They work so hard and are always trying to be so pleasant! Be kind to them! That doesn't have to be just extra tipping! Smile and ask them about their family or where they are from, etc... Step out of the fact it's your vacation to learn a little about the people making this an amazing experience for you. Some of they were truly just great people that love their families and would do anything to be sure they are taken care of...WE loved the crew on the Encore and I don't think we met a one that wasn't working their tails off. 

Entertainment:   The Choir of a Man is a must!! Absolutely loved by our entire group. Anthony Salazar (Magician) was very good as well! The comedians were a bit lacking, but seemed like great guys when we met them later at the Local. Music throughout the ship was very, very good!! We enjoyed many events in the Atrium and found seats most of the time. To be fair, we don't think we have to have the front row at every event and are just as happy hanging out to the side or in the back! Lots of fun trivia, pictionary, pastry demostrations, and other games!!  The cruise director (Tiara) and her staff were fun! She was hysterical and silly, but very enjoyable and seemed to enjoy her job immensly!!! 

Overall:  We had a fantastic time!! A cruise of any kind is a lot what you make it!! The worst for us was RUDE guests that thought they were somehow more special than others, but we pretty much ignored them or imitated them when we had a few drinks later in the night! We met so many other amazing people that those people just didn't impact us! We read all the reviews making us wonder if choosing NCL after years with Royal was a good plan...it was!! We loved it and we still love Royal too. Don't let the negative stuff bring you down! Some things will happen, but if you go with the intent of having fun, you will! PLEASE if you're flying via NCL keep in touch with them....They want to help, but if they don't know you are struggling...they can't even begin to help!! 

ENJOY the ENCORE!! We did... ❤️

We are new to NCL and received 1 free Specialty Dining. 

Can someone explain how that works? Is there a certain amount you can spend? I look at the menus and prices and am just a little unclear how it works! Greatly appreciate any and all help! 

What shows are currently on the Adventure? Anything new? 

Also, is Fernanda still part of the Activities crew? We loved her.... 

We loved some of the appetizer choices and the seafood dishes especially Lobster. I would say my very favorite was the 'Horseradish Crusted Salmon' on Night 1....and for my husband, the favorite was probably either his 'Duck' or his 'Steaks'. 

Also, we kinda liked Sorrento's Pizza for a snack from time to time on the ship! They had great hours and were very accommodating with toppings, etc that you might want...!! 

The Anthem is great! You'll have a blast!! 

15 minutes ago, philpcruiser said:

Where did you see the whale?   In the harbor?  Before passing under the vz?  After the bridge?

Hi There! 

I did not see it! A server was telling us about it and showed us pictures. She said she was standing on the back deck of the Windjammer at Sail Away and just leaving the harbor. She said others have seen this on various sail away days. The whales seem to like to follow the wake of the ship. 

I would have loved to have seen one, but did not. 

5 hours ago, 808lady said:

Thanks so much for the info.  Can you say more about Two70?  What did you enjoy there?

 

The 1st night there is an "Intro to Two70" that is well worth it!! It tells you all about the things that this magical room can do. There is a small cafe in there and a bar as well as some awesome technology that we have never seen on other ships. It was my husband's favorite location on The Anthem! 

Are you currently on The Anthem!? 

Do me a favor....if you're in and around The Solarium Pool area, there is a great young man named 'PeeJay' that is part of the housekeeping team in there. Stop and ask him about the diving show that he is practicing for and tell him his friends from NY say 'hello'!  We meant to get his Facebook or something to stay in touch a bit, but forgot on the last day. 

He's amazing and we enjoyed chatting with him each day. He should laugh about the 'diving show'....... :-) 

We were on The Anthem last week and had a great time. One thing going on the ship that I was unsure about after reading the boards here were the shows. We had reserved all 3 of them and decided to go in with an open mind. They were FABULOUS! All 3 of them were enjoyed by both my husband and I which leads me to the following advice; check them out as you can always leave. The Gift was probably my favorite and Spectra was definitely his favorite, but we both loved 'We Will Rock You' as well. Check them out.... 

Other things to mention on the ships is to check out some events in Two70. This place is amazing and at times was way under visited. We met people on the last couple days of the cruise that hadn't even made it there to see it! Wow! That's a must see! We both loved North Star as well and were glad we had signed up. Meals in the MDR were great by us and we enjoyed a few quieter breakfasts in the Solarium Bistro, but Windjammer had great food and staff as well. 

The pool situation is also incredible with (3) different areas and an actual adult only area that is truly enforced!! I love kids, but if it says adult only then make it happen. They did...

Here's a TIP for Sail Away in NJ...... (told to us by a great crew member)   Often, (not always), but often enough they look....if you go to the back of the ship especially the Windjammer outside deck, in the back, they will see whales follow them out in their wake. On the 18th when we sailed, she saw and took pictures of one directly behind the ship. I sure wish I'd known that was a possibility....

So much more I could write about, but these are some off the top of my head thoughts. If you want to know anything specific and I can, I'm happy to answer it. Happy sailing! 

Oh my frustration was definitely more with adults than kids!!! I love kids and they learn what they live and are allowed to do....

2 minutes ago, twodaywonder said:

Pardon the pun but you must take it with a grain of salt. I totally agree with you and that is one great reason not to cruise when school is out and during spring break. Cost of a cruise is usually less also. There are parents that have excellent well behaved children and then you have the opposite. Not much you can do about it. One thing to remember. The crew has to put up with it every day and still try to smile.

Yes! The crew are definitely to be commended. As for the time of year we sail, for the next 12 years, that is job related! LOL

I love cruising! I feel fortunate to do so and we try to be very patient and easy going! I mean it is vacation. 

However, by the last couple of days of this past cruise, I was completely over "RUDE" people and the fact they were sharing their behaviors with their children. 

Overall, we met great people and great kids, but there were several people that made you wonder where on earth they were brought up and got the idea that they are so much more important than other people. Entitlement much? 

I think my biggest issue is those that pass an entire line of people with their kids and try to move to the front! Maybe, it's the people that are vulgar and it's not their problem other people's children are in earshot? Or perhaps, it's the disrespect I saw shown to some of the crew! We watched a table of teens dump the salt and pepper shakers on the table with their parents laughing?? REALLY? Who do you think will have to clean that up? Not to mention the sanitary reasons for using the shakers appropriately. Ugh!! 

Like I said, I love cruising, but as in my real life at home, I marvel at the lack of manners in some grown people! Tell me it isn't just me that sees it??

What is currently going on for shows on The Adventure of the Seas? 

Who is the Cruise Director? 

Thanks so much in advance! :-)

There they are.. Sorry if some got reversed! 

Days 8 & 9 - MDR

Day 6 and Day 7 - MDR

Day 4 and Day 5 - MDR

Day 3 -- MDR

Day 2 MDR

I'm going to try and attach the menus (in separate posts) from my recent 9 day cruise! Then a bit of review in a separate post. 

2 minutes ago, Thorben-Hendrik said:

Virgin Cuba Libre!👍

What's in it? 

I'd love to hear about the drinks that can be made 'virgin' on Anthem! 

I know about the Strawberry Daquiri, Mudslide, Pina Colada..... 

What are some other combinations? 

We have the refreshment package and I would love to try some new things!! 

Amused by this post... 

There is SO MUCH FOOD on a cruise! So...Much! How can we complain that they serve Indian Food or any food that we don't enjoy? 

For me personally, what a great chance to try things that I don't have to finish or pay extra for.... I know my husband feels the same... 

Again, So. Much. Food!!  Bypass the Indian food and grab an extra dessert.... or anything else! 

I appreciate the suggestion for Bernard! However, we will stick with the RCCL excursion for this trip! We hope one day to get more comfortable with booking private tours, but for now, this works for us! Again, appreciate any suggestions. 

We are very excited! We have sailed on Rhapsody and on Adventure! So, this is a first for us. Thanks for the comments!! :-)

A few weeks ago, we were booking some excursions, got our shows all set and just trying to get everything in order. Sadly, we were hoping to book the "St. Marteen Island Tour" and had waited too long? I'm not sure, but it was no longer there. My husband reminded me of our cruise 'mantra' which is, "We are lucky enough to afford a cruise and even consider excursions, let's not sweat what we can't do!"   Ahhh yes, great reminder. We moved on and figured ehhh we can just walk around or find something when we arrive that appeals to us, but he was completely right! 

Today, I was flipping through the cruise planner for kicks and there it was.....OUR EXCURSION!!! I booked it immediately...and it made my day! Sometimes, being patient pays off. I notice it isn't there anymore, so my question is do they disappear when they are full? Is it possible someone canceled and I caught it just at the right time? 

Just curious! Either way, a win and we are down to 2 weeks until cruise time!!!