Norwegian Encore – The Great Cruise Comeback Live

[BirdTravels]

It’s that time. It’s the time we have all waited for since the start of the pandemic. It’s time to return to the sea. It’s time for a Great Cruise Comeback. LIVE. 
 

Join the Bird for NCL’s return to cruising on the first voyage of the Norwegian Encore from Seattle. After a 16-month suspension of service (it’s been 510 days since the Encore has had paying passengers), it is time for the Norwegian Encore to cruise again. And there is no better place to restart cruising than majestic Alaska! 

 

The Encore was purpose-built for the Alaskan cruise market and delivered to NCL on October 30, 2019. The Encore made her way from Southampton to New York to Miami. On November 21, 2019, the Norwegian Encore was christened and named by her godmother, Kelly Clarkson. 

 

The Bird’s last NCL cruise prior to the suspension of service 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. Since then, she has traveled around the world, returning crew members to their home countries, and patiently waiting for this day when she returns to cruising. 

 

This will be the Encore’s first voyage to Alaska with maiden calls at many Alaskan ports. 

 

Come along with the Bird for NCL’s Great Cruise Comeback from the United States to the absolute best cruise destination, Alaska.

 

Sat Aug 07 Seattle Depart 5:00 pm

Sun Aug 08 At Sea

Mon Aug 09 Icy Strait Point 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Tue Aug 10 Skagway 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

Wed Aug 11 Juneau 6:00 am – 1:30 pm

Wed Aug 11 Endicott Arm & Dawse Glacier 1:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Thu Aug 12 Ketchikan 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Fri Aug 13 At Sea

Sat Aug 14 Seattle Arrive 4:00 a.m.

 

[zerooveride]

Quite fitting that you are starting back up cruising with the same ship you last stepped off! Enjoy! I'll be 2 weeks behind you!

[Named-Tawny]

This might be a ridiculous question, but if she was named in Miami at the end of November, what did they call her during her voyage from Southhampton to Miami?

Have a great cruise!  I'm excited for you!

[BirdTravels]

The day before cruising resumes, the Norwegian Encore prepares herself to serve her passengers again. She patiently waits at Seattle’s Bell Street Terminal, Pier 66 for us to arrive. 

Edited August 7, 2021 by BirdTravels

[rmandmm]

🤩 I’m ready! Thank you, Bird!

[greatestvalue]

That ship looks like a beauty.  

 

It makes me feel better that I may end up on the Encore vs the Bliss in December if speculation comes to fruition. 

 

Thanks for posting & following along to cruise in Alaska!

[cruiservictor]

Wishing you a wonderful cruise.  I know a lot of people will ask you to find out one thing or another for them, so here is mine.  The GM is Deepak Punia and we sailed with him 4 times on the Escape out of NY in 2018.  We will be on the September 11th and 18th cruises next month.  Would you ask him if he will still be onboard then?  Thank you.

[aubreyc1988]

YES, I am so excited for this!  Wishing you the best cruise ever! Have a mojito for me!

[Nclgetawaymenhoney]

Thank you for taking time from your vacation to do this live review.  Really looking forward to it!

[EllieinNJ]

Read your great trip report on Royal's AOS and know this will be just as good.

[david_sobe]

Really looking forward to this.   Have a great cruise.  Encore is a great ship.

[cuterlmt]

We will be on Encore in two weeks! So looking forward to your live report! Enjoy your cruise!

[trivimp]

Bon voyage, Bird!  Looking forward to the report.  

[snorklinbarb]

Was hoping someone would do a live thread!  Can't think of a better person than the Bird to not only take us along on a marvelous journey but to give good info and impressions!

 

You've got a team onboard very receptive to feedback so know you'll also be helping make the cruise better and better.  Say hello to Klaus!  Hear they are all so so excited!  

 

Stay safe & healthy and again, thank you so much for doing a live report!  Can't wait!  We loved Encore and that Observation Lounge will be so great for viewing!  Have fun, Bird!

[BirdTravels]

Protocols on This Cruise

 

We want to cruise. NCL want to keep us safe. With Norwegian, NCL’s leading Health & Safety Program allows us to cruise with the ultimate freedom and confidence. All guests and crew are required to be 100% fully vaccinated so we can safely do what we’ve always wanted to do on a cruise — EVERYTHING. Let’s get back to living life to the fullest, together. Sail Safe. Feel Free.

 

Benefits of 100% Vaccination Requirements

• Cruise Mask-free
• Breathe freely and witness smiles everywhere you go!

No Social Distancing Required

• Get up close and personal with confidence, everyone on board is vaccinated.

All Restaurants & Experiences Are Fully Open

• Dine in any restaurants mask-free, including the self-service buffet. Plus enjoy all entertainment options.

No Restrictions on Shore Excursions

• Feel Free to take the shore excursion you’ve been dreaming of or explore on your own!

No Capacity Restrictions

• Appreciate the full Norwegian experience — all venues and experiences are entirely open.

Surround Yourself in Safety

• Peace of mind knowing all guests and crew on board are fully vaccinated.

[mrlevin]

Bird, with fully vaccinated cruise are you still having to get tested prior to boarding?  Any testing once onboard?

 

thanks,

 

Marc

 

PS Really looking forward to your reports.

[BirdTravels]

14 minutes ago, mrlevin said:

Bird, with fully vaccinated cruise are you still having to get tested prior to boarding?  Any testing once onboard?

@mrlevinWe will be tested at the port before checkin. Rapid antigen test. We have not been told of any other testing. 

 

[lastingtouch]

Looking forward to your review.  So excited that cruising is BACK!  

[disneylover89]

Here for the ride!!!  Hoping to be on the Encore next summer.  Have a wonderful time!!

[BirdTravels]

7 hours ago, EllieinNJ said:

Read your great trip report on Royal's AOS and know this will be just as good.

Thank you. We had a great time on Royal’s first North American restart cruise on the Adventure of the Seas last month. That was a true adventure. 

[cruisekitty22]

Great information so far.  Any reviews of food/restaurants specifically Cagney's, LeBistro and Ocean Blue and Onda? We are on this ship in December! We are lobster fans! Looking forward to your review also!

[CazV]

Bon Voyage. Looking forward to following along 🙂

[Shidah]

Following along, so excited for you.  All of us will be living vicariously thorough your posts.  Thanks for taking us along!

[andychris]

Bon Voyage 🛳 

have a great time 

[MsTabbyKats]

I'm along for the ride too.  Wanna see how "normal" this cruise is.  My idea of "normal" is so very basic....no masks on the ship and a good buffet.  I don't ask for much...lol!

 

Have a great trip........