NCL ENCORE - Great Stirrup Cay / Ocean Villa Silver Cove and Logistics

[OnFlight1978]

Hi Friends - Perhaps all of my questions have been covered in other postings. It was hard to find.  If you see any links on the site that might help me with my questions, please feel free to share.  All is appreciated.  😃

 

1 - On the Ocean Villas at Silver Cove - is there a way either on the ship or via the shore excursion Customer Service Team (via phone) can place a preference of location... for example a villa on the end?  Has anyone had a unit on the end? Pros/cons to it?

 

2 - From what I have read, the Ocean Villas are "private" to those who rent them.  Does someone monitor those who are in the area?  Or can anyone from the cruise use the walkways in front of the Villas?

 

3- When it comes to service, does NCL Staff check on you at your villa (if on the patio) to see if you need any drinks? Or do you need to go to the bar?

 

4 - I see there are two lounge-type chairs on the patio.  If it's a group of 4 - would they bring 2 extra ones? Is there room for them?

 

5 - In terms of the view from the Villa - are people ziplining in front of it? Or is the view unobstructed?

 

6 - Regarding the tender to the island, if you book a Villa - do you receive any priority pass for the tender to get on/off the island?

 

7 - If we start first thing in the morning and head over to the island to the Villa, is there breakfast available at the Silver Cover Buffet/Restaurant? or is it best to have breakfast on the ship?

 

8 - I see some have complained about the water itself being stagnant... was this your experience with the water in front of the Ocean Villas?  How was the sand - people speak to it being somewhat rocky?

 

9 - Do they charge taxes on the beverages? 

 

Okay - I think that is all for now.  I've watched many YouTube videos and looked at sites, but, I always appreciate first-hand knowledge from the group on here. 

 

Thank you

Brett

 

[ggTexasGal]

2 hours ago, OnFlight1978 said:

Hi Friends - Perhaps all of my questions have been covered in other postings. It was hard to find.  If you see any links on the site that might help me with my questions, please feel free to share.  All is appreciated.  😃

 

1 - On the Ocean Villas at Silver Cove - is there a way either on the ship or via the shore excursion Customer Service Team (via phone) can place a preference of location... for example a villa on the end?  Has anyone had a unit on the end? Pros/cons to it?

 

2 - From what I have read, the Ocean Villas are "private" to those who rent them.  Does someone monitor those who are in the area?  Or can anyone from the cruise use the walkways in front of the Villas?

 

3- When it comes to service, does NCL Staff check on you at your villa (if on the patio) to see if you need any drinks? Or do you need to go to the bar?

 

4 - I see there are two lounge-type chairs on the patio.  If it's a group of 4 - would they bring 2 extra ones? Is there room for them?

 

5 - In terms of the view from the Villa - are people ziplining in front of it? Or is the view unobstructed?

 

6 - Regarding the tender to the island, if you book a Villa - do you receive any priority pass for the tender to get on/off the island?

 

7 - If we start first thing in the morning and head over to the island to the Villa, is there breakfast available at the Silver Cover Buffet/Restaurant? or is it best to have breakfast on the ship?

 

8 - I see some have complained about the water itself being stagnant... was this your experience with the water in front of the Ocean Villas?  How was the sand - people speak to it being somewhat rocky?

 

9 - Do they charge taxes on the beverages? 

 

Okay - I think that is all for now.  I've watched many YouTube videos and looked at sites, but, I always appreciate first-hand knowledge from the group on here. 

 

Thank you

Brett

 

1) We received our unit number onboard the ship (printed on our Shore Excursion Ticket.)  We had booked an Ocean Front Studio Villa (VERY EARLY) pre-cruise. Our Shore Ex Ticket placed us in #101 (putting us furthest away from the the "Lagoon Villas."  We had no problem walking anywhere we wanted to go (including the the first beach where the Underwater Snorkel Garden is!

NOTE: you can request a ride if you are not able to walk to other areas.  No drawbacks for us!!!

2) Yes, the area is gated and monitored!  The only others who have legitimate access to the Villa area are those who booked SPA Services at Mandera Spa.  Anyone in Villas area should have been registered prior to arrival at Silver Cove!

3) You will receive service at your villa.  We were checked upon often.

4.) I can't answer, since we had no issues with what was already there.

5.) The view from our villa was awesome!  Zipline is in the distance!!!  You might hear it.

6.) Your Tender Ticket gives you a certain amount of Priority, but you will need to be aware that the crew goes first, with needed supplies, to get things set-up and operating on the island!  We were in a suite on the ship, so our butler escorted us to the front of the tender line. (If we had been in a standard room, we would have been behind others with Silver Cove Villa Tickets!)

7) I honestly don't know if they had breakfast on the island (see note #6 about crew going over just ahead of passengers). We got up early enough to have breakfast onboard.

😎 Your experience with the water level, the water's clarity (or not), etc. will depend on quite a few factors: temperatures, recent storms, wind (HIGH winds likely will cause cancellation of the day at the island!)  Mother Nature rules the day.  Areas on the beaches can be rocky, but we had no problems.

9) I do not recall being charged taxes on our drinks.  Possibly those on the rest of the island did get taxed, but Silver Cove is "covered."

[OnFlight1978]

Thank you SO much @ggTexasGal for taking the time to share your experience with me and answer my questions.  Greatly appreciated and very helpful! 😀

 

Brett

 

[ggTexasGal]

Just now, OnFlight1978 said:

Thank you SO much @ggTexasGal for taking the time to share your experience with me and answer my questions.  Greatly appreciated and very helpful! 😀

 

Brett

I do hope that it is helpful.  We were there last December, so some things might be different.

Also, things might be handled differently from one ship to another, so keep that in mind...

Hoping you have a grand day!

[skeeter195]

1- If you have a specific villa number that you want, go to the shore excursion desk or ask your concierge to arrange it for you as soon as you board.  We have done this twice with no issues.

 

3- As far as service goes it could be hit or miss.  Our lagoon experience was bad, while our 2 oceanside villas were great.  We kept a standing order with the server after our first not so good experience.  We asked that every 1/2 hour he bring us 4 new drinks(there were 4 of us).  This worked out well for us and him as he did not have to worry about finding us and asking us if we wanted something.  The one time we were in the water he brought them down to us.  The $100 tip we gave him for the day was well worth it and he his appreciation made it even better.  

 

8- In our 3 experiences there, the water in the lagoon was almost stagnant both with higher and lower water levels. The Ocean villas always had a current running through it even with the smaller opening leading to the ocean.  

[OnFlight1978]

Awesome @skeeter195 !  Thank you for sharing.  I appreciate the additional information/details.

 

Brett

 

[OnFlight1978]

For those on this feed (or new viewers) - Another question ... we have the Premium Plus Beverage Package.  By chance, do you know if any additional amenities are included with this that transfer over to Great Stirrup Cay.  For example, when we eat at the Silver Cove Restaurant/Buffet, are bottles of wine available?  Can you bring them back to the villa (open or brand new)?  Any additional cost?

 

Thanks so much!

 

[cruiseny4life]

I can't speak to specific experiences at Silver Cove, but I do know we attempted to have breakfast on the island. We found a small amount of muffins/sweet breads, along with coffee and hot tea at the small buffet station which is before the gates that block access to Silver Cove. We were never allowed access to those rarified walkways, so not sure if Silver Cove guests have anything additional. 

[OnFlight1978]

Thank you @cruiseny4life 😀

[vacation44]

On 8/28/2023 at 3:22 PM, ggTexasGal said:

1) We received our unit number onboard the ship (printed on our Shore Excursion Ticket.)  We had booked an Ocean Front Studio Villa (VERY EARLY) pre-cruise. Our Shore Ex Ticket placed us in #101 (putting us furthest away from the the "Lagoon Villas."  We had no problem walking anywhere we wanted to go (including the the first beach where the Underwater Snorkel Garden is!

NOTE: you can request a ride if you are not able to walk to other areas.  No drawbacks for us!!!

2) Yes, the area is gated and monitored!  The only others who have legitimate access to the Villa area are those who booked SPA Services at Mandera Spa.  Anyone in Villas area should have been registered prior to arrival at Silver Cove!

3) You will receive service at your villa.  We were checked upon often.

4.) I can't answer, since we had no issues with what was already there.

5.) The view from our villa was awesome!  Zipline is in the distance!!!  You might hear it.

6.) Your Tender Ticket gives you a certain amount of Priority, but you will need to be aware that the crew goes first, with needed supplies, to get things set-up and operating on the island!  We were in a suite on the ship, so our butler escorted us to the front of the tender line. (If we had been in a standard room, we would have been behind others with Silver Cove Villa Tickets!)

7) I honestly don't know if they had breakfast on the island (see note #6 about crew going over just ahead of passengers). We got up early enough to have breakfast onboard.

😎 Your experience with the water level, the water's clarity (or not), etc. will depend on quite a few factors: temperatures, recent storms, wind (HIGH winds likely will cause cancellation of the day at the island!)  Mother Nature rules the day.  Areas on the beaches can be rocky, but we had no problems.

9) I do not recall being charged taxes on our drinks.  Possibly those on the rest of the island did get taxed, but Silver Cove is "covered."

 

On 8/28/2023 at 4:05 PM, skeeter195 said:

1- If you have a specific villa number that you want, go to the shore excursion desk or ask your concierge to arrange it for you as soon as you board.  We have done this twice with no issues.

 

3- As far as service goes it could be hit or miss.  Our lagoon experience was bad, while our 2 oceanside villas were great.  We kept a standing order with the server after our first not so good experience.  We asked that every 1/2 hour he bring us 4 new drinks(there were 4 of us).  This worked out well for us and him as he did not have to worry about finding us and asking us if we wanted something.  The one time we were in the water he brought them down to us.  The $100 tip we gave him for the day was well worth it and he his appreciation made it even better.  

 

8- In our 3 experiences there, the water in the lagoon was almost stagnant both with higher and lower water levels. The Ocean villas always had a current running through it even with the smaller opening leading to the ocean.  

Thank you both for the great information!

 

Are there particular ocean villas at silver cove that are preferable and why?

[ggTexasGal]

15 hours ago, vacation44 said:

Are there particular ocean villas at silver cove that are preferable and why?

There are lots of variables to the answers to your question, depending on your wants.

We actually enjoy walking all/most of GSC, so being in #1 (Lagoon location), made some of our walking outside of the lagoon area a little shorter for us. (We did, often, get asked if we wanted a ride!)  So, if your preference is the having more peace and (relative) quiet of Silver Cove's Lagoon, you might prefer a more central location. We felt that the Ocean Villas would have been fine for us ...best of both.

[cruiseny4life]

Hey there Silver Cove aficionados! I have a question. We've thought about renting a villa, but haven't yet. On two visits to Great Stirrup Cay the lagoon the villas are at looked....well, pretty pathetic for snorkeling, swimming, and floating. I was a wee bit away from there so my eyes could be wrong. What say you experienced Silver Covers? Many grateful smiles your way for answers.

[vacation44]

4 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Hey there Silver Cove aficionados! I have a question. We've thought about renting a villa, but haven't yet. On two visits to Great Stirrup Cay the lagoon the villas are at looked....well, pretty pathetic for snorkeling, swimming, and floating. I was a wee bit away from there so my eyes could be wrong. What say you experienced Silver Covers? Many grateful smiles your way for answers.

How did the ones labeled as "Ocean Villas at Silver Cove" look to you?    I did book one of those over the weekend, but not sure we will be keeping it.   

[cruiseny4life]

18 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

How did the ones labeled as "Ocean Villas at Silver Cove" look to you?    I did book one of those over the weekend, but not sure we will be keeping it.   

The lagoon circled in red is the one I remember seeing in person. 

 

 

It just looks so small, shallow, and protected. To me that all means boring. I enjoy waves and a larger area to swim. Obviously this photo was taken at low tide. I wonder what the larger lagoon is like during the day when people are there. I'd hate to be in a lagoon that isn't even getting waves from the ocean. I wonder though, did NCL close off that larger lagoon for a bit and now the water flows freely? 

[ggTexasGal]

4 hours ago, cruiseny4life said:

Hey there Silver Cove aficionados! I have a question. We've thought about renting a villa, but haven't yet. On two visits to Great Stirrup Cay the lagoon the villas are at looked....well, pretty pathetic for snorkeling, swimming, and floating. I was a wee bit away from there so my eyes could be wrong. What say you experienced Silver Covers? Many grateful smiles your way for answers.

Renting a villa for the day is really more for someone who truly wants a lazy and pampered day!  The condition of the water (either location) will be reflective of any recent storms (or lack of them). Ideally, it would have rained plenty the previous evening and then calmed overnight!  Floating on a mat was good the day we were there.

If we are wanting to be more active while at GSC, we skip renting any villa or cabana, and  hang-out at the area near the cabanas (wood structures), or even the main beach (nearer the Snorkel Park), bringing our own gear with us. There, you can mix things up where the volleyball court is being used, music is blaring, food and drinks are available nearby, or wander off a little for a quieter spot.

[ggTexasGal]

18 minutes ago, cruiseny4life said:

The lagoon circled in red is the one I remember seeing in person. 

 

 

It just looks so small, shallow, and protected. To me that all means boring. I enjoy waves and a larger area to swim. Obviously this photo was taken at low tide. I wonder what the larger lagoon is like during the day when people are there. I'd hate to be in a lagoon that isn't even getting waves from the ocean. I wonder though, did NCL close off that larger lagoon for a bit and now the water flows freely? 

The area within the red circle tends to get a steady flow of fresher water. Near the larger Villas area can get more stagnant sometimes (although, it was NOT when we were there last December).

What is great about the larger villas area is being able to sit in plenty of shade when it is truly HOT.

The restaurant is simple, but nice, with good food and services. The bathroom shower is great & handy if you want to change clothing.

What I liked most about our day, was getting there on the first tender and truly enjoying most of the island. Then, returning to the villa later in the day to freshen-up, and we returned to the ship on one of the last tenders.

[vacation44]

1 hour ago, cruiseny4life said:

The lagoon circled in red is the one I remember seeing in person. 

 

 

It just looks so small, shallow, and protected. To me that all means boring. I enjoy waves and a larger area to swim. Obviously this photo was taken at low tide. I wonder what the larger lagoon is like during the day when people are there. I'd hate to be in a lagoon that isn't even getting waves from the ocean. I wonder though, did NCL close off that larger lagoon for a bit and now the water flows freely? 

I am confused......I thought the circled area is "Ocean Villas at Silver Cove" and the lagoon to the leftt are the "Lagoon Villa at Silver Cove" which are more expensive.

Edited September 18, 2023 by vacation44
Wrong direction

[ggTexasGal]

1 hour ago, vacation44 said:

I am confused......I thought the circled area is "Ocean Villas at Silver Cove" and the lagoon to the left are the "Lagoon Villa at Silver Cove" which are more expensive.

You are 100% correct.  I seem to have posted incorrectly on post #11 (flipped Lagoon and Ocean).

 

I now know to think of them in this way... Lagoon Villas are largest Villas! 😉

I apologize for the confusion I created!!!

[skeeter195]

There is no snorkeling to speak of in either the lagoon or ocean villas.  Also there is hardly any wave action either at both spots.  Just to right of the ocean villas is really good snorkeling.  We rent the Ocean villas now as the water is better(more current and no smell like the lagoon can have at lower tides at times) and it is closer to everything except the Moet bar.  Also we will just swim out of the ocean cove to get to the better snorkeling.  

[vacation44]

On 9/18/2023 at 4:01 PM, ggTexasGal said:

You are 100% correct.  I seem to have posted incorrectly on post #11 (flipped Lagoon and Ocean).

 

I now know to think of them in this way... Lagoon Villas are largest Villas! 😉

I apologize for the confusion I created!!!

No need to apologize!    Having never been GSC, I am still debating with myself on what to do.   I think all the Silver Cove options are expensive when just two people will be using them for what, six hours at most.  Decisions, decisions, decisions. 

[vacation44]

On 9/18/2023 at 9:19 AM, cruiseny4life said:

Hey there Silver Cove aficionados! I have a question. We've thought about renting a villa, but haven't yet. On two visits to Great Stirrup Cay the lagoon the villas are at looked....well, pretty pathetic for snorkeling, swimming, and floating. I was a wee bit away from there so my eyes could be wrong. What say you experienced Silver Covers? Many grateful smiles your way for answers.

Looking forward to reading about your decision and experience if you decide to go for it as your next cruise is a few months before our next cruise. 

[cruiseny4life]

2 hours ago, vacation44 said:

Looking forward to reading about your decision and experience if you decide to go for it as your next cruise is a few months before our next cruise. 

Unfortunately (and I mean that), we won't be stopping at GSC. We're kind of hoping there will be a storm in the North Atlantic that forces our Transatlantic to take a southerly route, creating an opportunity stop at Great Stirrup Cay. We love that place! Right now, we're going from Barcelona>Azores>Bermuda>NYC. I don't really think my perfect storm will bump us so far south, but we'll see. I bet Lee would have. 

 

On 9/18/2023 at 2:24 PM, ggTexasGal said:

Renting a villa for the day is really more for someone who truly wants a lazy and pampered day!  The condition of the water (either location) will be reflective of any recent storms (or lack of them). Ideally, it would have rained plenty the previous evening and then calmed overnight!  Floating on a mat was good the day we were there.

If we are wanting to be more active while at GSC, we skip renting any villa or cabana, and  hang-out at the area near the cabanas (wood structures), or even the main beach (nearer the Snorkel Park), bringing our own gear with us. There, you can mix things up where the volleyball court is being used, music is blaring, food and drinks are available nearby, or wander off a little for a quieter spot.

Thanks for this! So it's not really as much about the water time as enjoying the cabana. At this stage of life, I generally spend four to five hours in the water, hit up the volleyball court, and have a relaxing meal from the truck with ceviche and bbq pork. My husband will enjoy some tanning time in a chair, but that's not for me! 

 

So, it's sounding like a cabana would be a waste for us. Maybe in five or ten years. 

 

3 hours ago, vacation44 said:

No need to apologize!    Having never been GSC, I am still debating with myself on what to do.   I think all the Silver Cove options are expensive when just two people will be using them for what, six hours at most.  Decisions, decisions, decisions. 

Hopefully my extended thought process above may be helpful to you. We really enjoy our beach/ocean time and I'm afraid the ocean time would not be as nice in the lagoons.