NCL Encore to Alaska room type and transportation

[wate49]

Hi fellow travelers and a happy 2024!

I will be going on an Alaska cruise by NCL Encore in October 2024 with my mother who requires her electric scooter to move around and am planning to visit Toronto for a week thereafter and have the following questions:

1.       I will be leaving from Thailand and will get to Seattle a day before the cruise. Which hotel is the most convenient to walk or scoot to the terminal?

2.       I am planning to rent a car from the airport and drop off near the hotel at the port the next day as I will have  a day to do some sightseeing. As my mom will need her scooter to move around, renting a van and not use public transportation would fit this purpose. Any recommendation which car rental company has a drop off location near the port?

3.       There will be 6 of us on the cruise, I have booked 2 club balcony connecting rooms, 3 for each room. I am thinking about upgrading to the 2 bedroom Haven suite but it costs 50% more. I am considering this as the whole experience would be more comfortable for mom, e.g. embarkation, disembarkation, more private space, room service, etc.  Is the Haven suite worth it?

4.       According to the schedule, the NCL Encore will get to Seattle port at 6 am. And the only direct flight to Toronto leaves at 11:30am. Will Ibe able to make it to my flight? Any tips on the quickest way to disembark and transport to the Seattle airport?

5.       Other alternatives if #1 is impossible is to take an afternoon flight transiting in Vancouver for 1.40 hours. If I took this connecting flight in Vancouver, will I need to clear immigration in Vancouver or will I clear immigration at the destination airport, Toronto? If I need to clear immigration in Vancouver, 1.40 hours might not be sufficient.

 

 

This will be our first time cruising so quite a few questions there. Any tips or suggestions would help a lot.

 

Thanks and have a great 2024!

Watee

[dexddd]

Welcome to CC. Is Haven worth it?  Hard to say.  Prices quite high.  One benefit would be easy embarkation and disembarkation.  Latter would help with flight.  We had a 12:30 many years ago and while trip to airport was quick, tsa took forever.

 

As far as a 2br, are they all adults?  If so, imo that is not ideal for six adults.

[FLAHAM]

Don’t upgrade.  The Haven 2-bedroom is fine for a family of two adults and two kids, but in my opinion is unsuitable for six, particularly if more than two adults.  Would you put your mother on the couch bed with another person?

[cruiser2015]

15 hours ago, wate49 said:

Hi fellow travelers and a happy 2024!

I will be going on an Alaska cruise by NCL Encore in October 2024 with my mother who requires her electric scooter to move around and am planning to visit Toronto for a week thereafter and have the following questions:

1.       I will be leaving from Thailand and will get to Seattle a day before the cruise. Which hotel is the most convenient to walk or scoot to the terminal?

2.       I am planning to rent a car from the airport and drop off near the hotel at the port the next day as I will have  a day to do some sightseeing. As my mom will need her scooter to move around, renting a van and not use public transportation would fit this purpose. Any recommendation which car rental company has a drop off location near the port?

3.       There will be 6 of us on the cruise, I have booked 2 club balcony connecting rooms, 3 for each room. I am thinking about upgrading to the 2 bedroom Haven suite but it costs 50% more. I am considering this as the whole experience would be more comfortable for mom, e.g. embarkation, disembarkation, more private space, room service, etc.  Is the Haven suite worth it?

4.       According to the schedule, the NCL Encore will get to Seattle port at 6 am. And the only direct flight to Toronto leaves at 11:30am. Will Ibe able to make it to my flight? Any tips on the quickest way to disembark and transport to the Seattle airport?

5.       Other alternatives if #1 is impossible is to take an afternoon flight transiting in Vancouver for 1.40 hours. If I took this connecting flight in Vancouver, will I need to clear immigration in Vancouver or will I clear immigration at the destination airport, Toronto? If I need to clear immigration in Vancouver, 1.40 hours might not be sufficient.

 

 

This will be our first time cruising so quite a few questions there. Any tips or suggestions would help a lot.

 

Thanks and have a great 2024!

Watee

You transportation questions might get better responses on the West Coast Embarkation board.

 

As for car rentals, no idea if there is a location that you may use. 

Uber & Lyft, I believe, have larger capacity vehicle that should accommodate the scooter.

 

11:30 seems doable, but could always be a gamble of sorts; ship might arrive/dock late, traffic issues; whatever. You need to make sure you have an early disembarkation slot.

Fastest exit is to carry off your own baggage - not great - unless you figure you can handle it through the crowds, elevators, gangways.

They organize different slots for exiting. Again, make sure yours is early. NCL transport can get you an early slot and should accommodate all of your stuff, but pricey for 6 people. no idea what taxis/Uber costs but you can look that up online.

Also, again, ask some of these questions on the West Coast board.

 

My only experience with Vancouver was as an inbound passenger for an Alaskan cruise.

However, I've never heard of a passenger going through immigration while still in transit. As long as you are within the airport concourse(s), you should be fine. Only passengers exiting the secure areas are subject to "entering" the country. Just because you are continuing to another Canadian city shouldn't matter. Double check, if you like, with your airline.

[www3traveler]

(1) The Marriott Waterfront is across the street from the Bell Street Terminal.  Easy walk but might be difficult for as scooter as you have to across several railroad tracks.

(2) Do not know about a car rental.  You might be able to get a handicap tour through the hotel.

(3) I think I would book the Haven, much easier on Mom.

(4) Depending on your airline and what time your is, your might qualify for the Port Valet program (which is free).  You receive special baggage tags in your cabin.  Your luggage goes out just like any cruise but it is taken directly to your airline and you pick it up at your home airport.  You will also receive your boarding passes.  You might want to look at the Port of Seattle's website for exact information.

(5) Do not know the answer to this question.  Sounds very complicated especially if it involves one than one person.

 

I hope you folks have a wonderful adventure and a special time of just being together. 

[BirdTravels]

16 hours ago, wate49 said:

This will be our first time cruising so quite a few questions there. Any tips or suggestions would help a lot.

Watee

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

1. I will be leaving from Thailand and will get to Seattle a day before the cruise. Which hotel is the most convenient to walk or scoot to the terminal?

The Marriott is across the street from the cruise terminal. But, consider the need to scoot and move luggage at the same time. You could make several trips dropping off bags, then finally walking with mom across the street. 

 

2. I am planning to rent a car from the airport and drop off near the hotel at the port the next day as I will have  a day to do some sightseeing. As my mom will need her scooter to move around, renting a van and not use public transportation would fit this purpose. Any recommendation which car rental company has a drop off location near the port?

National Car Rental has a station a near Pikes Market. We drop there and take their shuttle to the port. I assume that they can drop you (not necessarily mom and a scooter) at the hotel. So drop her and the bags off first, then check the car in and get back down to the waterfront. 

 

3. There will be 6 of us on the cruise, I have booked 2 club balcony connecting rooms, 3 for each room. I am thinking about upgrading to the 2 bedroom Haven suite but it costs 50% more. I am considering this as the whole experience would be more comfortable for mom, e.g. embarkation, disembarkation, more private space, room service, etc.  Is the Haven suite worth it?

The Haven, while nice, would not suit your purpose. The master bed room has a king size bed that does not separate. The second bedroom has a small sofa to sleep on (not a sofa bed, just the sofa) that supposedly sleeps two and a pullman the falls from the ceiling for the third in that room. And the living room area has a sofa to sleep on. 

 

In your current club balcony rooms, the bed will split into two single beds, and the third person is on the sofa (again, on the sofa, not a sofa bed) right next to the main beds. 

 

4. According to the schedule, the NCL Encore will get to Seattle port at 6 am. And the only direct flight to Toronto leaves at 11:30am. Will Ibe able to make it to my flight? Any tips on the quickest way to disembark and transport to the Seattle airport?

There is no problem making your flight. Airport transfers run from 7:00am. And you can even have the porters take your luggage to the luggage hall for the early transfers. As soon as buses fill, they head off to the airport.

 

That being said, I am not sure how they handle scooters. You will need to coordinate that with NCL and it will cause slower transfers to the airport. 

 

 

The following link is to my live post from the Encore on your same itinerary in September 2023. You can scan through the Freestyle Dailies to see the types of activities onboard. Pay particular attention to the timing of events for Glacier Bay day. 

 

Edited January 2 by BirdTravels

[wate49]

Wow! Thanks all for the helpful tips. These are very helpful for me.

 

@BirdTravelsAs our group has 5 adults and 1 child, I will stick with my connecting club balcony rooms then. I just realize that the sofa in the club balcony is not a pull-out bed. Is it comfy for an adult to sleep on? Other alternative is to to pay extra and book another adjacent room, Great tips on car rental place. It is very helpful if they provide free shuttle to the pier. The only reason I am considering the Marriott is the proximity and the ability to walk+scoot to the terminal. But it seems like that won't accommodate my mom's scooter. As for accommodation, we can stay elsewhere, drop them off at the pier, return my rental at the downtown location and take the shuttle to the pier. 

[wate49]

I have change my outbound flight to 3pm so there is no issue of having to rush to the airport after disembarkation. I have already booked 2 connecting club balcony rooms for my group of 6 pax (4 adults, a 17 YO and a 13 YO) Now my decision lies to whether I should upgrade to 2 Haven Penthouse Suites (3pax-room) and would REALLY LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS.

 

Pros:  Should be easier for my mom who has difficulties walking for embarkation-disembarkation, in-room meal services, short walk to Haven restaurant, Haven pool and lounge area.

 Cons: 1. Price for 2 rooms is about 1000USD higher than the club balcony rooms. 

            2. No connecting rooms but I think they still have adjacent rooms available.

            3. Don't know if they have accessible shower stall instead of bathtub as my mom cannot step in the bath tub.

            4. Don't know if the sofa can be pulled out to accommodate a 3rd person to sleep comfortably on.

 

Do you think the Haven suite is worth the upgrade. I want this trip to be as most convenience, easy and memorable for my mom but this will be our FIRST time on any cruise so your suggestion is greatly appreciated. 

    

[Figg1437]

If you’re getting 2 of the 2bed cabins then my answer is yes.  We love them.  Very comfortable for 3-4 people.  I would sleep 2 in the king bed if someone is willing to sleep together- it’s huge you will never touch unless you are want to and then 1 in the 2nd bedroom OR you can do the kids in bunks in that bedroom no problem OR do one in living room, 1 in each bedroom if no one wants to sleep together.  Being right in the Haven and priority leaving/coming at every port is worth it. 
 

yes there is a walk in shower in the 2 bedroom.  For the penthouse would need to book handicap to get walk in. Look up Harr travel videos of the cabins.

 

another alternative could be 4 of you in one 2 bedroom and 2 in a courtyard penthouse.   This is assuming that anyone is willing to share king beds.

 

Now If you do 2 courtyard penthouses the 3rd person sleeps in a chair that pulls out.  And the other 2 in a king.  It’s tight for 3.  For the convenience you’re looking for make sure they are courtyard. 

Edited January 30 by Figg1437

[Figg1437]

Here is the courtyard penthouse chair made up into a bed.  Got this from google but when our daughter was 4 it worked well for her-  when out the walking area is limited.  Again doable if you don’t have the budget- but I would recommend a two bedroom for 4 of you & one courtyard penthouse for 2 if possible. 

[BirdTravels]

On 1/27/2024 at 9:05 PM, wate49 said:

I have change my outbound flight to 3pm so there is no issue of having to rush to the airport after disembarkation. I have already booked 2 connecting club balcony rooms for my group of 6 pax (4 adults, a 17 YO and a 13 YO) Now my decision lies to whether I should upgrade to 2 Haven Penthouse Suites (3pax-room) and would REALLY LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS.

 

Pros:  Should be easier for my mom who has difficulties walking for embarkation-disembarkation, in-room meal services, short walk to Haven restaurant, Haven pool and lounge area.

 Cons: 1. Price for 2 rooms is about 1000USD higher than the club balcony rooms. 

            2. No connecting rooms but I think they still have adjacent rooms available.

            3. Don't know if they have accessible shower stall instead of bathtub as my mom cannot step in the bath tub.

            4. Don't know if the sofa can be pulled out to accommodate a 3rd person to sleep comfortably on.

 

Do you think the Haven suite is worth the upgrade. I want this trip to be as most convenience, easy and memorable for my mom but this will be our FIRST time on any cruise so your suggestion is greatly appreciated. 

    

On my live post above, starting at Post #227 is a tour of the Haven. It would be first class accommodation for mom. The sundeck is good for viewing (with winter coats... but you're from Canada, so it won't be too bad for you). While we sail in Alaska every year, 2023 was the first time in a NCL Haven room (we did a 2-story loft suite on Royal in 2022). We normally sail in Haven rooms in [cheaper] Caribbean cruises. 

 

Late season cruise, you may spend more time on the ship, so the Haven is a plus. 

[wate49]

@BirdTravelsWe are from Thailand! so I guess cruising Alaska in October will be quite a chill! Is NCL Encore / Alaska route packed in October? @Figg1437 Thanks so much for the photo of the pull out sofa. It seems small for my 16 YO son. Will consider 2 rooms per your suggestion but the cost will be quite high. 

[wate49]

I just realize that Haven guests have priority disembarkation and embarkation at all port of calls as well.

[dexddd]

9 hours ago, wate49 said:

I just realize that Haven guests have priority disembarkation and embarkation at all port of calls as well.

Disembarkation, yes.  Other than first day getting on the ship have never had priority back on ship.

[cruiseny4life]

On 1/27/2024 at 9:05 PM, wate49 said:

I have change my outbound flight to 3pm so there is no issue of having to rush to the airport after disembarkation. I have already booked 2 connecting club balcony rooms for my group of 6 pax (4 adults, a 17 YO and a 13 YO) Now my decision lies to whether I should upgrade to 2 Haven Penthouse Suites (3pax-room) and would REALLY LOVE TO HEAR YOUR OPINIONS.

 

Pros:  Should be easier for my mom who has difficulties walking for embarkation-disembarkation, in-room meal services, short walk to Haven restaurant, Haven pool and lounge area.

 Cons: 1. Price for 2 rooms is about 1000USD higher than the club balcony rooms. 

            2. No connecting rooms but I think they still have adjacent rooms available.

            3. Don't know if they have accessible shower stall instead of bathtub as my mom cannot step in the bath tub.

            4. Don't know if the sofa can be pulled out to accommodate a 3rd person to sleep comfortably on.

 

Do you think the Haven suite is worth the upgrade. I want this trip to be as most convenience, easy and memorable for my mom but this will be our FIRST time on any cruise so your suggestion is greatly appreciated. 

    

There is not a question in my mind. $1,000 so you're able to get two Haven 2-bedroom Suites? Yes. No question whatsoever. The benefits far outweigh the $1,000. Now, if you were to add another 0 to that $1,000...my answer might change. 

[wate49]

@cruiseny4lifesorry, my mistake. I have booked for 2 balcony club rooms (3 pax/ room). The total for both rooms is around usd 8800z In order to upgrade to the Haven 2 bedroom suite, it will cost 15000 (about 6000 more). Many people have advised that the 2 bedroom suite will be too small for 4 adults and 2 kids? Other alternative is to book 2 Haven courtyard rooms (3pax / room) but the total for this room type will be usd19,000z

[Figg1437]

10,000 plus more is a large investment- only you know what you can afford.  We have splurged recently on Haven suites and had amazing relaxing less crowded vacations.  However, it also means we travel less often.   We base it on a case by case basis-  for example we booked Prima to Northern Europe and won’t do a suite it’s just too much with the air.  Whatever you decide I hope you have a wonderful time!

[wate49]

Dear @Figg1437. Yeah, I know it's a tough decision. If I was going without my mom, I would definitely go with the Balcony Suites. She just turned 80 and this is her bucket list so I want to make this as special for her while she can still travel. DO you think the 2 bedroom Haven suite will be too crowded for our group?

[BirdTravels]

On 1/29/2024 at 9:40 PM, wate49 said:

I just realize that Haven guests have priority disembarkation and embarkation at all port of calls as well.

We are normally on an NCL excursion and disembark at a time consistent with our tour. So, escorted Haven disembarkation at ports doesn't really help us. 

 

You arrive in Skagway and Ketchikan at 7:00 am (i.e. before sunrise that time of year). So, if you are just going on your own into town, it will be dark, cold, and nothing will be open. Escorted disembarkation really doesn't help much. 

 

Juneau may be another story since everyone will be in a rush to get on land after a sea day. We just took the tram up to the top of Mt. Roberts last year to do some "hiking" (a.k.a. walking). The tram line gets long (>1 hr). 

 

And Victoria, hardly anyone will leave the ship because it is late, long after sunset that time of year, and they are all at dinner (or packing). 

[Figg1437]

13 hours ago, wate49 said:

Dear @Figg1437. Yeah, I know it's a tough decision. If I was going without my mom, I would definitely go with the Balcony Suites. She just turned 80 and this is her bucket list so I want to make this as special for her while she can still travel. DO you think the 2 bedroom Haven suite will be too crowded for our group?

You would have to describe what kinds of adults are going so I know- by that I mean -couples? Big people? But it would be very tight.  Supposedly that small 2nd bedroom sleeps 3 - two on the coach that pulls into an full and 1 above in a bunk.  I’d do that to kids only.   Then you have a king that doesn’t split & a single coach in the living room it doesn’t pull out .  Think of where each person in your group would sleep and decide if that would work.  We are doing this trip with 8 and booked a 2 bed and a forward penthouse . 

[wate49]

It will be 4 adults, a 17 YO and a 13 YO. The 2 bedroom suite should definitely  be too small. Will need to figure out how to fit us all in conformably in the Haven floor.

[Figg1437]

7 hours ago, wate49 said:

It will be 4 adults, a 17 YO and a 13 YO. The 2 bedroom suite should definitely  be too small. Will need to figure out how to fit us all in conformably in the Haven floor.

Yes I saw that- if  there are couples willing to share a bed is the big question since the Kings in any Haven don’t separate .   You need two rooms. A 2 bedroom & any other suite you like.   Yes it’s going to be pricey but you sound like you’re excited for haven. If you want everyone on the haven floor that will be the courtyard penthouse.   If those who stay in the 2nd suite can walk up to the Haven then you can go with any Haven  suite even if it’s outside that floor as long as they have access . Have fun!! 

[wate49]

Thank you very much. Will look up what they still have available.

[drrew]

For hotels, also take a look at the Edgewater --- it's right next to the pier and wouldn't require crossing the street.