Sailed the Encore through the Panama Canal in April and i loved that waterfront with the outside seating, not only at the restaurants but sitting looking out on the ocean in general. Yes we were late getting to the stateroom also. The bake shop was not all that good for the price when you can go up to the buffet, the desserts are just as good every day😊🚢
We sailed from NYC on NCL Joy on May 21, it took us over 2 hours to get on the ship & we are platinum. Our room wasn’t ready till way after 4. Longest experience we had getting on a ship.
Kicking off the previous guests stalls new guests from having the rooms cleaned and ready earlier. The Haven gets you on and in your room quicker too! Try it!
We are taking Princess at the end of the month for our Alaska / Glacier Bay cruise. We almost booked the Encore as we have been on previous NCL sailings, but have not been on the Encore. We have sailed on the Breakaway. However, after doing a bunch of research and video watching, we felt this time, the traditional cruise style of Princess may be better suited for us on this journey. Also, NCL ports quite a ways out of town in Ketchikan for what it’s worth, we wanted to be closer to town. I feel the Breakaway style ships are more tailored for a Caribbean sailing although the outdoor areas of those ships are really nice and we haven’t seen anything like that since. I will say the food on the Breakaway was really good so I’m sure the Encore is just as good in that regard. Happy sailing 🛳️
I will be on this ship on Sep 24th thank you for all the outstanding information. This will be my first time on the ship as I've learned a lot by watching your videos thank you Zack
I am going to NCL Spirit from Seward to Vancouver BC one way cruise, which excursions do you recommend and can I buy at the port instead of purchasing thru NCL? Which way is better price? Thank you!
“Victoria, DC” 😅 Wow, that theater is tiny. No wonder show reservations were snapped up so quickly! Love your shots of Seattle and Puget Sound. The clip with Mt Rainier was really cool.
Really looking forward to the rest of this series! We embark on the same cruise in 100 days. This is easing my nerves about a new cruise line and cruise ports!
Good morning. If you have a stop in Skagway, I would go to Skagway brewing and seek out a cup of “beer-cheese soup”. Also, very nice sweatshirts on-site.
Very jealous of the sail-away. I took the Encore on its last Alaska cruise of '22 and we left Seattle on the worst day of our (unfortunately annual) wildfire season and we couldn't even see the land for the smoke. On the plus side though, it was lovely knowing every mile we cruised we were getting closer to non-smoky, pristine Alaskan air.
Oh no, sorry to hear that! Guess you have to go back and try again. That Alaska air was something else. I don’t think I’ve ever breathed better before in my life!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I'm going back in October but on the Sun this time. Got such a screamingly good deal for ten days ($650 all in (I declined the drinks package but that all-in does include pre-paid gratuities and insurance) could not resist. The pristine air up there is amazing; I once cooked at a remote Alaskan lodge for a summer season (4 months) and my skin looked flawless for it.
Embarkation NCL NY a few months back was the same type flood of people, you could check in much earlier than your boarding group which is odd. Been on 20+ cruise and never seen that massive of boarding groups.
My friend & I are arriving in Seattle the day before our cruise to Alaska in October. How dangerous is Seattle? Should we try walking from the train station or do we need to take a taxi?
I did both for what was available. Several people had their dining reservations cancelled on them before the cruise started. A very glitchy reservation system it seems.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Yes our dining reservations were canceled. Cruising with a family group of 11, coordinated booking specialty dining dinner as a group first day available. We all were able to get together for dinner, YaY .NO. about 30 days prior to sail date, we got emails telling us that they overbooked and our reservations were canceled. Considering that it is now so close to our sail date, we can't get out group booked together again. After calling as far "up the chain" as possible, the Resolution department representative said there is nothing they can do and hung up, yes hung up on us. WoW I am hopeful our cruise will go better than. First time sailing NCL
Not for me...The kiddie rides, The Theater, That laser tag thing is absolutely horrendous, paying extra at the bake shop...Now I know why I don't sail on NCL...lol.
The Kiddie rides? There are more ADULTS on the so called kiddie rides than kids. I know I've been on ALL breakaway and Breakaway plus ships and as an ADULT I've gone on them all. The QTip line Holland is perfect for you boring adults
@@chrisbernier3889I Don't ride little go carts on a track...nor do water slides...If I want to do that I would go to 6 flags. I prefer a cruise that does not have roller costers, Go carts, laser tags merry go rounds or whatever else they place on certain cruise line ships... I am more into a classic cruise that does not cater to kids. I tell it like it is...if adults want to go on cruise lines with rides more power to them...However its not my style. As a 65 year old I appreciate you calling me boring...If you want to act like a little kid then go on the merry go round or whatever you please, Not sure why you mentioned Holland America cruise line...I sailed on that line once... Maybe you should try a more refined cruise line, you might like it, but then again they don't do those hairy chest contests, beer chugging contests, you might feel out of place... Have a great day...
If you indulge and take the Free at sea price, it’s an amazing deal for not much extra. I don’t use much of that stuff either and found the experience I was looking for. Twice last year and again October for Encore
ZACH. So glad you hit NCL and especially Encore. Very impressed to sea outside cam view in the studio. I had a studio on getaway and it was a one way mirror type window with 2 pull down shades. I’ll be back on Encore in October and scored a Balcony out of season, perks, $1348! +++
Another great video!! Thanks Zach 🎉 You mentioned a video about things to do in Seattle, I couldn’t find the video or the link, can you please provide? Thanks
Were the waterslides open on Day one? Might be the best hack or chance to get to try when there is no line and when everyone is waiting for their luggage?
Whats interesting to me. NCL opens up dining and entertainment reservations 120 days out. Also when you board ALL the large touchscreens near the elevators you can immediately make ALL reservations including the gokarts and comedy Zero need to wait in lines. Theres tons of deck space on the upper decks...vibe area.seems like alot of rookie mistakes
Comedy reservations not available before the cruise. I inquired specifically about this. Only Choir of Man was available beforehand, and that was at 21 days. There were always standby lines for comedy this cruise. It was packed. Vibe area comes at additional costs. Internet package and mobile app not working is an issue far beyond a “rookie mistake”. My 24th cruise and most certainly the roughest entertainment reservation process I’ve experienced. Many others had the same issues and were not happy.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I probably should of asked, how far from Pier 66 I think you said you had walked with your bags to the pier. Thank you for the quick reply! I appreciate this as it helps me with plan our Trip to Alaska.
Thank you for helping with my research on Encore. I decided to cancel due to the lack deck space and the hectic reservation process. I agree that the laser tag and go carts take up prime space and one would maybe use that space once, if that. I think Norwegian screwed the pooch on this one. The rest of the ship looks beautiful! Thanks!
I should’ve explained that a little better. I was so tired and forgot haha. They had comedy in the main theater the first night and no reservations were required. First night only.
Hi! I have a question about checking in 21 days prior to the sailing. Did you check in at 12:00 AM EST or does it follow some other time zone? Thanks for the continued uploads! Going on the Encore in July to Alaska.😊
seems to me that laser tag space would be better as a put put course. It didn’t seem like there were places to hide and Laser tag is normally in the dark…
Did you have a hard time dropping off your luggage in front of your room? What time did you drop off your luggage? Sometimes they close the fire doors so you can't access the hallways....I normally carry on my own luggage to save on Porter tips and like having my stuff with me...I will be sailing on the same ship July 16th...
I had to open the fire door and walk through and hope no one stopped me. This was probably around 1:30 or so. I thought they’d announced the rooms were ready so I just went and dropped off my luggage just to find out that wasn’t the announcement after all. It was hard to hear in the atrium because so many people were gathered there just waiting.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan is it really safe to drop off carry-on bags (especially your pricey camera equipment) in an unsecured area, though? Anyone could walk off with it.
Zach, what was the name of the hotel you pointed out in your video that you stayed at before the cruise. It looked very close to the terminal. I am sailing on Celebrity in August and wondered if that is the same area that Celebrity sails from. If so I would like to book that location for my friends and myself. TIA.
Just a bit over $1700 for the week and that included a drink package, one free specialty dinner, 150 mins of free WiFi, and a $50 shire excursion credit per port.
If you have a dining package (Free at Sea Perk) or if you purchase an additional specialty dining package your meal includes a starter, an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. The a la carte pricing is for passengers who do not have a dining package.
@@matthewhoffman9788 to add to that, there’s not much reason not to get the Free at Sea. On a 7 day cruise you get 2 specialty dining. It was fine for us. We went to Cagney’s and Teppanyaki. Sailed again in May and went to Ocean Blue. They were good. Not great but we had no problems.
@@1486230 The two dinners( pre-pandemic it was three meals for balconies) is for balcony cabins and above for seven- eleven nights; 3 meals for twelve plus nights. ANY category Stateroom for three-six night cruises passengers only get one meal just like studios, inside and ocean view cabins get on 7-11 night cruises. Agree completely that the Free at Sea Perks are an outstanding value and set Norwegian apart from other cruise lines and their bundle packages. I say that having cruised more than a few times with Carnival(8), Holland(3) , Princess(2) and Royal Caribbean(8) cruise lines. Norwegian is my preferred cruise line and after my 35th cruise with them this December 2023, I am proud to say I will become an Ambassador.
Sailing out of Vancouver BC is nicer. If that's Norwegian check how clean it is . White glove test it you will be grossed right out. Hated the food . I hated the Norwegian Sun. It was old and gross. I like Silverseas I loved Sitmar but Princess bought them I'm anti princess I will never sail on them.
Thank you so much for taking the time out to share your first experience with us. Enjoy.
Thank you for watching!
Sailed the Encore through the Panama Canal in April and i loved that waterfront with the outside seating, not only at the restaurants but sitting looking out on the ocean in general. Yes we were late getting to the stateroom also. The bake shop was not all that good for the price when you can go up to the buffet, the desserts are just as good every day😊🚢
They had such great desserts! I filmed my cruise review video today and that’s one of the things I highlighted.
Love this tour, and I don't regret cancelling my trip on Encore to Alaska. The go karts and laser tag just show that NCL isn't my vibe.
You're making me homesick. Haha! Sixty-five and sunny is a beautiful summer day in Seattle! Looking forward to your videos as always.
Thank you so much. I loved sailing from Seattle. Always one of my favorite US cities.
Well, today its overcast with light rain 😞
So cool how you added you hand pointing to city venues. The bake shop looks cool.
Thank you! Appreciate you watching.
Always enjoy the outdoor areas...and the food of course. Do like finding some of the more private corners to escape the crowds. Enjoy!! Bruce and Otis
Thank you!
I’m so glad you featured the speedway on here - it’s a feature I’ve not been ‘sold’ on since this launched, but it actually looks pretty decent!
I’ll have more on it in later vlogs when I actually got to ride the go karts. It was a lot of fun but a pain to get on!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I’ll be watching!
We sailed from NYC on NCL Joy on May 21, it took us over 2 hours to get on the ship & we are platinum. Our room wasn’t ready till way after 4. Longest experience we had getting on a ship.
Kicking off the previous guests stalls new guests from having the rooms cleaned and ready earlier. The Haven gets you on and in your room quicker too! Try it!
Great video, Zach! Hope you enjoyed the cruise & look forward to the upcoming vids.
Thank you! Much more to come. I had a great time.
We are taking Princess at the end of the month for our Alaska / Glacier Bay cruise. We almost booked the Encore as we have been on previous NCL sailings, but have not been on the Encore. We have sailed on the Breakaway. However, after doing a bunch of research and video watching, we felt this time, the traditional cruise style of Princess may be better suited for us on this journey. Also, NCL ports quite a ways out of town in Ketchikan for what it’s worth, we wanted to be closer to town. I feel the Breakaway style ships are more tailored for a Caribbean sailing although the outdoor areas of those ships are really nice and we haven’t seen anything like that since. I will say the food on the Breakaway was really good so I’m sure the Encore is just as good in that regard. Happy sailing 🛳️
Celebrity Cruise is the way to go, especially to Alaska.
NCL should have put the slides and Go-Karts on their private islands. The islands need more than a zip line and beach.
I will be on this ship on Sep 24th thank you for all the outstanding information. This will be my first time on the ship as I've learned a lot by watching your videos thank you Zack
Glad it was helpful! More to come soon.
I am going to NCL Spirit from Seward to Vancouver BC one way cruise, which excursions do you recommend and can I buy at the port instead of purchasing thru NCL? Which way is better price? Thank you!
We’re boarding this ship today, but you got us all nervous given all the delays and since you weren’t able to enjoy any shows or have internet !!
I hope you have a great cruise!
“Victoria, DC” 😅
Wow, that theater is tiny. No wonder show reservations were snapped up so quickly!
Love your shots of Seattle and Puget Sound. The clip with Mt Rainier was really cool.
Lol I caught that too! Thank you, I was geeking out over Mt Rainier!
Really looking forward to the rest of this series! We embark on the same cruise in 100 days. This is easing my nerves about a new cruise line and cruise ports!
More to come soon!
Good morning. If you have a stop in Skagway, I would go to Skagway brewing and seek out a cup of “beer-cheese soup”. Also, very nice sweatshirts on-site.
Thanks for the tips!
Very jealous of the sail-away. I took the Encore on its last Alaska cruise of '22 and we left Seattle on the worst day of our (unfortunately annual) wildfire season and we couldn't even see the land for the smoke. On the plus side though, it was lovely knowing every mile we cruised we were getting closer to non-smoky, pristine Alaskan air.
Oh no, sorry to hear that! Guess you have to go back and try again. That Alaska air was something else. I don’t think I’ve ever breathed better before in my life!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I'm going back in October but on the Sun this time. Got such a screamingly good deal for ten days ($650 all in (I declined the drinks package but that all-in does include pre-paid gratuities and insurance) could not resist. The pristine air up there is amazing; I once cooked at a remote Alaskan lodge for a summer season (4 months) and my skin looked flawless for it.
Embarkation NCL NY a few months back was the same type flood of people, you could check in much earlier than your boarding group which is odd. Been on 20+ cruise and never seen that massive of boarding groups.
My friend & I are arriving in Seattle the day before our cruise to Alaska in October. How dangerous is Seattle? Should we try walking from the train station or do we need to take a taxi?
I didn’t feel unsafe in Seattle at all. It would be under a mile walk from the train station so very walkable.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan thank you so much!
I'm taking this exact cruise on the Encore this September. Interesting in hearing more about what worked and didn't work on the trip.
More to come very soon!
Out of the 3 cruises I had in the last yr, NCL Encore was my fav cruise experience and I was sick for 2 days
It was a great trip! I really enjoyed the ship. She’s beautiful!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I meant escape. But yeah, I want to try Viva next year for Europe
4:07 Victoria D.C should be Victoria B.C (British Columbia). You have to explore Fan-tan Alley in Chinatown.
For sure! I noticed that mistake also.
You have pre-book your specialty dinning 121 days before your cruise also on your show book ahead of time if you can
I did both for what was available. Several people had their dining reservations cancelled on them before the cruise started. A very glitchy reservation system it seems.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Yes our dining reservations were canceled. Cruising with a family group of 11, coordinated booking specialty dining dinner as a group first day available. We all were able to get together for dinner, YaY .NO. about 30 days prior to sail date, we got emails telling us that they overbooked and our reservations were canceled. Considering that it is now so close to our sail date, we can't get out group booked together again. After calling as far "up the chain" as possible, the Resolution department representative said there is nothing they can do and hung up, yes hung up on us. WoW I am hopeful our cruise will go better than. First time sailing NCL
Not for me...The kiddie rides, The Theater, That laser tag thing is absolutely horrendous, paying extra at the bake shop...Now I know why I don't sail on NCL...lol.
The Kiddie rides? There are more ADULTS on the so called kiddie rides than kids. I know I've been on ALL breakaway and Breakaway plus ships and as an ADULT I've gone on them all. The QTip line Holland is perfect for you boring adults
@@chrisbernier3889I Don't ride little go carts on a track...nor do water slides...If I want to do that I would go to 6 flags.
I prefer a cruise that does not have roller costers, Go carts, laser tags merry go rounds or whatever else they place on certain cruise line ships...
I am more into a classic cruise that does not cater to kids.
I tell it like it is...if adults want to go on cruise lines with rides more power to them...However its not my style.
As a 65 year old I appreciate you calling me boring...If you want to act like a little kid then go on the merry go round or whatever you please, Not sure why you mentioned Holland America cruise line...I sailed on that line once...
Maybe you should try a more refined cruise line, you might like it, but then again they don't do those hairy chest contests, beer chugging contests, you might feel out of place...
Have a great day...
If you indulge and take the Free at sea price, it’s an amazing deal for not much extra. I don’t use much of that stuff either and found the experience I was looking for. Twice last year and again October for Encore
ZACH. So glad you hit NCL and especially Encore. Very impressed to sea outside cam view in the studio. I had a studio on getaway and it was a one way mirror type window with 2 pull down shades.
I’ll be back on Encore in October and scored a Balcony out of season, perks, $1348! +++
Have you or will you try the Haven on an NCL ship?
I hope to someday.
We just sailed on Escape way too crowded so we just booked our next cruise in the Haven
That will be so lovely I bet!
Another great video!! Thanks Zach 🎉
You mentioned a video about things to do in Seattle, I couldn’t find the video or the link, can you please provide? Thanks
ruclips.net/video/P05Fa5Uw_-8/видео.html
Were the waterslides open on Day one? Might be the best hack or chance to get to try when there is no line and when everyone is waiting for their luggage?
They were not open on the first day that I noticed. Wasn’t until the second day that I saw anyone on them.
Whats interesting to me. NCL opens up dining and entertainment reservations 120 days out. Also when you board ALL the large touchscreens near the elevators you can immediately make ALL reservations including the gokarts and comedy Zero need to wait in lines. Theres tons of deck space on the upper decks...vibe area.seems like alot of rookie mistakes
Comedy reservations not available before the cruise. I inquired specifically about this. Only Choir of Man was available beforehand, and that was at 21 days. There were always standby lines for comedy this cruise. It was packed. Vibe area comes at additional costs. Internet package and mobile app not working is an issue far beyond a “rookie mistake”. My 24th cruise and most certainly the roughest entertainment reservation process I’ve experienced. Many others had the same issues and were not happy.
What hotel did you stay at because I am looking at the Hotel on the Peir.
Charter Hotel Seattle, by Curio Collection
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I probably should of asked, how far from Pier 66 I think you said you had walked with your bags to the pier. Thank you for the quick reply! I appreciate this as it helps me with plan our Trip to Alaska.
Thank you for helping with my research on Encore. I decided to cancel due to the lack deck space and the hectic reservation process. I agree that the laser tag and go carts take up prime space and one would maybe use that space once, if that. I think Norwegian screwed the pooch on this one. The rest of the ship looks beautiful! Thanks!
Zach, glad you got to see a comedy show! So how did you get that booked? In your "part 1" you had found everything all booked up.
I should’ve explained that a little better. I was so tired and forgot haha. They had comedy in the main theater the first night and no reservations were required. First night only.
Hi
Which hotel did you stay at in Seattle
The Charter Hotel by Hilton
I enjoy your videos
Thank you! 😊
Hi! I have a question about checking in 21 days prior to the sailing. Did you check in at 12:00 AM EST or does it follow some other time zone? Thanks for the continued uploads! Going on the Encore in July to Alaska.😊
12 EST I called the customer service line to enquire about the same thing
12 AM EST, like Brian mentioned as well.
There are heaters for outdoor dining
seems to me that laser tag space would be better as a put put course. It didn’t seem like there were places to hide and Laser tag is normally in the dark…
That was exactly my thought as well!
Can use credit card to buy cookies starbucks?
You use the key card the ship gives you and that is linked to your credit card. And yes, you can purchase cookies on that.
Thank you!@@ZachtheTravelingMan
going on tbhis cruise in two weeks please let me know if they have any themed nights
They always do. Usually 70 80 90s themed white party has become glow
Did you have a hard time dropping off your luggage in front of your room? What time did you drop off your luggage? Sometimes they close the fire doors so you can't access the hallways....I normally carry on my own luggage to save on Porter tips and like having my stuff with me...I will be sailing on the same ship July 16th...
I had to open the fire door and walk through and hope no one stopped me. This was probably around 1:30 or so. I thought they’d announced the rooms were ready so I just went and dropped off my luggage just to find out that wasn’t the announcement after all. It was hard to hear in the atrium because so many people were gathered there just waiting.
Same, but they were okay with doing a luggage drop off.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan is it really safe to drop off carry-on bags (especially your pricey camera equipment) in an unsecured area, though? Anyone could walk off with it.
I should clarify, I left them in my room. I went in before it was allowed but my room was finished. I sat everything on the bed and left.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I'll be happy just dropping off my stuff in front of the door...lol....looking forward to your Day 2 vlog of the trip....
Zach, what was the name of the hotel you pointed out in your video that you stayed at before the cruise. It looked very close to the terminal. I am sailing on Celebrity in August and wondered if that is the same area that Celebrity sails from. If so I would like to book that location for my friends and myself. TIA.
The Charter Hotel Seattle by Hilton
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Thanks!
How much was the cruise in the solo room please?
Just a bit over $1700 for the week and that included a drink package, one free specialty dinner, 150 mins of free WiFi, and a $50 shire excursion credit per port.
I felt safer when we left Vancouver. We felt threatened and unsafe in Seattle. Plus the terminal in Vancouver is beautiful
Looks like Norwegian offers a lot of dining options but most are a la carte vs. a fixed price. Is this true?
If you have a dining package (Free at Sea Perk) or if you purchase an additional specialty dining package your meal includes a starter, an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. The a la carte pricing is for passengers who do not have a dining package.
Thanks, Matt! You said it perfectly.
@@matthewhoffman9788 to add to that, there’s not much reason not to get the Free at Sea. On a 7 day cruise you get 2 specialty dining. It was fine for us. We went to Cagney’s and Teppanyaki. Sailed again in May and went to Ocean Blue. They were good. Not great but we had no problems.
@@1486230 The two dinners( pre-pandemic it was three meals for balconies) is for balcony cabins and above for seven- eleven nights; 3 meals for twelve plus nights. ANY category Stateroom for three-six night cruises passengers only get one meal just like studios, inside and ocean view cabins get on 7-11 night cruises. Agree completely that the Free at Sea Perks are an outstanding value and set Norwegian apart from other cruise lines and their bundle packages. I say that having cruised more than a few times with Carnival(8), Holland(3) , Princess(2) and Royal Caribbean(8) cruise lines. Norwegian is my preferred cruise line and after my 35th cruise with them this December 2023, I am proud to say I will become an Ambassador.
Thank you everyone.
You screw up not getting a balcony for alaska
Sailing out of Vancouver BC is nicer. If that's Norwegian check how clean it is . White glove test it you will be grossed right out. Hated the food . I hated the Norwegian Sun. It was old and gross. I like Silverseas I loved Sitmar but Princess bought them I'm anti princess I will never sail on them.
That place is an unorganized mess.