We want to first off thank everyone for watching, and thank you to all of our subscribers! There was one CON that we forgot to mention! We had a complementary Internet package that worked the same as if it was purchased. A HUGE CON for us was that if you don’t purchase the unlimited package, say you only purchase 300 minutes, you have to log into the Internet and LOG OUT whenever you’re done using it. That was super inconvenient because if you forget to log out, your minutes will continue to run, even if you’re sleeping! By the time you wake up, the minutes have ran out! So just be careful and aware of that if you purchase a limited minute Internet package!
I was dying laughing at your comments about the signage at Port Miami. I live in Miami and had to drop my sister off there just this past weekend. When I tell you that I had to take three loops around to get OUT of Port Miami because the signage to get back to the mainland tunnel is so confusing and, unfortunately, so typically Miami. I'm glad that you told your viewers to get there early. You probably will save some lives (or at least some relationships) because of that great advice. 😄
Thank you for these updates. We’re booked for Joy in the coming months and this helps to know how much more we may have to pay. NCL Joy does have a golf course and other outdoor activities. The most disappointing thing you’ve revealed is the internet package. We received Free at Sea perks, but I’ll need to confirm if an upgrade (more costs) are needed.
I just discovered your videos when you cruised on NCL Encore. I enjoyed 3 videos. I'm a NCL cruiser. I have traveled on RCL once and unfortunately on Carnival several times. Some of the newer NCL ships have dropped several activities that are on their older ships. I now use the full ship tours found on CZcams to help me decide which ship I want to book. Looking forward to seeing more of your NCL videos in the future.
Thank you so much! We really try to do as much research as we can to provide information we ourselves haven’t heard anywhere else, so we really appreciate you noticing!
You are right about the Vibe at 100% capacity. I went on the Encore right before the Covid shutdown. The cruise ship was packed. There was no room to walk on the upper deck. Between the Vibe, Go karts and laser tags there was not enough space to just seat and chill on the deck. Deck chairs were everywhere. My husband and I could not walk side to side.
I really appreciated this video. It's always good to know ahead of time the things you have to watch out for. I've never been on a cruise, so I imagine I'm gonna be a little stressed out figuring how to check my bags, completing the check in, things like that. But being aware of the things you talked about will lower my stress level. When you take a vacation like this, the last thing you want is to get uptight on these little things. You covered a lot of ground, but at least the cons weren't so bad that you can't deal with them. I look forward to seeing your "pros" video!
You may need to sail on some of NCL other ships, for the Basketball court, Adult section SPICE H20, and to avoid those Cons for NCL, look at videos of the ship you want to sail on before booking this way you will see exactly, what the ship looks like and have. NCL is a more relaxed vacation. NCL SKY, getaway, breakaway, ships are different from the much updated new ones, where the focus is on race cars, and other activities,. Look at videos of a ship before cruising. This will help you in the near future.I cruise Carnival for Fun, NCL for relaxation, and RCL for the entertainment shows. Take Care. Advent cruiser of 29 plus cruises.
Thanks for your comment! We do tons of research before each cruise we take. We were aware of this ship not having those things. We wanted to make our viewers, that may not have known, aware that this ship in particular did not have those things. We saw many photos of the Encore so we knew not to expect a court or mini golf, but when we got home, we realized even more, like hey, that's right, it didn't have those things! This was our first NCL but it won't be our last. We have plenty of Carnival and Royal experience. We are now doing NCL to get our own personal take on which cruises to take for what type of vacation we want. Were young and already at 14 and were definitely not stopping any time soon! Next cruise already booked! Thanks for the tips and for watching!
Great! Thanks for the con’s, our 1st time too this upcoming spring break end of march to April 2 we booked for a 7 day family balcony..your tips will help me and my wife not get into an argument and ruin our day😂
It's all about researching your cruise it tells you ahead of time on web sight.it say No open toes shoes on the race cars and to leave your bag in your room are have someone to watch it . Great review
Pro tip, the Encore is the first of a new category of ships for Norwegian. They included the race track as well as the laser tag, dropping out the golf course. Most newer ships are now including adult and upcharge areas. If you're driving to the ship, like you said check the signage. Otherwise, if your flying in or staying at a hotel , They have transportation to and from. Norwegian offers great package deals that you should take advantage of. Sadly what you find in this new "tech" era, so much depend on apps and phones, which is why you find all this pre registration and reserving things. Next cruise, book a spa balcony, automatic free use of spa facilities.
The discrepancy between an app and the paper could almost always be attributed to your phone and they way the ship handles the time zone changes. Your phone does not always stick with "ship time".
Super helpful video and I'm only at the cons!!! I'm on the Escape in January 2023.....I was thinking about the tender thing the whole time....great point about the jewelry...app issues and freestyle daily!!!! I'll probably comment again after I finish the pros!!!!
We will be taking our first Norwegian Cruise next year. I’m so hesitant but we are doing International and they seem to offer the best stops. We just got off of Carnival Cinquest out of Miami and you have to go guest services to get your tender time for Half Cay Moon as well. You can’t use the app to book your Tender.
Just happend to jump in here. My wife "forced" me jo joinging the Encour, And before I forget it (Ii'm 63 yrsrs old) You look like y a grand couple. Anyhow, we are about to embark in 3 weeks your bets tips?
We also love Royal Caribbean. Definitely our favorite cruise line. This was our first Norwegian cruise which was also amazing and it makes us want to try more in the future. ❤️
Most NCL cruises have Spice H2O which is a free adult only area. This is the reason why I would not book encore if I can get a similar cruise on another NCL ship.
Thanks for the support. Next time we do want to experience Spice H20. It’s very surprising that the NCL didn’t put it on the Encore. It was still a great experience however. ❤️
Big NCL cruiser here 100% the signage in Miami is very lacking not only overall for the port, I found the new NCL terminal to also have very bad signage or lack there of, and the baggage drop off area is way too small and poorly designed (with the foot traffic from departing cruisers). Not a big fan of the new terminal overall, although it is nice, new and shiny. We don't use the internet while onboard, but you have a valid point, when packages are confusing or very cut up where you need multiple packages. I found MSC to be this way as well with way more than just internet packages. Most NCL ships have a free adults only area called Spice H2O, however the encore does not (and other Breakaway+ class ships may not have it either). Not a big fan of the NCL app either. Not sure why, but I just don't think its very well designed. NCL is shifting away from those free offerings, and moving into the pay for activities. Good feedback and video.
On the go kart cons, I hear you that it's strict, but these are rules that are specific to go karts on land or sea regardless. Those things are doing 30mph and your feet are very near to those wheels. I was at my local track, some guy kept his phone in his pocket. 1 lap later it was a broken phone run over by 2 karts after it flew out his pocket. And the VR graphics you describe sound like screen door effect, which is unfortunately really common in a lot of headsets at this time due to the way you have to render and focus those images. The panels are no doubt pushing almost 4k resolution or greater than that, but it's being halved so each eye gets a screen. If you've never used VR headsets before the screen door effect will absolutely ruin it for you if it's something that bothers you
Hi and thanks for watching! I think you took what we were saying out of context! We were in no way implying that we should be able to keep our phones on us while riding. That is a major safety issue and I would hate if someone's phone flew out at hit me, or my phone got ran over. We were warning people that the rules ARE strict and to be sure not to go down with your phone or any loose items on you or you will be turned away. As far as the VR graphics, it was in no way due to a screen door effect and it definitely not 4k lol We have actually seen them. Until you do, you cant really form a true opinion. You must see for yourself what we mean. The graphics look very dated like the oldest Tomb Raider video game lol Just our opinions. Make your own when you go! Thanks!
@@4Love4Life That's absolutely fair. I guess I was just saying that when I was doing research into the headsets, it looked like the ones they used were better than my oculus quest 2. I suppose we will see though. Also was using a phone as an example, I'm surprised that they don't have lockers to put your stuff in at either of those locations
@@4Love4Life You guys said you did all the things in the galaxy pavilion, did you do the asseto corsa motion sim and then the actual car that moved around too? Those are the only things I'm even going for
Thanks for the support. I’m not very sure what the issue was with the time. This is our first time experiencing this. For the other cruise lines we have been on, it’s always said that the time used is the local ship time. I’ve heard several people complain of the time being off while on this particular sailing. Hope this helps. ❤️
Thanks for the support. That’s a good question. On this ship you don’t pay for the water slides however, you do pay for the go carts. You’ll usually have to reserve your time slot in advance depending on how crowded the ship is ❤️
On Royal to do the zip line I couldn't even have a necklace on. Couldn't put it in my pocket. Couldn't put it in my shoe...So I said OK and left. Then they chased me down and wanted to know why I left. Ridiculous. Also had to have a sleaved shirt to go on ropes course.
On NCL it depends on which activities you are looking forward to enjoying on a cruise. I have found the food very good on NCL ships, compared to RCL. There is no comparison of Carnival to NCL. There are many good NCL full ship tours on CZcams.
I just got off this ship and it's a joke. They are taking bookings to certain ports and then changing them once you're on board with no explanation. False advertising Dominican Republic but sailing to Ochos Rio slum part of Jamaica.
We want to first off thank everyone for watching, and thank you to all of our subscribers! There was one CON that we forgot to mention! We had a complementary Internet package that worked the same as if it was purchased. A HUGE CON for us was that if you don’t purchase the unlimited package, say you only purchase 300 minutes, you have to log into the Internet and LOG OUT whenever you’re done using it. That was super inconvenient because if you forget to log out, your minutes will continue to run, even if you’re sleeping! By the time you wake up, the minutes have ran out! So just be careful and aware of that if you purchase a limited minute Internet package!
We just got back from our first NCL on the Encore and agree the internet was a pain in the .. neck
Thank you so much
I was dying laughing at your comments about the signage at Port Miami. I live in Miami and had to drop my sister off there just this past weekend. When I tell you that I had to take three loops around to get OUT of Port Miami because the signage to get back to the mainland tunnel is so confusing and, unfortunately, so typically Miami. I'm glad that you told your viewers to get there early. You probably will save some lives (or at least some relationships) because of that great advice. 😄
Haha that’s funny. 🤣🤣 It was an experience needless to say 🤣🤣
Thank you for these updates. We’re booked for Joy in the coming months and this helps to know how much more we may have to pay. NCL Joy does have a golf course and other outdoor activities. The most disappointing thing you’ve revealed is the internet package. We received Free at Sea perks, but I’ll need to confirm if an upgrade (more costs) are needed.
Getting ready to take my first NCL cruise. Thanks for the review and information on extra costs
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your cruise vacation. ❤️
I just discovered your videos when you cruised on NCL Encore. I enjoyed 3 videos. I'm a NCL cruiser. I have traveled on RCL once and unfortunately on Carnival several times. Some of the newer NCL ships have dropped several activities that are on their older ships. I now use the full ship tours found on CZcams to help me decide which ship I want to book. Looking forward to seeing more of your NCL videos in the future.
Yes, we really enjoyed NCL. More to come soon.
Thank you for this honest review! Lots of details here that I haven't seen elsewhere. Appreciate you!
Thank you so much! We really try to do as much research as we can to provide information we ourselves haven’t heard anywhere else, so we really appreciate you noticing!
Thank you so much for the advice, going on my first Norwegian encore cruise trip in January 2024 .
Have fun. Norwegian is a great cruise line. ❤️
We are sailing on the Encore in February 2024 and your content is so helpful ❤. Keep it coming!!!
Thanks for the support. We’re glad it helped you. You’ll really enjoy the NCL Encore. Happy cruising. ❤️🛳️
You are right about the Vibe at 100% capacity. I went on the Encore right before the Covid shutdown. The cruise ship was packed. There was no room to walk on the upper deck. Between the Vibe, Go karts and laser tags there was not enough space to just seat and chill on the deck. Deck chairs were everywhere. My husband and I could not walk side to side.
Wow. We can only imagine. We’re glad we were able to experience the ship at the limited capacity. Happy cruising. ❤️🛳️
I really appreciated this video. It's always good to know ahead of time the things you have to watch out for. I've never been on a cruise, so I imagine I'm gonna be a little stressed out figuring how to check my bags, completing the check in, things like that. But being aware of the things you talked about will lower my stress level. When you take a vacation like this, the last thing you want is to get uptight on these little things. You covered a lot of ground, but at least the cons weren't so bad that you can't deal with them. I look forward to seeing your "pros" video!
❤️❤️🛳️
You may need to sail on some of NCL other ships, for the Basketball court, Adult section SPICE H20, and to avoid those Cons for NCL, look at videos of the ship you want to sail on before booking this way you will see exactly, what the ship looks like and have. NCL is a more relaxed vacation. NCL SKY, getaway, breakaway, ships are different from the much updated new ones, where the focus is on race cars, and other activities,. Look at videos of a ship before cruising. This will help you in the near future.I cruise Carnival for Fun, NCL for relaxation, and RCL for the entertainment shows. Take Care. Advent cruiser of 29 plus cruises.
Thanks for your comment! We do tons of research before each cruise we take. We were aware of this ship not having those things. We wanted to make our viewers, that may not have known, aware that this ship in particular did not have those things. We saw many photos of the Encore so we knew not to expect a court or mini golf, but when we got home, we realized even more, like hey, that's right, it didn't have those things! This was our first NCL but it won't be our last. We have plenty of Carnival and Royal experience. We are now doing NCL to get our own personal take on which cruises to take for what type of vacation we want. Were young and already at 14 and were definitely not stopping any time soon! Next cruise already booked! Thanks for the tips and for watching!
much appreciated enjoy your cruising
The two of you are awesome thanks for the content I definitely learned some things that I had no idea about
Awesome! Thank you! ❤️
Great! Thanks for the con’s, our 1st time too this upcoming spring break end of march to April 2 we booked for a 7 day family balcony..your tips will help me and my wife not get into an argument and ruin our day😂
Thank you for your honest feed back, so appreciated
No problem thanks for the support and kind words. ❤️
It's all about researching your cruise it tells you ahead of time on web sight.it say No open toes shoes on the race cars and to leave your bag in your room are have someone to watch it . Great review
I love your videos, great job! Thanks
Glad you like them! ❤️
Thanks for all your tips, much appreciated.
Glad you like them! 😊
Pro tip, the Encore is the first of a new category of ships for Norwegian. They included the race track as well as the laser tag, dropping out the golf course. Most newer ships are now including adult and upcharge areas. If you're driving to the ship, like you said check the signage. Otherwise, if your flying in or staying at a hotel , They have transportation to and from. Norwegian offers great package deals that you should take advantage of. Sadly what you find in this new "tech" era, so much depend on apps and phones, which is why you find all this pre registration and reserving things. Next cruise, book a spa balcony, automatic free use of spa facilities.
Great tips. Thanks for sharing. Happy cruising. ❤️🛳️
You can still text on iMessage with the free Wi-Fi on board
Yes! My husband did mention we still iMessaged our daughters back home! One reason we love iPhone lol
Great to know!
The discrepancy between an app and the paper could almost always be attributed to your phone and they way the ship handles the time zone changes. Your phone does not always stick with "ship time".
Glad to have found your channel so just subscribed. Appreciate your details.
❤️❤️
Super helpful video and I'm only at the cons!!! I'm on the Escape in January 2023.....I was thinking about the tender thing the whole time....great point about the jewelry...app issues and freestyle daily!!!! I'll probably comment again after I finish the pros!!!!
😂😁
We will be taking our first Norwegian Cruise next year. I’m so hesitant but we are doing International and they seem to offer the best stops. We just got off of Carnival Cinquest out of Miami and you have to go guest services to get your tender time for Half Cay Moon as well. You can’t use the app to book your Tender.
*Conquest
Just happend to jump in here. My wife "forced" me jo joinging the Encour, And before I forget it (Ii'm 63 yrsrs old) You look like y a grand couple. Anyhow, we are about to embark in 3 weeks your bets tips?
That’s funny. Check out our Pros video for this ship. You’ll enjoy them. Happy Cruising. 🛳️❤️
Been on two cruises, a royal which was fantastic, then the encore and it was great. Food great everywhere, good stops an fun activity’s
We also love Royal Caribbean. Definitely our favorite cruise line. This was our first Norwegian cruise which was also amazing and it makes us want to try more in the future. ❤️
I enjoyed watching your videos. I am a new subscriber.
Love the vlog😊
Thanks for the support. We’re glad you enjoyed this vlog. Happy cruising. ❤️🛳️
Vibe is worth the extra $$$ Its $209 not $300 for the Vibe each. I was just on the Encore twice in the last year.
👍🏾❤️
Informative video you made it very fun way! Good job!
Thanks for supporting us. Thank you ❤️
Most NCL cruises have Spice H2O which is a free adult only area. This is the reason why I would not book encore if I can get a similar cruise on another NCL ship.
Thanks for the support. Next time we do want to experience Spice H20. It’s very surprising that the NCL didn’t put it on the Encore. It was still a great experience however. ❤️
I think every video i watch of the Miami terminal for NCL has trouble getting into the terminal they need to work on that.
Big NCL cruiser here
100% the signage in Miami is very lacking not only overall for the port, I found the new NCL terminal to also have very bad signage or lack there of, and the baggage drop off area is way too small and poorly designed (with the foot traffic from departing cruisers). Not a big fan of the new terminal overall, although it is nice, new and shiny.
We don't use the internet while onboard, but you have a valid point, when packages are confusing or very cut up where you need multiple packages. I found MSC to be this way as well with way more than just internet packages.
Most NCL ships have a free adults only area called Spice H2O, however the encore does not (and other Breakaway+ class ships may not have it either).
Not a big fan of the NCL app either. Not sure why, but I just don't think its very well designed.
NCL is shifting away from those free offerings, and moving into the pay for activities.
Good feedback and video.
Thanks for the support and kind words ❤️
Definitely will remember about the signage & getting there early my sister and I are going in about 2 weeks.
On the go kart cons, I hear you that it's strict, but these are rules that are specific to go karts on land or sea regardless. Those things are doing 30mph and your feet are very near to those wheels. I was at my local track, some guy kept his phone in his pocket. 1 lap later it was a broken phone run over by 2 karts after it flew out his pocket.
And the VR graphics you describe sound like screen door effect, which is unfortunately really common in a lot of headsets at this time due to the way you have to render and focus those images. The panels are no doubt pushing almost 4k resolution or greater than that, but it's being halved so each eye gets a screen. If you've never used VR headsets before the screen door effect will absolutely ruin it for you if it's something that bothers you
Hi and thanks for watching! I think you took what we were saying out of context! We were in no way implying that we should be able to keep our phones on us while riding. That is a major safety issue and I would hate if someone's phone flew out at hit me, or my phone got ran over. We were warning people that the rules ARE strict and to be sure not to go down with your phone or any loose items on you or you will be turned away. As far as the VR graphics, it was in no way due to a screen door effect and it definitely not 4k lol We have actually seen them. Until you do, you cant really form a true opinion. You must see for yourself what we mean. The graphics look very dated like the oldest Tomb Raider video game lol Just our opinions. Make your own when you go! Thanks!
@@4Love4Life That's absolutely fair. I guess I was just saying that when I was doing research into the headsets, it looked like the ones they used were better than my oculus quest 2. I suppose we will see though.
Also was using a phone as an example, I'm surprised that they don't have lockers to put your stuff in at either of those locations
@@4Love4Life You guys said you did all the things in the galaxy pavilion, did you do the asseto corsa motion sim and then the actual car that moved around too? Those are the only things I'm even going for
I am surprised about the lockers as well!
I'm a very time conscious person also; was the time thing because of "ship time" vs. "local time" vs. "app time" vs. your phone time?
Thanks for the support. I’m not very sure what the issue was with the time. This is our first time experiencing this. For the other cruise lines we have been on, it’s always said that the time used is the local ship time. I’ve heard several people complain of the time being off while on this particular sailing. Hope this helps. ❤️
Love your video, my question, do you have to pay using the slide and race car?
Thanks for the support. That’s a good question. On this ship you don’t pay for the water slides however, you do pay for the go carts. You’ll usually have to reserve your time slot in advance depending on how crowded the ship is ❤️
On Royal to do the zip line I couldn't even have a necklace on. Couldn't put it in my pocket. Couldn't put it in my shoe...So I said OK and left. Then they chased me down and wanted to know why I left. Ridiculous. Also had to have a sleaved shirt to go on ropes course.
Thanks
No problem. ❤️
do you remember how much a weekly spa pass was???
Sorry don’t remember that. We didn’t utilize that service while onboard. 😊
Which cruise ship is the best that you have been on? I’m trying to decide!
Thanks for the support. Our favorite cruise would have to be one of the Oasis class ships with Royal Caribbean. ❤️
On NCL it depends on which activities you are looking forward to enjoying on a cruise. I have found the food very good on NCL ships, compared to RCL. There is no comparison of Carnival to NCL. There are many good NCL full ship tours on CZcams.
Did they have music and dancing on the outside?
During our experience, yes there was music and dancing. ❤️
Are you two/either Libras? 😁❤
My husband is a Libra. 😄
@@4Love4Life ❤️❤️❤️ I felt it 😆🥰 You two seem to get along well and almost finish each other’s sentences. God bless your family.
I just got off this ship and it's a joke. They are taking bookings to certain ports and then changing them once you're on board with no explanation. False advertising Dominican Republic but sailing to Ochos Rio slum part of Jamaica.
Wow.
Tenders??
We’re referring to the tender boats.
These cons were significant!🥵 Can’t do NCL
I Prefer t Watch these type of Casts w/Visuals