Alaska Adventure - Day 1

I was starting to wonder if this trip would ever happen. We originally booked this cruise in September 2019, and then Covid hit which sure threw a wrench into our plans. We had three different cancellations of this cruise over the two years following the start of the Covid pandemic. After a while, we almost gave up on the idea of this cruise happening any time soon. But then this fall rolled around and it started to look like this might happen! There were several unknown variables in place prior to our stepping foot on the ship.  The first being the flight to Seattle, which, thankfully, was on-time. Second, the transfer to the pier, which was also a seamless process by Norwegian. Third, the testing. Once we got to the pier, all those from the airport transfer shuttle were directed to the World Trade Center across from the ship. Once inside, we showed our ID and Covid vaccination cards, and then completed our Covid testing. We were then ushered into a big waiting room for our test results. The biggest variable of all was passing that test, which we did. Once we got our snazzy pink "you passed the test!" bracelets, we were then instructed to proceed to the cruise terminal for formal check-in. Again, lots of security and safety measures in place, which also moved along at a really good pace. From beginning to end, the entire process from arriving to stepping on the ship took less than 45 minutes. Impressive, for sure.

We traveled on Norwegian Encore. The ship was brand new in November 2019, and then immediately pulled out of circulation due to Covid. I think it only had two sailings on it prior to our cruise, so everything aboard still looked absolutely immaculate. This ship is HUGE. Almost 1,100 feet long (1,094 to be exact). I believe it is the largest in Norwegian's fleet. 

Once onboard, we immediately had to complete our safety course and then we made a bee-line for the bar. The weather in Seattle was absolutely gorgeous, so we explored the upper decks. My favorite place on the ship was the observation lounge. This took up the entire 15th deck. It was a very mellow, relaxing space. Lots of lounge chairs, regular chairs, and couches, with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the ever-changing views.

Once onboard, we immediately had to complete our safety course and then we made a bee-line for the bar. The weather in Seattle was absolutely gorgeous, so we explored the upper decks. My favorite place on the ship was the observation lounge. This took up the entire 15th deck, both sides! It was a very mellow, relaxing space. Lots of lounge chairs, regular chairs, and couches, with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the ever-changing views.

These lights in the main atrium were so fun. The colors changed every hour or so - bright during the days, and deeper, moody colors at night.

We had dinner at a specialty restaurant the first night - Onda by Scarpetta. It was absolutely delicious. We carefully selected our specialty dining as we only had two nights of it. This Italian place had some pretty great reviews. Matt had a seafood pasta and I had their beef filet - both were delicious!