We took our last cruise on NCL Escape in August 2019 and absolutely LOVED it. We had planned on sailing on the Encore last year and then...well of course that didn't happen. As soon as we learned that NCL was resuming NYC to Bermuda cruises, we booked a Haven Spa Suite because we wanted to try the Haven and we loved the Thermal Suite on the Escape. Thermal Suite access comes with a Haven Spa Suite.

Pre-Cruise: My advice to everyone who is cruising during these uncertain times is to READ everything you receive from the cruise line. Not only read it, but understand it. I printed every piece of correspondence, highlighted important information, including dates and deadlines, and thoroughly reviewed the Bermuda travel requirements. I created a pre-cruise timeline and reserved 2 PCR test appointments on the Wednesday (early morning) prior to our Sunday embarkation day. I also purchased and took the Bermuda-recommended Azova home test ($118 per test) as a back up. I do not recommend Azova. We received the results in plenty of time, but the CVS and Quest Labs results came back more quickly than Azova's results. I do recommend taking 2-3 tests early morning of your test day. We were required to take a rapid test and PCR test at the port prior to boarding. As recommended, we registered with Eurofins prior to embarkation, and printed the email with barcodes. I highly recommend bringing a folder with your Bermuda Travel Authorization, Eurofins bar code, proof of your negative PCR test, eDocs, vaccination card, and passport. I clipped all of my paperwork, along with my passport and vaccination card, and did the same for my husband, then put them in a plastic folder. Easy to access everything when needed during pre-boarding.

Pre-Boarding: Took and Uber to the port and had our luggage immediately taken by the porters. We were directed to get our rapid and PCR tests. Make sure you pack a lot of patience and understanding. This is new for everyone, and of course there will be hiccups. All things considered, it wasn't that bad. I think from start to finish it was about an hour. Once we received notification via text and email that our rapid tests were negative, we were given a wristband to indicate we were cleared to board the ship. Once we checked in, we went to the Haven lounge at the port where we were told to have a seat to wait to be checked in, and someone would be with us shortly. After about 20 minutes or so, I asked an employee if there was anything else we needed to do, and what the next step was. They realized they didn't send anyone over to us to check us in. After they checked us in (which took about 5 minutes), we waited about 5 minutes to be escorted on to the ship. Read more