Norwegian Encore evaluate: A cruise ship information

Have you ever ever been to a Starbucks the place each single buyer belted out the lyrics to “Candy Caroline” in unison, mid-latte? I’ve. Much more curiously, it was on a cruise — Norwegian Encore, to be actual — the place the ship’s atrium sing-along shenanigans spilled over into the close by onboard espresso outpost.

That is only one instance of how boisterous my voyage was. In the event you’re on the lookout for an pleasurable big-ship expertise in your subsequent crusing, the excellent news is that Norwegian Encore, one in all Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus Class ships, delivers enjoyable within the type of adrenaline-pumping top-deck actions, state-of-the-art gaming, Broadway-caliber theater performances and loads of social actions.

The unhealthy information is that you’re going to pay further for lots of what you will discover on board. (Fortunately, the sing-alongs are free.)

The ship underwent a big refurbishment in December 2024 so as to add extra cabins (together with some suites in The Haven), exchange the previous laser tag enviornment with a brand new adults-only retreat and develop the dimensions of a pair fashionable eateries.

In the event you’re questioning whether or not you’d take pleasure in a crusing on Norwegian Encore or one in all Norwegian‘s different comparable ships, preserve studying. I will share a rundown of what it was prefer to expertise the vessel’s cabins, eating places, shore excursions, leisure and extra.

Overview of Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore can provide one thing for everybody resulting from its giant measurement and spectacular array of facilities. The ship can carry 4,010 passengers at double occupancy; amongst them, you will discover {couples}, buddy teams and households.

The 169,116-ton mass-market vessel is usually bustling. It is nice for joiners, providing video games like bingo and Deal or No Deal, dance courses, events and extra, but it surely additionally has quiet areas like a library and card room, a spa with a thermal suite and the Vibe Seaside Membership, which is for adults solely.

Of specific observe is 678 Ocean Place, a three-story promenade that rises from Deck 6 to Deck 8 and serves because the ship’s central hub. There, you will discover a number of bars, lounges and retailers, in addition to the on line casino and the comedy membership, artwork gallery, images studio and, not far-off, the atrium, the place the visitor providers desk is positioned.

One other shoutout-worthy area is the Galaxy Pavilion, a large indoor space on Deck 17 that is full of the newest virtual-reality experiences and video video games, in addition to a 4D cinema and an escape room. On the 2 outer decks immediately above it, passengers will discover the Encore Speedway, the ship’s go-kart observe. All of these sights price further.

What I beloved about Norwegian Encore

‘Choir of Man’

Though Norwegian has phased out a lot of its Broadway reveals, it does nonetheless provide a few Broadway and off-Broadway musicals, together with “Choir of Man,” a West Finish favourite a few group of Irish males who converge at an area pub to really feel much less alone when coping with life’s obstacles. Viewers participation contains bringing some attendees up on stage for drinks, in addition to singing and dancing within the aisles. It is free, however you will must make reservations when you do not wish to miss out. It was supplied a few instances on our voyage.

Meals Republic

My meal at Meals Republic was simply the very best extra-fee meal I had on my crusing. The venue options avenue meals from numerous international locations however leans closely Asian. I used to be stunned to search out loads of open tables once I confirmed up for my reservation however assumed it was as a result of restaurant’s out-of-the-way location on Deck 8 ahead and the truth that its description on the cruise line’s app is imprecise.

If in case you have a eating package deal, save one in all your meals for this place; when you do not, it is well worth the splurge. Belief me: You will not be upset.

The stay music

I do not usually search out stay music, however I discovered myself unexpectedly having fun with performances all through the ship. Standouts had been the daytime performers within the atrium, who performed Inexperienced Day, Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Incubus and different bands that took me straight again to my highschool playlists. Throughout my dinner at Q, the ship’s barbecue restaurant, a band inexplicably performed a complete set of ABBA tunes whereas we ate. It was an odd alternative of style for that venue, but it surely was incredible nonetheless. Everybody was on their ft dancing by the tip of the meal.

The escape room

Though it prices $24 per individual, Norwegian Encore’s escape room expertise, “Bamboozled,” is a terrific approach to spend an hour of your day, particularly at sea. Join prematurely on the entrance desk within the Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 aft, and you will be positioned right into a room the place you will have 45 minutes to finish a sequence of puzzles to save lots of a sunken ship from its watery grave. (You may be grouped with different passengers in case your celebration is not giant sufficient to fill the room.)

Be aware that the expertise begins with a fast virtual-reality primer that offers you the backstory. In the event you’re liable to movement illness, choose out of that half. You’ll be able to nonetheless hearken to the story with out the VR headset.

Tip: There are solely six units of VR goggles, so reservations are normally capped at six individuals per time slot. Nonetheless, the room can maintain as much as 10 gamers. In the event you’re having hassle making reservations, inform the individual working the desk that you just’re completely happy to skip the VR half if they’ll squeeze you in.

What I did not love about Norwegian Encore

The additional charges

Make no mistake: Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships are enjoyable, with tons to see, do, eat and drink. However you are going to pay to entry many of the greatest choices, and at $20 per individual, per day, for normal cabins, NCL’s day by day gratuities (that are mechanically added to every individual’s onboard invoice) are the best within the business.

So many issues price further on Norwegian Encore, from top-deck go-kart racing to the video games at Galaxy Pavilion, in addition to bottled water and low (even when you have the drink package deal that is included in most fares). The added charges might rapidly quantity to some huge cash — particularly when you’re touring with youngsters.

Exercise-related quirks

Throughout my crusing, I noticed a couple of issues that made little sense. On the primary night time, my journey companion and I checked out the Levity Comedy present in the principle theater. It was first rate, however after we went to the Social Comedy Membership a pair nights later to see the identical two comedians carry out, just one had new materials to share.

Different actions had been held in odd places. For instance, sing-alongs and sport reveals like “Deal or No Deal” had been held within the atrium. Though it is a central location, the area felt too small to accommodate everybody who needed to hitch in or watch. Crowds usually ballooned out to the perimeters, making it awkward for individuals simply passing by way of.

The one expertise that took the cake for probably the most absurd onboard rule was the water park. If you wish to experience the waterslides, you possibly can’t put on bathing fits with steel or plastic particulars. That features ladies’s fits with adjustable straps and males’s trunks with steel eyelets or plastic ends to the drawstrings.

The latter prevented most individuals from driving, which was a disgrace. The crew member stationed on the experience’s entrance requested males to tug down their waistbands so he might search for the plastic. Riders whose fits had it had been banned, even when it was on the within and lined by exterior materials. A number of individuals returned of their underwear, which appeared inappropriate.

The ship’s Alaska particulars

Of the Norwegian ships crusing Alaska voyages, Norwegian Encore has one of many least fascinating (and, due to this fact, most inexpensive) schedules, each when it comes to when it arrives in port and the place it docks.

My seven-day cruise traveled spherical journey from Seattle and visited Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska and Victoria in British Columbia, with a scenic Glacier Bay sea day thrown in. The ports themselves are nice and completely on many cruisers’ bucket lists. Nonetheless, the scheduled arrival instances and a number of the associated logistics had me scratching my head.

We did not dock in Juneau till after 2 p.m., which meant anybody hoping to schedule a full day of salmon fishing — a well-liked tour in Alaska — was out of luck. In Ketchikan, the ship docked seven miles exterior of city, so as a result of we did not e-book an tour, we spent 40 minutes on shuttle buses to get to the principle space and again. We additionally waited 55 minutes in line to catch the return shuttle, so cumulatively, journey from and again to the ship wasted greater than 90 minutes of the mere 5 hours we had in port. (The await the return was so unhealthy that enterprising locals supplied to drive passengers to the ship of their private automobiles for $20 an individual.)

Our name on Victoria — a technical requirement to fulfill the USA’ Passenger Vessel Providers Act — was solely three hours, from 8 to 11 p.m., when most issues within the metropolis had been already closed.

The port valet service

Ships that sail from Seattle can provide a port-facilitated baggage valet service to passengers flying dwelling after they depart the ship. It permits cruisers with flights to depart their luggage exterior their cabin doorways the night time earlier than disembarkation and choose them up once more of their ultimate locations after their flights. The service prices nothing, however passengers should pay the related checked bag charges levied by their airways.

My companion — who receives free checked luggage along with his airline, due to a cobranded bank card — determined to strive the service. On disembarkation morning, he seen a $35 checked bag cost on his onboard invoice, regardless of noting on the required paperwork that his luggage must be free. (There is a part on the shape to say that and clarify why, which he did.)

When he requested visitor providers to take away the cost, he was advised he’d must take it up with the port. He finally received his a refund, but it surely wasn’t with out a number of telephone calls and emails that negated any comfort the service was supposed to supply.

Norwegian Encore cabins and suites

Norwegian Cruise Line affords an array of cabin sorts, ranging in measurement from 99-square-foot studios for one individual to insides, outsides, balconies and 1,459-square-foot Proprietor’s Suites in The Haven — the road’s unique suite enclave, which affords entry to a non-public eating room, pool, sundeck, concierge service and extra.

The ship additionally has a complete of 43 wheelchair-accessible cabins throughout a number of classes, together with inside, exterior, balcony, suite and The Haven. Accessible rooms function bathe stools and bathroom seat risers within the loos, in addition to further sq. footage and wider doorways.

My room was a 214-square-foot normal balcony cabin with a 38-square-foot balcony. It was snug and elegantly appointed, and the one gripes I’ve are associated to storage.

Though our particular cabin was designed to accommodate as much as three individuals, we had hassle becoming all our garments within the closet and drawers with simply two of us. The toilet had ample storage, however the shelving wasn’t deep, forcing us to take every part out of our toiletry luggage to retailer it there. The closet was additionally in a wierd location subsequent to the mattress, and as a result of sliding-door setup, just one aspect could possibly be accessed at a time.

Along with a queen-size mattress that may convert into two twins, our room was outfitted with two nightstands and studying lamps, every with a USB port for charging; a sleeper couch with drawer storage; a desk/vainness space with a mirror, three 110-volt North American-style retailers and one European 220-volt outlet, drawers and cabinets and a minibar stocked with for-fee water in glass bottles and cartons; and a small block stool with a built-in detachable lap tray for working or eating.

A wall-mounted TV supplied NCL-produced programming, reminiscent of ship positioning, port info and purchasing talks. It additionally supplied for-fee on-demand films, a small collection of stay TV channels and interactive features that allowed me to test my onboard invoice.

The oddly positioned closet, which ran the size of the wall on one aspect of the mattress, supplied two sides for storage — one with a bar to hold garments and one other with shelving for sneakers, hats or gadgets you’d prefer to fold. It additionally contained a code-operated secure for small valuables.

The hangers had been the wood type that do not have hooks on the prime — those with steel rods that lock into everlasting mounting {hardware} so individuals cannot steal them. I discover that they all the time make hanging something extra cumbersome. The closet did not have sufficient hangers for all our clothes, so I requested my cabin steward for a couple of extras. He introduced me a budget plastic type, which left bumps within the shoulders of my shirts.

The toilet supplied a single sink with a number of slim cabinets, a bathroom and a plexiglass bathe with a detachable showerhead. My cabin sort additionally got here with bathrobes and upgraded toiletries, which included Bulgari shampoo, conditioner, hand cream and aftershave balm, in addition to L’Occitane bar cleaning soap. A hair dryer was obtainable by way of a mount underneath the principle cabin vainness, subsequent to the block stool.

The balcony was tiny however enough for glorious sea views. It was furnished with a small drinks desk and two chairs with adjustable backs.

Norwegian Encore eating places and bars

Norwegian Cruise Line is understood for pioneering “anytime eating” on cruise ships — consuming everytime you need, wherever you need, with whomever you need. Passengers aren’t assigned set eating instances, and you may eat in any of Norwegian Encore’s essential eating rooms or extra-fee eating places by making a reservation or exhibiting up if you’re hungry. Different meal choices embrace a complimentary buffet and 24-hour room service that comes with a supply charge.

In the event you anticipate to dine at a number of added-fee different eating places throughout your cruise, buying a eating package deal would possibly prevent some cash. Norwegian’s packages embrace a set variety of meals at any of the extra-fee eating places. One of the best tactic is to save lots of your pay as you go meals for the costliest eating places (Cagney’s Steakhouse, Meals Republic and Teppanyaki).

The road additionally has drink packages which are an excellent worth when you eat plenty of soda or alcohol. A primary beverage package deal comes with most cruise fares however doesn’t embrace specialty coffees or bottled water.

Norwegian Encore eating places

Free eating places

Style, Savor and The Manhattan Room are Norwegian Encore’s three essential eating rooms. The primary two — positioned immediately throughout from each other on Deck 6 — are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner day by day. Manhattan, on Deck 7, is open for dinner solely. Menus are the identical throughout all three.

I used to be impressed with the meals high quality in the principle eating rooms. The menus had a pleasant selection, and the meals arrived freshly ready and usually tasty with simply the correct quantity of seasoning. For breakfast, I had a scrumptious omelet, hash browns and bacon. For lunch, my picks included a caprese salad and Baja fish tacos. For dinner, I loved crab and cream cheese wontons, bruschetta and a veggie burrito.

One other free of charge possibility is The Native Bar & Grill, a sports activities bar-style eatery that is open 24 hours a day and options pub grub like hen wings, fish ‘n’ chips, Cobb salad, pasta carbonara, chili, BLTs, burgers and fries. It additionally serves superb breakfast sandwiches within the mornings.

The Native is commonly crowded as a result of it is free and the selection for anybody who desires a waiter-served meal not in one of many fancy eating rooms. It is also positioned simply above the stage and display space in the principle atrium, so it attracts crowds wanting to sit down and watch what’s taking place beneath.

Different locations totally free fare embrace the Backyard Cafe buffet, which has so many various delicacies stations it would make your head spin — in a great way. They embrace cereal, pancakes and made-to-order omelets at breakfast; burgers, chilly cuts, cheeses, Indian meals and salads at lunch; and carving stations and pasta at dinner. Fruit, soft-serve ice cream and different desserts are available, too.

A smaller buffet might be discovered within the Remark Lounge, which affords mild bites all through the day.

Free for (and accessible solely to) passengers booked in Norwegian Encore’s The Haven suite enclave, The Haven Restaurant is a serene escape from the same old bustle of eating places elsewhere on board. I dined there one night time, and the meals high quality was superior to the ship’s different obtainable eating choices. The crabcakes and lobster tail had been phenomenal, and the intimate setting and elevated decor gave the area an upscale atmosphere.

For-fee eating places

Whereas I used to be impressed with Norwegian Encore’s included eating places, I discovered the extra-fee venues to be much less constant.

Let’s begin on the prime. Meals Republic, hidden away on Deck 8 ahead, was my favourite different eating possibility on Norwegian Encore. A light-weight and ethereal area, it affords a collection of avenue meals from Korea, Mexico, China, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru and Japan. You would possibly even discover some Italian and Hawaiian influences. Completely don’t miss the edamame, pork stomach bao buns and hen teriyaki.

If in case you have a eating package deal, you possibly can choose 4 gadgets per individual. You’ll be able to pay per merchandise if you would like further. Alcohol choices embrace sake by the bottle or glass and a small collection of cider and beer. The Meals Republic cocktail menu has solely 5 drinks, but it surely was tough to decide on amongst them. I went with the Thai rum tonic and wasn’t upset.

American Diner is an open-air eatery on Deck 17, close to Galaxy Pavilion and up one flight of stairs from the Ocean Loops waterslide entrance. It was chilly on our Alaska crusing, however warmth lamps saved us heat. I completely love the decor, which includes a black-and-white checkered flooring, cubicles that appear to be outdated Chevy automobiles and tabletops lined in a license plate print.

I ordered a burger with fries and a milkshake once I ate there for lunch, and it was the proper little bit of consolation meals to carry me over till dinner. Though the American Diner’s fare was tasty, you possibly can order comparable gadgets (minus the milkshake) for no charge at The Native. Your eating package deal will cowl a meal at American Diner, however milkshakes nonetheless price further.

Q Texas Smokehouse embraces all issues barbecue. If the odor is not sufficient to attract you in, let your self be carried by the fantastic stay music that accompanies the expertise every night time. For dinner, I began with tortilla soup and fried inexperienced tomatoes earlier than shifting on to pulled pork with cornbread, pickles, potato salad and coleslaw. It was simply OK — not the very best barbecue I’ve had, but in addition not the worst.

Different added-fee choices embrace a teppanyaki venue known as, unoriginally, Teppanyaki; Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta; seafood eatery Palomar; Cagney’s Steakhouse; and Le Bistro when you’re hankering for French delicacies.

Reservations are really useful in any respect extra-fee eating places, and when you do not make them earlier than you board, you possibly can be out of luck. I waited till the night of the primary day of my crusing, and I ended up with some horrendously late eating instances.

You’ll be able to order room service 24/7, however observe that there’s a $9.95 supply cost hooked up. Room service breakfast, together with continental picks, comes with a $4.95 supply charge. Each charges are per order, so you will pay $9.95 (or $4.95) whether or not you order one merchandise or a number of.

Norwegian Encore bars

In the event you’re in the hunt for a drink, the very best selection is on Deck 8, the place passengers will discover devoted wine, whiskey and mojito bars in proximity to a number of different eateries and lounges which are price discovering.

The Cellars Wine Bar, which has a menu of greater than 300 wines, is hooked up to Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta, making it simple for waiters to serve your favourite classic together with your pasta. Tastings are supplied for a charge.

Throughout the corridor, Maltings Whiskey Bar, which has a wealthy atmosphere and a powerful collection of whiskeys, is flanked by The Humidor Cigar Lounge, the place passengers can smoke stogies whereas sipping cognac, and The Cavern Membership, the place you possibly can order a cocktail whereas listening to stay performances by a Beatles tribute band.

Two of my favorites, additionally discovered on Deck 8, are the Sugarcane Mojito Bar and The District Brew Home. Sugarcane has a complete menu of attention-grabbing takes on the favored minty drink. My favourite was the Coco Mojito, which is a mixture of coconut rum, easy syrup, mint bitters and coconut water. (An outside space affords eco-friendly drinks just like the Pineapple Surplus and the Sustainable Spritz, that are made partially from kitchen leftovers like fruit peels and juices.)

The District Brew Home — which is tucked away on the entrance of the ship, throughout from Meals Republic — has two dozen beers on faucet, in addition to dozens extra bottled decisions. They embrace requirements like Stella Artois, Heineken and Offended Orchard; native picks like Alaskan Amber and Alaskan Husky; and even NCL’s personal brew, 66 by Norwegian. (The road additionally has branded 66 spirits, discovered at choose onboard bars.)

Different normal bars embrace the Atrium Bar, which is central to the ship’s social hub; the Skyline Bar, which serves the Encore On line casino; Mixx Bar, positioned between the Style and Savor essential eating rooms; and the A-Checklist Bar, which is the proper spot for a predinner drink if you’re eating at Cagney’s.

Norwegian Encore leisure

Leisure on Norwegian Encore is effectively above common for a mainstream cruise line. Along with an astounding variety of day by day actions like sport reveals, trivia and artwork courses, passengers can take pleasure in top-deck enjoyable that ranges from go-karts to waterslides.

Night reveals embrace Broadway-caliber musicals, comedians, magicians and extra. Here is a roundup of what you should not miss.

Norwegian Encore actions

Though there are many actions on the day by day schedule, complimentary standouts for me had been trivia, balloon-twisting classes, fruit- and vegetable-carving demonstrations and enrichment lectures about Alaska, together with stay narration from a Nationwide Park ranger on the day we sailed by way of Glacier Bay. There have been additionally loads of pay-to-play choices, reminiscent of bingo and artwork courses.

Atrium actions like film screenings (when the climate is simply too chilly for movies to be proven on the outside display), day by day sudoku puzzles, sing-alongs and “Deal or No Deal” are additionally fashionable.

Water infants will benefit from the ship’s two swimming pools (Deck 16) and 4 sizzling tubs (Deck 17). Neither of the swimming pools was too crowded on my Alaska crusing — even on sea days — as a result of cooler temperatures, which hovered between the excessive 60s and low 70s. The ship affords accessible lifts for onboard swimming pools however not sizzling tubs.

A water park space on decks 16 and 17 options 4 waterslides, two of that are for youths and are a part of a youngsters’s splash space. The 2 bigger slides have top necessities — 48 inches for Ocean Loops (which has ridiculous bathing go well with necessities and weight minimums so riders do not get caught on the uphill portion) and 40 inches for the Aqua Racer.

Two bars — Waves Bar and Surf Bar — serve the pool space.

The Haven has its personal personal pool with a retractable roof and sizzling tub. There are additionally two sizzling tubs on the unique space’s sundeck.

If you need an elevated expertise with out The Haven’s price ticket, pay for a spa thermal suite cross or a cross to the two-deck adults-only Vibe Seaside Membership sundeck. The previous options its personal sizzling tub and enormous thalassotherapy pool, in addition to a wide range of aromatherapy, salt and steam rooms, plus a sauna. Vibe is dwelling to tons of loungers, a pair clamshells, a bar and two sizzling tubs. (You will not discover a pool there, although.)

For an adults-only seashore club-style oasis that is utterly free, take a look at Spice H20, which took the place of the ship’s former laser tag enviornment throughout a December 2024 refurbishment. The area, for cruisers 18 and older, affords a number of sizzling tubs, first-come first-served daybeds, cooling swimming pools and a big bar.

For many who want to work up a sweat whereas they’re exterior, there is a jogging observe on Deck 17. For inside health choices, go to the Pulse Health Heart on Deck 16 aft. It is geared up with free weights, kettlebells, drugs balls, foam rollers, weight machines and cardio machines (ellipticals, rowers, treadmills, and many others.). Instructors provide courses like TRX, spin and high-intensity interval coaching for a charge.

If a day of pampering is extra your pace, therapies can be found on the Mandara Spa, close to the health middle. You’ll be able to e-book massages, facials and a slew of different therapies at costs which are greater than what you’d discover on land. Separate salon and barber store services are additionally obtainable for haircuts, shaves, manicures, pedicures and different extra-cost providers.

For the youngsters, take a look at the pay-to-play video arcade, simply off of The Native. They’re going to additionally love the Galaxy Pavilion, which affords a powerful array of virtual-reality rides and video video games, all for a charge. It is also the place you will discover the above-mentioned escape room, which is a incredible approach to spend an hour problem-solving with your loved ones (or testing the bounds of your buddy group’s endurance).

For some enjoyable outdoor, unleash your interior pace demon on the Encore Speedway. (Be aware, nevertheless, that the go-karts’ most pace is not very quick. It is nonetheless enjoyable to strive it, although.) It prices further, and you must join prematurely.

After a busy day of actions or exploring ashore, cruisers will discover that the ship comes alive at night time, too — particularly for anybody who loves dancing — with actions like ’50s and ’60s sock hops, silent discos and even a glow celebration (previously the White Scorching Celebration however now with glow sticks). Among the greatest onboard leisure venues for night time owls embrace the Social Comedy & Night time Membership, the place you will discover comedic performances and themed events, and The Cavern Membership, which hosts a superb Beatles tribute band.

Different onboard hangouts embrace the Studio Lounge, which is unique to vacationers booked within the ship’s solo lodging, and the Remark Lounge, the place passengers collect to look at because the ship sails into Glacier Bay, full with drinks, nibbles and Nationwide Park information narration.

In a bid to accommodate extra passengers, Norwegian eliminated a portion of the Remark Lounge throughout a 2024 refurbishment and used the area so as to add 24 new balcony cabins to the ship. Which means seating might be even tougher to return by within the lounge.

The atrium is the place video games are held, indoor films are screened and passengers can discover visitor providers, desks for restaurant and shore tour reservations, the longer term cruise desk and the web cafe. There’s additionally an artwork gallery, picture studio, assembly rooms and a twin card room and library, the place passengers can borrow books and board video games.

The onboard retailers, that are clustered on Deck 8, promote every part from snacks, toiletries and emblem attire to designer purses and duty-free jewellery, cigarettes and alcohol.

On Deck 5, households will discover the complimentary Splash Academy youngsters membership, which is damaged down by age group: Turtles (3-5 years), Seals (6-9) and Dolphins (10-12). There are additionally devoted areas for infants and youths, dubbed Guppies for kiddos from 6-36 months and Entourage for teenagers aged 13-17. Entourage is extra of a hangout area that enables teenagers to return and go as they please, whereas the opposite age teams have organized age-appropriate actions which may embrace arts and crafts, board video games, pajama events, video gaming, film time and numerous sporting occasions.

The medical middle is positioned on Deck 13.

Norwegian Encore reveals

“Choir of Man” is well the principle occasion within the Encore Theater on Norwegian Encore. Even when you’re not a fan of musicals, I can virtually assure you will like what you see, which incorporates every part from singing, dancing and jokes to loads of references to beer — maybe with some free drinks thrown in when you’re chosen for viewers participation.

The present includes a gaggle of Irishmen who collect at their native pub to reminisce and share their tribulations within the hopes of feeling higher. The present is obtainable two nights on every weeklong cruise, with two instances scheduled every night time. You’ll undoubtedly want reservations; make them early.

Comedy reveals are supplied a number of instances all through every voyage. Not less than one efficiency might be in the principle theater, whereas the remaining are held in The Social Comedy & Night time Membership on Deck 7. Of the 2 comedians I noticed, one was spectacular with out being vulgar, which I appreciated, whereas the opposite was simply so-so when it comes to chuckle issue. He additionally had no new materials for his subsequent performances.

I could not attend the “Ladies of Soul” present, which featured singer Siobhan Walsh singing hits by Whitney Houston. It was supplied one night time of my voyage with an early and a late present scheduled, plus a 3:30 p.m. matinee on a unique day.

The opposite main theater efficiency consisted of magician Neil Croswell, who placed on a present that felt much like what NCL used to do throughout dinner theater performances in The Illusionarium on Norwegian Getaway — a number of desk floating and another “meh” methods I had seen accomplished earlier than.

If wanted, signal language interpreters can be found at no further cost when requested a minimum of 90 days prematurely.

Norwegian Encore itineraries and pricing

Norwegian Encore spends April by way of October homeporting in Seattle and conducting Alaska sailings earlier than repositioning by way of the Panama Canal and taking on residence in Miami to supply weeklong Caribbean voyages through the winter and early spring months.

The ship’s April 11, 2026, Panama Canal repositioning crusing begins at $131 per individual, per night time, for an inside cabin on the 22-night voyage from Seattle to Miami.

The ship’s seven-night Western Caribbean choices round-trip from Miami will set you again $131 per individual, per night time, in early 2026.

For the vessel’s 2026 Alaska season, costs begin from $168 per individual, per night time, for the same weekly itinerary.

Be aware: Costs had been correct on the time of publication however are topic to vary with out discover.

What to know earlier than you go

Required paperwork

In the event you’re a U.S. citizen touring on most sailings (together with these to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera) departing from and returning to U.S. dwelling ports, you possibly can board Norwegian Encore together with your unique start certificates and a government-issued ID, reminiscent of a driver’s license. In any other case, a passport can be utilized. In the event you’re crusing from a port exterior of your nation of citizenship, you will need to have a passport with a minimum of six months’ validity from the time your crusing ends.

Gratuities

Norwegian Encore levies automated surcharges of $20 to $25 per individual, per day, to ultimate payments, relying in your cabin class. Based mostly on the extent of service acquired, cruisers can alter the quantity on the entrance desk earlier than the ultimate morning of the crusing. As well as, a 20% gratuity is added to extra-fee restaurant, bar and spa purchases.

Wi-Fi

Many NCL fares embrace primary ship Wi-Fi. Nonetheless, passengers who haven’t got it included — or those that have the fundamental plan included however wish to improve — will pay to attach. Costs range, however they’re typically fairly costly, starting from about $30 to $35 per individual, per day, relying on whether or not or not you want streaming capabilities. The fee is barely cheaper if you are going to buy prematurely as a substitute of ready till you board.

Carry-on drinks coverage

You’ll be able to convey your individual bottles of wine on Norwegian Encore, however you will be charged a per-bottle charge of $15 to take action, no matter the place you intend to eat them.

Smoking coverage

Passengers are solely allowed to smoke — together with cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars — in designated areas on Norwegian Encore. These areas embrace the on line casino, Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars solely) and a portion of the pool deck on Deck 16, starboard.

Laundry

Norwegian Encore doesn’t have self-service laundry services. Passengers wishing to have clothes laundered or pressed can ship them out to be cleaned or dry-cleaned for a charge. On my crusing, costs ranged from about $2 to launder one undergarment to $20 to dry-clean (and press) a go well with or night robe.

When gadgets are despatched out by 9 a.m., they’re assured again by 6 p.m. the next day when utilizing normal service. Similar-day service is on the market for an extra 50% of the full price.

Members of sure tiers of the road’s Latitudes loyalty program obtain free or discounted laundry providers.

Electrical retailers

All cabins on Norwegian Encore are outfitted with a mixture of North American-style 110-volt retailers and European-style 220-volt retailers. In my cabin, there have been three of the previous and one of many latter positioned on the vainness. Studying lamps on both aspect of the mattress every had one USB port.

Forex

The forex on Norwegian Encore is the U.S. greenback. ATMs can be found to be used on board, however there’s a hefty surcharge to withdraw money.

The ship operates on a cashless system the place passengers use their room key playing cards to cost purchases to their onboard accounts.

Ingesting age

The ingesting age is 21. Cruisers between the ages of 18 and 20 can drink beer and wine in worldwide waters with parental permission. Mother and father have to be current on the crusing and signal a waiver.

Costume code

Norwegian Cruise Line is likely one of the few cruise manufacturers with no formal nights. The road pioneered “Freestyle” cruising, which implies you possibly can put on nearly no matter you would like each time and wherever you would like.

In the course of the day, cruisers can usually be present in T-shirts and shorts or denims. For dinner, they could select to placed on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses, however typically most individuals preserve it informal. Dressing up is strictly non-compulsory for individuals who take pleasure in cleansing up a bit.

Backside line

Finally, Norwegian Encore affords a strong cruise product. The ship is giant, so it is doubtless not the only option when you take pleasure in smaller (or quieter) vessels. Nonetheless, Encore’s number of actions appeals to vacationers of all ages, making the ship perfect for multigenerational household teams. Simply remember that you’re going to doubtless incur a big onboard invoice if you wish to strive the newest and most adrenaline-pumping pursuits if you sail.

The ship’s large collection of each complimentary and for-fee delicacies is a boon to any group with choosy eaters. Cabins are largely inexpensive, making a cruise on Norwegian Encore attainable for almost any price range, and the leisure alone represents terrific worth for the value paid.

General, you are more likely to be happy with a crusing on Norwegian Encore so long as you are ready for some nickel-and-diming.

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