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 singalong shenanigans spilled over into the close by onboard espresso outpost.
That is only one instance of how boisterous my voyage was. When you’re searching for an pleasing big-ship expertise in your subsequent crusing, the excellent news is that Norwegian Encore, one among 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 dangerous information is that you will pay further for lots of it. (Fortunately, the singalongs are free.)
When you’re questioning whether or not you’d take pleasure in a crusing on Norwegian Encore or one among Norwegian‘s different comparable ships, maintain studying. I will share a rundown of what it was wish to expertise the vessel’s cabins, eating places, shore excursions, leisure and extra.
Overview of Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore can supply one thing for everybody as a result of its massive measurement and spectacular array of facilities. The ship can carry 4,544 passengers, and amongst them you may discover {couples}, good friend teams and households.
The 169,116-ton mass-market vessel is mostly bustling. It is nice for joiners, providing video games like bingo and Deal or No Deal, dance courses, events and extra, however it 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 be aware 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 may discover a number of bars, lounges and retailers, in addition to the on line casino and the ship’s comedy membership, artwork gallery, pictures studio and, not distant, the atrium, the place the visitor companies desk is situated.
One other shoutout-worthy area is the Galaxy Pavilion, a large indoor area 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 straight above it, passengers will discover laser tag and Speedway, the ship’s go-kart monitor. All of these sights value further.
Each day Publication
Reward your inbox with the TPG Each day e-newsletter
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants
What I beloved about Norwegian Encore
Choir of Man
Though Norwegian has phased out lots of its Broadway reveals, it does nonetheless supply a few Broadway and off-Broadway musicals, together with “Choir of Man,” a West Finish favourite a couple of group of Irish males who converge at a neighborhood pub to really feel much less alone when coping with life’s obstacles. Viewers interplay consists of bringing some attendees up on stage for drinks, in addition to singing and dancing within the aisles. It is free, however you may have to make reservations should 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 one of the best extra-fee meal I had on my crusing. The venue options avenue meals from varied international locations however leans closely Asian. I used to be shocked 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 among your meals for this place; should you do not, it is well worth the splurge. Belief me: You will not be disillusioned.
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 in 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 selection of style for that venue, however it was unbelievable nonetheless. Everybody was on their toes dancing by the tip of the meal.
The escape room
Though it prices $15 per particular person, Norwegian Encore’s escape room expertise, “Bamboozled,” is a terrific approach to spend an hour of your day, particularly at sea. Enroll 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 may have 45 minutes to finish a collection 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 massive sufficient to fill the room.)
Word that the expertise begins with a fast virtual-reality primer that offers you the backstory. When you’re liable to movement illness, decide out of that half. You may nonetheless hearken to the story with out the VR headset.
Tip: There are solely six units of VR goggles, so reservations are often capped at six folks per time slot. Nevertheless, the room can maintain as much as 10 gamers. When you’re having hassle making reservations, inform the particular person working the desk that you just’re blissful to skip the VR half if they will 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 heaps to see, do, eat and drink. However you are going to pay to entry many of the greatest choices, and at $20 per particular person, per day, for normal cabins, NCL’s every day gratuities (that are robotically added to every particular person’s onboard invoice) are the very best within the business.
So many issues value further on Norwegian Encore, from top-deck laser tag and 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 may rapidly quantity to some huge cash — particularly should you’re touring with youngsters.
Exercise-related quirks
Throughout my crusing, I noticed a number 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 areas. For instance, singalongs and gameshows 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 typically ballooned out to the edges, making it awkward for folks 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 journey the water slides, you’ll be able to’t put on bathing fits with metallic or plastic particulars. That features ladies’s fits with adjustable straps and males’s trunks with metallic eyelets or plastic ends to the drawstrings.
The latter prevented most individuals from using, which was a disgrace. The crew member stationed on the journey’s entrance requested males to tug down their waistbands so he may 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 folks 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, subsequently, 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 Canada’s British Columbia with a scenic Glacier Bay sea day thrown in. The ports themselves are nice and completely on many cruisers’ bucket lists. Nevertheless, the scheduled arrival instances and among 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 preferred 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 anticipate the return was so dangerous that enterprising locals supplied to drive passengers to the ship of their private autos for $20 an individual.)
Our name on Victoria — a technical requirement to fulfill the US’ Passenger Vessel Companies 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 supply a port-facilitated baggage valet service to passengers flying dwelling after they go away the ship. It permits cruisers with flights to go away 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 together with his airline, due to a co-branded bank card — determined to attempt the service. On disembarkation morning, he observed a $35 checked bag cost on his onboard invoice, regardless of noting on the required paperwork that his luggage ought to be free. (There is a part on the shape to say that and clarify why, which he did.)
When he requested visitor companies to take away the cost, he was instructed he’d should take it up with the port. He ultimately acquired his a reimbursement, however it wasn’t with out a number of telephone calls and emails that negated any comfort the service was supposed to offer.
Norwegian Encore cabins and suites
Norwegian Cruise Line provides an array of cabin varieties, ranging in measurement from 99-square-foot studios for one particular person to insides, outsides, balconies and 1,459-square-foot Homeowners Suites in The Haven — the road’s unique suite enclave, which provides entry to a personal eating room, pool, solar deck, 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 characteristic bathe stools and bathroom seat risers within the bogs, 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 folks, 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 thing 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 might 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, akin to 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 objects you’d wish to fold. It additionally contained a code-operated secure for small valuables.
The hangers had been the wood variety that do not have hooks on the prime — those with metallic rods that lock into everlasting mounting {hardware} so folks cannot steal them. I discover that they at all times make hanging something extra cumbersome. The closet did not have sufficient hangers for all our clothes, so I requested my cabin steward for a number of extras. He introduced me a budget plastic variety, 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 kind 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 accessible by way of a mount beneath the principle cabin vainness, subsequent to the block stool.
The balcony was tiny however ample for wonderful 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 will not be assigned set eating instances, and you may eat in any of Norwegian Encore’s most important eating rooms or extra-fee eating places by making a reservation or displaying up while you’re hungry. Different meal choices embrace a complimentary buffet and 24-hour room service that comes with a supply payment.
When you anticipate to dine at a number of added-fee different eating places throughout your cruise, buying a eating package deal may prevent some cash. Norwegian’s packages embrace a set variety of meals at any of the extra-fee eating places. The perfect tactic is to save lots of your pay as you go meals for the most costly eating places (Cagney’s Steakhouse, Meals Republic and Teppanyaki). All eating places are priced a la carte if you do not have a eating package deal, besides Teppanyaki (which has a $59 per particular person cowl cost).
The road additionally has drink packages which can be a superb worth should you devour a number of soda or alcohol. A fundamental beverage package deal comes with most cruise fares however doesn’t embrace specialty coffees or bottled water. (You may have to improve for an extra payment for these to be included.)
Norwegian Encore eating places
Free eating places
Style, Savor and The Manhattan Room are Norwegian Encore’s three most important eating rooms. The primary two — situated straight throughout from each other on Deck 6 — are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every 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 customarily tasty with simply the correct amount of seasoning. For breakfast, I had a scrumptious omelet, hashbrowns 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 choice 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 wonderful breakfast sandwiches within the mornings.
The Native is commonly crowded as a result of it is free and the selection for anybody who needs a waiter-served meal not in one of many fancy eating rooms. It is also situated simply above the stage and display space in the principle atrium, so it attracts crowds wanting to take a seat and watch what’s taking place under.
Different locations free of charge fare embrace the Backyard Cafe buffet, which has so many various delicacies stations it can make your head spin — in a great way. They embrace every thing from cereal, pancakes and made-to-order omelets at breakfast to 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 may be discovered within the Remark Lounge, which provides gentle 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 standard 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 accessible 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. For instance, I completely beloved avenue meals restaurant Meals Republic however was underwhelmed by the Los Lobos Mexican eatery — and I like Mexican meals.
Let’s begin on the prime. Meals Republic, hidden away on Deck 8 ahead, was my favourite different eating choice on Norwegian Encore. A light-weight and ethereal area, it provides a collection of avenue meals from Korea, Mexico, China, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru and Japan. You may 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’ll be able to choose 4 objects per particular person. You may 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, however it was tough to decide on amongst them. I went with the Thai rum tonic and wasn’t disillusioned.
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 seem like previous Chevy vehicles 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’ll be able to order comparable objects (minus the milkshake) for no payment at The Native. Your eating package deal will cowl a meal at American Diner, however milkshakes nonetheless value further.
Q Texas Smokehouse embraces all issues barbecue. If the scent 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 transferring on to pulled pork with cornbread, pickles, potato salad and coleslaw. It was simply OK — not one of the best barbecue I’ve had, but in addition not the worst.
Los Lobos was my least favourite of the extra-fee venues I attempted. I used to be further unhappy as a result of Mexican meals is one among my favourite cuisines. I totally loved the contemporary guacamole, which our waiter ready tableside, however the tortilla chips had been too salty. The fish tacos I ordered for my most important course had been unappetizingly moist and soggy, which triggered the comfortable shells to fully disintegrate, necessitating using a fork. The service was additionally hit-or-miss, with our waiter typically disappearing for lengthy stretches.
Different added-fee choices embrace a teppanyaki venue known as, unoriginally, Teppanyaki; Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta; seafood eatery Ocean Blue; Cagney’s Steakhouse; and Le Bistro should you’re hankering for French delicacies.
Reservations are beneficial in any respect extra-fee eating places, and should you do not make them earlier than you board, you could possibly 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.
When you’re searching for espresso, ice cream or a between-meal snack, added-cost choices embrace a full Starbucks, discovered simply off the atrium, throughout from the visitor companies desk on Deck 6; Coco’s for goodies, mini-cakes and ice cream, together with sundaes (attempt one of many gargantuan milkshakes for a real splurge); The Bake Store, which provides cupcakes, goodies and macarons; and Dolce Gelato, which is hooked up to The Bake Store and serves up a number of flavors of gelato.
You may order room service 24/7, however be aware that there’s a $7.95 supply cost hooked up. Room service breakfast, together with Continental picks, comes with a $4.95 supply payment. Each charges are per order, so you may pay $7.95 (or $4.95) whether or not you order one merchandise or a number of.
Norwegian Encore bars
When you’re in the hunt for a drink, one of the 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 can be value 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 straightforward for waiters to serve your favourite classic together with your pasta. Tastings are supplied for a payment.
Throughout the corridor, Maltings Whiskey Bar, which has a wealthy atmosphere and a formidable 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’ll be able to 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 fascinating 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 out of doors space provides 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 selections. They embrace requirements like Stella Artois, Heineken and Indignant 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, situated between the Style and Savor most important eating rooms; and the A-Listing Bar, which is the proper spot for a pre-dinner drink while you’re eating at both Cagney’s or Los Lobos.
Norwegian Encore leisure
Leisure on Norwegian Encore is nicely above common for a mainstream cruise line. Along with an astounding variety of every day actions like recreation reveals, trivia and artwork courses, passengers can take pleasure in top-deck enjoyable that ranges from laser tag to waterslides.
Night reveals embrace Broadway-caliber musicals, comedians, magicians and extra. This is a roundup of what you should not miss.
Norwegian Encore actions
Though there are many actions on the every day schedule, complimentary stand-outs 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, akin to bingo and artwork courses.
Atrium actions like film screenings (when the climate is just too chilly for movies to be proven on the out of doors display), every day sudoku puzzles, singalongs and “Deal or No Deal” are additionally in style.
Water infants will benefit from the ship’s two swimming pools (Deck 16) and 4 scorching 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 provides accessible lifts for onboard swimming pools however not scorching tubs.
A water park space on decks 16 and 17 options 4 waterslides (two of that are for teenagers and are a part of a kids’s splash space). The 2 bigger slides have peak necessities — 48 inches for Ocean Loops (which has ridiculous bathing swimsuit 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 additionally has its personal non-public pool with a retractable roof and scorching tub. There are additionally two scorching tubs on the unique space’s solar deck.
If you would like 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 solar deck. The previous options its personal scorching tub and huge thalassotherapy pool, in addition to quite a lot of aromatherapy, salt and steam rooms, plus a sauna. Vibe is dwelling to tons of loungers, a pair clamshells, a bar and two scorching tubs. (You will not discover a pool there, although.)
For individuals who need to work up a sweat whereas they’re exterior, there is a jogging monitor on Deck 17. For inside health choices, go to the Pulse Health Middle on Deck 16 aft. It is geared up with free weights, kettlebells, medication balls, foam rollers, weight machines and cardio machines (ellipticals, rowers, treadmills, and many others.). Instructors provides courses like TRX, spin and high-intensity interval coaching for a payment.
If a day of pampering is extra your pace, remedies can be found on the Mandara Spa, close to the health middle. You may e-book massages, facials and a slew of different remedies at costs which can be larger than what you’d discover on land. Separate salon and barber store amenities are additionally accessible for haircuts, shaves, manicures, pedicures and different extra-cost companies.
For the youngsters, try the pay-to-play video arcade, simply off of The Native. They’re going to additionally love the Galaxy Pavilion, which provides a formidable array of virtual-reality rides and video video games, all for a payment. It is also the place you may discover the aforementioned escape room, which is a unbelievable approach to spend an hour drawback fixing with your loved ones (or testing the bounds of your good friend group’s endurance).
For a enjoyable out of doors expertise, attempt a recreation of laser tag, or fake to unleash your inside pace demon on the Encore Speedway. (I say “fake to unleash” as a result of the go-karts’ most pace is not very quick. It is nonetheless enjoyable to say you tried it, although.) Each of those value further, and it’s important to 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 Occasion however now with glow sticks). A number of the greatest onboard leisure venues for night time owls embrace the Social Comedy & Evening Membership, the place you may 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 observe because the ship sails into Glacier Bay, full with drinks, nibbles and Nationwide Park information narration.
The atrium is the place video games are held, indoor films are screened and passengers can discover visitor companies, 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 thing from snacks, toiletries and brand attire to designer purses and duty-free jewellery, cigarettes and alcohol.
The medical middle is situated on Deck 13.
Norwegian Encore reveals
Choir of Man is definitely the principle occasion within the Encore Theater on Norwegian Encore. Even should you’re not a fan of musicals, I can nearly assure you may like what you see, which incorporates every thing from singing, dancing and jokes to loads of references to beer — maybe with some free drinks thrown in should you’re chosen for viewers participation.
The present entails a bunch 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. At the very least one efficiency shall be in the principle theater, whereas the remainder are held in The Social Comedy & Evening 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 snigger 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, with a 3:30 p.m. matinee on a special 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 — plenty of desk floating and another “meh” tips I had seen finished earlier than.
If wanted, signal language interpreters can be found at no further cost when requested at the least 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 over residence in Miami to supply Caribbean voyages through the winter and early spring months.
For the vessel’s 2024 Alaska season, costs on the time of publication begin from $111 per particular person, per night time for the same weekly itinerary.
Panama Canal repositioning sailings start at $43 per particular person, per night time, for an inside cabin on a 21-night voyage from Seattle to Miami within the fall of 2023.
The ship’s seven-night Japanese Caribbean choices round-trip from Miami will set you again $96 per particular person, per night time, at first of 2024.
What to know earlier than you go
Required paperwork
When 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’ll be able to board Norwegian Encore together with your authentic beginning certificates and a government-issued ID, akin to a driver’s license. In any other case, a passport can be utilized. When you’re crusing from a port exterior of your nation of citizenship, you should have a passport with at the least six months’ validity from the time your crusing ends.
Gratuities
Norwegian Encore levies computerized surcharges of $20 to $25 per particular person, per day, to ultimate payments, relying in your cabin class. Based mostly on the extent of service obtained, 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 fundamental ship Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, passengers who haven’t got it included — or those that have the fundamental plan included however wish to improve — pays to attach. Costs fluctuate, however they’re usually fairly costly, starting from about $30 to $35 per particular person, per day, relying on whether or not or not you want streaming capabilities. The price is barely cheaper if you buy prematurely as a substitute of ready till you board.
Carry-on drinks coverage
You may convey your personal bottles of wine on Norwegian Encore, however you may be charged a per-bottle payment of $15 to take action, no matter the place you propose to devour 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 amenities. Passengers wishing to have clothes laundered or pressed can ship them out to be cleaned or dry-cleaned for a payment. On my crusing, costs ranged from $1.95 to launder one undergarment to $19.95 to dry-clean (and press) a swimsuit or night robe.
When objects 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 entire value.
Members of sure tiers of the road’s Latitudes loyalty program obtain free or discounted laundry companies.
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 situated on the vainness. Studying lamps on both aspect of the mattress every had one USB port.
Forex
The foreign money 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. Dad and mom have to be current on the crusing and signal a waiver.
Gown code
Norwegian Cruise Line is likely one of the few cruise manufacturers with no formal nights. The road pioneered “Freestyle” cruising, which implies you’ll be able to put on nearly no matter you want at any time when and wherever you want.
In the course of the day, cruisers can typically be present in T-shirts and shorts or denims. For dinner, they may select to placed on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses, however usually most individuals maintain it informal. Dressing up is strictly optionally available for individuals who take pleasure in cleansing up a bit.
Backside line
Finally, Norwegian Encore provides a strong cruise product. The ship is massive, so it is doubtless not your best option should you take pleasure in smaller (or quieter) vessels. Nevertheless, Encore’s number of actions appeals to vacationers of all ages, making the ship very best for multigenerational household teams. Simply bear in mind that you will doubtless incur a major onboard invoice if you wish to attempt the newest and most adrenaline-pumping pursuits while you sail.
The ship’s extensive 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 nearly any funds, and the leisure alone represents terrific worth for the worth paid.
General, you are prone to be happy with a crusing on Norwegian Encore so long as you are ready for some nickel-and-diming.
Have extra cruise questions? TPG has solutions:
