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 apparently, it was on a cruise — Norwegian Encore, to be precise — 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. For those who’re searching for an pleasant big-ship expertise in your subsequent crusing, the excellent news is that Norwegian Encore, considered one of 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’re going to pay further for lots of what you may discover on board. (Fortunately, the sing-alongs are free.)
The ship underwent a major refurbishment in December 2024 so as to add extra cabins (together with some suites in The Haven), exchange the previous laser tag area with a brand new adults-only retreat and broaden the dimensions of a pair standard eateries.
For those who’re questioning whether or not you’d get pleasure from a crusing on Norwegian Encore or considered one of Norwegian’s different comparable ships, hold studying. I am going to 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 provide one thing for everybody attributable to its giant dimension and spectacular array of facilities. The ship can carry 4,010 passengers at double occupancy; amongst them, you may discover {couples}, good friend 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, 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 explicit 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 outlets, in addition to the on line casino and the comedy membership, artwork gallery, pictures studio and, not far-off, the atrium, the place the visitor providers desk is positioned.
One other shoutout-worthy area is the Galaxy Pavilion, an enormous 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 monitor. All of these points of interest value further.
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What I liked 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 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 participation 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 must make reservations in the event you do not need to miss out. It was supplied a few occasions 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 road meals from varied international locations however leans closely Asian. I used to be shocked to seek out loads of open tables after I confirmed up for my reservation however assumed it was because of the 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.
When you have a eating package deal, save considered one of your meals for this place; in the event you do not, it is well worth the splurge. Belief me: You will not be upset.
The dwell music
I do not usually search out dwell music, however I discovered myself unexpectedly having fun with performances all through the ship. Standouts have 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 whole set of ABBA tunes whereas we ate. It was an odd selection of style for that venue, however it was improbable nonetheless. Everybody was on their toes dancing by the top of the meal.
The escape room
Though it prices $24 per particular person, Norwegian Encore’s escape room expertise, „Bamboozled,“ is a terrific technique to spend an hour of your day, particularly at sea. Join upfront 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 sequence of puzzles to save lots of a sunken ship from its watery grave. (You can be grouped with different passengers in case your get together is not giant sufficient to fill the room.)
Notice that the expertise begins with a fast virtual-reality primer that provides you the backstory. For those who’re liable to movement illness, choose 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 normally capped at six individuals per time slot. Nonetheless, the room can maintain as much as 10 gamers. For those who’re having hassle making reservations, inform the particular person working the desk that you just’re completely satisfied 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 particular person, per day, for normal cabins, NCL’s day by day gratuities (that are mechanically added to every particular person’s onboard invoice) are the very best within the trade.
So many issues value further on Norwegian Encore, from top-deck go-kart racing to the video games at Galaxy Pavilion, in addition to bottled water and occasional (even you probably have the drink package deal that is included in most fares). The added charges might rapidly quantity to some huge cash — particularly in the event you’re touring with youngsters.
Exercise-related quirks
Throughout my crusing, I noticed just a few issues that made little sense. On the primary evening, my journey companion and I checked out the Levity Comedy present in the primary theater. It was first rate, however once 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 have been held in odd places. For instance, sing-alongs and sport reveals like „Deal or No Deal“ have been held within the atrium. Though it is a central location, the area felt too small to accommodate everybody who needed to affix in or watch. Crowds typically 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 ride the waterslides, you’ll be able to’t put on bathing fits with metallic or plastic particulars. That features girls’s fits with adjustable straps and males’s trunks with metallic eyelets or plastic ends to the drawstrings.
The latter prevented most individuals from driving, which was a disgrace. The crew member stationed on the journey’s entrance requested males to drag down their waistbands so he might search for the plastic. Riders whose fits had it have been banned, even when it was on the within and coated 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, subsequently, most reasonably priced) schedules, each by way of 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 occasions 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 preferred tour in Alaska — was out of luck. In Ketchikan, the ship docked seven miles outdoors of city, so as a result of we did not ebook an tour, we spent 40 minutes on shuttle buses to get to the primary 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 look forward to 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 america‘ Passenger Vessel Services Act — was solely three hours, from 8 to 11 p.m., when most issues within the metropolis have 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 baggage outdoors their cabin doorways the evening earlier than disembarkation and decide them up once more of their closing 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 baggage 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 baggage needs to 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 instructed he’d must take it up with the port. He ultimately obtained his a refund, 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 affords an array of cabin types, ranging in dimension from 99-square-foot studios for one particular person 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 personal 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, outdoors, 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 all the things out of our toiletry baggage to retailer it there. The closet was additionally in a wierd location subsequent to the mattress, and because of the 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/self-importance space with a mirror, three 110-volt North American-style shops 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 number of dwell 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 footwear, hats or gadgets you’d wish to fold. It additionally contained a code-operated secure for small valuables.
The hangers have been the picket type that do not have hooks on the high — those with metallic 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 just a few 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 slender 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 primary cabin self-importance, subsequent to the block stool.
The balcony was tiny however adequate 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 thought for pioneering „anytime eating“ on cruise ships — consuming everytime you need, wherever you need, with whomever you need. Passengers are usually not assigned set eating occasions, and you’ll eat in any of Norwegian Encore’s important eating rooms or extra-fee eating places by making a reservation or exhibiting up once you’re hungry. Different meal choices embrace a complimentary buffet and 24-hour room service that comes with a supply payment.
For those who anticipate to dine at a number of added-fee various 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 most effective 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 might be worth in the event you eat a variety of soda or alcohol. A fundamental 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 important 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 primary 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 rooster 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 usually 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 positioned simply above the stage and display space in the primary atrium, so it attracts crowds wanting to sit down and watch what’s occurring beneath.
Different locations without spending a dime fare embrace the Backyard Cafe buffet, which has so many various delicacies stations it is going to 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 evening, and the meals high quality was superior to the ship’s different accessible eating choices. The crabcakes and lobster tail have 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 high. Meals Republic, hidden away on Deck 8 ahead, was my favourite various eating possibility on Norwegian Encore. A light-weight and ethereal area, it affords a number of road 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 rooster teriyaki.
When you have a eating package deal, you’ll be able to choose 4 gadgets 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 number of cider and beer. The Meals Republic cocktail menu has solely 5 drinks, however it was troublesome 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 like outdated Chevy vehicles and tabletops coated in a license plate print.
I ordered a burger with fries and a milkshake after I ate there for lunch, and it was the right 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 gadgets (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 dwell music that accompanies the expertise every evening. 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 the very best barbecue I’ve had, but additionally not the worst.
Different added-fee choices embrace a teppanyaki venue referred to as, unoriginally, Teppanyaki; Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta; seafood eatery Palomar; Cagney’s Steakhouse; and Le Bistro in the event you’re hankering for French delicacies.
Reservations are really helpful in any respect extra-fee eating places, and in the event 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 occasions.
You may order room service 24/7, however be aware that there’s a $9.95 supply cost hooked up. Room service breakfast, together with continental choices, comes with a $4.95 supply payment. Each charges are per order, so you may pay $9.95 (or $4.95) whether or not you order one merchandise or a number of.
Norwegian Encore bars
For those who’re looking 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 various eateries and lounges which might be 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 payment.
Throughout the corridor, Maltings Whiskey Bar, which has a wealthy atmosphere and a formidable number 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 dwell 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 whole 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 choices 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 important eating rooms; and the A-Checklist Bar, which is the right spot for a predinner drink once 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 get pleasure from 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 have been trivia, balloon-twisting periods, fruit- and vegetable-carving demonstrations and enrichment lectures about Alaska, together with dwell 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 simply too chilly for movies to be proven on the out of doors display), day by day sudoku puzzles, sing-alongs and „Deal or No Deal“ are additionally standard.
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 — because of the cooler temperatures, which hovered between the excessive 60s and low 70s. The ship affords 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 youths and are a part of a youngsters’s splash space. The 2 bigger slides have peak 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 scorching tub. There are additionally two scorching 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 scorching 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 scorching tubs. (You will not discover a pool there, although.)
For an adults-only seashore club-style oasis that is fully free, take a look at Spice H20, which took the place of the ship’s former laser tag area throughout a December 2024 refurbishment. The area, for cruisers 18 and older, affords a number of scorching tubs, first-come first-served daybeds, cooling swimming pools and a big bar.
For many who need to work up a sweat whereas they’re outdoors, there is a jogging monitor on Deck 17. For inside health choices, go to the Pulse Health Middle on Deck 16 aft. It is outfitted with free weights, kettlebells, drugs balls, foam rollers, weight machines and cardio machines (ellipticals, rowers, treadmills, and so forth.). Instructors provide courses like TRX, spin and high-intensity interval coaching for a payment.
If a day of pampering is extra your velocity, remedies can be found on the Mandara Spa, close to the health heart. You may ebook massages, facials and a slew of different remedies at costs which might be increased than what you’d discover on land. Separate salon and barber store services are additionally accessible for haircuts, shaves, manicures, pedicures and different extra-cost providers.
For the children, take a look at the pay-to-play video arcade, simply off of The Native. They will additionally love the Galaxy Pavilion, which affords a formidable array of virtual-reality rides and video video games, all for a payment. It is also the place you may discover the above-mentioned escape room, which is a improbable technique to spend an hour problem-solving with your loved ones (or testing the bounds of your good friend group’s endurance).
For some enjoyable outside, unleash your interior velocity demon on the Encore Speedway. (Notice, nonetheless, that the go-karts‘ most velocity is not very quick. It is nonetheless enjoyable to strive it, although.) It prices further, and it’s important to enroll upfront.
After a busy day of actions or exploring ashore, cruisers will discover that the ship comes alive at evening, too — particularly for anybody who loves dancing — with actions like ’50s and ’60s sock hops, silent discos and even a glow get together (previously the White Scorching Celebration however now with glow sticks). Among the greatest onboard leisure venues for evening owls embrace the Social Comedy & Night time Membership, the place you may discover comedic performances and themed events, and The Cavern Membership, which hosts a wonderful 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.
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 shall be even more durable 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, photograph studio, assembly rooms and a twin card room and library, the place passengers can borrow books and board video games.
The onboard outlets, that are clustered on Deck 8, promote all the things 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 teenagers, 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 varied sporting occasions.
The medical heart is positioned on Deck 13.
Norwegian Encore reveals
„Choir of Man“ is definitely the primary occasion within the Encore Theater on Norwegian Encore. Even in the event you’re not a fan of musicals, I can virtually assure you may like what you see, which incorporates all the things from singing, dancing and jokes to loads of references to beer — maybe with some free drinks thrown in in the event 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 occasions scheduled every evening. You’ll positively want reservations; make them early.
Comedy reveals are supplied a number of occasions all through every voyage. At the least one efficiency shall be in the primary theater, whereas the remainder 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 by way of snort 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 evening of my voyage with an early and a late present scheduled, plus 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 — numerous desk floating and another „meh“ tips I had seen executed earlier than.
If wanted, signal language interpreters can be found at no extra cost when requested not less than 90 days upfront.
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 throughout the winter and early spring months.
The ship’s April 11, 2026, Panama Canal repositioning crusing begins at $131 per particular person, per evening, 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 particular person, per evening, in early 2026.
For the vessel’s 2026 Alaska season, costs begin from $168 per particular person, per evening, for the same weekly itinerary.
Notice: Costs have been correct on the time of publication however are topic to vary with out discover.
What to know earlier than you go
Required paperwork
For those who’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 unique start certificates and a government-issued ID, akin to a driver’s license. In any other case, a passport can be utilized. For those who’re crusing from a port outdoors of your nation of citizenship, you must have a passport with not less than six months‘ validity from the time your crusing ends.
Gratuities
Norwegian Encore levies automatic surcharges of $20 to $25 per person, per day, to closing payments, relying in your cabin class. Based mostly on the extent of service acquired, cruisers can modify 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. Nonetheless, passengers who do not have it included — or those that have the essential plan included however need to improve — pays to attach. Costs differ, 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 upfront as a substitute of ready till you board.
Carry-on drinks coverage
You may bring your own 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 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 facilities. 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 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. Identical-day service is on the market for an extra 50% of the full value.
Members of sure tiers of the road’s Latitudes loyalty program obtain free or discounted laundry providers.
Electrical shops
All cabins on Norwegian Encore are outfitted with a mixture of North American-style 110-volt shops and European-style 220-volt shops. In my cabin, there have been three of the previous and one of many latter positioned on the self-importance. Studying lamps on both aspect of the mattress every had one USB port.
Foreign money
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 should be current on the crusing and signal a waiver.
Gown code
Norwegian Cruise Line is among the few cruise manufacturers with no formal nights. The road pioneered „Freestyle“ cruising, which implies you’ll be able to wear just about whatever you’d like every time and wherever you need.
Throughout 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 hold it informal. Dressing up is strictly non-compulsory for many who get pleasure from cleansing up a bit.
Backside line
Finally, Norwegian Encore affords a stable cruise product. The ship is giant, so it is doubtless not your best option in the event you get pleasure from smaller (or quieter) vessels. Nonetheless, Encore’s number of actions appeals to vacationers of all ages, making the ship ideally suited for multigenerational household teams. Simply bear in mind that you’re going to doubtless incur a major onboard invoice if you wish to strive the newest and most adrenaline-pumping pursuits once you sail.
The ship’s vast number of each complimentary and for-fee delicacies is a boon to any group with choosy eaters. Cabins are largely reasonably priced, making a cruise on Norwegian Encore attainable for almost any funds, and the leisure alone represents terrific worth for the value paid.
Total, you are more likely 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:
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