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Review of our Norwegian Encore Alaska 7-Day Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a real-life review, testimony, and photos of a Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise?

We recently had the amazing opportunity to take a 7-day Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Encore.

In this article, we share all of our thoughts (the good & the bad) on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise as well as give our honest opinion on the Encore ship and its Alaska itinerary.

We’ll also share the Norwegian cruise tips that we wish we knew ahead of time, as well as share our day-to-day experiences on shore excursions and aboard the ship.

With over 15 personal photos included, this is the ultimate Norwegian Encore Alaksa review you’ve been looking for!

Table of Contents

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

We chose Norwegian Cruise Lines for our much anticipated Alaska Cruise due to its 7-day, 8-night itinerary that included a day in Glacier Bay National Park (a place that not all Alaska cruise itineraries include) .

We chose to sail on the Norwegian Encore as we were referred by friends who had a great experience, and the fact that the sail dates aligned with our summer vacation week.

Further, we were largely impressed by the enormous amount of family-friendly activities found on the ship that we knew our kids (ages 11, 14, & 16) would love.

Our only other experience cruising together as a family was on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy that we write about here .

Disney Cruise Line exceeded our expectations in terms of its elegant design, high-end services, and enchanting entertainment and set the bar high for our future cruises.

Keep reading to learn our thoughts on Norwegian Encore Alaska and if we loved it just as much.

Alaska cruises are expensive and involve a lot of scenery and sightseeing versus attractions, character, and thrills.

Though we saw children of all ages on our cruise, I recommend that kids be at least 10 years old for an Alaska cruise- or mature enough to fully appreciate the experience.

Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary

For comparison purposes, we took a 7-day cruise on Norwegian Encore that featured 5 ports of call.

Our sail dates were June 11th – 18th and we have an entire article on what to pack and what to wear on an Alaska cruise , as well as the 45 Alaska cruise tips that you need to know before sailing.

Do note that the Norwegian Encore also hosts a 13-day “cruisetour” (land and cruise combo) that includes 6 land tours, and 5 ports of call if that is of interest to you.

Our Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary & Map

• Sunday: Embarkation from Seattle , Washington
• Monday: At sea
• Tuesday: Juneau , Alaska
• Wednesday: Skagway , Alaska
• Thursday: Glacier Bay (cruising)
• Friday: Ketchikan (Ward Cove) , Alaska
• Saturday: Victoria , British Columbia
• Sunday: Disembarkation in Seattle, Washington

Other cruise lines, including Norwegian, offer itineraries with varying ports of call.

Different ports of call on a cruise to Alaska include Sitka, Icy Point Strait, Dawes Glacier, Valdez, Seward, Whittier, and more.

*Stick around until the very end of this article for a look at what we did, where we ate, and what excursions we took on each day of our Norwegian Encore Alaksa cruise.

Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship

The Norwegian Encore first launched in 2019 and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus category of ships.

There are 20 passenger decks with 2,043 staterooms for up to 4,903 passengers (served by 1,731 crew).

As a side note, the ship was near capacity during our 7-day Alaska cruise at a whopping 4,850 passengers!

While much information can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) website regarding the Norwegian Encore ship, we find the NCL website somewhat difficult to navigate.

For that reason, we are including a brief overview of our thoughts on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship in terms of the rooms, deck plans, restaurants, and entertainment.

Norwegian Encore Rooms

Norwegian Encore rooms, also referred to as ‘cabins’, are available in various sizes and price points.

Generally speaking, the larger, more luxurious the room, the higher the price.

Standard options include interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, and upgraded options include The Haven spa suites, penthouse suites, and 2-bedroom family villas.

Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven suites also feature 24-hour butler service and a private sundeck.

Most Norwegian Encore Rooms, excluding The Haven family villas that sleep 6, only accommodate 3 – 4 guests.

Because we were sailing with our family of 5, we opted for 2 adjoining Balcony staterooms. (There are a limited number of adjoining staterooms on the Norwegian Encore that make a perfect option for larger families and groups.)

They are connected by a doorway within the rooms, as shown in the photo below.

Norwegian Encore balcony room review:

• We stayed in rooms 10220 and 10222 (Deck 10, mid-ship).
• Modern, spacious, clean, and adequate storage.
• Super comfortable beds and luxurious bedding (We all loved the beds and slept wonderfully – in addition, we did not feel the ship’s motion.)
• A large bathroom that includes toiletries; powerful toilets.
• The balcony was larger than expected and includes 2 chairs and a table.
• Could opt in or out of daily room cleaning via a wall switch.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations, would recommend to others.

Norwegian Encore Deck Plans

As you may know, the Norwegian Encore is a HUGE ship.

In order to not feel overwhelmed by the size of the Norwegian Encore, I highly recommend that you study the ship’s deck plans prior to departing on your Alaska cruise.

Familiarize yourself with where your stateroom is in relation to the complimentary dining, main atrium, Observation Lounge, and pool deck.

Then get comfortable with where the bars, restaurants, theater, spa, and casino are in terms of being in the front (fwd), or back (aft) of the ship.

Cruisedeckplans.com allows you to make and print a custom map (pdf) of up to 5 decks on the Norwegian Encore. (Personally, we printed off 2 separate sheets, one with Decks 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 on it, and the other with Decks 6, 7, 8, and 10, where our stateroom was.)

We found this incredibly helpful and used our custom deck plans as a ‘map’ that we carried with us at all times on the ship to help us get around. (Use these sheet protectors to keep your deck plans intact.)

When you first embark on the ship, you enter Deck 7 of the Norwegian Encore. (Immediately proceed to Deck 6 to make dining and showtime reservations – more on that coming up in ‘Tips’)

The decks we visited the most were Deck 6 (main atrium, guest services, and Starbucks), Deck 7 for the Encore Theater and The Local Bar & Grill (our favorite complimentary dining venue), and Deck 16 (main pool deck and the Garden Cafe buffet).

Norwegian Encore Restaurants

The Norwegian Encore has plenty of complimentary dining options including the Garden Cafe main buffet, a 24-hour eatery of classic pub fare at the Local Bar & Grill, and sit-down meals at Taste, Savor, and the Manhattan Room.

Taste, Savor, and the Manhatten Room all feature the same daily, rotating menu. (These are all “Freestyle dining”, meaning no reservations are needed.)

Specialty dining  (that is priced per person and often times included in cruise promotions) includes seafood at Ocean Blue, Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, Asian at Food Republic, Japanese at Teppanyaki, Mexican at Los Lobos, French at Le Bistro, BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse, and Cagney’s Steakhouse, as well as Dolce Gelato and Coco’s for sweets. (Reservations required.)

There are also numerous  bars and lounges , including The District Brewhouse, Cellars Wine Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and Maltings Whiskey Bar, among others! 

The Observation Lounge on Deck 15 has several drink and snack stations making it a wonderful place to relax during the day.

It is also a good alternative for those looking for a light breakfast or lunch. Food items include danishes, mini quiche, fruit, bread, cheese, fruit, and desserts.

You have to get to the Lounge very early in the morning to find a good seat, however. It is a very popular lounge, and people tend to ‘save seats’ as well as ‘camp out’ there for an entire day. Head to the back and you’ll almost always find a table near the bar.

Specialty Dining Reservations

Depending on which type of stateroom you’re staying in, you can make specialty dining and entertainment reservations 90 – 130 days in advance.

Be sure to check this page as to when you can make reservations, and book your selections ASAP. Only a certain percentage of reservations open ahead of time, and popular restaurants and dining times book up fast,

If you fail to get the restaurant or reservation time of your choice, head to Deck 6 (in Teppanyaki) immediately upon boarding the ship as this is when the remaining reservations are released.

Thoughts on the Norwegian Encore restaurants:

• The Garden Cafe buffet is very busy during breakfast. We prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and ate breakfast at The Manhatten Room on most days.
• The Local Bar & Grill has a fun atmosphere that overlooks the main atrium. We had consistently good food, service, and drinks there. Our favorites were the chicken wings, loaded nachos, and burgers.
• The Manhatten Room is very busy during evening dinner hours. We mostly ate dinner at Taste or Savor for dinner- although all 3 have the same menu, so it’s just a matter of where you can get a table.
• Our cruise promotion included 2 specialty dining meals per person. We ate at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Q Texas Smokehouse.
• We LOVED and highly recommend Cagney’s Steakhouse (had filet mignon – Yum!), however, would not go to Q Texas Smokehouse again. The food at Q was good, but the service was mediocre and the ambiance was casual and dark – needed our phone flashlight to read the menu.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations; the food on the ship was tasty and delicious.

Norwegian Encore Dining Tips

• When going to the Garden Cafe , have 1 person from your party search for and reserve a table while the others get their food. It is always busy and can be hard to find a table there. Your best option is to find a table in the back of the cafe.
• Complimentary soft-service ice cream machines are in the Garden Cafe. They are very popular! There is also hand-scooped ice cream in the Garden Cafe at a station.
• If we had to choose again, we would go to Ocean Blue instead of Q Texas Smokehouse.
• If the 2 specialty dining restaurants were not included in our cruise promotion, I personally would only pay out-of-pocket to visit 1 specialty dining restaurant (Cagney’s) . We found that there was plenty of variety in the main, complimentary dining.
• If you don’t mind eating early, get to the main dining rooms for dinner 5 minutes before their evening opening time. This will ensure immediate seating and quick service.
• The District Brewhouse beers, Sugarcane’s mojitos, and Maltings specialty cocktails and whiskies are awesome. Ask the bartenders for a ‘snack mix’ as all of the bars have small containers of nuts/corn nuts if you ask for them.
• At random times during the cruise, there is an additional tax on alcohol (something due to international waters/regulations) that you may or may not be warned about.
• I felt that the restaurant attire was much more casual than I anticipated.

Norwegian Encore Entertainment

The Encore offers dozens of onboard  activities , including a go-kart track (singles and doubles), laser tag, VR arcade, outdoor pools, hot tubs, and water slides, as well as a fitness center, jogging track, casino, and spa.

( NOTE: Go-karts, laser tag, the Galaxy Pavilion VR arcade, casino, and spa all cost an additional fee. Go-karts, laser tag, and the spa require reservations.)

There are also stand-up comedians, karaoke, and magic shows, as well as live music, trivia, and fun presentations in The Atrium.

The musical performance Choir of Man was the headliner show while we were on our cruise. It plays 4 different times during the 7-day itinerary and requires reservations.

All of the information regarding the next day’s activities and showtimes can be found in the daily newsletter called Freestyle Daily.

A paper copy of Freestyle Daily is placed outside of your stateroom each afternoon, and can also be found on the NCL app , or at Guest Services.

Thoughts on Norwegian Encore Entertainment

• Reservations are required for Choir of Man and can be booked ahead of time online per this chart , and then again when on the ship.
• Choir of Man was absolutely amazing, however, we wished there had been an additional main-stage production. We ended up going to Choir or Man twice both because we loved it, and because there were no other options for nighttime shows.
• Go-karting ($15 per person) at Encore Speedway, and laser tag ($9.95 per person) also require reservations, which we feel is a bummer and makes it hard to be spontaneous. Reservations filled up fast on sea days, and we ended up only being go at random ‘off times’ and were not able to go as often as we had planned.
• Encore Speedway closes unexpectedly due to weather. If you have a reservation during a weather delay, you are reimbursed but have to rebook on your own. In our case, there were no reservations left, which meant we were not able to rebook.
• There are always fun activities going on in The Atrium . Grab a seat in between performances as the seating area is limited. The Atrium Bar has quick, friendly service.
• We don’t have any tips on the casino or spa as we did not go there.
• Overall impression: Met our expectations, however, wished there were more shows as well as onboard movies shown on the big screen.

In order to avoid having to micro-manage the onboard activity fees during our sailing, we purchased each of our 3 children a set amount of onboard credit.

The onboard credit was applied to their keycards for them to use at their leisure.

This allowed them to plan ahead of time which activities they wanted to spend their onboard credit on and prevented overspending.

Norwegian Cruise Tips

Be sure to download and familiarize yourself with the Norwegian Cruise Line app. You can manage your entire trip from the app, and it does not require WiFii when being used on the ship.

NCL is not very forthcoming on when and how to make dining and show reservations, so mark your calendars accordingly . Once onboard, make reservations at the Guest Services on deck 6, or at the electronic touchscreen kiosks located at each elevator bay.

Also, on the Norwegian Encore, note that the fish on the hallway carpet always swim forward pointing to the front of the ship.

Knowing this will help you maneuver around the ship better.

Last, watch for NCL cruise promotions! We were able to get a “Free at Sea” promotion that includes unlimited open bar, 2 free specialty dining restaurants per person, free WiFii, and $100 off per shore excursion per stateroom. (For the first 2 people on the reservation.)

Tips for Online Check-in and Embarkation

• You choose your port arrival time at the time of online check-in which begins 21 days before your cruise.
• The sooner you do online check-in, the earlier you’ll be able to secure a port arrival time. (I did online check-in at 8 AM, 21 days prior to our cruise, and was able to secure the earliest port arrival time of 9:30 AM.)
• Your NCL luggage tags are mailed to you ahead of time. Place them on your suitcases (after your flight) before boarding the ship.
• Luggage delivery to staterooms is around 3 PM on the day of embarkation. Have a day bag packed of items you’ll need on the ship before your luggage arrives (i.e. passport, medications, swimsuit, sunglasses, etc.)
• Your muster station number will be on your keycard. The initial muster drill is quick and can be done in small groups, at your leisure.

Our 7-day Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

The day before our cruise our flight from Minneapolis, MN arrived at 8 AM in Seattle, Washington.

Our early flight allowed us to have an entire day to explore Seattle, which we highly recommend leaving or finding time to do.

Upon arrival, we were able to store our luggage at our hotel, Seattle Marriott Downtown , and walk around the city from there.

We’ve written an entire article on how to spend 1-day in Seattle that will show you what you can realistically do and see in Seattle before your cruise.

Though a bit pricey, I highly recommend staying at Seattle Marriott Downtown before your Norwegian cruise!

Terminal 66 is literally right across the street (you can see the Encore directly outside the hotel windows!) and you simply walk there the morning of your cruise.

The hotel will also store your luggage for you before and after your cruise based on your flight times and if you’ll be walking around Seattle.

Day 1: Seattle, Washington

There is more than 1 cruise terminal in Seattle, so it is important to know that the Norwegian Encore ports at Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.

At your port arrival time, enter the cruise terminal, go through security, check-in, and you’ll be given a boarding group number.

Passengers are then held in a waiting area (coffee/tea/juice are provided) until the captain signals that boarding may begin. (Exact boarding time varies by the day and is at the captain’s discretion.)

Boarding for boarding group #1 typically begins anytime after 11 AM (ours was at 11:30 AM).

Have a plan for when you initially get on the ship. I suggest first going to Deck 6 to make all dining reservations (at Teppanyaki), then all showtime reservations (at The Social Comedy Club).

Then head to your muster station for a brief safety overview.

Afterward, I recommend going to The Local for lunch. It is very laid back and overlooks the activities in the main atrium.

• 9:15 AM: Got in line (which was already 30 people deep) for our 9:30 port arrival time.
• 11:30 AM: Boarded the ship
• 11:40 AM: Made dining and show reservations, did muster station drill, made go-kart and laser tag reservations at a touchscreen kiosk
• 12:15 PM: Lunch at The Local Bar & Grill
• Toured the ship and took photos
• 5:00 PM: Departure. Went to the Sail Away pool deck party.
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Taste
• 7:30 PM: Comedian in the Encore Theater

Day 2: Day at Sea

Any pre-booked shore excursion tickets are placed in your room on this day.

As on every day of the cruise, we spent our downtime relaxing, playing cards and cribbage in The Atrium, attending presentations & shows, eating, drinking, and enjoying the ship.

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room
• 11:30 AM: Lunch at The Local
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Cagney’s Steakhouse
• 7:30 PM: Choir of Man performance in Encore Theater
• 9:00 PM: Adult-only comedy shows at Social Comedy Club

Day 3: Juneau, Alaska

• 11:30 AM: Lunch at Garden Cafe
• 3:30-9:00 PM: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest shore excursion
• 9:30 PM: Late-night snacks at The Local before going to bed

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Dog Saloon and Tracy’s King Crab Shack.

Day 4: Skagway, Alaska

We needed our passports on this day’s excursion as our tour entered Canada.

• Morning hot tubbing
• 11:30 AM: Light lunch in the Observation Lounge
• 12:30-5:30 PM: White Pass Railway and Suspension Bridge shore excursion
• 6:45 PM: Reservations at Q Texas Smokehouse (specialty dining)
• 8:00 PM: Encore Speedway go-kart reservations
• 8:30 PM: Laser tag reservations
• 9:30 PM: The Beatles Invasion performance in Encore Theater

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Onion Saloon, Klondike Doughboy, Skagway Brewing Co., and Alaska Christmas Store.

Day 5: Glacier Bay (Cruising)

This was, by far, the most scenic day of our Alaska Cruise as Glacier Bay National Park is absolutely stunning.

National Park rangers come aboard the ship and narrate about the glaciers and wildlife you see, as well as share stories about the park’s history.

The narration can be watched live in the Observation Lounge and is simultaneously broadcasted on your stateroom TV and on a large screen in The Atrium.

In addition, the captain opens up the bow of the ship on Deck 8 for this day only, and passengers can enjoy coffee, tea, and hot chocolate while viewing Glacier Bay outdoors.

• 8:00 AM: Went out to the bow of the ship to view Glacier Bay
• 9:30 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room by the windows overlooking Glacier Bay
• Listened to the park ranger talks throughout the day
• Watched the views, glaciers, and wildlife sightings from our balcony stateroom
• 12:30 PM: Light snacks in the Observation Lounge
• 7:30 PM: Comedy Show in Encore Theater

Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast at Garden Cafe
• 8:15 AM-12:00 PM: Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari shore excursion
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at The Local
• 5:00 PM: Encore Speedway reservations (canceled due to rain)
• 5:15 PM: Dinner at Taste

Day 7: Victoria, British Columbia

Disembarkation instructions are placed in your room on this day.

• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Garden Cafe (ate on the pool deck as it was a beautifully sunny day)
• Afternoon: Sat outside around the pool all day enjoying sunshine and live music; kids went on waterslides
• 4:00 PM: Magic show in Encore Theater
• 5:00 PM: Dinner at Savor
• 8:00 PM: The ship arrived at the port in Victoria. We did not get off the ship as the timing was too late for us and we did not want to do an evening shore excursion.

Day 8: Seattle, Washington

• 9:00 AM: Disembarked the ship
• 1:30 PM: Flight home

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Conclusion

With an Alaska cruise having been on our bucket list for quite some time, I feel such happiness having gotten to take our family on this epic Alaskan adventure.

Overall, our experience on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise exceeded my expectations in our ship choice, itinerary (that included Glacier Bay), shore excursions, stateroom comfortability, and food quality – as well as Alaska in general.

We would have liked to have experienced more shows on the ship, as well as wish the family-friendly activities (go-karts & laser tag) did not cost extra money and did not require reservations.

I would highly recommend the Norwegian Encore for an Alaska sailing as well as Alaska overall in terms of a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation experience.

Happy travels!

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Norwegian Encore Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Encore

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Barber Shop *
• Beauty Salon *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• The Observation Lounge
• Gaming Lessons *
• Horizon Lounge
• Whirlpools (9)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge
• Laser Tag *
• Late Night Dancing
• Library and Card Room
• Mandara Spa *
• Ocean Loops
• Poolside Games
• Vibe Beach Club
• Video Arcade *
• Waterslides (5)
• Wine Tasting *
• Kids Aqua Park
• Splash Academy
• The Haven Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Encore Theater
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Social Comedy and Night Club
• The Cavern Club
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Savor Restaurant - Main
• Taste Restaurant - Main
• The Manhattan Room - Main
• Food Republic - Tapas *
• Atrium Bar - Atrium Bar *
• The District Brew House - Brewpub *
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• Mixx Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• A_List Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar - Mojito Bar *
• Starbucks - Coffee Bar *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• Dolce Gelato - Gelato *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• American Diner - Diner *
• Los Lobos - Mexican *
• The Bake Shop - Pastries *
• Waves Bar - Pool Bar *
• The Local Bar and Grill - Pub
• Ocean Blue - Seafood *
• Q Texas Smokehouse - Barbecue *
• Cagneys Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• The Haven Outdoor Restaurant - Suite Guests
• Cocos - Sweets *
• Skyline Bar - Trendy Bar *
• The Cellars Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Maltings Whiskey Bar - Whiskey Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 56
• Very Good 29
• Terrible 32
• All languages ( 187 )
• English ( 177 )
• Spanish ( 7 )
• French ( 1 )

Upcoming itineraries

Cruising the NCL Encore Review: Sailing to Alaska

Are you thinking about cruising on the Norwegian Encore? We took a 7-day Alaska cruise on this mega-ship. Read our NCL Encore Review.

Is a mega cruise ship the way to go for Alaska? Well, it’s a “maybe not” from me. But here’s why we booked this one.

Alaska cruises? We’ve been dreaming about sailing to Alaska for years. We finally made the dream happen aboard the Norwegian Encore.

We sailed to Alaska from late July to early August. We had never been mid-summer cruisers, but a cruise expert told us it was the best time for Alaska. They were right—the weather was unexpectedly warm and mostly perfect, but that doesn’t mean it will always be the case.

With some CruiseNext vouchers burning a hole in our pocket and a good chunk of future cruise credit, we booked the Encore. It’s one of NCL’s newer ships, with stops like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay—a dream itinerary for Alaska newbies.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

But I’ll be honest—I didn’t scrutinize the itinerary details as much as I should have, which bit me later.

• Booking taught us a lot, like how unpredictable Alaska’s weather can be, and you really won’t know until you’re there.
• The cruise line and the ship’s size matter when cruising to Alaska.
• And yep, even after years of cruising, I still made a newbie mistake by not noticing some of our cruise days were shorter than expected.

Despite that, we had an unforgettable first cruise to Alaska.

In our review, we’ll discuss the ship’s features, staff, dining, and entertainment and share must-know tips, complete with photos of the cabin, ship, and food. If you’ve sailed on the Encore, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. Your insights help us and future cruisers alike.

Table of Contents

About Norwegian Encore

Here are a few quick facts about the NCL Encore:

• NCL Encore is the final Breakaway Plus class ship.
• Launched in November 2019, following its completion in October 2019.
• Accommodates up to 4,000 passengers, excluding crew.
• Sister ships include the Norwegian Joy , Bliss, and Escape.

7-Night Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary

Day 1 – Seattle, WA Day 2- Sea Day Day 3 – Juneau, AK Day 4 – Skagway, AK Day 5 – Cruising Glacier Bay Day 6 – Ketchikan, AK Day 7 – Victoria, Canada DAY 8 – Seattle, WA

Norwegian Encore sails Alaska from April to October. In the Winter, you can find the Norwegian Encore in the Caribbean before it returns to the Pacific Coast to sail North to Alaska.

Cruising on Norwegian Encore

Embarkation in seattle cruise port on encore.

Where does the Norwegian Encore cruise ship dock in Seattle? NCL Encore docks at Pier 66 of Seattle.

The embarkation process at Seattle Cruise Port was slow. We even waited until noon to check in, thinking we’d avoid the worst, but that was not the case. 

Embarking at Seattle Cruise Port was a bit of a drag. Despite our strategy to skip the early morning rush by checking in at noon, it hardly made a dent. Here’s the lowdown:

• The Wait: From dropping our bags with the porter to clutching our key cards, it was a 90-minute saga.
• Pro Tip: Have your ID and cabin number ready. You’ll hit a checkpoint immediately to confirm your cruise booking.
• Security Breeze: Once past ID checks, security was surprisingly swift, thanks to the port authority’s efficiency in keeping the line moving.
• Check-In by Deck: We were directed to a check-in area specific to our deck. Word of warning: unless you’re a Latitudes member or have scored a priority booking like The Haven, brace for a bit of a wait.
• Online Check-In?: We did our homework, completed online check-in 21 days out, selfies, etc. Yet, at the counter, it was another photo and health Q&A time again before we finally got our hands on those cruise key cards.

I couldn’t help but wish NCL would take a leaf out of Celebrity’s book—where online check-in means just that. They scan your barcode, do a quick verify, and then it’s smooth sailing (literally) onto the ship.

Don’t stress. Once you’re on the ship after you embark, you forget about the lines and can start enjoying your cruise vacation.

First Thing Onboard: Muster Drill

Our first move was to head to the muster station for check-in right after boarding the Norwegian Encore. It’s wise to complete this early upon embarkation.

Norwegian Cruise Line has reintroduced virtual muster drills, responding to passenger preferences. Initially, they had resumed in-person gatherings at muster stations, but this approach was short-lived.

Passengers receive the muster safety video via email multiple times before the cruise to ensure they watch it before departure. Additionally, the video is available on the NCL App after signing in and on the cabin’s TV on embarkation day.

Watching the video before muster station check-in is mandatory. Completing this step promptly is essential to avoid delaying the ship’s departure.

Make Reservations As Soon As You Can

✔️ Checked in to Muster.

After embarking, securing any reservations that were not pre-booked is important. Although dining reservations can be made 90 days prior via the NCL website or app, some plans require on-the-spot scheduling:

• Dining: Head to Deck 6 at the Teppanyaki restaurant for dinner bookings.
• Entertainment: The Social Club, also on Deck 6, is where you can reserve spots for shows and activities.

We had preemptively reserved our two specialty dining experiences, courtesy of our Free at Sea perks , 90 days before setting sail. “Choir of Men” entertainment was booked 21 days in advance. Close to the sail date, after upgrading to the NCL Premium Plus package—which added two more specialty dining opportunities—we found ourselves needing additional reservations.

Important Tip: Teppanyaki is exceptionally popular, so it’s wise to book as early as possible. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t secure a reservation at a suitable time.

Read more: Norwegian Cruise Drink Packages Explained

Norwegian Encore Cabin # 9218 Review

Cabin 9218 on the Norwegian Encore is located mid-ship on the port side and has a balcony. We usually land on decks 9 or 8 when we cruise. The balcony is a must-have, especially for Alaska. It’s ideal for enjoying the views, spotting wildlife, and relaxing with a book.

However, a word of advice: always check what’s beneath your cabin. Our oversight did not realize that the Sugarcane bar was directly below, leading to some days and evenings with a mix of cheers and laughter filtering up to us. At night, the sound of furniture being rearranged was our unexpected lullaby. Despite this, the serene morning in Glacier Bay , breakfast on the balcony amidst the stunning landscape, was unmatched.

Key points about cabin 9218:

• Power Up: Insert your key card (or any similar-sized card) into a slot by the door to activate the cabin’s electricity.
• Cabin Layout: The sofa next to the balcony door is a cozy spot for reading.
• Bed Comfort: The bed is quite firm; consider requesting an egg crate topper for added comfort.
• Electrical Outlets: The vanity has three US outlets and a couple of USB-A ports on the bedside lamps. But maybe bring a USB port charger to have your bases covered.
• Bathroom Features: Expect a glass-enclosed shower, provided shampoo/conditioner, body soap, and plenty of shelving for storage, though there are no drawers.
• Service: Turndown service is no longer offered, but responsive cabin service (thanks to our attendant, Rachel Madrid) ensured us that requests like extra towels were readily accommodated.
• Location: It is conveniently close to the AFT and FWD elevators and just a short walk from the ship’s main venues.

Tip: Don’t forget to follow the fish on the carpet if you’re going FWD on the cruise ship.

Read: Clever Cruise Cabin Tips and Tricks

Sail Away from Seattle

Setting sail from a bustling city is always a highlight of cruising for me, offering a perspective you can’t get on land. The experience of leaving Seattle was as unforgettable as our sail away from New York City , though in its own unique way. Watching the Seattle skyline, with the Space Needle, the Great Wheel, and the city’s skyscrapers fading into the distance, was a spectacular send-off into our voyage.

Where can you get the best view of the Seattle skyline while sailing away on Norwegian Encore?

For the best views leaving Seattle on Norwegian Encore, want to find a spot on the top deck or The Waterfront starboard side, slowly making your way to the AFT for a panoramic view.

Service on Norwegian Encore

In reviewing the Norwegian Encore, it’s impossible not to spotlight the outstanding service. The crew aboard the Encore is simply phenomenal, always eager to enhance your vacation and make it unforgettable.

My critiques of the Norwegian Encore don’t extend to its crew; they’re exemplary, striving tirelessly to deliver an exceptional experience, even in moments of apparent stress.

Despite the hustle—navigating through crowds, the endless energy of kids, and the occasional high-maintenance guest—the staff remains unflappably courteous and attentive.

A personal testament to their dedication: I once left my phone in a bathroom, only to find upon my panicked return that the attendant had secured it safely at lost and found. I was immensely grateful, thanked her with a tip , and filled out a Vacation Hero commendation, just as I did for my cabin attendant.

Tip: If a crew member assisted and went above and beyond in any way for you, and you think they deserve more, fill out a Vacation Hero Card at guest services. This helps them immensely behind the scenes to promote and receive other incentives.

Dining Aboard the Norwegian Encore

We upgraded to the Premium Plus Package, which included two extra specialty meals and the two that came with the original perks. Therefore, we spent limited time in the main dining rooms but will still share our experiences.

What restaurants are free on Norwegian Encore?

Taste, Savor, Manhatten Room, The Garden Buffet, and The Local are the restaurants included on the Norwegian Encore.

The Garden Buffet

Our buffet visits on the Norwegian Encore were few, often feeling like a plunge into chaos. We ventured in occasionally for pizza, snacks, and desserts.

One breakfast attempt left us regretting not opting for alternatives. We were forced to choose between waiting in line for an omelet or settling for powdered eggs. The dining room, The Local, or even room service (despite the extra cost) are far better options for a more satisfying start to the day.

The buffet’s fare at other times was decent, with nothing particularly memorable except for some delicious chocolate brittle on the first day.

• Remember to check the Freestyle Daily for themed lunches and dinners—they can add variety to your dining experience.

Regrettably, we missed the Indian food, usually a highlight at NCL buffets. On a positive note, the pizza on the Encore, complete with real cheese, redeemed our less impressive pizza experience on the Joy. However, the buffet’s late-night options were non-existent. Gone are the days of grabbing pizza or cookies after 10 p.m., a convenience we enjoyed on other ships.

Tip 1: When it’s packed, grab a seat first and take turns getting food to avoid standing meals. Tip 2: Craving cookies? They’re not out in the open, so ask near the ice cream/dessert station. They’re happily provided upon request.

Taste & Savor

Taste and Savor, two of Norwegian’s three main dining rooms, offer meals included in your cruise fare. We tried them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, finding solace from the crowded buffet.

Breakfast was a highlight in the dining room. An early arrival means a quieter setting, perfect for enjoying coffee and fresh eggs by the window. The menu is largely consistent and features a few rotating special breakfast items.

Lunch brought a pleasant change with three rotating menus. Dining here provided a welcome escape from the ship’s hustle and bustle.

Taste and/or Savor is open for LUNCH on days it is at sea. Consider eating here instead of the buffet. 

Dinner experiences at Taste and Savor varied. The service felt either lacking or hurried, not from a lack of effort but due to the overwhelming number of guests. Staff, including managers pitching in to assist, worked hard to deliver exemplary service, emphasizing our vacation should be relaxing, even insisting on refilling our sparkling water themselves.

Among the standout dishes was a Hawaiian Pork Belly, highly recommended by multiple servers—and they didn’t miss. The same night, cannoli for dessert came highly suggested and did not disappoint.

The servers were our reliable guides to the menu, accurately pointing us towards the best dishes.

We usually enjoy dining at The Manhattan, the third main room, on other NCL ships, but we didn’t visit it on this cruise.

The Local, included in your cruise fare, is practically open 24/7, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a pared-down late-night menu.

This time around, The Local really stepped up its game. I’m usually on the fence about it, but the Wrangler Burger and the carrot cake genuinely impressed me. Although I noticed the Rueben getting a lot of love from other diners, pastrami isn’t my thing.

However, service is the one area where The Local continues to fall short. It’s not a reflection of the staff’s effort but rather an indication of being understaffed during peak times, struggling to keep up with the restaurant’s popularity.

Food Republic

Given all the great things I had heard about it, I was still baffled as to why we waited so long to try Food Republic on NCL. The moment we sampled the offerings, it was clear: the food here is delicious and offers the best desserts we encountered on our cruise.

Food Republic’s specialty is sushi, which initially deterred us since my husband isn’t a fan of fish. However, the reality was a delightful surprise—an Asian Fusion menu packed with various meat options, all served in a tapas style that was ideal for sharing. The menu is a mix of dishes like sushi, ramen, and pork belly bao with unexpected Mexican twists like Tijana fries.

If you’re dining with the specialty dining package, each diner can select up to four dishes, including desserts. For us, that meant a feast of eight shared plates, ranging from small appetizers to full-blown entrees. We relished every dish we ordered, though I regret not capturing the Lamb Kalbi, another standout, in our photo memories.

Our top tip: come hungry, but order wisely. You’ll place your order through a tableside tablet, and dishes are served as soon as they’re ready.

Keep an eye on the newsletter for opening times. Food Republic was available for lunch (for an extra fee) on one of our final sea days.

Food Republic Menu on Norwegian Encore PDF

Le Bistro holds a special place in our hearts on Norwegian Cruise Line. As you might remember from my past reviews , we’ve always made a point to visit.

The cuisine at Le Bistro remains exceptional, though the menu has seen some adjustments. Notably, the veal chop has been removed, and opting for the Filet now incurs a $10 supplement charge if you’re using the specialty dining package.

I left my comfort zone this time and chose the Dover sole for my main dish. It was decent, but I envied my husband’s Filet de Boeuf, which was remarkably tender and flavorful.

However, Le Bistro’s ambiance on the Norwegian Encore is compromised by its peculiar placement. Tucked away on deck 17 AFT, nestled behind the American Diner, adjacent to the Galaxy Pavilion, and beneath the rumble of go-karts, it’s clear that in the ship’s design phase, the quest to accommodate as many specialty dining options as possible relegated Le Bistro to a less-than-ideal location.

Despite the impeccable food and service, the dining experience was marred by a constant vibration, an anomaly we hadn’t felt elsewhere on the ship during our week-long journey. Consequently, we opted to cancel our second reservation at Le Bistro for that week, choosing instead to explore what Los Lobos had to offer.

Le Bistro Menu on Norwegian Encore PDF

Out of curiosity, we gave Los Lobos a shot, admittedly with a bit of skepticism given the high bar set by Los Angeles’ Mexican cuisine. To our delight, Los Lobos was a hit.

Heeding our waitress’s recommendations paid off—she guided us flawlessly. The stars of the meal were the tableside guacamole and queso fundido for starters and the carne asada as our main dish.

The portions are generous with the specialty dining package, so it’s wise to order with your appetite in mind. We found ourselves overwhelmed by the abundance of food, managing only one dessert between us.

For those without the specialty dining package, opting for an à la carte experience at Los Lobos is still worthwhile. It’s the perfect venue for enjoying a few appetizers accompanied by a margarita

Los Lobos Menu on Norwegian Encore PDF

Onda by Scarpetta

Onda by Scarpetta on the Norwegian ship was a pleasant surprise, especially since we are quite particular about Italian cuisine. However, we were skeptical about whether it could truly deliver an authentic experience.

The pasta, however, was delicious.

We kicked things off with the pizza, which was all right but didn’t wow us. The real game-changer was the stromboli included in the bread basket—it was so good that it rendered ordering pizza unnecessary. A salad or burrata would make better choices alongside it.

The pasta dishes genuinely impressed us. I went for the Tagliatelle, teeming with lobster in a spicy tomato sauce, and it was nothing short of divine. Skeptically, my Italian husband tried the Pappardelle Bolognese, fully expecting disappointment. Instead, he polished off his plate, much to his own astonishment.

Though we didn’t capture it in photos, the tiramisu for dessert continued the trend of exceeding our expectations.

And here’s a special shoutout to the Palermo Old Fashion cocktail at Onda—a highlight.

Onda by Scarpetta Menu on Norwegian Encore PDF Onda by Scarpetta Dessert Menu on Norwegian Encore PDF

Other specialty restaurants and specialty eateries on Norwegian Encore we did not try on this trip:

• Q Smokehouse
• American Diner
• Cagney’s
• Coco’s
• The Bake Shop

Tip: If you arrive early at any restaurants onboard, don’t hesitate to request a window seat. The staff are more than willing to oblige if they can. Given the prolonged daylight on an Alaskan cruise, this prime spot lets you feast your eyes on breathtaking views and possibly spot some wildlife as you dine.

Starbucks on Norwegian Encore

Finding only one Starbucks on the Norwegian Encore, located on Deck 6 near the atrium, was a bit of a surprise, especially since the Joy boasts two. Despite the potential for long lines, the stellar staff improved the experience significantly.

Earl, a standout barista, was a whirlwind of efficiency, always managing to hustle through orders while ensuring quality. The speed of service and attention to detail sets Starbucks apart. Each coffee was crafted with care, not merely assembled, culminating in the delightful finishing touch of latte art.

Starbucks’s quality on the ship starkly contrasted with the everyday experience on land. While I seldom visit Starbucks at home, the coffee on the cruise was exceptional, earning a solid A+ in my book.

Additionally, the convenience of having the Premium Plus Package meant we could enjoy specialty coffees at the sit-down restaurants, too. Ending dinner with a dopio espresso.

Norwegian Encore Activities and Entertainment

On our cruise, we decided not to chase down every show, focusing instead on soaking in Alaska’s breathtaking scenery and indulging in the ship’s eats. With the Encore at full capacity, we avoided the more crowded events when possible.

Attending events at The Cavern or the Social Club was particularly tricky. The seating capacity in these venues couldn’t cope with the demand from the ship’s guests, making early arrival essential for securing a spot. So, I advise showing up well in advance for those planning to catch performances in these intimate venues.

Choir of Men

Cost: $0 | Reservations Recommended

The standout performance on the Norwegian Encore is undoubtedly the “Choir of Men.” We were unsure what to expect when heading in, but the show blew us away.

This British musical blends heartfelt emotion, humor, and incredible talent. The cast delivers energetic renditions of beloved songs spanning decades. The show starts with a prelude, engaging the audience and even offering beers on stage—a festive vibe maintained from start to finish.

It’s an absolute must-see. Reservations open up 21 days before sailing, but I’ve heard it’s quite feasible to get in on standby at the theater without a reservation.

The “Choir of Men” cast also performs “Dudes Sing the Divas” at the Cavern Club. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find seating when we attempted to attend last minute. Despite enjoying the initial moments, the lack of comfortable viewing space led us to leave early. Keep an eye on the Freestyle Dailies for this one—it’s worth trying to catch.

The Beatles Invasion

This might be a bit of an unpopular opinion, but we didn’t enjoy the performances as much as “The Beatles Story” we experienced on the Joy. Nonetheless, if you’re a Beatles fan, it’s worth listening.

The band plays in both the Cavern Club and the Theater, offering multiple opportunities to catch their rendition of Beatles classics.

Cost: $15 per ride for 10 minutes of racing | Reservations required

The Go-Karts on the Norwegian Encore are a must-try, ideally booked in advance. Stretching impressively across two levels from Deck 19 to Deck 20, they represent one of the ship’s pinnacle attractions.

My husband, a car and racing enthusiast, was eager to test them out. While the experience was enjoyable, frequent interruptions to enforce rules or assist drivers stuck in corners slightly marred the excitement, dampening the thrill of the race.

Personally, I feel the Go-Karts occupy an excessive amount of valuable ship real estate. Given the choice, I’d advocate for an additional pool to enhance the onboard leisure options.

The Pool Deck on Norwegian Encore

The Norwegian Encore has two pools outside of The Haven and Thermal Spa areas: one designated for kids and the other ostensibly for adults only. The latter rule appears to be more of a suggestion than a strict policy.

During our cruise, we opted not to use the pools, but we noticed many people basking in the unexpected sunny weather in Seattle on embarkation day. So, a tip for future cruisers: pack your swimsuit in your carry-on to be prepared for such opportunities. This Alaskan cruise saw several warm days, a rarity, with many guests seizing the chance to enjoy the weather.

• Hot Tubs: The ship features 9 hot tubs, often found to be full of children.
• Aqua Park: Located right next to the kids’ pool, catering to younger guests.
• Water Slides: Includes the Aqua Racer and Ocean Loops, though we didn’t try these out on our

The Casino on Deck 7

Deck 7 of the Norwegian Encore is dominated by the Casino, which, to our surprise, was often quieter than expected. The lack of the usual bustling crowd on other cruises was noticeable, with fewer passengers participating in the games.

One commendable feature is the Casino’s designated smoking section, effectively isolated from the rest, ensuring a more pleasant experience for non-smokers.

There were also several enticing activities we didn’t explore but are worth noting for their extra cost and popularity among guests:

• Laser Tag: Our attempt to book a slot fell through because it was completely reserved.
• Galaxy Pavilion
• Virtual Escape Room

The Spa Thermal Suite on Norwegian Encore

Cost: $299 to $350 pp for the week

Though we didn’t secure a pass for the Thermal Suite on the Norwegian Encore, we regret this decision in retrospect. This Thermal Suite stands out as one of the nicest ones we’ve seen on Norwegian ships, warranting a special mention in this review for its array of features.

The Thermal suite includes heated chaise lounges, a thermal pool, a hot tub, dry and wet saunas, a salt room, and a cold room. Its exclusivity is notable—only up to 100 passengers can purchase a thermal pass, making it a serene retreat from the ship’s hustle and bustle.

For those considering a similar cruise, it’s worth noting that a limited number of passes are available for purchase before embarkation, with the option to buy on embarkation day if any remain. Occasionally, daily passes are offered, though these, too, are limited in availability. Next time, securing a thermal pass will be a high priority on our list for an itinerary like this.

Observation Lounge: Crowds, Wildlife, and Lounge Lizards

The Norwegian Encore’s observation lounge was a magnet for crowds during our Alaska cruise, particularly when snacks were available. Five to six stations offering light fare emerged at specific intervals throughout the day, drawing quite an audience.

On a few occasions, securing seats around lunchtime proved possible, employing a strategy of waiting for the majority to head to the buffet. However, the moment food was served within the lounge, the noise level soared, and the area became densely populated, prompting our departure.

Despite the hustle, snagging a spot in the Observation Lounge was worth it for the panoramic views and wildlife spotting opportunities. On the first day at sea, we were thrilled to see whales, dolphins, and seals, with each sighting bringing a wave of excitement throughout the lounge.

The lounge’s bar deserves a mention for its exceptional drink concoctions, which add to the space’s appeal.

One downside, however, was the tendency for some passengers to treat the lounge as their personal living space, occupying seats from dawn till dusk.

Finding Scenery on the Waterfront

Deck 8’s Waterfront is a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and unmatched views, especially during our Glacier Bay glide. Surprisingly, it remained uncrowded, offering unparalleled vistas without the hustle of the ship’s more frequented spots.

Experiencing the wilderness and wildlife directly from the Waterfront elevates the moment far beyond what the Observation Lounge can offer. Yes, it’s chillier out on the open deck, but the vivid, unobstructed views and the opportunity to capture the natural beauty without the hindrance of glass or watermarks are invaluable.

For cruisers looking to dodge the crowds with a touch of exclusivity, the Vibe Beach Club presents an attractive albeit paid alternative.

Other Observations of the Norwegian Encore

• Smooth Sailing: Our journey was remarkably smooth. I scarcely felt the ship’s movement except for our dinner at Le Bistro.
• Crowded Spaces: As expected for a mid-summer cruise, the Encore was at full capacity. The crew was fantastic, though visibly stretched thin by the demands of a full ship.
• Cabin Attendant Workload: Despite the absence of turn-down service, our cabin attendant often worked late into the evening, sometimes seen attending rooms 20 doors away. It raises the question: just how many cabins are they responsible for?
• Ship Layout: Although the Encore is a sister ship to the Joy, its layout struck us as slightly peculiar. Interestingly, the Joy was initially tailored for the Asian market before refurbishment. Despite this, our preference leans towards the Joy for its distinct charm within the fleet.
• Glacier Bay Experience: The ship’s bow opens on the morning Glacier Bay is reached, offering a prime viewing spot as we approach the first glacier around 9:15 a.m.

• Warm Beverages on Glacier Bay Day: The Waterfront was equipped with hot chocolate and coffee stations, including Irish coffee (available for an extra charge without a drink package), perfect for chilly observations of Glacier Bay.
• Diverse Dining Options: Despite the full capacity, Norwegian excellently offered multiple dining options beyond the buffet for breakfast and lunch during sea days, ensuring no shortage of choices.
• Seeking Serenity: For those traveling during peak season and searching for quieter spaces on the ship, it might be worth investing in access to the Thermal Spa or The Vibe for a more secluded experience.
• Efficient Disembarkation: With an early flight on disembarkation day, we opted for the self-assist walk-off option at 7 a.m., finding a line already forming at The Local on Deck 7. Thankfully, the process was swift once clearance was given.

Norwegian Encore Freestyle Dailies

Here are the Freestyle Dailies from our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise. Remember that these newsletters are specific to our cruise week, and all the times, shows, activities, and details are subject to change.

We’re sharing these to give you a sneak peek into what your cruise might look like and help you strategize your reservations.

NCL Encore Freestyle Daily – Day 1 NCL Encore Freestyle Daily – Day 2 NCL Encore Freestyle Daily – Day 3 NCL Encore Freestyle Daily – Day 4 NCL Encore Freestyle Daily – Day 5 NCL Encore Freestyle Daily – Day 6 NCL Encore Freestyle Daily – Day 7

🚢 Book a Norwegian Encore Cruise

Sailing to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore

Embarking on the Norwegian Encore to Alaska was a journey filled with breathtaking moments. Yet, I need to share the highlights and the lows for those planning their own Alaska cruise vacation.

Mega-Ship: The Encore is vast and bustling, especially in summer. Those seeking a quieter, more intimate cruise might prefer a smaller vessel. Perhaps an NCL Gem Class ship or another cruise line.

Port Time: Reflecting on our experience, a ship offering longer port stays would have been ideal for a deeper exploration of Alaska.

Docking Distance: The Encore docked furthest from centers, notably in Ketchikan, where the distance from Ward Cove impacted our time ashore with only half a day there. While other cruise lines docked much closer and in the center of town.

Despite these points, our Alaska cruise introduced us to stunning landscapes and wildlife. The Encore, I believe, is perfect for families or groups but less so for our quiet Alaska cruise preference.

Our loyalty to Norw egian doesn’t blind us to areas for improvement. For future Alaskan adventures, as long as we are traveling alone as a couple, we will look for a smaller ship, offering a more personal experience. Ultimately, the best cruise for you aligns with your travel style and what you wish to get from your cruise vacation.

Does Norwegian Encore have an adults-only area?

Yes, the Vibe Beach Club and the Thermal Suite Spa stand out as adult-only havens on the Norwegian Encore. Special passes for these areas are available for purchase on the morning of embarkation day, with the option to sometimes buy them online beforehand.

Does Norwegian Encore have an adults-only pool?

The Norwegian Encore features a pool on the pool deck that is intended for adults only. However, enforcement of this rule is lax, and children often use the pool.

What drinks are free on Norwegian Encore?

On the Norwegian Encore, as with most NCL ships, guests enjoy a range of complimentary beverages. This includes filtered water, standard coffee and tea, select juices and milk during breakfast and lunch, and hot chocolate packets.

For those desiring a bit more luxury, premium cocktails, frozen drinks, bottled water (still or sparkling), soda, and specialty coffees are available for an additional cost.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• Norwegian Joy Cruise Ship Review
• Norwegian Epic Cruise Ship Review
• Norwegian Pearl Cruise Ship Review
• Norwegian Getaway Cruise Ship Review

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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What a nice and complete review of the NCL Encore! Thanks.

Appreciate the comment.

We sail out on 10/8 on the Encore. Your review has been very helpful and I have a better idea of what to expect for our first cruise to Alaska!

Hi Christina – Appreciate your kind comment. Hope you have a great cruise@ Have a fabulous time. Since it is an October cruise, let’s hope the ship is not as super crowded for you as it was for us. Either way, Alaska is amazing and you will have a beautiful time.

The Commonplace Traveler

Best family vacation ever our alaskan cruise on norwegian encore.

An Alaskan cruise has long been on my bucket list, but always in the “one-day” column. I’d flip through the cruise fliers that fill my mailbox weekly, pause over the beautiful pictures of Glacier Bay or Ketchikan’s Creek Street, and think, One day . One day, when the kids are older, when money is no object, when we have the time, when, when, when . . .

In other words, Alaska was a dream, not a goal. I had no doubt we’d make it there eventually, but probably not in the next year or two or five.

Then last November my in-laws announced they wanted to take us all (my husband and his sisters, their spouses, and the grandkids) on an Alaskan cruise. We usually take a big family trip, even just to the beach, once a year, but the pandemic had put that on hold since 2019. For our return to family vacations, they wanted to go big and make up for lost time.

My husband T. J. and I became the de facto trip planners for this trip, so it fell to us to research cruise itineraries, ships, and excursions that would appeal to people of nearly every age and ability, from toddlers to retirees. In the end, we presented our findings to the family, and Norwegian Encore won the vote.

Why We Chose Norwegian Encore for our Alaskan Cruise

I’ll give a more thorough review of the ship in future posts, but for now suffice it to say we picked this ship and itinerary because it was the only one that fit the core needs of our group.

• Embarkation port: Not everyone in our family had a passport, so we needed a closed-loop itinerary sailing from Seattle. (Meaning the ship left from and returned to Seattle, rather than one that, say, left Anchorage and ended in Vancouver.) That eliminated some cruise lines, like Disney, that sail out of Vancouver.
• Timing: There was only one week this summer when everyone in our family was available (the week of Memorial Day), so that limited which ships and itineraries we could consider.
• Itinerary: We decided Glacier Bay was a must, which limited our itinerary choices further to NCL or Princess. The two ships in contention had almost identical itineraries for that week.
• Ship: We were traveling with six kids between the ages of 2 and 15. Norwegian Encore has a racetrack, open-air laser tag, VR game room, huge waterslides, a kids’ aqua park, and two arcades. The Crown Princess has . . . a basketball court.
• Deals: Throw in the Free-at-Sea promotion and BOGO airfare NCL frequently offers, and the winner was clear. (Although later I’ll have an article about NCL airfare and whether Free-at-Sea is everything it appears to be.)

The Best Family Vacation Ever?

The fourteen of us—minus our two-year-old, Fin, who was born at the beginning of COVID-times—have taken many vacations together. We’ve gone to Disney World; taken a Caribbean cruise; and rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; and we spend at least one week in Orange Beach, Alabama, nearly every year.

Alaska was our best family vacation yet. We had a great time aboard the Encore, loved our time in Alaska, and came back with many wonderful memories and experiences to treasure. But there are definitely things I would do differently if given the chance, or things I wish I’d known before we booked this ship, itinerary, and certain excursions.

Over the next couple of months, I’ll be sharing the research I did before our Alaskan cruise on Norwegian Encore, our actual port/excursion experiences, what I know now that I wish I’d known then , as well as other information about the ship and itinerary. In this series, you’ll find individual posts on the following topics:

• What we loved and hated about our balcony cabin, stateroom 14268
• How we spent our evening in Juneau (whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, and Nugget Falls!)
• How to have the BEST day in Skagway with a DIY Jeep tour to Yukon Territory & Emerald Lake
• Why Glacier Bay National Park should be on your “must-see” Alaska list
• Our perfect morning in Ketchikan—and why I would avoid sailing Encore’s Alaska itinerary in the future
• Why you should lower your expectations for Victoria, but still get off the ship— Coming soon!
• How to keep small kids entertained on Encore— Coming soon!
• What it’s REALLY like flying with NCL’s air promotion and whether we’d do it again— Coming soon!
• How to choose the right Alaskan cruise for you— Coming soon!

Thoughts? Questions?

What else would you like to know about cruising on the Norwegian Encore or to Alaska that I haven’t covered in the listed posts? Have you been on the Encore or cruised Alaska before? What was your experience like? What would you recommend (or advise against)? Sound off in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. And if you want to be among the first to learn when new articles are published, including the ones listed as “coming soon” above, be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL Encore - Alaska Review - 8/28 - 9/4 2021

By LoveByrds , September 6, 2021 in Norwegian Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

Hi! I'm just off of the Encore, and thought I'd share our cruise and excursions.  We had a great trip with sunny weather, and a wonderful time. This is our 4th Alaskan cruise (2 Princess, 1 Celebrity, and now NCL). 🙂

I've started posting the videos I took on YouTube if you're interested. I'm a very amature videographer with access to 1 free background song. Sorry, Lol.

https://youtube.com/channel/UC1mkAxeAbvonaOvQYU0DSbA

I'll start with the onboarding process.

We drove up from Oregon that morning, and arrived in Seattle around noon on the 28th. Our checkin time with NCL was 1:30pm. I won't detail our frustrating 30 minute journey trying to drop off luggage, and park the car, instead I'll tell you what we will do next time! 

If you are driving, or being driven, from I5 or wherever, take Wall street and turn left (south) onto Alaskan Way. There will be an area to pull off on the right to drop off luggage (just before the green skybridge). 

If your luggage has NCL tags already, just drop it off. (We were shouted at and told to "drop your bags and go. GO! GO!") There are no names checked here, literally just luggage drop off with a porter. Keep your carry-on bag with you, and all important papers! 

(Have your driver park the car and meet you at the bottom of the Bell Harbor Conference Center.)

Walk south towards the green skybridge. Continue under the green skybridge. When the area opens up and you can see Anthony's Pier 66 restaurant, there will be an NCL employee at the base of stairs of the Bell Harbor Conference Center directing you to one of 3 testing sites (based on how full they are). On 8/28 they were testing at the Marriott, the World Trade Center (flag place beside Marriott), and in the Bell Conference Center. Once our driver/vacationer arrived we were ready to get going.  Our boarding time was checked, and we were allowed up 15 minutes prior to the time listed on the boarding pass. 

Overview of queues: You'll first be tested, sit in a waiting room for the results, have your ID checked, checkin for the ship, be x-rayed, and finally board. 

You will want to have these close at hand: NCL boarding pass showing your boarding time (paper or electronic), your ID, and your passport/birth cert.

We were tested for Covid, and onboard within an hour!!!

If you have difficulties walking long distances, I'd suggest getting a wheelchair. The checkin process was fast, but lengthy with lots of queues and walking. 

Another pro tip - if you park in the parking garage on the corner of Wall street and Alaskan Way and pay online, when you exit next week you will need the ticket stub you received upon entry and the payment transaction ID. When you get to the ticket booth, push the call button to speak to someone. They will ask for the faint red number of your ticket, and need to know where/how you paid and the payment/transaction ID. Since there was no one at the ticket booth, this was a huge issue for many drivers and caused lengthy backups exiting. 

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Pic of conference center where we checked in.

Following. Thank you for the information!

As far as you know, can you drop off your luggage, get tested and then wander around the waterfront before your boarding time? Or do you have to go to the ship right after getting your wristband showing you passed the COVID test?

zerooveride

11 minutes ago, rsato said: As far as you know, can you drop off your luggage, get tested and then wander around the waterfront before your boarding time? Or do you have to go to the ship right after getting your wristband showing you passed the COVID test?   Thanks!

Here's how it went for the 8/21 sailing:

Drop luggage off with porter and head across the street to the Marriott. They recommend you check all luggage, but there is a holding area for your carry-on luggage. I believe they don't want the luggage in the testing room. You then get processed in by Eurofins, get directed to a testing booth, then have a seat until you receive your test results. Once you receive the negative result you are given a wristband and can then head across the street to the terminal for check-in. They have people out on Alaskan Way directing people where to go.

I don't believe that there is anything stopping you from wandering after your test results, but I do remember them asking me at check-in what my port arrival time was from my eDocs. These times are not just for testing but to keep the terminal less congested. We arrived and were on the boat about 10 minutes after we completed check-in. The whole process for us took about an hour and 10 minutes from the point of getting out of the Uber to being on the ship. Our check-in time was 10-10:30.

31 minutes ago, rsato said: As far as you know, can you drop off your luggage, get tested and then wander around the waterfront before your boarding time? Or do you have to go to the ship right after getting your wristband showing you passed the COVID test?   Thanks!

Yes I think so. After dropping off luggage, getting tested, and getting pink wrist bands, then we were free to wander prior to checking in. In fact my husband went back to the car in the parking garage to get a forgotten item, and we roamed around the pier while waiting for him. 

In between testing and check-in my husband realized he forgot his hat, and went back to the car to get it. The rest of us wandered the pier waiting for him. So some time passed between testing and boarding.

Onboard the Encore: The first thing that occurred when we boarded the Encore was to be directed to our muster station. (Your muster station is printed on your ship card.) Our muster station was in the Manhattan Dining room. It was a quick overview, we confirmed we'd watched the safety video, and we were on our way! 

By now was close to 3pm, so we decided to peek and see if our room was ready. So we walked up to deck 9 to our balcony stateroom #9864. And it was ready and waiting!

Our cabin had the bed close to the window, and the balcony was larger then we expected! It was longer then expected, and partially covered and partially open above us. What was unusual was it wasn't considered a obstructed view, but deck 8 jutted out beyond our balcony so we couldn't see straight down into the ocean. I liked having the bigger balcony though! I probably could have fit a lounger. 

One of the things I like about the ship already is that the carpet has fishies heading towards the front of the ship. So knowing we had an even numbered cabin, near the aft elevators made it easy to find throughout the cruise.

Next up, exploring the ship!

Sailing12Away

1 hour ago, rsato said: As far as you know, can you drop off your luggage, get tested and then wander around the waterfront before your boarding time? Or do you have to go to the ship right after getting your wristband showing you passed the COVID test?   Thanks!

We were on this sailing as well. Stayed at the Marriott the night before, checked out of the hotel around 9:30am and headed across the street to the pier. Dropped bags off at the white tents, then had to wait until our time on the eDocs before we could climb the stairs to the testing center. After getting our pink bands, you walk back down to the first floor for the check-in process. After we got our room cards we left the building completely and went to the market place to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy more of Seattle.

When we were ready to get on the ship we went back upstairs with our room cards and photo ID and were on the ship when we wanted to be there.

Thorswife59

Hi!  Just wondering how you felt about the cruise overall? Did it feel extremely different under Covid protocols? Meals, entertainment, pools, hot tubs, etc. 

We’re kind of nervous about getting back in the saddle. Thanks for any input! 

1 hour ago, Thorswife59 said: Hi!  Just wondering how you felt about the cruise overall? Did it feel extremely different under Covid protocols? Meals, entertainment, pools, hot tubs, etc.    We’re kind of nervous about getting back in the saddle. Thanks for any input! 

To my knowledge there has been zero passengers coming down with Covid during their cruises. All crew are wearing masks. Washy-washy everywhere. Lots of space and distance in restaurants. Masks on excursions and around ports. I felt very comfortable.

3 hours ago, Thorswife59 said: Hi!  Just wondering how you felt about the cruise overall? Did it feel extremely different under Covid protocols? Meals, entertainment, pools, hot tubs, etc.    We’re kind of nervous about getting back in the saddle. Thanks for any input! 

It felt like "before" Covid times on the ship in a lot of ways. As far as know all activities seemed to be available - Covid wise. I'd hoped to do some extra fun activities the last sea day (racetrack & slides), but they were closed due to weather. 

While the crew was all masked, most of the passengers did not wear them. Although I started wearing mine, and saw more worn after receiving notice of crew illness on the 5th day. (I have immunity issues and am more cautious then most though.)

We really enjoyed the layout of the Encore. One thing that really stood out is that many of the activities, venues, and eateries are grouped together in the center of the ship on deck 6, 7, and 8. Some ships make it seem like you walk a million miles between things, but this the Encore has things closer together. I felt like there were always fun activities going on in the atrium (trivia, concerts, music, games), as well as things in the venues that surround the atrium.

We loved deck 8's outdoor seating with continuous bar service! There are many different seating area, heaters to keep you warm, several areas with floor to ceiling windows for when it rains, and plenty of nearby restrooms. My mom still got chilled so the next best thing to being outside, was the Observation Deck.

The Observation Deck is on 15, just below the buffet.  The floor to ceiling windows, muted decor, and easy access to restrooms, snacks and a bar made it perfect for reading, chatting, and playing cards. We saw whales in the distance, jellyfish, and some sort of ray from here. And even in the nastiest weather, we were warm and cozy. I finally won at 5 Crowns, but proceeded to lose every card game thereafter. Luckily there were frequent desserts to cheer up my losing streak, and my favorite drink The Painkiller (sub Malibu for Prussars).

7 hours ago, Sailing12Away said: We were on this sailing as well. Stayed at the Marriott the night before, checked out of the hotel around 9:30am and headed across the street to the pier. Dropped bags off at the white tents, then had to wait until our time on the eDocs before we could climb the stairs to the testing center. After getting our pink bands, you walk back down to the first floor for the check-in process. After we got our room cards we left the building completely and went to the market place to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy more of Seattle.   When we were ready to get on the ship we went back upstairs with our room cards and photo ID and were on the ship when we wanted to be there.

Safe to assume it here is an elevator? Hubby can't do stairs.

Two Wheels Only

8 hours ago, LoveByrds said: What was unusual was it wasn't considered a obstructed view, but deck 8 jutted out beyond our balcony so we couldn't see straight down into the ocean.

Obstructed refers to not being able to look straight out, not straight down to the water. Very few balconies on Encore look straight down to the water. The best options for looking straight down to the water are the Club Balcony Suites with Large Balcony and the Large Balconies located towards the front of deck 8. 

16 minutes ago, Wink87 said: Safe to assume it here is an elevator? Hubby can't do stairs.

Correct, there's a separate testing area for disabled folks that my MIL went to. I think we were at the East entrance and she was directed to the Central one (or vice versa).

ClevelandCruisin

Where does the shuttle pick you up in Ketchikan? 

42 minutes ago, ClevelandCruisin said: Where does the shuttle pick you up in Ketchikan? 

We were on this sailing as well and for us it was just past the Visitor's Center on Front Street.

newtocruising56

18 hours ago, zerooveride said: Here's how it went for the 8/21 sailing:   Drop luggage off with porter and head across the street to the Marriott. They recommend you check all luggage, but there is a holding area for your carry-on luggage. I believe they don't want the luggage in the testing room. You then get processed in by Eurofins, get directed to a testing booth, then have a seat until you receive your test results. Once you receive the negative result you are given a wristband and can then head across the street to the terminal for check-in. They have people out on Alaskan Way directing people where to go.   I don't believe that there is anything stopping you from wandering after your test results, but I do remember them asking me at check-in what my port arrival time was from my eDocs. These times are not just for testing but to keep the terminal less congested. We arrived and were on the boat about 10 minutes after we completed check-in. The whole process for us took about an hour and 10 minutes from the point of getting out of the Uber to being on the ship. Our check-in time was 10-10:30.

twentyknots

I did not see that you were asked for proof of vaccination.  If I missed it pleased accept apology.

9 hours ago, twentyknots said: I did not see that you were asked for proof of vaccination.  If I missed it pleased accept apology.

Proof of vaccination was shown at the testing location before being allowed to go in and get swabbed.

3 hours ago, Sailing12Away said: Proof of vaccination was shown at the testing location before being allowed to go in and get swabbed.

Thank you! Can't believe I forgot that part. 

Ports of call

Icy Strait Point: We waited on the couches of deck 8 watching passengers line up to go to ISP, while sipping on drinks from the mojito bar. Once the crowds thinned out we debarked. Most of the crowds were actually lining up for whale watching excursions, and we walked right off and onto the island. We didn't do an excursion, although I heard reports of whales bubble feeding on the whale watching tours.

It's a short walk to the gondalas at Wilderness Landing, and the sign said it was free today, although I haven't heard of a fee.

We got in line for the green gondala going to Adventure Landing/Historic Cannery. The gondala line moves very quickly, and even with a long line went quickly. It reminds me of getting onto the haunted mansion ride at Disneyland. It moves slowly and you walk on/off.  I like that each Gondala is for your party and they didn't stuff them full.

If someone is in a wheelchair or needs a little extra time climbing on, there is someone there to easily pause the ride while they enter. Even an electric scooter will fit inside. 

It says it's a 4 minute "flight" from Wilderness Landing to Adventure Landing based on the signs, but with the stopping and starting for wheelchairs, our 2 trips each took to take 7-8 minutes. 

It's a very relaxing ride, not to high up, and it didn't rock much. I hadn't been in a gondala before, and was nervous it would be like a rickety fair ride, but it actually felt safe and secure. 

For those that prefer to walk, the men in our group walked it separately, and said it was about a 15 minute leisurely walk. 

Once you arrive at Adventure Landing you can watch the Zipline participants,  or continue onto the Cannery museum, where there's also shopping (check out Tlingit Botanicals for locally created crafts, jewelry, art, and skincare products!), a rocky beach, a cemetery, a restaurant, several restrooms, lots of areas to sit and rest, and my favorite - roaming kitties! 

Back at Wilderness Landing a red gondala is being built to take you up to Hoonan mountain top. It looks really interesting to me, and I can't wait to visit again once it's complete!

According to the map we found on the side of the green gondala (pictured below, and I have no idea of its accuracy), it looks like there will be hiking trails, access to the zipline, a cave, lots of viewpoints, and  Alice Lake up there. 

If you have questions about ISP, let me know!

On 9/6/2021 at 8:01 PM, home-mom said: We were on this sailing as well and for us it was just past the Visitor's Center on Front Street.

Here are pics of the shops near the pick-up area. 

The Traveling Man

On 9/6/2021 at 1:32 PM, Sailing12Away said: We were on this sailing as well. Stayed at the Marriott the night before, checked out of the hotel around 9:30am and headed across the street to the pier. Dropped bags off at the white tents, then had to wait until our time on the eDocs before we could climb the stairs to the testing center. After getting our pink bands, you walk back down to the first floor for the check-in process. After we got our room cards we left the building completely and went to the market place to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy more of Seattle.   When we were ready to get on the ship we went back upstairs with our room cards and photo ID and were on the ship when we wanted to be there.

We also stayed at the Marriott on the 27th, but we took a somewhat different approach to the check-in process for the 28 August cruise than some others did.  We went downstairs for breakfast at the cafe just across the courtyard from the Marriott entrance.  The cafe is in the lobby of the International Trade Mart.  While having breakfast, we could see that Eurofins also had set up a testing facility on the ground floor of the Trade Center.  They began accepting passengers for testing at 9:30, so we walked across the lobby of the Trade Mart and were among the first to be tested.  No one with Eurofins ever bothered to look at our eDocs, which specified a check-in time of 11:00 - 11:30.  Both my wife and I had preregistered with Eurofins, so we walked past the registration station and went directly to the check-in point for testing.  She sailed right on by, but Eurofins couldn't find my registration on their computer.  I suspect that was because I used a different email address for Eurofins than the one NCL has on file for me.  Their solution was to try to register me again on the spot, but that led to a duplicate entry in their database.  It took them a few minutes to get things straight, find my registration and get us on our way.  Even so, we both were tested, received our results and wrist bands, and were back in our room at the Marriott by a couple of minutes after 10:00.  We finished packing, spent some time on the internet, then went downstairs to check out of the hotel a few minutes before 11:00.  A short walk across Alaskan Way to drop off our bags took us to the security checkpoint, then it was a breeze to pick up our room key cards and board the ship.  We checked in at our muster station before 11:30 and then explored the ship.  Easy peasy.

17 hours ago, LoveByrds said: Ports of call   Icy Strait Point: We waited on the couches of deck 8 watching passengers line up to go to ISP, while sipping on drinks from the mojito bar. Once the crowds thinned out we debarked. Most of the crowds were actually lining up for whale watching excursions, and we walked right off and onto the island. We didn't do an excursion, although I heard reports of whales bubble feeding on the whale watching tours.   It's a short walk to the gondalas at Wilderness Landing, and the sign said it was free today, although I haven't heard of a fee. We got in line for the green gondala going to Adventure Landing/Historic Cannery. The gondala line moves very quickly, and even with a long line went quickly. It reminds me of getting onto the haunted mansion ride at Disneyland. It moves slowly and you walk on/off.  I like that each Gondala is for your party and they didn't stuff them full. If someone is in a wheelchair or needs a little extra time climbing on, there is someone there to easily pause the ride while they enter. Even an electric scooter will fit inside.    It says it's a 4 minute "flight" from Wilderness Landing to Adventure Landing based on the signs, but with the stopping and starting for wheelchairs, our 2 trips each took to take 7-8 minutes.    It's a very relaxing ride, not to high up, and it didn't rock much. I hadn't been in a gondala before, and was nervous it would be like a rickety fair ride, but it actually felt safe and secure.    For those that prefer to walk, the men in our group walked it separately, and said it was about a 15 minute leisurely walk.    Once you arrive at Adventure Landing you can watch the Zipline participants,  or continue onto the Cannery museum, where there's also shopping (check out Tlingit Botanicals for locally created crafts, jewelry, art, and skincare products!), a rocky beach, a cemetery, a restaurant, several restrooms, lots of areas to sit and rest, and my favorite - roaming kitties!    Back at Wilderness Landing a red gondala is being built to take you up to Hoonan mountain top. It looks really interesting to me, and I can't wait to visit again once it's complete!   According to the map we found on the side of the green gondala (pictured below, and I have no idea of its accuracy), it looks like there will be hiking trails, access to the zipline, a cave, lots of viewpoints, and  Alice Lake up there.    If you have questions about ISP, let me know!

Your weather was gorgeous!

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Home » Cruise » Norwegian Cruise Line » Norwegian Encore » We Just Returned from a Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

We Just Returned from a Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

We just returned from a Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise and share it all with you in our Norwegian Encore cruise ship scorecard review.

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Norwegian Encore is NCL’s largest cruise ship at sea. At 169K gross tons, this mega-ship boasts several restaurants, signature attractions, and plenty of onboard activities and entertainment. But is it possible to see, do, and eat everything onboard the ship while still experiencing all Alaska has to offer? Well, we just returned from a 7-night roundtrip sailing from Seattle and share all the details with you in our Norwegian Encore cruise ship scorecard review.

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Outdoor decks .

For us, one of the most important aspects of any cruise ship is the availability, layout, and overall vibe of the outdoor decks. Luckily, the Norwegian Encore cruise ship boasts several outdoor spaces. So, whether it is glacier viewing in Alaska or soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, cruisers who sail on this ship can find some open-air space to fit their mood.  

The main pool deck is found on deck 16, midship. Norwegian Encore features two pools. The main pool is family-friendly and conveniently located near the small Aqua Park on the port side. This space is perfect for those with younger children.  

Adults have their own pool too, just a bit more forward on the same deck. In between and surrounding these pools, there are various seating options. Up one deck, there are additional loungers encircling this sundeck. Deck 17 is also home to 4 whirlpools. These were very popular in the early afternoons and during glacier viewing in Alaska.  

PRO TIP : Still pack a bathing suit for an Alaska cruise .  

Norwegian Encore’s two waterslides were open, along with the hot tubs, pools, and the thermal suite. With mostly mild days and virtually no rain, plenty of cruisers took advantage of these outdoor amenities during the week. While the pools and waterslides are heated to about 70’, I still wasn’t brave enough to dip my feet in the water!  

Even for an Alaska cruise, the exclusive Vibe Beach Club on decks 19 and 20 forward is a hidden gem. This reserved area has premium loungers, two hot tubs, a private bar, and light snacks during the day. Cruisers can opt for a week-long pass or splurge on one of the cabanas.

Along with offering fantastic views from the top of the ship, this space was ideal for glacier viewing. Everyone we talked to with passes agreed it was well worth it, even for this cold-water cruise.  Think less crowds, uninterrupted views, and hot tubs all to yourself. 

While we enjoyed the lido deck and Vibe, one of our favorite locales on the ship is the Waterfront. Encompassing most of deck 8, this 1/3-of-a-mile-long outdoor promenade features several bars and seating nooks. Further, cruisers can opt for al fresco dining at specialty restaurants such as Cagney’s Steakhouse or Onda by Scarpetta if the weather allows.

Or, you can simply just relax, read a book, or be on the lookout for whales and wildlife. Don’t worry about the temperatures in Alaska, as many of the seating areas are kept warm with heaters in the ceiling.  

Signature Attractions 

Norwegian Encore is known for its signature attractions . 

PRO TIP : Make sure to book these attractions on embarkation day. You can use touchscreens throughout the ship, or head to the Social to reserve with a crew member. Just be sure to check the height and weight requirements before reserving.  

Perhaps the most iconic attraction on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship is the Speedway. 

For an up-charge, this 1,100-foot-long, two-story racetrack pits cruisers against one another in an 8-lap race for bragging rights. Bystanders can get in on the fun too by providing drivers boosts throughout the race. The racetrack has select hours for solo drivers and families with double carts accommodating adults and little kids.  

During our Alaska cruise, the go-karts were open various times depending on the port of call. We got in an afternoon race on day 5, leaving Glacier Bay. With the fjord views behind us, Heidi and I donned our helmets in a race to the finish line. Let’s just say Heidi tried to blame her loss on the unskilled tween driver in front of her. 

Cruisers who plan to race often can purchase the Ultimate Speedway Package, giving them regular access to the track every day of the cruise.  

Additionally, aft on deck 18 is the laser tag course. This intricate laser tag arena is certainly a step above the inflatable laser tag experiences found on some other cruise lines, albeit an up-charge. 

One afternoon, we geared up for this family-friendly activity. We entered commando mode and headed out for our 10-minute game. This lost city of Atlantis themed course offers plenty of nooks and crannies to hide and target the competition. But, you can’t stay stationary too long as you will become a sitting duck for the other team.  

For those unwilling to brave the elements, the Galaxy Pavilion on deck 17 aft is home to some of the most high-tech experiences at sea. We found some time on the morning of Day 7 to test out all of the games. Cruisers can buy tickets for individual attractions along with hour, day, or week-long passes. For us, the hour-long pass was just enough. 

I tested my soccer skills, but be warned that goalie, she is really good. Perhaps my favorite game to play, and Heidi’s favorite to watch me play, is Descendant. This virtual reality shooting game will keep you on your toes. The 7D cinema is a lot of fun too from hunting zombies, werewolves, or crazy clowns. Other simulators include a Jurassic escape, a tightrope walk, and car racing.  

For an additional charge, the Captain’s Quest is a virtual reality escape room that offers up to 10 cruisers the chance to escape from a sunken ship. Again, this is very popular, so make sure to reserve it early in the cruise so you don’t miss out like we did! 

Onboard Activities 

When it comes to other onboard activities, Norwegian Encore offered a daily list of events that you would expect on a mega-ship. The cruise director, Tiara, and her staff hosted regular sessions of trivia, games, and more throughout the day.  

Even with a rather busy itinerary, we found time to attend a few activities–we pressed our luck at Deal or No Deal and tested our knowledge with Alaska trivia.  

Of course, there were other themed sessions and events throughout the week too focused on wellness, shopping, and cooking demonstrations.

In the Observation Lounge, cruisers could also enjoy audio lectures on topics like the History of Alaska. Needless to say, we always found something to occupy our time between ports of call. Although, we would have liked a little more Alaska programming, perhaps an onboard naturalist or local guest speakers. 

While the Freestyle Daily is packed with activities, you could opt to do nothing at all—after all, it is your vacation. If you just want to enjoy the views, the Observation Lounge and the Waterfront are great places to do so.  

You might also want to consider purchasing a pass to the Mandara Spa’s thermal suite. Week-long passes are available, as well as day passes on port days pending availability. The thermal suite is limited to just 200 passes for the week, so it will never feel too crowded. 

This thermal suite on Norwegian Encore is one of the biggest in the industry, featuring a hydro-pool, heated stone loungers, and several other experiences like a sauna and a salt room. It also has amazing aft views from the 270 degree wall of windows blanketing the back of this Deck 17 space. Despite all the other onboard and ashore activities, we made sure to reserve some time for a little relaxation here. 

PRO TIP : If you have onboard credit , remember that you can use it at the Spa to pay for these services. We also recommend taking a spa tour on the first day to learn more about the services offered and any promotions.    

On a side note– while cruisers can use the NCL app to find all the onboard activities available, we are happy that NCL still makes a print copy of its Freestyle Daily as many other cruise lines are doing away with these paper versions.  

SCORE EXCLUSIVE RATES ON NCL ENCORE SAILINGS BY BOOKING NOW!

Complimentary Dining 

When it comes to casual dining options , the Norwegian Encore cruise ship offers a few choices. Our favorite is the Local Bar and Grill.  

Located on Deck 7, this 24-hour pub serves a changing menu depending on the time of day. This large venue features a bar, along with a mix of high tops and restaurant-style seats. Even though it is popular, we only had to wait a few minutes for a table.   

The pub-style menu features my favorite go-to snacks, like chicken wings and pretzel bites. However, the menu also features burgers, sandwiches, and nightly dinner specials, as well as a full breakfast menu.  

The central location also makes it a prime viewing spot for some of the onboard activities and events occurring in the Atrium. 

On Deck 16, there is also the Garden Café, Norwegian Encore’s buffet. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the buffet includes your standard selections. There were staples like pancakes, waffles, continental items, and several omelet stations at breakfast. For lunch, there were sandwiches, various international options, and a custom salad bar. At night, the Garden Café featured themed dinners like “Steak and Shrimp,” the “Grill Extravaganza,” and an Asian-themed night to name a few.  

Cruisers could also score snacks in the morning and the afternoon in the Observation Lounge. These grab-and-go options included items like croissants, danishes, small sandwiches, tapas, and more. There were also 24-hour beverage stations with water, coffee, tea, and select flavored water and juices.  

Besides these casual options, Norwegian Encore features three main dining rooms, Savor and Taste on Deck 6 and the Manhattan Room on Deck 7. These restaurants feature rotating dinner menus that change nightly. 

Surprisingly, Savor and Taste were open most days for lunch on this Alaska itinerary as well. Rotating between 3 different menus, the Chicken Parmigiana Heidi had on Day 3 rivaled any cruise line’s similar offering for dinner. Likewise, I was more than impressed with the Cuban Rotisserie Chicken and the peanut butter cup cheesecake. These restaurants were also open for breakfast; though, we never got around to testing out a sit-down breakfast.  

Given our schedule and specialty dining package, we only ate dinner in the main dining room once as well. Still, our meal was great, and better than we remember the MDR food being on NCL. My bang-bang chicken and shrimp had plenty of kick, and the chocolate lava cake made for the perfect ending to a long day of sightseeing. 

PRO TIP: If you are new to cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL is known for its Freestyle Approach to dining. Giving cruisers ultimate flexibility, they can dine where they want, when they want, and with whom they want–with no set dinner times or table assignments. Now, if you are over planners like us, you can still make dinner reservations ahead of time for the main dining room.   

Specialty Dining 

Besides the complimentary dining options, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of specialty restaurants across its fleet. These restaurants offer elevated menus and superb service. Again, we highly recommend making reservations pre-cruise for these venues as popular restaurants and dining times fill up quickly.  

Many cruisers will receive a 2-meal specialty dining package on a week-long cruise as part of the line’s Free at Sea promotion . Cruisers can then opt to purchase additional night packages if they choose. Cruisers who have loyalty status with NCL may also receive additional meal credits.  

On our Norwegian Encore cruise, we had a 7-night dining package, so we were able to sample most of the specialty restaurants. 

One of our favorites is Food Republic. This tapas restaurant is best experienced with friends. The bigger the table, the better, as cruisers are entitled to 4 selections each when redeeming a specialty dining credit.  

With menu items blending several culinary styles and flavors, you can’t go wrong with calamari, sushi, the Korean chicken, or fried rice. 

PRO TIP : Food Republic is open for lunch on select days for even more choice. Given its location on the Waterfront and uninhibited views, it is perfect for enjoying the scenery along with a fantastic meal on a sea day. 

Other NCL favorites are also found on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship.  

The classic steakhouse, Cagney’s, is located on the Deck 8 Waterfront as well. Offering both al fresco dining and wake views, it is a great place to dine for the line’s “Dress Up or Not” night or to celebrate a special occasion. The menu features classics like shrimp cocktail, several cuts of premium beef, and the appropriately named “OMG Caramel-Butterscotch Cheesecake.” 

Across the way, on the starboard side, is Los Lobos. This upscale Mexican restaurant offers a wide selection of classic starters and entrees, including the tableside-prepared fresh guacamole. There is also the cheesy, queso fundido, along with handhelds like quesadillas and burritos. Of course, you can’t help but order a margarita (or 2) while enjoying these selections.  

On Deck 17, there is the French-inspired Le Bistro. This specialty restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling views. The venue had me at fresh, warm baguettes, but it also features other decadent French food, like escargot and coq au vin.  

One of the newer entries to the NCL fleet is Onda by Scarpetta. This high-end Italian restaurant serves handmade pasta that is prepared daily. I opted for the “Scialatielli”, which is a delicate pasta served with seafood in white wine sauce. It was amazing. Heidi’s “Mezzelune” was equally delicious, which was ravioli served in a rich butter truffle sauce. While there, you should try the pizza too, but can’t go wrong with selections like the “Burrata” or “Fritto Misto” either.  

For cruisers looking for something more casual, Q Texas Smokehouse on Deck 6 offers authentic Texas-style BBQ. The venue features live music during dinner and classic menu items like chili, deviled eggs, rotisserie chicken, smoked turkey, and brisket, coupled with sides like mac & cheese and potato salad. Q is also home to one of our favorite cocktails, the “Smoked Peach Margarita” on tap. Not to mention, you need to save room for the “Mason Jar Banana Pudding”.  

Finally, there is Teppanyaki. This is one of the most popular dining venues on the ship. Coupling an entertaining show and a delicious meal, this specialty restaurant is also family-friendly. Like our other visits, Teppanyaki on Norwegian Encore did not disappoint regarding the food, service, and culinary mastery. It was the perfect final meal of our cruise, serving up expertly seared steak, seafood, and flavorful rice.   

While we didn’t dine here, there’s also Ocean Blue, the seafood-centric specialty restaurant on Norwegian Encore. 

Bars and Lounges 

When it comes to bars and lounges on Norwegian Encore, the Observation Lounge, boasting two-story floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow, is a game-changer for Alaska cruises. While it is a large space, the strategic design creates more intimate seating areas, making the venue feel warm and welcoming. That’s probably why it was always quite busy during our sailing. 

The full bar serves the standard menu, and it is one of the venues open the earliest for those morning mimosas or Bloody Marys. Throughout the day, the Observation Lounge is perfect for scenic cruising, reading a book, or checking your email. In the evenings, guests can enjoy live music, and perhaps some espresso martinis. 

Down on Deck 8, the Waterfront is lined with uniquely themed bars. Perhaps my favorite is the District Brewhouse. This casual, urban beer hall is home to one of the most extensive beer lists found on any cruise ship. Our cruise featured several Alaskan brews on tap, boasting over 20 beers on tap and up to 50 ales, lagers, and stouts in total. In the evenings, Ryan offered a variety of pub-style tunes alternating between guitar and piano, making for some lively nights in this venue.  

Heidi’s favorite bar on Norwegian Encore is the Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Located mid-ship on Deck 8, this venue features lively Latin music and plenty of dancing. While we don’t hit the dance floor, we do pull up a chair for our favorite drinks, the Raspberry-Guava and Jalapeno-Cucumber Mojitos. Both are great choices for a post-dinner drink.   

If you are dining at one of the specialty restaurants aft on Deck 8, you won’t want to pass up the A-List Bar. This hidden gem is an upscale lounge with dark wood tones, oversized chairs, and a large U-shaped bar.  

Equally impressive is the Maltings Whiskey Bar. It is located on the starboard side of Deck 8, adjacent to the Humidor Cigar Lounge. Maltings features several upscale spirits and specialty cocktails, including some on tap.

Right across the way from Maltings is the Cellars Wine Bar. This venue is home to over 130 wines, with over 70 wines by the glass to choose from.  

Of course, there are several other bars around the Norwegian Encore cruise ship as well, including the centrally located Atrium Bar, the Mixx Bar located near the main dining rooms, the Skyline Bar in the casino which is the perfect place to catch a game on the panoramic screens, and two outdoor pool bars serving up NCL favorites like the mango meltdown. 

When booking with the popular Free at Sea promotion, cruisers will receive the Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Beverage Package. This package includes all alcoholic drinks up to $15. Honestly, this allotment will cover most signature cocktails at the bars and various spirits, wines, beers, and other mixed drinks.  

PRO TIP: You can pay to upgrade your drink package to the Premium Plus beverage package. One of the biggest perks of this package is Starbucks. NCL is the only cruise line that includes drinks from this coffee chain in its drink packages. As coffee lovers, this is huge for us. Not to mention, Starbucks not only features seasonal favorites but also my nitro cold brew coffee! 

Nightlife and Entertainment 

When it comes to nightlife, Norwegian Encore offers a variety of entertainment options. As mentioned previously, there’s live music in the District Brewhouse, the Observation Lounge, the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, the Atrium, and Q Texas Smokehouse.  

However, music lovers need to head to the Cavern Club as well. This venue, inspired by the Liverpool landmark, is home to a Beatles cover band several nights and the ship’s resident rock band on the other evenings. This cozy place can get very busy, so make sure to get there early for optimal seating.   

Another popular entertainment venue is The Social found on Deck 6. Partnering with Levity Comedy, this venue features two comedians throughout the cruise. On most evenings, there are two shows with the later show being more adult-oriented. We made sure to attend one showing of each comedian. 

The nightlife doesn’t stop there though. Later in the evening, the Social turns into the cruise line’s nightclub. It is also home to parties like the Silent Disco and the popular Glow Party. These are cruise staples that you don’t want to miss.  

Of course, the cruise director staff  hosts events in the Atrium throughout the cruise as well, like the Newlywed, Not So Newlywed Game show or Battle of the Sexes. Movies and other special events also take place here.  

But, the real draw for entertainment on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship is the signature production show, Choir of Man. It is my personal favorite. From rock classics like Guns and Roses, to modern pop from Sia and Adelle, to a little Jimmy Buffett, the show is a nonstop, high-energy 75 minutes of fun. The Jungle, also known as the local pub, is the setting where these talented lads share their personal stories alongside song and dance. They even invite the audience to join in on a brew and toast to a memorable night.  

Choir of Man is NCL’s top-rated show and for a good reason. It features a fantastic cast and songs from various genres that appeal to a wide audience. This production show occurred on two nights of our cruise, and you don’t want to miss it. 

PRO TIP: Reservations are required for both Choir of Man in the main theater and the comedy shows in The Social. Cruisers can make reservations pre-cruise for Choir of Man on NCL.com or book as soon as they board the ship. However, the comedy shows can only be booked once onboard the ship and do fill up quickly. So, be sure to book on embarkation day. 

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a variety of cabin categories to fit all budgets—from the Studio cabins for solo travelers, to inside, oceanview, and balcony staterooms, all the way up to the most luxurious suite accommodations in the Haven.  

For our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise, we stayed in a balcony cabin on Deck 12, room 12718.  

According to NCL’s website, this stateroom was approximately 214 square feet with a 38 square foot balcony. This forward-located stateroom is considered a BA category cabin. Being on deck 12, this cabin was conveniently located equidistant from the Waterfront on Deck 8 and the outdoor decks starting on Deck 16.  

Immediately upon entering the cabin, the bathroom was to the right with the closet tucked around the corner. The desk was on the left side with the sofa across from it. Continuing further into the room, there was the bed and the balcony. The balcony consisted of two chairs and a small table. 

The bathroom felt a bit roomier by cruise ship standards. It featured a somewhat larger shower with a glass door and plenty of counter space and shelves for storage. 

The closet included a clothes bar with hangers along with a series of shelves. The desk was spacious and housed the mini-fridge and some small under-counter cabinets for other accessories. The sofa was plenty big for two adults and even had a drawer under it for some added storage space. 

The king-sized bed was located on the aft wall facing forward adjacent to the balcony, which is our preferred cabin orientation. This bed provided plenty of comfort after our long days and nights exploring all that Alaska and Norwegian Encore have to offer. 

We liked the modern conveniences like USB outlets near the bed for charging phones and the “make up room” and “do not disturb” buttons in the room. Overall, this cabin had a premium feel with adequate space for a week-long cruise. 

While our Norwegian Encore cruise ship balcony was smaller than some other balconies in the industry, we highly recommend a balcony cabin especially in Alaska. 

PRO TIP: The fish on the carpets will guide you home at night! If you look down at the carpets on the stateroom decks of Norwegian Encore, you will notice fish. These fish always point in the forward direction giving you a little reminder which way you need to go to get back to your cabin. 

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Service 

Given Norwegian Encore was sailing with 3,800 guests, or about 90% capacity, we hardly felt the crowds. The only time the ship felt busy was in the buffet at peak times, and when returning to the ship after a short port of call.  

Bar service was never an issue, whether ordering at the bar or with servers making the rounds. At the busy Sugarcane Mojito Bar or the District Brewhouse, service was always friendly and prompt. 

Whether dining at a specialty restaurant or a complimentary dining venue, service was also friendly and they always inquired about food allergies. Further, at least one supervisor stopped by our table each night to ask how things were and if we needed anything. This small attention to detail is often lacking on larger ships. Our dinners did take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours each night, but they never really felt drawn out. 

We had reservations for all the shows and never had problems getting seats about 15-20 minutes before show time. Likewise, we had reservations for the onboard attractions, and the process moved rather swiftly. As mentioned previously, we recommend securing reservations early, but you can go standby if need be.  

Like most cruise lines in 2023, NCL has moved to servicing staterooms just once per day. Still, our stateroom attendant made sure to introduce himself on Day 1 and asked about our preferences. He never hesitated when we had an additional request throughout the week either. Whenever we saw him, he always made sure to say hi and ask us about our day. 

Overall, the service on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship was better than we expected and more akin to a premium cruise line.   

PRO TIP: While cruise gratuities are an automatic per person, per day charge added to your onboard account, we always recommend bringing small bills to tip staff members who go above and beyond to provide you exceptional service during the cruise. This may include bartenders, your stateroom attendant, or your waitstaff in the dining venues. 

Did you find our Norwegian Encore cruise ship scorecard review helpful? Do you agree with our ratings of Norwegian Encore? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences sailing on this NCL cruise ship.

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Thank you for your review. We booked a cruise on the Encore for December.

I would have appreciated the dollar amounts related to “upcharge” items.

We love the amount of “Specialty” restaurants on NCL.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Norwegian Encore review: A guide to Norwegian Cruise Line's newest Breakaway Plus-class ship

Have you ever been to a Starbucks where every single customer belted out the lyrics to "Sweet Caroline" in unison, mid-latte? I have. Even more interestingly, it was on a cruise — Norwegian Encore, to be exact — where the ship's atrium singalong shenanigans spilled over into the nearby onboard coffee outpost.

That's just one example of how boisterous my voyage was. If you're looking for an enjoyable big-ship experience on your next sailing, the good news is that Norwegian Encore, one of Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway Plus-class ships , delivers fun in the form of adrenaline-pumping top-deck activities, state-of-the-art gaming, Broadway-caliber theater performances and plenty of social activities.

The bad news is that you'll pay extra for a lot of it. (Thankfully, the singalongs are free.)

If you're wondering whether you'd enjoy a sailing on Norwegian Encore or one of Norwegian 's other similar ships, keep reading. I'll share a rundown of what it was like to experience the vessel's cabins, restaurants, shore excursions, entertainment and more.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Overview of Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore can offer something for everyone due to its large size and impressive array of amenities. The ship can carry 4,544 passengers, and among them you'll find couples, friend groups and families.

The 169,116-ton mass-market vessel is generally bustling. It's great for joiners, offering games like bingo and Deal or No Deal, dance classes, parties and more, but it also has quiet spaces like a library and card room, a spa with a thermal suite and the Vibe Beach Club, which is for adults only.

Of particular note is 678 Ocean Place, a three-story promenade that rises from Deck 6 to Deck 8 and serves as the ship's central hub. There, you'll find several bars, lounges and shops, as well as the casino and the ship's comedy club, art gallery, photography studio and, not far away, the atrium, where the guest services desk is located.

Another shoutout-worthy space is the Galaxy Pavilion, a giant indoor space on Deck 17 that's packed with the latest virtual-reality experiences and video games, as well as a 4D cinema and an escape room . On the two outer decks directly above it, passengers will find laser tag and Speedway, the ship's go-kart track. All of those attractions cost extra.

What I loved about Norwegian Encore

Choir of man.

Although Norwegian has phased out many of its Broadway shows, it does still offer a couple of Broadway and off-Broadway musicals, including "Choir of Man," a West End favorite about a group of Irish men who converge at a local pub to feel less alone when dealing with life's obstacles. Audience interaction includes bringing some attendees up on stage for drinks, as well as singing and dancing in the aisles. It's free, but you'll need to make reservations if you don't want to miss out. It was offered a couple of times on our voyage.

Food Republic

My meal at Food Republic was easily the best extra-fee meal I had on my sailing. The venue features street food from various countries but leans heavily Asian. I was surprised to find plenty of open tables when I showed up for my reservation but assumed it was due to the restaurant's out-of-the-way location on Deck 8 forward and the fact that its description on the cruise line's app is vague.

If you have a dining package, save one of your meals for this place; if you don't, it's worth the splurge. Trust me: You won't be disappointed.

The live music

I don't normally seek out live music, but I found myself unexpectedly enjoying performances throughout the ship. Standouts were the daytime performers in The Atrium, who played Green Day, Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Incubus and other bands that took me straight back to my high school playlists. During my dinner at Q, the ship's barbecue restaurant, a band inexplicably played an entire set of ABBA tunes while we ate. It was an odd choice of genre for that venue, but it was fantastic nonetheless. Everyone was on their feet dancing by the end of the meal.

The escape room

Although it costs $15 per person, Norwegian Encore's escape room experience, "Bamboozled," is a terrific way to spend an hour of your day, especially at sea. Sign up in advance at the front desk in the Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 aft, and you'll be placed into a room where you'll have 45 minutes to complete a series of puzzles to save a sunken ship from its watery grave. (You will be grouped with other passengers if your party isn't large enough to fill the room.)

Note that the experience begins with a quick virtual-reality primer that gives you the backstory. If you're prone to motion sickness, opt out of that part. You can still listen to the story without the VR headset.

Tip: There are only six sets of VR goggles, so reservations are usually capped at six people per time slot. However, the room can hold up to 10 players. If you're having trouble making reservations, tell the person working the desk that you're happy to skip the VR part if they can squeeze you in.

What I didn't love about Norwegian Encore

The extra fees.

Make no mistake: Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are fun, with lots to see, do, eat and drink. But you're going to pay to access most of the best offerings, and at $20 per person, per day, for standard cabins, NCL's daily gratuities (which are automatically added to each person's onboard bill) are the highest in the industry.

So many things cost extra on Norwegian Encore, from top-deck laser tag and go-kart racing to the games at Galaxy Pavilion, as well as bottled water and coffee (even if you have the drink package that's included in most fares). The added fees could quickly amount to a lot of money — especially if you're traveling with kids.

Activity-related quirks

During my sailing, I saw a few things that made little sense. On the first night, my travel companion and I checked out the Levity Comedy show in the main theater. It was decent, but when we went to the Social Comedy Club a couple nights later to see the same two comedians perform, only one had new material to share.

Other activities were held in odd locations. For example, singalongs and gameshows like "Deal or No Deal" were held in the atrium. Although it's a central location, the space felt too small to accommodate everyone who wanted to join in or watch. Crowds often ballooned out to the sides, making it awkward for people just passing through.

The one experience that took the cake for the most absurd onboard rule was the water park. If you want to ride the water slides , you can't wear bathing suits with metal or plastic details. That includes women's suits with adjustable straps and men's trunks with metal eyelets or plastic ends to the drawstrings.

The latter prevented most people from riding, which was a shame. The crew member stationed at the ride's entrance asked men to pull down their waistbands so he could look for the plastic. Riders whose suits had it were banned, even if it was on the inside and covered by external material. Several people returned in their underwear, which seemed inappropriate.

The ship's Alaska particulars

Of the Norwegian ships sailing Alaska voyages , Norwegian Encore has one of the least desirable (and, therefore, most affordable) schedules, both in terms of when it arrives in port and where it docks.

My seven-day cruise traveled round trip 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 great and absolutely on many cruisers' bucket lists. However, the scheduled arrival times and some of the related logistics had me scratching my head.

We didn't dock in Juneau until after 2 p.m., which meant anyone hoping to schedule a full day of salmon fishing — a popular excursion in Alaska — was out of luck. In Ketchikan, the ship docked seven miles outside of town, so because we didn't book an excursion, we spent 40 minutes on shuttle buses to get to the main area and back. We also waited 55 minutes in line to catch the return shuttle, so cumulatively, travel from and back to the ship wasted more than 90 minutes of the mere five hours we had in port. (The wait for the return was so bad that enterprising locals offered to drive passengers to the ship in their personal vehicles for $20 a person.)

Our call on Victoria — a technical requirement to satisfy the United States' Passenger Vessel Services Act — was only three hours, from 8 to 11 p.m., when most things in the city were already closed.

The port valet service

Ships that sail from Seattle can offer a port-facilitated luggage valet service to passengers flying home after they leave the ship. It allows cruisers with flights to leave their bags outside their cabin doors the night before disembarkation and pick them up again in their final destinations after their flights. The service costs nothing, but passengers must pay the associated checked bag fees levied by their airlines.

My companion — who receives free checked bags with his airline, thanks to a co-branded credit card — decided to try the service. On disembarkation morning, he noticed a $35 checked bag charge on his onboard bill, despite noting on the required paperwork that his bags should be free. (There's a section on the form to mention that and explain why, which he did.)

When he asked guest services to remove the charge, he was told he'd have to take it up with the port. He eventually got his money back, but it wasn't without several phone calls and emails that negated any convenience the service was supposed to provide.

Norwegian Encore cabins and suites

Norwegian Cruise Line offers an array of cabin types , ranging in size from 99-square-foot studios for one person to insides, outsides, balconies and 1,459-square-foot Owners Suites in The Haven — the line's exclusive suite enclave, which offers access to a private dining room, pool, sun deck, concierge service and more.

The ship also has a total of 43 wheelchair-accessible cabins across several categories, including inside, outside, balcony, suite and The Haven. Accessible rooms feature shower stools and toilet seat risers in the bathrooms, as well as extra square footage and wider doorways.

My room was a 214-square-foot standard balcony cabin with a 38-square-foot balcony. It was comfortable and elegantly appointed, and the only gripes I have are related to storage.

Although our specific cabin was designed to accommodate up to three people, we had trouble fitting all our clothes in the closet and drawers with just two of us. The bathroom had ample storage, but the shelving wasn't deep, forcing us to take everything out of our toiletry bags to store it there. The closet was also in a strange location next to the bed, and due to the sliding-door setup, only one side could be accessed at a time.

In addition to a queen-size bed that can convert into two twins, our room was outfitted with two nightstands and reading lamps, each with a USB port for charging; a sleeper sofa with drawer storage; a desk/vanity area with a mirror, three 110-volt North American-style outlets and one European 220-volt outlet, drawers and shelves and a minibar stocked with for-fee water in glass bottles and cartons; and a small block stool with a built-in removable lap tray for working or dining.

A wall-mounted TV offered NCL-produced programming, such as ship positioning, port information and shopping talks. It also offered for-fee on-demand movies, a small selection of live TV channels and interactive functions that allowed me to check my onboard bill.

The oddly placed closet, which ran the length of the wall on one side of the bed, offered two sides for storage — one with a bar to hang clothes and another with shelving for shoes, hats or items you'd like to fold. It also contained a code-operated safe for small valuables.

The hangers were the wooden kind that don't have hooks at the top — the ones with metal rods that lock into permanent mounting hardware so people can't steal them. I find that they always make hanging anything more cumbersome. The closet didn't have enough hangers for all our clothing, so I asked my cabin steward for a few extras. He brought me the cheap plastic kind, which left bumps in the shoulders of my shirts.

The bathroom offered a single sink with several narrow shelves, a toilet and a plexiglass shower with a removable showerhead. My cabin type also came with bathrobes and upgraded toiletries, which included Bulgari shampoo, conditioner, hand cream and aftershave balm, as well as L'Occitane bar soap. A hair dryer was available via a mount under the main cabin vanity, next to the block stool.

The balcony was tiny but sufficient for excellent sea views. It was furnished with a small drinks table and two chairs with adjustable backs.

Norwegian Encore restaurants and bars

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for pioneering "anytime dining" on cruise ships — eating whenever you want, wherever you want, with whomever you want. Passengers are not assigned set dining times, and you can eat in any of Norwegian Encore's main dining rooms or extra-fee restaurants by making a reservation or showing up when you're hungry. Other meal options include a complimentary buffet and 24-hour room service that comes with a delivery fee.

If you expect to dine at several added-fee alternative restaurants during your cruise, purchasing a dining package might save you some money. Norwegian's packages include a set number of meals at any of the extra-fee restaurants. The best tactic is to save your prepaid meals for the most expensive restaurants (Cagney's Steakhouse, Food Republic and Teppanyaki). All restaurants are priced a la carte if you don't have a dining package, except Teppanyaki (which has a $59 per person cover charge).

The line also has drink packages that are a good value if you consume a lot of soda or alcohol. A basic beverage package comes with most cruise fares but does not include specialty coffees or bottled water. (You'll need to upgrade for an additional fee for those to be included.)

Norwegian Encore restaurants

Free restaurants

Taste, Savor and The Manhattan Room are Norwegian Encore's three main dining rooms. The first two — located directly across from one another on Deck 6 — are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Manhattan, on Deck 7, is open for dinner only. Menus are the same across all three.

I was impressed with the food quality in the main dining rooms. The menus had a nice variety, and the food arrived freshly prepared and generally tasty with just the right amount of seasoning. For breakfast, I had a delicious omelet, hashbrowns and bacon. For lunch, my picks included a caprese salad and Baja fish tacos. For dinner, I enjoyed crab and cream cheese wontons, bruschetta and a veggie burrito.

Another gratis option is The Local Bar & Grill, a sports bar-style eatery that's open 24 hours a day and features pub grub like chicken wings, fish 'n' chips, Cobb salad, pasta carbonara, chili, BLTs, burgers and fries. It also serves amazing breakfast sandwiches in the mornings.

The Local is often crowded because it's free and the choice for anyone who wants a waiter-served meal not in one of the fancy dining rooms. It's also located just above the stage and screen area in the main atrium, so it draws crowds wanting to sit and watch what's happening below.

Other places for free fare include the Garden Cafe buffet, which has so many different cuisine stations it will make your head spin — in a good way. They include everything from cereal, pancakes and made-to-order omelets at breakfast to burgers, cold cuts, cheeses, Indian food and salads at lunch and carving stations and pasta at dinner. Fruit, soft-serve ice cream and other desserts are readily available, too.

A smaller buffet can be found in the Observation Lounge, which offers light bites throughout the day.

Free for and accessible only to passengers booked in Norwegian Encore's The Haven suite enclave, The Haven Restaurant is a serene escape from the usual bustle of restaurants elsewhere on board. I dined there one night, and the food quality was superior to the ship's other available dining options. The crabcakes and lobster tail were phenomenal, and the intimate setting and elevated decor gave the space an upscale ambience.

For-fee restaurants

While I was impressed with Norwegian Encore's included restaurants, I found the extra-fee venues to be less consistent. For example, I absolutely loved street food restaurant Food Republic but was underwhelmed by the Los Lobos Mexican eatery — and I adore Mexican food.

Let's start at the top. Food Republic, hidden away on Deck 8 forward, was my favorite alternative dining option on Norwegian Encore. A light and airy space, it offers a selection of street food from Korea, Mexico, China, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru and Japan. You might even find some Italian and Hawaiian influences. Absolutely do not miss the edamame, pork belly bao buns and chicken teriyaki.

If you have a dining package, you can select four items per person. You can pay per item if you'd like extra. Alcohol options include sake by the bottle or glass and a small selection of cider and beer. The Food Republic cocktail menu has only five drinks, but it was difficult to choose among them. I went with the Thai rum tonic and wasn't disappointed.

American Diner is an open-air eatery on Deck 17, near Galaxy Pavilion and up one flight of stairs from the Ocean Loops waterslide entrance. It was chilly on our Alaska sailing, but heat lamps kept us warm. I absolutely love the decor, which features a black-and-white checkered floor, booths that look like old Chevy cars and tabletops covered in a license plate print.

I ordered a burger with fries and a milkshake when I ate there for lunch, and it was the perfect bit of comfort food to hold me over until dinner. Although the American Diner's fare was tasty, you can order similar items (minus the milkshake) for no fee at The Local. Your dining package will cover a meal at American Diner, but milkshakes still cost extra.

Q Texas Smokehouse embraces all things barbecue. If the smell isn't enough to draw you in, let yourself be carried by the wonderful live music that accompanies the experience each night. For dinner, I started with tortilla soup and fried green tomatoes before moving on to pulled pork with cornbread, pickles, potato salad and coleslaw. It was just OK — not the best barbecue I've had, but also not the worst.

Los Lobos was my least favorite of the extra-fee venues I tried. I was extra sad because Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh guacamole, which our waiter prepared tableside, but the tortilla chips were too salty. The fish tacos I ordered for my main course were unappetizingly wet and soggy, which caused the soft shells to completely disintegrate, necessitating the use of a fork. The service was also hit-or-miss, with our waiter often disappearing for long stretches.

Other added-fee options include a teppanyaki venue called, unoriginally, Teppanyaki; Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta; seafood eatery Ocean Blue; Cagney's Steakhouse; and Le Bistro if you're hankering for French cuisine.

Reservations are recommended at all extra-fee restaurants, and if you don't make them before you board, you could be out of luck. I waited until the evening of the first day of my sailing, and I ended up with some horrendously late dining times.

If you're looking for coffee, ice cream or a between-meal snack, added-cost options include a full Starbucks, found just off the atrium, across from the guest services desk on Deck 6; Coco's for chocolates, mini-cakes and ice cream, including sundaes (try one of the gargantuan milkshakes for a true splurge); The Bake Shop, which offers cupcakes, chocolates and macarons; and Dolce Gelato, which is attached to The Bake Shop and serves up a few flavors of gelato.

You can order room service 24/7, but note that there is a $7.95 delivery charge attached. Room service breakfast, including Continental selections, comes with a $4.95 delivery fee. Both fees are per order, so you'll pay $7.95 (or $4.95) whether you order one item or several.

Norwegian Encore bars

If you're in search of a drink, the best variety is on Deck 8, where passengers will find dedicated wine, whiskey and mojito bars in proximity to several alternative eateries and lounges that are worth discovering.

The Cellars Wine Bar, which has a menu of more than 300 wines, is attached to Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta, making it easy for waiters to serve your favorite vintage with your pasta. Tastings are offered for a fee.

Across the hall, Maltings Whiskey Bar, which has a rich ambience and an impressive selection of whiskeys, is flanked by The Humidor Cigar Lounge, where passengers can smoke stogies while sipping cognac, and The Cavern Club, where you can order a cocktail while listening to live performances by a Beatles tribute band.

Two of my favorites, also found on Deck 8, are the Sugarcane Mojito Bar and The District Brew House. Sugarcane has an entire menu of interesting takes on the popular minty drink. My favorite was the Coco Mojito, which is a mix of coconut rum, simple syrup, mint bitters and coconut water. (An outdoor area offers eco-friendly drinks like the Pineapple Surplus and the Sustainable Spritz, which are made partially from kitchen leftovers like fruit peels and juices.)

The District Brew House — which is tucked away at the front of the ship, across from Food Republic — has two dozen beers on tap, as well as dozens more bottled choices. They include standards like Stella Artois, Heineken and Angry Orchard; local selections like Alaskan Amber and Alaskan Husky; and even NCL's own brew, 66 by Norwegian. (The line also has branded 66 spirits, found at select onboard bars.)

Other standard bars include the Atrium Bar, which is central to the ship's social hub; the Skyline Bar, which serves the Encore Casino; Mixx Bar, located between the Taste and Savor main dining rooms; and the A-List Bar, which is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink when you're dining at either Cagney's or Los Lobos.

Norwegian Encore entertainment

Entertainment on Norwegian Encore is well above average for a mainstream cruise line. In addition to an astounding number of daily activities like game shows, trivia and art classes, passengers can enjoy top-deck fun that ranges from laser tag to waterslides.

Evening shows include Broadway-caliber musicals, comedians, magicians and more. Here's a roundup of what you shouldn't miss.

Norwegian Encore activities

Although there are lots of activities on the daily schedule, complimentary stand-outs for me were trivia, balloon-twisting sessions, fruit- and vegetable-carving demonstrations and enrichment lectures about Alaska, including live narration from a National Park ranger on the day we sailed through Glacier Bay. There were also plenty of pay-to-play options, such as bingo and art classes.

Atrium activities like movie screenings (when the weather is too chilly for films to be shown on the outdoor screen), daily sudoku puzzles, singalongs and "Deal or No Deal" are also popular.

Water babies will enjoy the ship's two pools (Deck 16) and four hot tubs (Deck 17). Neither of the pools was too crowded on my Alaska sailing — even on sea days — due to the cooler temperatures, which hovered between the high 60s and low 70s. The ship offers accessible lifts for onboard pools but not hot tubs.

A water park area on decks 16 and 17 features four waterslides (two of which are for kids and are part of a children's splash area). The two larger slides have height requirements — 48 inches for Ocean Loops (which has ridiculous bathing suit requirements and weight minimums so riders don't get stuck on the uphill portion) and 40 inches for the Aqua Racer.

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

The Haven also has its own private pool with a retractable roof and hot tub. There are also two hot tubs on the exclusive area's sun deck.

If you want an elevated experience without The Haven's price tag, pay for a spa thermal suite pass or a pass to the two-deck adults-only Vibe Beach Club sun deck. The former features its own hot tub and large thalassotherapy pool, as well as a variety of aromatherapy, salt and steam rooms, plus a sauna. Vibe is home to tons of loungers, a couple clamshells, a bar and two hot tubs. (You won't find a pool there, though.)

For those who are looking to work up a sweat while they're outside, there's a jogging track on Deck 17. For inside fitness options, visit the Pulse Fitness Center on Deck 16 aft. It's equipped with free weights, kettlebells, medicine balls, foam rollers, weight machines and cardio machines (ellipticals, rowers, treadmills, etc.). Instructors offers classes like TRX, spin and high-intensity interval training for a fee.

If a day of pampering is more your speed, treatments are available at the Mandara Spa, near the fitness center. You can book massages, facials and a slew of other treatments at prices that are higher than what you'd find on land. Separate salon and barber shop facilities are also available for haircuts, shaves, manicures, pedicures and other extra-cost services.

For the kids, check out the pay-to-play video arcade, just off of The Local. They'll also love the Galaxy Pavilion, which offers an impressive array of virtual-reality rides and video games, all for a fee. It's also where you'll find the aforementioned escape room, which is a fantastic way to spend an hour problem solving with your family (or testing the limits of your friend group's patience).

For a fun outdoor experience, try a game of laser tag, or pretend to unleash your inner speed demon on the Encore Speedway. (I say "pretend to unleash" because the go-karts' maximum speed isn't very fast. It's still fun to say you tried it, though.) Both of these cost extra, and you have to sign up in advance.

After a busy day of activities or exploring ashore, cruisers will find that the ship comes alive at night, too — especially for anyone who loves dancing — with activities like '50s and '60s sock hops, silent discos and even a glow party (formerly the White Hot Party but now with glow sticks). Some of the best onboard entertainment venues for night owls include the Social Comedy & Night Club, where you'll find comedic performances and themed parties, and The Cavern Club, which hosts an excellent Beatles tribute band.

Other onboard hangouts include the Studio Lounge, which is exclusive to travelers booked in the ship's solo accommodations and the Observation Lounge, where passengers gather to watch as the ship sails into Glacier Bay, complete with drinks, nibbles and National Park guide narration.

The atrium is where games are held, indoor movies are screened and passengers can find guest services, desks for restaurant and shore excursion reservations, the future cruise desk and the internet cafe. There's also an art gallery, photo studio, meeting rooms and a dual card room and library, where passengers can borrow books and board games.

The onboard shops, which are clustered on Deck 8, sell everything from snacks, toiletries and logo apparel to designer purses and duty-free jewelry, cigarettes and alcohol.

The medical center is located on Deck 13.

Norwegian Encore shows

Choir of Man is easily the main event in the Encore Theater on Norwegian Encore. Even if you're not a fan of musicals, I can almost guarantee you'll like what you see, which includes everything from singing, dancing and jokes to plenty of references to beer — perhaps with some free drinks thrown in if you're chosen for audience participation.

The show involves a group of Irishmen who gather at their local pub to reminisce and share their tribulations in the hopes of feeling better. The show is offered two nights on each weeklong cruise, with two times scheduled each night. You will definitely need reservations; make them early.

Comedy shows are offered several times throughout each voyage. At least one performance will be in the main theater, while the rest are held in The Social Comedy & Night Club on Deck 7. Of the two comedians I saw, one was impressive without being vulgar, which I appreciated, while the other was just so-so in terms of laugh factor. He also had no new material for his subsequent performances.

I couldn't attend the "Women of Soul" show, which featured singer Siobhan Walsh singing hits by Whitney Houston. It was offered one night of my voyage with an early and a late show scheduled, with a 3:30 p.m. matinee on a different day.

The other major theater performance consisted of magician Neil Croswell, who put on a show that felt similar to what NCL used to do during dinner theater performances in The Illusionarium on Norwegian Getaway — lots of table floating and some other "meh" tricks I had seen done before.

If needed, sign language interpreters are available at no additional charge when requested at least 90 days in advance.

Norwegian Encore itineraries and pricing

Norwegian Encore spends April through October homeporting in Seattle and conducting Alaska sailings before repositioning through the Panama Canal and taking up residence in Miami to offer Caribbean voyages during the winter and early spring months.

For the vessel's 2024 Alaska season, prices at the time of publication start from $111 per person, per night for a similar weekly itinerary.

Panama Canal repositioning sailings begin at $43 per person, per night, for an inside cabin on a 21-night voyage from Seattle to Miami in the fall of 2023.

The ship's seven-night Eastern Caribbean offerings round-trip from Miami will set you back $96 per person, per night, in the beginning of 2024.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen traveling on most sailings (including those to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera) departing from and returning to U.S. home ports, you can board Norwegian Encore with your original birth certificate and a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license. Otherwise, a passport can be used. If you're sailing from a port outside of your country of citizenship, you must have a passport with at least six months' validity from the time your sailing ends.

Norwegian Encore levies automatic surcharges of $20 to $25 per person , per day, to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Based on the level of service received, cruisers can adjust the amount at the front desk before the final morning of the sailing. In addition, a 20% gratuity is added to extra-fee restaurant, bar and spa purchases.

Many NCL fares include basic ship Wi-Fi . However, passengers who don't have it included — or those who have the basic plan included but want to upgrade — can pay to connect. Prices vary, but they're generally pretty expensive, ranging from about $30 to $35 per person, per day, depending on whether or not you need streaming capabilities. The cost is slightly cheaper if you purchase in advance instead of waiting until you board.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring your own bottles of wine on Norwegian Encore, but you'll be charged a per-bottle fee of $15 to do so, regardless of where you plan to consume them.

Smoking policy

Passengers are only allowed to smoke — including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars — in designated areas on Norwegian Encore. Those areas include the casino, Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars only) and a portion of the pool deck on Deck 16, starboard.

Norwegian Encore does not have self-service laundry facilities . Passengers wishing to have garments laundered or pressed can send them out to be cleaned or dry-cleaned for a fee. On my sailing, prices ranged from $1.95 to launder one undergarment to $19.95 to dry-clean (and press) a suit or evening gown.

When items are sent out by 9 a.m., they are guaranteed back by 6 p.m. the following day when using standard service. Same-day service is available for an additional 50% of the total cost.

Members of certain tiers of the line's Latitudes loyalty program receive free or discounted laundry services.

Electrical outlets

All cabins on Norwegian Encore are outfitted with a combination of North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets. In my cabin, there were three of the former and one of the latter located at the vanity. Reading lamps on either side of the bed each had one USB port.

The currency on Norwegian Encore is the U.S. dollar. ATMs are available for use on board, but there is a hefty surcharge to withdraw cash.

The ship operates on a cashless system where passengers use their room key cards to charge purchases to their onboard accounts.

Drinking age

The drinking age is 21. Cruisers between the ages of 18 and 20 can drink beer and wine in international waters with parental permission. Parents must be present on the sailing and sign a waiver.

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the few cruise brands with no formal nights . The line pioneered "Freestyle" cruising, which means you can wear just about whatever you'd like whenever and wherever you'd like.

During the day, cruisers can often be found in T-shirts and shorts or jeans. For dinner, they might choose to put on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses, but generally most people keep it casual. Dressing up is strictly optional for those who enjoy cleaning up a bit.

Bottom line

Ultimately, Norwegian Encore offers a solid cruise product. The ship is large, so it's likely not the best choice if you enjoy smaller (or quieter) vessels. However, Encore's variety of activities appeals to travelers of all ages, making the ship ideal for multigenerational family groups. Just be aware that you'll likely incur a significant onboard bill if you want to try the latest and most adrenaline-pumping pursuits when you sail.

The ship's wide selection of both complimentary and for-fee cuisine is a boon to any group with picky eaters. Cabins are largely affordable, making a cruise on Norwegian Encore attainable for just about any budget, and the entertainment alone represents terrific value for the price paid.

Overall, you're likely to be pleased with a sailing on Norwegian Encore as long as you're prepared for some nickel-and-diming.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

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• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

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Even with a season that only runs from April through October, there are some 40 big ships and dozens of small ships cruising Alaska , making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

The itinerary choices are numerous in Alaska. Some ships stick to tried-and-true ports, sailing through Southeast Alaska and into western Canada. Others wander deeper along the Alaska coastline to places such as the Kenai Peninsula, north to Nome and Barrow and even deep into the Bering Sea.

Some trips hit multiple national parks; others dive into Alaska culture, allowing guests to learn the stories told by totem poles or hear about “the big one” from a fisherman at a dive bar.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

It can be hard to figure out which ship will deliver your idea of a “bucket list” experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget. Some travelers demand luxury, while others don’t mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs.

The good news is there’s a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

Norwegian Encore

On Norwegian Encore, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, compete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park while you traverse Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Ovation of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Best for land and sea adventures

You’ve traveled far to get to Alaska, and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North America’s largest peak — so big it’s often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.

Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively.

They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska’s interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

Choose from 10- to 17-night land tours that combine a standard weeklong cruise (sometimes half a cruise) with time spent exploring Alaska’s interior by bus, train or even plane.

Holland America will base six ships in Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

However, it also offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours on Koningsdam that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Disembark your cruise ship in Skagway, then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises offers a cruise tour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The 15- and 17-night trips combine a seven-night cruise on Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska, with another week or more on land, ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Best for travelers on a budget

Older ships in Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than you’ll find on the lines’ larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships don’t have as many bells and whistles.

Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also tend to offer frequent sales — especially on their older tonnage. These ships have a loyal following and tend to have fewer families on board, which some couples find particularly appealing.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

If you’re looking for other surefire ways to save, consider sailings in the area’s shoulder season. You’ll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.

Also, in Alaska, balcony cabins are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don’t pick your room location) to save more.

Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its early-season May 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. It starts at $368 per person for an inside cabin.

Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has so many ships based in Alaska that you’re bound to find deals, especially on shoulder-season cruises. Both Grand and Sapphire Princess offer weeklong Alaska cruises in May 2024 starting from $548 per person for inside cabins. The itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Whittier, Alaska, with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel

Want to see and deeply experience coastal Alaska, and don’t mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions? Consider lines such as UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises, all with ships that carry fewer than 100 passengers (and in the case of Alaskan Dream, even under 20 passengers).

On these small ships, captains have the flexibility to alter itineraries and linger if the naturalist onboard spots a pod of whales or bears digging for clams on a beach.

Small ships can go places bigger ships can’t, so itineraries stretch far beyond the traditional ports. You’ll visit more remote places such as Petersburg, a fishing town with strong Norwegian roots, and Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Some itineraries are conducted entirely in the wild, with no port calls at all.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures explores Southeast Alaska on seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries. A day might start with a morning birding expedition, continue with a kayaking adventure and end with an evening campfire ashore. You might visit LeConte and Baird Glaciers (where the big ships don’t go), plus UnCruise has the only permits for hiking and biking adventures on Chichagof Island.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Alaska and British Columbia, with itineraries ranging from six to 15 nights.

Guests might explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or discover native petroglyphs on the beaches of Wrangell Island in Alaska, or search for grizzly bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships carry 12 to 76 passengers to remote Native villages that rarely see visitors, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing far from the cruise ship crowds. Itineraries range from five to nine nights, from departure ports such as Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Best for families

If you’re traveling with your kids or grandkids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, target the newest and biggest ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and especially Disney Cruise Line. All have excellent camp-like activity programs for kids, plus eye-popping amusement attractions.

Disney Wonder

On Disney ships, Goofy might make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers. The extensive children’s program, entertainment and such activities as water slides and play areas deliver what you would expect from the purveyor of dreams. Bonus: Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink).

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Discovery Princess

While lacking in whiz-bang attractions, Princess Cruises is another good choice, both for its children’s and teens program, complete with spacious facilities, and for such programming as bringing sled dogs on board, which is a hit with young passengers. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess, sails round trip from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.

Carnival Spirit

Water slides, a partnership with Dr. Seuss and three hangouts for kids and teens make Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit a great bet for families in Alaska.

The ship’s huge array of included quick eats — pizza, tacos, Guy Fieri’s burgers and unlimited soft serve ice cream — and casual atmosphere take the stress out of dining with the family. The ship sails round trip from Seattle on seven-night itineraries that call in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best for luxury lovers

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea .

All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Juneau.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in complimentary Champagne and caviar on board or relish a meal created by famed chef, Thomas Keller.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for solo travelers

Solo travelers don’t always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Single cruisers should also note that luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Norwegian Bliss

The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Getaway classes all have cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises that visit Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies.

On Quantum of the Seas, choose a 101-square-foot inside cabin or a 119-square-foot ocean-view room with a 55-square-foot balcony. Either way, you get a full-size bed and plenty of space for one person. The ship sails a similar weeklong itinerary to sister ship Ovation of the Seas, round-trip from Seattle with scenic sailing along Endicott Arm.

Holland America offers ocean-view accommodations for one in Alaska only on Koningsdam. Measuring 127 to 172 square feet, these rooms come with a full-size bed and a picture window.

Koningsdam sails round trip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Its cruises can be combined into nine- to 14-night cruise tours to the Yukon and Denali.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.