Many things to keep you entertained on NCL's newest ship.
Norwegian Encore Cruise Review
Great Stirrup Cay Round Trip
Sail date: November 17, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Encore
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 11138
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
This is my third time sailing with NCL. I've only ever sailed on these larger ships and love all the activities that keep you entertained for the entire cruise. Since it's a new ship some of the staff were still learning their roles. In the recreation area it seems like an employee would only work a position for 30 minutes or less before being rotated somewhere else, so in some cases the customers had to wait for this to complete. It was most noticeable on the slide where this happen twice. The food in the main dining restaurants was good and the staff were attentive. I'd certainly take another NCL cruise.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The Manhattan Room - Main Dining Room
Had dinner here twice. The steak was quite good the first night. The second night it was cooked well, but the portion was just smaller. The service and atmosphere was great both nights.
Sugarcane Mojito Bar
The mojitos were on point. My favorite was the raspberry guava. The live music in the evenings makes this a great place to sit and pass the time and people watch. At times the bar seemed short staffed so you had to wait a while to get drinks.
Garden Cafe
Los of choices and the food was generally been good. The prime rib could have been warmer though.
The Local
Good was food and the service was quick. Great place to people watch or catch the entertainment that's happening in the atrium.
The District Brew House
A wide variety of beers. The entertainment in the evenings was good.
Starbucks
They carry most of the items you can get on land including all the seasonal drinks that were available at the time. The cafe area is quite spacious.
Onboard Activities
Pulse Fitness Center
Several classes including a rowing one I wish I could have tried. The equipment is very new and in good condition.
Observation Lounge
I love this area on the Bliss, Joy, and Encore. A peaceful place to sit, read, or have a drink. During certain times they have small snacks available as well. There's a bar at the front part of this space if you want to get a drink.
Entertainment
Encore Theater
The venue itself is fantastic. Watched The Choir of Man which was very energetic and involved the audience. The Kinky Boots show I didn't enjoy as much and I felt like the vocals were at times overpowered by the music so you couldn't understand what the performers were saying.
Galaxy Pavilion
I like the idea of this same enjoy the games I tried. The first racing simulator along the back wall had some issue half way through my race where I couldn't back out when I got stuck. So they let me play again on another simulator but the VR goggles on that one didn't work so I just played watching the normal screen.
Laser Tag
My absolute favorite activity on the ship. I ended up playing this over 10 times. If you're able to, play on the red team side. You have a much better advantage.
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Make sure to reserve the activities you want to do as soon as you can.
Ports of call
Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
