My very 1st cruise!

Item: Norwegian Encore
Rating: 4.3
Author: JVCruiser

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review

JVCruiser

Contributor Level: Cruise Director

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

Verified Review

Great Stirrup Cay Round Trip

Sail date: November 17, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 11144

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

I used to think cruise vacations were just for the elderly. I was wrong. I can’t wait to cruise again. So many dining, entertainment, and activities to choose from. You can’t beat the value.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Being that it was my first ever embarkation experience I have nothing to compare it to besides going through TSA at an airport. It was a VASTLY better experience. Quick and orderly.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

The food on the ship was great! From the buffet to the different restaurants. A great selection of cuisine and all very delicious. There is something for everyone.

The Manhattan Room - Main Dining Room

4 out of 5

A fine dining experience. The decor was immaculate. The service was spot on. The food was very good but the portion sizes felt a bit on the small side for my liking.

Garden Cafe

5 out of 5

As always with a buffet sometimes there are to many choices but I’m not complaining. My favorite station was “The Taste of India.” It was great! The desert bar and soft serve stations were a hit with me. There was enough choice to keep my sweet tooth satisfied. Having a bar in the buffet didn’t hurt either.

Maltings Whiskey Bar

4 out of 5

It was as masculine as a a bat can get. Very put together. Dark woods and lighting. The drinks were good as well.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar

5 out of 5

The raspberry guava and the pineapple coconut mojitos were excellent. I loved the Latin music playing. It provided for a great atmosphere. They have an outdoor bar as well. It was nice to sit and enjoy the view as well as the drinks.

Teppanyaki

5 out of 5

Loved, loved, loved it! The food was amazing! The chef was even better. Not your typical hibachi routine. The routine was all his own and he should have been one of the comedians on stage at the comedy show. Had an amazing time with friends.

Los Lobos

4 out of 5

The food was excellent. I’m a sucker for Ted snapper and the Huachinango a la Veracruz did not disappoint. My favorite desert their was the Tres Leches.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

The onboard activities were great! I mean go-karts on a ship at sea?? Really cool!

Entertainment

4 out of 5

I saw the comedy show at the Encore Theater. The host an the other comedians had me in stitches. I thought they would be all PG and they weren’t. It was great!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The staff was great. Very friendly and really attractive and helpful.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship was immaculate. Loved the decor. Hip and modern.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

I would haven given it a 5 star rating had the room been a tad larger. That said, the room was clean and well appointed. The balcony was perfect!

Ship tip

As soon as you board the ship head for a kiosk and reserve everything you think you might want to experience. Dining, activities, etc., all fill up very fast.

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