It was exciting to be on a new ship. I cannot say that the decor is the most appealing to me. Very plain. The food, bar service, and entertainment are excellent. However, I do not think we would cruise on the Encore again because we feel it is designed for young people (teens to 30 something) with its PAY go-carts, Galaxy, lasertag, etc; REMOVING the FREE area for adults, Spice H20. Our favorites are Escape and Bliss of the ones we have cruised on.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food in the specialty dining venues are excellent. The food in the Local is always enjoyed, no matter what time of day. Did not have the chance to eat in the Manhattan Room, Taste or Savor for dinner. The Garden Buffet is a very busy place and the food is plentiful with lots of variety. Very clean.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The atrium is the fun place to be. The entertainment in the bar areas are excellent.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Choir of Men is fantastic and we enjoyed it more than Kinky Boots, though Kinky Boots is first rate.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our room steward was one of the best we have ever had. Silas, the cruise director is fantastic and mingles with the guest. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. Overall --- the staff is EXCELLENT.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship is so new it, of course, is sparking clean. Ths atrium design is exactly like it's sister ship. The flaw is that Customer Service and Cruise Next desks are in the same area of the central entertainment, games, etc and it is so noisy. That area should be for fun ---- put the areas of business somewhere where business can be taken care of comfortably.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The balcony cabin is the typical NCL cabin size. The deck is also, which is one of the smallest of the cruise lines. Storage is adequate. Love having a single serve (not Keurig) coffee maker in the room. The usb outlets at both bedsides is an appreciated convenience.
Ship tip
The Encore is a new, fun ship with excellent food and entertainment. You can have an enjoyable cruise without dishing out more money. However, be prepared to pay for items such as the go-carts, lasertag, and Galaxy. The specialty dining is extra but usually is a perk you can choose when you book. (Have to pre-pay the gratuities). I think the liquor package is the best in the industry. Again, can be a perk and you pre-pay the gratuities.
Do not like arriving at 5:30pm and dark within an hour (during winter months). With that, we did not do much but walk around Old San Juan shopping, had a Pina Colada at the bar of it's birthplace, and dinner at another restaurant.
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