The Encore. Has It All.

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review

marilopez

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 14

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 24, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

Having been on the Epic and the Breakaway, the anticipation of experiencing the last of the Breakaway Class was exhilarating to say the least. The Encore did not disappoint, on the contrary, we found it to be awe-inspiring. The Encore’s décor was bright, welcoming and the design was simple, clean and yet elegant. The ship’s wide open design allows for a spacious environment where regardless of the passenger count, you never feel cramped for space. With a plethora of 29 dining options, nine of them complementary, there are ample choices of delicious fare to entice the palate. However, for more casual dining, one can visit one the Encore’s more relaxed venues. For example, “The Local,” where you can watch the big game and choose from a myriad of comfort food to relax and recharge. If you love mojitos, The Encore has a slice of Caribbean Heaven in the Sugarcane Mojito Bar where fresh mint and rum are blended to a refreshing perfection. Everyone I spoke to seemed to have the Sugarcane Mojito Bar as one of their favorite places to visit, repeatedly. Another choice location for anyone looking to relax, read a book, enjoy a cocktail, or even take an afternoon siesta was the observation deck. With plenty of loungers, you can order a drink, enjoy the view and the calm serenity of the sea. The District Brew House affords one the opportunity to taste a multitude of brews. Fifty bottled and nearly two dozen draft beers, in an atmosphere where you can enjoy a view via the floor to ceiling windows. If you’d like something along the line of wine, there are wine dispensers and a full service bar in the café. There is also a 24 hour Starbucks for anyone who may need a caffeine kick to keep going. Which would be understandable, with all there is to see and do! The Café also has Starbucks machines with a choice of coffee, hot chocolate or chai tea. When it came to fun and excitement the Encore came out for another curtain call. Their race track was every race fan’s dream come true. Who would believe that a cruise ship would find a way to create a two level race course for travelers to speed around curves that actually hang over the side of the ship?! Now THAT was exhilarating! If you’re into watersports, the five waterslides were enough to keep you busy splashing. The tandem slides also reach out over the ships sides and give you an adrenaline rush before your ride is over. For the younger travelers, the kids aqua park allows them to soak one another with water cannons, tip buckets, and make a splash as do the tube slides. I thoroughly enjoyed everything from the virtual speed racing, to the rollercoaster to the VR hang gliding which is so realistic that once the ride is over, you have to get your land lubber legs while still at sea… All of this is amazingly convincing in its reality and astounding to believe that it’s on a cruise ship. However, one of my (and others I spoke to) favorite was the 3D Zombie Lazar Tag game. It is NOT to be missed. The two full access pools are beautiful, spacious, and inviting. There are plenty of places to sit and relax. Not to mention the additional Haven Pool for its patrons which is a special experience that leaves a lasting impression as one of the most serene places you’ll find, for exclusive Haven Suite guests on or off any ship. If you’d like to soak and relax, The Encore offers nine Jacuzzis in which you can let go, and unwind as the jets message away your worries. As far as entertainment, The Beatles Show was excellent and took you back to a time when rock and roll was all the rage. The “Beatles” were convincing and an effective escape to the innocent days of the beginnings of the rock and roll era. The casino was especially friendly to non-smokers in that the smoking area was enclosed for those who chose to light up, while the non-smokers were allowed the open area where gamblers aren’t forced to inhale second hand smoke. The award winning Broadway Musical Kinky Boots on The Encore was amazing, and so well produced one would think they were in a New York City theatre, just steps from Time Square. So, if you’re looking to relax, The Encore is the ship for you…If you’re looking for fun and adventure, The Encore is the ship for you…Either way…The Encore, is the ship for you!