We spent an excellent week on the Encore - and felt pampered the entire time. Everything about the ship was great, with impressive attention to detail. One of our favorite spots was the Observation area on the 15th deck, with a great 180 degree view. Even though the ocean was rated as "very rough" with 21 foot waves, the ship handled it beautifully. It was a very relaxing week, but there was also plenty to do if you wanted more activity. I had a tremendous experience with Guest Services. The airline delayed one of our suitcases and said they would get it to our first port of call (San Juan.) I gave a copy of the report to Guest Services and they took charge from there. The port agent worked with the airline, calling them to verify everything along the way, and the suitcase was delivered to my cabin in San Juan. Guest Services also provided me with the supplies I needed (toiletries, etc.) until my suitcase arrived. We will be returning for additional cruises.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Very efficient process
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Wide variety of options for meals. The specialty restaurants we visited were for seafood, Italian food, and a French bistro - all were outstanding. Main dining rooms were great - excellent food, efficient, friendly service. I was amazed at the vareity of food in the buffet - and the daily changes so there was always something new to try.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There was always something going on in the Atrium, from listening to music, to games with audience participation.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Outstanding productions of "Kinky Boots" and "Choir of Man." We also enjoyed the production of "Happy Hour Prohibition" - taking us back to the night before Prohibition started with singing, dancing, Lulu's girls performing, and, of course, the need to finish as much alcohol as possible before it was all banned. (The production included sampling 5 different drinks from the era.)
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone appeared genuinely friendly - it never came across as an act. They were all eager to help in any way they could and proactively anticipated any needs or anything that could make things a bit better.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This is a new ship and everything looked great. Despite this, I was pleased with their attention to detail - re-varnishing, repainting, constant cleaning of bathrooms and handrails. Impressive attention to detail.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Adequate space in a balcony cabin. Good sized bed (with plenty of suitcase storage space underneath), sofa, two chairs on the balcony. We did not feel squeezed into a tiny space.
Ship tip
Book specialty restaurants early - space seemed to fill up quickly.
Time was a bit rushed and we were only there in the evening. However, we took a great excursion that included a walking tour of part of San Juan and had an opportunity to learn how to make a mojito and mofongo.
Our first time on St. Thomas, with a chance to explore a bit. We took a tour that included a couple of hours at Magens Bay - a beautiful beach! (Be prepared to rent beach chairs and carry them from the central location.)
Thank you for giving a review that wasn’t all complaints! I leave in a week, and I only sail Norwegian! You can’t make everyone happy! But relax, and enjoy 🛳
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