Beautiful Ship - relaxing cruise!
Norwegian Encore Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 41
7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)
Sail date: November 24, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Encore
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 4 years ago
Review summary
Only booked at the last minute. Wanted to experience this new ship having done a lot of research and read so many good reviews. It didn't disappoint, and passed expectations in some areas, however, there are some negatives to it. As the ship is new, all the public areas are as you would expect - nothing looks worn or dirty. The outside areas of the ship are what causes more concern. Whilst the race rack and laser areas are unique, they really do take up a lot of the pool area. When the ship is sailing to other ports this may not be too much of a problem, however, when sailing to the Caribbean, where most passengers are probably going for the sun, our opinion is that it is. Didn't experience it ourselves as we booked the Vibe (only because I'd read so many reviews expressing concerns about the pool deck) however, there were passengers who made comments that sun beds were being reserved with towels from early in the morning I.e. 7am. Had a very relaxing cruise and would definitely do it again - if I could book the Vibe before sailing!Embarkation
Arrived approx 11.20am, walked straight through security checks, couple of minutes waiting to complete registration, onto the ship - all very smooth and without any delays. On board and exploring the ship within 45 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Majority of the food served was good.
The size of the portions served do appear smaller, which is probably a good thing and creates less waste. You could always ask for more if needed!
Of the 3 main dining rooms, Manhattan was more like is expected on the cruise ships - large and airey. As someone said on a previous review "felt a little more sophisticated."
The waiting staff seemed to be relaxed and enjoyed their role, some (Frankie springs to mind) even provided their own form of entertainment, singing to guests!
The other 2 rooms were nice and modern, but smaller and felt a little more informal.
The buffet had lots of choice and catered for most tastes, however, only tried it for lunch a couple of times. It was very busy, which is to be expected for a ship of this size and number of passengers. As there as so many sections, you do need to remember where you are sitting once you have your food! Saw a few people walking past more than once, trying to find their family members!
The Local had a good varied menu.
Didn't try any of the speciality restaurants as we always feel there is sufficient choice in the main restaurants. (We were offered a package that included "speciality dining" when we booked, but declined it.)
Onboard Activities
There is a variety of activities on board, however, we chose to travel the Caribbean for the sun and relaxation! Awarded the 5 stars due to the variety available for those that want it.
Entertainment
Choir of Man is excellent, one of the best shows we have seen onboard any cruise ship!
So good we went to the 'standby' line one night, to watch it again. If you get the chance to see it, make sure you do!
Kinky Boots was just 'okay'.
Pre book the shows before you get onboard via the app.
The Liverpool Beatles and Rojas were worth watching.
Service and Staff
Majority of staff throughout the ship were eager to serve and please passengers, however, a few of the staff in Savors Restaurant looked to be 'under pressure' and didn't have the same 'happy go lucky' attitude that others did!
Ship Quality
Beautiful ship that still had that 'new car'(or ship) smell!
Very modern throughout, the Observation Lounge is a gorgeous area to sit and relax, or have a light breakfast whilst sitting on the Shay Lounge chairs.
Never had any problems with elevators being crowded.
The layout in the pool area leaves a lot to be desired!
Cabin / Stateroom
In the past, we have booked sea view cabins. Having worked out 3 or 4 cruises ago that we are actually in our cabin awake, for approx 2 hours, we now book an inside cabin.
The size was okay for the 2 of us, however, it was apparently able to accommodate a family of 4 with beds that dropped down from the ceiling. The wardrobes are quite small for a 7 night cruise, so for anything longer, or more than 2 people, it might be a struggle. Draw space was limited.
There was everything you needed and as others have previous said, the bathroom was larger than on the older ships, with a modern layout and plenty of storage space.
Ship tip
Get onto the ship early, in order to book the Vibe!
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
We went into San Juan last year on a RC cruise and had the full day there. Really enjoyed San Juan and would definitely go again.
There is lots to see and do, however, with this NCL cruise only arriving at 5.30pm, it makes the options limited. Pity it only does an evening port of call.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
It was an easy walk from the ship to the port. Shops were the usual.
Went to Long Bay Beach by taxi which were all located right outside the port.
Journey took about 25 minutes, so you get see a little more of the island, along the coastal road.
Rented beds and umbrella for $20 - beautiful beach, stayed there all day!
Disembarkation
Carried off of own luggage - way to go if you are able to, could not have been easier!
From leaving our cabin on deck 14 (cabin located at the stern and disembarkation being aft) down to deck 6, clearing customs and waiting on the kerbside for a taxi - all inside 30 minutes.