New ship has many WINS, and some losers.

Item: Norwegian Encore
Rating: 3.9
Author: drjknox

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

drjknox

Contributor Level: Second Mate

32 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 59

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 23, 2020

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9904

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

New Encore was the reason for our trip, last minute. Pool area downsizing was a big disappointment and loss of H20 was generally the big negative. Observation lounge was a huge homerun! New specialty restaurants were a surprise, Cagneys disappointed (!) Overall really enjoyed the ship and the crew.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

The usually excellent Cagneys was a big disappointment. Cold food, loud noisey atmosphere. Los Lobos, Q were unexpected delights.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Choir of Man---best show at sea!!!!!! Kinky Boots---fun production. Onboard entertainment around ship was generally very good and plentiful.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Excellent service in all categories. A bit more difficult language wise, than usual.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Observation lounge is the best thing going on the sea. Huge space with food & beverage and entertainment. Floor to ceiling windows wrap around the front of the ship. Pool area NOT SO GOOD. Too much open space gone with elimination of H20 and the addition of Laser Tag and the go carts. Pool area much to small with too many people. Private areas overbooked and not worth additional price.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Good size, layout and bathroom. Something horribly wrong with the cabin. 7 days of "popping, groaning, squeeking, thumping and noise" At first we thought it was the heavy seas, but after leaving San Juan---no change. Guest services heard the noises but said it was something a carpenter needed to look at. It was floor above/below or neighbor cabin. It was the actual cabin that was the cause of sleepless nights.

Ship tip

Have fun do everything you can. Variety is all around you, and they do FREE STYLE better than anyone else. Book your dining and entertainment early....otherwise you may miss out.

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