Alaskan Cruise

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 5

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5
Norwegian Encore

7 Night Alaska Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 14, 2022

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 14246

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

This was a relaxing cruise for me and one that I would pick for a slow, chill vacation. To me, it isn’t for active kids/teenagers. I will plan another cruise with just myself, the spa and a balcony!

Embarkation

5 out of 5
The embarkation was pretty straight forward. There was plenty of staff to help keep the line moving. From the time I got out of my taxi, my bags were quickly tagged and sent onboard. Plenty of staff available to assist with documents while you were on the line. So that by the time different station points, your documents were ready. A quick and efficient embarkation process

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
The drinks were good. The food was standard American fare. I was not able to try any of the specialty restaurants. The staff in the main dining rooms and buffet were great

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
My kids participated in zero onboard activities. There was a charge for everything except the pool and the gym. Race track, laser tag, virtual arcade was not included in the price of the cruise. The activities in the atrium were just something to do. Just to say you were doing something. The nighttime entertainment was good

Entertainment

4 out of 5
For the most part, the nighttime entertainment was good. Good enough to please Norwegian’s general population

Children's Programs

I traveled with kids ages 14, 17, and 19. My 14 year old was more interested in what her siblings were doing

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
The dining staff were fabulous, friendly and genuinely eager to please. The overall staff was professional

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Extremely clean, balconies and ship’s bathrooms included!

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The cabin and balcony were much larger than expected. I was a little concerned with the step up to the bathroom. It’s a tripping hazard. Maybe someone can explain to me its purpose as I haven’t seen that on other cruises. There must be a reason for it. In any case, I was so pleased with the cabin that I’m now spoiled. I don’t know that other cruise regular size balconies can compare. For a regular balcony, the size was generous and I didn’t feel caged in at all. (No metal lining in the design, full sliding doors. I loved it.)

Ship tip

Make sure you bring some books and music and prepare to do some serious relaxing on the balcony because you will want to spend time out there. So the advice is to get a room with a balcony

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

4 out of 5
Seattle has an interesting and diverse population. You really have to visit for yourself to get a true perspective. I will say this though,, I’m from NY and some things wer quite shocking and some things reminded me of home. It was a good visit

Juneau, Alaska

3 out of 5
Didn’t get to see much due to the fog

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Alaska Did not visit port

Wasn’t on the itinerary

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5
So beautiful! I’ve been back a little over a week now and I still have friends and family commenting on it’s beauty in my Facebook postings

Ketchikan, Alaska

1 out of 5
Not enough time at this port. I felt robbed. Not enough time for passengers to eat breakfast and explore,,,let alone have an excusion

Victoria, British Columbia

5 out of 5
Same as Ketchikan, not enough time

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Quick

Traveler Photos

A better look Juneau Space Needle Ferris wheel
Was this review helpful? 5

6 Comments

raineywife    1 year ago

Yes I hear Alaskan cruises are more low key which I love. Too bad all the kids attractions are expensive onboard. Thank you.

donald1lane    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing!

AuntPinkie    2 years ago

Appreciate your detailed review. Glad you mostly enjoyed your Alaskan cruise.

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

javawoody    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing

RetiredRay    2 years ago

Sad about Ketchikan, one of my favorite ports to take a walk up into the hills along the creek. Thanks for a good review and observations.

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