Norwegian Encore was Awesome

Item: Norwegian Encore
Rating: 4.5
Author: mikebrenda

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review

mikebrenda

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 28

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 02, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12900

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Overall we had a great time and experience. Loved it and would do it again. The ship was full capacity but you’d never know it cause the staff were plentiful and provided quick service.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Embarkation was pretty smooth. It was busy at the port with previous guests trying to catch transportation out and new guests trying to get to check in. Once in the building everything went well between security, checking in and finally boarding.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We find the food and drinks are always on point with Norwegian.

Q Texas Smokehouse

5 out of 5

The food here is very good and portion sizes are huge. I couldn’t eat it all and didn’t even order all the options the waiter said you could pick.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

There was plenty to do and keep you busy on board.

Main Pool

4 out of 5

The main pool got pretty busy on sea days but wait times at the bar were actually pretty short. 10 minutes tops for us when we were there.

Encore Casino

4 out of 5

Spent some time at the Casino. It was pretty busy in the evening but had no problem making donations.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Encore Theater

5 out of 5

Seen the Beatles Invasion and The Choir of Man. Both shows were very well done and entertaining.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Room Steward was awesome. Very thorough and personable. Waiters were very good and provided excellent service. Other staff we ran into were always friendly and greeted us with a smile. These men and women bust their butts to provide a good experience.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship was very clean with staff constantly cleaning, vacuuming and wiping stuff down. Bathrooms we used were always clean with ample supplies to use.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Typical balcony cabin. It serves its purpose

Ship tip

Book your excursions when you book your trip. It saves you time and they will have your tickets printed for you ahead of time. Plus it’s one less thing to worry about when you board. Book specialty restaurants as soon as the booking period opens. They fill fast. Book your other dinners as soon as you board and connect to wifi for the same reason. I found doing it through the NCL app was easier than the screens they have around the ship. Same goes for activity’s or shows. Book them asap as they fill quick. If you wait until the show to walk up and try to get in, you will likely be disappointed. Lastly.. settle back and enjoy yourself.. you’re on vacation and they have you covered.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5

The beach is beautiful, easy to get food and drinks. Book your tender early and for the love of god.. do not go down to the theatre until they call your number. Please don’t create a safety hazard by jamming the stairs and hallways to the point no one can move.

Thumbs Up 0

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

4 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

4 out of 5

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

4 out of 5

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Getting off the ship was pretty easy. They have it down to a science. We were through security, customs, luggage retrieval and on the shuttle to the airport in about 40 minutes.

Traveler Photos

7 Comments

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