Majestic Scenery - Over Packed Boat

Item: Norwegian Encore
Rating: 3.7
Author: dverbeek

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

dverbeek

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 12

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

7 Night Alaska: Glacier Bay Skagway & Juneau (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 16, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8150

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

This was a bucket list trip for us. We are new to Norwegian, but cruised Celebrity prior. Had we known what we know now, we would've booked with another cruise line or upgraded to a Haven room (with access to private areas). Our cruise promotion was misleading, "free" airfare (flying all night), NCL customer service was rude and condescending when we called to change. The buffet was almost unmanageable it was so busy. There were no seats to sit down. People were rude to each other and jammed packed elevators. We ended up with COVID. The scenery made it worthwhile, but doubt we'll cruise with Norwegian again.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Getting on board the ship was hectic and drawn out.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Food was good. Buffet was good, just way too busy; there were often no seats to eat.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Hot tubs were taken over by children. Hygiene becomes a concern. Too cold to swim. Need to pay extra to use indoor Haven pool.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

If you want to go to a show, you must make reservations well in advance of trip. Live music was entertaining.

Children's Programs

No children on trip

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

The boat was at full capacity, nearly 6,000 with crew. We got lost in the shuffle a few times. Room steward was really top-notch however.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Encore is a nice ship with plenty to see and do.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

We were pleased with the room and shower.

Ship tip

Wifi plan is a must of you want to stay connected.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Seattle, Washington

3 out of 5

Sea Tac Airport is really outdated and unclean. Bussing to port felt much like a cattle herd.

Thumbs Up 1

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

Whale watching was a highlight of the trip

Thumbs Up 0

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Do the train, it's worth every penny.

Thumbs Up 1

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Get a balcony room. You'll be grateful you did for this.

Thumbs Up 1

KETCHIKAN (WARD COVE), ALASKA

3 out of 5

Highly confusing excursion boarding process. Not enough time at port.

Thumbs Up 0

Victoria, British Columbia

2 out of 5

No time to see city in the daylight. Rushed excursion, no time to shop.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

6 Comments

Ship2Shora 1 year ago

NCL isn't what it used to be

Thumbs Up 0

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javawoody 1 year ago

Sea tac always seems to be under construction But would not consider it dirty

Thumbs Up 0

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Niemer19 1 year ago

Thank you for your honest review!

Thumbs Up 0

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

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jpmato16 1 year ago

I just sailed Encore to Alaska and had a great time. We avoided the buffet. Between sit down restaurants and The Local, really no need for buffet. We took stairs often, but no worse than any other ship we’ve sailed. Sailed Celebrity Apex this past March and the buffet was absolutely awful. Awful food and beyond packed. Caught COVID on that cruise for the first time. All lines are sailing at capacity or near-capacity. Things have changed.

Thumbs Up 1

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cruising2004 1 year ago

Sorry your cruise wasn’t completely up to par. We never buy the flight with the cruise, we arrive 1-2 days prior. Glad you did enjoy parts of Alaska. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Thumbs Up 1

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Other reviews of this sailing

Very scenic cruise

If not for the scenery, it would of been a bust

Amazing first experience