Majestic Scenery - Over Packed Boat

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

dverbeek

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 7

Overall rating:

3.7 out of 5

Norwegian Encore

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: 10 months 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Sea Tac Airport is really outdated and unclean.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.

Juneau, Alaska

5 out of 5

Whale watching was a highlight of the trip

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Do the train, it's worth every penny.

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

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

KETCHIKAN (WARD COVE), ALASKA

3 out of 5

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

Victoria, British Columbia

2 out of 5

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

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

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