Nickel and Dime

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

markisboss

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 31

Overall rating:

3.5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaska Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 15, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12898

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

If I decide to cruise again, I will choose another cruise line and do a little more research. I hated being over-charged and nickel and dime'd for so many things. The TV system needs improvement. The map app in the room is from the mid-90s! Don't offer all you can drink and then sell water for $6.50 a liter. Don't offer as an itinerary a four minute ride to the top of a hill for $50 per person. Don't charge extra for mediocre premium food. Not really an overview, just things I wasn't happy with.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Good!

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Not as good as I would have expected. Extra charges for steak and seafood. $6.50 for a liter of water!

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Many activities were not open very much because of weather.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Enjoyed the shows. This is where Norwegian shined.

Children's Programs

kids?

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Ship personnel were very good except for one instance.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Not mentioned in the review I gave a few minutes ago was the stupidly laid out TV screens in the casino bar. Who had the asinine idea to put not one, but two 100 inch TVs in the corner with seating inches away from said screens? SUPER POORLY set up. Gut that room and start over!

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

The cabin was typical. Most cabins on this ship have a small balcony. The corners at the front of the bed were not clean. There were Skittles or M and Ms in one corner with accumulated dust, etc.. Having once managed cleaning employees, it was noticed that the vacuum machines did not seem ideal for this type of cleaning, The staff did clean in this area during our stay without my asking.

Ship tip

Avoid "Deal or No Deal" and Bingo, unless you're really desparate for something to do.

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Ports of call

Seattle, Washington Did not visit port

just passed through?

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Juneau, Alaska

3 out of 5

Skagway, Alaska

3 out of 5

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

KETCHIKAN (WARD COVE), ALASKA

3 out of 5

Victoria, British Columbia

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Great, very smooth and easy.

Traveler Photos

8 Comments

Jerrec 1 year ago

The tap water is always free, and it’s perfectly drinkable. Also important to make sure you understand what’s actually included in the drinks package. Almost all cruise lines have different levels. If you want included bottled water, that’s the premium plus package.

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javawoody 1 year ago

Appreciate your comments

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woody20 1 year ago

Everything you mentioned as extra charges are also charged on any other cruise line, so I would say try something else besides cruising.

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cruising2004 1 year ago

Sorry you were disappointed with your cruise.

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed feedback. Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations.

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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natelorip 1 year ago

Sorry your cruise wasn't everything you wanted it to be. We did the same cruise in 2022 and loved it.

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karlgrgurich 1 year ago

Lots of issues. Doesn’t sound like a very good vacation

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Other reviews of this sailing

The trip was ok. Overall the food was good. Docking so far from town centers and had to be bussed in was not good. Entertainment that was available was good, but not enough variety. I would not receommend this cruise.

Beautiful Alaska