Wonderful getaway for a week

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 14

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Encore

7 Night Caribbean: Great Stirrup Cay & Dominican Republic (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 03, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12718

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 months ago

Review summary

Living in FL we have done several Caribbean cruises. We now do them just for the getaway aspect. We are not as concerned about the excursions. The food was excellent and the balcony room was very accommodating. Because it was about 80-85% capacity, it did seem to be noisier than usual, particularly in the dining areas. The lack of entertainment options was probably the biggest disappointment.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Embarkation was pretty efficient, staff was very pleasant. Had to wait a couple of hours to get into our stateroom, but that wasn't an issue.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
All of the complimentary dining areas had excellent food. All of our previous cruises had good food selection and quality, but this ship seemed to be above par. Kudos to them. The free beverage package is always a plus.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
As older adults we did not take part in many of the activities that were designed for kids or families. The fitness center was appropriate and typical. All of the activities (trivia, etc.) which were held in the atrium were too loud and crowded. They would be better in a separate venue so all of the "walking by" traffic doesn't interfere with it.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
This is the first cruise we have been on which did not have a theatre type production. This was disappointing. The comedians were average at best, but because they were one of the main attractions their shows were repetitive. The Beatles cover band was pretty good, if you are a Beatles fan. The country band was below average. Ryan North was very good. We saw his show several times. Guns and Rojas was very good also.

Children's Programs

No kids

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All of the service staff was exemplary. Even to chat with the maintenance personnel was very pleasant.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The ship was extremely clean. Great care is taken in this department. The sliding doors with touch opening eliminated blow back from the wind, much safer and easier to handle.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Our bathroom in a balcony room was very adequate. The wall closet was very poorly positioned by the couch.

Ship tip

If you want a quiet place to read or sun the aft deck by the laser tag is totally empty during the day.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida Did not visit port

We live in FL. No desire to visit Miami other than to get on a cruise ship.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

5 out of 5
We did a Nature tour which was very well run. The lunch was very pleasant. The tour guide was very accommodating.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3 out of 5
We had a tour excursion to St. John booked, which was cancelled the day before due to ferry problems. We don't enjoy walking around a bunch of touristy sales kiosks so we were off ship for maybe an hour.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

5 out of 5
We did a non-Norwegian tour of the island (local vender). It was very nice, appropriate time length, felt very safe.

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

3 out of 5
The lunch provided has been improved over the years. The facilities for preparing and serving the lunch is definitely better and easier for the staff.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
No problem for self-disembarkation.
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