Not the cruise experience of old!!

Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

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

Overall rating:

3.4 out of 5
Norwegian Encore

Sail date: December 17, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Encore

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 14282

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 10 months ago

Review summary

Great to be on vacation. The "new" small print fees are ridiculous. We are blessed to able to afford to vacation yearly. An all inclusive resort now trumps cruising without question. We have done Sandals the last 2 years and there is no comparison. Spend a few bucks more for a better, more relaxing vacation.

Embarkation

3 out of 5
You are scheduled to arrive only to receive a group number and wait around.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5
The food was fine. The drink package is misleading. I'll explain.....they completely fill a medium cup with ice. One can of pop makes at least 6 cups. You can only get 2 cups per trip. If you want the can, you must purchase the ultimate package. Not a game changer, just annoying and misleading.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
It is posted no reserving chairs, etc. That's a joke and if you are not up at 6am and reserve pool chairs, you're out of luck. The pool is grossly inadequate for the size of the ship.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
There was an legend group onboard that was probably the best at sea. We are cruised at least 12 times and this act was the absolute best.

Children's Programs

No children

Service and Staff

2 out of 5
Room Attendant was great. Cusot.er service desk was rude and will test your patience and professionalism.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Ship was well maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Love the aft cabins, larger balcony and rooms.

Ship tip

Room service is not free. There is a service fee EACH time your order and the fee depends on which menu you use. Again, not a game changer but a clear surprise to several on board. Be prepared to be nickeled and dimed from start to finish.

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

4 out of 5

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

4 out of 5

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

4 out of 5

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

1 out of 5
You tender and are required to get a group number. The staff is completely disorganized and rude when questioned. Arrived at 10am and didn't get off the ship until 115pm and expected back onboard by 5pm. There are no food choices and the lines are INSANE. We will NEVER select NCL again nor a trip with thr private island.....it's a joke and a waste of your money.

Disembarkation

1 out of 5
Unorganized and a rat race. Celebrity, Royal and Princess has larger ships and its flawless. NCL needs to follow suit.
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9 Comments

Ladyjunecliff     9 months ago

Wow, what a disappointing cruise! Good at least you got that legend band and a little soda with your full cup of ice. Sorry!

Walshmusic     10 months ago

When you go all inclusive like Sandals, do you wake up in a different port every day? Why pay more to get less?

Jerrec     10 months ago

Room service hasn’t been free on NCL for many years with the exception of a continental breakfast, which now also has a delivery fee. It has had a delivery fee for some time. Luckily you can get all the free food you want by leaving your cabin.

Gwbigdog     10 months ago

Thanks for sharing

javawoody     10 months ago

Appreciate the review

Niavlys     10 months ago

The all inclusive is no longer true on cruise, to a pont where it almost looks like false advertising...

cruising2004     10 months ago

Thank you for your review.

lemy     10 months ago

1 can of soda equals 6 cups? Room service hasn't been free for awhile on most cruise lines.

picalo     10 months ago

great attitude... yes , we're all blessed to be able to cruise.