A good deal with some caveats

The first step of any cruise adventure, the embarkation process, often sets the tone for the voyage ahead. In the case of the Norwegian Encore, this initiation was remarkably seamless. The terminal in Miami was undoubtedly one of the largest I've encountered, a well-oiled machine that expedited my transition from land to sea. The check-in agent, April, was warm and welcoming, rendering the entire process a pleasurable affair. From start to finish, the embarkation procedure was a mere 15-minute endeavor, an impressive feat that left little room for frustration or impatience. However, my high spirits were somewhat dampened upon learning that the staterooms wouldn't be ready for occupation for quite some time. This delay, longer than I've experienced on most ships, initially rendered the vessel's public spaces quite crowded, with throngs of travelers seeking respite amid the limited available areas. Fortunately, there were places providing many food and drink options to keep hunger at bay while people awaited their long-anticipated cabins. I immediately put my beverage package to a good use, allowing me to embrace the spirit of vacation from the very start. When the rooms finally became available, an unusual situation unfolded - the room attendants placed people's luggage in the narrow hallways rather than bringing it directly into their cabins. This peculiar practice, something I haven't encountered on other recent cruises, rendered the already tight corridors virtually impassable, forcing guests to awkwardly maneuver their way past stacks of suitcases. While certainly not a deal-breaker, it was an odd logistical choice that disrupted the flow of traffic.

Food - MDR: The Norwegian Encore featured not one, not two, but three separate dining rooms. While the expansive Manhattan room reigned as the largest of the trio, it paled in comparison to the grandiose dining halls found on some other cruise lines. The two smaller rooms, Savor and Taste, provided a welcome sense of intimacy. Thanks to Norwegian's flexible dining policy, guests could flit between these three rooms at their leisure each evening, with identical menus offered at each locale. However, I found the food selections and overall quality to be a step or two below my experiences on recent cruises with Holland America, Celebrity, and Princess lines. On first night, the menu struck me as merely adequate, a far cry from the gourmet dishes I'd grown accustomed to, devoid of the fancy bread baskets and artisanal butters that typically grace the table. While the servers proved attentive and efficient, the cuisine itself failed to impress, with my shrimp scampi disappointingly dry, though the crème brûlée provided a redeeming high note. My subsequent visit to the Manhattan room further dampened my enthusiasm, as a palpable busyness seemed to overwhelm the staff, leaving service languishing and menus misprinted at my table. The servers, clearly frazzled, had little bandwidth for niceties or engaged interaction as I consumed my bland, under-seasoned fish dish. It wasn't until my third main dining room experience that I finally encountered a server willing to invest in friendly rapport, inquiring about my journey and providing the warm hospitality for which cruise travel is renowned. Sadly, the food remained hit-or-miss, with gaping holes in the menu - no beef specials ever graced the daily offerings, and delicacies like escargot or lobsters were entirely absent. Aside from the reassuring "Favorites" section featuring a New York strip, proteins centered firmly on poultry, pork, and inexpensive seafood. Breakfast, however, provided a relative bright spot, with the main dining rooms offering a satisfactory selection, complete with indulgences like bagels and lox, complemented by an attentive serving team. While the Norwegian Encore's main dining options fell short of lofty expectations, the innovative flexible three-room approach demonstrated the line's eagerness to craft a unique experience - even if the cuisine itself requires further refinement. Overall MDR rating: 3 stars Food - the Garden Café buffet: Many cruisers, myself included, frequented the Garden Café buffet for breakfast and lunch, and sometimes even for dinner. Upon entering, a cheerful crew member greeted guests with a "Washy washy, happy happy" song, while dispensing hand sanitizer. While the buffet boasted numerous food options, its variety and quality fell short compared to other cruise lines like Celebrity, Princess, HAL, or Virgin. Despite the bustling breakfast crowd, finding a seat wasn't too difficult. The selection of deli meats and cheese left much to be desired. And if you like lox on your bagels, I recommend eating breakfast at one of the dining rooms. Personally, I found myself sticking mainly to omelets and bacon, craving a change from the repetitive offerings. Transitioning to breakfast in the main dining room proved a wise choice, with a noticeable improvement in both selection and service. Lunches fared better, offering a refreshing departure from the standard fare with Asian and Indian food stations, occasionally featuring shrimp. Desserts, while satisfactory, lacked options for those with gluten restrictions. One notable distinction from more upscale lines was the absence of roaming waiters offering coffee and juices during breakfast—an amenity I'd grown accustomed to with Princess and Celebrity. While I didn't mind fetching my own beverages, a bit of attentive service wouldn't have gone amiss on NCL, although one needs to keep in mind that NCL is more of a budget cruise line. Overall buffet rating: 3 stars Food - Specialty dining: One of the hallmarks of any exceptional cruise experience is the array of dining options, and the Norwegian Encore did not disappoint on this front. From the impeccable service at Ocean Blue to the innovative fusion fare at Food Republic, this vessel's specialty restaurants consistently delivered memorable culinary adventures. Ocean Blue, in particular, stood out as a bastion of personalized service. The entire staff exuded warmth and attentiveness, ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was nothing short of sublime. The food itself was equally praiseworthy, with each meticulously prepared dish delivering on both flavor and presentation. It's an establishment that undoubtedly deserves the loftiest of accolades. Food Republic, on the other hand, offered a delightfully unique twist on cruise dining. Diners place their orders via iPads, while the seating area boasts a vantage point overlooking the boundless ocean through sweeping windows. The Pan-Asian and fusion cuisine that arrived was not only visually arresting but also deliciously executed, with each bite a testament to the chefs' mastery of their craft. For those craving a more traditional yet no less enthralling dining spectacle, the Teppanyaki restaurant delivered an authentic hibachi experience. As skilled chefs deftly sliced, diced, and seared our selections before our very eyes, their culinary prowess was matched only by their flair for entertainment. The end result? Impeccably fresh fare served amid an atmosphere of lively showmanship. Whether savoring the elevated service of Ocean Blue, the innovative fusion flavors of Food Republic, or the time-honored theatrics of Teppanyaki, the Norwegian Encore's specialty dining landscape offers a tantalizing array of options for even the most discerning palates Overall specialty dining rating: 5 stars

Fitness Center: For a ship of the Norwegian Encore's size, the gym facilities proved surprisingly limited - a letdown for fitness enthusiasts. The compact fitness center became quite crowded during peak morning hours, with guests often having to wait to use the equipment. The space also felt humid and lacking in areas to properly stretch before and after workouts. Maintaining an active routine was challenging due to the gym's deficiencies. Early arrival was necessary to avoid overcrowded, uncomfortable conditions - not exactly convenient on a relaxing cruise. While not a total deal-breaker, the subpar gym was one of the bigger disappointments on what was otherwise an enjoyable ship. Norwegian could certainly benefit from expanding and improving these fitness amenities. Overall fitness center rating: 3 stars

Entertainment Aboard the Norwegian Encore: Hits and Misses As a somewhat frequent cruiser, I've come to expect a certain caliber of entertainment at sea - and the Norwegian Encore delivered a somewhat uneven performance in this regard. While some aspects shone brightly, other elements left me yearning for the production spectacles found on rival lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Let's start with the high notes: Norwegian's "The Choir of Man" was an absolute tour-de-force, an immersive experience well worth making reservations for (though the need to book shows feels like an unnecessary hoop to jump through). With just a single main production in its repertoire, this rousing celebration of music, dance, and male vocal talents was simply not to be missed. Where the Encore’s entertainment truly excelled, however, was in its Beatles tribute band. Capturing the iconic sound, accents, and infectious energy of the Fab Four with startling authenticity, their performances across the main theater and more intimate venues genuinely evoked the electric atmosphere of an actual Beatles concert. As an avowed fan of the legendary Liverpool lads, I was in localized nirvana - though I can't help but wonder if the experience would resonate quite as strongly for those much younger and less enamored with classic rock. The ship's two comedians, Rollin Jay and L.A. Hardy, also earned their share of laughs, delivering musings both in the main theater and smaller clubs around the ship. Their brand of humor, however, did occasionally veer into potentially offensive territory - a consideration for those with more sensitive comedic palates. However, a big miss is the lack of any major, Vegas-style production shows with elaborate singing, dancing, and choreography that you'd find on Celebrity and some other cruise lines. With the Beatles band being the central focus, if you're not a fan of their music, your big theater entertainment options are fairly limited. There are some other options like audience game shows organized by the cruise staff. But overall, the entertainment tends centered around the Beatles tribute, the hit-or-miss comedians, and smaller-scale acts rather than those big, showstopping productions many cruisers expect. For music and comedy fans, there's definitely quality entertainment to be enjoyed on the Encore. But the lack of large-scale productions is a noticeable gap compared to some other top cruise lines. A little more variety in that department could really elevate the onboard experience.

I traveled solo with no kids.

While the Norwegian Encore's staff was unfailingly professional and helpful when called upon, their overall demeanor fell a few notches shy of the effusive warmth I've grown accustomed to on recent cruises with lines like Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity. The effervescent bartender at the Waterfront's Sugarcane Bar stood as a delightful exception, always greeting me with an infectious smile. However, issues arose early on with my housekeeper, who neglected to introduce himself and consistently delayed cleaning my cabin during the initial days. When I addressed this, he candidly revealed feeling overworked due to an excessive number of assigned cabins. Fortunately, our friendly exchange seemed to remedy the situation, and he began tending to my room earlier thereafter. The majority of other crew members I encountered seemed to go about their duties with a matter-of-fact attitude, a stark contrast from the ubiquitous "good mornings" and "good evenings" that typically punctuate my voyages. While the guest services staff remained consistently helpful when I had questions, no single crew member truly went above and beyond to elevate my experience into the realms of the exceptional, as I've happily praised on past cruises. I can't say anything outright negative about the service, but neither can I highlight any particularly memorable acts of hospitality that made this voyage truly special.

From the moment I stepped aboard, I was impressed by the vessel's impeccable maintenance, its sleek and modern design leaving an indelible first impression. The star attraction for me, however, was undoubtedly the Waterfront area on Deck 8. This ingenious promenade, replete with plush seating areas and alfresco dining options flanked by two inviting bars, swiftly became my de facto semi-private balcony. Here, I could almost always secure an empty couch, providing the perfect perch from which to admire the view of the ocean or indulge in an impromptu siesta. It's a design element I wish more cruise lines would adopt, as it perfectly compensated for my shoebox-sized cabin. Despite the Norwegian Encore's considerable size, I never felt overwhelmed by the crowds, though certain areas did become dense during peak times. Initially, navigating the vast expanse proved mildly confusing, with the path to the coveted Observation Lounge requiring a bit of strategic zigzagging. However, after a few days of exploration, I grew comfortable with the ship's layout, able to traverse its decks with confidence. For families, the Norwegian Encore offers an array of attractions to delight the young and young-at-heart, from water slides and a go-kart track to laser tag and a water park. While these amenities held little relevance for this solo traveler, their mere presence added to the vibrant energy pulsing through the vessel. The atrium lacked the grandeur of the iconic Piazzas found on Princess ships, yet it offered ample space for engaging game shows, a welcome trade-off for this solo cruiser. The ship's library offers a nice escape from the hustle and bustle elsewhere on board. It has a great selection of books available for checkout during the times when library staff is present (it's not self-service). With its peaceful seating areas, the library provides a calm environment to relax and get lost in a good book. It's a convenient amenity for bookworms looking for a quieter space to unwind with their favorite reading material between other cruise activities. The library impressed me with its book selection and it’s size. It is definitely a hidden gem on the Encore. However, no experience is without its flaws, and the Norwegian Encore was no exception. The jogging track on Deck 17, while well-intentioned, proved largely unusable due to the proliferation of lounge chairs and sprawling guests that rendered running a precarious endeavor. The pool deck was rather small for a ship of this size, and it was always very crowded on sea days.

As a frequent solo traveler, I've grown accustomed to embracing compact living quarters, but the solo studio cabin aboard the Norwegian Encore pushed the boundaries of my spatial flexibility. To describe these accommodations as tiny would be an understatement – this was likely the most confined space I've ever called home, eclipsing even the solo cabin on my previous Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady cruise. However, despite its diminutive dimensions, the cabin was, for the most part, efficiently laid out. Over time, I grew surprisingly comfortable within its cozy confines, though the lack of storage space proved challenging; I found myself wishing I had packed even lighter than I had. The standout feature of this solo sanctuary was undoubtedly the digital window – essentially a television screen displaying a live camera feed from the outside world. While not quite replicating the sensation of an actual window, this clever innovation provided a welcomed connection to the outside world beyond my temporary abode. Regrettably, the cabin's biggest shortcoming manifested in an unlikely place: the bathroom. Housed within an almost comically compact closet, the toilet presented a true test of bodily contortion. As a person of average height and build (6 feet, 185 pounds), I found the process of sitting on the throne to be a strenuous exercise in spatial negotiation, my knees barely clearing the closed door. For my larger solo traveling companions, using this facility would likely prove a genuine struggle, if not an outright impossibility. The shower, though unquestionably equally compact, proved a pleasant surprise. Despite its lack of a separating door from the main room, the mirrors in the room remained miraculously fog-free. Ultimately, the tight quarters of the solo cabin forced me to embrace the Norwegian Encore's public spaces fully, particularly the delightful Waterfront area. While these accommodations may not suit the claustrophobic, for a solo adventurer seeking an affordable basecamp between shore excursions, they provided a cozy, if scanty, home away from home.

I know the disembarkation process can sometimes be the least enjoyable part of the journey. However, Norwegian Cruise Line did an excellent job making it a smooth and relatively painless operation on my recent voyage. Typically, I prefer carrying my own bags off the ship for expedience. But this time, I opted for NCL's reasonably priced airport transfer which required setting my suitcase out the night before. This allowed me to disembark without being weighed down by luggage. The general disembarkation procedure was similar to other major cruise lines I've sailed - guests are grouped by color coded tags and called in an organized manner. As my flight wasn't until later, I chose to be one of the last groups called to avoid sitting at the airport for too long. NCL had the process down to an efficient system. Once my group was called, I simply walked off the ship and into the terminal where crews had all the luggage neatly organized by code. Locating my suitcase was a breeze before proceeding to the customs checkpoint. This is where the experience was most streamlined thanks to the implementation of facial recognition technology by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Instead of lining up to have documents checked, I simply walked past cameras that verified my identity. No more holding up papers or removing glasses - just a quick, seamless process through customs. With that final hurdle cleared, I proceeded to the designated area where my airport transfer bus was already waiting. The shuttle whisked myself and other cruisers away to the airport without any delays or issues. I arrived at the airport with plenty of time before my flight.