EXPECTED MORE
Norwegian Encore Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 42
7 Night Alaska: Glacier Bay Skagway & Juneau (Seattle Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 04, 2024
Ship: Norwegian Encore
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 8728
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 1 month ago
Review summary
Our over view of this cruise based on our overall rating of 4.5 is that all together this was a cruise to remember. However, this does not discount certain facts that would help to improve the cruise and tour experience. Fact One, There must be ample lighting on the balconies, and also a camera on each balcony as a matter of safety and identifying behaviors that are not condusive to cruising on ships that house so many people. Example, people either fall over board, or jump. Loosing one person is to many. There is technology to see these types of things instantously if and when someone puts too much of their weight on the railings of balconies. Also, there must be a much more ready response to save the person that is in jepody. Therefore, Life saving devices should always be on the ready. They can be catapulted off the ship as well. Whatsmore, there are no signs stating "stay off the rails." There also is no emphasis on this matter stated in the safety briefings on board. I say this because I do not want to be on board a cruise ship where someone loses their life. I hear it from time to time on the cruise networks, but nothing seem to be done about it except to only understand and accept their intentional or non intentional fate. Either way, it is a traumatic and devastating experience to say the least.I also think that a service should be offered on board ship for people who are experiencing different forms of depression. There are medical doctors, why not physiologist. It can only help, not hinder the person in crises. Enough said. On a lighter note...I would recommend that in the Garden Cafe a marker be placed on each table to indicate that the table is occupied. Why? Because, it is a big inconvenience when leaving the table whe getting your food or drink from the buffet. Especially, if only one person finds a table first and then goes to get their food. Otherwise, your just left their standing with food and drink waiting for a table. When there are two people or more, you have to alternate. So, both or all people at the table are not eating at the same time. In Skagway, AK., I picked up some attractive rocks at the pier in a parking lot. When I boarded the Encore, Security confiscated my rocks. I asked them why ? The security officer said the state of Alaska does not allow me to. So, I looked it up on Google, and Google says that it only pertains to National Parksvand other restricted areas. A parking lot at the pier is not a restricted area and it is certainly not a National Park. I want my rocks back, no apologies accepted.Embarkation
Went very smoothly between 9:30 A.M. and 10:30 A.M.110
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Bistro, Lobster dish was too creamy, and chunks of lobster were too hard to eat. Returned, upcharge was canceled, and the lamb chops had no flavor. We have been on at least 9 Norweigian cruises, and realize that the food quality has sunken below previous standards of what is to be at least classified as very good. Q restaurant , the brisket was too tough to cut and chew. Manhattan room, one lobster tail was too tough to cut and eat. The other lobster tail was just right. We payed extra, have regrets about exchanging it. Los Lobos, the food was up to par. The steak was cooked very well. Everything else was very good. Once by Scarpeda the food was very good. Garden Cafe, omelets were prepared well and with efficiency. The bacon was too fatty and stuck together. We had to peel the excessive fat away. Fish sticks taste too fishey.The crusted turkey patty was too hard and dry. The hamburgers and fries were very good. The hot dogs were sour tasting. Had one bite then regurgitated it. Whatever fish was served was bland, and all taste the same.The fish did not seem to be fresh fresh, but was cooked from frozen. Not the same. The same occurred in one of the Specialty restaurants with the flounder.The Spanish food was prepared well. The Indian food was so, so. In the Local restaurant we ordered Fish and Chips. It was the worst we ever had. The crust was not flaky at all, and we had to scoop out the fish from the outer clove type sleeve. We wished we had ordered hamburgers. At the carving board, the pork was always bland. It should have been cooked for hours in a tasty barbacue. The same applies to the brisket in the Q restaurant. Instead they put the barbacue sauce in a container on the table.Because of this, the meat is not prepared tenderly. The pineapple slices were very juicy and fresh and the grapefruit slices were very good. The coffee in the Garden Cafe was very good. I cannot comment on the desserts, because as a biabetic, I can't have it. But, I did not see any diabetic desserts. Last but not least, the drinks had a tendency to be watered down. Perhaps this is best aboard a cruise shop, otherwise people with bad dispositions would act out adversely.
Onboard Activities
We did not participate due to extended excursions. No time, therefore unable to rate.
Entertainment
ESPECIALLY, CHOIR OF MAN ! EXCELLENT!
Service and Staff
ESPECIALLY OUR ROOM STEWART FOR CABIN 8728 AND 8730, DEEPAC FROM INDIA.
Ship Quality
But, the hot tubs were not visible on the pool deck, but I did not have much time to search for them due to extended excursions.
Cabin / Stateroom
Always made clean. Bed was always made and turned down to perfection.The bed, comforter, and pillows were comfortable.
We had to turn down the air-conditioning all the way, but when we did there was no heat temperature setting. One night we felt a chill. Also, the extended balcony had no lighting. I called Guest Relations to find out where the light switch was, and they told me that it goes on automatically. It never did.
Ship tip
Don't expect everything to go well all the time, and find a balance between the deficits.But, when it comes to food quality at the Specialty restaurants, don't settle for less, exchange it !
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
We got the chance to see the Mendenhall Glacier from a very scenic distance , and there was an informative visitor center. There is an elevator to the visitor center as a convenience for people who need it. But, the walk is much better. However, you may not have enough time on this tour to get as close as you can a d get back to the bus with no air-conditioning.
The Whale Quest boat ride to where some of what was left of a heard of whales was invigorating. However, we were only able to spot some small Orkas, a small blue back whales. There was no " breaching " and whatever water sprouted out from there blow holes was minimal. All in all, we would recommend both parts of this tour. Perhaps you will much luckier to see much larger whales and their " breaching " charteristic.
Obviously, this was my description of Port Juneau. So, just switch it around as a correction. Sorry about that.
This comment pertains to the port of Seattle, Washinton. A must see and do all around the Space Needle is worthwhile. The views at the top are spectacular. The Glass Museum at the bottom of the Space Needle is also spectacular. Of course it is a bit crowded at the top. This is to be expected. The area around the Space Needle is clean and well maintained. The Aquarium although somewhat small has very interesting exhibits.
The food in Seattle is both good and very good., especially Numero Uno Pizza. Somewhat of a distance from the Space Needle. I must not leave out the Market Place at the pier. It is very impressive because of its many varieties of items. You can spend a whole day in this market and still not see everything. There is an elevator and there are numerous steps for those who can climb. The Rest ROOMS are hard to find, because of a lack of proper signage along the route to the restrooms. One sign led to no where. Try the Huklel Berry Ice-cream. You've ill not be disappointed. Don't forget to visit the " GUM WALL." Although it is unique, it is very disgusting. We did not contribute for health safty reasons, and wecdid not dare to touch the " GUM WALL.." I think we would much rather have seen an artistic form of graffiti, and we do mean murals painted by talented artists. But, this would be less of a drawing, unless it was done by a renowned artist. Obviously, this comment pertains to Seattle. So, switch it around for the proper place correction.
The Golden Nugget part of the tour was interesting, the Sled Dogspart of the tour was very interesting and fun, and the Exclusive Scenic Railway Ride was spectacular. A must do if you like very green scenery and high mountains. But no air-conditioning on bus to and from the port. There were approximately 58 people on board, and it was 80 degrees outside. Inside was hotter.
The Cruise Glacier Bay on board was spectacular. Encore allowed all passengers to go on the bow of the ship. This aided in great photo opportunities including getting as close to the Mendenhall Glacier as possible. Even though there were 4,800 people it was very orderly. O e way on and one way off the bow.
We attended the Lumber Jack show and the Saxmen's Village. The Saxmen's village was well spoken, informative and interesting. One guide helped my wife with her wheel chair.We appreciated it. Because of the two parts of the back to back tours, we had no time to mill about the port town. The Encore was situated outside of the town while other ships were docked in town. Same for Juneau, AK.
BUTCHART GARDENS WERE BEAUTIFUL EVEN AT NIGHT. THE FIREWORKS WERE MESMERIZING. WORTH THE 3 1/2 HOURS.
Disembarkation
Disembarkation went smoothly between 9:00 and 9:30 A.M.