Norwegian Encore Cruise Reviews - Reviews

This ship is all about making more money. They took all value away from what you get for your cruise fare

Unless you really love your sea days, this itinerary on this ship is not for you. With the arrival at the first port at 5 PM on day three, you really have 4 sea days, two in the beginning and two in the end. As you would expect on a ship carrying 4,000 passengers, all of the public areas were crowded, and many of the activities & attractions operated on a limited basis.

We spent an excellent week on the Encore - and felt pampered the entire time. Everything about the ship was great, with impressive attention to detail. One of our favorite spots was the Observation area on the 15th deck, with a great 180 degree view. Even though the ocean was rated as "very rough" with 21 foot waves, the ship handled it beautifully. It was a very relaxing week, but there was also plenty to do if you wanted more activity. I had a tremendous experience with Guest Services. The airline delayed one of our suitcases and said they would get it to our first port of call (San Juan.) I gave a copy of the report to Guest Services and they took charge from there. The port agent worked with the airline, calling them to verify everything along the way, and the suitcase was delivered to my cabin in San Juan. Guest Services also provided me with the supplies I needed (toiletries, etc.) until my suitcase arrived. We will be returning for additional cruises.

Loved this cruise. Had a fun and relaxing vacation.

Nothing negative to report. This was our first time with NCL and we are addicted. The cruise line is top notch for us and satisfied our kids at varying ages as well as adults. There were no major disappointments. Drink and specialty dining is well worth the cost. Bar service and food service is exceptional.

Would rank this cruise near the top of the nearly 20 cruises I’ve been taken.

Great cruise, food is good , specialty restaurants were delicious, entertainment on board a lot of fun, would cruise her again !

We enjoyed it but prefer RC as we liked the atmosphere more and open areas of the ship

Great getaway before the holidays. Not many children this time of year. Staff did great job of not letting people reserve pool chairs for hours

Beautiful vacation!!! Can’t wait for the next adventure!

We had a great week. We were looking forward to sailing on Encore since January. We sailed on bliss last year too. I liked NCL

It was exciting to be on a new ship. I cannot say that the decor is the most appealing to me. Very plain. The food, bar service, and entertainment are excellent. However, I do not think we would cruise on the Encore again because we feel it is designed for young people (teens to 30 something) with its PAY go-carts, Galaxy, lasertag, etc; REMOVING the FREE area for adults, Spice H20. Our favorites are Escape and Bliss of the ones we have cruised on.

very clean new ship, great for families or singles. I did miss spice H2O and couldn,t see paying extra for vibe beach club

Not our favorite cruise line to go back on sorry NCL

Had a wonderful time on a brand new ship. I could actually smell the new finish on the floors! Travelled with ex-wife and our two adult daughters.

The staff on this cruise was top notch as was the food. Sadly some of the passengers (a large amount) were rude to staff and other guests. Sad to see.

The free beverage package does have a charge of $195 for a service charge. The casino minimums are a joke. Roulette has a $25 minimum with only $5 chips. The table was empty most of the cruise. You will be hit with extra charges for pretty much everything you do.

Only booked at the last minute. Wanted to experience this new ship having done a lot of research and read so many good reviews. It didn't disappoint, and passed expectations in some areas, however, there are some negatives to it. As the ship is new, all the public areas are as you would expect - nothing looks worn or dirty. The outside areas of the ship are what causes more concern. Whilst the race rack and laser areas are unique, they really do take up a lot of the pool area. When the ship is sailing to other ports this may not be too much of a problem, however, when sailing to the Caribbean, where most passengers are probably going for the sun, our opinion is that it is. Didn't experience it ourselves as we booked the Vibe (only because I'd read so many reviews expressing concerns about the pool deck) however, there were passengers who made comments that sun beds were being reserved with towels from early in the morning I.e. 7am. Had a very relaxing cruise and would definitely do it again - if I could book the Vibe before sailing!

A great Cruise. I enjoyed it immensely. Food was excellent

Having been on the Epic and the Breakaway, the anticipation of experiencing the last of the Breakaway Class was exhilarating to say the least. The Encore did not disappoint, on the contrary, we found it to be awe-inspiring. The Encore’s décor was bright, welcoming and the design was simple, clean and yet elegant. The ship’s wide open design allows for a spacious environment where regardless of the passenger count, you never feel cramped for space. With a plethora of 29 dining options, nine of them complementary, there are ample choices of delicious fare to entice the palate. However, for more casual dining, one can visit one the Encore’s more relaxed venues. For example, “The Local,” where you can watch the big game and choose from a myriad of comfort food to relax and recharge. If you love mojitos, The Encore has a slice of Caribbean Heaven in the Sugarcane Mojito Bar where fresh mint and rum are blended to a refreshing perfection. Everyone I spoke to seemed to have the Sugarcane Mojito Bar as one of their favorite places to visit, repeatedly. Another choice location for anyone looking to relax, read a book, enjoy a cocktail, or even take an afternoon siesta was the observation deck. With plenty of loungers, you can order a drink, enjoy the view and the calm serenity of the sea. The District Brew House affords one the opportunity to taste a multitude of brews. Fifty bottled and nearly two dozen draft beers, in an atmosphere where you can enjoy a view via the floor to ceiling windows. If you’d like something along the line of wine, there are wine dispensers and a full service bar in the café. There is also a 24 hour Starbucks for anyone who may need a caffeine kick to keep going. Which would be understandable, with all there is to see and do! The Café also has Starbucks machines with a choice of coffee, hot chocolate or chai tea. When it came to fun and excitement the Encore came out for another curtain call. Their race track was every race fan’s dream come true. Who would believe that a cruise ship would find a way to create a two level race course for travelers to speed around curves that actually hang over the side of the ship?! Now THAT was exhilarating! If you’re into watersports, the five waterslides were enough to keep you busy splashing. The tandem slides also reach out over the ships sides and give you an adrenaline rush before your ride is over. For the younger travelers, the kids aqua park allows them to soak one another with water cannons, tip buckets, and make a splash as do the tube slides. I thoroughly enjoyed everything from the virtual speed racing, to the rollercoaster to the VR hang gliding which is so realistic that once the ride is over, you have to get your land lubber legs while still at sea… All of this is amazingly convincing in its reality and astounding to believe that it’s on a cruise ship. However, one of my (and others I spoke to) favorite was the 3D Zombie Lazar Tag game. It is NOT to be missed. The two full access pools are beautiful, spacious, and inviting. There are plenty of places to sit and relax. Not to mention the additional Haven Pool for its patrons which is a special experience that leaves a lasting impression as one of the most serene places you’ll find, for exclusive Haven Suite guests on or off any ship. If you’d like to soak and relax, The Encore offers nine Jacuzzis in which you can let go, and unwind as the jets message away your worries. As far as entertainment, The Beatles Show was excellent and took you back to a time when rock and roll was all the rage. The “Beatles” were convincing and an effective escape to the innocent days of the beginnings of the rock and roll era. The casino was especially friendly to non-smokers in that the smoking area was enclosed for those who chose to light up, while the non-smokers were allowed the open area where gamblers aren’t forced to inhale second hand smoke. The award winning Broadway Musical Kinky Boots on The Encore was amazing, and so well produced one would think they were in a New York City theatre, just steps from Time Square. So, if you’re looking to relax, The Encore is the ship for you…If you’re looking for fun and adventure, The Encore is the ship for you…Either way…The Encore, is the ship for you!