I recently had the opportunity to sail onboard Norwegian Encore, experiencing everything this impressive ship has to offer. This NCL cruise was particularly exciting because the ship had just been refurbished last December, and my sailing took place only a month later.
As one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest and most modern cruise ships, it promised an upgraded experience, and I was eager to see how it compared to other Norwegian ships.
For this Norwegian Encore cruise review, I traveled with my family, who stayed in balcony staterooms, while I opted for a studio cabin, designed specifically for solo travelers. This arrangement gave me a unique perspective on different accommodation options.
From dining and entertainment to relaxation and activities, this review will highlight every detail of my experience onboard NCL Encore.
About Norwegian Encore
As one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most impressive cruise ships, Norwegian Encore was released in 2019. The ship has a gross tonnage of 169,116 GT and features 20 decks, offering plenty of space for passengers to explore.
With over 2,000 staterooms, there are accommodations for every type of traveler, from solo cruisers to families and luxury seekers.
At double occupancy, Norwegian Encore accommodates 4,004 passengers, with a dedicated team of 2,100 crew members ensuring a high standard of service.
This massive vessel, which cost approximately one billion dollars to build, is designed to provide a top-tier experience with great views, specialty dining, and exciting entertainment options.
Hits – What I Loved on Norwegian Encore
Included Food & Dining
Dining onboard NCL Encore exceeded expectations, with a wide range of options available at no additional cost. The main dining rooms (Taste, Savor, and the Manhattan Room) offer well-prepared meals in an elegant setting.
Each of these venues provided a diverse menu, ensuring there was something enjoyable for every cruiser.
For those who prefer a more casual dining experience, the Garden Café (the ship’s buffet) offers many dishes throughout the day. The variety and freshness of the food made it a great choice for quick and tasty meals.
Another standout was The Local Bar & Grill, open 24 hours a day and serves classic comfort food in a relaxed environment.
The Observation Lounge featured a small buffet with snacks, making it a perfect spot to grab a bite while enjoying great views from the front of the ship.
The American Diner specializes in American-style pub food, including burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and more, making it a great place to satisfy casual cravings.
One impressive feature of Norwegian Cruise Line’s dining service is the complimentary room service before 10 AM, allowing guests to enjoy breakfast in the comfort of their staterooms.
Having sailed with Norwegian ships multiple times over the last year, it is evident that they continue to improve the quality and variety of their complimentary dining options.
Specialty Dining
NCL Encore offers a variety of specialty dining venues, each providing a unique culinary experience. During our cruise, we dined at Cagney’s Steakhouse, Teppanyaki, and Onda by Scarpetta.
While Cagney’s and Teppanyaki delivered excellent meals, Onda by Scarpetta stood out.
This specialty dining venue featured a stylish, contemporary design paired with a menu that highlighted bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. The service was exceptional, and every dish was thoughtfully prepared.
As a foodie, this was one of the highlights of my cruise, and I would not hesitate to return on a future sailing!
Beyond these venues, Norwegian Encore offers other specialty restaurants, including Food Republic, Ocean Blue, Q Texas Smokehouse, Los Lobos, and Le Bistro.
Entertainment
Entertainment on NCL Encore was a major highlight, offering a mix of live performances, comedy, and music that kept the evenings lively. Inside the main theater, we watched a magician, a comedian, and The Choir of Man production show, and each performance was great.
The talent and energy in The Choir of Man made it a must-see, and it was easily one of the best performances I’ve seen on a cruise.
One of my favorites was the Love and Marriage Show, which engaged the audience from start to finish. This interactive event is always a great time, filled with laughter and unexpected moments that make each version unique.
The comedy shows inside The Social was another highlight. This venue’s intimate setting made it a perfect spot for stand-up, allowing for a closer connection between the comedians and the audience.
The smaller space made every joke hit even harder, making for a fun night out. For live music, there were several favorite spots around the ship.
The Observation Lounge had talented bands performing in a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to enjoy great views while listening to music. The Sugarcane Mojito Bar also featured fantastic live performances, creating a lively yet laid-back ambiance.
Another standout was The Cavern Club, where classic rock lovers could enjoy a great tribute to legendary bands.
With so many entertainment options, there was never a dull moment onboard NCL Encore. Whether enjoying a production show, stand-up comedy, or live music, the variety made for a memorable experience
Onboard Attractions
NCL Encore is packed with incredible onboard attractions, offering endless excitement for guests of all ages. From waterslides to go-karts, there was always something thrilling to do throughout the day.
One of the most impressive features was the go-kart track, which stretched across multiple levels. It’s worth noting that this experience comes at an additional cost.
The Galaxy Pavilion brings virtual reality and interactive gaming to the next level. This venue offers VR simulators, arcade-style games, and immersive experiences. There’s also an escape room that can accommodate six cruisers at a time.
Whether you’re cruising as a family, as a couple, or with friends, NCL Encore offers activities for everyone.
Related: Most Insane Onboard Attractions You’ll Find on a Cruise
Daily Activities
Norwegian Encore offers a great lineup of daily activities, keeping the energy high from morning until night. Whether you’re participating in trivia, joining poolside games, or relaxing with a drink while watching live performances, something is always happening onboard.
For those who enjoy friendly competition, the trivia sessions were a fun way to test knowledge while meeting fellow passengers. The pool area frequently hosted interactive games and contests, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Activities like dance classes, bingo, and themed events added variety to the daily schedule.
With so many events happening around the ship, Norwegian Encore is a great choice for cruisers who want to stay busy, active, and have some lighthearted fun throughout their NCL cruise vacation.
Evening Activities
Evenings onboard Norwegian Encore were always lively, with an exciting mix of theme parties, the nightclub, and the casino creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere. No matter what type of nightlife experience cruise guests were looking for, something was always happening.
One of the best ways to start the night was at The Cavern Club, where karaoke brought passengers together for a fun and interactive experience. The energy inside the venue made it a great place to warm up for the night ahead.
From there, heading over to The Social was the next stop, where live DJs, dancing, and music kept the cruisers moving. This venue had an energetic atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for those who love to party.
For a more relaxed way to end the night, The Local provided a comfortable setting to grab a late-night bite while unwinding after an eventful evening. The ship’s casino was always busy for casino players, offering everything from tabletop games to slot machines.
Waterfront
The Waterfront is one of the most beautiful and relaxing areas on NCL Encore. This open-air promenade wraps around the ship, offering a perfect blend of dining, drinks, and incredible ocean views.
Whether enjoying an outdoor meal at a specialty restaurant or simply unwinding with a cocktail, this space provided a relaxing escape from the indoor venues.
Observation Lounge
The Observation Lounge is one of the most underrated areas onboard Norwegian Encore. This expansive space at the front of the ship is peaceful and comfortable, making it a great place to relax at any time of the day.
One of the Observation Lounge’s best features is the small buffet serving snacks throughout the day. Whether grabbing a light bite between meals or enjoying a coffee with a view, this area is underrated.
This space felt like a hidden gem, perfect for those who wanted to enjoy the beauty of the sea in a relaxed, indoor setting. Although I was on a Caribbean itinerary, I could only imagine how nice the Observation Lounge would be on an Alaska cruise.
During the evenings, the Observation Lounge transformed into a venue for live music, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Listening to talented musicians while enjoying a cocktail was a great way to spend a quiet evening onboard.
Fitness Center
The fitness center onboard Norwegian Encore was truly impressive. This well-equipped gym had plenty of room for guests looking to stay active during their cruise.
With various cardio machines, free weights, and workout machines, it offered everything needed for a great workout.
One of the standout features of the fitness center was the dedicated HIIT-style training area. This space included TRX suspension trainers, battle ropes, and additional weights, making it perfect for high-intensity workouts.
This specialized area onboard was a great addition for those who prefer functional training over traditional weightlifting.
The location of the fitness center also added to the experience. Working out onboard felt much more enjoyable, with large windows offering great ocean views than in a typical gym setting.
Cabins and Suites
Norwegian Encore offers a wide range of accommodations catering to different types of cruisers. Cruisers can choose from interior cabins, ocean-view staterooms, and balcony staterooms, each providing a comfortable space to relax after exploring the ship.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, The Haven provides an exclusive retreat within the ship. This upscale “ship within a ship” offers spacious suites, dedicated butler service, and dedicated seating in the theater.
Haven Guests can also enjoy access to a private sundeck, pool area, and The Haven Restaurant, which serves elevated dining options in an elegant setting. With its high level of service and privacy, The Haven is a great choice for those looking for a more refined cruise experience.
A unique feature of Norwegian Encore is its studio cabins, designed specifically for solo travelers. While these cabins are smaller in square feet than other staterooms, they allow solo cruisers to sail without paying a single supplement fee.
An added perk of staying in a studio cabin is access to the Studio Lounge, a private space where solo cruisers can relax, socialize, and meet other travelers.
Whether opting for an interior stateroom, a balcony stateroom, or indulging in the luxury of The Haven, Norwegian Encore provides plenty of room and options for all types of cruise travelers.
Related: I Tried a Solo Cabin For The First Time! Here’s What Surprised Me
Cruise Ship Layout
One of the standout features of NCL Encore is its simple and intuitive cruise ship layout. Having been on over 40 cruises, I can confidently say this ship was one of the easiest to navigate.
Whether heading to a specialty restaurant, the Observation Lounge, or the pool area, everything felt well-organized and within a reasonable walking distance.
Another impressive aspect was the elevator system. Unlike other big ships, where long elevator wait times can be frustrating, Norwegian Encore had a smooth traffic flow, making it easy to move between decks. Even during peak times, it never felt like we were stuck waiting.
The ship was also thoughtfully designed with plenty of washrooms near high-traffic areas such as main dining rooms, entertainment venues, and the pool area. This made it convenient to find facilities without going too far out of the way.
Overall, the Norwegian Encore’s layout contributed to a great experience onboard!
Cleanliness
One of the first things I noticed onboard Norwegian Encore was how clean the ship was. Throughout the cruise, crew members constantly disinfected elevators, railings, and other high-touch areas, which made a huge difference in maintaining a pristine environment.
The bathrooms were always well-maintained, which was impressive given the number of guests onboard. It was clear that cleanliness is a priority on NCL Encore, and the ship’s dedicated crew members did an outstanding job keeping every area in top condition.
Friendly Crew
The crew members onboard Norwegian Encore were exceptionally friendly and accommodating, making the entire cruise experience even more enjoyable. From my room attendant to the waiters and waitresses in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, every interaction was met with a warm smile and genuine hospitality.
Service throughout the ship was not only efficient but also personable. Whether ordering drinks at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Maltings Whiskey Bar, or The Local Bar, the bartenders were always welcoming and quick to serve. D
Dining service was equally impressive, with staff going out of their way to ensure our group had a great time and that every dinner reservation was an enjoyable experience. Clearly, the crew members took pride in their work, creating a great experience for everyone onboard.
Misses – Where Improvements Could Be Made
Main Pool Area
While Norwegian Encore offers a beautiful and lively pool area, it often felt overcrowded, especially on a Caribbean cruise. Finding a deck chair near the pool required arriving early, as seats filled up quickly.
With so many guests trying to enjoy the pool area, finding a comfortable spot to relax sometimes felt difficult.
The bars near the pool were also extremely busy throughout the day. At peak times, getting a drink took longer than expected, which could be frustrating. The crowded hot tubs were another challenge, as they were almost always full.
One of the biggest inconveniences was that, due to the high number of guests, deck chairs were placed along the jogging track, making it difficult to walk around the pool area without navigating through tightly packed lounge chairs.
Spice H2O
The newly redesigned Spice H2O had the potential to be a great outdoor retreat. Unfortunately, it was only partially operational during our cruise.
The hot tubs and plunge pool in this area remained closed throughout the sailing, which was disappointing. While the space had a modern and refreshed look, not much was happening in this section of the ship since its main features were unavailable.
It is worth noting that Spice H2O replaced the laser tag arena during the ship’s refurbishment in December 2024. This change was part of Norwegian Encore’s effort to revamp its outdoor spaces. However, without the hot tubs and plunge pool, the area felt underutilized.
On the bright side, future sailings should see Spice H2O fully operational, making it a great place to unwind in a more secluded setting. Once everything is open, this area has the potential to be a fantastic adults-only retreat, providing a quieter alternative to the main pool area.
Galaxy Pavilion
While the Galaxy Pavilion remains a part of Norwegian Encore, it feels like an underwhelming use of space. This high-tech entertainment area was removed from Norwegian Joy, likely due to low demand, and after experiencing it firsthand, I can see why.
Although the virtual reality concept is intriguing, the games and attractions came at an extra cost, with excessive prices for what was offered. As a result, the area was often empty, making it feel like a wasted space on an otherwise vibrant ship.
One featured activity inside the Galaxy Pavilion was an escape room, which seemed like a perfect group activity. Since we were traveling together, we thought this would be a fun challenge.
Unfortunately, the experience fell far below expectations. Several key features inside the escape room were not functioning properly, and certain elements had been left unlocked, allowing us to complete the game in just 15 minutes without much effort.
After we finished, a crew member apologized, acknowledging the issues, but it did not change the fact that the experience felt poorly maintained and not worth the additional cost.
Given the ship’s impressive entertainment options, the Galaxy Pavilion was a rare miss.
Onboard Extras
One of the biggest things to remember when sailing on Norwegian Encore is the number of onboard extras. While Norwegian Cruise Line offers plenty of complimentary dining and entertainment, there are many additional experiences that can quickly add up.
With over 10 specialty dining and dessert venues, attractions like the go-kart track and Galaxy Pavilion, and even a Starbucks, it often felt like there were endless ways to spend money onboard. While these extras contribute to the overall experience, budgeting accordingly is a good idea.
The thermal suites and spa services also come at an additional cost for those interested in wellness and relaxation. While this is standard on most Norwegian ships, it is something to keep in mind when planning for extra costs.
One extra cost we decided to invest in was Norwegian Cruise Line’s Vibe Beach Club, a private retreat offering a quieter bar area and dedicated lounge space. While it was nice to have a more peaceful setting away from the busy pool area, the furniture did not feel as upscale as when we purchased Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Joy.
Considering the $229 per person price tag for a 7-day cruise, it is worth weighing whether this exclusive area is worth the cost.
Related: Is a Thermal Spa Pass Worth it on a Cruise Ship?
More at Sea
The More at Sea package is marketed as an all-inclusive bundle. However, sometimes it felt far from it.
While it did provide some perks, many essential items were not included, making it feel more restrictive than expected.
One of the biggest disappointments was the Wi-Fi allowance. The package only included 150 minutes of Wi-Fi, which is hardly enough for an entire cruise in today’s digital world.
Many guests, including myself, had to upgrade to a more expensive plan just to stay connected.
Another major downside was the drink package limitations. While the More at Sea package covered a range of drinks, it did not include specialty coffees, bottled water, or energy drinks like Red Bull.
This was frustrating, especially considering there was no other beverage package available. Having to pay extra for these basic beverages felt like an unnecessary restriction on a package that is supposed to be comprehensive.
A particularly frustrating experience involved the specialty dining benefit. Since I was staying in a studio cabin, my package included only one complimentary specialty dining meal, while the rest of my group, staying in balcony staterooms, received three.
This meant that I had to pay out of pocket on two occasions just to dine with them, which felt unfair given that we were all on the same sailing.
Considering that More at Sea is the premium bundle package onboard Norwegian Cruise Line, I was expecting it to be much more inclusive. Instead, it felt like far too many extra costs added up quickly.
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Would you sail on Norwegian Encore? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
