We had the opportunity to sail the amazing Norwegian Encore. Here are our highlights of this amazing ship and why it is perfect for your next family adventure.
Cruising on the Norwegian Encore
This ship is in the breakaway plus class and started sailing in November 2019. The ship has 2,038 staterooms and can hold 3,998 guests at double occupancy.
They have 16 passenger decks to explore.
The ship has all of the standard cruise amenities such as a spa, casino, pools, bars, and more.
The Encore will sail from New York to Bermuda and from Miami to the Caribbean.
Onboard Dining Options
There are several complimentary dining locations that are similar to the other ships in this class. They include locations such as the Garden Cafe (buffet), The Local Bar and Grill (24/7), and three main dining rooms: The Manhattan Room, Taste, and Savor. These are great options for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner, but for dinner we prefer the specialty dining locations.
For lunch it can be fun to check out Food Republic or the American diner if you are looking for something different.
For dinner, our favorite specialty dining locations are Q Texas Smokehouse (BBQ and live music sometimes), Ocean Blue (seafood), Cagney’s Steakhouse (steakhouse), and Los Lobos (Mexican). Keep in mind that specialty dining locations have a la carte pricing or you can pre-purchase a dining package. Reservations can be made in advance and are recommended.
Looking for a special treat? You can always grab something from one of the complimentary areas, but for a REAL treat you should go to Coco’s.
They have some amazing desserts. Check out the chocolate fountain. Kids will love it!
World-class Entertainment
There is always something going on when you are cruising and the Norwegian Encore is no different. There are a few shows that you will need to get tickets for and others you can just walk in once on board.
For theater shows in the Encore theater there are several, but the one you should NOT miss is The Choir of Man. Even though the show is complimentary, get your tickets ahead of time so you can get a good seat. You will want to get there early for some extra fun. Sitting toward the front and on an aisle may even get you into the show. This was hands down my favorite show at sea so far.
You may also want to go to the show Prohibition. This show does have a fee and includes five drinks that you get to enjoy as part of the show. I would reserve this ahead of time as well so you are sure to get a seat.
If you don’t have reservations for a show you can try the standby line or head to one of the other venues for some fun. Our favorite is the Cavern Club. There is an awesome “Beatles” group that performs here and it’s popular so be sure to get there early if you want a seat. By showtime there was standing room only.
Check your freestyle daily or the app to see what other entertainment options there are. Many of the lounges have live music and the performers sometimes move around so that way you can follow your favorites. There are often games or trivia you can watch or join in the main Atrium or get a seat in the local area looking down into the Atrium.
Racetrack, Laser Tag & More
There are lots of great activities on board for families, but keep in mind that most have a surcharge and/or need a reservation. Here are our favorites.
The Speedway and Laser Tag are both very popular and will need a reservation as well as have a cost. You can’t bring anything with you so leave your valuables in your cabin or with a non-participant. Both of these are outdoors and weather permitting. They require closed toe/heel shoes. There are also height and age restrictions to participate.
The Galaxy Pavilion is an indoor gaming area with lots of virtual reality experiences. Although you can walk around to explore the pavilion, you do need to pay to play.
They have options to purchase a package that gives you multiple experiences for a discount. For example, you can buy one at a time, a package of 4, 10 or 18 experiences.
These packages are available for use throughout your cruise and by multiple people in your party. This is a great option if you are traveling with a group and want to get the best price.
Activities for the Kids
The Encore has three areas specially designed with kids in mind.
Guppies is an area for little ones that are under 3 years of age. This area does have a surcharge, but is a great option if you want to enjoy some adult time and need a babysitter. This area is completely designed with babies in mind.
Splash Academy is for kids ages 3 to 12 and is complimentary. They have free play time when all ages can interact together. They also have times when the age groups are separated into special themed activities. Children are grouped in three age categories: 3-5, 6-9 and 10-12.
The counselors are fun and engaging. Splash Academy is designed as a place for kids to have fun so parents can enjoy adult time. Your kids will be begging to go again and again.
Entourage is the place for teenagers 13 to 17. It’s parent free and a safe place for this age group to hang out.
There are also some great water slides and an aqua park for kids that are complimentary.
There is something for everyone here. Will you try the Aqua Racer or do you prefer to sit by the pool?
Accommodations on the Norwegian Encore
Studio Staterooms are perfect when you are traveling alone or want your own stateroom. You don’t have to pay a single supplement; you have your own space and you have access to the studio lounge which is only for other guests traveling solo. It’s a great place to meet other solo travelers.
Inside Staterooms can accommodate up to four guests.
Family Oceanview Staterooms are perfect for families with up to five in their party. They give you more space in the room and have a larger bathroom, including a tub and a double sink.
Mid Ship Mini Suites with a balcony are similar to the balcony suites, but have a larger bathroom.
Accessible Balcony Staterooms are designed for those that need to use a wheelchair. The doorways are larger; there are no lips to get a chair over and the room has more space to accommodate guests. The bathrooms have a roll in shower and shower chair. You will even find the light switches are lower.
Haven Spa Suites are specially designed for two guests. They are not located in the Haven, but have Haven access as well as spa access.
The Aft Haven Suites are large rooms that have a huge balcony as well as two full bathrooms and sleep up to four.
The Norwegian Encore is a great ship bringing so much fun and excitement to your cruise. Are you ready to get on board? We would love to help you plan your next cruise vacation.
