The Norwegian Encore is one of the most exciting ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, offering thrilling activities, excellent dining, and stunning onboard venues.
This ship sailed me and countless other cruisers to the magical world of Alaska. Designed with adventure and nature in mind, the Encore is an excellent choice for travelers looking to explore Alaska in comfort and style.
In this review, I’ll share my experience cruising on the Norwegian Encore for an Alaskan voyage, diving into everything from onboard entertainment to dining, accommodations, and itinerary highlights.
Norwegian Encore Overall
Norwegian Encore is a Breakaway Plus class vessel, designed with adventure, entertainment, and relaxation in mind. Larger vessels in the Norwegian and Royal Caribbean brands provide plenty of activities suited to families.
I was blown away by the state-of-the-art observation lounge and ample viewing areas – perfect for taking in Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes.
The Norwegian Encore also offers some wild amenities that I didn’t even know were possible on a cruise ship! For example, they have the Encore Speedway (a two-level go-kart track at sea!), and a massive Galaxy Pavilion, an immersive virtual reality gaming space.
Combined with various dining options that cater to all tastes without any pressure, there’s genuinely something for families, retirees, and adventurers alike. In terms of customer satisfaction, it’s a top family-friendly cruise line for Alaska itineraries.
My only complaint was that the lobby wasn’t as “big and grand” as other ships I’ve sailed on.
Best Time To Cruise to Alaska
Choosing the best time to cruise to Alaska can be tricky, as each season offers a unique experience.
It is important to note that the Alaska cruising season for the main commercial vessels is generally from May to the end of September. However, outliers like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) begin in April and end in October.
Shoulder seasons in the spring and fall bring shorter days, a chance of the northern lights, and fewer crowds. Peak season gives longer daylight hours and more excursion options.
My Thoughts On Cruising Alaska In October
I chose to cruise Alaska during October and went on one of the last cruise itineraries of the season. I got some shocking “end-of-the-season” deals on both the cruise fare and in the ports themselves.
Destinations like Skagway were virtually empty compared to the chaotic summer months. As a photographer, I captured epic and borderline spooky scenes with dramatic fog and vibrant fall foliage.
However, the persistent rain and cooler temperatures were a constant reminder of the season’s challenges. No joke, I had to wrap my grandfather and his wheelchair in three jackets and a trash bag.
Pro tip: We suggest packing for an Alaska trip with layers, and waterproof outerwear.
In addition, I had high hopes of seeing the northern lights. Unfortunately, overcast skies constantly obscured the view and disrupted my sleep (and sanity).
Nonetheless, the unique ambiance, cost savings, and the Norwegian Encore made the journey worthwhile.
Alaska Itineraries & Destinations
The Norwegian Encore sails 7-day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle. Although Alaska Itineraries vary, here is each port and what activities we did.
Inside Passage
Sailing through Alaska’s Inside Passage, the Encore offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and nature, making it one of the most scenic itineraries you can experience on a cruise.
This was something that I loved about an Alaska cruise versus a standard Caribbean cruise – the entire voyage offers views, not just the ports.
Juneau
In Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is a must-visit if you are there during the summer. Unfortunately, we were on one of the last cruises in the season, so excursions were limited.
Because of this, I took the Goldbelt Tram and enjoyed some short hikes and sweeping views of all of Juneau.
Skagway
One of the most popular excursions in this destination is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, which, even in late October, provides breathtaking views up to Inspiration Point.
While in Skagway, I explored the town and nearby trails up to the Dewey Lake Loop system. This was my “hiking” day, and I was amazed at how many trails are accessible straight from the Norwegian cruise port.
Glacier Bay National Park
One of the biggest highlights of this itinerary is a visit to Glacier Bay National Park, a must-see for nature lovers. Some Alaskan cruises replace this with Sitka, but I preferred this destination.
I saw glaciers and wildlife and let my inner photography nerd shine! Ironically, my favorite day on the cruise was one where I didn’t even leave the ship!
Ketchikan
The Norwegian Encore docks at Ward Cove in Ketchikan, which was very convenient. While here, we took a Norwegian cruise excursion and went sea kayaking. I even managed to get a photo of a bald eagle straight from the kayak!
Onboard Activities
The Norwegian Encore is packed with exciting onboard activities that keep guests entertained at sea.
Encore Speedway
One of the standout features is the Encore Speedway, a two-level go-kart track that offers a thrilling racing experience.
The electric go-karts are surprisingly fast, and the track even has a leaderboard, so you can compete for the quickest lap time.
Pro tip: Book your session early, as spots fill up fast!
Aqua Racer And Ocean Loops
No cruise ship is complete without some waterpark fun, and the Encore delivers with two thrilling slides:
Aqua Racer: A high-speed dueling waterslide where you can race against friends and family. It’s a great mix of fun and competition, perfect for kids and adults.
Ocean Loops: This clear, free-fall waterslide extends over the ship’s side. You’re in for a treat if you’re brave enough to take the plunge. You’ll experience a looping drop over the ocean before returning to the ship.
Remember that Alaskan weather isn’t perfect, and swimming might be chilly.
Galaxy Pavilion
For those who love virtual reality and arcade games, the 10,000 square foot Galaxy Pavilion is a must-visit.
This immersive virtual reality arcade features high-tech simulators, escape rooms, and interactive experiences that make you feel like you’ve entered another world.
Norwegian Encore Entertainment & Activities
Encore Theater – Broadway At Sea
The Encore Theater is home to some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest and most impressive productions, featuring talented performers, dazzling set designs, and show-stopping choreography.
One of the highlights for me was the “Choir of Man.” This high-energy show combines live music, storytelling, and audience interaction in a pub-like atmosphere. I loved it so much that I saw it twice!
Also, I saw a magic show and was even chosen to come and help with a magic trick.
Social Comedy & Night Club – Laughs & Late-Night Fun
If you love stand-up comedy, head to the Social Comedy & Night Club, where professional comedians entertain the crowd with sharp humor and hilarious storytelling.
Shows range from family-friendly performances to adult-only comedy in the later hours. After the comedy sets wrap up, the venue transforms into a nightclub with a DJ, drinks, and late-night dancing.
Honestly, I’d rather be up on deck sightseeing. I didn’t get too many partying nights since I was traveling with my grandparents. Still, the family-friendly shows were very entertaining if you had nothing else to do.
Kids Club – Fun for Younger Cruisers
The Norwegian Encore’s Kids Club offers age-appropriate activities and supervised fun for families traveling with kids so parents can enjoy some free time. The Kids’ Club is complimentary, except for some late-night group babysitting options.
It’s an excellent way for children to make new friends while allowing parents to explore the ship independently.The youth programs are divided into age groups:
- Guppies (6 months – 3 years) – A play space for the littlest cruisers, offering parent-supervised activities.
- Splash Academy (Ages 3 – 12) – A fun-filled club with games, arts & crafts, and interactive activities to keep kids engaged.
- Entourage (Ages 13 – 17) – A teen hangout spot featuring movies, video games, themed parties, and more.
Onboard Venues: Relaxation, Views, And Social Hotspots
Kids Aqua Park
Kids Aqua Park is a blast for younger cruisers, featuring colorful splash zones, water cannons, and kid-friendly slides. It’s a fun way for families to keep their little ones entertained while enjoying time on deck.
Pools And Hot Tubs
The vessel includes several swimming pools and hot tubs, providing a great relaxing place between excursions. This area gets crowded during summer, but the decks were like a ghost town in the fall. Surprisingly, the pool was warm, and I enjoyed a nice, rainy swim.
If you want a quieter experience, head to the adult-only Vibe Beach Club (available for an extra fee) for a more peaceful retreat. I didn’t splurge on this extra luxury since it was raining 70% of the time in October.
Spa & Fitness Center
For those looking to relax and recharge, the Mandara Spa offers a thermal suite, salt room, and a variety of massages and treatments. The spa’s heated loungers with ocean views are a fantastic way to unwind after a long excursion.
If you’d rather stay active, the fitness center is well-equipped with treadmills, free weights, and fitness classes to help you burn off those cruise calories. I about cried tears of joy when I got to do a yoga class with floor-to-ceiling windows while cruising the inside passage.
Lounges & Bars
From cocktail bars with live music to intimate lounges, the Norwegian Encore has plenty of places to grab a drink and socialize. A few favorites include:
- The Observation Lounge Bar – Enjoy a cocktail with Alaska’s breathtaking scenery (this was my favorite, especially if we scored a seat at the front)
- The District Brew House – A craft beer haven with over 50 different brews. I would recommend this to cruisers who love beer.
- The A-List Bar – A stylish cocktail lounge, perfect for pre-dinner drinks. I liked coming here when we got a little fancy and fancied a cocktail.
Observation Lounge
One of the best features of the Norwegian Encore, especially for an Alaska cruise is the Observation Lounge. This spacious, floor-to-ceiling glass lounge was specifically designed to give cruisers sweeping views of Alaska’s glaciers, wildlife, and fjords.
Honestly, I spent most of my time here enjoying the view, photographing, and playing card games. Plus, it’s warm, making it a great alternative to standing on the windy outer decks. I must warn you – these seats fill up fast, especially on days when there is a view.
We woke up before the sun just to secure a seat for my grandfather when we were at Glacier Bay, and we would not have gotten a spot otherwise.
Accommodation
For my stay on the Norwegian Encore, I booked a handicapped-accessible stateroom. I was impressed by the size and thoughtful design. Storage was well-planned, with ample closet space, shelving, and drawers to keep everything organized. The overall layout was functional and comfortable.
Four people were staying in this room, myself included, and one in a wheelchair. It was one of the most spacious rooms I’ve had on a cruise ship. The USB plugs and multiple outlets were convenient, but not enough for four people charging devices. I recommend a cruise-approved power strip.
We had a porthole window but could barely see anything from it. So, if you are looking to upgrade to a window, skip it unless you are upgrading to a balcony.
Dining & Food
One of the best things about dining on the Norwegian Encore is the freedom to eat where you want, when you want—no assigned seats, no set dining times, just pure foodie freedom. Some people love this, while others don’t. Personally, I loved getting dressed up on cruises and prefer the main dining.
Therefore, the Norwegian Encore might be better suited to travelers and families who prefer to eat more spontaneously and enjoy more variety. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave several pounds heavier and zero regrets richer.
Main Dining & Included Restaurants
The main dining rooms, Savor, Taste, and The Manhattan Room offered a solid variety of dishes with excellent service. Haven guests get their own exclusive restaurant.
We thought these were specialty dining and were confused until about halfway through our cruise. However, once we figured it out, we preferred these areas to the buffet. The buffet at the Garden Café had plenty of choices, though like most cruise buffets, it got crowded during peak times.
For quick bites, The Local was a great go-to for comfort food, serving burgers, wings, and late-night snacks. Although we thought this was specialty dining, too, when it was complimentary.
Overall, the dining was confusing and different compared to other cruises I’ve been on. Luckily, it was fantastic food!
Specialty Dining
We bought several discounted meals for the upgraded dining when we booked our cruise. I have never eaten more in specialty restaurants than on this cruise.
I am a steak lover, so the dining at Cagney’s Steakhouse was my personal heaven. They give you every penny of food you pay for (they practically had to roll me out because I ate so much).
We also ate at Onda by Scarpetta, which offered luxurious and authentic Italian cuisine. They even gave us a few glasses of wine on the house because we were the last to eat (so they had to roll me out of there, too).
Other specialty restaurants offered but we did not enjoy were Palomar, Teppanyaki (a hibachi-style restaurant!), Le Bistro, and Q Texas Smokehouse.
Norwegian Encore Review Final Thoughts
The Norwegian Encore met my expectations, delivering a comfortable, well-designed, and adventure-packed experience perfect for an Alaskan cruise.
While it may not have felt as grand and massive as some of the mega-ships I’ve sailed on, it made up for it with an elegant atmosphere, thoughtful design, and incredible viewing spaces.
From the spacious Observation Lounge to the outdoor decks with panoramic views, the ship was built for scenic cruising, making it an ideal choice for sailing through Glacier Bay and the rugged Alaskan coastline.
Add in the great dining, fun onboard activities, and fantastic itinerary, and it’s easy to see why the Encore is a solid choice for anyone looking to explore Alaska by sea.
This guest post was written by Alexandra from The Bucket List Mermaid. Alexandra is a mermaid at heart helping travelers to check off bucket list adventures. Follow her on Youtube, Pinterest, and Instagram.