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Norwegian (NCL) Encore: Review, Trip Report, and Ship Tour 2024

by Prof. Cruise · May 17, 2024

Introduction

First off, a confession.  I don’t like big ships and I cannot lie.  Actually that’s a lie, at least a partial one.  Let me try that again without the overused 90’s rap reference.  I love all cruise ships, but I prefer the smaller, understated ones to the big, flashy ones.  So why did I book the Norwegian Encore for a second time, you ask?  Because I could walk to it from my apartment in downtown Seattle for one.  And I paid a $50 out-of-pocket cruise fare for two.  And my kid was out of town for the week on a school trip, for three. And I was eager to sail as a newly minted Sapphire Latitudes member on NCL for four.

But does one ever need a reason to book a cruise?  Any cruise?  On any ship, big or small? 

If there’s one thing you should learn from reading this, even if you have no interest in the Encore, it’s that it’s always a good time to book a cruise, any cruise on any line on any ship going to any port.  Go ahead, tell your husband or wife or partner that Prof. Cruise made you do it.  And if they push back, put your hand out and do a dramatic 180 degree turn as you threaten to take me with you instead of them.  And then take me with you!

Now that we have that settled, read on if you actually came here with the intention of learning more about the Encore and didn’t accidentally land here after googling “horrible 90’s rap references you should never use in blog posts.” 

Norwegian Encore Ship Review

The norwegian encore: the facts.

This section is the equivalent of the CDC version: the facts as they exist today.  Then we’ll move on to my opinion which is the equivalent of your cousin Chet swearing that 30 consecutive hours on the leg press machine sprint pumping the maximum weight, followed by a Clorox enema and a dinner of grass-fed beef and organic broccoli cured him of Covid.

Speaking of Covid, the Encore, the fourth and last breakaway-plus class ship in Norwegian’s fleet, debuted in November 2019 just a few months before Covid hit and shut down the cruising industry for over a year (my first cruise on her was right after the cruising re-start and even though she was over a year old by then, she looked practically brand new).

She has 20 floors with a guest capacity of 3,998 and a crew of 1,735.  She is 1,094 feet long and weighs in at 196,116 gross tons (with all that dessert onboard, it’s no surprise).  She currently sails from Miami to the Caribbean in the fall, winter, and spring and to Alaska from Seattle in the summer, with a few 21 night repositioning cruises in between.

Encore Menus, Freestyle Daily Schedule of Events, and Complete Ship Tour

Before we get to all the things I loved about the Encore, a few things I didn’t love, and my day-by-day trip report which includes approximately 4 million food photos (WARNING: STOP READING NOW IF YOU’RE HUNGRY!), you can see all the Encore dining menus I collected, the Freestyle Daily schedule for each day, and my complete deck-by-deck narrated ship tour by clicking below:

Things I Loved About the Norwegian Encore

The observation lounge.

I spent more time in the Observation Lounge reading, working, snoring loudly in a lounger (sorry about that), and eating than in any other location on the ship.  This beautiful and comfortable space offers everything you’ll need for a relaxing morning, afternoon, or evening at sea.  There is a bar, a buffet that serves a small selection of items for breakfast and afternon tea (from 3-5pm), comfortable seating, and amazing views from huge windows at the front and sides of the ship.

Pro-tip #1: This is a perfect spot to watch sail-away or for scenic sailing days if it’s too hot or cold to sit outside or if you have an inside cabin like I did.  Get there early though – prime seats fill up fast!

Pro-tip #2: The desserts on the small buffet in the observation lounge are sometimes better than those in the regular buffet and often have an international twist. 

Pro-Tip #3: If the Observation Lounge is too crowded, try the District Brew House. It’s rarely crowded and also offers some great views and comfortable seating.

Indian Food on the Buffet

The Encore offers a large selection of both hot and cold and vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian selections on the buffet.  It’s authentic and flavorful and is my go-to second lunch on every NCL cruise (I usually enjoy a first lunch in the dining room).  You’ll be hard pressed to find better Indian food in major cities on land – that’s how good it is!

While the Indian selections were by far my favorite, a quick word about the food in the main dining rooms: It was typical cruise food – good, but not outstanding (which is fine by me, I’m not picky). I also ate in two specialty restaurants, Onda and Ocean Blue, which I’ll discuss in more detail in my daily trip report to come.

Well-Equipped Gym with Okay Hours

The gym was a bit small for the size of the ship, but was well-equipped with posted hours from 6am-11pm (but every day people snuck in earlier than 6).

The service on the Encore was the best I’ve experienced in quite some time. Every crew member was friendly and professional and went out of their way to accommodate guests. On the last day, I passed out these cards * with an extra cash tip inside to crew members who had made my cruise extra special:

The Waterfront

The Waterfront is always one of my favorite spots on NCL’s Breakaway and Breakaway Plus class ships and I enjoyed it on this sailing aboard the Encore as well.  I love all the comfortable seating and outdoor bars and dining areas.  If you’re worried about not having a balcony booked on the Encore, don’t – the Waterfront served as a wonderful alternative for me. Many times I had it almost completely to myself.

Contemporary Design

This ship looks nearly brand new and the furnishings reflect that.  But that chandelier is more controversial than human cloning.

Hard Ice Cream on the Buffet

The buffet includes hard ice cream you can have served in a cup or a cone.  Standard flavors are available daily along with a number of rotating flavors like green tea, pistachio, rocky road, coconut, and butter pecan.   

The Choir of Man

I’ve provided more detail about The Choir of Man in my daily trip report below, but this was one of my favorite features on the Encore.

There was a wide variety of live music available at different venues every afternoon and evening.  Performers were talented and entertaining. My favorite was the Beatles cover band, Beatles Invasion, and their performances in the intimate Cavern Club (they also performed several shows in the main theater which were also very good). 

Cleanliness

The ship was spotlessly clean, with crew constantly clearing dishes, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, disinfecting, and singing the “washy washy” song to remind guests to clean their hands.

Things I Didn’t Love About the Norwegian Encore

No 360 degree promenade deck for walking.

I love walking the Promenade deck on a cruise ship – listening to a book or podcast while I breath in the clean ocean air and watch for wildlife.  My favorite ships have Promenade decks that wrap all the way around the ship.  The Encore does not have such a deck.  However, I mostly made do with a few alternatives:

I walked around on The Waterfront on deck 8 when the weather was good (passing through a brief inside area at the front of the ship to make the full loop) and I used deck 7 (where the life boats are located) when it was raining (as it’s fully covered).  The public area of deck 7 does not wrap around either the front or back of the ship, so you’ll have to go out and back on either the port or starboard side.

Narrow Hallways

The stateroom hallways on the Encore are extremely narrow.  When cleaning carts are lined up along them and room stewards are working around them, passing can be tricky, especially for anyone with mobility issues. 

Pro Tip: If you use a walker or scooter, have mobility issues, or have an infant or toddler in a stroller, book a cabin as close to elevators as possible. 

Size of the Ship

I guess this was both a plus and a minus.  Unfortunately, the walk from the elevator to my cabin was approximately 6 miles.  On the plus side, I felt justified ordering that second dessert in the MDR each evening.

Extra Charges

Cruise lines (and especially NCL) have a reputation for nickel and diming passengers once onboard.  And the Encore is no exception.  Those that point to this class of ship as great for families may forget to mention that much of the fun stuff your kids will love costs extra.  Leave room in the budget for the Norwegian Speedway, the Galaxy Pavilion, and the arcade.  If you have multiple children or a bored husband, these activities can get quite pricey. 

No Naturalist Onboard

As a veteran cruiser to Alaska, I was really disappointed that there wasn’t a naturalist onboard, offering lectures about Alaska and other programming.  We did have park rangers board the ship for our scenic cruising day through Glacier Bay National Park, but they were only onboard for that one day. And we did have some presentations about Alaska given by the CruiseNext department, but again, it didn’t compare with having a naturalist with years of professional training and experience.

See my “Top Tips For Maximizing Your Day in Glacier Bay” HERE

Lack of programming for nerd types.

And really, there was an overall lack of programming for us nerd types (except for trivia which I’m not really a fan of).  No book club.  No lectures by experts in various fields.

NCL Alaska Piers

NCL has spent millions building new piers for their ships in Alaska.  And let me tell you, from a passenger perspective, they suck.  No way around it.  They are further away from the action and require a bus or gondola ride, wasting valuable time you could be spending in port.  Honestly, I would no longer choose NCL for Alaska for this reason alone (unless the price and timing were too tempting – which they still often are).  If this is your one shot at Alaska and you don’t need all the bells and whistles of a mega ship, pick a different line.  Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity all do Alaska so very well and you’ll avoid the hassle of these new NCL piers.  It pains me to say this, I’m Sapphire on NCL and generally love the line, but alas…I want to always be candid and honest with you. 

Small Cabins Without Much Storage

Cabins on the Encore run small and offer very limited storage. You can see a tour of my inside cabin here:

Frequently Asked Questions From My Cruise On The Encore

Here are some of the questions I was asked most frequently while onboard the Encore:

Q: Are there spin bikes in the gym on the Encore?  Or, do I need to sign up for a class to use the spin bikes on the Encore?

A: yes, there is a large spin room, but you really aren’t supposed to use it unless you take a class. that being said, i arrived early each morning and used it with no problems..

Q: Can I change my dinner reservation for specialty dining to an earlier time onboard?

A: yes.  while all the times available to book online in advance were later than 8pm, i was easily able to change my reservation to an earlier time by visiting dining reservations at embarkation., q: is starbucks included in any of the drink packages, a: yes, in the premium plus package., q: are there free drinks at the latitudes officer’s reception, a: yes.  free and plentiful.  waiters will walk around with trays of pre-made drinks or you can request something (they won’t be able to accommodate every request due to what’s available at the bar – but it can’t hurt to ask for what you like)..

Despite the things I didn’t love, I still had a wonderful cruise onboard the Encore. Now keep reading for my detailed daily trip report (diary)!

Norwegian Encore Trip Report: May 5-12, 2024

Day 1: Embarkation Day

Hello from the Encore en route to Alaska!  Those of you who followed along on my Bliss cruise a few weeks back are probably thinking, “wait, wasn’t she just on an NCL cruise to Alaska?”  Yes, yes I was.  And what’s your point?  Can one ever really get enough of cruising?  And Alaska?  Plus on debarkation day on the Bliss I was flooded with messages demanding an “ENCORE, ENCORE!” from those I can only assume were upset at being cut off from the prolific daily food porn I provided.  Well I took that encore thing literally and will be eating 12 meals per day for the next 7 days which I will post here for your viewing pleasure.  You’re welcome.  In the meantime, here are some embarkation day scenes from around the Encore.  This is my second time onboard, but first time sailing her solo (last time I had my mom with me).  As usual, feel free to post questions to the comments or chime in with your Encore tips and experiences.  Now excuse me, lunch is calling (more like SHOUTING)!

Lunch in the MDR

After a delicious first lunch at Taste, one of the three MDR’s on the Encore (the other two being Savor, also open for lunch, and the Manhattan Room which is only open for dinner), I’ll be eating gravy for the remainder of this cruise.  Let me explain.  An equivalent four course lunch at almost any sit-down restaurant in my home city of Seattle would have run me at least $50. At. Least. And since my fare for this cruise only cost me $50, I figure from here on out everything is…gravy.  (You can read about how I scored such an unbelievable deal here ).

Anyway, here are photos of what I ordered. If you followed along with me on my Bliss cruise a few weeks ago, many of my meals are going to make you feel like you’re trapped in a time loop ala Groundhog Day (or Russian Doll if you’re under the age of 40 and require a more contemporary reference).  Hey, I like what I like and being trapped on a repeating cruise for 33 years is hardly the worst thing that could happen. Shrug.

Photo 1: Risotto primavera with pesto Photo 2: Orange chocolate mousse Photo 3: Sweet corn hush puppies Photo 4: Five spice mango tapioca pudding Photo 5: Roasted tomato soup

Remember that all the menus I collected, including all the MDR lunch menus can be found posted HERE .

Dinner at Onda You know how parents of newborn identical twins usually dress them in matching outfits to maximize the adorable factor so they get more gifts and offers of help, but put them in different colored socks so they can tell them apart?  Well that’s pretty much how it is with the Encore and the Bliss, but they have different Italian specialty restaurants instead of the socks. The Bliss has La Cucina and the Encore has Onda.  Otherwise, they are nearly identical.

Onda by Scarpetta is the newest Italian specialty restaurant on NCL. It was created in partnership with LDV Hospitality and was inspired by their acclaimed Scarpetta restaurants located in the Hamptons, Las Vegas, London, Miami, New York City, Newport, and Philadelphia. It’s a step up in my opinion from La Cucina. (Any parent who’s being honest will tell you which child they really like best – mine’s Henry because he has a tail that wags when he sees me instead of pretending like I’m a creepy stranger he’s never met before at school pickup.  And I slightly prefer the Encore to the Bliss.)  Onda is also available on the Spirit, Prima, Viva and Aqua.  I’ve dined at Onda twice before, both times on the Spirit.  My meals, including tonight’s, have always been excellent, although, like all specialty dining, I don’t think I’d pay retail for it. I used a Sapphire voucher, so it didn’t cost me anything.  Without the voucher I would have paid 71.  Here’s what I ordered: Photo 1: Interior of Onda Photo 2: Mezzelune pasta Photo 3: Bread basket Photo 4: Creamy polenta (highlight of the meal) Photo 5: Fingerling potatoes (underwhelming) Photo 6: Butterscotch budino (fabulous) Photo 7: Rosemary lentils

More Food More food (excellent buffet Indian and some emergency desserts I procured from the Observation Lounge on deck 15 forward). And yes, I still had room for dinner. It seems that instead of a single hollow leg, I was born with a complete set of hollow extremities (and some would argue a hollow head, but I dispute that).

Beatles Invasion

Tonight I saw Beatles Invasion, not to be confused with The Beatles Experience which I saw a few weeks ago on the Bliss, in the main theater. They were like a cover band of a cover band, but still very entertaining. The best part though was the two little girls in the front row dancing their hearts out. To them I say, whatever this crazy world throws at you, never NEVER stop dancing. And cruising! And for everyone else, if somewhere along the way someone made you feel insignificant or silly or insecure, make full use of your drink package and get back out there. Hands in the air, busting a move, not a care in the world. Because life is short. Dance! And keep cruising! Goodnight from the Encore!

Day 2: Sea Day

Breakfast at The Local

I love so much about NCL, but why do they use raisin bread for all of their French toast? Honestly, there are a lot of things I’d rather find in my French toast than raisins. A hair, too short and coarse to have come from a head, for one. Arsenic residue for two. And a thumb tack for three. But for some reason, even knowing it comes with raisins, I still occasionally order French toast at The Local (complimentary pub restaurant open from 6am-3:30am) and contemplate going back to school to become a real doctor after precisely removing every trace of raisin prior to consuming.

Anyway, everything else was delicious and this remains one of my regular and favorite breakfast spots. Here’s what I ordered and the menu:

Photo 1: French toast Photo 2: Post surgical French toast Photo 3: Breakfast sandwich (hold the ham) Photo 4: Seasonal fruit salad photo 5: Menu

This is my first cruise since turning Sapphire on NCL (meaning I’ve spent roughly 150 days onboard) and I was eager to inquire about my new perks, including a special “dinner with officers.” So I stopped by the CruiseNext desk and asked my only burning question: “will the Captain be at the dinner?” to which I was told, “probably not, it could be anyone in a management position” to which I replied, “well in that case, I’ll pass. I don’t want to spend my dinner making small talk with the manager of the internet cafe while he complains about the 400 old ladies who are MY AGE who approached him at the desk that day inquiring as to why they need to turn on something called airplane mode on a cruise ship and doesn’t this place have a rotary phone they can use to call home to speak to their dog who suffers from anxiety. All while I’m wondering if I’ll ever have an opportunity to invite the Captain back to my swanky inside cabin to drink boxed water and snack on some buffet pizza from my mini-fridge.” To which the guy at the CruiseNext desk responded, “it seems like maybe you could benefit from the wine tasting event instead.” He also handed me this pin and tried to sell me some CruiseNext deposits which of course I purchased because, knowing me, I’ll probably be back on an NCL ship in like two weeks. Anyway, here’s some information about the Latitude events.

Pool Day Vibes + Hot Tip

Pool deck vibes on a sea day en route to Alaska. Hot tip: On a ship that sails to Alaska you want to be a hot tub. Why? Because you’re getting ALL the action. There’s probably also a lot of pee involved though, so I dunno. Maybe the thermal spa instead. For those wondering, even though it’s very cold outside, the pools and slides are open and they are running all the outdoor activities (Speedway, etc). They WILL close them for wind and rain though.

Behind the Scenes Tour

This afternoon I attended a complimentary Behind the Scenes ship tour offered as a loyalty perk to those Platinum and above. It was especially enjoyable for me, as we visited the largest galley onboard where a team of dedicated chefs work practically 24/7 preparing enough carbs and dessert to keep me satiated (there are several smaller galleys for the other 4,000 guests). Pictured here are my afternoon snacks and a Prof. Cruise-sized portion of pasta.

We also visited the laundry facility where I snapped some photos for those of you stuck at home, low key pissed at me for posting all of these cruise photos. To you I say, it could be worse, your laundry pile could look like this:

In all seriousness though, images of my fellow humans working 10-12 hour shifts below sea level at miserable, repetitive tasks like loading laundry machines gives me pause. I don’t have anything very profound or helpful to say about it other than simple luck of birth has allowed me this life where I get to travel the world, doing what I love and I will never take that for granted. And I hope I can pass along some of my good fortune where I can.

Dinner at Ocean Blue While change is rarely good when it comes to cruising (because it usually involves cost saving measures), I was thrilled with the fairly recent change to one of the loyalty perks on NCL.  Latitudes members Platinum and above receive two free meals at specialty restaurants, one of which includes a bottle of wine.  However, it used to be limited to the steakhouse and usually (depending on the ship) a choice between the Italian restaurant or the French restaurant.  However, now you can use the vouchers at almost any restaurant, so tonight I opted for a new one to me: Ocean Blue.   

Ocean Blue is primarily a seafood restaurant.  However, there are also a few land-sourced entrees and my meat eating friends will be shocked and elated to learn that tonight I ordered a steak.  Wait for it…

…a  cauliflower  steak.  

While as a vegetarian I’ve always found specialty dining on NCL especially frustrating (as quite a few of the restaurants don’t offer a single vegetarian entree on the menu), I was excited to see that Ocean Blue did.  And it was delicious!  Butchered and cooked to perfection (is it weird that I asked for a crucifer “good and bloody?”). However, as someone who equates blue cheese with toe jam-filled moldy gym socks, I was disappointed to see that the only vegetarian starter course came with a blue cheese.  You win some, you lose some.  But Ocean Blue fought her way back into my heart with her chocolate on chocolate (with a few pieces of caramel corn to make it Instagram worthy) Valrhona dark chocolate mousse cake.  Here’s everything I ordered:

Photo 1: Roasted cauliflower steak Photo 2: Steamed asparagus with hollandaise sauce Photo 3: Valrhona dark chocolate mousse cake Photo 4: Bread service Photo 5: Roasted beets (hold the blue “cheese”) Photo 6: Potatoes au gratin

Remember that all the menus I collected, including all the specialty restaurant menus, can be found posted HERE .

Production Show: The Choir of Man

Tonight I saw the Encore’s production of “Choir of Man.” This British musical created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay is set in a pub called “The Jungle” and features a cast of nine supremely talented musicians and vocalists. While short on plot, it couldn’t be more entertaining. From fresh arraignments of popular pop and rock songs to monologues written by performance poet Ben Norris to the working on-stage bar used before the show to serve up beers to those of us in the audience too cheap to purchase a beverage package, I’d have stayed for the second show at 10pm if I didn’t have to pee (note to self: go lighter on the free beer next time) and it wasn’t already an hour past my bedtime ( #oldandlame ).

In addition to being licensed by NCL to be performed on the Escape and Encore, it’s been seen at well-known venues around the world including the Sydney Opera House, the Arts Theater on the West End, and at the Moore Theater in my home city of Seattle. Speaking of which, I would have paid more to see this one show in Seattle than I paid for my entire cruise fare! And I hardly would have enjoyed it as my stomach slowly ate itself because I couldn’t afford dinner. I love cruising! And I LOVED this show. If you’re booked on the Encore, don’t miss it! You can make reservations in advance via the app, book once onboard, or join the standby line 15 minutes before show time (it wasn’t a full house tonight).

Day 3: Juneau

Buffet Breakfast

I decided to practice portion control at breakfast this morning, so I hit the buffet.  And by portion control, I mean none of those “reasonable” portion sizes served in the main dining rooms.  I subscribe to the Texas philosophy when it comes to breakfast: bigger = better. A few words about the breakfast offerings at the buffet.  You’ll find all the standard American favorites: breakfast meats, eggs (scrambled, cooked to order, and custom omelettes), breakfast potatoes, pancakes, French toast, waffles, toast, bagels, English muffins, fruit, packaged yogurt, individual-sized boxes of cereal, hot cereal (oatmeal, cream of wheat), and pastries.  But here are the items I especially love: 1. Asian offerings Before I “retired,” approximately 30 years before a respectable retirement age, to cruise with abandon, I worked as a college professor and used to take my students to China each summer where I grew accustomed to our daily breakfast feasts including garlic rice with egg.  So I was thrilled to see garlic rice this morning on the Encore’s buffet (it was a glaring omission on my Bliss cruise a few weeks back).  Not only is it delicious (mix it with a bit of scrambled egg and some extra scallions and fried onions), but it will guarantee you have your own row on your tour bus later in the afternoon (or in my case, my own tram car to scale Mt Roberts in Juneau: “Okay dragon breath, this one’s all yours – enjoy the views and hit the pharmacy for some Listerine later or risk being declared a biohazard and required to roll around in some sawdust before re-boarding your ship). There are also several delicious Indian breakfast options (although the selection is more limited than what it was on the Bliss). 2. Hot iced cinnamon rolls These are only available in one spot on the buffet (in the middle area), so be sure to look for them!  Think of it as a delicious scavenger hunt! 3. Yogurt bar Top some plain yogurt with granola (praise be, there were NO RAISINS I had to sift through like I was panning for gold), walnuts, frozen berries, and honey (available near the coffee stations).  Way better than those yogurt parfaits you spend $45 for at the airport.

Lunch at Savor (complimentary MDR)

Today I enjoyed the 3rd of 3 rotating lunch menus on NCL. Somehow I missed it on the Bliss a few weeks ago, which I used to justify asking “how many portions of corn chowder do you have back there because that’s how many I plan to order.” Be sure to arrive to lunch early enough to be first in line if you end up on a ship with me or risk hearing, “I’m so sorry, but we’ve run out of the chowder” at 12:01pm.

Here’s what I ordered:

Photo 1: Raspberry panna cotta Photo 2: Mocha pot de crème Photo 3: Spanish frittata Photo 4: Corn chowder

The Bliss Joins us in Juneau

OMG, this is SO awkward. I was all torn up parting from the Bliss a few weeks ago and now she catches me onboard her SISTER like what we had meant nothing. In my defense, I caught her in an intimate moment with Holland America’s ms Noordam (I enter photo #2 into evidence).

Anyway, we’ve arrived at our first Alaska port, Juneau, and despite the cold temp and drizzly rain (last week’s cruise had blue skies and sun – be prepared for ANY conditions cruising to Alaska), the excitement is palpable. I love, love, love watching people experience this magical place for the first time. It’s one of the many, many things that keep me coming back over and over (and over) again.

Some scenes from my port day in Juneau. I hiked the Mt Roberts trail and used my Goldbelt excursion voucher (free with my $50 excursion credit) to ride the tram back down.

Photo 10: Ship peeping. Illegal in 49 states, but thankfully they don’t believe in government overreach here.

Fruit and Vegetable Carving

Fruit and vegetable carving, because sculptures are the only thing fruit and vegetables should be used for on a cruise ship.

Day 3 MDR Dinner

Tonight I dined in the MDR for the first time on this sailing, opting for Savor because it opened the earliest (5:30pm – we were at port late into the evening so the dinner hours for the main dining rooms were different from usual). While some fight against Father Time by acting younger than their biological age, I can’t wait to be of an appropriate age to dine at 4:30 without drawing any eyebrow raises or sarcastic comments like, “I think you left your walker back at your cabin.” Which I actually don’t take offense to, because I’ve been eyeing one of those walkers with a built-in seat for years – in fact waiting in line to disembark in Juneau yesterday I added it to my packing list for my next cruise in June (my kid will probably try to steal it though, so I’m hoping they sell them in a two pack).

Anyway, tonight I ordered a Waldorf salad which, while delicious, always reminds me of a dish you’d throw together with the remaining few items in your fridge just prior to a move – hmmmm, I’ve got lettuce, an apple, a celery stalk, some walnuts, and a nearly empty jar of mayo.

Here’s everything I ordered:

Photo 1: Rigatoni primavera with pesto Photo 2: Waldorf salad Photo 3: Brownie s’more Photo 4: Bananas foster Photo 5: Where is everyone? Oh right, the garlic breakfast rice.

Remember that all the menus I collected, including all the MDR dinner menus can be found posted HERE .

Buffet Snack

Day 4: Skagway

Stabbing and Skagway Part I: “Summit Scenic Drive” Excursion

First, regarding the stabbing that occurred onboard the Encore on Monday and the arrest of a crew member in Juneau yesterday, I know nothing beyond the news articles I’ve received. As isn’t uncommon in my regular life, you all know much more than I do! I haven’t seen anything unusual and, so far, there has been no talk of it onboard. I deeply appreciate so many of you reaching out to make sure I’m okay though – thank you for that. And my heart goes out to the woman who was injured and her travel-mates and family and friends back home.

Hmmm, not sure how to transition from “woman stabbed” to “here’s what I did in Skagway today.” It’s probably best to just cut and paste a description of the excursion I did from the app, so I won’t accidentally say anything insensitive like “the wind was cutting” (it was though). So, here’s the description of the “Summit Scenic Drive:” Travel a picturesque highway that follows a trail created during the Gold Rush of 1898. Snap pictures while pausing at scenic lookouts with views of glaciers and waterfalls. Stop at the summit of White Pass, which marks the U.S. and Canadian border. Hear enlightening commentary that describes the area’s history and attractions.

While I almost never book cruise ship excursions anymore (they’re overpriced and often not that great), this one was 100% worth the price I paid for it: $0! I had a $50 per port shore excursion credit and this excursion was priced at $49. And it actually turned out to be a fairly enjoyable tour, one I would recommend as an inexpensive (or FREE) alternative to the White Pass Scenic Railway. It was a small bus (instead of a giant coach that takes half the allotted tour time to load and unload), our guide was informative and friendly, the scenery was beautiful (especially once we reached the tundra where it was snowing), and I enjoyed the company of my seat-mate who turned out to live near Seattle and recognized me from the blog. Best of all, it ran on-time and was over in 1.5 hours so I had plenty of morning left to explore a new trail system. Stay tuned!

Skagway Part II: Hiking Skagway

I spent the rest of my port day in Skagway exploring a new (to me) trail system within walking distance of the cruise ship piers. On my many prior visits here, I’ve covered the Dewey Lake trail system extensively and have hiked both upper and lower Reid Falls. Today I headed in the opposite direction toward Yakutana Point/Smugglers Cove/A.B. Mountain/Pet Cemetery.

Photo 1: Pedestrian Bridge. I was so thankful for my “cruise 15” because it saved me from blowing off the pedestrian bridge (one must cross in order to access this trail system) and into the Skagway River. I’m not sure the temp of that thing, but it’s glacial fed, so I’m assuming it’s not my preferred 101 degrees.

Photo 2-4: Views from Smugglers Cove.

Photo 5: A sketchy cave I ventured into in search of a bear to spoon (what, it was cold).

Photo 6: The outhouse I found five minutes after squatting down to pee behind a boulder before realizing I was in full display of two cruise ships on the other side of me. If you caught the show, I blame my attentive waiter at breakfast who kept offering me more juice.

Photo 7-8: The Pet Cemetery where I paid my respects to Patches, Muluk, Boomer, Chelsea, Jenny, and Hobbes.

If you accidentally find yourself at the ice cream station in the Encore buffet after a chilly port day in Skagway, warm up with some hot made-to-order noodle soup.

Night 4 MDR Dinner

I’m neither an NCL loyalist/cheerleader nor am I a complainer – I’ll give it to you straight, but I’m nearly always happy just to be at sea with unlimited carbs and dessert. So, while I noticed some pretty significant cuts to the MDR dinner menu last night, new since my cruise on the Bliss just a few weeks ago, I didn’t bother mentioning them because I still enjoyed a great meal. But tonight? Some plan their specialty restaurant nights around prime rib or lobster, well I plan mine around skillet cornbread. And tonight was supposed to be skillet cornbread night! My waitress expressed concern that perhaps I’d lost a contact when she noticed me rooting around under my table to which I responded, “I see just fine, but for some reason I can’t find the skillet cornbread anywhere!”

I’ll continue to sail on NCL like 8 million times a year, but they WILL be hearing from me in ALL CAPS on my post-cruise survey and I’m thinking about calling in a tip to CBS. Yes, there’s that “other story” that all the networks are covering, but the real scoop? Cornbread!

Photo 1: Not skillet cornbread Photo 3: Not skillet cornbread Photo 4: Not skillet cornbread Photo 5: Not skillet cornbread Photo 5: An empty Manhattan Room. Because…no skillet cornbread!

Day 5: Glacier Bay National Park

Guess what today is? No, it’s not my birthday, but I accept gifts of chocolate and cruise credit 365. It’s Glacier Bay Day! And I’m giddier than a kid on Christmas morning waiting for the adults to finish their cigarettes and vodka/O.J.s out in the garage so she can open her presents (hopefully chocolate and cruise credit…I’m just going to keep dropping those hints). But seriously, speaking of gifts, I do accept chocolate and cruise credit. And also, I’m going to gift myself a day of quiet reflection to soak up the ethereal beauty of this spectacular place and won’t be posting again until this evening. In the meantime, for those lucky enough to be booked on an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay, here are my 17 tips for maximizing your day there.

Cruise Alaska: Top Tips For Maximizing Your Day In Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay

From the glacial-carved mountains formed over hundreds of years to the glaciers themselves, continuing to change the landscape little by little in front of our very eyes. From the mother otters riding babies on their bellies to the mountain goats using cloven hooves to scale cliff sides, causing observers to speculate that they must be attached to invisible safety ropes descending from rafters in the sky. From graceful sea birds to thundering humpback whales. From quiet moments of solitude and reflection to the collective gasps of ship-mates gathered together from all over the world, briefly putting aside their differences to share with each other a place so few will ever be lucky enough to experience. From the smell of winter to the bite of cold on cheeks to the snowflakes landing on outstretched tongues. From the hot chocolate warming hands to the enriching commentary challenging minds. Today, despite my having been here over a dozen times before, was nothing short of…magic. John Muir, in “Travels in Alaska,” perfectly captures how I feel about Glacier Bay and why I’ll continue coming here again and again: “So abundant and novel are the objects of interest in a pure wilderness that unless you are pursuing special studies it matters little where you go, or how often to the same place. Wherever you chance to be always seems at the moment of all places the best; and you feel that there can be no happiness in this world or in any other for those who may not be happy here.”

Photos 1: Park ranger morning introduction (7:30am in the Observation Lounge) Photo 2-3: Margarie Glacier (arrival time approximately 9am) Photo 4: Park rangers transferring to their smaller vessel to head home Photo 5: Park ranger presentation (1:30pm in the main theater) Photo 6: Lamplugh Glacier (covered in freshly fallen snow) Photo 7: Sailing through the Tarr Inlet

Lunch at The Local

While my goal is always to spend 25/24 hours outside on Glacier Bay day, I did venture inside to marathon eat lunch at The Local and to thaw my fingers and knock the icicles off my nose.

Because my brain was also half way toward a full cryogenic freeze and not capable of its usual introverted restraint, I went bold and ordered a “veggie burger” off-menu which they happily accommodated. So I decided to accept a challenge from my friend David, who’d heard there might be an off-menu hot fudge sundae available at The Local. My waitress responded to this second request by saying, “now you’re pushing your luck. What can I bring you next, some king crab and caviar?” to which I responded, “no thanks, I’m a vegetarian, just the sundae please.” Suffice it to say, I didn’t receive the sundae (I went with the best carrot cake at sea, or on land for that matter, instead) and will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation (consternation?) at the crew bar tonight.

The Best Dessert on the Encore

The best dessert on the Encore (so far – there’s still time for others to step up): Room service chocolate cake. There’s a $9.95 fee for room service delivery ($4.95 at breakfast) or you can mooch off your neighbor like I did (when I asked what they were doing for lunch upon seeing them in the hall, they said they were ordering room service and I was like, sooooooo…).

Night 5 dinner in the MDR

Photo 1: Fig and apple cobbler Photo 2: Carrot cake (sugar free) Photo 3: Potato gnocchi Photo 4: Mozzarella and plum tomatoes Photo 5: Hello? Anyone? I’m not much of a conversationalist, but at least I remembered to pack deodorant for once.

Day 6: Ketchikan

Port Day in Ketchikan (Ward Cove)

This morning I celebrated my 18th birthday out on the trails near the Ward Cove cruise ship pier wondering why I have the endurance and wrinkles of a 40-something-year-old. I also signed up for a wine tasting later, but now I’m wondering if they’ll turn me away for not being of drinking age. Anyway, it was a gorgeous day, overcast and cool in the morning (perfect for hiking), with blue skies and sun arriving just in time for a spectacular sail away. Here are some photos and highlights of my last port day in Alaska:

Photo 1: The Spirit docked next to us at Ward Cove. I love her both because I enjoyed an epic voyage on her through Hawaii AND Alaska a few years ago and also because I understand what it’s like to be towered over by much taller relatives.

Photo 2: While it’s a long-ish walk from the cruise pier to the trail system I hiked today, you could always just photograph the lovely views from the road and *pretend* you hiked.

Photo 3: Me to this slug: “You’re the whitest slug I’ve even seen.” Slug back to me: “I could say the same thing about you, lady.”

Photo 4: If a tree falls on Prof. Cruise in the forest, will her fellow passengers be thrilled with the sudden abundance of fried rice and desserts?

Photo 5: Perseverance Lake. There wasn’t any sun, but I donned the rainbow mirrored sunglasses for this photo because all the cool and successful cruise content creators wear them. I’m anticipating an increase in followers of at least 5, probably because they can’t see my face and think I’m someone else.

Photos 6: Nature’s stair stepper. I may actually have the ass of an 18-year-old after that!

Photo 7-9: Some additional scenery from the Frog Pond Trail —-> Perseverance Trail —-> Minerva Mountain Trail.

Photo 10: Sail away from Ward Cove.

Wines Around the World

I know less about wine than nuclear physics; I care less about wine than NFL football (even though I live within walking distance of the Seahawks stadium, I can’t name a single player); and I’d rather drink the juices of a wrung out mop after a weekend shift at Waffle House. Even so (and please forgive me for everything I just said, having managed to once again offend 100% of my readers), I always really enjoy Wines Around the World, which is a complimentary wine tasting for Latitudes members (that’s NCL’s loyalty program) who are Platinum and above.

There were four different stations set up at Cellars/Onda, representing four different countries: Italy, France, Argentina, and the United States. We tasted two wines, a red and white, from each country, for a total of eight wines. For each wine we learned about where the grapes were grown and how the location affected the characteristics of the wine. Information about acidity, tannins, sweetness and alcohol content was also provided. We were able to rinse our wine glasses out after each pour and crunchy breadsticks were provided as a palate cleansers. Pours were generous, so while I’m normally a cheap drunk, today I was a free drunk!

While Wines Around the World is complimentary for those Platinum and above, it’s required that you register in advance. Stop by the CruiseNext desk on embarkation day to find out when and where it will take place and to sign up (today it was at 1pm).

Night 6 Dinner in the MDR

Dinner, normally my most anticipated and pleasurable time of day (because it’s the largest meal), began tonight with an ugly episode of hives, triggered by my fear of seeded bread (which I love, but which also usually brings the “scrapper of shame”) and olives (which belong on the fingers of 4-year-olds, not anywhere near a tastebud).

When the section supervisor noticed my distress, she validated my concerns and agreed to personally inspect my puttanesca for olives and hold my hand and play some serene music through headphones for me during the crumb removal procedure.

While that last paragraph was a poor attempt at fiction writing, the service I’ve received in the MDR so far this sailing has been almost that outstanding. Tonight the section supervisor stopped by my table no fewer than 3 times (maybe because I was pretty much the only person in The Manhattan Room again, so making her rounds basically involved a continual loop around my table) and my waitress never let my water glass get below 90% full.

Turns out there was only 1/4 an olive in my entire entree and the crumbs were removed from my tablecloth before I even had time to caste my eyes down in shame. All’s well that ends well and tonight ended with Snickers pound cake and eclairs.

Photo 1: Snickers pound cake Photo 2: Eclairs Photo 3: Bread of shame Photo 4: Baked Brie salad Photo 5: Spaghetti puttanesca Photo 6: 1/4th an olive too many Photo 7: Zombie apocalypse?

Aurora Borealis

Only two things will get me up in the middle of the night on a cruise. A midnight buffet (RIP) and this…

Day 7: Sea Day/Victoria

Beatles Invasion: The Later Years

Mystery Solved!

Photo 1: Roasted vegetable salad with (no) goat cheese Photo 2: Spinach and ricotta stuffed pepper Photo 3: Nutella crème brûlée Photo 4: Warm chocolate lava cake Photo 5: Bread service

Victoria, B.C.

Yes, cruise ships on closed-loop Alaska sailings from US ports (mostly Seattle and San Francisco) are required to stop in Victoria, BC in order to comply with the Passenger Vessel Services Act. And yes, most 7-night itineraries don’t arrive in Victoria until later in the evening (most around 8pm). But you should NOT consider this a wasted port stop or elect to stay on your ship. I WILL travel from my home in Seattle to drag you off. But I shouldn’t have to, because you should be lining up hours early in the stairwell (prompting multiple announcements to “please make yourself comfortable in one of our public spaces until the ship is cleared”) to feast your eyes on these views (all these photos were taken on a short walk from my ship, but downtown Victoria is also gorgeous at night and easy to get to via shuttle bus or a long walk)…

Earlier this afternoon, we had the opportunity to acknowledge and thank officers and crew from each department as part of NCL’s traditional farewell event. While my eye was on the Captain and his humble, shy manner (or maybe he was just trying to avoid eye contact with me so I wouldn’t pass out, causing a “code alpha”), it was the “washy washy” guys who stole the show.

While I’m not sure how much crew members actually enjoy this event, I always find it quite moving, especially this time. There was a deluge of media attention around the stabbing that took place on our sailing, but the real story of every cruise is how crew members from dozens of different countries (65 on the Encore) leave their homes, families, and communities to work long hours for months at a time in order to make a better life for themselves and their loved ones. And they bring the richness of their stories, experiences, and traditions to those of us lucky enough to be onboard as passengers. I’m thankful to every one of them and hope the cruise industry is a net positive in their lives (it certainly isn’t perfect).

I also want to acknowledge all the wonderful fellow passengers and locals I met on this sailing. From the pair of first-time cruising sisters I sat next to at embarkation day lunch to the woman celebrating her 90th birthday to those who recognized me from my blog or social media sites and took the time to introduce themselves and offer some (far too) kind words about my content, to those “online friends” I finally met in person. I know we don’t all see eye to eye on everything in our “real lives,” but out at sea all that falls away. With the vast ocean below us and the vast sky above us, we bond over a shared passion, a good meal, a whale spout, a glacier calving, and ribbons of light dancing around us in the quiet dark of night.

And finally, for those of you who followed along with me at home, thank you for making me laugh and laughing at my dumb jokes, sharing your amazing experiences and photos, calling me out when I got something wrong, and teaching me far more than I could ever teach you.

So with that, cruise on and…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): Go here to check out all my posts related to the Encore and be sure to follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

Bonus Cruising Pro Tip

Never purchase cruise insurance through NCL. You’ll pay more and get less than if you purchase it on your own. Use a site like TravelInsurance.com * to compare rates and plans and get exactly what you want for the least amount of money. Savings can be significant and mean more to spend onboard, at port, or on another cruise!

Spend a Day on Great Stirrup Cay

February 8, 2019

 by Prof. Cruise · Published February 8, 2019 · Last modified June 26, 2019

What Will I Eat If I Get Quarantined On A Cruise Ship?

December 31, 2021

 by Prof. Cruise · Published December 31, 2021

15 Things For Cruise Lovers To Do While Staying At Home

April 2, 2020

 by Prof. Cruise · Published April 2, 2020 · Last modified June 6, 2021

6 Responses

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I was on this same cruise with you. I laughed until I almost wet myself. Thank you for this!

Hahaha! I’m always happy when someone gets my weird sense of humor. *high five!* Hope you had a fabulous cruise! Too bad we didn’t get the chance to meet.

Congrats on Sapphire level. How many desserts per Latitude point does it take to reach sapphire? Our sense of the Encore sister ship the Getaway was that the rooms, balconies and hallways were smaller. At first I thought I had gained 50 pounds just thinking about all the food onboard, then we measured. Do you think this was a way to increase capacity without having to increase ship size?

That’s an interesting calculation regarding dessert. I’m a little scared of the answer. lol. Yes, I do think it has everything to do with increasing passenger capacity.

On the NCL Encore, if you have connecting rooms, will you be able to open the balcony partition to enjoy a larger space?

I found the food on encore subpar! Seriously I don’t want to see Turkey medallions on the main dining room menus! They could cook seafood to save their lives. Everything was cooked till rubbery! I had chicken Madeira one night and it was rubbery and the sauce tasted like flour. The only thing good in mdr was breakfast. Breakfast at the buffet was horrible!we actually had better meals at the the local and American diner. I’ve never seen such poor food choices!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Norwegian Encore

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Barber Shop *
• Beauty Salon *
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• The Observation Lounge
• Gaming Lessons *
• Horizon Lounge
• Whirlpools (9)
• Hydrotherapy Pool *
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge
• Laser Tag *
• Late Night Dancing
• Library and Card Room
• Mandara Spa *
• Ocean Loops
• Poolside Games
• Vibe Beach Club
• Video Arcade *
• Waterslides (5)
• Wine Tasting *
• Kids Aqua Park
• Splash Academy
• The Haven Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Encore Theater
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Social Comedy and Night Club
• The Cavern Club
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Savor Restaurant - Main
• Taste Restaurant - Main
• The Manhattan Room - Main
• Food Republic - Tapas *
• Atrium Bar - Atrium Bar *
• The District Brew House - Brewpub *
• Garden Cafe - Buffet
• Mixx Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• A_List Bar - Cocktail Bar *
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar - Mojito Bar *
• Starbucks - Coffee Bar *
• Le Bistro French Restaurant - French *
• Dolce Gelato - Gelato *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• American Diner - Diner *
• Los Lobos - Mexican *
• The Bake Shop - Pastries *
• Waves Bar - Pool Bar *
• The Local Bar and Grill - Pub
• Ocean Blue - Seafood *
• Q Texas Smokehouse - Barbecue *
• Cagneys Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• The Haven Outdoor Restaurant - Suite Guests
• Cocos - Sweets *
• Skyline Bar - Trendy Bar *
• The Cellars Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Maltings Whiskey Bar - Whiskey Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 58
• Very Good 31
• Terrible 32
• All languages ( 193 )
• English ( 182 )
• Spanish ( 7 )
• French ( 1 )

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Norwegian Encore review: A guide to Norwegian Cruise Line's newest Breakaway Plus-class ship

Have you ever been to a Starbucks where every single customer belted out the lyrics to "Sweet Caroline" in unison, mid-latte? I have. Even more interestingly, it was on a cruise — Norwegian Encore, to be exact — where the ship's atrium singalong shenanigans spilled over into the nearby onboard coffee outpost.

That's just one example of how boisterous my voyage was. If you're looking for an enjoyable big-ship experience on your next sailing, the good news is that Norwegian Encore, one of Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway Plus-class ships , delivers fun in the form of adrenaline-pumping top-deck activities, state-of-the-art gaming, Broadway-caliber theater performances and plenty of social activities.

The bad news is that you'll pay extra for a lot of it. (Thankfully, the singalongs are free.)

If you're wondering whether you'd enjoy a sailing on Norwegian Encore or one of Norwegian 's other similar ships, keep reading. I'll share a rundown of what it was like to experience the vessel's cabins, restaurants, shore excursions, entertainment and more.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Overview of Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore can offer something for everyone due to its large size and impressive array of amenities. The ship can carry 4,544 passengers, and among them you'll find couples, friend groups and families.

The 169,116-ton mass-market vessel is generally bustling. It's great for joiners, offering games like bingo and Deal or No Deal, dance classes, parties and more, but it also has quiet spaces like a library and card room, a spa with a thermal suite and the Vibe Beach Club, which is for adults only.

Of particular note is 678 Ocean Place, a three-story promenade that rises from Deck 6 to Deck 8 and serves as the ship's central hub. There, you'll find several bars, lounges and shops, as well as the casino and the ship's comedy club, art gallery, photography studio and, not far away, the atrium, where the guest services desk is located.

Another shoutout-worthy space is the Galaxy Pavilion, a giant indoor space on Deck 17 that's packed with the latest virtual-reality experiences and video games, as well as a 4D cinema and an escape room . On the two outer decks directly above it, passengers will find laser tag and Speedway, the ship's go-kart track. All of those attractions cost extra.

What I loved about Norwegian Encore

Choir of man.

Although Norwegian has phased out many of its Broadway shows, it does still offer a couple of Broadway and off-Broadway musicals, including "Choir of Man," a West End favorite about a group of Irish men who converge at a local pub to feel less alone when dealing with life's obstacles. Audience interaction includes bringing some attendees up on stage for drinks, as well as singing and dancing in the aisles. It's free, but you'll need to make reservations if you don't want to miss out. It was offered a couple of times on our voyage.

Food Republic

My meal at Food Republic was easily the best extra-fee meal I had on my sailing. The venue features street food from various countries but leans heavily Asian. I was surprised to find plenty of open tables when I showed up for my reservation but assumed it was due to the restaurant's out-of-the-way location on Deck 8 forward and the fact that its description on the cruise line's app is vague.

If you have a dining package, save one of your meals for this place; if you don't, it's worth the splurge. Trust me: You won't be disappointed.

The live music

I don't normally seek out live music, but I found myself unexpectedly enjoying performances throughout the ship. Standouts were the daytime performers in The Atrium, who played Green Day, Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Incubus and other bands that took me straight back to my high school playlists. During my dinner at Q, the ship's barbecue restaurant, a band inexplicably played an entire set of ABBA tunes while we ate. It was an odd choice of genre for that venue, but it was fantastic nonetheless. Everyone was on their feet dancing by the end of the meal.

The escape room

Although it costs $15 per person, Norwegian Encore's escape room experience, "Bamboozled," is a terrific way to spend an hour of your day, especially at sea. Sign up in advance at the front desk in the Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 aft, and you'll be placed into a room where you'll have 45 minutes to complete a series of puzzles to save a sunken ship from its watery grave. (You will be grouped with other passengers if your party isn't large enough to fill the room.)

Note that the experience begins with a quick virtual-reality primer that gives you the backstory. If you're prone to motion sickness, opt out of that part. You can still listen to the story without the VR headset.

Tip: There are only six sets of VR goggles, so reservations are usually capped at six people per time slot. However, the room can hold up to 10 players. If you're having trouble making reservations, tell the person working the desk that you're happy to skip the VR part if they can squeeze you in.

What I didn't love about Norwegian Encore

The extra fees.

Make no mistake: Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are fun, with lots to see, do, eat and drink. But you're going to pay to access most of the best offerings, and at $20 per person, per day, for standard cabins, NCL's daily gratuities (which are automatically added to each person's onboard bill) are the highest in the industry.

So many things cost extra on Norwegian Encore, from top-deck laser tag and go-kart racing to the games at Galaxy Pavilion, as well as bottled water and coffee (even if you have the drink package that's included in most fares). The added fees could quickly amount to a lot of money — especially if you're traveling with kids.

Activity-related quirks

During my sailing, I saw a few things that made little sense. On the first night, my travel companion and I checked out the Levity Comedy show in the main theater. It was decent, but when we went to the Social Comedy Club a couple nights later to see the same two comedians perform, only one had new material to share.

Other activities were held in odd locations. For example, singalongs and gameshows like "Deal or No Deal" were held in the atrium. Although it's a central location, the space felt too small to accommodate everyone who wanted to join in or watch. Crowds often ballooned out to the sides, making it awkward for people just passing through.

The one experience that took the cake for the most absurd onboard rule was the water park. If you want to ride the water slides , you can't wear bathing suits with metal or plastic details. That includes women's suits with adjustable straps and men's trunks with metal eyelets or plastic ends to the drawstrings.

The latter prevented most people from riding, which was a shame. The crew member stationed at the ride's entrance asked men to pull down their waistbands so he could look for the plastic. Riders whose suits had it were banned, even if it was on the inside and covered by external material. Several people returned in their underwear, which seemed inappropriate.

The ship's Alaska particulars

Of the Norwegian ships sailing Alaska voyages , Norwegian Encore has one of the least desirable (and, therefore, most affordable) schedules, both in terms of when it arrives in port and where it docks.

My seven-day cruise traveled round trip from Seattle and visited Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan in Alaska and Victoria in Canada's British Columbia with a scenic Glacier Bay sea day thrown in. The ports themselves are great and absolutely on many cruisers' bucket lists. However, the scheduled arrival times and some of the related logistics had me scratching my head.

We didn't dock in Juneau until after 2 p.m., which meant anyone hoping to schedule a full day of salmon fishing — a popular excursion in Alaska — was out of luck. In Ketchikan, the ship docked seven miles outside of town, so because we didn't book an excursion, we spent 40 minutes on shuttle buses to get to the main area and back. We also waited 55 minutes in line to catch the return shuttle, so cumulatively, travel from and back to the ship wasted more than 90 minutes of the mere five hours we had in port. (The wait for the return was so bad that enterprising locals offered to drive passengers to the ship in their personal vehicles for $20 a person.)

Our call on Victoria — a technical requirement to satisfy the United States' Passenger Vessel Services Act — was only three hours, from 8 to 11 p.m., when most things in the city were already closed.

The port valet service

Ships that sail from Seattle can offer a port-facilitated luggage valet service to passengers flying home after they leave the ship. It allows cruisers with flights to leave their bags outside their cabin doors the night before disembarkation and pick them up again in their final destinations after their flights. The service costs nothing, but passengers must pay the associated checked bag fees levied by their airlines.

My companion — who receives free checked bags with his airline, thanks to a co-branded credit card — decided to try the service. On disembarkation morning, he noticed a $35 checked bag charge on his onboard bill, despite noting on the required paperwork that his bags should be free. (There's a section on the form to mention that and explain why, which he did.)

When he asked guest services to remove the charge, he was told he'd have to take it up with the port. He eventually got his money back, but it wasn't without several phone calls and emails that negated any convenience the service was supposed to provide.

Norwegian Encore cabins and suites

Norwegian Cruise Line offers an array of cabin types , ranging in size from 99-square-foot studios for one person to insides, outsides, balconies and 1,459-square-foot Owners Suites in The Haven — the line's exclusive suite enclave, which offers access to a private dining room, pool, sun deck, concierge service and more.

The ship also has a total of 43 wheelchair-accessible cabins across several categories, including inside, outside, balcony, suite and The Haven. Accessible rooms feature shower stools and toilet seat risers in the bathrooms, as well as extra square footage and wider doorways.

My room was a 214-square-foot standard balcony cabin with a 38-square-foot balcony. It was comfortable and elegantly appointed, and the only gripes I have are related to storage.

Although our specific cabin was designed to accommodate up to three people, we had trouble fitting all our clothes in the closet and drawers with just two of us. The bathroom had ample storage, but the shelving wasn't deep, forcing us to take everything out of our toiletry bags to store it there. The closet was also in a strange location next to the bed, and due to the sliding-door setup, only one side could be accessed at a time.

In addition to a queen-size bed that can convert into two twins, our room was outfitted with two nightstands and reading lamps, each with a USB port for charging; a sleeper sofa with drawer storage; a desk/vanity area with a mirror, three 110-volt North American-style outlets and one European 220-volt outlet, drawers and shelves and a minibar stocked with for-fee water in glass bottles and cartons; and a small block stool with a built-in removable lap tray for working or dining.

A wall-mounted TV offered NCL-produced programming, such as ship positioning, port information and shopping talks. It also offered for-fee on-demand movies, a small selection of live TV channels and interactive functions that allowed me to check my onboard bill.

The oddly placed closet, which ran the length of the wall on one side of the bed, offered two sides for storage — one with a bar to hang clothes and another with shelving for shoes, hats or items you'd like to fold. It also contained a code-operated safe for small valuables.

The hangers were the wooden kind that don't have hooks at the top — the ones with metal rods that lock into permanent mounting hardware so people can't steal them. I find that they always make hanging anything more cumbersome. The closet didn't have enough hangers for all our clothing, so I asked my cabin steward for a few extras. He brought me the cheap plastic kind, which left bumps in the shoulders of my shirts.

The bathroom offered a single sink with several narrow shelves, a toilet and a plexiglass shower with a removable showerhead. My cabin type also came with bathrobes and upgraded toiletries, which included Bulgari shampoo, conditioner, hand cream and aftershave balm, as well as L'Occitane bar soap. A hair dryer was available via a mount under the main cabin vanity, next to the block stool.

The balcony was tiny but sufficient for excellent sea views. It was furnished with a small drinks table and two chairs with adjustable backs.

Norwegian Encore restaurants and bars

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for pioneering "anytime dining" on cruise ships — eating whenever you want, wherever you want, with whomever you want. Passengers are not assigned set dining times, and you can eat in any of Norwegian Encore's main dining rooms or extra-fee restaurants by making a reservation or showing up when you're hungry. Other meal options include a complimentary buffet and 24-hour room service that comes with a delivery fee.

If you expect to dine at several added-fee alternative restaurants during your cruise, purchasing a dining package might save you some money. Norwegian's packages include a set number of meals at any of the extra-fee restaurants. The best tactic is to save your prepaid meals for the most expensive restaurants (Cagney's Steakhouse, Food Republic and Teppanyaki). All restaurants are priced a la carte if you don't have a dining package, except Teppanyaki (which has a $59 per person cover charge).

The line also has drink packages that are a good value if you consume a lot of soda or alcohol. A basic beverage package comes with most cruise fares but does not include specialty coffees or bottled water. (You'll need to upgrade for an additional fee for those to be included.)

Norwegian Encore restaurants

Free restaurants

Taste, Savor and The Manhattan Room are Norwegian Encore's three main dining rooms. The first two — located directly across from one another on Deck 6 — are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Manhattan, on Deck 7, is open for dinner only. Menus are the same across all three.

I was impressed with the food quality in the main dining rooms. The menus had a nice variety, and the food arrived freshly prepared and generally tasty with just the right amount of seasoning. For breakfast, I had a delicious omelet, hashbrowns and bacon. For lunch, my picks included a caprese salad and Baja fish tacos. For dinner, I enjoyed crab and cream cheese wontons, bruschetta and a veggie burrito.

Another gratis option is The Local Bar & Grill, a sports bar-style eatery that's open 24 hours a day and features pub grub like chicken wings, fish 'n' chips, Cobb salad, pasta carbonara, chili, BLTs, burgers and fries. It also serves amazing breakfast sandwiches in the mornings.

The Local is often crowded because it's free and the choice for anyone who wants a waiter-served meal not in one of the fancy dining rooms. It's also located just above the stage and screen area in the main atrium, so it draws crowds wanting to sit and watch what's happening below.

Other places for free fare include the Garden Cafe buffet, which has so many different cuisine stations it will make your head spin — in a good way. They include everything from cereal, pancakes and made-to-order omelets at breakfast to burgers, cold cuts, cheeses, Indian food and salads at lunch and carving stations and pasta at dinner. Fruit, soft-serve ice cream and other desserts are readily available, too.

A smaller buffet can be found in the Observation Lounge, which offers light bites throughout the day.

Free for and accessible only to passengers booked in Norwegian Encore's The Haven suite enclave, The Haven Restaurant is a serene escape from the usual bustle of restaurants elsewhere on board. I dined there one night, and the food quality was superior to the ship's other available dining options. The crabcakes and lobster tail were phenomenal, and the intimate setting and elevated decor gave the space an upscale ambience.

For-fee restaurants

While I was impressed with Norwegian Encore's included restaurants, I found the extra-fee venues to be less consistent. For example, I absolutely loved street food restaurant Food Republic but was underwhelmed by the Los Lobos Mexican eatery — and I adore Mexican food.

Let's start at the top. Food Republic, hidden away on Deck 8 forward, was my favorite alternative dining option on Norwegian Encore. A light and airy space, it offers a selection of street food from Korea, Mexico, China, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru and Japan. You might even find some Italian and Hawaiian influences. Absolutely do not miss the edamame, pork belly bao buns and chicken teriyaki.

If you have a dining package, you can select four items per person. You can pay per item if you'd like extra. Alcohol options include sake by the bottle or glass and a small selection of cider and beer. The Food Republic cocktail menu has only five drinks, but it was difficult to choose among them. I went with the Thai rum tonic and wasn't disappointed.

American Diner is an open-air eatery on Deck 17, near Galaxy Pavilion and up one flight of stairs from the Ocean Loops waterslide entrance. It was chilly on our Alaska sailing, but heat lamps kept us warm. I absolutely love the decor, which features a black-and-white checkered floor, booths that look like old Chevy cars and tabletops covered in a license plate print.

I ordered a burger with fries and a milkshake when I ate there for lunch, and it was the perfect bit of comfort food to hold me over until dinner. Although the American Diner's fare was tasty, you can order similar items (minus the milkshake) for no fee at The Local. Your dining package will cover a meal at American Diner, but milkshakes still cost extra.

Q Texas Smokehouse embraces all things barbecue. If the smell isn't enough to draw you in, let yourself be carried by the wonderful live music that accompanies the experience each night. For dinner, I started with tortilla soup and fried green tomatoes before moving on to pulled pork with cornbread, pickles, potato salad and coleslaw. It was just OK — not the best barbecue I've had, but also not the worst.

Los Lobos was my least favorite of the extra-fee venues I tried. I was extra sad because Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh guacamole, which our waiter prepared tableside, but the tortilla chips were too salty. The fish tacos I ordered for my main course were unappetizingly wet and soggy, which caused the soft shells to completely disintegrate, necessitating the use of a fork. The service was also hit-or-miss, with our waiter often disappearing for long stretches.

Other added-fee options include a teppanyaki venue called, unoriginally, Teppanyaki; Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta; seafood eatery Ocean Blue; Cagney's Steakhouse; and Le Bistro if you're hankering for French cuisine.

Reservations are recommended at all extra-fee restaurants, and if you don't make them before you board, you could be out of luck. I waited until the evening of the first day of my sailing, and I ended up with some horrendously late dining times.

If you're looking for coffee, ice cream or a between-meal snack, added-cost options include a full Starbucks, found just off the atrium, across from the guest services desk on Deck 6; Coco's for chocolates, mini-cakes and ice cream, including sundaes (try one of the gargantuan milkshakes for a true splurge); The Bake Shop, which offers cupcakes, chocolates and macarons; and Dolce Gelato, which is attached to The Bake Shop and serves up a few flavors of gelato.

You can order room service 24/7, but note that there is a $7.95 delivery charge attached. Room service breakfast, including Continental selections, comes with a $4.95 delivery fee. Both fees are per order, so you'll pay $7.95 (or $4.95) whether you order one item or several.

Norwegian Encore bars

If you're in search of a drink, the best variety is on Deck 8, where passengers will find dedicated wine, whiskey and mojito bars in proximity to several alternative eateries and lounges that are worth discovering.

The Cellars Wine Bar, which has a menu of more than 300 wines, is attached to Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta, making it easy for waiters to serve your favorite vintage with your pasta. Tastings are offered for a fee.

Across the hall, Maltings Whiskey Bar, which has a rich ambience and an impressive selection of whiskeys, is flanked by The Humidor Cigar Lounge, where passengers can smoke stogies while sipping cognac, and The Cavern Club, where you can order a cocktail while listening to live performances by a Beatles tribute band.

Two of my favorites, also found on Deck 8, are the Sugarcane Mojito Bar and The District Brew House. Sugarcane has an entire menu of interesting takes on the popular minty drink. My favorite was the Coco Mojito, which is a mix of coconut rum, simple syrup, mint bitters and coconut water. (An outdoor area offers eco-friendly drinks like the Pineapple Surplus and the Sustainable Spritz, which are made partially from kitchen leftovers like fruit peels and juices.)

The District Brew House — which is tucked away at the front of the ship, across from Food Republic — has two dozen beers on tap, as well as dozens more bottled choices. They include standards like Stella Artois, Heineken and Angry Orchard; local selections like Alaskan Amber and Alaskan Husky; and even NCL's own brew, 66 by Norwegian. (The line also has branded 66 spirits, found at select onboard bars.)

Other standard bars include the Atrium Bar, which is central to the ship's social hub; the Skyline Bar, which serves the Encore Casino; Mixx Bar, located between the Taste and Savor main dining rooms; and the A-List Bar, which is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink when you're dining at either Cagney's or Los Lobos.

Norwegian Encore entertainment

Entertainment on Norwegian Encore is well above average for a mainstream cruise line. In addition to an astounding number of daily activities like game shows, trivia and art classes, passengers can enjoy top-deck fun that ranges from laser tag to waterslides.

Evening shows include Broadway-caliber musicals, comedians, magicians and more. Here's a roundup of what you shouldn't miss.

Norwegian Encore activities

Although there are lots of activities on the daily schedule, complimentary stand-outs for me were trivia, balloon-twisting sessions, fruit- and vegetable-carving demonstrations and enrichment lectures about Alaska, including live narration from a National Park ranger on the day we sailed through Glacier Bay. There were also plenty of pay-to-play options, such as bingo and art classes.

Atrium activities like movie screenings (when the weather is too chilly for films to be shown on the outdoor screen), daily sudoku puzzles, singalongs and "Deal or No Deal" are also popular.

Water babies will enjoy the ship's two pools (Deck 16) and four hot tubs (Deck 17). Neither of the pools was too crowded on my Alaska sailing — even on sea days — due to the cooler temperatures, which hovered between the high 60s and low 70s. The ship offers accessible lifts for onboard pools but not hot tubs.

A water park area on decks 16 and 17 features four waterslides (two of which are for kids and are part of a children's splash area). The two larger slides have height requirements — 48 inches for Ocean Loops (which has ridiculous bathing suit requirements and weight minimums so riders don't get stuck on the uphill portion) and 40 inches for the Aqua Racer.

Two bars — Waves Bar and Surf Bar — serve the pool area.

The Haven also has its own private pool with a retractable roof and hot tub. There are also two hot tubs on the exclusive area's sun deck.

If you want an elevated experience without The Haven's price tag, pay for a spa thermal suite pass or a pass to the two-deck adults-only Vibe Beach Club sun deck. The former features its own hot tub and large thalassotherapy pool, as well as a variety of aromatherapy, salt and steam rooms, plus a sauna. Vibe is home to tons of loungers, a couple clamshells, a bar and two hot tubs. (You won't find a pool there, though.)

For those who are looking to work up a sweat while they're outside, there's a jogging track on Deck 17. For inside fitness options, visit the Pulse Fitness Center on Deck 16 aft. It's equipped with free weights, kettlebells, medicine balls, foam rollers, weight machines and cardio machines (ellipticals, rowers, treadmills, etc.). Instructors offers classes like TRX, spin and high-intensity interval training for a fee.

If a day of pampering is more your speed, treatments are available at the Mandara Spa, near the fitness center. You can book massages, facials and a slew of other treatments at prices that are higher than what you'd find on land. Separate salon and barber shop facilities are also available for haircuts, shaves, manicures, pedicures and other extra-cost services.

For the kids, check out the pay-to-play video arcade, just off of The Local. They'll also love the Galaxy Pavilion, which offers an impressive array of virtual-reality rides and video games, all for a fee. It's also where you'll find the aforementioned escape room, which is a fantastic way to spend an hour problem solving with your family (or testing the limits of your friend group's patience).

For a fun outdoor experience, try a game of laser tag, or pretend to unleash your inner speed demon on the Encore Speedway. (I say "pretend to unleash" because the go-karts' maximum speed isn't very fast. It's still fun to say you tried it, though.) Both of these cost extra, and you have to sign up in advance.

After a busy day of activities or exploring ashore, cruisers will find that the ship comes alive at night, too — especially for anyone who loves dancing — with activities like '50s and '60s sock hops, silent discos and even a glow party (formerly the White Hot Party but now with glow sticks). Some of the best onboard entertainment venues for night owls include the Social Comedy & Night Club, where you'll find comedic performances and themed parties, and The Cavern Club, which hosts an excellent Beatles tribute band.

Other onboard hangouts include the Studio Lounge, which is exclusive to travelers booked in the ship's solo accommodations and the Observation Lounge, where passengers gather to watch as the ship sails into Glacier Bay, complete with drinks, nibbles and National Park guide narration.

The atrium is where games are held, indoor movies are screened and passengers can find guest services, desks for restaurant and shore excursion reservations, the future cruise desk and the internet cafe. There's also an art gallery, photo studio, meeting rooms and a dual card room and library, where passengers can borrow books and board games.

The onboard shops, which are clustered on Deck 8, sell everything from snacks, toiletries and logo apparel to designer purses and duty-free jewelry, cigarettes and alcohol.

The medical center is located on Deck 13.

Norwegian Encore shows

Choir of Man is easily the main event in the Encore Theater on Norwegian Encore. Even if you're not a fan of musicals, I can almost guarantee you'll like what you see, which includes everything from singing, dancing and jokes to plenty of references to beer — perhaps with some free drinks thrown in if you're chosen for audience participation.

The show involves a group of Irishmen who gather at their local pub to reminisce and share their tribulations in the hopes of feeling better. The show is offered two nights on each weeklong cruise, with two times scheduled each night. You will definitely need reservations; make them early.

Comedy shows are offered several times throughout each voyage. At least one performance will be in the main theater, while the rest are held in The Social Comedy & Night Club on Deck 7. Of the two comedians I saw, one was impressive without being vulgar, which I appreciated, while the other was just so-so in terms of laugh factor. He also had no new material for his subsequent performances.

I couldn't attend the "Women of Soul" show, which featured singer Siobhan Walsh singing hits by Whitney Houston. It was offered one night of my voyage with an early and a late show scheduled, with a 3:30 p.m. matinee on a different day.

The other major theater performance consisted of magician Neil Croswell, who put on a show that felt similar to what NCL used to do during dinner theater performances in The Illusionarium on Norwegian Getaway — lots of table floating and some other "meh" tricks I had seen done before.

If needed, sign language interpreters are available at no additional charge when requested at least 90 days in advance.

Norwegian Encore itineraries and pricing

Norwegian Encore spends April through October homeporting in Seattle and conducting Alaska sailings before repositioning through the Panama Canal and taking up residence in Miami to offer Caribbean voyages during the winter and early spring months.

For the vessel's 2024 Alaska season, prices at the time of publication start from $111 per person, per night for a similar weekly itinerary.

Panama Canal repositioning sailings begin at $43 per person, per night, for an inside cabin on a 21-night voyage from Seattle to Miami in the fall of 2023.

The ship's seven-night Eastern Caribbean offerings round-trip from Miami will set you back $96 per person, per night, in the beginning of 2024.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen traveling on most sailings (including those to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera) departing from and returning to U.S. home ports, you can board Norwegian Encore with your original birth certificate and a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license. Otherwise, a passport can be used. If you're sailing from a port outside of your country of citizenship, you must have a passport with at least six months' validity from the time your sailing ends.

Norwegian Encore levies automatic surcharges of $20 to $25 per person , per day, to final bills, depending on your cabin category. Based on the level of service received, cruisers can adjust the amount at the front desk before the final morning of the sailing. In addition, a 20% gratuity is added to extra-fee restaurant, bar and spa purchases.

Many NCL fares include basic ship Wi-Fi . However, passengers who don't have it included — or those who have the basic plan included but want to upgrade — can pay to connect. Prices vary, but they're generally pretty expensive, ranging from about $30 to $35 per person, per day, depending on whether or not you need streaming capabilities. The cost is slightly cheaper if you purchase in advance instead of waiting until you board.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring your own bottles of wine on Norwegian Encore, but you'll be charged a per-bottle fee of $15 to do so, regardless of where you plan to consume them.

Smoking policy

Passengers are only allowed to smoke — including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and cigars — in designated areas on Norwegian Encore. Those areas include the casino, Humidor Cigar Lounge (cigars only) and a portion of the pool deck on Deck 16, starboard.

Norwegian Encore does not have self-service laundry facilities . Passengers wishing to have garments laundered or pressed can send them out to be cleaned or dry-cleaned for a fee. On my sailing, prices ranged from $1.95 to launder one undergarment to $19.95 to dry-clean (and press) a suit or evening gown.

When items are sent out by 9 a.m., they are guaranteed back by 6 p.m. the following day when using standard service. Same-day service is available for an additional 50% of the total cost.

Members of certain tiers of the line's Latitudes loyalty program receive free or discounted laundry services.

Electrical outlets

All cabins on Norwegian Encore are outfitted with a combination of North American-style 110-volt outlets and European-style 220-volt outlets. In my cabin, there were three of the former and one of the latter located at the vanity. Reading lamps on either side of the bed each had one USB port.

The currency on Norwegian Encore is the U.S. dollar. ATMs are available for use on board, but there is a hefty surcharge to withdraw cash.

The ship operates on a cashless system where passengers use their room key cards to charge purchases to their onboard accounts.

Drinking age

The drinking age is 21. Cruisers between the ages of 18 and 20 can drink beer and wine in international waters with parental permission. Parents must be present on the sailing and sign a waiver.

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the few cruise brands with no formal nights . The line pioneered "Freestyle" cruising, which means you can wear just about whatever you'd like whenever and wherever you'd like.

During the day, cruisers can often be found in T-shirts and shorts or jeans. For dinner, they might choose to put on khakis with collared shirts or sundresses, but generally most people keep it casual. Dressing up is strictly optional for those who enjoy cleaning up a bit.

Bottom line

Ultimately, Norwegian Encore offers a solid cruise product. The ship is large, so it's likely not the best choice if you enjoy smaller (or quieter) vessels. However, Encore's variety of activities appeals to travelers of all ages, making the ship ideal for multigenerational family groups. Just be aware that you'll likely incur a significant onboard bill if you want to try the latest and most adrenaline-pumping pursuits when you sail.

The ship's wide selection of both complimentary and for-fee cuisine is a boon to any group with picky eaters. Cabins are largely affordable, making a cruise on Norwegian Encore attainable for just about any budget, and the entertainment alone represents terrific value for the price paid.

Overall, you're likely to be pleased with a sailing on Norwegian Encore as long as you're prepared for some nickel-and-diming.

Have more cruise questions? TPG has answers:

• Banned items: What not to pack for a cruise
• Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
• What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
• What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
• What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
• What is the Jones Act, and how does it affect cruise ships?
• What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
• What's a cruise cabin guarantee, and will it save you money?
• What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?

Norwegian Encore: Take a Bow-to-Stern Tour of the Cruise Ship

The Norwegian Encore cruise ship has a fitting name. After all, this is a vessel that repeats the layout and most of the onboard thrills of its siblings in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus class. Like Norwegian’s Escape , Joy , and Bliss , Encore is huge (see stats below) and stuffed with entertainment, bars, dining venues, and activities, including laser tag and an on-deck racetrack for go-karts (something Joy and Bliss have as well). But despite the similarities, this is the Norwegian Encore , not the Norwegian Rerun . Tweaks and additions can be spotted throughout the ship, particularly when it’s time for dinner and a show. At the invitation of the cruise line, Frommer’s spent a few days taking in what  Encore  has to offer. Keep scrolling to see the ship’s highlights—and to learn about its biggest drawbacks. Norwegian Encore

• Passengers : 3,998 (double occupancy)
• Launched : 2019
• Size : 167,800 gross tons, 1,094 feet long, 136 feet wide
• Speed : 23.2 knots
• Booking : 866/234-7350; ncl.com

One of Encore ’s few firsts is this floating outpost of the Scarpetta chain of upscale Italian restaurants. Onda re-creates many of the hits of its land-based brethren, specializing in handmade pastas—Scarpetta’s spaghetti with tomato and basil is renowned—and modern takes on Italian seafood staples such as yellowtail crudo (pictured) and branzino. The restaurant is located on Deck 8’s Waterfront , meaning that if you somehow manage to secure a reservation (good luck), you can sit outdoors or in the muted, beige-and-brass dining room. Onda is the ship's culinary headliner. See below for info on the other restaurant options.

On a ship with so many flashy distractions, it’s a pleasant surprise to find that a large chunk of Deck 15 has been set aside for relaxing and contemplating the view. Decorated with neutral hues and a big fleet of big armchairs, the lounge gives you a nearly wraparound look at the ocean from windows that reach a height of two stories at the front of the ship, sort of like a giant windshield. There are buffet stations and a bar, but nothing disturbs the sense of quiet refuge. Come here when you need a break from the virtual-reality arcade we're going to tell you about next.

On ships this big, you can rarely, if ever, feel the movement of the ocean. But don’t worry: You can still experience the classic cruising dilemma of motion sickness by spending some time in Encore ’s Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17. This virtual-reality arcade contains a number of rides and games that have to be ridden and played while wearing cumbersome VR headsets. Among the adventures you can simulate: driving a Formula One racecar, skydiving, fleeing dinosaurs, and testing a roller coaster of your own creation. Do your stomach a favor and go easy on the loop-de-loops. Most rides cost $8 per go, or you can buy an hour's pass for $29. If you're hooked, pay $199 to drop in as much as you want during your voyage (prices current for 2020).

The ship has a dozen venues for “specialty” dining. The specialty is a la carte pricing not included in the cost of your cruise. The most tempting spots are located along Deck 8’s Waterfront promenade of bars and restaurants with indoor/outdoor seating. In addition to Onda, the seafood at Ocean Blue and elevated Mexican fare at Los Lobos make the strongest cases for straying from your meal plan. Elsewhere onboard, Q Texas Smokehouse (Deck 6)   serves up barbecue with a side of live music, and three different sweets vendors— Dolce Gelato (Deck 8) ,  Coco’s (Deck 6), and The Bake Shop (Deck 8)—sell frozen treats, cupcakes, and macarons for an indulgence after dinner. Or before. Or during. At specialty restaurants, you'll pay more, either per dish or as a set price inching toward $40, with another 20% added for gratuity. Package deals for multiple visits are usually available early in each cruise.

When passengers get tired of paying surcharges for the most interesting food, there are still some options left, but in fewer locales. Like almost all ships, the Encore has a huge multistation buffet that goes from hamburgers to pasta to shrimp cocktail to curries to ice cream—often piled onto the same plate. That's the indoor Garden Café , which wraps around the front end of Deck 16, a few steps from the main pool. Unfortunately, if you're not quick to make reservations at the other restaurants, you may end up here as a default a little more than you'd like to. The main waiter-service alternative, the Manhattan Room (larger, noisier, less casual), sits low at Deck 7 aft, while the two remaining complimentary upscale rooms, Savor and Taste , are midship and more intimate but not quite distinguished from each other. At those three table-service restaurants, some dishes are available at every meal service, but there's also a changing daily menu. Finally, The Local , abutting a crowded indoor walkway as if you're eating in a mall (pictured), is heavy on fried and comfort foods. You can also order room service, but even that is upcharged now (in 2020, $8 per order).

A comprehensive Encore bar crawl would be a sizeable undertaking—booze flows liberally throughout the ship (you can pay by the drink or buy a beverage package up front). Deck 8 houses several bars and lounges each dedicated to a specific type of alcohol. There’s Maltings Whiskey Bar , Cellars Wine Bar , Sugarcane Mojito Bar (for mostly rum-based tropical cocktails), and the District Brew House  (pictured) for more than 50 kinds of bottled beer, with another 22 on draft. Other fun spots to throw back a few include the sociable bar in the central atrium on Deck 6 and, of course, poolside, where the piña colada blenders grind for as long as the sun shines.

Here's an area in which the ship excels. One of the large mainstage shows is a 75-minute reduction of the musical hit Kinky Boots , featuring music   by Cyndi Lauper. Maybe it's because Norwegian hired the original director, Jerry Mitchell, but the show's quality compares favorably to the genuine article on Broadway. On other nights, you might see  The Choir of Man (pictured), an Irish all-male revue of hit songs that's a lot more spirited and fun than it may sound—it's set in an onstage pub and the crowd on our cruise went crazy for it. But like everything else interesting on board, shows must be booked. Once they embark, passengers have to be quick to snap up ticket reservations for that 965-seat theatre. 

Smaller, casual, no-reservation musical acts (and some comics) perform all evening around the ship's various lounges and bars. Notable among these shows is the Beatles cover band in the Cavern Club (pictured), a faux-industrial space that evokes nothing of the intimate grittiness of Liverpool's actual Cavern Club but does have a bar that opens out on the Waterfront promenade. Most of the smaller performances don't require planning or extra funds. Just look at the daily schedule and track them down.

As in New York City’s real estate market, the ultimate luxury on a cruise ship is space. That’s why the suites in Encore ’s top-of-the-line, top-of-the-ship Haven area are large to a ludicrous degree, with up to three separate bedrooms, big balconies, wet bars, and bathrooms with tubs. Passengers staying in The Haven also get 24-hour butler service and access to their own sun deck, lounge, and higher-caliber restaurant. This mini gated community is perched on Decks 17–19 at the front of the ship. 

Balcony staterooms are situated near the midpoint of the ship’s cabin spectrum, equidistant from the palatial accommodations of the Haven at one end and the dorm-room dimensions of the 99-square-foot studios for solo travelers at the other. Here in the middle you get from 213 to 425 square feet of space along with a seating area between the bed and floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to a small balcony. Head out here to catch sea breezes and some equilibrium-restoring quiet moments when the nonstop music and stimulation give you sensory overload.

Norwegian was the first major cruiser to embrace single cabins in a big way. Those solo-traveler staterooms are back on the Encore and they're called Studio rooms. They come with a full-size bed (not a single bed), which is great, but they're also all inside cabins with "virtual" windows that project fake outside views. One big advantage of booking one, besides the fact you won't have to double a fare to have a room to yourself, is they grant guests entry to a key-accessed lounge that is much quieter than the clanging, jangling jukebox of a ship raging around them. There are 82 Studios on board—more than on most of the company's ships—and a few actually connect with other Studio rooms so two single people can travel together without having to share a bed.

In our estimation, the pool area is a problem. Yes, it seethes with relentlessly loud music—as do the pools on lots of other lines. But the bigger sin is that it's simply not large enough for everyone (this photo was taken on a day when most passengers were on shore). Norwegian has packed so much on the top deck (laser tag, go-karts, a splash area for little kids, a couple of thrilling water slides that are now passé on cruise ships, and so on) that it forgot to leave room for a good pool. How could a cruise line allow this to happen? The answer is the key to a nagging reality on the Encore : It constantly pressures you to pay more for upgrades. To find peace or adequate elbow room, you have to shell out for either the private pool in the upper-class Haven area or for access to a space called Vibe Beach Club (Decks 19 and 20). Vibe, an adults-only zone, takes up some of the best real estate for sunbathing, but to access it, you have to pay ($99 a day in 2020, with passes available for your whole cruise). This area sells out early because repeat passengers know how intolerably overcrowded the main pool deck gets on at-sea days. The Encore  is a throughly contemporary ship, but it would be wrong to call it all-inclusive. It's more like un-inclusive. Some passengers have uncharitably called it "the Spirit Airlines of the seas."

Meet the biggest gimmick on board. This track for electric go-karts coils a course more than three football fields long into a curvy knot positioned near the back of the top deck. The kart route, which is the longest on any Norwegian ship, juts briefly over the water, although you don't notice that as you're driving. The track also has an observation area so you can snap photos of your loved ones zooming by. There are safety warnings aplenty, you have to wear a claustrophobic full-head helmet, and reservations are snapped up within hours of embarkation day. (In 2020, those cost $15 for about six laps or $199 for reservations over your whole cruise.) Not all passengers who want to enjoy this much-publicized perk will have the chance. The go-karts supply a bracing and novel sensation if you do snag a booking, but if you don't, do you want to be the one to tell your kids they can't ride? You're more likely to be able to get into the laser-tag course that takes up what would otherwise be prime suntanning deck space at the back of the ship. That costs $10 for 15 minutes or $199 for the whole cruise (2020 prices). 

For another relaxing area of the ship (though the relaxation comes at a price), head aft on Deck 16 until you reach the 10,000-square-foot Mandara Spa. In addition to offering massages and a full menu of treatments for hair and skincare, the zen-like space has a large Thermal Suite with inviting loungers facing floor-to-ceiling windows. A “vitality pool,” sauna, snow room, and salt room help your body reap the invigorating effects of heat, cold, and sodium.

Deck 6 is the ship’s answer to a hotel lobby. The desks for guest services and shore excursions are located just off the central staircase, over which a large luminary whatsit looms. The stairs lead up to the casino, shops, bars, and other methods of separating you from your money

The Norwegian Encore is unquestionably stocked with tons of features that make it a modern ship, and there's no shortage of things to see, do, eat, and imbibe. But the Encore is also operated by contemporary rules. And modern travel often means extra fees. To get the most out of this pretty vessel, passengers must be prepared to plan ahead, make lots of advance reservations, and set aside a considerable budget for the flurry of upcharges that will allow you to fully enjoy what it has to offer.

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Review of our Norwegian Encore Alaska 7-Day Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a real-life review, testimony, and photos of a Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise?

We recently had the amazing opportunity to take a 7-day Alaska cruise aboard the Norwegian Encore.

In this article, we share all of our thoughts (the good & the bad) on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise as well as give our honest opinion on the Encore ship and its Alaska itinerary.

We’ll also share the Norwegian cruise tips that we wish we knew ahead of time, as well as share our day-to-day experiences on shore excursions and aboard the ship.

With over 15 personal photos included, this is the ultimate Norwegian Encore Alaksa review you’ve been looking for!

Table of Contents

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

We chose Norwegian Cruise Lines for our much anticipated Alaska Cruise due to its 7-day, 8-night itinerary that included a day in Glacier Bay National Park (a place that not all Alaska cruise itineraries include) .

We chose to sail on the Norwegian Encore as we were referred by friends who had a great experience, and the fact that the sail dates aligned with our summer vacation week.

Further, we were largely impressed by the enormous amount of family-friendly activities found on the ship that we knew our kids (ages 11, 14, & 16) would love.

Our only other experience cruising together as a family was on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy that we write about here .

Disney Cruise Line exceeded our expectations in terms of its elegant design, high-end services, and enchanting entertainment and set the bar high for our future cruises.

Keep reading to learn our thoughts on Norwegian Encore Alaska and if we loved it just as much.

Alaska cruises are expensive and involve a lot of scenery and sightseeing versus attractions, character, and thrills.

Though we saw children of all ages on our cruise, I recommend that kids be at least 10 years old for an Alaska cruise- or mature enough to fully appreciate the experience.

Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary

For comparison purposes, we took a 7-day cruise on Norwegian Encore that featured 5 ports of call.

Our sail dates were June 11th – 18th and we have an entire article on what to pack and what to wear on an Alaska cruise , as well as the 45 Alaska cruise tips that you need to know before sailing.

Do note that the Norwegian Encore also hosts a 13-day “cruisetour” (land and cruise combo) that includes 6 land tours, and 5 ports of call if that is of interest to you.

Our Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary & Map

• Sunday: Embarkation from Seattle , Washington
• Monday: At sea
• Tuesday: Juneau , Alaska
• Wednesday: Skagway , Alaska
• Thursday: Glacier Bay (cruising)
• Friday: Ketchikan (Ward Cove) , Alaska
• Saturday: Victoria , British Columbia
• Sunday: Disembarkation in Seattle, Washington

Other cruise lines, including Norwegian, offer itineraries with varying ports of call.

Different ports of call on a cruise to Alaska include Sitka, Icy Point Strait, Dawes Glacier, Valdez, Seward, Whittier, and more.

*Stick around until the very end of this article for a look at what we did, where we ate, and what excursions we took on each day of our Norwegian Encore Alaksa cruise.

Norwegian Encore Cruise Ship

The Norwegian Encore first launched in 2019 and is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway Plus category of ships.

There are 20 passenger decks with 2,043 staterooms for up to 4,903 passengers (served by 1,731 crew).

As a side note, the ship was near capacity during our 7-day Alaska cruise at a whopping 4,850 passengers!

While much information can be found on the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) website regarding the Norwegian Encore ship, we find the NCL website somewhat difficult to navigate.

For that reason, we are including a brief overview of our thoughts on the Norwegian Encore cruise ship in terms of the rooms, deck plans, restaurants, and entertainment.

Norwegian Encore Rooms

Norwegian Encore rooms, also referred to as ‘cabins’, are available in various sizes and price points.

Generally speaking, the larger, more luxurious the room, the higher the price.

Standard options include interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins, and upgraded options include The Haven spa suites, penthouse suites, and 2-bedroom family villas.

Hidden at the top of the ship, The Haven suites also feature 24-hour butler service and a private sundeck.

Most Norwegian Encore Rooms, excluding The Haven family villas that sleep 6, only accommodate 3 – 4 guests.

Because we were sailing with our family of 5, we opted for 2 adjoining Balcony staterooms. (There are a limited number of adjoining staterooms on the Norwegian Encore that make a perfect option for larger families and groups.)

They are connected by a doorway within the rooms, as shown in the photo below.

Norwegian Encore balcony room review:

• We stayed in rooms 10220 and 10222 (Deck 10, mid-ship).
• Modern, spacious, clean, and adequate storage.
• Super comfortable beds and luxurious bedding (We all loved the beds and slept wonderfully – in addition, we did not feel the ship’s motion.)
• A large bathroom that includes toiletries; powerful toilets.
• The balcony was larger than expected and includes 2 chairs and a table.
• Could opt in or out of daily room cleaning via a wall switch.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations, would recommend to others.

Norwegian Encore Deck Plans

As you may know, the Norwegian Encore is a HUGE ship.

In order to not feel overwhelmed by the size of the Norwegian Encore, I highly recommend that you study the ship’s deck plans prior to departing on your Alaska cruise.

Familiarize yourself with where your stateroom is in relation to the complimentary dining, main atrium, Observation Lounge, and pool deck.

Then get comfortable with where the bars, restaurants, theater, spa, and casino are in terms of being in the front (fwd), or back (aft) of the ship.

Cruisedeckplans.com allows you to make and print a custom map (pdf) of up to 5 decks on the Norwegian Encore. (Personally, we printed off 2 separate sheets, one with Decks 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 on it, and the other with Decks 6, 7, 8, and 10, where our stateroom was.)

We found this incredibly helpful and used our custom deck plans as a ‘map’ that we carried with us at all times on the ship to help us get around. (Use these sheet protectors to keep your deck plans intact.)

When you first embark on the ship, you enter Deck 7 of the Norwegian Encore. (Immediately proceed to Deck 6 to make dining and showtime reservations – more on that coming up in ‘Tips’)

The decks we visited the most were Deck 6 (main atrium, guest services, and Starbucks), Deck 7 for the Encore Theater and The Local Bar & Grill (our favorite complimentary dining venue), and Deck 16 (main pool deck and the Garden Cafe buffet).

Norwegian Encore Restaurants

The Norwegian Encore has plenty of complimentary dining options including the Garden Cafe main buffet, a 24-hour eatery of classic pub fare at the Local Bar & Grill, and sit-down meals at Taste, Savor, and the Manhattan Room.

Taste, Savor, and the Manhatten Room all feature the same daily, rotating menu. (These are all “Freestyle dining”, meaning no reservations are needed.)

Specialty dining  (that is priced per person and often times included in cruise promotions) includes seafood at Ocean Blue, Italian at Onda by Scarpetta, Asian at Food Republic, Japanese at Teppanyaki, Mexican at Los Lobos, French at Le Bistro, BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse, and Cagney’s Steakhouse, as well as Dolce Gelato and Coco’s for sweets. (Reservations required.)

There are also numerous  bars and lounges , including The District Brewhouse, Cellars Wine Bar, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, and Maltings Whiskey Bar, among others! 

The Observation Lounge on Deck 15 has several drink and snack stations making it a wonderful place to relax during the day.

It is also a good alternative for those looking for a light breakfast or lunch. Food items include danishes, mini quiche, fruit, bread, cheese, fruit, and desserts.

You have to get to the Lounge very early in the morning to find a good seat, however. It is a very popular lounge, and people tend to ‘save seats’ as well as ‘camp out’ there for an entire day. Head to the back and you’ll almost always find a table near the bar.

Specialty Dining Reservations

Depending on which type of stateroom you’re staying in, you can make specialty dining and entertainment reservations 90 – 130 days in advance.

Be sure to check this page as to when you can make reservations, and book your selections ASAP. Only a certain percentage of reservations open ahead of time, and popular restaurants and dining times book up fast,

If you fail to get the restaurant or reservation time of your choice, head to Deck 6 (in Teppanyaki) immediately upon boarding the ship as this is when the remaining reservations are released.

Thoughts on the Norwegian Encore restaurants:

• The Garden Cafe buffet is very busy during breakfast. We prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and ate breakfast at The Manhatten Room on most days.
• The Local Bar & Grill has a fun atmosphere that overlooks the main atrium. We had consistently good food, service, and drinks there. Our favorites were the chicken wings, loaded nachos, and burgers.
• The Manhatten Room is very busy during evening dinner hours. We mostly ate dinner at Taste or Savor for dinner- although all 3 have the same menu, so it’s just a matter of where you can get a table.
• Our cruise promotion included 2 specialty dining meals per person. We ate at Cagney’s Steakhouse and Q Texas Smokehouse.
• We LOVED and highly recommend Cagney’s Steakhouse (had filet mignon – Yum!), however, would not go to Q Texas Smokehouse again. The food at Q was good, but the service was mediocre and the ambiance was casual and dark – needed our phone flashlight to read the menu.
• Overall impression: Exceeded our expectations; the food on the ship was tasty and delicious.

Norwegian Encore Dining Tips

• When going to the Garden Cafe , have 1 person from your party search for and reserve a table while the others get their food. It is always busy and can be hard to find a table there. Your best option is to find a table in the back of the cafe.
• Complimentary soft-service ice cream machines are in the Garden Cafe. They are very popular! There is also hand-scooped ice cream in the Garden Cafe at a station.
• If we had to choose again, we would go to Ocean Blue instead of Q Texas Smokehouse.
• If the 2 specialty dining restaurants were not included in our cruise promotion, I personally would only pay out-of-pocket to visit 1 specialty dining restaurant (Cagney’s) . We found that there was plenty of variety in the main, complimentary dining.
• If you don’t mind eating early, get to the main dining rooms for dinner 5 minutes before their evening opening time. This will ensure immediate seating and quick service.
• The District Brewhouse beers, Sugarcane’s mojitos, and Maltings specialty cocktails and whiskies are awesome. Ask the bartenders for a ‘snack mix’ as all of the bars have small containers of nuts/corn nuts if you ask for them.
• At random times during the cruise, there is an additional tax on alcohol (something due to international waters/regulations) that you may or may not be warned about.
• I felt that the restaurant attire was much more casual than I anticipated.

Norwegian Encore Entertainment

The Encore offers dozens of onboard  activities , including a go-kart track (singles and doubles), laser tag, VR arcade, outdoor pools, hot tubs, and water slides, as well as a fitness center, jogging track, casino, and spa.

( NOTE: Go-karts, laser tag, the Galaxy Pavilion VR arcade, casino, and spa all cost an additional fee. Go-karts, laser tag, and the spa require reservations.)

There are also stand-up comedians, karaoke, and magic shows, as well as live music, trivia, and fun presentations in The Atrium.

The musical performance Choir of Man was the headliner show while we were on our cruise. It plays 4 different times during the 7-day itinerary and requires reservations.

All of the information regarding the next day’s activities and showtimes can be found in the daily newsletter called Freestyle Daily.

A paper copy of Freestyle Daily is placed outside of your stateroom each afternoon, and can also be found on the NCL app , or at Guest Services.

Thoughts on Norwegian Encore Entertainment

• Reservations are required for Choir of Man and can be booked ahead of time online per this chart , and then again when on the ship.
• Choir of Man was absolutely amazing, however, we wished there had been an additional main-stage production. We ended up going to Choir or Man twice both because we loved it, and because there were no other options for nighttime shows.
• Go-karting ($15 per person) at Encore Speedway, and laser tag ($9.95 per person) also require reservations, which we feel is a bummer and makes it hard to be spontaneous. Reservations filled up fast on sea days, and we ended up only being go at random ‘off times’ and were not able to go as often as we had planned.
• Encore Speedway closes unexpectedly due to weather. If you have a reservation during a weather delay, you are reimbursed but have to rebook on your own. In our case, there were no reservations left, which meant we were not able to rebook.
• There are always fun activities going on in The Atrium . Grab a seat in between performances as the seating area is limited. The Atrium Bar has quick, friendly service.
• We don’t have any tips on the casino or spa as we did not go there.
• Overall impression: Met our expectations, however, wished there were more shows as well as onboard movies shown on the big screen.

In order to avoid having to micro-manage the onboard activity fees during our sailing, we purchased each of our 3 children a set amount of onboard credit.

The onboard credit was applied to their keycards for them to use at their leisure.

This allowed them to plan ahead of time which activities they wanted to spend their onboard credit on and prevented overspending.

Norwegian Cruise Tips

Be sure to download and familiarize yourself with the Norwegian Cruise Line app. You can manage your entire trip from the app, and it does not require WiFii when being used on the ship.

NCL is not very forthcoming on when and how to make dining and show reservations, so mark your calendars accordingly . Once onboard, make reservations at the Guest Services on deck 6, or at the electronic touchscreen kiosks located at each elevator bay.

Also, on the Norwegian Encore, note that the fish on the hallway carpet always swim forward pointing to the front of the ship.

Knowing this will help you maneuver around the ship better.

Last, watch for NCL cruise promotions! We were able to get a “Free at Sea” promotion that includes unlimited open bar, 2 free specialty dining restaurants per person, free WiFii, and $100 off per shore excursion per stateroom. (For the first 2 people on the reservation.)

Tips for Online Check-in and Embarkation

• You choose your port arrival time at the time of online check-in which begins 21 days before your cruise.
• The sooner you do online check-in, the earlier you’ll be able to secure a port arrival time. (I did online check-in at 8 AM, 21 days prior to our cruise, and was able to secure the earliest port arrival time of 9:30 AM.)
• Your NCL luggage tags are mailed to you ahead of time. Place them on your suitcases (after your flight) before boarding the ship.
• Luggage delivery to staterooms is around 3 PM on the day of embarkation. Have a day bag packed of items you’ll need on the ship before your luggage arrives (i.e. passport, medications, swimsuit, sunglasses, etc.)
• Your muster station number will be on your keycard. The initial muster drill is quick and can be done in small groups, at your leisure.

Our 7-day Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

The day before our cruise our flight from Minneapolis, MN arrived at 8 AM in Seattle, Washington.

Our early flight allowed us to have an entire day to explore Seattle, which we highly recommend leaving or finding time to do.

Upon arrival, we were able to store our luggage at our hotel, Seattle Marriott Downtown , and walk around the city from there.

We’ve written an entire article on how to spend 1-day in Seattle that will show you what you can realistically do and see in Seattle before your cruise.

Though a bit pricey, I highly recommend staying at Seattle Marriott Downtown before your Norwegian cruise!

Terminal 66 is literally right across the street (you can see the Encore directly outside the hotel windows!) and you simply walk there the morning of your cruise.

The hotel will also store your luggage for you before and after your cruise based on your flight times and if you’ll be walking around Seattle.

Day 1: Seattle, Washington

There is more than 1 cruise terminal in Seattle, so it is important to know that the Norwegian Encore ports at Bell Street Cruise Terminal at Pier 66.

At your port arrival time, enter the cruise terminal, go through security, check-in, and you’ll be given a boarding group number.

Passengers are then held in a waiting area (coffee/tea/juice are provided) until the captain signals that boarding may begin. (Exact boarding time varies by the day and is at the captain’s discretion.)

Boarding for boarding group #1 typically begins anytime after 11 AM (ours was at 11:30 AM).

Have a plan for when you initially get on the ship. I suggest first going to Deck 6 to make all dining reservations (at Teppanyaki), then all showtime reservations (at The Social Comedy Club).

Then head to your muster station for a brief safety overview.

Afterward, I recommend going to The Local for lunch. It is very laid back and overlooks the activities in the main atrium.

• 9:15 AM: Got in line (which was already 30 people deep) for our 9:30 port arrival time.
• 11:30 AM: Boarded the ship
• 11:40 AM: Made dining and show reservations, did muster station drill, made go-kart and laser tag reservations at a touchscreen kiosk
• 12:15 PM: Lunch at The Local Bar & Grill
• Toured the ship and took photos
• 5:00 PM: Departure. Went to the Sail Away pool deck party.
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Taste
• 7:30 PM: Comedian in the Encore Theater

Day 2: Day at Sea

Any pre-booked shore excursion tickets are placed in your room on this day.

As on every day of the cruise, we spent our downtime relaxing, playing cards and cribbage in The Atrium, attending presentations & shows, eating, drinking, and enjoying the ship.

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room
• 11:30 AM: Lunch at The Local
• 6:30 PM: Dinner at Cagney’s Steakhouse
• 7:30 PM: Choir of Man performance in Encore Theater
• 9:00 PM: Adult-only comedy shows at Social Comedy Club

Day 3: Juneau, Alaska

• 11:30 AM: Lunch at Garden Cafe
• 3:30-9:00 PM: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest shore excursion
• 9:30 PM: Late-night snacks at The Local before going to bed

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Dog Saloon and Tracy’s King Crab Shack.

Day 4: Skagway, Alaska

We needed our passports on this day’s excursion as our tour entered Canada.

• Morning hot tubbing
• 11:30 AM: Light lunch in the Observation Lounge
• 12:30-5:30 PM: White Pass Railway and Suspension Bridge shore excursion
• 6:45 PM: Reservations at Q Texas Smokehouse (specialty dining)
• 8:00 PM: Encore Speedway go-kart reservations
• 8:30 PM: Laser tag reservations
• 9:30 PM: The Beatles Invasion performance in Encore Theater

Recommendations if touring downtown include Red Onion Saloon, Klondike Doughboy, Skagway Brewing Co., and Alaska Christmas Store.

Day 5: Glacier Bay (Cruising)

This was, by far, the most scenic day of our Alaska Cruise as Glacier Bay National Park is absolutely stunning.

National Park rangers come aboard the ship and narrate about the glaciers and wildlife you see, as well as share stories about the park’s history.

The narration can be watched live in the Observation Lounge and is simultaneously broadcasted on your stateroom TV and on a large screen in The Atrium.

In addition, the captain opens up the bow of the ship on Deck 8 for this day only, and passengers can enjoy coffee, tea, and hot chocolate while viewing Glacier Bay outdoors.

• 8:00 AM: Went out to the bow of the ship to view Glacier Bay
• 9:30 AM: Breakfast at The Manhatten Room by the windows overlooking Glacier Bay
• Listened to the park ranger talks throughout the day
• Watched the views, glaciers, and wildlife sightings from our balcony stateroom
• 12:30 PM: Light snacks in the Observation Lounge
• 7:30 PM: Comedy Show in Encore Theater

Day 6: Ketchikan, Alaska

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast at Garden Cafe
• 8:15 AM-12:00 PM: Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari shore excursion
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at The Local
• 5:00 PM: Encore Speedway reservations (canceled due to rain)
• 5:15 PM: Dinner at Taste

Day 7: Victoria, British Columbia

Disembarkation instructions are placed in your room on this day.

• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Garden Cafe (ate on the pool deck as it was a beautifully sunny day)
• Afternoon: Sat outside around the pool all day enjoying sunshine and live music; kids went on waterslides
• 4:00 PM: Magic show in Encore Theater
• 5:00 PM: Dinner at Savor
• 8:00 PM: The ship arrived at the port in Victoria. We did not get off the ship as the timing was too late for us and we did not want to do an evening shore excursion.

Day 8: Seattle, Washington

• 9:00 AM: Disembarked the ship
• 1:30 PM: Flight home

Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Conclusion

With an Alaska cruise having been on our bucket list for quite some time, I feel such happiness having gotten to take our family on this epic Alaskan adventure.

Overall, our experience on our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise exceeded my expectations in our ship choice, itinerary (that included Glacier Bay), shore excursions, stateroom comfortability, and food quality – as well as Alaska in general.

We would have liked to have experienced more shows on the ship, as well as wish the family-friendly activities (go-karts & laser tag) did not cost extra money and did not require reservations.

I would highly recommend the Norwegian Encore for an Alaska sailing as well as Alaska overall in terms of a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation experience.

Happy travels!

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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Norwegian Encore Decks and Cabins

• Click here for ALL
• Solo Studio
• Family Oceanview
• The Haven Suite
• Haven Forward Penthouse
• The Haven Penthouse
• The Haven Courtyard Penthouse
• The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa
• The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabins Check

Built in 2019, the Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Encore cruise ship weighs 168K tons and has 2043 staterooms for up to 4903 passengers served by 1731 crew . There are 20 passenger decks, 11 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 34 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Norwegian Encore showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Encore

LIVE SHIP TRACKING

STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

THE HAVEN DELUXE OWNERS SUITE

Floor Diagram Haven Deluxe Owners Suite

Sleeps up to: 6 2 Cabins Cabin: 971 sqft (91 m 2 ) Balcony: 487 sqft (46 m 2 )

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More Info [+/-]

Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, stateroom cabin perks, the haven 2-bedroom family villa.

Floor Diagram The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa

Sleeps up to: 6 24 Cabins Cabin: 495 sqft (47 m 2 ) Balcony: 43 sqft (4 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Important Size Information

The haven courtyard penthouse.

Floor Diagram The Haven Courtyard Penthouse

Sleeps up to: 3 24 Cabins Cabin: 270 sqft (25 m 2 ) Balcony: 54 sqft (5 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

 Accessible Info [+/-]

The haven penthouse.

Floor Diagram The Haven Penthouse Aft

Sleeps up to: 4 12 Cabins Cabin: 419 sqft (39 m 2 ) Balcony: 151 sqft (14 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

HAVEN FORWARD PENTHOUSE

Floor Diagram The Haven Penthouse Forward

Sleeps up to: 4 12 Cabins Cabin: 387 sqft (36 m 2 ) Balcony: 33 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

THE HAVEN SUITE

Floor Diagram Haven Spa Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 6 Cabins Cabin: 346 sqft (33 m 2 ) Balcony: 84 sqft (8 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Mini-Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 284 Cabins Cabin: 207 sqft (19 m 2 ) Balcony: 42 sqft (4 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

More diagrams of this cabin type

Floor Diagram Balcony

Sleeps up to: 4 1112 Cabins Cabin: 176 sqft (17 m 2 ) Balcony: 32 sqft (3 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 5 61 Cabins Cabin: 160 sqft (15 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

FAMILY OCEANVIEW

Floor Diagram Family Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 5 50 Cabins Cabin: 218 sqft (20 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Interior

Sleeps up to: 4 374 Cabins Cabin: 135 sqft (13 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

SOLO STUDIO

Floor Diagram Studio

Sleeps up to: 1 82 Cabins Cabin: 99 sqft (9 m 2 )

Norwegian Encore Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Norwegian Encore Quick Stats

Big picture norwegian encore decks.

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Norwegian Encore Links

• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)
• Norwegian Encore DECK DRAG
• Norwegian Encore Cabin Check

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

• CruiseMapper

Norwegian Encore cabins and suites

Norwegian encore staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Norwegian Encore cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Norwegian Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Norwegian Encore cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite

Layout (floor plan), the haven 2-bedroom family villa, the haven courtyard penthouse suite, the haven penthouse suite, the haven spa suite, club balcony mini-suite.

In 2020, NCL recategorized fleetwide the Mini-Suite cabin category, renaming it to "Club Balcony Suite" and adding free perks. The change didn't affect the staterooms' deck locations or cabin numbers.

NCL's Club Balcony Suite's new (bonus) amenities include pre-booking onboard dining and entertainment 125 days prior departure, room service (food-beverage delivery twice per cruise), free laundry service (1x bag) and pressing service (once per cruise), Welcome Aboard gift (1x bottle of sparkling wine).

On Norwegian Encore, the Club Balcony Suite category was introduced on August 30.

Balcony Cabin

Oceanview cabin, interior cabin, studio interior single cabin.

Each Studio is fitted with a full-size bed (sized 54x74 inches / 140-190 cm), wardrobe, drawers, mirrored vanity table with chair, en suite bathroom (glass door, window, WC-toilet, shower, washbasin), a small window (looking to the corridor).

NCL's Studio cabins are designed for solo travelers. No single supplement is required for categories T1 and T8.

Studio passengers enjoy exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (indoor relaxation and dining venue).

Norwegian Encore cabins review

On the Breakaway-Plus class NCL Encore ship:

• The total number of The Haven suites is almost doubled in comparison to the Breakaway-class ships – 95 Suite accommodations, including 2 more Owner’s Suites (each with 2 balconies and floor-ceiling windows).
• The Haven Spa suites’ location is close to the Thermal Suite (complimentary) and the Fitness Center.
• An expanded Studio area (complex of single-occupancy cabins for solo travellers, keycard access only) – 82 in total, compared to the 59 on the Breakaway-class ships. The Studio area has its own exclusive lounge.
• The list of family cruise accommodations includes 40 mini-suites (near Splash Academy location), 172 family balcony rooms (near kids’ facilities), 48 oceanview and some Inside family cabins (with an additional Pullman bed).
• The Haven Suite can be connected with a balcony cabin. The ship has a total of 308 mini suites, 1088 balcony and 374 inside staterooms. The 82 studio staterooms are designed for solo travellers and feature virtual views. The ship has more connecting cabins (in all categories).

Follows the review of Norwegian Encore staterooms as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services:

All staterooms as amenities feature sleeping area with standard twin/single beds (convertible to Queen-size double bed, with leather headboard and above-bed, lighted recess), en-suite bathroom (WC-toilet, sink, shower stall, bath products, hairdryer), lounge/sitting area (full-size wardrobe, vanity area, ample storage space), smart HDTV (26-inch, infotainment system, with recessed under TV nook), electronic safe box and life jackets (in the closet), mini-refrigerator, direct-dial phone, writing desk with 4 power outlets (2 American, 2 European), individual air-conditioning, keycard access (lighting control). Cabin bathrooms with sink (storage space underneath), glass-door shower, shower dispensers, luxury bath products (Elemis in Haven and Spa rooms).

The highest grades accommodations are in The Haven Suite categories. Haven Suite passengers enjoy exclusive lounge access. This is the Courtyard outdoor relaxation complex, which has its own swimming pool/whirlpool, sundeck/sunbathing area, private fitness center, valet service. Bonus perks for Suite guests are: keycard cabin access, welcome gifts (Champagne, fruits, flowers), in-room dining (full breakfast menu, evening treats), pillow menu, luxury mattresses, deluxe bedding, plush slippers, terry towels, 24-hour personal butler and concierge service (luggage unpacking), large HDTVs (with DVD players), coffee machines, refrigerator, priority services (check-in, debarkation, tender boat boarding, dining reservations), complimentary specialty restaurant dining (breakfast and lunch).

• H2 and H3 Owner Suites have a separate living room, dining area, large dressing area, bathroom (separate shower, bathtub, WC, 2 sinks vanity area), 1/2 guest bathroom, floor-ceiling windows, wraparound balcony (H2 Deluxe), master bedroom (king bed).
• H4 Family Villas (2-Bedroom Suites) have a separate living room (with dining area and single sofa bed), luxury bathroom (separate shower, bathtub, WC, 2 sinks vanity area).
• H5 Courtyard Penthouses have lounge/living area (single sofa bed), bathroom (shower/bathtub, 2 sinks vanity area, WC). H6 Penthouse Suites (aft location) feature large window views in the bathroom, which overlooks the veranda. H7 Penthouse Suites (forward location) feature porthole window views in the bedroom, which overlooks the ship’s bow.
• H8-H9 Spa Suites feature soothing decor, floor-ceiling windows, bathroom with whirlpool, separate bathroom (2-sinks vanity, WC, waterfall shower with water jets), location close to the Mandara Spa & Fitness Center, unlimited Thermal Spa Suite access (complimentary).

Mini-Suites and Balcony cabins have queen beds (convertible), sofa beds, double sinks (2-faucet, under sink storage).

Family Oceanview cabins for up to 5 passengers are 220 ft2 / 20 m2 in size. NCL Encore ship's Studios (single cabins/for solo travelers) have a full-size bed, bathroom (separate WC/sink and shower, corridor window view, key-card access to the exclusive Studio complex (single cabins guests only area).

Since May 2015, the Norwegian Cruise Line charges US$7,95 for room service dining. This is an extra service charge implemented fleetwide (including on the NCL Encore ship). Passengers exempted from the new (uncommon for the industry) room service fee are only the occupants of “The Haven” suites. Still, as an exception, all passengers can order (for free) their room-service morning coffee and Continental Breakfast. After implementing the new service charge, NCL upgraded the room service menu, adding more hot food items for Breakfast and a wider food & drinks selection (available for ordering 24 hours a day).

Handicap/wheelchair-accessible cabins

The NCL Encore ship’s gangways are all wide enough for most types of wheelchairs and disability scooters.

For Norwegian Cruise Line passengers with disabilities, there are a total of 47 accessible cabins, all of which with wider doors, roll-in shower, grab bars, lower sinks and closet rods, raised toilets, amplified phones, captioned TVs.

All public restrooms on the ship have stalls and automatic door systems. All decks provide elevator access. All onboard dining venues, bars and lounges offer wheelchair access/seating.

Follows the complete list of the NCL Encore ship cabins for disabled passengers.

• H5-Courtyard Penthouses (rooms 17126, 18126)
• H7-Penthouse (room 13106)
• M1-MC-Mini-Suites (rooms 10290, 10318, 10890, 10918)
• B1-BD-BF-Balcony (rooms 9924, 10286, 10886, 11918, 12282, 12286, 12882, 12882, 12912, 13912, 14278, 14282, 14878, 14882, 14906, 15886)
• O2-OB Oceanview (rooms 5106, 5108, 5138, 5140, 5706, 5708, 5738, 5740), with room sizes of handicap categories OA (320 ft2 / 30) and O1 (545 ft2 / 51 m2).
• I2-IA-IB-IC-Interior (rooms 5106, 5108, 5138, 5140, 5706, 5708, 5738, 5740). Inside handicap rooms size is 225 ft2 / 21 m2.

All these staterooms feature wider entry doors and locations close to the ship’s lifts.

Norwegian Encore cabin and suite plans are property of Norwegian Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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Norwegian Encore

Set sail aboard norwegian encore.

Norwegian Encore is the ultimate Breakaway Plus Class vessel. It offers guests the superior service, world-class entertainment, signature dining and onboard experiences that Norwegian Cruise Line is known for around the globe.

Onboard the Norwegian Encore

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2019

Double Occupancy Capacity: 3998

Whip around the Norwegian Encore Speedway, the largest race track at sea. Experience an otherworldly virtual reality wonderland at Galaxy Pavilion. Raise the roof every night at our spectacular shows: winner of six Tony Awards®, Kinky Boots is a must-see Broadway hit, or sing along to classic rock hits at The Choir Of Man. Give your taste buds a double dose of delicious at the many dining options, including the brand-new Onda by Scarpetta. Do all this and so much more on Norwegian Encore. Because once is never enough.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

Splash Academy

• Disco/Nightclub
• Game Arcade
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Fitness Center
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Rock-Climbing Wall
• Water Slide
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Bars/Lounges
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Concierge Desk
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Religious Services
• Safe Deposit Boxes
• Self-Service Laundromat

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

Speedway Race Track

• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Full-Service Spa
• Spa Services/Massage
• Internet Center
• Babysitting
• Business Center
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques

The Manhattan Room

Main Dining

Savor:  Balancing classic favorites with unique new dishes, dining at Savor is a must. Offering guests an extensive menu of deliciously fresh flavors along with chic and modern decor, visiting this main dining room is always in style.

Taste:  Serving a wide variety of cuisine, Taste offers a stylish and contemporary atmosphere. Plus, with a menu that changes daily and carefully selected wine recommendations, you'll experience a different culinary adventure with every visit.

The Manhattan Room:  One of three main dining rooms, The Manhattan Room is where guests can enjoy specially curated modern and classic dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

Specialty Dining

American Diner:  Pull up a chair at this casual diner and order from a diverse selection including lobster rolls and crispy chicken. Experience a slice of Americana, including classic American cars, with every bite. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Cagney's Steakhouse:  Premium cuts are the standard at the American steakhouse serving Certified Angus Beef®. Sip your favorite cocktail and don't forget to order the made-from-scratch jumbo lump crab cakes and the famous Parmesan dusted truffle fries. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Coco's:  Come to Coco's because anytime is a good time to savor a decadent Mad Milkshake! With assorted bonbons and chocolate specialties from around the world, gelato, crepes and more divine treats than days in your cruise, Coco's is the sweetest spot in the entire ship. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Dolce Gelato:  Slow churned, dense and intense in flavor, gelato is Italy's answer to ice cream. And with so many flavors to choose from, it's the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely stroll. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Food Republic:  Travel somewhere new with every delicious bite at Food Republic. Savor a fusion of foods and cultures from around the globe. Travel to Mexico and scoop up some tasty street food. Jet away to Japan and try a new kind of sushi roll, or have a hearty helping of Thai noodles. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Le Bistro:  Romance is in the air at the signature French restaurant. Elegant interiors, crisp white linens and attentive servers make this an intimate dining experience. By the end of your meal, you might just be proclaiming c'est magnifique! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Los Lobos:  Bienvenido a Los Lobos, a premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavors with a modern twist. From Carne Asada marinated in guajillo chiles and tequila to Tres Leches Cake with Coconut Cream, the chefs at Los Lobos focus on unique flavor combinations. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Ocean Blue:  Seafood is the star attraction here. In a refined and elegant setting, diners will be treated to dishes created from the freshest fish, the finest ingredients, and perfectly paired wine selections and cocktails. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Onda by Scarpetta:  Onda, or "wave" in Italian, brings the charm and effortless elegance of its critically acclaimed sister restaurant, Scarpetta, to sea. Uncork your favorite bottle of wine and let la dolce vita (the good life) flow. Indulge in a modern Italian culinary experience from Scarpetta's signature pastas like the famous Spaghetti Tomato & Basil to unique, mouthwatering seafood creations. And leave room for dessert. Sharing is optional. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Q Texas Smokehouse:  Dig into some authentic Texas BBQ. All the smoked meats are infused with delicious flavors and come with all the traditional sides. As dinner winds down, the atmosphere heats up as a contemporary country band ropes you into a lively night of dancing, drinking and a honky tonk good time! This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Teppanyaki:  The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skillful chef slices, chops and grills steak, chicken and seafood on a large steel grill right before your eyes. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Bake Shop:  Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent treats such as French macarons, chocolate bonbons and gourmet cupcakes. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Garden Café

Casual Dining

Garden Café:  Whatever you're craving, chances are you will find it at the Garden Café. This complimentary, indoor buffet restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Room Service:  Available 24-hours a day, simply pick up the phone and order breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night munchies. A room service fee of $9.95 will be added to your check (except continental breakfast until 10 a.m. and Suite guests at all times). A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added to your check.

The Haven Restaurant (Private Access for Guests of The Haven):  Enjoy a private fine dining experience for guests of The Haven, serving unique signature dishes and wine offerings from their impressive selection.

The Local Bar & Grill:  The Local offers classic pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere. With popular dishes like the Reuben Sandwich and Fish n' Chips, The Local has all your favorite comfort foods. So try one of the beers or cocktails on tap and catch a game!

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

• Inside Stateroom
• Ocean View Stateroom
• Balcony Stateroom
• Suite Stateroom

This stateroom offers two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and two pullman beds.

Inside (Category: IA)

These Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way to cruise. They include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size and additional bedding to accommodate one or two more guests. Sleeps up to four.

Inside (Category: IC)

Sailaway inside (category: ix).

A Sailaway Inside stateroom guarantees an Inside stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned between time of booking up to one day prior to embarkation.

Inside (Category: IB)

Inside (category: if), family inside (category: i4).

An affordable family option, these staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and two pullman beds. Plus some can connect so you can spread out yet stay together.

Solo Inside (Category: IT)

Category: IT

These staterooms offer clear views of the ocean, two single beds that convert to a queen-size bed, and a private bathroom.

Oceanview with Picture Window (Category: OA)

Enjoy a large picture window with great views and two single beds that convert to a queen. Sleeps up to two.

Oceanview with Picture Window (Category: OB)

Sailaway oceanview (category: ox).

Located mid-ship, you will have easy access to everything. These staterooms feature a large picture window and two single beds that convert to a queen-size bed.

Solo Oceanview (Category: OT)

Category: OT

These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding for up to 2 guests.

Sailaway Balcony (Category: BX)

Enjoy easy access to all the delicious dining and exciting activities on board from your stateroom that includes two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding.

Balcony (Category: BF)

Balcony staterooms come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, and some have additional bedding to accommodate one or two more guests. Also includes a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a private balcony. And some can connect to other staterooms, perfect for your group to spread out yet stay together.

Balcony (Category: BA)

Large balcony (category: b6).

These staterooms offer incredible views from the large balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep one or two more.

Aft-Facing Balcony (Category: B1)

These staterooms include two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and are aft-facing, so the view from your private balcony is amazing.

Family Balcony (Category: B4)

Perfect for families. Includes two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and additional bedding for up to 2 guests, plus a balcony to enjoy the sparkling waters and beautiful vistas. Some can connect to other staterooms for even more options.

Balcony (Category: BB)

Solo balcony (category: bt).

Category: BT

Suites offer a comfortable bedroom, a living area and a private balcony.

Sailaway Club Balcony Suite (Category: MX)

A Sail Away Club Balcony Suite stateroom guarantees a Club Balcony Suite stateroom or better! Your stateroom may be on any deck and assigned up to one day prior to embarkation.

Club Balcony Suite (Category: MC)

Up to four guests can stay in these Club Balcony Suites that include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed, with some featuring additional bedding to accommodate one or two more, plus a balcony to marvel at the ever-changing views. Some also can connect, perfect when traveling with family or friends.

Club Balcony Suite (Category: MB)

Club balcony suite (category: ma), club balcony suite with larger balcony (category: m6).

Featuring two lower beds that convert to a queen, some include an additional pullman bed. With a private balcony, these Club Balcony Suites also offer amazing views. Plus many can connect so you can spread out yet stay together.

Family Club Balcony Suite (Category: M4)

Perfect for groups or families traveling together, some of these staterooms can connect to another Club Balcony Suite or balcony stateroom. Located mid-ship with easy access to everything, these Club Balcony Suites feature two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, sofa bed, some feature additional bedding, and a private balcony.

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony (Category: H6)

With access to The Haven, these Penthouses feature a king-size bed plus dining and sitting areas. They offer unforgettable aft-facing views.

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Large Balcony (Category: H5)

These Penthouses are located in The Haven and include a king-size bed and single sofabed, plus a private balcony with a fantastic view.

The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (Category: H2)

Located in The Haven, these Suites offer amazing ocean views, a wet bar and spacious balconies. They include a king-size bed, two bathrooms and additional bedding.

The Haven Forward-Facing Penthouse with Balcony (Category: HG)

Pamper yourself in luxury and exceptional service in The Haven. Enjoy the spectacular views from the forward-facing balcony, a king-size bed and a double or single sofa bed to accommodate up to four guests, plus living and dining areas. Some also can connect to a Balcony stateroom so you can spread out yet stay together.

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony (Category: HF)

Accommodating up to three guests, these chic Penthouses located in The Haven feature a king-size bed and single sofa bed, walk-in closet in most and a luxurious bathroom. Admire the spectacular ever-changing views from the balcony.

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Large Balcony (Category: HE)

These Penthouses have access to The Haven and feature a king-size bed and single sofabed, sitting area, and walk-in closet in most, plus amazing views from the large balcony.

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Balcony (Category: HC)

These aft-facing Penthouses are located in The Haven and offer fantastic views from the private balcony. They include a king-size bed and double sofabed plus two bathrooms.

The Haven Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony (Category: HB)

Located in The Haven, these Penthouses feature a king-size bed and a double sofa bed, two bathrooms and incredible views from the large, aft-facing balcony. Plus, a concierge and 24-hour butler attend to your every wish.

• Ship Name: Norwegian Encore
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2019
• Ship Class: Breakaway Plus Class
• Maximum Capacity: 6,057
• Number of Passenger Decks: 20
• Number of Crew: 1,735
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 111
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,396
• Total Inside Staterooms: 453
• Tonnage (GRT): 169,116
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 3,998
• Country of Registry: The Bahamas
• Total Staterooms: 2,040
• Suites with Balcony: 80
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

More Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Norwegian Aqua

Introducing the all-new Norwegian Aqua, the next stunning ship in a brand-new Prima Class, designed to live life to the fullest. Guests will stay connected to the ocean with extraordinary experiences that bring them closer to the horizon, unwind in our most spacious accommodations to date and experience first-rate service so they can live it up every second.

Norwegian Bliss

Imagine exhilaration while exploring the wilds of Alaska. Imagine relaxation upon finding your slice of paradise in The Caribbean. Imagine Bliss. That’s what you’ll experience when you vacation on board Norwegian Bliss. Custom-built for the spectacular, Norwegian Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge for you to soak in every stunning moment, from bald eagles soaring over glaciers to dolphins splashing through warm turquoise waters. Come aboard and experience the best dining, entertainment, and amenities at sea against a backdrop of unrivaled natural beauty. Whether you choose to go tropical or a little wild, there’s one word to describe the experiences awaiting you on one of Norwegian’s newest ships: Bliss.

Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Breakaway is ready to whisk you away to the tropics. Take a Bermuda cruise and build a pink sand castle in the spring and summer. Warm up your fall and winter on a Southern Caribbean cruise. Or swim with dolphins in the Bahamas and Florida. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and connect with the sea like never before along The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars and spectacular views. Indulge in 29 dining experiences, including three new, dedicated seafood venues. And enjoy dazzling Broadway performances - Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy.

Norwegian Dawn

Norwegian Dawn is built for Freestyle Cruising with 14 dining options, nine bars and lounges, fitness center and spa, Broadway Theater, casino, three pools and more - making sure you never run out of things to see and do on your trip.

Norwegian Epic

Explore the history of the Mediterranean, feel the balmy breezes of the Caribbean, or just sit back and relax while you cruise across the Atlantic. Whatever you choose to do, Norwegian Epic is sure to dazzle. Awarded Best Cruise Ship Entertainment by Frommer’s, Norwegian Epic keeps the bar high with two dazzling shows: Burn the Floor and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Not only is Norwegian Epic offering world-class performers but a new wave of accommodations as well - from Studios, designed and priced for the solo traveler, to privacy in The Haven. Add a wide variety of dining options and you'll understand why this is Freestyle Cruising on a truly grand scale.

Norwegian Escape

Get ready to sail on one of the most exciting ships on the seas! Norwegian Escape is ready to whisk you away to The Caribbean from Miami and Orlando, Canada & New England and Bermuda from New York, and the Mediterranean and Northern Europe from London, Rome or Berlin. Indulging in every whim is what unforgettable vacations are made of. Get ready to chase sunsets on The Waterfront. Sip on some of Napa's best blends at The cellars, A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar. Or try our unique specialty hand-crafted cocktails. Be dazzled by Broadway hits like After Midnight. Discover a new world of freedom and flexibility on Norwegian Escape.

Norwegian Gem

On board, you'll find 16 dining options and 13 exciting bars and lounges where you can just hang out. There's even a bowling alley (a cruise industry first!) and rock climbing wall.

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Getaway combines the wonderful amenities Norwegian has to offer with unforgettable destinations. Stroll The Waterfront, an innovative, industry-first open-air promenade designed to connect guests with the ocean like no other cruise line. Indulge in more than 28 dining options, experience the thrill of five water slides, and three levels of action-packed activities in the sports complex. The excitement and entertainment continues with the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet. Get ready to explore the white sand beaches and deep-blue waters on a Bahamas or Caribbean cruise, explore the history of the Baltic on a Europe Cruise, or just relax at sea on a Transatlantic cruise.

Norwegian Jade

Your dream vacation is waiting on the Norwegian Jade. Sail on a Mediterranean cruise and explore castles, cathedrals, romantic islands and sophisticated cities of Europe. Or toss your schedule to the breeze on a Caribbean Cruise and bask on pristine beaches while enjoying island cocktails. As you cruise from port to port along stunning coastlines, you'll be entertained day and night with exciting nightclubs, award-winning restaurants, a grand casino, swimming pools, a pampering spa and so much more. There's tons of fun for kids too, so bring the whole family and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

Norwegian Jewel

Norwegian Jewel is like a giant, floating luxury resort with swimming pools, hot tubs, a health spa, casino, plus much more to customize your vacation. Sixteen dining options, including 24-hour room service, and 13 bars and lounges.

Norwegian Joy

Norwegian Joy is the ultimate Breakaway Plus Class vessel, joining Norwegian Bliss as a sister ship. It offers guests the superior service, world-class entertainment, signature dining and onboard experiences that Norwegian Cruise Line is known for around the globe. This ship pairs innovative design and modern luxurious décor with an array of options that allows guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their vacation at their own unique pace and style. Norwegian Joy features many of the same great amenities plus some new, exciting features.

Norwegian Pearl

Norwegian Prima

To the trailblazers and the tastemakers. To the first-time seekers and explorers of the extraordinary. This one was made for you. Welcome aboard Norwegian Prima, the first in a new class of ships designed to elevate every expectation. Explore the greater wide open with the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship. Unwind in the most spacious accommodations and enjoy first-rate service so you won’t wait a second for that second round. Be the First to discover a new experience at sea. Images of ship are an artist rendering.

Norwegian Sky

When you cruise to the Bahamas from Miami for 3- or 4- days aboard Norwegian Sky, you'll get to experience all the freedom and flexibility of our exclusive Freestyle Cruising.

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit's accommodations give you whatever you need to vacation your way. There's something for everyone including spacious suites, over 300 family friendly connecting staterooms and nearly 600 ocean view staterooms - most with private balconies.

Norwegian Star

Norwegian Star is built for Freestyle Cruising with 13 dining options, nine bars and lounges, fitness center and spa, Broadway Theater, casino, three pools and more - making sure you never run out of things to see and do on your trip.

Norwegian Sun

Norwegian Sun was built specifically for Freestyle Cruising, so whether you want to rejuvenate at the Body Waves Spa, hang with friends at the Sun Club Casino or simply do nothing at all - they've got you covered.

Norwegian Viva

Introducing the all-new Norwegian Viva, the next stunning ship in a brand-new Prima Class, designed to live life to the fullest. Guests will stay connected to the ocean with extraordinary experiences that bring them closer to the horizon, unwind in our most spacious accommodations to date and experience first-rate service so they can live it up every second. Images are an artist rendering.

Pride of America

Aloha! Come aboard Pride of America, the only cruise ship that sails round trip from Honolulu year-round so you can vacation on your schedule. As you journey from one exotic island to the next, learn about the Hawaiian culture through the eyes of native ambassadors on board the ship. Island hop Hawaii in style, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars and lounges, excellent family accommodations, spacious suites and balconies – perfect for whale watching, witnessing Kilauea Volcano or taking in the dramatic views of the Napali Coast.

The Costco Travel Rating assigned to each hotel is only intended as a guideline. The rating is based on information that has been compiled by Costco Travel buyers and might differ from other references.

Property offers the ultimate in elegance and sophistication, with highly personalized service and hospitality.

Property offers upscale design and decor, superior dining venues, manicured grounds, and a high level of service and hospitality.

Property offers above-average accommodations, service, comfort, facilities and grounds.

Property offers basic accommodations, decor, facilities and grounds.

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Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn't always easy.

For starters, there are a huge number of cabins available on some Norwegian ships. The line is known for operating some of the world's biggest cruise vessels — ships so big that some have more than 2,000 cabins each.

However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a challenge. It's also the number of cabin categories.

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On some of Norwegian's largest ships, including Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, there are a whopping 39 different types of cabins — each a little different from the last.

The backstory here is that Norwegian ships are designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including travelers willing to spend at a wide range of price points. That's prompted Norwegian to offer a wide mix of cabin types.

The room choices the line offers on its ships range from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins measuring just 135 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that can be more than 50 times that size.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. Some, such as the giant Garden Villas found on six Norwegian ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star — sprawl over thousands of square feet and have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

A Norwegian Cruise Line cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Norwegian vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

On newer Norwegian ships, the majority of the cabins are balcony cabins. Cruise lines over the years have discovered that cruisers will pay a significant premium to have a balcony with their cabin, and that's prompted a rush to add more balcony cabins to ships.

However, Norwegian's newer vessels are also known for a large number of suites, including suites that are part of upscale private complexes called The Haven.

On Norwegian's 4-year-old Norwegian Encore, for instance, 19% of the 2,040 cabins are suites — a huge percentage for a large, mass-market cruise ship. On Royal Caribbean 's 4-year-old Symphony of the Seas, which launched at almost the same time as Norwegian Encore, by contrast, just 7% of cabins are suites. On Carnival Cruise Line 's 4-year-old Carnival Panorama, just 3% of cabins are suites.

Here is a breakdown of the cabin types on Norwegian Encore, which is typical for the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 453 (22%).

Ocean-view cabins: 111 (5%).

Balcony cabins: 1,090 (53%).

Suites: 385 (19%).

On older Norwegian ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are fewer suites — sometimes far fewer. Only 1% of the cabins on Norwegian's oldest vessel, the 1998-built Norwegian Spirit, are balcony cabins.

Inside cabins and oceanview cabins make up nearly half of all cabins on Norwegian Spirit. Here is a breakdown of the cabins on that vessel:

Inside cabins: 387 (29%).

Ocean-view cabins: 223 (17%).

Balcony cabins: 708 (58%).

Suites: 18 (1%).

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a suite on an older Norwegian ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a suite is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

Within each of the four broad categories of cabins on Norwegian ships, you'll find multiple subcategories. Norwegian Encore, for instance, has 16 different types of suites alone, from a Club Balcony Suite Guarantee (Category MX) that measures 249 square feet to The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (Category H2) that measures nearly six times that amount.

In general, Norwegian cabins have a modern look with clean lines and contemporary furniture, plus lots of storage cleverly worked into the design.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Norwegian ship

Inside cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

These are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Norwegian ship, they are almost always the least expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you can often save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world. In some cases, you'll find an inside cabin with a window opening up onto a hallway, but the view will be of nothing more than the hallway.

You'll also be in a very small room. Most inside cabins on the ship used in the examples above, Norwegian Encore, measure just 149 square feet. That's about 7% smaller than the typical ocean-view cabin on the vessel, which measures 160 square feet. The typical balcony cabin on Norwegian Encore is 175 square feet, not including a 30- to 110-square-foot balcony.

Related: Why windowless inside cabins aren't so bad

Of note, Norwegian is well-known for one particular type of inside cabin: unusually tiny, interior studio cabins designed for solo travelers.

Norwegian first added such cabins to a ship in 2010, on the then-new, 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic. They were such a hit the line quickly began adding them to more vessels.

Measuring just 100 square feet but superbly designed to maximize storage space, the solo rooms on Norwegian Epic (there are 128 in all) are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge with a bar and television area where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Since 2010, Norwegian has added similar solo cabin complexes with exclusive lounges to seven more new ships. Norwegian Encore has an 82-cabin solo complex spread over three decks.

The similarly sized Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss also have 82-cabin solo complexes, while the smaller Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line's two newest ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva , have 73 solo cabins.

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii- based Pride of America.

In most cases, these studio cabins have windows that face an interior hallway, though some solo cabins have windows and balconies.

Ocean-view cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

With an ocean-view cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Norwegian's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outward are now built with balconies.

In general, ocean-view cabins on Norwegian ships are bigger than inside cabins but not quite as big as balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). However, you sometimes can find ocean-view cabins that are significantly bigger than what is typical for a balcony cabin. This is sometimes the case for ocean-view cabins at the front of ships, where there can be relatively large but odd-shaped rooms with windows but no balconies.

Several recent Norwegian vessels have some quite large ocean-view cabins at their fronts that measure from 240 to 372 square feet. Dubbed Family Oceanview Stateroom with Large Picture Window, they are designed to hold up to five people and are marketed to families.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian's Latitude Rewards loyalty program

Balcony cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Norwegian is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships.

On the line's new Prima-class ships, which began debuting in 2022, around 57% of rooms are balcony cabins — and that number jumps even higher if you include suites on the ship that have balconies (see below for more details on suites on Norwegian vessels).

Including suites, the percentage of cabins on the first two ships in the series to debut (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva) that have balconies jumps to 64%. The percentage is even higher on the line's newest Breakaway-plus class vessels, at a very high 72%.

The typical Norwegian balcony cabin has a contemporary look with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. Norwegian balcony cabins typically offer twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed.

Balcony cabins on Norwegian ships typically measure a bit over 200 square feet, including the balcony space, but some can be significantly bigger.

On Norwegian Encore, a category of balcony cabins known as Large Balcony cabins (category B6) measure 331 square feet, due to enormous balconies that measure 155 square feet. The ship also offers aft-facing balconies (category B1) that measure up to 426 square feet, again due to unusually large balconies.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin

Suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

As mentioned above, Norwegian is known for a large number of suites on its ships. It's also known for some of the very biggest suites in the entire cruise industry.

The Garden Villas found on Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star are truly stunning, with living areas with glass walls looking over the pool areas of the ships. They have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Some of the Garden Villas measure as much as 6,694 square feet — more than twice the size of the typical home in the United States.

Among notable extras, the Garden Villas have private outdoor sundecks and courtyards with hot tubs. Additionally, the Garden Villas on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star include private outdoor dining areas and steam rooms.

On more than half of Norwegian's ships, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called The Haven. Aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven complexes are located at the very top of the vessels and often come with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.

Related: 7 reasons to splurge on a cruise ship suite

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers and concierges who attend to your every need; access to a private restaurant; a private suite lounge and sun deck; reserved seating in entertainment venues; and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Just be ready to look through a lot of suite types if you're booking a Norwegian ship. Some Norwegian ships have up to four types of Penthouse suites available, for instance, and three kinds of family suites.

Bottom line

Norwegian has something for everyone when it comes to cabins on its ships.

You can book a small, inside cabin that will get you on board one of the line's vessels at a very reasonable cost or a super suite that will set you back many times more but that comes with all sorts of perks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Crime & Courts  | Juneau

Federal grand jury indicts man accused of stabbing multiple people on cruise ship

May 28, 2024 by Clarise Larson, KTOO

A federal grand jury in Alaska has indicted the man arrested by the FBI in Juneau earlier this month for allegedly stabbing multiple people with scissors aboard the Norwegian Encore.

Ntando Sogoni, 35, of South Africa is charged with one count of assault with intent to murder, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. 

If convicted, he could face decades of jail time. Sogoni was working on board the ship at the time. He’s currently in custody at Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau. 

According to a release from the U.S. Department of Justice and a criminal affidavit filed in federal court, on May 6 cruise ship employees noticed Sogoni trying to deploy a lifeboat late at night. Ship security then brought him to the medical center for an assessment. 

There, early on May 7, authorities said Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and nurse in an examination room. He then moved to a different room where he grabbed scissors and stabbed a 75-year-old woman who was being examined, along with two other security guards. 

At the time, officials said the injuries were not life-threatening. Sogoni was later detained and held in the ship’s jail before being arrested in Juneau upon arrival. 

According to the release, the FBI continues to investigate the case. 

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