Norwegian Encore Ship Tour and Review
We loved sailing on the Norwegian Encore Ship! For that reason, I thought it would be helpful to share a photo tour and review of Norwegian Encore and a brief Norwegian Encore Ship Review to give you an idea of exactly how spectacular this Norwegian Cruise Line ship is.
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We loved Encore so much from our first sailing on her inaugural in 2019, so much that we rebooked on a Transatlantic straight out of dry dock after her new update. Here is our full review of our cruise onboard the stunning Norwegian Encore just after her dry dock renovation in 2024.
Norwegian Encore Review, Ship Tour And Facts
Norwegian Encore, the sister ship to Norwegian Bliss, launched in 2019, holding 3098 passengers at total capacity. Also, with 1735 crew onboard to tend to your every need.
NCL Encore has three complimentary main dining rooms. Along with a buffet restaurant and bar and grill. ( And a separate dining room for Haven guests only). You will also find nine speciality dining venues: a cake shop, an ice cream bar and a milkshake bar.
This incredible cruise ship hosts a selection of shows, including The Choir of Man and Beatles Invasion. As well as the Tavern Beatles Bar with live performances every night, piano bars, a microbrewery, a comedy club and a nightclub.
NCL Encore Dry Dock Refurbishment 2024
In November 2024 there were some exciting enhancements for Norwegian Encore®, including the addition of Spice H2O, an adults-only outdoor lounge, redesigned Haven suites, and the new Mediterranean seafood restaurant, Palomar.
The ship will underwent a two-week dry dock from November 18 to December 2, 2024, before returning to service with transatlantic and then seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Miami.
Key updates to the ship’s enhancement’s include the tranquil Spice H2O, featuring hot tubs, cooling pools, and daybeds for guests aged 18+, as well as expanded capacity for Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki. Palomar replaced Ocean Blue, offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Norwegian Encore also has an additional 24 balcony staterooms and two club balcony staterooms by repurposing a portion of the ship’s Observation Lounge.
NCL Encore For Families
If you are on your Cruise With Kids, you will find a fantastic kids club complex with state-of-the-art facilities. A pool deck to keep kids of all ages happy for hours. In addition to a race track at sea, a laser tag area and an incredible VR centre. You can’t get bored on this ship.
Also, if you have time or energy after that lot? There is a large spa for the adults to spend an afternoon at sea and a casino for those glamorous evenings.
Norwegian Encore Kids Clubs
We can’t be Cruising For All and not start with family areas, can we? There is a whole post about the KIDS CLUBS HERE, with many pictures, descriptions and ages breakdowns, but as a quick overview.
NCL has 5 kids clubs for all ages
The kid’s clubs on the Encore are for children six months to 17 years old and consist of:
- Guppies for 6 months to 3 years
- Turtles for 3-5 year olds
- Seals for 6-9 year olds
- Dolphins for 10-12 year olds
- The Teen club Entourage 12 – 17
You can also read more about family staterooms and see pictures of cabins onboard Norwegian Encore in our Cabin Post. There are some incredible cabins, including cabins for families of 5!
Activities On Norwegian Encore For Kids And Teens And Big Kids
When the kids aren’t fighting to spend time in the clubs, the on-board activities for kids are astounding. The Norwegian Encore has Go Karting, Laser Tag, and VR machines; you name it!
Activities On Norwegian Encore And Activity Prices
The one thing I found odd about all of the activities on Norwegian Encore was that everybody had to be weighed to use the facilities. I get it for some activities, but not all.
- Encore Speedway, 15 dollars for a session or The Ultimate Speedway Package, $199, permits you to use the race track as much as you like during scheduled opening hours for unlimited use during a 7-day sailing.
- Aqua Park free of charge
- Kids Aqua Park, free of charge
- Laser Tag, $20 per person for session
- Galaxy Pavilion, $29 for an hours pass or you can book a week pass. To be honest an hour is enough.
- Each VR Machine costs $9 a turn individually
- Amusement Arcade, the ultimate arcade pack is $25 per person per day.
Norwegian Encore Review, The Speedway
NCL own the only speedways at sea, spaced over decks 17 and 18. This fast-moving speedway track costs $15 per person; you can also purchase a Speedway package at $199, which enables you to ride unlimited times. The Minimum height is 55 inches to ride. Book via your app on day one as the speedway gets busy.
Lost City Of Atlantis Laser Tag has now been removed.
As of December 2024 after the refurbishment of the Encore the Laser Tag was removed to make way for the new Haven area of Spice H20.
The Galaxy Pavilion
The Galaxy Pavilion is a state-of-the-art room filled with the latest VR machines! You can book an unlimited Galaxy Pavilion Pass for $199 for a seven-day sailing or 29 dollars for 30 minutes. The pass will allow unlimited use of all Galaxy Pavilion activities except the formula one car. Most attractions have a min height of 36″. This info is correct from our Feb 2023 booking.
Another arcade and VR room!
Escape Room Captains Quest
The Norwegian Encore has an Escape room called the Captain’s Quest. This is an extra cost of around $15 each.
Pool Areas For All Ages
As long as your kids are potty trained, Norwegian Encore promises hours of pool fun with an aqua park, slides and a pool. Also, there’s a pool for us parents. Plus, there is a baby splash zone for babies in diapers. There is a life guide on duty at all times.
The main pool and hot tubs on NCL Encore get very busy on a sea day. We found it better to find a quiet corner on the top deck or down on the boardwalk Waterfront on deck 8. There are many comfy sofas, and the vibe is much more chilled.
Although, in hindsight, I would book the Vibe Beach Club, it was around $200 per person for our sailing, but we didn’t book in time; it was booked weeks before our sailing.
Review Of The Free And Specialty Dining Options Onboard Norwegian Encore
Free Dining On Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore has six free dining options, 5 for general use and an additional one for suite guests. Plus a snack area in the Observation Lounge to grab a quick snack and escape the crowds.
The Local Bar & Grill
Open 24 hours; the Local offers classic pub food in a chilled-out environment. Here the food is hearty and tasty; I loved the choice and the fact that it’s open 24 hours a day. The local can be found on deck 7. It’s an excellent chilled-out place to eat.
Garden Café
A Buffet restaurant offering a mouth-watering choice of international and themed menus, the selection was huge on our sailing with speciality-themed days and desserts to die for.
Savour
One of Norwegian Encore’s complimentary main dining rooms, yet it has the feel of a speciality dining room. It is intimate with excellent service; you must check out the breakfast. I love this concept that you have another option than main dining that’s a little different.
Taste
Another main dining room offers a choice of themed menus depending on your destination. We didn’t have a good experience with taste and found the Maître d very rude on several occasions. However, the waiting staff were exceptional and a credit to NCL. It was a shame his poor manners ruined the dining experience here.
The Manhattan Room
The largest of all the main dining rooms, the Manhattan Room is super stylish and offers a choice of themed menus and dining options. Although the Manhattan room is enormous, the atmosphere is lovely, and the staff can’t do enough for you.
The Haven Restaurant (Private Access for Guests of The Haven)
The Haven is a dedicated restaurant for guests staying in Haven Suites and offering specially prepared signature dishes and more personal service.
Review Of Specialty Restaurants On Norwegian Encore
Nine speciality restaurants and three specialty dessert cafes on Norwegian Encore offer meals and snacks. If you book the Free At Sea Upgrade when booking your cruise on Norwegian Encore, you get two specialty restaurants included in the price of your cruise. We also paid for an extra dining experience as they were truly exceptional.
Ocean Blue is Now called Palomar
It is the most delicious seafood restaurant serving scallops, steak and lobster. It is worth the extra fee, as a guide you can expect to pay.
- Pan-Seared Scallops Starter, $21
- Surf and Turf, ($25 Dining Package Supplement) $58
- Seafood Linguine $36
- Beer Battered Fish and Chips, $29
Onda by Scarpetta Italian
Onda, the sister restaurant of Scarpetta, offers a specially curated menu offering traditional Italian dishes, seafood creations and mouth-watering desserts. As a guide, you can expect to pay.
- Macellaio Pizza, mozzarella, provolone, sausage, spicy sopressata, parmacotto, truffle oil, ricotta stuffed crust, $23
- Fritto Misto, calamari, shrimp, crab cake, zucchini, lemon, remoulade, antipasto, $22
- Tagliatelle with lobster, tomato, spring onion and spicy bread crumbs, $32
- Wild Salmon with rosemary lentils, broccoli rabe, sofrito, $34
Cagney’s Steakhouse
Cagney’s is a must-visit restaurant; the steak was divine. Premium cuts of steakhouse serving Certified Angus Beef, jumbo lump crab cakes and delicious Parmesan truffle fries. Cagneys has been extended in to an even bigger restaurant with the update. Price includes….
- Jumbo Shrimp Trio Starter, $19
- Tuna Tartare Starter, $18
- Ribeye Steak $39
- New York Strip $39
- Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Skewer $36
- Side $9 and Sauces $3
Food Republic
Food Republic is a world street food-style restaurant offering a selection of Asian and Mexican-inspired food. You can expect to pay…
- Alaskan Summer Roll with crab meat and rice, $14
- Kimchee Fried rice, $16
- Shrimp Pad Thai, $21
- Chicken Teriyaki $14
Teppanyaki
Sit around a shared table and watch your Chef create a delicious freshly cooked meal that costs $59.95 per person, offering a selection of dishes, including…
We used one of our Specialty dining credits for Teppanyaki, and it was the best experience; the food was incredible and so much fun.
- Chicken Yakiudon, chicken breast, udon noodles
- Filet Mignon,
- Yamato, chicken breast, jumbo shrimp
- Edo, sea scallops, jumbo shrimp
Los Lobos has been removed with the new update.
American Diner
A super cool-themed diner with style, this must-visit restaurant serves delicious fast food with style. Prices are reasonable, expect to pay…
- Pulled Pork Sliders Starter $11
- Lobster Roll Slider $19
- Chicken Club, $12
- American Diner Cheeseburger, $12
- Seafood Basket, $22
Le Bistro
It is a stunning French Restaurant where you can sip fine champagne and enjoy an á la carte meal, we booked this as an extra, and it was delicious. Options on the menu include…
- Escargots Bourguignone $16
- Filet de Boeuf Rossini, $49 ($10 dining package supplement)
- Roasted Rack of Lamb $46
- Fillet of Duck $35
Q Texas Smokehouse
The Texas Q Smokehouse serves hearty comfort BBQ food such as ribs, corn and mash. It’s delicious, but make sure you have room; so much food and dishes are included…..
- Pulled Pork, $23
- 1/2 Chicken, $23
- Salmon $25
These all come served with Coleslaw, Chunky Potato Salad, Pickles, Pinto or Barbecue Beans and Jalapeño Cheese Cornbread.
Dolce Gelato
If you want an ice cream, cake or snack, head to Dolce Gelato and wander along the Boardwalk.
Coco’s
A Milkshake and treat cafe of dreams; if you love thick, indulgent milkshakes, check Coco’s out.
The Bake Shop
It’s the perfect place to grab a sweet treat for on-the-go cupcakes, ice cream and Macarons. And even better, they offer gluten-free options.
Entertainment For The Adults
The entertainment is second to none on Norwegian Encore; you will struggle to fit it all in in a week and enjoy the cool bars. Kinky Boots has been removed from Encore since our last cruise, which is a real shame. However, the remaining entertainment onboard is excellent. I particularly love the game shows such as Norwegian Encore, sing it if you know it!
Don’t miss Choir of Men; I have seen it several times in the West End! A feel-good performance that has you smiling all the way through and wanting to sing along; it was warm and funny, and I didn’t want it to end.
The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club is one of the coolest venues at sea! Go back in time and enjoy an evening of the Beatles from the Oldies and Abbey Road. Different albums are played at different sets and times, and it does have the Beatles vibe, a glorious nostalgic look back at the world’s most incredible Boy Band you will want to go to every night.
Also, check out the Maltings Whiskey Bar next door. The cocktails are incredible, and the crew members are the best.
The District, Micro Brewery
It was the coolest bar I have ever seen on a ship; the decor was uber stylish, and the piano man was hilarious and brilliant ( But only sit at the front if you can take it). The District is a Micro Brewery and, as such, makes and sells its beer; the choice is vast.
How Much Are Drinks On NCL Encore?
- Angry Orchard Cider, $9 on tap in the District and Local or $7 bottle.
- Blue Moon $7
- Budweiser Light and Regular, $9 on tap in the District and Local or $6 bottle
- Coors Light $6
- Prosecco, $9
- Chardonnay, $9
- Sauvignon blanc, $9
- Tanqueray Special Gin, $10
- Chivas Regal, $15
- Glenmorangie, $15
Also, check out our in-depth NCL Drinks Package Guide for more prices and an in-depth breakdown.
The Grand Atrium
The structure in the grand atrium changes colour throughout the day and night, wrapped with a sweeping staircase. It’s a gorgeous area.
Our Cabin On Norwegian Encore
We booked a balcony cabin, and it was a great size; the bathroom was spacious, with a corner glass shower and lots of storage shelves. While the hanging area in the wardrobe could have been more extensive, there was also plenty of space under the bed in two substantial storage drawers.
The bed was super comfy, and the balcony had enough space for the odd lazy morning and breakfast on the balcony, which we did most days.
How Much Is Breakfast On The Balcony
Our balcony breakfast costs $4.95 per room and is available from 6.30-10.00 am as long as you put your card out by 4 am. You can choose from a selection of 30-minute slots, which enables you to order…
- A selection of fruit
- Choice of yoghurts
- Selection of Cereals
- Pastries
- Hot Drinks
- Juice
- Omelet
- French Toast
A Peek At The Spa Area
A Few From Around The Ship
Libraries and games rooms
There are lots of quiet spaces on the ship. We particularly liked the area for working with laptops and desks in the foyer. There is also a games room and library with a wide selection of games and books to borrow.
Norwegian Encore at Christmas
We sailed on Encore over the December period, and it was fully dressed for Christmas. There were Christmas trees in every room and restaurant. There were a few different gingerbread villages all lit up, and they even had carolling!
Norwegian Encore, My Review
Encore offers so much for families, giving them lots of choices of family activities and giving us parents a little chill time. The kid’s clubs provide varied activities for all ages, even supervised sessions for younger children.
However, if you travel without children, Encore has excellent activities. Plus, there is a choice for solo travellers’ studios so that single friends can come along.
There are lots of activities available, some for an extra cost. You can spend as much or as little money as you want to. The dining options are endless, you can eat healthy or splurge, and you can work it all off with a full gym and classes.
Norwegian Encore is a delight; it channels people well to create chilled-out and chaotic areas on the same ship without blurring the lines, offering quiet, refined places to enjoy a glass of wine and chill. Or you can head to the top deck, play sports, race cars and drink cocktails, it’s all there. You have to decide!
The shows are the best I have seen at sea, all in one place, and the bars offer a mood to suit all tastes. You don’t have to endure any environment you don’t enjoy. There’s something for everyone.
