★★★★★
The cruise was great. The food was excellent.
Quick Ship Facts:
Ship Spotlight
Norwegian Encore is the final and largest ship in NCL's Breakaway-Plus class — 169,116 gross tons, roughly 3,998 guests, and more dining, entertainment, and top-deck activity than any other ship the line sails. It arrived in 2019 as a refinement of everything Norwegian learned from Escape, Joy, and Bliss, and recent enhancements including a new adults-only lounge and redesigned suites have kept it current.
Encore is built for travellers who want a freestyle cruise with genuine depth of choice — a two-level go-kart track, a Broadway production of Kinky Boots, nearly 20 dining venues, and a Haven suite complex that functions as a private hotel within the ship. It suits families, couples, and groups who prefer energy and options over quiet intimacy.
Encore carries more onboard features than any other ship in the NCL fleet. These are the ones that distinguish it from its Breakaway-Plus siblings and the wider market.
A two-level, open-air electric kart track on Deck 19 reaching roughly 30 mph — the largest at sea on an NCL ship.
A full-scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical performed in the main theatre at no extra charge.
A forward-facing lounge on Deck 15 with near-180-degree windows — the standout space for scenic cruising, especially in Alaska.
A keycard-restricted ship-within-a-ship with its own pool, sundeck, restaurant, lounge, and concierge service.
An open-air laser tag course on the top deck that runs themed sessions throughout the sailing.
Multi-storey water slides at the ship's stern, including the Ocean Loops free-fall slide with a transparent over-water section.
Kids between six and sixteen have a genuinely unusual amount to do here without relying on a kids' club. Parents can split off to the spa, Observation Lounge, or Waterfront knowing the ship itself is the entertainment.
Encore's after-dark options run deeper than most mega-ships. If your ideal evening involves bouncing between a cocktail bar, live music, and a late specialty dinner, this ship is built for that rhythm.
The forward Observation Lounge is arguably the best glacier-viewing space in the NCL fleet. Combined with the Waterfront promenade and balcony cabins, Encore makes scenic itineraries feel like the main event.
At nearly 4,000 passengers, Encore feels like a floating city — especially on sea days in warm weather. If you want calm and small-scale, a Prima-class ship or a different cruise line will fit better.
Dining
Encore carries roughly 20 dining venues spanning three complimentary main restaurants, a large buffet, and a deep specialty lineup including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, Los Lobos, and Food Republic. The breadth means you can eat somewhere different every night of a week-long sailing.
The practical effect is genuine freedom. No fixed seating, no assigned times. But the trade is that popular specialty venues fill fast — booking reservations on embarkation day is the most repeated tip from experienced Encore passengers.
This pub-style venue serves a full breakfast menu and rarely has a wait, even when the Garden Cafe buffet is packed.
Most specialty restaurants carry a surcharge unless covered by a dining package bundled at booking through Free at Sea.
Entertainment
The forward Observation Lounge on Deck 15 spans nearly 180 degrees of floor-to-ceiling glass. On Alaska sailings, it doubles as the hub for National Park Service ranger talks, merchandise, and passport stamps during Glacier Bay transits.
For scenic itineraries, this single space elevates the entire experience. Arrive early on glacier days — regulars say seats fill an hour or more before the first approach. On Caribbean sailings, it serves as a quieter daytime retreat with open ocean views.
Unobstructed forward sightlines and proximity to ranger programming make this the top spot on glacier transit days.
Plan to arrive well before a glacier approach or port arrival. Once the lounge is full, standing room is the only option.
Compare more ship guides from the same cruise line.
Encore runs on variety and energy. It is a big ship that embraces being a big ship — lively pool decks, bustling restaurants, and a nightlife scene that keeps going past midnight. Quiet it is not.
The same density of features that makes Encore appealing also means shared spaces get crowded, particularly the pool deck and buffet on sea days. Planning around peak times makes a noticeable difference.
Encore rewards passengers who treat the ship as a choose-your-own-adventure. No fixed schedule, no single right way to spend a day. The freestyle model works best when you lean into its flexibility.
Encore
The cruise was great. The food was excellent.
YOU REALY WANT TO KNOW WHAT I HAD TO SAY ABOUT MY EXPIERENCE ON NCL ENCORE? HERE IS A COPY OF THE LETTER I SENT TO THEM MY CABIN WAS LOCATED WHERE I COULD GET AROUND THE SHIP WITH EASE. THE SHIP WAS CLEAN THE STAFF ALL GREAT. THE INTINIARY WAS WONDERFUL, THE EXCURSION DEPARTMARTMENT NEEDS A MAKEOVER. THEY HAVE NO ORGINIZATION OR COMMUNICATION OUTSIDE THE SHIP WITH VENDERS. PEOPLE WONDER AROUND TRYING TO FIND BUSES, OR GUIDES, PEOPLE MISS THIER TOURS OR ARE MISPLACED. ONCE OFF SHIP TERMINIAL OUTSIDE VENDERS KNOW KNOWING. AND FOR DISEMBARKMENT THAT WAS A NIGHTMARE (WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN NCL DROPPED ME INTO THE LUGGAGE TERMINAL FOR A 12/40 FLIGHT ALONE NO ASSISTANCE, TROUBLE BREATHING AND WALKING AND PUT ME IN 2 DIFFERENT LINES WAITING OVER 2 HOURS FOR A NCL SHUTTLE BUS, YOU WILL NOTE IN MY LETTER I MADE MY FLIGHT BUT NOT MY LUGGAGE. IT WAS JUST A TERIBLE ORDEAL. AS FOR THE SHOWS ????NOT THE GREATEST, THE FOOD ???? NOT THE BEST SO THERE'S THE MOST OF IT. i WOULD GIVE NCL A 3 STAR REVIEW.
Love NCL however the Encore is not one of our top choices for ships. The layout and setup was not as enjoyable to us as some of our past cruise experiences.
Rm 9790 bad location. It was over Cavern night Club that had Beatles group, salsa dance class, and exercise class was very loud music at all hours. Tours not as described and paid for, but guest service did not care. Asked for new room none available until 2 weeks in after 1000 people left ship Upgrade to Haven for 5 night at cost to us. It was different as night and day. 5 star room, food and service. Would do again someday. Did luggage valet Ncl put our bags to wrong bin and went to another airline finally arrived next day to our home. Not best Entertainment mostly all make groups that sang. Comedians poor. No women except one comedian. No female dancer or Broadway type show. Cruise director just average. Not up to NCL previous ships I have been on.
We had a wonderful time on the Norwegian Encore through the Panama Canal. I would recommend this cruise to anyone. The ship was in good shape and of course the crew was amazing, helpful and friendly. A shout out to the cruise next staff. I would also like to give a shout out to Direct line cruise staff for helping me with my reservation. I would like to ask direct line cruises to consider retired teachers with the offer they give current teachers. I was a special education teacher for 31 years and I’m now able to cruise more often. I appreciate direct cruise lines, special offers and hope to continue using their services. I am asking, Direct line cruise, to consider honoring retired teachers with active teachers as they have done for the military personnel, as part of their promotions,. Thank you for considering honoring retired teachers.
Encore is the right ship for travellers who want the largest, most feature-dense vessel NCL sails — families, social cruisers, and anyone who values variety over tranquility. The honest tradeoff is crowd density on sea days, but for passengers who thrive on options and energy, few ships in the contemporary market deliver as much under one roof.
Norwegian Encore received onboard enhancements including new dining, lounge, and suite upgrades. No booking required to browse itineraries.