Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is the latest new ship from Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship continues the popular Breakaway Plus-class, it's the last of the Breakaway Plus-class ships and features new additions.
This class is a tried and tested design. The indoor spaces are well laid out and the popular Waterfront is a wonderful outdoor space lined with bars and restaurants. The biggest change to the interior of the ship is the newly designed "The Local" pub. This space is brighter than O'Sheehan's on previously ships but still offers a wonderful complimentary menu of pub-style food 24 hours a day.
The Observation Lounge at the front of the ship is a wonderful space to relax during the day or grab a cocktail in an evening. We particularly liked that there are drink and snack stations within the lounge making it a good alternative for those looking for a lighter breakfast or lunch.
Outside it's disappointing to see that the ship's pool spaces have been reduced with the adults-only Spice H2O adults zone now completely removed in favor of the paid-for VR center. Those looking for an adults-only area may want to invest in the Vibe beach club, but this is an extra cost. The children's pool area too was small and looked quite sad. We can see on a warm-weather cruise the pool space becoming very crowded.
Norwegian Encore Dining
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its choice of specialty extra-charge venues and the Encore does not disappoint. New additions include the Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta and the American Diner. With so much choice on offer we highly recommend investing in a dining package to make the most of specialty dining.
With most of the dining venues, including the main dining rooms, you will need to make reservations. For the buffet and quick service restaurants such as The Local, no reservations are required.
Included Dining on Norwegian Encore
- Main Dining Rooms (Taste, Savour, The Manhattan Room)
Open for Breakfast, Lunch on Sea Days and Dinner.
Reservations recommended for Dinner. - The Local
Open 24-hours a day with a breakfast menu served in the mornings.
Open 24-hours a day. Breakfast menu available in the mornings. - The Garden Cafe
The ship's buffet serves a huge selection of dishes.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. - Observation Lounge
Small self-service snack stations serving light bites.
Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. - The Haven Restaurant
Private restaurant for Haven guests only.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Extra-Charge Dining on Norwegian Encore
- American Diner
Serves all-American classics in a casual 50s diner atmosphere.
A la carte pricing | Open for Lunch & Dinner - Bake Shop and Dolce Gelato
A small shop on the waterfront serving baked items and gelato.
A la carte pricing | Open during the day - Cagney’s Steakhouse
Norwegians signature steakhouse serving premium cuts of steak and seafood.
A la carte pricing | Open for Dinner - Cocos
A chocolate shop serving chocolate treats, crepes, ice cream sundaes, and fondue.
A la carte pricing | Open during the day and late into the evenings. - Food Republic
A casual restaurant serving a fusion of Asian flavors
A la carte pricing | Open for Lunch & Dinner - Le Bistro
An upmarket french bistro serving the finest in French cuisine
A la carte pricing | Open for Dinner - Los Lobos
An upscale Mexican restaurant serving Mexican favorites with a twist.
A la carte pricing | Open for Dinner - Ocean Blue
An elegant and sophisticated venue serving fresh seafood creations
A la carte pricing | Open for Dinner - Starbucks
Drinks and snacks that you would expect to find at a Starbucks on land
A la carte pricing | Open early in the mornings until late into the evenings. - Onda by Scarpetta
Upmarket restaurant serving refined modern Italian cuisine.
A la carte pricing | Open for Dinner - Q Texas Smokehouse
Southern comfort food served in a casual atmosphere with live country music.
A la carte pricing | Open for Dinner - Teppanyaki
A fun and entertaining Hibachi-style experience.
$29.95 per person. plus Gratuity | Open for Dinner
Entertainment & Activities
Norwegian Encore features big features and activities that aim to appeal to all travelers. For those looking for excitement, the ship's huge choice of activities such as waterslides, go-karts, laser tag, and Galaxy Pavilion (VR playground). Do bear in mind that many of these activities come at an extra charge.
The live entertainment is some of the best we've ever seen at sea. The broadway musical "Kinky Boots" is a fun and camp production that was just as good as the west end performance we saw in 2019. The popular "Choir of Man" is a fun, energic show that is full of audience interaction and a working bar on the stage. Both shows should not be missed.
Beyond the theatre there is plenty of dance parties, live performances and live comedy to keep everyone entertained.
Included Entertainment & Activities
- Splash Academy Kids Clubs
- Ocean Loops & Aqua Racer Waterslides
- Pools & Hot Tubs
- Shows in the theatre including Kinky Boots and Choir of Man
- Comedy Acts in the Social Comedy Club
- Quizzes, Gameshows, and Activities during the day
- Live music around the ship
- The Gym
Extra Charge Activities
- Video Arcade
Priced per game - Galaxy Pavillion VR Center
All games are $8 per play with the exception of the Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing which is $20 per play. The Ultimate Galaxy Pavilion Package is $199 per person and includes unlimited plays for a 7-day sailing excluding the Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing. - Laser Tag
All games are $9.95 per person, per session. - Go-Karts
$15.00 per-race. The Ultimate Speedway Package is $199 per person for unlimited use during a 7-day sailing. - Vibe Beach Club
$99 per person, per day. Unlimited Pass is $209 per person for a 7-day cruise. - The Spa
Prices vary - The Casino
Norwegian Encore Accommodation
There is a huge choice of cabins available on the Norwegian Encore to suit every budget. All the cabins are modern, comfortable and well laid out with plenty of storage.
The studio cabins are unique and specifically designed for solo cruisers. The cabins are small and similar to a capsule hotel. Guests staying in Solo cabins also get access to the solo lounge with complimentary tea, coffee, juices, and water.
For those looking for more a more luxurious holiday, the Haven is a ship-within-a-ship area. Guests staying in Haven suites have access to a private pool, sun deck, lounge, bar, and restaurant.
Overall Norwegian Encore has plenty on offer and will appeal to many cruisers. With so many activities, dining venues, bars and so much entertainment you may not experience it all on one cruise. Remember though that many of these come at an extra charge so budget accordingly. Those who like to sunbathe or use the pools will be disappointed as we think in warmer climates such as the Caribbean the pool areas will be jam-packed.