Norwegian Encore Review
Inaugural & Transatlantic Cruise...What's Not To Like?
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Additional details
Overall all these CC reviews are fair and accurate. Being an Inaugural cruise with roughly 50% occupancy our experience most likely will not be the norm on a full boat in season. Still all of pros & con assessments noted in the prior reviews can be expected.
We read Cruise Critic Reviews as part of our decision making process. Keeping this in mind these are our views and suggested considerations...The Encore is indeed a beautiful ship, attractive, easy on the eye, stunning in many areas, exciting and comfortable. The Observation Lounge is a wow....As veteran cruisers we confidently believe the food and the restaurants on this ship are among the best at sea, even the Garden Café self serve/buffet. The Waterfront on deck eight is a perfect setting for dining, cocktails, lounging and strolling...The entertainment on board was very, very enjoyable. The Choir of Men and Kinky Boots were impressive and a highlight. If someone is not entertained by the variety of options offered on the Encore then it is suggested the blindfold and ear muffs be removed.
One significant consideration in selecting Encore for a cruise vacation is the upper decks limited outdoor space for the pool, sunning, lounging and cocktailing. Shockingly limited! However, space can be traded for dollars in The Haven and The Vibe Beach Club. Certainly many younger cruisers will find the deck consuming laser tag and race track unique and real memorable pleasures, also traded for extra dollars...Other Encore considerations, ones we experienced on the Getaway and Breakaway transatlantic cruises, is Specialty Restaurant and Headline Entertainment reservations. Reservations should be made as soon as boarding or online when offered. In the theatre, even with reservations, arrive early for good seating. Have a drink while watching late arrivals scramble for seats...Choice seating in the Observation Lounge is elusive as is lounging couch & chair seating on the Waterfront deck . The large volume of passengers on these mega ships makes flexibility, desirability and a leisure pace difficult to obtain without planning.
Cabin Review
Balcony Stateroom
In our cabin on this inaugural cruise it was hard to look pass the 'new-ship-smell', the feel of brand new linens and new towels and the sharp look of new carpeting and furnishings. Still, the bottom line for these balcony cabins is they are comfortable!...The space, the storage, the furnishings, the beds, the expected amenties, the roomy good showers, the in-cabin tv programing all combine to provide comfortable and enjoyable hotel accommodations.
There may be more comfortable, spacious balcony staterooms with more bells & whistles on some other major cruise line boat but we're confident there aren't many...especially at the NCL price point.