Named Cruise Critic’s Best New Ocean Cruise Ship of 2019, the Norwegian Encore debuted November 2019.
I was lucky enough to enjoy the Norwegian Encore for two nights as part of its inaugural sailings. It was an amazing weekend!
Here are 7 things you will love on board the Norwegian Encore.
1. The Main Dining Rooms: There are three main dining rooms that are complimentary on the Norwegian Encore. Each of the main dining rooms, Savor, Manhattan Room, and Taste offer different experiences and atmospheres. I chose to dine in the Manhattan Room for dinner on my first night. The décor of this dining room is beautiful and classic. Our food was amazing. We ordered the following appetizers: Caesar salad, roasted beet salad, and coconut shrimp. It’s complimentary, so why not try it all?! All three were a perfect appetizer size and all three were delicious. For the main course I ordered shrimp scampi and my friend ordered the surf and turf. We loved both entrees. During dinner we sipped the Hampton Water by Bon Jovi Rose’. This wine was so delicious that I have been trying to find it here at home but have not had much luck- bummer!
2. A Choir of Man: This is a wildly entertaining theater show of talented men who sing, dance and play numerous instruments. The high energy cast performs everything from classic rock to pub tunes to today’s pop favorites that will have you dancing in your seat. I loved every minute of this show and didn’t want it to end. Pro tip: Before the show starts two people (cast members) will go out on stage. The bartender starts pouring beer from the tap. Everyone is allowed on stage to enjoy a refreshing cold one! Go grab a beer on the theater stage with the cast. Also, try to sit closer to the stage if you like to be part of the action.
3. Staterooms: The Norwegian Encore has a wide variety of staterooms on board to meet any traveler’s needs. From traditional inside rooms and balconies to family rooms and suites to studio rooms for the solo traveler, this ship has got you covered. If you like to add some luxury and extra space to your cruise vacations, you, may want to consider The Haven, which includes a private sun deck, lounge, and other exclusive amenities (L’Occitane toiletries). Are you a solo traveler? Norwegian Encore is ready for you with their Studio Staterooms. These are inside, one person staterooms offering real time screens of outside, exclusive key card access, and a lounge just for studio level guests. Here you can relax, snack, enjoy a specialty coffee, or sip a glass of wine.
4. The Pulse Fitness Center: This is the most impressive fitness center on board a cruise ship I have seen. The facility offers a RYDE cycling studio where you can feel the burn in high intensity cycling classes. There is a section offering a variety of free weights including kettle bells, a section for cross fit where they offer TRX suspension classes, and an abundance of state-of-the-art cardio machines facing large picture windows. Participate in any of the group classes the fitness team offers such as Pure Form Pilates, yoga, guided meditation, row club, abs blast, and morning stretch. Sorry guys, no excuses for letting your fitness routine slide on this ship.
5. The Observation Lounge: The Observation Lounge is located on Deck 15 and takes up the whole forward section of the ship. Here you can experience 180-degree views from the floor to ceiling windows while cruising past beautiful landscapes. This space offers relaxing décor and a variety of seating arrangements. While we were there, we noticed some people napping on chaise lounges, working at high top tables, chatting at the full- service bar, or sipping a glass of wine while taking in the New York skyline. Along with the full-service bar, they have wait staff walking around to take your drink orders and snack bars offering desserts, small bites, fruits, vegetables, etc.
6. Pool Deck: You will find two pools, a kids’ aquapark, two waterslide features, and two bars on the pool deck serving a variety of liquor, wine, and beer. Take on the competition on the Aqua Racer, a tandem water slide where you can race to the end. Do you have what it takes to ride The Ocean Loops? This free fall water slide has you looping out over the side of the ship while you whoosh through the double loop. The little ones can splash the day away at the kids’ aquapark with interactive water features and slides.
7. Galaxy Pavilion: The Galaxy Pavilion surprised me. When we walked into the virtual reality park, I was in awe at how many virtual reality experiences the area offered. Here you can experience a virtual world like nothing you have seen before. Race cars through the streets of France, solve puzzles in an escape room, soar the skies on a hang glider, ride a jeep through a Jurassic park, and work your way through a virtual maze- the choice is yours!
With so much to see and do, you will never get bored on this amazing ship!
Comments