I don't often do reviews, but after reading on here so many negative reviews, I want to assure others about to travel with NCL and on the Encore that our experience was NOT what others might have you think yours is going to be! There were (4) adults in our party and I'll give you an honest review of our experience.
Our trip started with flights (booked by NCL) to Seattle on the day of the cruise via United Airlines. The times were just fine and our first leg to Chicago was seamless. We hit a snag in Chicago..a BIT snag. We realized quickly this was on United and could've happened if we booked our own flights. We reached out to NCL Airline helpline immediately upon being delayed. We still had time, but they were gracious and told us they were putting us on 'flight monitoring' to please call back with any changes, but all was still good. We were delayed at least 3 more times putting us past the time we could board at 3PM in Seattle. We called each time and each time, they updated the port and told us we could still board, but to hurry and to get an Uber. They suggested we also ask United to move our seats to the front of the plan and ask if they would please let all of us trying to get to port off before those with longer connections. United did exactly that. We were seated up front and flew off the plane for luggage and Uber. I won't get into the nitty gritty, but at 4:30PM after running down some stairs with out luggage to the Port, the security was yelling, "Are you the group from Chicago?" We were!! They checked us in as fast and safely as they could and told us to breathe, we were there...then the terminal closed!! KEEP IN TOUCH with NCL Airline Help if you have problems....They knew where we were and what we were doing as they could track us. They waited as long as they could to get us on!! The flight issues were NOT theirs...United did not have the crew needed to fly..could've happened to anyone on any flight! (Before you get all high and mighty about coming in the day before, that is NOT an option for everyone for many reasons!)
So, we are on the cruise and leave port! We are relieved and hungry, but we are ON!!! The cruise was full, but we did not care! We made it!
Food: We ate most dinners in the Savor Dining Room! We loved the size, the service, and with a group of 4 never waited more than 5 minutes or so to get in during dinner. We did not have one complaint. They let us order multiple appetizers, desserts, meals...whatever we wanted without issue. They got us beverages without fail. The Savor was awesome! Breakfast and lunches were mostly in the Buffet. Even on sea days, we found seats for the 4 of us. The food was good buffet food. It was fresh and there was enough variety for everyone in our group. My ONLY complaint at the buffet was the cruisers that didn't wash their hands despite being asked to do so...DO BETTER Humans...Do Better!! The washi washi guy at breakfast was hysterical and don't miss the "Muffin Girls" that sing at breakfast...so fun!! Scale of 1-10, I give food a solid 9....
Drinks/Drink Package/Bars: We did not wait for drinks and we never tip extra until the end of the cruise!! My very favorite bar was the MIXX on 6th floor. (Hi Rafael) and we also loved the Observation Lounge Bar and enjoyed the Mojito Bar (Sugarcane). There were never long waits and there were a ton of available drinks that qualified for the package!! Some of our group's favorite drinks included (but certainly not limited to) mudslides, Prosecco, Bahama Mama, Bloody Mary, Mango Meltdown, Pina Colada, Mojitos, Aperol Spritz, and so many others we tried....The package is a true deal!!
Ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and a day in Glacier Bay! All amazing!! My personal favorite port was Ketchikan, but my group loved Skagway as well and Glacier Bay is beautiful!! A tip for Glacier Bay...go to Deck 8 outside of Los Lobos. It's undercover and nobody was there!! They come around with seafood chowder, Cocoa, and Irish Coffees...So fun and not crowded. We saw a few whales during the week, a bald eagle, otter, and a seal.
The Crew - Amazing! They work so hard and are always trying to be so pleasant! Be kind to them! That doesn't have to be just extra tipping! Smile and ask them about their family or where they are from, etc... Step out of the fact it's your vacation to learn a little about the people making this an amazing experience for you. Some of they were truly just great people that love their families and would do anything to be sure they are taken care of...WE loved the crew on the Encore and I don't think we met a one that wasn't working their tails off.
Entertainment: The Choir of a Man is a must!! Absolutely loved by our entire group. Anthony Salazar (Magician) was very good as well! The comedians were a bit lacking, but seemed like great guys when we met them later at the Local. Music throughout the ship was very, very good!! We enjoyed many events in the Atrium and found seats most of the time. To be fair, we don't think we have to have the front row at every event and are just as happy hanging out to the side or in the back! Lots of fun trivia, pictionary, pastry demostrations, and other games!! The cruise director (Tiara) and her staff were fun! She was hysterical and silly, but very enjoyable and seemed to enjoy her job immensly!!!
Overall: We had a fantastic time!! A cruise of any kind is a lot what you make it!! The worst for us was RUDE guests that thought they were somehow more special than others, but we pretty much ignored them or imitated them when we had a few drinks later in the night! We met so many other amazing people that those people just didn't impact us! We read all the reviews making us wonder if choosing NCL after years with Royal was a good plan...it was!! We loved it and we still love Royal too. Don't let the negative stuff bring you down! Some things will happen, but if you go with the intent of having fun, you will! PLEASE if you're flying via NCL keep in touch with them....They want to help, but if they don't know you are struggling...they can't even begin to help!!
ENJOY the ENCORE!! We did... ❤️
