The ship
Norwegian Encore concludes the series of Breakaway Plus class ships, including Bliss, Joy and Escape. Able to accommodate more than 4,000 passengers, they are an evolution of the older Breakaway and Getaway. There is a very similar layout, with some substantial additions including a go-kart track, a video games room (simulators, virtual reality, etc.). All this being of course with a fee.
One of the innovations of the Breakaway class boats is the Water Front, a passageway that goes around the a part of the ship, and which is littered with bars, restaurants, and lounges. When the weather allows it, it is quite a magical place, like a tourist seaside.
As on all cruise ships of this category, bars, lounges and restaurants can be found throughout the decks of the ship, but mainly on deck 8, with an outside part on the waterfront. Not to mention a casino, the photo gallery, the art gallery (and its auctions), a spa…
The Observation Lounge is the most impressive lounge, due to its size and the view it offers of the surroundings of the ship. It is conveniently placed at the front of the ship on deck 15.
Entertainment and attractions
The most spectacular attraction is probably the go-kart track. Billed $15 for around 8 laps (unless you are too slow… there, you will do less), driving this electric karting has its effect. We almost forget that we are on the upper deck of a ship. A dozen runners compete against each other against the clock, a ranking is established at the end, with no real stake except the satisfaction of beating a competitor, friend or stranger!
In the center of the racetrack, other passengers can grab laser guns and aim your kart as you pass them! And it’s not to harm you: each time they fly, it gives you points which, accumulated during the laps, will give you the right to a power boost, by pressing a button on the steering wheel. What grate a few tenths of a second, but not much more.
Not far from the karting track is a futuristic setting that hosts a laser game in which teams can compete.
The Galaxy Pavilion is the hotspot for video games and virtual reality. Different packages allow you to play 1 game (around $8), practice for an hour ($25), or even a whole day ($49). Beware of headaches, the combination of virtual reality and the pitching of the ship can be treacherous!
A more classic games room is found on a lower deck. For those nostalgic for funfairs.
The theater is no exception. NCL has an excellent reputation for the shows it puts on. Worthy of Broadway (and even in partnership with a Broadway company), the shows are really good and of high quality. On the Encore, the excellent shows Choir of Man and Kinky Boots are on the bill. Other shows whose schedule varies are added depending on the cruises… such as the excellent Divas3!
Not to mention the countless activities that follow one another all day and fill the daily program in the daily diary. Something to throw yourself everywhere, for lovers of busy days. On certain evenings, the Social Club offers the famous Silent Disco (with headphones that allow you to choose your music, independently of the others). Small originality: you don’t change music with a button on the helmet, but by changing the zone, among 4 (for example, zones by decades: 80’s, 90’s, 00’s and today).
Following pages: The swimming pools, the spa, the restaurants, the drink package, the itinerary…
Hi Jean Phillipe,
You are brave to travel on cruise lines other than Viking, though I get the appeal of different itineraries. I love reading about your experiences, thanks for sharing. Next time you are in Seattle you should give us a call.
Theresa and I are currently booked on 3 Viking cruises. Now I understand why you said you would likely be changing some of your future trips, as we changed one of the cruises we booked on board and will likely be changing the other as well. We are currently scheduled for Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica, 12/15/2024; Ancient Adriatic Treasures in October this year (this one we will likely change), and British Isles Explorer, 9/17/2025.
Hope we run into you on another cruise in the future.
Bon Voyage,
Kathy
Knowing other cruise lines is the best way to appreciate the best ones (and yes, it’s a risk to be disappointed with the bad ones !).
We do hope to share a new Viking adventure with both of you too.