Planning an Alaska cruise is exciting, but choosing the right ship can feel overwhelming. After spending seven unforgettable days aboard Norwegian Encore, I can honestly say this trip exceeded every expectation I had.

From sailing through Glacier Bay National Park to exploring the charming streets of Skagway and hiking to Nugget Falls in Juneau, this cruise combined breathtaking scenery with a relaxing vacation that both my son and I will remember forever. Of course, no cruise is perfect, and I’ll share a few things I wish had been different along the way. Overall, though, Norwegian Encore delivered an incredible Alaska experience that I’d happily recommend to anyone considering their first cruise to Alaska.

If you’re wondering whether Norwegian Encore is worth booking, here’s everything you need to know before you sail.

Why I Chose Norwegian Encore

Believe it or not, we booked this cruise just two weeks before sailing. Sometimes the best trips are the spontaneous ones.

After comparing a few Alaska itineraries, Norwegian Encore stood out because it included Glacier Bay National Park, which was at the very top of my Alaska bucket list. Not every cruise ship is permitted to enter Glacier Bay, so finding an itinerary that included it was a huge priority for me. If you’re planning your own Alaska cruise, I highly recommend comparing itineraries before booking. Every cruise visits different ports, and Glacier Bay isn’t included on every sailing.

Planning your own Alaska cruise? Compare current cruise itineraries and pricing here. Looking back, booking only two weeks before departure ended up working in our favor, and it turned into one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.

Embarkation Day

Embarkation day at the Seattle cruise terminal was surprisingly smooth.

Watch my Embarkation Day video here.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to complete everything you can before arriving at the port. Download the Norwegian Cruise Line app, complete your online check-in, upload your travel documents, and have everything ready before you arrive. Doing this made boarding incredibly easy, and before we knew it, we were stepping aboard Norwegian Encore.

One thing to keep in mind is that your cabin may not be ready immediately after boarding. Rather than waiting around, take advantage of this time. Grab lunch, order your first vacation drink, walk around the ship, and get familiar with everything Norwegian Encore has to offer. Exploring during those first few hours helped us get our bearings before sail away and made the rest of the cruise feel even more relaxing.

Our Family Balcony Cabin

For this cruise, I booked a Family Balcony Cabin, and I honestly can’t imagine sailing to Alaska without a balcony.

If your budget allows, I highly recommend choosing one. Having a private balcony completely changed the experience. Every morning, we’d step outside with coffee and take in the incredible scenery. Whether we were sailing into port, watching for wildlife, or simply enjoying the fresh Alaska air, the balcony quickly became one of our favorite spots on the ship.

Since it was just my son and me traveling together, the cabin was the perfect size. The main bed was comfortable, and the sofa converted into a twin bed each evening, giving us plenty of room without ever feeling cramped.

Another pleasant surprise was how modern the cabin felt. Everything was updated, clean, and thoughtfully designed. Storage was better than I expected as well. We were able to slide all of our luggage underneath the bed, which kept the room organized throughout the entire cruise. Between the closet space, drawers, shelving, and under-bed storage, unpacking made the cabin feel even larger.

One tip I’d recommend is unpacking as soon as your luggage arrives. It makes the room feel much more spacious for the rest of the week.

If you’re debating between an interior cabin and a balcony for an Alaska cruise, I’d personally choose the balcony every single time. Alaska is all about the scenery, and having your own private viewing space is something you simply can’t replicate.

Dining on Norwegian Encore

One thing that really impressed me about Norwegian Encore was the variety of dining options. Before sailing, I wondered if we’d get tired of eating at the same places every day, but that honestly never happened. I didn’t purchase a specialty dining package and never felt like we were missing out. Between the complimentary restaurants, buffet, and casual dining options, there was always something that sounded good.

Taste & Savor

Our two favorite restaurants were Taste and Savor. These dining rooms serve the same rotating dinner menu each evening, so if one restaurant has a long wait, you can simply head to the other without worrying about missing a particular dish. The atmosphere was relaxed, service was consistently excellent, and dinner became something we genuinely looked forward to every night.

If you’re cruising with kids, don’t worry. The staff was incredibly accommodating if you needed to make any changes.

The Manhattan Room

The Manhattan Room was the one restaurant I really wanted to experience more often. With its beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean, it offers one of the prettiest dining settings on the ship. Unfortunately, it always seemed to be the busiest restaurant, and every time we checked, the wait was much longer than the other dining rooms.

Thankfully, since Manhattan Room serves the same menu as Taste and Savor, we never felt we were missing out on the food. I just wish we had been able to enjoy those incredible ocean views during dinner.

Tip: If eating at the Manhattan Room is important to you, arrive shortly after it opens to avoid the longest waits.

Garden Café

Like most cruise ships, Norwegian Encore has a buffet, but I thought the Garden Café was surprisingly well done.

We visited several times throughout the cruise, especially for breakfast before heading into port. There was always a wide variety of options, from made-to-order omelets and fresh fruit to pastries, pancakes, bacon, breakfast potatoes, and cereals. Lunch and dinner also offered plenty of variety, making it easy to find something everyone would enjoy.

One thing I appreciated was how often the buffet changed throughout the week. Rather than seeing the exact same options every day, there were enough rotating dishes to keep things interesting.

The Local

The Local quickly became one of our favorite places onboard. Open 24 hours a day, this casual pub-style restaurant was perfect after long port days or whenever we wanted something quick without committing to a full sit-down meal. Their menu includes comfort food favorites like burgers, fish and chips, chicken wings, sandwiches, nachos, salads, and desserts. It’s also a great option if you’re hungry late at night after a show.

American Diner

Another fun option on board is the American Diner, located on Deck 17. Inspired by a classic roadside diner, the menu features favorites like burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries, fish sandwiches, milkshakes, and other American comfort foods. It’s a great place to grab a casual lunch while enjoying the outdoor atmosphere. We stopped here during our cruise, and it was a nice change of pace from the buffet and main dining rooms.

Drinks

I also purchased the Unlimited Open Bar Package, and for myself, it was definitely worth it. One thing many first-time cruisers don’t realize is that everyone staying in the same cabin must have a beverage package. Since I selected the Unlimited Open Bar Package, my son’s automatically became the Unlimited Soda Package.

It made ordering drinks throughout the cruise incredibly easy because we never had to think about the cost. If you enjoy having a few drinks throughout your trip, I definitely think the package adds convenience and takes away the stress of constantly signing receipts.

Entertainment on the Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or with a larger family, you’ll never have trouble finding something to do. Throughout the week, there were Broadway-style productions, live music, comedy, trivia, game shows, themed parties, karaoke, activities for kids, and plenty happening around the ship both day and night.

One thing I really appreciated was that you could make your cruise as busy or as relaxing as you wanted. Some afternoons we filled our schedule with activities, while other days we simply found a quiet place to enjoy the scenery.

The Observation Lounge

Without question, the Observation Lounge became my favorite place on the entire ship. If you’ve watched any of my Alaska videos, you’ve probably seen just how beautiful this space is.

Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch across the front of the ship, creating panoramic views that are absolutely perfect for Alaska cruising. It’s comfortable, quiet, and one of the best places onboard to simply sit back and watch the scenery go by. That said, it becomes extremely popular on sea days and especially while sailing through Glacier Bay National Park.

If you want one of the window seats, plan on arriving early because they fill up quickly. One tip we discovered was to grab lunch from the Garden Café upstairs and bring it down to the Observation Lounge. It was the perfect way to enjoy lunch while watching glaciers, waterfalls, wildlife, and snow-covered mountains pass by without feeling rushed.

If you’re sailing to Alaska, don’t overlook this space. It’s easily one of the highlights of Norwegian Encore.

Activities Around the Ship

Even if you’re not someone who loves scheduled entertainment, there’s always something to do on Norwegian Encore. We spent time walking the outdoor decks, exploring the different lounges, relaxing on our balcony, and simply taking in the incredible scenery. Alaska is one of those destinations where the views become part of the entertainment.

The Norwegian Encore is also home to the Encore Speedway, the largest racetrack at sea. Located on the top deck, this two-level go-kart track features electric karts, exciting twists and turns, and even extends over the side of the ship for an unforgettable ride. It’s one of the ship’s most popular attractions. Keep in mind that the Speedway is an additional cost.

The ship also features an arcade and the Galaxy Pavilion, an immersive virtual reality experience with VR games, racing simulators, and interactive attractions. Both the arcade and Galaxy Pavilion are also available for an additional cost, making them great options for sea days if you’re looking for something extra to do.

Some of my favorite moments, though, weren’t planned at all. They were simply standing out on deck watching waterfalls, spotting bald eagles, or catching a glimpse of whales while sailing between ports.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier Bay National Park was the number one reason I booked this cruise. Long before choosing Norwegian Encore, I knew I wanted an itinerary that included Glacier Bay because not every Alaska cruise does.

The park covers more than 3.3 million acres and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of a protected biosphere reserve. Because the National Park Service limits the number of cruise ships allowed to enter each day, visiting Glacier Bay feels incredibly special.

For me, this wasn’t just another scenic cruising day. It was the day I had been looking forward to the most. As we entered Glacier Bay, National Park Rangers boarded the ship and spent the day sharing fascinating information about the glaciers, wildlife, history, and ecosystems throughout the park.

Hearing their commentary as massive glaciers came into view made the entire experience so much more meaningful. One thing I absolutely loved was that Norwegian opened the ship’s bow for glacier viewing. Normally, this area isn’t accessible, so being able to stand at the very front of the ship as it slowly sailed through Glacier Bay was an unforgettable experience. It offers some of the best photo opportunities of the entire cruise.

Another fun surprise was the complimentary Alaska-style clam chowder served on the pool deck during Glacier Bay cruising. After spending time outside in the cool air, a warm bowl of chowder was exactly what we needed, and honestly, it was delicious. Throughout the day, we spotted waterfalls cascading down the mountains, glaciers stretching for miles, sea otters resting on rocky outcroppings, and even wildlife in the distance. The scenery constantly changed, which made it nearly impossible to put the camera down.

If you’re debating between two Alaska itineraries and one includes Glacier Bay while the other doesn’t, I would choose Glacier Bay every single time.

Glacier Bay Tips

If you’re sailing through Glacier Bay, here are a few things I’d recommend bringing with you:

• Dress in layers because temperatures are noticeably cooler than in port.
• Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing.
• Arrive early if you want a seat in the Observation Lounge.
• Spend time on multiple decks because the views vary by location.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the bow when it’s open.
• Grab a bowl of the complimentary clam chowder. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Exploring Alaska’s Ports

One of the biggest reasons we booked this itinerary was the ports; each destination offered something completely different. From hiking to a glacier in Juneau to riding a historic train through the mountains in Skagway, every stop had its own personality.

If you’re planning a similar itinerary, here’s how we spent our time in each port.

Juneau

Juneau was our first port, and although our original excursion was canceled, it ended up working out for the best. Instead of booking another excursion through the cruise line, we rented a car through Explore Juneau, a small rental company conveniently located just outside Tracy’s King Crab Shack. Renting a car was significantly less expensive than booking through the cruise line, and it gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace.

Our first stop was Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most iconic sights. From there, we hiked the easy trail to Nugget Falls, where you’re rewarded with incredible views of both the waterfall and glacier. Standing that close to the waterfall was something I’ll never forget.

If you’re comfortable exploring on your own, I highly recommend renting a car. We were able to see more of Juneau while spending less than we would have on a cruise-sponsored excursion.

Watch my Juneau video here.

Juneau Tips

• Rent a car if you want flexibility.
• Arrive at Mendenhall Glacier early if possible.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a light rain jacket just in case.

Skagway

Skagway quickly became one of my favorite ports. This historic Gold Rush town is surrounded by mountains, making it feel like you’re stepping into a postcard. Downtown is very walkable, with colorful storefronts, local shops, restaurants, and incredible mountain views around every corner.

We booked the White Pass Railway & Klondike Highway Journey, a combination of a bus tour and a scenic train ride. The excursion begins by motorcoach, crossing into Canada along the Klondike Highway before boarding the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for the return journey to Skagway.

Be sure to bring your passport, as it’s required since the bus portion of the excursion crosses the U.S.-Canada border. The scenery throughout the excursion was absolutely breathtaking. Between towering mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and historic trestle bridges, it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire Alaska cruise.

After returning to town, we had time to explore Skagway’s charming downtown before heading back to the ship.

Watch my Skagway video here.

Skagway Tips

• Bring your passport if you’re taking an excursion that crosses into Canada.
• Book the White Pass Railway if it’s your first visit. It’s one of Alaska’s most popular excursions for a reason.
• Leave time to explore downtown.
• Dress in layers and don’t forget your camera.

Ketchikan

Of all the ports we visited, Ketchikan surprised me the most. Even though it was our shortest stop, it ended up being my favorite.

After taking the complimentary shuttle from Ward Cove into downtown, we spent our time exploring Creek Street, walking along the waterfront, browsing local shops, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Ketchikan has such a charming small-town feel, and I easily could have spent an entire day wandering around.

If I could change one thing about this itinerary, it would be having more time here.

Watch my Ketchikan video here.

Ketchikan Tips

• Plan your time before arriving since it’s a shorter port day.
• Don’t miss Creek Street.
• Allow time for shopping and walking the waterfront.
• Take the complimentary shuttle between Ward Cove and downtown.

Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria was our final stop before returning to Seattle. Although the city looked beautiful, we unfortunately didn’t get to experience much of it.

Two cruise ships arrived around the same time, and the lines to get into downtown became incredibly long. Rather than spending a large portion of our evening waiting for a shuttle, we decided to stay near the port and enjoy the waterfront instead.

While I wish we had more time to explore, it gave us a reason to plan another visit someday. If your itinerary includes Victoria, just keep in mind that it’s often an evening stop with limited time ashore.

Watch my Victoria video here.

Victoria Tips

• Expect larger crowds if multiple ships are in port.
• If you’re planning to head downtown, leave the ship as early as possible.
• If transportation lines are long, enjoy the waterfront near the cruise terminal instead.

Was the Beverage Package Worth It?

One of the questions I get asked the most is whether the Unlimited Beverage Package is worth it.

The answer was yes. Having drinks included made the cruise feel much more relaxing because we never had to think about what everything cost.

One thing first-time cruisers should know is that everyone staying in the same cabin must have a beverage package. Since I selected the Unlimited Open Bar Package, the second guest in our cabin automatically received the Unlimited Soda Package.

If you enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, mocktails, soda, bottled water, or specialty coffee throughout the day, I think the package offers great value.

Would I Sail Norwegian Encore Again?

Absolutely. Between the incredible Glacier Bay itinerary, beautiful scenery, friendly crew, comfortable accommodations, and variety of things to do onboard, Norwegian Encore delivered an unforgettable Alaska vacation.

Would I change a few things? Of course. I wish we had more time in Ketchikan, and I would’ve loved to experience dinner in the Manhattan Room without such long waits. But those were minor details compared to everything this cruise had to offer.

If you’re planning your first Alaska cruise, Norwegian Encore is a ship I would confidently recommend.

Watch My Alaska Cruise Series HERE

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