Norwegian Encore
Breakaway Plus · refurbished 2024 · Alaska
Norwegian Encore entered service in 2019 as the fourth and final Breakaway Plus-class ship. At 169,116 GT, it is among the company's largest ships, and its scale of entertainment is among the fleet's best, with a go-kart course projecting from the hull and large water slides. The Haven has been expanded to approximately 55 rooms and is now a private enclave with its own pool and restaurant. In recent years, its 7-night Alaska cruises from Seattle have been a summer staple; in 2026 it will operate once weekly from May through early October. From fall onward, it moves to Long Beach in Los Angeles and begins West Coast itineraries including Mexico. It is especially suited to families who want to actively enjoy their time onboard.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9751511)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Some Japanese language support
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholExtra charge
- GratuitiesExtra charge
- Wi‑FiExtra charge
- Specialty diningExtra charge
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
As of 2026, Free at Sea is effectively included as standard with most NCL fares, conditionally covering unlimited drinks for guests aged 21 and over sharing the cabin, 150 minutes of Wi-Fi, several specialty dining visits, and a $50 credit per port. Free at Sea Plus (an additional $49.99 per day) further adds prepaid crew service charges, unlimited streaming Wi-Fi, and 50% off specialty dining. With the base fare (without a promotion), everything except meals costs extra.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)$10
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and water$3.50
- Extra chargeDrink packageMany fares include Free at Sea, with basic benefits provided at no charge for all guests aged 21 and over sharing a room. A standalone Premium Plus Beverage Package costs about $138/day; upgrading from an existing package costs an additional $29/day.
- Extra chargeWi‑FiWith Free at Sea, all guests sharing a stateroom each receive 150 free minutes of Wi-Fi.
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)$20/day (Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Club Balcony Suite), $25/day (other suites, The Haven)
- Extra chargeSpa (60 minutes)About $150-$200 (estimate based on actual market prices, which vary by type of treatment; the exact price of a standalone 60-minute menu is unconfirmed)
- Extra chargeLaundryNo self-service laundry. Fill-a-Bag costs $30-$35, individual items start at about $2 for underwear and range up to about $20 for dry cleaning a suit or dress. Same-day service adds 50%. Latitudes upper-tier members receive discounts and complimentary benefits.
- Shore excursionsNCL-operated shore excursions can be purchased separately (prices vary by content and port, from tens to hundreds of dollars). When Free at Sea applies, a $50 credit is provided for each port (up to 6 ports; limits apply).
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Home ports: Seattle (Washington State; a major home port for summer Alaska cruises), Miami (Florida; a major home port for winter Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises)
- Departure ports: Seattle, Miami
- All ages
- A lively, casual atmosphere typical of a large resort ship, with entertainment-focused facilities including an outdoor go-kart racetrack, Galaxy Pavilion VR attractions, and aqua parks. Freestyle cruising offers a relaxed dress code. Spice H2O and Palomar were added, and some facilities were renewed, during the November 2024 dry dock.
- In summer (roughly May to September), it sails round trips from Seattle to Alaska (Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, etc.), mainly with families and mature travelers. In winter, it sails round trips from Miami on Caribbean & Bahamas cruises and seasonal Panama Canal cruises, carrying a wide range of family and group guests from North America. Operations are mainly in English, and Japanese-language support is limited.
NCL Group is advancing demonstration voyages using biofuel (blended with heavy fuel oil) and expanding shore-power (cold ironing) capability while in port, with a target of net zero by 2050. Energy-efficiency improvement data specific to the Breakaway Plus class could not be confirmed.
Ship character
- • Family trips
- • Alaska cruises
- • Travelers prioritizing onboard activities
- • First-time cruisers
- • Travelers seeking a quiet cruise
- • Travelers seeking small-ship calm
- • Travelers requiring Japanese-language support
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- ArticleEnglishNorwegian Encore review: A cruise ship guide - The Points Guy
thepointsguy.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishNorwegian (NCL) Encore: Review, Trip Report, and Ship Tour 2024 · Prof. Cruise, Ship Tour, Cruise Vacation, Cruise Travel, Cruise Menus
profcruise.com · Sailed May 5, 2024 · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- YouTubeEnglishA Brutally Honest NORWEGIAN ENCORE Review (From An NCL First-Timer)
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- YouTubeEnglishNorwegian Encore | Full Ship Walkthrough Tour & Review | 4K | 2025
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishAffiliate links disclosedCruising the NCL Encore Review: Sailing to Alaska (2023) | Tasty Itinerary
tastyitinerary.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
Sources
- Officialncl.com
- Encyclopediaen.wikipedia.org
- Officialncl.com (2)
- Officialncl.com (3)
- Secondary sourcefreestyletravelers.com
- Secondary sourceeatsleepcruise.com
- Officialncl.com (4)
- Officialncl.com (5)
- Officialncl.com (6)
- Officialncl.com (7)
- Officialncl.com (8)
- Officialncl.com (9)
- Officialncl.com (10)
- Officialncl.com (11)
- Officialncl.com (12)
- Secondary sourceseatrade-cruise.com
- Secondary sourcecruisehive.com
- Secondary sourcetastyitinerary.com
- Secondary sourcetravelpulse.com
- Secondary sourcefraseratsea.com
- Secondary sourceshinecruise.com
- Secondary sourcecruisespotlight.com
- Secondary sourcefreestyletravelers.com (2)
- Secondary sourcecandidcruisetravel.com
- Secondary sourcecruzely.com
- Secondary sourceemmacruises.com
- Secondary sourcecruisebooking.com
- Secondary sourcegangwaze.com
- Secondary sourcegangwaze.com (2)
- Secondary sourceicruise.com
Source: Wikipedia “Norwegian Encore” (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Interior Stateroom The least expensive onboard category without windows or balconies, with 374 cabins. All cabins have a Smart HDTV, electronic safe, mini-refrigerator, and desk with a power outlet. 374 cabins / Decks 5 and 8-15 | 13–19 m² (140–205 ft²) | 2-4 people Standard twin beds (convertible to a queen). | Accessible | Check the official page |
Studio Interior Single The smallest category for 1-person travel. There is no window or balcony, but it includes a private lounge where solo guests can socialize. There are 82 cabins. 82 cabins / Decks 10-12 | 9 m² (97 ft²) | 1 guest (single occupancy) Full-size bed, 1 bed. | Solo | Check the official page |
Oceanview Stateroom A mid-grade category with a window but no balcony. In addition to standard types, it includes 35 family-oriented cabins of up to 22 m², for a total of 111 cabins. 111 cabins / Decks 5 and 9-13 | 15–22 m² (161–237 ft²) | 2–5 guests (including family types) Standard twin beds (convertible to a queen). Family-type cabins have an added sofa bed. | WindowAccessible | Check the official page |
Balcony Stateroom The largest onboard category with private balconies, including 28 spa balcony cabins, for a total of 1,112 cabins. Balcony areas are approximately 3–14 m². 1,112 cabins / Decks 8-15 | 16–19 m² (172–205 ft²) | 2-4 people Standard twin beds (convertible to a queen). | BalconyAccessible | Check the official page |
Club Balcony Suite / Mini-Suite A group of mini-suites with living space outside The Haven's exclusive area. It includes 20 spa suites, for a total of 284 cabins. Butlers and concierges are exclusive to The Haven and are not included with this category. 284 cabins / Decks 8-15 | 19–31 m² (205–334 ft²) | 2-4 people Mainly a queen bed. Some cabins have an added sofa bed to increase capacity. | Balcony | Check the official page |
The Haven The ship's highest-tier dedicated ship-within-a-ship area. It ranges from Courtyard Penthouse (approximately 25 m² or more) to the top-tier Deluxe Owner's Suite (approximately 91 m²), with 92 cabins in total. The entire Haven was refurbished during a dry dock in November 2024, and the top-tier suites were expanded from 2 bedrooms to 3 bedrooms, but the exact area after expansion could not be confirmed. The number of ADA-accessible cabins is unconfirmed. 92 cabins / Decks 17-18 (dedicated area; lounge and sun deck on Deck 19) | 25–91 m² (269–980 ft²) | 2–6 guests (varies by type) King bed-centered (one to multiple beds depending on type) | BalconyConcierge | Check the official page |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Guppies / Splash Academy / Entourage — Free programs including Guppies (6 months to 3 years, with a guardian), Splash Academy (ages 3 to 12, with age-specific Turtles/Seals/Dolphins groups featuring circus, dance, video games, and more), and Entourage (ages 13 to 17).
- • Spice H2O — An adults-only outdoor area created during the November 2024 dry dock on Deck 18 aft, where the discontinued laser tag arena had been. It has two jacuzzis, an infinity pool, eight large daybeds, and a private bar. Entry is free; drinks cost extra.
- • Vibe Beach Club — An adults-only sun deck for guests aged 18 and over on Decks 19 to 20, with large jacuzzis, private-feeling lounge chairs, and a private bar.
- • Encore Casino — A casino in the Deck 7 678 Ocean Place area, with approximately 310 slot machines and 26 table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and pai gow poker. Guests must be 18 or older (21 or older in some cases on sailings departing from or arriving in the United States).
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Gratuities
- Charged automatically to your onboard account after boarding as the Discretionary Service Charge. Prepayment is also possible. A separate 20% service charge is added to food and drink purchases such as drink packages, specialty restaurants and the spa.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Many ships have both North American-standard 110V-range and European-standard 220/230V-range outlets.
- Formal nights
- Because of the Freestyle concept, no mandatory formal nights are scheduled. There is a "Dress up or not" night that encourages guests to dress up if they wish, but participation is free.
- Medical facilities
- Every ship has a 24-hour medical center, with about 1 to 2 doctors and 2 to 3 nurses on staff depending on ship size. Consultation and treatment costs are not included in the fare and are billed separately to your onboard account (an itemized statement for insurance claims can be issued). Travel insurance is recommended.
- Bringing items onboard
- At embarkation, you may bring up to 1 bottle each of wine and champagne (Other alcohol, beer, and drinks such as water and soda are not allowed). A corkage fee applies when opened in restaurants, bars or cabins ($15 for a 750 ml bottle, $30 for a 1.5 L magnum). Holders of a drinks package (including Free at Sea) are exempt.
- Mobile and connectivity
- Offshore (as a guide, 12 nautical miles or more from land), your home carrier's roaming can be used through Cellular at Sea (an onboard base station, displayed under names such as "cellularatsea"), but both calls and data tend to be expensive. Switching to airplane mode and using Wi-Fi calling (WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, etc.) over the onboard Wi-Fi is offered as a cheaper alternative.
- Japanese support
- Staff —Menus —Announcements —
Dining
A main dining room distinguished by its Art Deco-style interior. With no fixed seating, it uses freestyle cruising, allowing guests to dine at their preferred time.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-9:30, lunch 12:00-13:30, dinner around 17:30-21:30
A complimentary main dining room with a rotating menu shared with Manhattan Room, helping distribute guests during busy periods.
Hours: Dinner only, around 17:30-21:30
A complimentary main dining room with a rotating menu shared by Manhattan Room and Savor.
Hours: Dinner only, around 17:30-21:30
Complimentary fine dining for The Haven guests, located within the private area and unavailable to general guests.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-9:30, lunch 12:00-14:00, dinner around 17:30-21:30
A complimentary pub dining venue open nearly all day, serving fish and chips, Reuben sandwiches, Chicago hot dogs, and more.
Hours: Open almost all day (breakfast around 6:00 to around 23:30)
Casual buffet-style dining with rotating themed dinners such as Steak & Shrimp Night.
Hours: Breakfast 6:30-10:30, lunch 11:30-15:00, dinner around 17:00-21:30
A 1950s Americana-style restaurant serving sandwiches, Southern fried chicken, and more. It became a complimentary dining venue in January 2024 (it was previously a specialty restaurant with a fee). Only milkshakes cost extra.
Hours: Daytime to afternoon (mainly on sea days; detailed hours vary by day)
A paid steakhouse known for authentic steaks. In the November 2024 dry dock, it was expanded by absorbing the former Los Lobos space (Deck 8).
- 8 oz filet mignonIncluded in the set-menu price
- Jumbo lump crab cake (appetizer)Included in the set-menu price
- Lobster tail (additional charge)+$25
A Japanese restaurant with teppanyaki-style cooking performed by chefs in front of guests. In the November 2024 dry dock, it was expanded by absorbing the former Coco's space (Deck 6).
- Teppanyaki course (with soup, salad, fried rice, vegetables, main and dessert)$59 (fixed price)
A Mediterranean seafood restaurant converted from the former seafood restaurant Ocean Blue during the November 2024 dry dock. It has the same brand and concept as Palomar in the Prima class.
- Mediterranean sea bass (with saffron and carrot puree)Included in the set-menu price
- Grilled octopus (appetizer)Included in the set-menu price
- Whole grilled lobster (additional charge)+$25
Formal dining venue serving traditional French cuisine.
- Escargot BourguignonIncluded in the set-menu price
- Coq au vin (chicken in red wine sauce)Included in the set-menu price
A modern Italian restaurant overseen by renowned chef Scarpetta. Known for its pizza and pasta.
- Margherita pizzaIncluded in the set-menu price
- Burrata (appetizer)Included in the set-menu price
- Lobster tail (additional charge)+$25
A specialty venue with authentic smoked BBQ and live country band performances.
- Pitmaster platter (assorted brisket and more)$29 (one-item platter)
- Smoked brisket and spare ribs (included in course)Included in the set-menu price
A casual venue where guests can order street food from around the world a la carte, including sushi, pad Thai, and Korean-style chicken.
- Pad Thai$19
- Sushi rolls$15–19
Facilities and activities
A two-level go-kart track approximately 335m long (over 1,100 feet), among the largest at sea. It uses Ferrari-licensed F1 car specifications and is described as the world's first Ferrari-branded offshore race track. Height and weight restrictions apply.
A water area spanning Decks 16 and 17 with two types of slides: the tandem tube slide Aqua Racer and the two-loop free-fall slide Ocean Loops. It also includes a kids' aqua park. Height and weight restrictions apply.
An approximately 930 sq m (10,000 sq ft) VR attraction facility. It includes hang-gliding experiences, a dinosaur-themed drive-through, racing simulators, and VR mystery mazes. Galaxy Pavilion was the second such facility introduced in the NCL fleet.
An adults-only outdoor area created during the November 2024 dry dock on Deck 18 aft, where the discontinued laser tag arena had been. It has two jacuzzis, an infinity pool, eight large daybeds, and a private bar. Entry is free; drinks cost extra.
An adults-only sun deck for guests aged 18 and over on Decks 19 to 20, with large jacuzzis, private-feeling lounge chairs, and a private bar.
A large spa and salon on Deck 16 offering massages, facials, acupuncture, hair salon services, and nail care, plus an adults-only thermal suite with a steam room, sanitarium, vitality pool, salt room, dry sauna, snow room, and more.
A main theater with approximately 800 seats, where production shows such as Kinky Boots, The Choir of Man, and ICONS: The Bands are free to watch.
A venue that serves as a late-night bar and nightclub as well as a comedy and musical show venue. It presents the popular paid show Prohibition: The Musical.
A casino in the Deck 7 678 Ocean Place area, with approximately 310 slot machines and 26 table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and pai gow poker. Guests must be 18 or older (21 or older in some cases on sailings departing from or arriving in the United States).
A multi-activity area with bungee trampolines, Spider Web (a climbing wall with a spiral slide), a ropes course, zip line, The Plank (an over-the-side observation platform), basketball and volleyball courts, a rock-climbing wall, and mini-golf.
An outdoor jogging and walking track beside the sports complex. The exact lap distance has not been confirmed.
A gym on Deck 16 with free use of cardio machines and free weights.
Free programs including Guppies (6 months to 3 years, with a guardian), Splash Academy (ages 3 to 12, with age-specific Turtles/Seals/Dolphins groups featuring circus, dance, video games, and more), and Entourage (ages 13 to 17).
A bar for beer enthusiasts with over 50 bottled beers, over 20 draft beers, and craft cocktails. Live music is also performed.
A small library and card room on Deck 6, reached by following a small passage from the atrium. The Guppies area also has a children's picture-book corner called the River Rose Reading Room.
A duty-free shopping area in the center of Deck 8. Tradewinds sells duty-free liquor, logo merchandise, cosmetics, and more, while the Bvlgari boutique offers luxury jewelry, watches, and bags.