NCL Encore Ship Review 🚢 Perfect Ship for an Alaskan Cruise??

[@craigd-xm9ih]

We are going on this cruise next month, your videos are very thorough, entertaining, professional and helpful. Thank you for this, well done!

[@corefouradventures2861]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have an amazing time!! That cruise may have been the most relaxing vacation of our lives. You will have to come back and tell us what your favorite spot on the ship was.🚢

[@sikat4]

We booked this cruise after watching your amazing video. It will be our first ever cruise. Thank you!!

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@sikat4 Oh, you’re going to have a great vacation!! Our Alaska cruise was both magical and the most relaxing vacation we’ve ever taken. We did a whole series of vlogs too. Here’s the link to check it out: kzbin.info/aero/PLF88WDpjAr99g4bcrjJ-E6DHATLATV2_M&si=hldHICZRZKI7xfMW

[@sikat4]

@@corefouradventures2861 we are watching them now

[@norwegiancruiseline]

Thank you for sharing your review of Norwegian Encore! Looking forward to welcoming you on board Norwegian Viva!

[@corefouradventures2861]

Thanks!!! We actually board the Escape 5/26! Cannot wait 🚢😁

[@darcygraham2430]

Just got home from a Mediterranean cruise on the NCL Epic and it was SO good...loved the ship, and the shore excursions....food and service were fantastic and our room was lovely...ship was so clean and so well laid out. Thanks for your video.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Oh! So glad you had such a great time! It’s good to hear the epic felt clean and well laid out. It was built in 2010 but refurbished in 2020. What was your favorite part of the ship? And thanks so much for watching!!🚢

[@darcygraham2430]

@@corefouradventures2861 We liked so many things...plunged right into snacks and drinks on deck 15 as soon as we finished embarking. We liked the "free at sea" package and felt it was well worth the money. Loved our room, cozy, clean, comfy bed and NICE shower. The TV had some great movies playing and so late at night we caught a few that were made in Italy, where we had a few port stops. Getting on and off the ship was a breeze. The food and entertainment was SO good! We met a fellow canadian from Ottawa who was SO funny and she came and hung out with us at "Maltings" bar after her show. Just can't say enough. We may try another cruise after we finish paying for this one. Mediterranean was amazing! We even did 10 pin bowling one night haha

[@darcygraham2430]

@@corefouradventures2861 nice clean cozy cabin, lots of dining choices, entertainment was very good...comedienne Christina Walkinshaw was SO funny! The magician Daniel Ka also very good, duelling pianos and they let us dance...Maltings was our favorite muster point to meet our friends and new friends....just a really pretty ship. Shore excursions tuckered us out each day and it was always so nice to come back to this magnificent ship. Loved the freestyle...we did a Disney cruise several years ago and they told us when and where to eat and we had to sit with the same people for every meal. We loved having the freedom to choose on the Epic. Would sail with them again in a heartbeat!

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@darcygraham2430 That sounds fantastic! We really liked Maltings on the Encore too!! Great place to unwind at the end of the day 😁🚢

[@tracistevens881]

The Norwegian Epic was the very first cruise I ever went on and it was the best I'm glad you had a good time

[@jeis1121]

I loved your video! We are sailing on the Encore this August! We’re so excited and after seeing your video we’re even more so! Thank you so much!

[@corefouradventures2861]

So glad you enjoyed it!! You’re going to have an amazing time!!!

[@cherylgeary2940]

thank you for the review, taking this cruise in September 2024 and so excited. I am glad we booked NCL it just seems like they go above and beyond.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@cherylgeary2940 they have every time we’ve been on board. So excited for you! Such a great relaxing vacation. There is nothing quite like an Alaskan cruise. Enjoy!! You’ll have to let us know what your favorite port was when you get back. And you liked the ship.😁🚢🚢

[@JohnLynnPlus]

Thank you ladies, EXCELLENT information. We sail in Sept 2024 Encore to Glacier Bay!

[@corefouradventures2861]

You’re going to have the best time. Most relaxing vacation ever!! But you still get to see so many new and amazing things. And Glacier Bay is just magical. 😁🚢

[@susutravels555]

Thank you for your, in depth video. The content is very informative. Hubby and I will be on Encore next summer for our first Alaska cruise. The information you provided will make our trip smoother. 😊

[@corefouradventures2861]

We’re really glad it helped! We hope you have an amazing time. You’ll have to let us know what your favorite part was. 😁

[@katiemccoy6991]

Heading on this exact cruise and itinerary on Sunday! This gave some great ideas and helped ease some of my nerves (first timer). Thank you! So detailed and helpful! Definitely checking out that waterfront on deck 8!

[@corefouradventures2861]

Glad it was helpful! Don’t be too nervous. You will have an amazing time! Just make sure you get everything booked as soon as possible. A lot of it you can book on the app ahead of time. And once you get on that ship, your worries will just melt away and you will have an amazing time, you will have to come back and tell us how it went!

[@tinalouise4525]

Hello, I just recently booked a cruise on this ship. A friend told me we messed up because we booked at the end of September. And she said it's gonna rain the entire time you are there.😔. Thank you, enjoyed your recommendations.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Just make sure to invest in a good rain jacket like the Columbia ones we have. You will be fine, Alaska is beautiful rain or shine! You’re in a rainforest. There’s a good chance. It’s going to rain. It’s no big deal. Enjoy your cruise!!🚢

[@chrissyshedd1258]

Thank you! We are going on July 7! Same cruise and ports. You gave us some extra ideas and tip! I will come back after to tell you about it! We will take your tips and add them to what we already researched and have planned! YEAH! 🎉🎉🎉

[@corefouradventures2861]

Glad it was helpful! We hope your trip is amazing. 🤩 We can’t wait to hear about it!!!🚢

[@atomicrancher3745]

I’m on that 7/7 departure too. See you onboard.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@atomicrancher3745 oh that’s fantastic! We hope everyone has an amazing time!!! 🚢🚢

[@danjohnson9396]

I was on the Bliss the week of April 22nd and agree with your comments. I do wish they would’ve had an enclosed pool area as it was very cold.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Yes, it’s a shame that the pool areas on the Alaska cruises are still outdoors. One of the benefits to getting the thermal suite pass is the thelasso pool. But, the observation deck is amazing. Thanks so much for watching!🚢

[@cassandrahouston6609]

Really enjoyed your review of NCL Encore. I will be travel on this ship in May. Your tips were great.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your trip. Let us know how it went 😁

[@leliajames4957]

Thanks, ladies. Your video was very on point. I am new to NCL.🎉🎉😊

[@corefouradventures2861]

Glad it was helpful! Have you booked your first NCL cruise yet? If so, are you going to Alaska?

[@kslater203]

You guys just made my wife's day!

[@corefouradventures2861]

That’s SO nice! Your comment made ours 😁 Thanks for watching.

[@kymmie0025]

Thank you for sharing. I will be going on the same itinerary.

[@corefouradventures2861]

OMG! It was such a great itinerary. It was a very relaxing vacation. You’re going to have the best time! Come back and let us know which was your favorite port 🚢

[@jackthomas6952]

I’m going in October, Thanks for this Video!

[@corefouradventures2861]

Thanks!! Have an amazing time!! 😁🚢

[@goombakisses7398]

Loved this video. So helpful. I’m choosing our nil Alaska cruise this week. Did you see any whales? Hoping to see at least a few glaciers. I’m concerned about the noise in the cabin. Heard rumors that the cabins had noise from the venues. Glad to know you enjoyed the food! TY

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@goombakisses7398 We saw whales several times. Grey whales. No Orcas though. If you have not chosen your itinerary make sure it goes in Glacier Bay or takes a trip to Hubbard Glacier so you will be sure to see some. We did a whole vlog series on our trip. Here’s the link to Glacier Bay day. 😁🚢 NCL Encore: Cruising GLACIER BAY National Park! 🏞️🚢 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGnUaJp_h92KfLM

[@taylorpack1861]

We will be on this exact cruise in August, so this was incredibly helpful for us! Thank you!!

[@corefouradventures2861]

Glad it was helpful! It is an amazing cruise!! You are going to have such a fantastic time.

[@somethingstodo]

Do you all book your next cruise while you're on your current cruise? Curious whether that's a scam or actually a better deal. I'm hesitant to get more info from them while on the cruise because I don't want to be pressured or scammed. Thanks! Enjoying your videos.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@somethingstodo You can buy Cruise Next certificates onboard. We did it the 1st trip and didn’t feel like it was worth it. Felt high pressure for sure. We do usually get Cruise First certificates that work similarly when ready to book. We found that to be an easier way to save a few bucks. Hope that helps. 😁🚢

[@JodyVadas]

Love your videos! We are departing on Sept 29, 2024! Quick question on the White Pass Railway. How do you book the VIP? I didn’t see the VIP as an option.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@JodyVadas good question, we found the VIP option only through the cruise line. If you don’t see it, you might call White Pass railroad to see. It was a fantastic excursion. Even if you can’t go in the VIP it’s worth it. Hope you get it!!😁🚢

[@JodyVadas]

thank you! Will check that out! 😀😀😀

[@valrush2464]

Hi Ladies, Loved your video. We are looking into doing that exact cruise but with 5 children ages 8-15. Will there be things for the kids to do on the ship?

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@valrush2464 Thanks!! We think they would love the activities onboard. There are so many, just know most have extra cost but they’ll love them. They have so much, the go karts to the laser tag arena, galaxy pavilion with VR games, to regular arcade style games by the local. And, of course, they have the kids clubs. Since we don’t have children that travel with us we don’t really know how the kids clubs work but, we’ve heard even the older kids love it. Great place for them to make friends with other kids. Hope that helps!! 😁🚢

[@AvivaHadas]

I'm sailing to AK with a different cruise line in July, but I liked your video. (I am watch "all" of the AK cruise videos - just in case.)

[@corefouradventures2861]

Thank you!! Hope you have an amazing trip. What cruise line are you taking?

[@AvivaHadas]

@@corefouradventures2861 Holland America, we prefer the smaller ships & found the berths/times in port to be more to our liking. (We still get Glacier Bay...)

[@corefouradventures2861]

Oh, we really want to try Holland America! So glad you still get to go in Glacier Bay. It’s pretty spectacular. Any advice with cruising with Holland America?

[@AvivaHadas]

@@corefouradventures2861 So far we choose our cruises on itinerary & go with an open mind. As a consequence, we have tried most of the major cruise lines. We are into where we are going & the ship just gets us there, so we rarely go on the bigger ships with all of the bells and whistles... Our first HAL was 7-nights RT to AK in 2008, after studying the lines/itineraries it was best for us with a young child no less. Our last HAL was also to AK - 2 weeks still RT, no comparison so I did not look further. I again studied before booking this cruise & stayed with HAL - berths and time in port (11 to 7 in Ketchikan, I prefer that to 6 to 1).

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@AvivaHadas They do seem to have better hours in the ports. We’ve heard great things about them. How’s the food on board?

[@nodentures4u]

Thank you for the review. Were you paid by or received a free or discounted rate from NCL for this review? We will be in the Haven proper end of July 2024, but had seen reviews of how chaotic at Ketchikan and poor customer service from NCL. This got us very worry because we are spending $19K for the cruise alone.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@nodentures4u We are not sponsored in anyway. It took us about 25 minutes to get on the shuttle bus to town. Then it was maybe 15-20 minutes into Ketchikan. We had similar experience on the way back. We did do the Great American Lumberjack show through the cruise line so we got to catch the bus back right there. It was easy. We heard a lot of people complaining, but I felt they moved the sheer number of guests fairly efficiently. Also, if you’re in the Haven you get priority disembarkation and a designated shuttle with much shorter line. I think you will find it a non-issue if you’re prepared to maybe wait sometimes. Hope that helps!! Have an AMAZING time! 😁🚢

[@nodentures4u]

@@corefouradventures2861 Thank you very much for your prompt reply. A person who just got off the Encore yesterday said that no extras for Haven customers at the port i.e. designated shuttle. Will see what happen two weeks. Thanks again.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@nodentures4u Let us know, if you would when you get back. Enjoy your vacation!! For us, we just try to have a good time no matter what. The people that focus on the wait will remember the bad parts. Not the great time they had once they got to town 😁🚢

[@asavage1917]

love the video, i am going on a transatlantic in Nov 24. it sounds like someone needs to keep an eye on Pepper 🤣

[@corefouradventures2861]

Omg! All the sea days!!! We really want to do a transatlantic. Is this your first transatlantic? You’ll have to let us know if you liked it. As for Pepper, yes, we all keep an eye on him.🤣🤣🚢🚢

[@asavage1917]

@@corefouradventures2861 this is my second transatlantic, the last one was coming from italy to nyc on the ncl gem. this one leaves from miami ends in england. i heard you lose an hour a day so not looking forward to that, but oh well i will be at sea for i think 5-6 days with nothing to do but be lazy and i am glad it sounds like there is great entertainment and food choices on the Encore. i am really looking forward to it. i loved my last transatlantic and plan to do it as much as possible. the prices are really cheap and it is a fun escape. thanks again for the great video

[@corefouradventures2861]

The forced relaxation is one of our favorite things about sea days so, definitely think we would like a transatlantic. 5-6 days in a row, so luxurious. You’re going to love The Encore!! Are you coming straight back or doing something in England 1st? We’re going to London and Paris this December 😁🚢

[@elizabethdea8214]

I appreciate this video so much! My husband and I will be going on an Alaskan cruise this coming fall. We have been looking at Royal Caribbean, but this cruise may be a better fit for us. Two questions please: How would you rate the “free open bar”? ….and Did you book through the cruise line or with a travel agent? I’m a little gun shy about post COVID cancellation issues…or if it’s even an issue anymore.

[@corefouradventures2861]

We really enjoyed the drink package. If you want to learn more about it check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ26Z3ima5Klabcsi=OSwPOnG6ogYX2wUa As for cancellations, I don’t think COVID is a big concern now. We took a Caribbean cruise in January 2023 and the Alaska cruise August 2023 with no problems.

[@coreyscavo181]

Awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing all your tips and tricks! I'm going on the same itinerary in August with my family! I was curious how things went in Ketchikan going back to the cruise ship? We're doing the Lumberjack Show too (I think the later one), and we booked purposefully so we can have a little more time. Do you remember what the timing looked like on this day? Did you have a lot of time to explore in the town? Thank you in advance! :)

[@corefouradventures2861]

We had a good amount of time to explore the town before the lumberjack show. We also chose the later lumberjack show. We explored Creek Street thoroughly. The bus stop for the cruise ship is right outside the lumberjack show. The line stop was long and it took a while. But because we booked through the cruise line we didn’t even worry about being left. There were people there to direct you and help you. Hope this helps have an amazing time! You’ll have to come back and let us know what was your favorite port.

[@coreyscavo181]

@@corefouradventures2861 Thank you so much! Really appreciate the additional info :) Will do! Thanks again!

[@barbarakroth6855]

Thx ladies! Sailing on her in 32 days to Alaska! One ? About the Q restaurant, isn’t there a band in there as well?

[@corefouradventures2861]

Yes!! There was a band in there. It was a fun dining experience. And if you go, I highly suggest that warm skillet brownie. You’re almost there!! Have an amazing time 🚢

[@heathermichael3987]

That is a nice ship . All my itineraries never have the nice and new ships 🤦‍♀️

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@heathermichael3987 We recommend looking at both the itinerary and the ship before planning a trip. We love checking out new ships on KZbin. 😁 We’re going on the NCL Viva next year and getting to be on one of the cool new ships definitely was a factor in our choice. 🚢🚢

[@DonBates-h6t]

Checked all your boxes.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Thanks! It was such a great trip. Hope it inspires you to go on a cruise too.

[@rory6759]

Great stream

[@corefouradventures2861]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching 😁

[@victoriabillings7317]

Hello, loved your video. I am going on same cruise on June 30. I heard on another NCL ship you had to take your cruise card out of the plastic to use it each time and couldn't just unsnap from the lanyard. Is that accurate for the Encore? Your answer will help me decide how to carry my key card.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Most of the time, yes, we did have to take it out of our lanyard. We made sure we got one that was easy to remove the card. But they do have to swipe your card for things. Hope this helps! Have an amazing cruise!! You’ll have to come back and let us know what you’ve decided to do. 🚢🚢

[@STORMZ8]

I'll be taking full advantage of the free at sea alcohol package.

[@icedteamama176]

Great video! Was there a park ranger on ship when you’re at Glacier Bay? Thanks!

[@corefouradventures2861]

Yes, 2 of them, they got on as we went into the bay. They told us about the glaciers etc. and they were in the observatory lounge if you wanted to hear more. We chose to stay in our cabin but could hear it on the tv

[@icedteamama176]

@@corefouradventures2861 thank you!

[@susanhernandez8365]

Hello can you give me advice we’re going on encore to Alaska in a club balcony suite, we have the choice between deck 12 or 14 any recommendations would be helpful. Thank you so much!

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@susanhernandez8365 We would choose 12. You will still feel like you’re up nice and high for good views. The observation lounge is on 15 and there’s a piano player sometimes. We always avoid rooms above and below venues that might be loud. Also, the higher up on the ship, the more you feel the waves. Our original rooms for Alaska were on deck 15. But after cruising in the Caribbean on deck 10, we came home and moved our rooms to deck 11. We would have been under the fitness center. We were very thankful we did.

[@susanhernandez8365]

@@corefouradventures2861 thank you so much!

[@marlaletourneau]

Thank you for your review. It was amazing. I have a question. I want to book that rail trip in Skagway. You mentioned a VIP and I do not see that anywhere on the cruise ship or on their white pass route website can you tell me how you found that and where I should look. Thank you.

[@corefouradventures2861]

It was offered through NCL on the website. If you don’t see it, you might call NCL excursions to see if it’s sold out for your sailing. There are very limited tickets. Hope you are able to get them but, if not, the experience would be worth doing the regular car in our opinion. Hope this helps and good luck!!😁🚢

[@marlaletourneau]

Thank you!!

[@marlaletourneau]

Sorry, one more question. Is there more than one railway that does this? I’m thinking of booking outside the cruise line. I wanted to make sure I booked the correct one.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@marlaletourneau there’s only one railway, the White Pass and Yukon Railway wpyr.com/excursions/product/summit-excursion/ But, there were a couple options for tours. 1 way up and back in a coach that stops for scenic pictures. 1 way up and some sort of bike ride back down. And the round trip we took. But, if you’re booking with them directly I do believe that the pick up point is different.

[@CraigBlake-m6s]

Hello and thanks for your videos on your trip, my wife and I are also going on our very first cruise on the Encore in May to Alaska. My question is if we are going to use FaceTime to contact our kids, would you use the unlimited WiFi package or the Premier WiFi package? Thanks in advance!

[@corefouradventures2861]

We didn’t try this ourselves but, several people have told us you can use FaceTime with any of the wifi packages including the Free at Sea minutes. You get 120 minutes per person. So, you might not need to upgrade your wifi package. Just make certain to sign out when you’re finished. Otherwise you’ll burn through your minutes very quickly. We would suggest trying it. And, if you realize you need to upgrade it, you could do it within the first 48 hours on the ship. But, if you find you have to upgrade, the NCL website states the unlimited wifi should be fine. No need to get the Premier for that. Also, iMessage works without costing you any of your wifi minutes. Hope this helps!! Have a great trip and let us know how it went.

[@corefouradventures2861]

And we use Verizon and when we were in port in Alaska there were no additional charges to our normal cell phone package. We used it just like we do at home.

[@lyndachiarella337]

So room service is no included?

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@lyndachiarella337 The food doesn’t cost. But there’s a delivery fee. For breakfast it’s $4.95 and the rest of the day is $9.95. Alcohol can be delivered to your cabin but it is not included in your drink package so there’s an additional charge for that. Hope this helps. 😁🚢

[@atomicrancher3745]

Seems like you hit every tourist trap in Alaska. If you go again, try walking a bit further in those towns and discover more of real life and food in those places. No crowds and local prices for food and drink.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Thanks! We love to dive deeper into a place if we go more than once. But, we had a fabulous time on our trip and would do the same in hindsight. Sometimes, “tourist traps” can be a lot of fun.

[@jeis1121]

Was the weather cold in Alaska in August?

[@corefouradventures2861]

It was really nice the whole time. It was cold in Glacier Bay. But during the day in port it was temperate. We wore jeans,t-shirts and light jackets. We feel layers are the key in Alaska.

[@mrscandyt]

What are your thoughts on passport over photo ID and birth certificate? Did you ever need your passport?

[@corefouradventures2861]

Hi Candy! For us, we are just more comfortable having our passports with us simply because if something went wrong while in Victoria, BC (or any other non US port) we wouldn’t have an added hurdle getting back to the US. But if you do take your passports we recommend leaving them in your room safe. If you ever need them the cruise line has a process where they can get them for you. Happy travels!!!

[@STORMZ8]

Need a passport for many excursions, as they do enter Canada. Believe an email was sent.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@STORMZ8 Yes, and the rules are only getting more strict. Just get the passport, right?!? Plus, once you get it there’s a freedom. You can then travel internationally on a whim!! 🚢🚢

[@gregballendine5099]

Which side of the ship would you ladies recommend?

[@corefouradventures2861]

We stayed on the port side. That means on the way to Alaska you will be on the Oceanside. Most ports we were on that side when docked so you could see the port. Which we liked. Felt like we had more time at the glaciers on our side. And then on the way back home, you get to see the coastline. But we did take the inside passage up, so there is land on both sides to see. And any floor will feel high enough to see everything. We recommend a lower floor for less swaying and turbulence. Are you taking the same itinerary?

[@gregballendine5099]

@@corefouradventures2861 Sailing Encore out of Seattle next June. Port side.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@gregballendine5099 excellent!! That was one of the coolest trips. So many things to see and yet still one of the most relaxing vacations too. Enjoy!! You’ll have to let us know which was your favorite port.

[@patriciapellegrini]

Where did you get the horse draw Trolley

[@corefouradventures2861]

It was an excursion through NCL. We literally walked off the ship and the pick up point was right there. It could not have been more convenient. Hope this helps!

[@patriciapellegrini]

@@corefouradventures2861 Thanks for the information, I found it & booked it. Our cruise date is September 1, 2024. I have another question, how does the upgrade dinning work? We have 4 nights . Do get some kind of verification when you get onboard or do they look it up when you’re at that restaurant? When I called NCL one person told me you order from a prefix menu.

[@corefouradventures2861]

Fantastic, you will absolutely love the trolley! As for the dining vouchers, good question, they do not give you a verification once you get on board. Make sure to check your final invoice from them and it will say that you get the two for free and the two that you upgraded. (Assuming when you say you have 4 you purchased to extra 2 dining credit upgrade) Then when you go to specialty dining, they will scan your cruise cards. They usually ask if you want to use your dining credit. It was a surprisingly simple process. They will still bring you a check at the end. It will show the value of everything you got, but then zero it out at the bottom of the ticket with your credit. But they do this so you can tip your wait staff extra if you want. What restaurants did you choose? Have you made your reservations yet? Or are you waiting until you get on the ship?

[@patriciapellegrini]

@@corefouradventures2861 Thank you so much for the information, I have a better understanding of specialty dining. Still deciding which restaurant. My cruise is until September 1, 2024.

[@corefouradventures2861]

@@patriciapellegrini of course you have plenty of time to decide, our personal favorite is Le Bistro. It always feels so special and if you’re a steak lover, they have the best filet on the ship. I’ve heard others say they were turned off by the foie gras on top. But you can easily ask for it to be left off if it’s not your bag.

[@jackthomas6952]

Brothel’s??? Functioning???😂

[@corefouradventures2861]

No longer functioning. At least as far as we saw. But, you can tour them if you like. We chose to skip the tour. 😁🚢