Encore Extraordinaire

The opportunity to indulge in luxury is always within arm’s reach aboard Norwegian Encore, the newest member of Norwegian Cruise Line’s award-winning 17-ship fleet. The 1,094-foot-long, 167,800-gross-ton architectural feat, which made its Miami debut in November, provides the perfect balance of high-energy activities and sumptuous relaxation that the whole family can enjoy.

STAY: Hands down, Norwegian Encore’s best staterooms are part of The Haven, billed as a “boutique ship within a ship” on the two upper decks. This private enclave, which is accessible only to Haven key holders, features the ship’s most spacious and well-appointed suites, along with Haven-guest-only amenities such as a serene courtyard and pool area (complete with retractable roof), a private sun deck and a specialty restaurant and lounge. Haven guests also receive personalized 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge to help book priority dining, entertainment, shore excursions and more. 

TASTE: Enjoy first-class dining every evening thanks to Norwegian Encore’s numerous chef-driven specialty restaurants. Noteworthy spots include Onda by Scarpetta (the same Scarpetta that’s been an Italian restaurant staple at Fontainebleau Miami Beach for years) and Teppanyaki, a hibachi-style eatery with interactive chefs who impress with their knife-handling skills.

UNWIND: When it comes time to relax, there’s no place like Mandara Spa, which offers a peaceful Thermal Lounge and over 50 rejuvenating treatments. And don’t miss the Horizon Lounge (available to Haven guests only), whose enormous windows at the front of the ship provide a tranquil spot to sip on Champagne or a specialty cocktail and take in your vast surrounds. 

PLAY: A dizzying array of activities is standard on cruise ships these days, but Norwegian Encore takes entertainment to the next level. Must-try experiences include the Encore Speedway, which extends to 13 feet over the side of the ship, and the 10,000-square-foot outdoor laser tag arena. At night, kick things up a notch with superior entertainment, including the Tony Award–winning musical Kinky Boots and the high-energy all-male pop-rock show Choir of Man. Afterward, head to The Cellars – A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar, which offers some of the finest vintages from around the world.

Norwegian Encore has sailings from Miami to the Caribbean through mid-April before repositioning to New York for itineraries to Bermuda and New England. The ship returns to Miami this November for another Caribbean season. ncl.com