Thus, it was back to the room to get ready for our final specialty dinner. Related: What Cruise Ship Butlers Will Do for You. Up around 6:30 AM, Don headed out to continue collecting photos and videos while I got ready. Be sure to be on the lookout for the resident ghost as well. AAS. Another feature of the Haven on Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva is that the suites and rooms are all in the same area of the ship, connected by an elevator. Did you enjoy our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise review? Small fees, like the charge for room service, are waived for passengers in suites on Norwegian Cruise Line. The dinner and a show experience at Teppanyaki is always a good time, and this visit was no different. While we had walked through here earlier in the week, we had yet to test out any of the attractions. This outdoor space provided uninterrupted views with fewer crowds and great views from the hot tubs. Feel like having the fun and energy of a mainstream ship experience while indulging in silver-platter service? This took no time at all for us; though, it didnt look like there was a long line for other guests either at this point. About an hour later, we decided it was time for the worst part of the cruisepacking. -- no fancy extras necessary? Web1 - 10 of 881 Alaska Norwegian Pearl Alaska Cruise Reviews. Even in the sauna and salt room, there were only a few other cruisers with us. This show does require reservations, which can be made pre-cruise or upon boarding the ship. Norwegian's studio cabins although they are small cruise ship cabins -- also include a special lounge reserved just for solo travelers. Cabin Size: From the Cheapest Rooms to the Most Expensive on a Cruise, Benefits of Balcony Rooms and Views on a Cruise Ship, Tricks for Scoring Bargains on the Price of Your Cruise Room, A Guide to Cruise Ship Spa Accommodations, Oceanview vs. Balcony Cabins: A Cabin Comparison, The 7 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers, Best Cruise Ship Inside Cabins and a Few to Avoid, The Guarantee Gamble: The Odds of an Upgrade When the Cruise Line Picks Your Cabin. If you're using frequent-flyer miles or don't need to book a hotel, you'll have more money for cruise fare. Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. Rushing out of dinner rather abruptly, we made it to the Social comedy club just in time for the 9 PM show. Since we had already used all our credits, we paid a la carte. Cruise travelers who spend all their time in the ship's public areas or on shore may be perfectly happy with standard-size cabins with nothing more than a window to sea. Learn More Sign Up for Exclusive Email-Only Offers 7 day on Those can include everything from priority boarding to in-cabin bars. Alternatively, you might not want to hear any music or partying, which can mean a cabin that's farther away from the ship's liveliest areas. Tonight on the menu for Don was Asian spareribs summer roll, bang bang chicken & shrimp, and the lava cake. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of an exclusive suite enclave, complete with private sun deck and pool surrounded by the ship's top accommodations, in 2005, and adopted The Haven moniker in 2011. Norwegian Encore We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Norwegian Jewel Cruises to Alaska (2023 & 2024) on Cruise Critic We also liked that there were USB outlets near the bed for charging our phones at night. Norwegian Jewel. This was a short stop from 8 to 11:59 PM but mandatory for this roundtrip Seattle cruise. Get the latest cruise deals and select from our For dessert, we tested out the chocolate marquise and fraisier cake. Given the time, we decided to grab a quick lunch at The Local to hold us over until our dinner at Q Texas Smokehouse this evening. Just be wary of any offer promising a two-category upgrade (or similar). Norwegian Cruise With most of the glacier viewing done around noon time, we made our first (and only) visit to the Garden Caf for lunch all week. We strolled through Downtown, taking some photos along the way. Approaching 2 PM, and the cabins still not ready, we decided to grab some lunch at The Local Bar & Grill. Like plenty of beach resorts on dry land, cruise lines also occasionally overstate the ocean views available in some of their oceanview cabins. We won an instant play ticket which resulted in a whopping $1. This is dependent on the type of cruise, the length of stay, and the room choice. The benefits of cruising within The Haven enclave are many. Hotel rooms that are a bit more compact, in most cases. A relaxing & enjoyable vacation. Will you be entertaining in your room and need a dining table that can seat six or eight? Included in your cruise fare are the services of a concierge and butler. That means hands-off dinner and spa reservations, shore excursion bookings, and requests from guest services. Just like that our Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise review had come to an end. Web62 F HIGH 48 F LOW AVG. Then, I opted for the smoked turkey breast, and Don went all in on the Pitmaster. Tomorrow was a long day and shore excursion in Skagway. With the specialty dining package, cruisers can order 4 plates off the menu. They can be a good deal. There is also a small theater with a video about the Tlingit people, a gift shop, a restaurant, and walking trails. He enjoyed all these selections and still stands by this being his favorite NCL restaurant. WebFeatured Tour. Of the two, we thought Lucas was funnier and definitely the edgier comedian. Home Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Encore Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Review. When it comes to choosing suites, it's best to figure out how much space you really need, what amenities are important to you and what you can afford to spend. So, we decided to grab some Starbucks and head upstairs to drop off our carry-on items. I didnt need another loss on my scorecard. This building is quite large but is basically just a gift shop and tour meeting area. For entrees, the chef grilled me up some chicken breasts, and Don enjoyed his filet mignon. A cruise with butler service can make you feel truly spoiled. THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) This is entirely subjective. The lost city of Atlantis laser tag course is $9.95 for a 10-minute game and is a fun activity for all ages. $2,028. Will you seize the opportunity or let the gold slip out of your hands? The turkey breast was better than I remember, and the Pitmaster featured it allbrisket, spare rib, chicken, and sausage. Here, one of the madams gave us a quickie tour of the former brothel along with some insight into what it was like living and working here during the gold rush times. Expect to pay an average of $3,000 per person for a weeklong sailing in one of The Haven suites. Now, we have some time at home until our next trip, which isnt until August at the moment. While Don debated grabbing something to eat at Tracys, it was getting a bit chilly so we just headed back to the ship instead. Set in The Jungle (also known as the local pub), the talented cast perform everything from classic rock hits to sing-a-long favorites. There are several different types, depending on ship. About 2 hours after the ship was cleared, there were no lines or waits to get off the ship or secure a shuttle to the downtown area. This makes it a great dining option with friends as you can share multiple plates. Some vacations combine a cruise of spectacular coastal Alaska with a land tour that features transportation by motor coach or train and hotel stays. Don headed out to grab our morning Starbucks along with some photos and videos around the ship before jumping on some conference calls by 7 AM. The included lunch consisted of a buffet of side dishes along with freshly prepared salmon. Because they can make you feel as though you are at the end of the world, offering 180-degree views over the ship's wake. By the time we realized it, the game was already sold out for the week. Norwegian Bliss However, the pool deck is often the loudest during the day (and often well into the night). If you are not crazy like us, there is no need to hustle from one location to the other, as all guests will get a view regardless of whether they are on the starboard side or portside of the ship. While always a good time, a rather tipsy contestant made the show even funnier. In other words, a suite can be considered the best cabin on any cruise ship. We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We made our way ashore to meet our tour at the assigned location on the pier. Some cruise lines offer 20 or more room types per ship, which can complicate your decision even more. Suite amenities include pluses like a cappuccino machine, luxury bath products and a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, as well as fruit and bottled water, on embarkation day. Dont worry, Norwegians Free at Sea has you covered with a free open bar, specialty dining, and even more perks. Taking the approximately six-minute trip up Mount Roberts from the lower terminal, we ascended toa height of about 1,800 feet. EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruises! The fried beignets were the weakest portion of this meal and did not compare to the similar option we had on Norwegian Prima last year. Liarsville is a replica of a Gold Rush trail camp where we watched a short show then got to try our hand at panning for gold. We also had a comprehensive tour booked for today, the aptly named Best of Skagway shore excursion. The 10 Best Cruises for Teens 2023 That can be a blessing when you need a break from the lively vibes elsewhere on your cruise. Required fields are marked *. In our signature day-by-day Norwegian Encore Alaska cruise review, we detail our time sailing the region with NCL. Cruisers can also go standby if they dont get a reservation. I justified this by saying that we didnt really have dessert at Teppanyaki. Unfortunately, this was a glorified shore excursions talk with some Alaska facts interspersed. Apr 1, 2014. NCL had provided us with priority disembarkation which meant that we did not have to leave the ship until around 9 AM, but we needed to be out of our cabin by 8:30 AM. We had placed an order for room service breakfast the night before to be delivered between 8 and 8:30 AM, but it ended up arriving a few minutes early, even before Don returned to our cabin. We started off the night with the Lone Star chili and deviled eggs. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. Accuracy and timing are everything in gold miner. This show was basically a compilation of most of the ships musicians playing in one show. When trying to determine what type of cabin you can afford on your cruise, don't forget to factor in the cost of the rest of your trip. To dinner right on time, tonights specialty dining experience also lasted just about 2 hours. Boarding a large tour bus from the pier, we arrived at our first stop right around 11:30 AM. It had been a while since we sailed on a Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway-Plus Class ship. Tonight, we were dining at Cagneys our first of seven specialty dinners. As always, in our signature day-by-day review below, we detail our sailing in the region on Norwegian Encore. Structural designs can lead to balcony cabins that are, in fact, obstructed-view cabins. The concept is simple: Spa aficionados pay more for cabins decked out in Asian-inspired Zen decor that come with extra amenities, ranging from fancy showerheads and specialty bath products to fluffy bathrobes, yoga mats and healthier room service menus. On Norwegian Prima, godmother Katy Perry and actor husband Orlando Bloom celebrated their daughters birthday in the Havens private dining room. Suites on most ships are often the first category to sell out, partly because there are fewer of them, and partly because they often offer extremely good value. Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a teen-only venue, Entourage, that caters to young adults 13 to 17 years old. We may have also ordered the queso fundido as an appetizer alongside some margaritas. Norwegian Alaska Cruise Reviews This stop was a short, early morning stop, with us only in port from 7 AM to 1:15 PM, which meant all aboard was 12:45 PM. 25422881. Additionally, look for value-added promotions through cruise lines and travel agents. The 3-bedroom Garden Villa remain some of the largest suites at sea, measuring up to 7,000 square feet. Norwegian Communications Center. Taking a break around 4 PM, we headed outside to scout out a spot for the sail away. Our tour, and tour guide, for Totem Bight was much more organized than our one a few weeks prior to Saxman Village. Do you have plans to cruise to Alaska this year? A Norwegian Cruise Line ship hit an iceberg in Alaska over the weekend, forcing the company to cancel the remainder of the cruise due to damages sustained from the collision. The fine print usually indicates that the line will give you a so-called better cabin within the same category. The nicest and most expensive cabins on any ship are generally on the highest decks. Related: How to Get a Cruise Ship Cabin Upgrade. Around 10 AM, we took a break to attend the This is Alaska presentation in the theater. These typically have no windows, windows onto the ship's public interiors or -- as you'll find on NCL and other lines -- virtual balconies or portholes. The layout of the room had the desk and sofa closer to the entrance and the bed closer to the balcony, which is our preferred layout. Following this set, we ended our evening in the Sugarcane Mojito Bar with some drinks and live Latin music. Best Alaska Cruises 2023 | Alaskan Cruise Deals | NCL Related: How to Sleep Better on Your Cruise. In fact, the last shuttle from Downtown was scheduled for 11 AM! Even so, there are a few ways you can save money before you book. Related: Avoiding Seasickness on a Cruise. The Haven is the all-suite section of Norwegian Cruise Line ships, accessible by keycard-holders only. While he may be obsessed with doing extensive amounts of research on ships and all elements of a cruise, Don enjoys sharing his new found knowledge with fellow cruisers. Offers for onboard credits, prepaid tips or included airfare can free up some money to pay for that balcony view. During this time of year, cruise ships are not allowed past Jaw Point, meaning the John Hopkins Glacier is about 6 miles away. SCORE BIG ON NCL ENCORE ALASKA CRUISES BY BOOKING NOW! Related: Forward vs. Aft: A Cabin Comparison. An Alaskan cruise cost can range between $600 $10,000 per person. But waiting for a higher-category cabin to come down in price to fit into your travel budget is risky; if the cabin category is selling well, fares will only go up. We ventured along the Juneau Seawalk to The Whale Project which is just over a mile away from Downtown. After a bit, we also headed down to the pool deck to catch some of the sail away party. The therapy pool was the only spot that seemed crowded. Day 6 of this Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Review was our next port of call into Ketchikan. Open Mon-Fri 7am to 11pm, Sat 8am to 8pm, Sun 8am to 10pm, U.S. Central Time. Alaska cruise and land tours are typically 9 to 19 nights in length. Very few ships actually have cabins dedicated to solo travelers. If you tend to get seasick, selecting your cabin can be critical decision. This cabin looked in really good shape still considering the ship is a few years old now. At the Galaxy Pavilion, cruisers have the option to pay per attraction, per hour, per day, or purchase a week-long pass. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise. Review for a Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Encore. Day 7 of this Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Review was our final day with an evening call into Victoria, BC. Don started with the escargot and endive salad, while I did the goat cheese croquettes salad. Given that sail away was not until 5 PM, we took some time to get photos and videos of our cabin and begin some unpacking. So what is butler service on a cruise, exactly? Your email address will not be published. The peanut butter cheesecake dessert was also quite tasty. The Cavern Club, inspired by the Liverpool landmark, typically hosts Beatles tribute bands. From a 1,100 foot long racetrack at the top of the ship, to the largest and most immersive laser tag arena at sea, and the Galaxy Pavilion VR gaming area, there is plenty to keep the kids and teens entertained between ports of call. Please change the date range and try again. Additionally, it included four ports of call: Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best room on a cruise ship. Web2023 Alaska Cruisetours Book a Princess Cruisetour & get up to $200 Cruisetour Cash From$799 Learn More Holiday Cruises 2023 2023 Holiday Deals! In the end, price is probably the most important (and unavoidable) factor in the type of room you book on your cruise ship. While our meal was good, Le Bistro is probably our least favorite restaurant on the ship. Norwegian Jewel Both were great choices. After some free time to walk around on our own and visit the gift shop, we were off to Downtown for our lumberjack show. It can also mean the difference between seasickness and noise that keeps you up all night -- or the sounds of waves lulling you to sleep like a baby or awesome views. Around 8:30 AM, we headed off to our meeting spot where we were escorted to a separate line with Haven guests to get scanned off the ship. Cruise We also split the Marcellaio pizza which featured a ricotta stuffed crust. I really enjoyed this review. We are back from an Alaska cruise on Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship, Norwegian Encore, and have put together this Norwegian Encore Restaurant Guide with menus so you can see what is available at the different restaurants onboard this final Breakaway Plus Class ship. We think the Food Republic is a hidden gem, but for some reason the venue is never busy. Our chef served up the grilled veggies, garlic fried rice, and our entre of choice with a side of humor. As mentioned above, special consideration should be paid on itineraries where more than the ocean or sea is on display. So, we set an alarm for 6 AM to get ready, grab some coffee, and finish packing. So, we made sure to reserve one of each comedians sets. Interior rooms on a cruise ship are generally the cheapest option that you'll find on board. But there's nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. Since our last sailing on Norwegian Encore back in 2019, not much has changed. Lets just say that we didnt strike it rich! Drop us an anchor below to share your recent cruise reviews! Norwegian Joy Letting the cruise line choose your cabin is risky, so be sure you'll be happy no matter which cabin you get assigned. Read More. Enjoying our breakfast and doing a little morning work, we then headed out for the day. However, there are only a total of 200 passes provided, so be sure to book early. Lets just say that thanks to a tween driver who caused a 5-car crash, Don came out victoriously in this race! Of note, the virtual escape room is extra money and does require reservations. If your cruise ship is calling in Glacier Bay, a park ranger will board the vessel to provide commentary while cruising the area and will also give an informational presentation either before or after your sightseeing. Outside rooms and balcony cabins have one thing in common: They both let you look out to sea during your cruise. Cruises: Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise Deals | NCL Cruises Since we were being hosted by the cruise line on this sailing, we then met with our onboard contact before beginning our typical embarkation day routine. WebNorwegian Jewel / Norwegian Spirit 14-Day Authentic Alaska 7-Day Alaska Cruise + 7 Day Pre or Post-Cruise Land Tour including overnights in Homer, Anchorage, Denali On a roundtrip Caribbean cruise or a transatlantic crossing, for example, the side of the ship you are on doesn't really matter. Off the ship, in an Uber, and to the airport, we made ourselves comfy and did work until our late afternoon flight. By now, it was after 3:30 PM. For more cabin-selection tips and to ask questions of other cruisers, visit the Cruise Critic message boards. Cruise Critic is the perfect Cruises to Skagway, Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line - NCL To our surprise, we were greeted with a long line of others also waiting to take the ride to ground level, which ending up taking about 45 minutes. We also gained an hour of sleep last evening to align with Alaska time which is 4 hours behind EST. The size, view, location, amenities and price are all factors in helping you choose. These are closer to engine noise, which causes vibrations, and the anchor. And book early, as solo cabins sell out quickly. The secret porthole cabins are those sold as inside cabins that actually have windows with blocked views and the partially or fully obstructed cabins are sold as outsides but often at the price of an inside. She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. Sometimes it means bringing you room service from hard-to-get-into specialty restaurants, curated minibars or in-cabin meals served course by course. Historically, we have not been very impressed with NCLs MDR, but this meal might have changed our mind. So, in the name of research, we headed outside to the Surf Bar to do just that. Thank you! Norwegian Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line boasts a teen-only venue, Entourage, that caters to young adults 13 to 17 years old. For entrees, I decided to order the appetizer-portion of chicken quesadillas with the Mexican corn and Don ordered the cochinita pibil. Next on our list was to finally spend some time in the thermal suite beyond just taking photos and videos of it. Wanting to see what the view was like from our balcony, we then hurried our way up to our cabin in time to catch the view on the starboard side. After the comedy show, we ended up running into a couple that we knew and grabbed drinks and chatted for a while before taking the conversation back to the Social for the nights GLOW Party. Concierge-level cabins will give you access to a concierge and niceties like afternoon canapes. On a chilly-weather cruise to places like Alaska or the Norwegian Arctic, you might not be spending too much time outside. A balcony cabin is probably for you. So, Don and our friend Adam suited up for a battle on this most intricate laser tag course at sea. Our guide gave us a brief tour of the grounds with some narrative about the poles, as well as visiting a replica clan house and a restoration building with some artifacts. This meant another early morning for us. You can find the most affordable rates in the off-peak periods of May and September. This took us past Tracys Crab Shack and some other shops. Upon arriving back into Skagway around 5 PM, we decided to walk back to the ship given the nice weather. While we wished we could have stayed longer, we did have an early 5:30 PM dinner at Teppanyaki tonight. Always a popular event, there was a crowd dancing along to all the hits. The two-bedroom Family Villa has a master bedroom, plus a small bedroom with a sofa bed for kids. WebWe Just Returned from a Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise feature Don Bucolo, or DB, loves everything about cruising- the ocean, the food, and the atmosphere. Like the layout of the ship. Norwegian Jade So, what better time to grab some tapas than right now. If you need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, we suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance. Family rooms are often suites that feature a separate kids' room (or sectioned-off area) plus an area for a parent of parents. WebCruise Critic offers deals on Alaskan cruises as short as 7-days with well-know cruise lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and more! Everything was well-prepared and flavorful. June 21, 2023 Cruise Industry News According to a statement published by the City of Valdez, Norwegian Cruise Line is cancelling all of its visits to the destination in 2023. The venue was actually pretty quiet so we were able to knock out most of the games during this one hour. WebAlaska cruise and land tours are typically 9 to 19 nights in length. The 75-minute production is a high-energy singing and dancing spectacle. We tried the Walk the Plank, Descendant, the car racing, the Jurassic Escape, two different games in the 7D cinema, and more. At the top, there are viewing platforms where you can look down onto Juneau and several of the docked cruise ships. I did the Mezzalune and Don the Scialatielli. PRECIPITATION 1.2 IN Home Cruise Ports Skagway, Alaska Highlights Gallery Need to Know Excursions Itineraries VIEW CRUISES Skagway, Alaska In a single year from 1896 to 1897, this remote town along the Inside Passage grew from a few tents to a city of 20,000 gold seekers. NCL Alaska Related: A Guide to Cruise Ship Spa Accommodations. Related: Oceanview vs. Balcony Cabins: A Cabin Comparison. By the time we booked this cruise, most of the excursions were already sold out. Suites, the most luxurious rooms on any cruise ship, come with a variety of extras and privileges. Passengers who end their trips in Anchorage or Fairbanks typically are scheduled to return home on late evening "red-eye" flights. Back to the cabin, we finished unpacking and got ready for dinner. I started with the burrata, while Don ordered the fritto misto. Starting off the meal, I sampled the baked onion soup and the wedge salad, while Don ordered the shrimp cocktail and ahi tuna tartare. Tonights show was with comedian Travis Nelson. If the amount of view you get relative to the amount of money you spend is important to you, look for "secret porthole" insides or "obstructed view" outsides. While always fun to watch, we werent very lucky this time. Thus, we grabbed a final drink and listened to the guitarist and piano vocalist, Ryan. These suites are only available as part of The Haven on Norwegian's Jewel-class ships. In addition to knowing your cabin options, you need to know yourself: Do you tend to get seasick? One common cruise-line promotion is to offer outside cabins for the price of insides, or balconies for the price of outsides. Checking out of the hotel by 11 AM, we simply walked across the street, dropped our bags with the porters, and were onward to the terminal check-in process in no time. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time! Having just returned from Alaska on Princess Cruises, we were eager to explore more of the region on this trip.