Cruise ships are becoming increasingly massive, with modern vessels offering an array of amenities and activities that rival those of luxury resorts. The trend towards larger ships means more passengers and more options for entertainment, dining, and relaxation. The Norwegian Encore is a prime example of this evolution, boasting a passenger capacity of over 4,000. But with such a large number of guests, does it feel crowded?
A recent review from a passenger who sailed on the Norwegian Encore highlights the ship’s modern charm and, perhaps more importantly, its uncrowded feel despite accommodating over 4,000 guests. Initially concerned about the potential for crowded spaces and long lines, the reviewer found the experience to be far more relaxed and spacious than expected.
The Norwegian Encore is a lovely ship. It feels modern and up to date. I was worried that being on such a large ship with 4000+ guests would feel like we’d constantly be fighting crowds, but it did not.
This sentiment captures the essence of what many cruise-goers fear when boarding a large vessel, but the Encore manages to defy these expectations.
From the moment they boarded, the reviewer’s concerns were quickly put to rest. “From check-in to disembarkation everything moved smoothly and efficiently,” they shared. The ship’s design and layout play a significant role in dispersing crowds effectively, making the onboard experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Uncrowded Feel
One of the key factors contributing to the uncrowded feel is the variety of dining options available on the ship. With numerous restaurants to choose from, guests rarely had to wait in long lines. The reviewer appreciated the Freestyle dining concept, which allowed for flexibility in both dress and dining times. “The nice variety of restaurants breaks up having long lines to check in for meals,” they observed.
The review also highlights the exceptional service provided by the crew, which added to the overall positive experience. “The thing that impressed me the most about this ship was the staff. They were exceptional! Every single crew member on board greeted people throughout the day with a smile and a friendly remark.” This level of attentiveness and engagement from the crew contributed to the ship’s welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
The nice variety of restaurants breaks up having long lines to check in for meals
Underwhelming Internet Speeds
The review did note a few areas for improvement, such as the quality of the theater shows and the internet package, which was described as “pretty much useless.” However, these minor drawbacks did not overshadow the overall experience. The reviewer concluded by recommending the Norwegian Encore, particularly praising its ability to provide a spacious and pleasant environment even on a large, modern ship.
Check out this Norwegian Encore full ship tour (17 minutes) for more of a feel of what it’s like being on board Encore.
