Alaska by Sea: Exploring the Inside Passage on Norwegian Encore

My journey began in Seattle, where I stayed pre- and post-cruise to make the most of the city. I highly recommend doing the same. There’s so much to enjoy, from Pike Place Market (do a food tour!) and Chihuly Garden and Glass to Seattle’s vibrant food and coffee scene. I also loved the 45-minute harbor cruise, which gave a perfect overview of the Emerald City. It’s the perfect warm-up before heading north to Alaska.

Once onboard the Norwegian Encore, I was immediately impressed by the ship’s contemporary design, lively energy, and wide variety of dining and entertainment. The public spaces are really impressive, and the Observation Lounge is a gorgeous place to hang out. They have these incredible chaise lounges that face front of the ship—divine. The tough part is that everyone wants to hang out here, and when it's chilly outside, competition to get a seat in the lounge was fierce.

Luckily, I invested in the weeklong pass to the Mandara Spa—worth every penny. Watching Glacier Bay drift by while relaxing on a heated lounger was pure magic. I also indulged in two massages, a facial, and a blowout—it was heaven at sea and easily my favorite spot on the ship. The spa was the one place on board that never felt crowded.

Glacier Bay from my lounger in the Mandara Spa

Dining aboard the Norwegian Encore was a bit of a rollercoaster. I braved the Garden Café buffet once—once—and nearly had an anxiety attack trying to navigate the chaos of breakfast crowds. After that, I happily retreated to calmer options.

After that, I found my rhythm with The Local Bar & Grill, where the food was consistently good and the atrium view offered endless entertainment—karaoke, game shows, and some truly committed line dancing. Prime people-watching territory. The American Diner became another reliable favorite for casual meals and comfort food done right.

But the meal that stole my heart was at Le Bistro. The escargot was perfection—creamy, garlicky, and easily the best bite I had onboard—and the service was as polished as any fine-dining restaurant on land. Onda by Scarpetta, on the other hand, was a bit uneven: lovely atmosphere, but the meal didn’t quite live up to its reputation. The desserts, however? Delish!

Specialty dining does cost extra (or can be covered with dining credits), but the elevated menus and quieter ambiance make it worth every penny. My real wish? That there were a specialty option open during the day, because the food and experience in those venues truly shine.

No, you don't have to choose. You can have both!

Each port brought a different kind of wonder:

• Juneau: Whale watching surrounded by misty peaks and breaching humpbacks. We had a simply gorgeous day and the whales were so incredible. I booked this excursion on my own because I wanted a smaller boat size, and I definitely recommend that.

• Skagway: The historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, with magnificent mountain views and fascinating history.

• Ketchikan: My absolute favorite experience: flying in the co-pilot's seat on a seaplane over Misty Fjords National Monument, soaring above waterfalls, fjords, and endless wilderness. It was an entirely different way to experience Alaska’s raw beauty. Core memory, unlocked.

Just a girl and her glacier

Traveling in early October meant many local shops were already closed, and while the towns were less crowded, everything else was packed.

Overall, the Encore is ideal for travelers who enjoy energy, entertainment, and plenty of choices. Between the incredible shows (don’t miss The Choir of Man), diverse specialty dining, and spacious staterooms, it delivers great value and variety.

Because it was late in the season, NCL made it very affordable—offering incredible deals. For me, I would have enjoyed something quieter or more exclusive. I'd explore The Haven (Norwegian's ship within a ship).

• The best time to cruise Alaska is June through early September, when wildlife is active and all excursions are in full swing.

• October sailings can still be a great value, but expect cooler temperatures and some seasonal closures.

• Remember to pack your patience getting on (embarkation) and off (disembarkation) the ship. That's when you feel the full force of the nearly 5,000 passengers on board.

• The last night onboard, you need to have your luggage in the hallway by 11 pm. Try your very best to only have a small carryon with you for the morning. Getting an elevator is next to impossible, and they really should be prioritized for those with accessibility needs.

• Add at least one or two days in Seattle before or after your cruise—there’s so much to see and it makes embarkation smoother.

• Book excursions early, especially high-demand ones like the White Pass train or seaplane tours.

• For relaxation lovers, a Mandara Spa pass is a must—it’s the ultimate retreat on sea days.

• Norwegian offers a “Free at Sea” package (sometimes called “More at Sea”) that bundles together perks like specialty dining credits, shore excursion discounts, Wi-Fi, and a beverage package. When you do the math, it adds up to serious value—especially if you plan to enjoy a few cocktails, book excursions in each port, or splurge on specialty dining. For most travelers, it’s easily worth the upgrade compared to purchasing those items à la carte.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.