Exploring Alaska Aboard the Norwegian Encore: A Seminar at Sea Experience

Balcony sunrise in Alaska near Juneau

I began my journey in Seattle, arriving a day early and staying at the Mayflower Park Hotel, a charming, centrally located property within walking distance of the city’s top attractions. Before embarkation, I visited the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Pike Place Market, where I caught the famous fish-throwing in action. I also stopped by the original Starbucks and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Five Point Café. It was a perfect way to kick off the trip.

Glacier Bay, Alaska

Once onboard the Norwegian Encore, I took part in several enriching and memorable excursions:

• Juneau: A Norwegian-organized Gold Panning and Salmon Bake tour. The gold panning was lighthearted fun, and the salmon bake was a highlight with fresh salmon cooked over cedar wood with a brown sugar glaze, alongside macaroni and cheese, baked beans, cornbread, and homemade blueberry cake.

• Skagway: The Klondike Bike Tour with Sockeye Cycle Company, also booked through Norwegian. We rode (and mostly coasted) down from the top of a mountain along the Yukon Highway, crossing the Canadian border back into the US. The views of waterfalls, glacial moraines, and fall colors were spectacular.

• Ketchikan: A private Viator tour with Alaska Puddle Jumpers. Our guide, Clarke, led us from one end of the island to the other, stopping at a bear sanctuary, a salmon hatchery, and a local totem pole village.

Although many shops and restaurants were closed this late in the season, each port offered a taste of Alaska’s charm and character.

Dining aboard the Norwegian Encore was a mixed experience. The Garden Café buffet was extremely crowded, especially at breakfast, and after one chaotic visit, I chose to avoid it for the rest of the trip. Thankfully, there were several alternative venues that offered a more enjoyable atmosphere.

The main dining rooms: Taste, Savor, and The Manhattan Room, all share the same menu and provided consistent service and good variety. I also enjoyed The Local Bar & Grill, located in the atrium on Deck 6, for casual breakfasts and lunches.

The specialty restaurants were the clear standouts. The Teppanyaki Japanese Steakhouse served the best food I had onboard with fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked steak and shrimp. Q Texas Smokehouse delivered hearty barbecue with great energy, and the Italian restaurant, Onda by Scarpetta, offered a cozy, upscale experience. Specialty dining does come with an extra cost (or can be covered with dining credits), but it’s worth the upgrade for food quality and service.

The Norwegian Encore truly excels when it comes to entertainment. The Broadway-style production “The Choir of Man” was phenomenal, and hands down one of the best shows I’ve ever seen at sea, with world-class talent and infectious energy. The musical revue “Icons” was another high point, featuring dynamic performances of rock and pop favorites.

The Mandara Spa was another standout. I purchased a weeklong spa pass, which gave me access to the thermal suite, a tranquil retreat with heated loungers, saunas, and ocean views. This space became my sanctuary from the otherwise busy ship. I also booked three spa treatments—a massage, facial, and cryotherapy session—all of which were excellent. The spa staff was professional and welcoming, though travelers should note that a 20% service charge is automatically added to each service.

Serene spa views on board Encore

I visited the fitness center once for a spin class, which was well-equipped but lacked the same friendly energy I experienced elsewhere on the ship.

The Encore carried nearly 5,000 passengers on my sailing, along with about 1,300 crew members, and it felt every bit as full. The ship attracts a wide range of travelers from families with young children to couples, friend groups, and older adults, creating a vibrant, energetic, and often crowded environment.

While the atmosphere was friendly and upbeat, it wasn’t particularly relaxing outside of quieter spaces like the spa. Public areas, especially the buffet and pool decks, were consistently busy, and finding a peaceful spot could be challenging on sea days.

In my opinion, this ship is best suited for multi-generational families, groups of friends, or budget-conscious travelers who want an active, social atmosphere with lots of entertainment and dining options. Travelers seeking a quiet, intimate, or luxurious experience would likely be more comfortable in The Haven or on a smaller ship.

My sailing took place during the first week of October, which is considered the tail end of Alaska’s cruise season. While I was fortunate to have no rain during the week, the skies were mostly overcast, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to mid-50s °F. Mornings and evenings were chilly, and the overall tone was gray and cool rather than bright and scenic.

Sea conditions were generally calm during the day, though there was some noticeable movement at night. We were lucky; the sailing the week prior reportedly encountered high winds and rough seas, preventing entry into Ketchikan.

Because so many shops and excursions shut down by late September, I would not recommend clients sail this itinerary in October. The best months to cruise Alaska are June through early September, when weather is milder, wildlife is more active, and all excursions are operating at full capacity.

From a travel advisor’s perspective, the Norwegian Encore offers a lively, activity-filled experience ideal for travelers who enjoy energy, entertainment, and variety. However, it’s important to match the right client to the right cruise. Here’s what I’d recommend:

For future clients:

• Choose a one-way itinerary (e.g., Seward to Vancouver or vice versa) rather than a round-trip from Seattle. You’ll experience more ports and fewer sea days.

• Combine the cruise with an Alaska land tour for a fuller view of the region’s dramatic landscapes and wildlife, especially if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

• Sail between June and early September for better weather, more excursion options, and open ports.

• Book The Haven if budget allows, given the exclusivity and tranquility provide a much-needed escape from the crowds.

• Use specialty dining credits to experience the ship’s best cuisine.

• Reserve excursions early, as they fill up fast, particularly the more scenic or adventure-based options.

• Consider a spa pass for a peaceful retreat during sea days.

This Seminar at Sea was a valuable opportunity to evaluate both Alaska as a destination and the Norwegian Encore as a ship. While this particular sailing had limitations due to timing and crowds, it provided a solid foundation for understanding how to design better, more personalized cruise experiences for my clients.

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