Norwegian Alaska Cruise Review: Our 7-Day Journey on the Encore

Introduction

If you’re thinking about cruising Alaska with a group, buckle up—you’re in for a wild ride! Our 7-day Norwegian Encore adventure was equal parts breathtaking scenery, seafood overload, and lessons learned. And let me tell you, when you’re navigating a cruise ship the size of a small city with 12 people ranging from teenagers to grandparents, things happen. Some good, some hilarious, and some… let’s just call them “learning opportunities.”

We took this trip in July, with a group spanning from 14 to 80 years old (yes, really). It was the first big cruise we’d taken since our river cruise through Europe—which felt like the difference between a cozy boutique hotel and a massive Vegas resort. This was also the largest ship we’d ever been on, and there were moments when we felt like we were the ones getting lost at sea… inside the Encore’s hallways.

In this post, we’re giving you the real talk—what we did right, what we’ll never do again (looking at you, massive buffet), and whether this 7-day Norwegian Alaska cruise is worth your time and money. We’re covering everything you need to know, including the ship itself, the itinerary, how we handled dining and excursions with a crowd, and even the best way to get to and from the cruise port without feeling like you’ve run a marathon.

So if you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming about it, settle in—we’ve got you covered with all the highs, lows, and helpful tips from our Alaskan adventure. By the end, you’ll know if the Norwegian Encore is your perfect match or if you’re better suited for a smaller ship—or maybe a comfy chair and a good Alaska documentary.

Ready? Let’s set sail.

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Traveling to the Cruise Port

When you’re flying in from three different cities with a group of 12 people, the first rule of thumb is: give yourself a buffer day. And boy, are we glad we did! We flew into Seattle the day before our cruise, checked into a hotel, and relaxed knowing we had a cushion for any flight delays. (Spoiler: someone from our group was delayed—but thanks to our planning, it didn’t derail our trip.)

Why We Didn’t Rent a Car

Seattle’s downtown cruise port is not rental-car friendly, meaning there’s no easy return location nearby. Instead of dealing with that chaos, we opted for the Uber route. With 12 people, this meant coordinating multiple rides every time we needed to go somewhere, which was… an adventure. Thankfully, between me, my sister-in-law, and my son, we were all “Uber qualified” and able to request rides easily.

At the Seattle airport, getting to the rideshare pick-up spot is straightforward. The app directs you to a specific parking spot where your driver meets you, which was super helpful. The only hiccup? Finding large vehicles that could fit both our group and our bags. Since we all packed carry-on only (go us!), everyone had one suitcase and a backpack—still, that added up to 24 bags. We basically looked like a parade of turtles with our luggage, but because everyone managed their own stuff, it wasn’t too chaotic.

Hotel and Morning of the Cruise

The morning of embarkation, we had breakfast at the hotel and ordered Ubers to the port—about a 20-minute ride. As soon as we arrived, the ship was impossible to miss. The Norwegian Encore is massive, and it’s docked right at the edge of the city, front and center.

Before the cruise, Norwegian contacted us through their app to choose a boarding time. This was a smart move on their part—by selecting a time in advance, we avoided standing in never-ending lines with the entire cruise population all arriving at once. While we did show up a bit earlier than our reserved time, the check-in process wasn’t super crowded, so they let us go ahead and hop in line. That small win made everything feel smoother and more organized.

Once at the port, there were clear signs pointing to the luggage drop-off spots and check-in stations. We quickly handed off our bags and got in line for the boarding process. Honestly, once you spot that gigantic ship, there’s no way you’ll get lost—it’s basically your new home for the week, towering over the docks like a floating city.

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Overview of the Norwegian Encore Cruise Itinerary

You can see cruise options similar to what we took here. There are always a lot of different options and multiple cruise lines that run this similar route. We loved Norwegian but if you have a favorite cruise line there are many choices!

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Norwegian Encore: Ship Review and Onboard Experience

Our first day at sea was the perfect time to relax, settle into our rooms, and figure out the lay of the land—and let me tell you, this ship is massive. At first, it felt a bit intimidating to navigate, but once we got a hang of the main decks, it all started to make sense. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll find onboard:

Rooms: Inside vs. Balcony—What We Chose and Why

We split our group between inside rooms and balcony rooms—and it was absolutely the right call.

• Inside Rooms: The teenagers got cozy inside rooms with bunk beds. These were the most budget-friendly option and perfect for kids who mainly just needed a place to crash after a day of adventure.
• Balcony Rooms: The couples had balcony rooms, and 100%—no regrets. These rooms had a small deck with two chairs and extra blankets, which came in handy for the colder weather once we were in Alaska.

On sea days and during the scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, the balcony was worth every penny. We could sit outside with a cup of coffee, bundled in blankets, and enjoy the breathtaking views without fighting for space on the crowded public decks. If you’re booking an Alaskan cruise, a balcony room is a fantastic investment—it gives you a front-row seat to some of the most stunning sights you’ll ever see.

Dining Experience

• The Buffet (aka Controlled Chaos): With over 3,000 passengers needing to eat at the same time, the buffet was not our favorite. After a couple of chaotic attempts (think long lines and no available seating), we made the executive decision to stick to the main dining rooms for meals.
• Dining Rooms: These sit-down restaurants were a much calmer experience, and you could actually relax while eating.
• Pro Tip: Make dining reservations before your cruise. We didn’t, and it would have saved us a lot of time and headaches.
• Snack Time: The buffet worked well for grabbing quick snacks during the day, and the teenage boys in our group had no problem handling the madness—they’d grab food and eat elsewhere since there was rarely a place to sit.

Main Areas and Amenities

• Indoor Spaces:
  • The ship’s main decks had something for everyone—shops, a Starbucks lounge, a few game rooms, a library, and a casino.
  • There was also a massive room where something was always happening—whether it was live music, trivia, or social events. At certain this was overstimulating but other times we stopped and participated in the activities.
• Outdoor Areas:
  • Pool Deck: A large main pool, a kiddie pool with a small waterfall area, and plenty of seating for sunbathing or people-watching.
  • Water Slides: One of the slides even goes off the side of the ship! (A hit for kids and thrill-seekers.)
  • Kid and Teen Spaces: There was a kids’ lounge, an arcade, and a tubing slide that provided nonstop entertainment.

What’s Included vs. What’s Extra

One thing to know about cruising with Norwegian is what’s included in your fare versus what comes with an additional cost. Your cruise fare covers your stateroom, meals in the complimentary dining venues (buffet and main dining rooms), and access to most onboard entertainment and activities, like live shows, pools, and lounges. However, some things come with an extra charge, including specialty dining restaurants, the go-kart track, arcade games, spa services, and certain fitness classes. Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee (hello, Starbucks lovers), shore excursions, and Wi-Fi packages are also extra expenses to plan for. Norwegian often runs promotions that bundle some of these add-ons, like drink packages or dining credits, so it’s worth keeping an eye out when booking.

By the end of our first day, we had our favorite spots mapped out and knew where to go to avoid the crowds. The Norwegian Encore really does have something for everyone—it just takes a little time to figure out the flow of the ship and where you’ll feel most comfortable.

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Packing for a Norwegian Alaska Cruise

When packing for an Alaskan cruise, you want to strike the perfect balance between staying warm, looking put-together for dinner, and not overpacking like you’re starring in a survival show. Since we all packed carry-ons only (applause, please), this meant mix-and-match outfits, layering essentials, and smart packing tricks. Here’s what worked for us—and what we wish we’d packed differently.

Clothing Essentials: Capsule Wardrobe for the Win

We aimed for pieces that could be worn more than once and mixed and matched easily:

• Tops (6 total): A mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve options.
• Bottoms (4 casual pants + optional shorts): Jeans, leggings, or anything comfortable. Shorts aren’t always needed but can be nice for warmer port days.
• Lightweight sweatshirt (1): Perfect for layering over a thermal or t-shirt.
• Thermal sets (2): We only packed one set and wished we had brought two! Excursions often took us into the mountains where it was noticeably colder, and layering is a lifesaver.
• Tennis shoes (1 pair): Shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty for excursions.
• Waterproof boots (1 pair): A must-have for excursions, especially in wet or muddy areas.
• Socks (7 pairs): You’ll want extras if your feet get wet on excursions.
• Underwear (8 pairs): More than one per day, because you never know.

Swim and Lounge Gear

• Swimsuit (1): For the brave souls hitting the hot tub or pool, even in Alaska!
• Sandals (1 pair): Easy to slip on by the pool or wear around the ship.

Outerwear for Alaskan Weather

• Travel Outfit (worn on embarkation and debarkation days):
  • T-shirt
  • Hoodie
  • Heavy coat
  • Gloves and a hat (Alaska mornings can be crisp!)
  • Tennis shoes

Optional “Dress-Up” Items

Norwegian’s “Cruise Your Way” philosophy means there’s no formal dress code in the restaurants—just wear appropriate clothes (no swimwear or pajamas).

• Dinner Outfits (Optional): If you like to dress up for dinner, feel free to bring 1–2 dressy outfits. Think nice tops with jeans, dresses, or slacks—nothing too fancy unless you want to.
• Dress Shoes (1 pair): If you plan on dressing up, a simple pair of dress shoes will do the trick.

Backpack Must-Haves

A solid backpack is key for your travel day and excursions. Here’s what we packed in ours:

• Small toiletry bag: Travel-sized essentials (toothpaste, body wash, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lotion, cologne/perfume, razor).
• AirPods and Phone: Because you’ll need tunes for those scenic sea days.
• Sunglasses: Essential, especially when the sunlight reflects off the water and snow—it’s bright.
• Gum: For flight ears or fresh breath after that morning coffee.
• Small day bag for excursions: You can share this with someone if you prefer to travel light.
• Book: Because sometimes you just need to escape with a good read.
• Chargers and Portable Charger: Don’t get caught with a dead phone during glacier sightings!

What We Didn’t Need

• Formal Evening Wear: Norwegian cruises are casual, so leave the formal gowns and suits at home unless you really want to dress up for fun.
• Multiple Fancy Shoes: One pair of dress shoes was plenty—we were all about comfort during the day.

Final Tip: Layers Are Your Best Friend

Even though ports like Juneau and Ketchikan might feel comfortable, many excursions take you into colder areas where you’ll be thankful for layers and extra thermal sets. On scenic cruising days, you’ll appreciate having a coat, thermal set, and a blanket on your balcony as you watch the glaciers float by.

Packing carry-on only saved us time at the airport and the port—and no one had to wrestle a giant suitcase. Just remember: waterproof boots and warm layers will make all the difference in Alaska!

Day-by-Day Details and Excursions

Day 1: Embarkation Day – Seattle, WA

Embarkation day is equal parts excitement and organized chaos. When we arrived at the port, the first thing they did was take our larger suitcases to load them onto the ship, and they delivered them directly to our rooms later in the afternoon. This means you’ll want to keep a backpack or personal bag with your essentials for the day—kind of like your “day one survival kit.” The same thing happens the night before you disembark—they’ll pick up your luggage the night before and whisk it away, so that backpack will also double as your overnight bag when you’re leaving.

We stuck to the carry-on-only strategy, with one personal item and one carry-on suitcase per person. No checked luggage, no worries. (It’s a game-changer for group travel!)

Now, let’s talk about the morning before we boarded. We couldn’t get on the ship until around 1 PM, which left us with a bit of a slow morning. Since we stayed near the airport, we didn’t really have any convenient options for exploring before heading to the port. In hindsight, booking a hotel downtown near the port would’ve been smarter—we could’ve dropped off our luggage at the hotel and explored nearby spots like Fisherman’s Wharf or Pike Place Market to make the most of our morning.

But, since we opted for convenience near the airport, we ended up hanging out, having breakfast, and taking things slow until it was time to catch our Uber to the port. The ride took about 20 minutes, and we arrived at the port ready to board the Norwegian Encore. The sight of that massive ship docked at the water’s edge was awe-inspiring—it was impossible to miss!

Once we got through security and check-in (which was much smoother thanks to our pre-selected boarding time), we walked up the gangway and officially boarded the ship. And just like that, our Alaskan adventure began!

Day 2: At Sea – Exploring the Ship

Our first full day at sea was all about exploring the Norwegian Encore and settling into ship life. With no ports to rush off to, we took our time wandering through the shops, lounges, and activity areas. One thing to know: the shops onboard are only open during sea days or when the ship is in international waters—they close when we’re docked at port to follow tax and customs regulations. So, if you’re eyeing that cute sweatshirt or a bottle of duty-free perfume, you’ll need to plan your shopping accordingly.

We even found ourselves at an art auction, which was both fascinating and entertaining—who knew watching people bid on artwork could be so dramatic? Everyone in our group did their own thing during the day. Some hit the observation deck for quiet time with a book, while others explored the pool and lounges.

The kids were determined to try everything on board. They tested out the tubing slide, though only part of it was open due to windy conditions. It’s worth noting that the slide wasn’t open all the time, so you have to catch it when you can. They also braved the go-kart track—and despite the wind, they had a blast racing each other—and spent time in the arcade, which was a hit for the teenagers.

Since it was a sea day, the common areas were noticeably busier. Everyone is on the same schedule, so whether you’re heading to the pool, the buffet, or an onboard activity, you’ll need to bring a little patience when navigating the ship.

In the evening, we regrouped for dinner, swapped stories from the day, and ended the night with a family game of Phase 10 (because what’s a family trip without a little card game rivalry?). It was the perfect way to wrap up a full day of fun, food, and exploring.

Day 3: Juneau, AK – Whale Watching Adventure

Our first port stop was Juneau, and we kicked things off with a whale-watching tour—and wow, what an experience! After boarding the tour boat, we settled in for the 45-minute ride out to the prime whale-watching location. It’s worth noting that a good chunk of the excursion is spent getting to and from the viewing area, so prepare for some scenic cruising before the real action begins.

But once we arrived, it was absolutely worth it. The water was calm, the mountains framed the horizon, and then… whale tails! We spotted several humpback whales, watched them breach and dive, and learned so much about these incredible creatures from the onboard guides. They also shared important info about the efforts to protect the whales, including safe boating practices near whale pods to avoid stressing or injuring them.

The highlight of the day? We got a special treat—a mama orca and her one-year-old calf! Seeing them in the wild was surreal and humbling. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

What to Wear

Even though the weather was clear and beautiful, the air was cold out on the open water. We were really grateful for our layers—coats, hats, and thermal tops made all the difference in staying comfortable while enjoying the views.

If you’re planning a whale-watching tour, remember that you’ll be outdoors for most of it, so dress for the wind and bring your camera—this is the kind of excursion where you’ll want to capture every moment.

After our tour, we had some free time to soak in the beauty of Juneau before heading back to the ship, feeling both inspired and a little in awe of Alaska’s incredible wildlife.

Day 4: Skagway, AK – Goldbelt Tram Tour & White Pass Deluxe Tour

Skagway greeted us with misty mountain views and a packed schedule of adventures. We booked the Goldbelt Tram Tour and the White Pass Deluxe Tour—both offered some incredible sights, but we also learned a thing or two about choosing the right excursion.

White Pass Deluxe Tour

We boarded our bus and headed up the famous White Pass route, known for its jaw-dropping views and rich Gold Rush history. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t fully cooperate—it was incredibly foggy for most of the ride. The driver tried their best to make it fun, pointing out landmarks we could’ve seen (if not for the fog), but we still got a few clear moments where the mountains and valleys peeked through. And when they did? Absolutely breathtaking! Even with the fog, we could tell how stunning this route is.

Goldbelt Tram Tour

The Goldbelt Tram Tour added a quirky and memorable touch to our day. Our bus driver was a bit “out there” in the best way possible, cracking jokes and making the ride feel like a fun storytelling session. The tram itself takes you up the mountain, offering panoramic views of Skagway and the surrounding wilderness.

Pro Tip: Your Goldbelt Tram ticket is valid for the entire day, so you can ride it as many times as you like. We didn’t end up going twice, but it’s nice to have the option if you want to go back later for sunset views or a second look.

What We Learned

Here’s where we had a bit of confusion: there’s a train tour and a tram tour, both with “Goldbelt” in the name. The tours are similar, but the actual train takes you up the same path along the mountain tracks, offering a more nostalgic, classic ride. We mistakenly booked the bus version, thinking it was the train, but it was still a good experience. Next time, though, we’d love to ride the train for that authentic railway adventure. Lesson learned: read the excursion descriptions carefully!

Even with the foggy weather and the slight mix-up, we had a great day in Skagway. The combination of history, nature, and quirky local charm made it a memorable stop on our cruise. 

Day 5: Glacier Bay, AK – Scenic Cruising and Glaciers Galore

Glacier Bay day is technically a sea day, but it’s unlike any other day on the cruise—it’s basically a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest shows. The morning started with the National Park Service boarding the ship to give live commentary and educational talks about the bay’s history, wildlife, and the glaciers themselves. If you wanted to catch all the details, you could head to the main lounges or observation areas where their commentary played over the speakers.

Bonus for National Park Fans: The park rangers also set up a station to stamp National Park passports—so if you’re a collector, don’t miss that!

Cruising Glacier Bay

Once we reached Glacier Bay, the ship slowed down and did two full 360-degree rotations, giving everyone a chance to see the incredible ice formations from every angle. The ship’s slow spin made it easy to take in the views without feeling rushed. Throughout the day, the ship also passed by two additional glaciers, each one more awe-inspiring than the last. The sheer size and brilliant blue ice left us all speechless.

Why the Balcony Was Worth It

This day was when we knew the balcony rooms were worth every extra penny. Having our own private space to sit with blankets and take in the views felt like such a luxury. The kids rotated through our room throughout the day, so everyone got a chance to relax and enjoy the glaciers up close without the crowds. There’s just something magical about sipping coffee in your pajamas while watching towering glaciers drift by outside your window.

A Relaxing and Educational Day

There was no rush, no strict schedule—just a day full of quiet wonder and learning. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or someone who just wants to enjoy the view, Glacier Bay day is one of those experiences you’ll carry with you long after the trip ends.

Day 6: Ketchikan (Ward Cove), AK – A Morning Well Spent

Ketchikan was one of our favorite stops, but unfortunately, it was also our shortest. We only had the morning to explore, so we made the most of it!

Getting into Town

Norwegian docks at Ward Cove, which is about a 25-minute bus ride from downtown Ketchikan. The process of loading and unloading a large group of passengers is no small feat, but Norwegian has streamlined things by creating a designated “bus station” at Ward Cove. Think of it as a mini marketplace inside a giant warehouse—complete with shops and booths from local vendors. It’s like a small version of downtown Ketchikan itself, which was perfect for grabbing a few souvenirs on the way back without feeling rushed.

Exploring Downtown Ketchikan

Once we arrived in town, we made our way to the famous boardwalk area. The charming streets and waterfront shops had a laid-back vibe, and wandering around was a great way to soak in the town’s character.

We had a simple plan: explore the shops and sights until the local lunch spots opened at 11 AM. There were several great options to choose from, and after a delicious meal, we headed back to the bus station to catch a ride back to the ship.

The Bus Ride Back

The ride back to Ward Cove was an impressive operation, though it did feel a bit like a cattle call with so many people trying to board at once. They used every type of bus imaginable to shuttle thousands of passengers back to the ship as quickly as possible. It was a bit chaotic, but credit where it’s due—it was efficient and got the job done.

A Stop Worth More Time

If we could change one thing, we’d have loved more time in Ketchikan. The town is full of charm, with its boardwalks, shops, and local eateries, and a few extra hours would’ve been amazing. But even with the limited time, it was one of the most fun and memorable stops on our trip.

Our last port stop was Victoria, BC, and it was definitely a unique one since we didn’t arrive until 8 PM. Luckily, in the summer, the sun doesn’t set until around 10:30 or 11 PM, so we still had a couple of hours to explore.

Getting to Butchart Gardens

We’ve been to Butchart Gardens before, but it’s one of those places that’s so beautiful, it’s worth visiting again—especially with the kids. If you’ve never been, trust us: this is something you don’t want to miss. The gardens are a stunning blend of color, history, and peaceful walking paths, and they feel almost magical at dusk.

Getting there, however, took some strategic decision-making. There’s no Uber service at Butchart Gardens, and when 3,000 people all disembark at the same time, it can feel a bit chaotic as everyone scrambles for a ride. We had to choose between waiting in long bus lines, trying to grab a cab, or finding another option.

A Luxurious Surprise

Enter the luxury bus driver. We happened to run into a private driver who offered us a ride directly to the front door of Butchart Gardens for not much more than what the cabs were charging. After some good-natured family debating over whether to splurge on the cost, we caved and took the ride—and it turned out to be a great decision. He even offered to pick us up afterward, which saved us from the stress of finding transportation back. Having a private driver gave us some extra time to enjoy the gardens and made the evening feel a little more special.

The Butchart Gardens Experience

As always, the gardens were absolutely breathtaking. We wandered through the different sections, admiring the perfectly manicured flowers and lush greenery as the sky turned a soft summer pink. To top it all off, there was a fireworks show at the end of the night, complete with music. Watching the fireworks from within such a beautiful setting felt like the perfect way to end our time in Victoria.

Final Thoughts

Even though we only had a few hours, Butchart Gardens made it worth it. The late arrival and short timeframe didn’t leave room for much else, but sometimes, a single incredible experience is enough. Thanks to our lucky find with the private driver, we avoided the crowds and made it back to the ship on time, wrapping up our last night with a bit of magic.

Day 8: Debarkation – Back to Seattle and Heading Home

Debarkation day is always a bit hectic, but Norwegian has their process down to a science—as long as you follow their system. The night before, you’ll need to pack up your luggage and leave it outside your door for the crew to collect. I know that sounds sketchy (who leaves their suitcase in the hallway?), but trust me, it’s the easiest way to get your luggage off the boat. Trying to drag a carry-on down flights of stairs because the elevators are packed? Not a good look—especially when thousands of people are doing the same thing.

The Debarkation Process

When you’re close to your final day, Norwegian will give you color-coded tags based on your debarkation time. You can select your preferred time in advance using the app, and they’ll deliver the tags to your stateroom the day before. The color tags correspond to the time slots for leaving the ship and help keep the process (relatively) organized.

You’ll want to keep your backpack or personal bag with your clothes for the next day, plus any toiletries you need. Once your luggage is picked up, you won’t see it again until you’re off the ship and inside the terminal.

Our Morning Routine

Since our flights weren’t until the afternoon, we didn’t need an early debarkation time. We took it slow, enjoyed a lazy breakfast together, and then left the ship around 11 AM. By that time, the crowd had thinned out a bit, so picking up our luggage at the terminal was easy.

Getting to the Airport

We caught Ubers back to the airport, and that’s where we hit our one hiccup. One member of our group had a much later flight and needed to check her bag because of some souvenirs she couldn’t carry on. Unfortunately, airports won’t let you check your luggage more than three hours before your flight for security reasons. She ended up having to wait until her check-in window opened, which left her sitting around for a while. In hindsight, we should’ve tried to coordinate flights that were closer together. But with people flying out to three different states, that’s not always easy to pull off.

Final Thoughts

The debarkation process can feel overwhelming, but as long as you follow the color-tag system and have a plan, it’s pretty efficient. The key is to be patient and travel light if you can—especially when navigating a busy airport. Even with our one mix-up, we made it home safe and sound, with plenty of stories and memories from an unforgettable trip.

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Traveling as a Large Group: Lessons in Flexibility and Connection

When you’re traveling with a large group—especially when it’s 12 people spanning multiple generations—you quickly realize that having a mix of structure and flexibility is the key to keeping everyone happy.

Be Patient and Go with the Flow

First things first: be patient. Coordinating a large group means things will rarely go exactly as planned. Someone will want to sleep in. Someone else will want to see everything at 7 AM. It’s important to be flexible and okay with people making their own plans. After all, everyone’s on their own vacation, and that vacation will look different for each person. If someone wants to skip an excursion and lounge by the pool, let them! Giving people the freedom to create their own experience makes the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Intentional Meet-Ups

Even though everyone may have their own itinerary during the day, it’s important to create intentional plans to meet up. Plan at least one meal a day together—it’s a great way to swap stories, share highlights, and reconnect. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, having a set time to regroup helps maintain a sense of togetherness without forcing a strict schedule.

Plan Group Activities—But Keep It Flexible

Choose a few key activities that everyone can do together, but don’t be too stuck to the original plan. Sometimes unexpected opportunities pop up—like discovering a new show onboard or deciding last-minute to ride the go-karts. That’s okay! The point is to create shared memories without feeling like you’re running a race to check off every item on a schedule.

Discuss the Next Day’s Plans

One of the best ways to avoid people feeling left out or confused is to discuss the next day’s plans as a group. This gives everyone a chance to decide what they want to join or if they prefer to do their own thing. It also helps avoid that awkward “Where’s everyone going?” moment where people feel left behind.

Final Thoughts on Group Travel

Traveling with a large group can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The key is balancing together time with solo time and being intentional about creating moments to connect. By letting go of rigid expectations and embracing a bit of spontaneity, you’ll find that the best memories often come from those unexpected adventures.

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Final Thoughts: Our Verdict on the Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise

After a week on the Norwegian Encore, our overall takeaway is that we prefer smaller boats—but we can definitely see why larger ships appeal to so many travelers, especially those in our group. The larger boats truly offer something for everyone. Whether it’s racing go-karts, lounging by the pool, or enjoying live shows, there’s always something happening. That said, for us, the sheer size and constant buzz of activity meant it wasn’t quite as relaxing as a smaller cruise experience.

That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy Norwegian’s service—because we did! The customer service onboard was fantastic, and we loved the variety of restaurants, shops, and events. Norwegian partners with independent vendors to run their stores, auctions, and other experiences, and we had so much fun getting to know some of the staff and forming connections with the vendors we met.

Why We Love Cruising

Cruising really is one of our favorite ways to travel. It’s like a floating hotel that takes you to a new destination every day—no packing, unpacking, or worrying about transportation. And for a large group, it’s an easy way to keep everyone entertained with built-in dining, activities, and excursions.

Traveling with Kids

The kids did great on the cruise. We set some ground rules upfront—like making sure the girls and younger kids never went anywhere alone—and that worked well. One thing that made communication easier was being able to text each other using our Apple devices. Since everyone in our group had an iPhone, we stayed connected most of the time, even without a Wi-Fi package. Just something to consider if you’re cruising with a group!

Biggest Takeaway: Plan Ahead

Our biggest piece of advice is to plan ahead as much as possible. Dining reservations, excursions, and even some onboard activities fill up quickly. Once you’re on the ship, last-minute bookings can be nearly impossible. The more you can pre-book before you board, the smoother your trip will be.

Final Verdict

Would we cruise with Norwegian again? Definitely! Their service, dining options, and variety of excursions were all top-notch. Would we choose another large ship soon? Probably not—we’ll likely wait a bit before tackling a ship of this size again. But if you’re traveling with a big group or a mix of ages, the variety of activities on a large ship like the Encore makes it a fantastic choice.

In the end, this trip was filled with unforgettable memories, spectacular views, and meaningful time with family—and that’s really what it’s all about.

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