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So too should travelers who have specific non-negotiables on things like stateroom category, ship, or itinerary. We also explored downtown Skagway, a delightful blend of the old and the new. And for the adrenaline junkies, don’t miss the helicopter tours with glacier landings.
Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Conclusion
Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. Sitka is a charming island community surrounded with stunning mountain and seaside panoramic views. The vast and rich wildlife boasts sightings of whales, brown bears, deers, sea otters, and various birds flock here. This destination offers superb fishing, and plentiful historical attractions.
Norwegian Bliss Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Norwegian Bliss - Cruise Critic
Norwegian Bliss Cruise Reviews (2024 UPDATED): Ratings of Norwegian Bliss.
Posted: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:10:13 GMT [source]
An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023
The day before our cruise our flight from Minneapolis, MN arrived at 8 AM in Seattle, Washington. It is also a good alternative for those looking for a light breakfast or lunch. Food items include danishes, mini quiche, fruit, bread, cheese, fruit, and desserts. Familiarize yourself with where your stateroom is in relation to the complimentary dining, main atrium, Observation Lounge, and pool deck. Most Norwegian Encore Rooms, excluding The Haven family villas that sleep 6, only accommodate 3 – 4 guests.
Review: Is the Norwegian Sun a Good Ship to Cruise Alaska?
Venture “where the north wind doesn’t blow.” Known for this famous saying, Icy Strait Point is the ideal landing spot for adventurers seeking a new experience. Breathtaking and exciting, Icy Strait Point truly takes you where the wild things are. It’s one of the few places in the world where wildlife outnumbers the human population. Take a cruise from Icy Strait Point and enjoy Alaska's awe-inspiring scenery and the many excursion options that Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer. For entertainment, the Stardust Theater hosts live shows, and there are numerous bars and lounges where you can enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music.
Do note that the Norwegian Encore also hosts a 13-day “cruisetour” (land and cruise combo) that includes 6 land tours, and 5 ports of call if that is of interest to you. Glacier Bay National Park is a pristine wilderness area in southeast Alaska that is famous for its stunning glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife. A cruise through Glacier Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers visitors the chance to witness the raw beauty of this...
Day 4 Glacier Bay, Alaska
The cruise line operates several ships in Alaska, including theNorwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit, and Norwegian Sun. Norwegian Cruise Line is a popular choice in the cruise industry, offering a contemporary, relaxed cruising experience on their large, state-of-the-art ships. The cruise line sails its class Breakaway and Breakaway Plus vessels on Alaskan itineraries. The blend of casual luxury and affordability has made it a preferred choice for many travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its innovative "Freestyle Cruising" concept, which focuses on flexibility, allowing guests to dine when and where they choose, and offering a vast array of entertainment and activity options. Embark on a thrilling journey through Alaska's stunning wilderness with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
The view of Glacier Bay from the ship
With all the bells and whistles of new and refurbished ships, there are plenty of dining, entertainment and activities onboard for every type of cruiser. There's a reason why the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian – we've got something for every type of traveler. The newly revitalized Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit bring that and more with beautifully renovated spaces and staterooms. Sip a cocktail with spectacular views from the coziest spot at Spinnaker Lounge or take a dip in one of five luxurious hot tubs. Whichever ship you choose, Alaska and the vacation of a lifetime await. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Magic City before sailing off to Paradise.
Our sail dates were June 11th – 18th and we have an entire article on what to pack and what to wear on an Alaska cruise, as well as the 45 Alaska cruise tips that you need to know before sailing. Disney Cruise Line exceeded our expectations in terms of its elegant design, high-end services, and enchanting entertainment and set the bar high for our future cruises. Further, we were largely impressed by the enormous amount of family-friendly activities found on the ship that we knew our kids (ages 11, 14, & 16) would love.
With a little planning and a lot of love, lifelong family vacation memories can be made at all ages, stages – and places both near and far. You don’t have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network. This was, by far, the most scenic day of our Alaska Cruise as Glacier Bay National Park is absolutely stunning. The hotel will also store your luggage for you before and after your cruise based on your flight times and if you’ll be walking around Seattle. We’ve written an entire article on how to spend 1-day in Seattle that will show you what you can realistically do and see in Seattle before your cruise.
Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska cruise vacation. The beautiful small coastal town of Seward, which is most known for its picturesque scenic views and many visitors’ attractions, is a perfect addition for your next Alaska cruise. Honolulu, with its near perfect weather every day and beautiful mountains and tropical landscapes, is a destination not to be missed. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
The port is also home to the world’s largest ZipRider, starting from the mountain peak and descending 1,300 feet. If water activities are more your speed, kayaking tours are available at Mud Bay, a serene spot perfect for paddling. In summary, Skagway is a treasure trove of experiences, from its rich history to its modern-day charm. The most complete tour of Denali and Alaskan life in the past and present. For the active, outgoing guest, this tour offers spectacular vantage points of Mt. McKinley with time to purchase an optional all-day fishing excursion in Homer - the halibut capital of the world. This program is the perfect fit for train buffs seeking a Denali and Fairbanks experience, relaxing travel days and two segments on the rails of Alaska Railroad.
The biggest difference will come down to availability and price on specific sailings, as well as preferences for ports. Norwegian Bliss visits Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier, whereas Norwegian Encore sails to Glacier Bay National Park. Norwegian Encore is quite similar to Norwegian Bliss, sailing out of Seattle with weekly sailings throughout the season. Seattle sailings provide one of the least expensive options for departing. Between tons to do onboard, and visiting 4+ ports, passengers won’t have time to get bored on a week-long cruise.
Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port. As on every day of the cruise, we spent our downtime relaxing, playing cards and cribbage in The Atrium, attending presentations & shows, eating, drinking, and enjoying the ship. NCL is not very forthcoming on when and how to make dining and show reservations, so mark your calendars accordingly. Once onboard, make reservations at the Guest Services on deck 6, or at the electronic touchscreen kiosks located at each elevator bay.
It’s a day to explore the ship’s offerings and find your favorite spots for the days ahead. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own. Norwegian Jade will make her debut in Bodrum, Turkey and Paros, Greece on her May 21st sailing as she embarks on a selection of seven-day Greek Isles roundtrip cruises from Athens (Piraeus), Greece, available through Oct. 15.
I would highly recommend the Norwegian Encore for an Alaska sailing as well as Alaska overall in terms of a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation experience. We would have liked to have experienced more shows on the ship, as well as wish the family-friendly activities (go-karts & laser tag) did not cost extra money and did not require reservations. The musical performance Choir of Man was the headliner show while we were on our cruise. It plays 4 different times during the 7-day itinerary and requires reservations.
Norwegian will visit the ancient city of Nessebar, Bulgaria for the first time during Norwegian Jade’s March 30 Extraordinary Journeys sailing. This nine-day roundtrip cruise from Athens (Piraeus), Greece through the Mediterranean and Black Sea includes a port-rich itinerary with no sea days, allowing more time to explore a new town each day. However, that doesn’t mean that last-minute bookers are out of luck. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists. This section of our Alaska cruise review provides a detailed day-by-day itinerary breakdown. We’ll guide you through each day’s highlights, port of call activities, and activities aboard the Norwegian Sun, from scenic cruising along glaciers to immersive cultural experiences.
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