Curious about cruising Alaska? Here’s my firsthand look at Norwegian Encore — from Glacier Bay views on a heated spa lounger to a seaplane over Misty Fjords and the best escargot I’ve ever had at sea. Spoiler: this ship surprised me in all the right ways — with scenery, service, and just enough sparkle to make it feel Studio M-approved. 🦚
About This Sailing
This sailing was part of a Seminar at Sea, where I was invited by Norwegian Cruise Line to experience the Norwegian Encore firsthand as part of my professional development as a travel advisor.
Translation: I spent a week “working” my way through Alaska (massages, menus, and all) so my clients don’t have to guess whether this itinerary is worth it. (Spoiler alert… It is.)
Even as the season wound down in early October, Alaska delivered drama – misty mornings, snow-tipped peaks, and glaciers so close you could practically hear them sigh.
Starting in Seattle
Every Alaska cruise should begin (and end) with a little Seattle sparkle. I built in a couple of days pre- and post-cruise and did all the touristy things. Between Pike Place Market (do a food tour!), Chihuly Garden and Glass, and a revolving door of excellent coffee, it’s the perfect “ease into adventure” city. Consider it your soft launch before you start wearing puffer jackets unironically.
Cruising Through Alaska
If you think “tail-end-of-season” means dull, think again. Alaska in October is moody in the best way… fog swirling over glaciers, crisp air, and that cinematic kind of light that makes you gasp out loud and then pretend you didn’t.
The highlight of the week? Glacier Bay, viewed from a heated lounger in the Mandara Spa, wrapped in a robe with a cup of tea. Honestly, I may never recover.
Between two massages, a facial, and a blowout (priorities), the spa became my personal sanctuary. If you book this ship, do yourself a favor and spring for the thermal suite pass. It’s serenity on demand and worth every penny.
Dining Aboard the Norwegian Encore
Dining was… a journey. The Garden Café buffet was pure chaos. Picture breakfast at Disneyland with fewer churros and more elbows. I lasted one meal before deciding I value my peace (and sanity) too much.
The Local Bar & Grill: Food + Free Entertainment
My dining refuge became The Local Bar & Grill, where the food was reliably solid and the people-watching spectacular. Trivia contests, karaoke, and dance-offs oh my. I accidentally watched a male “sexy legs” contest. It was… something. I sipped champagne and judged them (who me?) lovingly (yes, me) from afar.
I also rotated through the American Diner for comfort food and a little diner nostalgia. The chicken pot-pie was delish. I may have had it twice.
Le Bistro: The Escargot of My Dreams
Then came Le Bistro, where I had the escargot of my dreams and service so polished it felt like a throwback to glamorous old-school cruising. It was, quite literally, chef’s-kiss perfection.
Onda by Scarpetta? Gorgeous ambiance, but hit-or-miss execution. (If pasta is a love language, this was… a text message.) They made up for it with their desserts – and you don’t have to pick. You get to try them all.
My colleague and I had a delightful girls night out at Cagney’s Steakhouse. We splurged for the good wine, and FEASTED. Then we hit the Karaoke session… but we’ll leave that story on the ship!
Specialty dining does come with an added cost, or can be covered with dining credits. Personally, it’s absolutely worth the upgrade for both food and vibe. My only wish? A specialty lunch option. When Encore gets dining right, it really shines.
Port Highlights
Each port had its own personality — and I fell a little in love with all of them:
- Juneau → Whale watching surrounded by misty peaks and breaching humpbacks. Pure magic.
🦚 Studio M Tip: Bring binoculars and your camera’s zoom lens – even seasoned photographers were gasping at the close encounters. And book an early departure; mornings are calmer and the whales are more active. - Skagway → The historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, complete with those sweeping, cinematic mountain views you think only exist in movies.
🦚 Studio M Tip: Sit on the left-hand side heading out of town for the best views — and grab a seat by an open window for the full “wind-in-your-hair, main-character” moment. - Ketchikan → A seaplane flight over Misty Fjords — the kind of experience that ruins all future “scenic flights” for you.
🦚 Studio M Tip: Wear dark clothing to reduce reflection in photos. It’s the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re starring in your own National Geographic special. Since I was solo, I got to sit in the cockpit. And, whoa – I will never, ever forget it.
Yes, October meant fewer shops open, but also no crowds, no chaos, and a front-row seat to Alaska’s raw, unfiltered beauty.
Entertainment + Atmosphere
The Norwegian Encore has big-ship energy: lively, packed, and buzzing. Between Broadway-caliber shows (The Choir of Man was outstanding), specialty restaurants, and more bars than I could responsibly visit in one week, it’s ideal for travelers who love options.
The Encore is a big ship – nearly 5,000! passengers at full capacity — and you feel it. The Observation Lounge, for example, was glorious when it was empty (wall-to-wall windows, sweeping views, all the cozy Scandinavian vibes), but once the crowds rolled in, finding a prime lounger felt like a competitive sport. Getting on and off the ship at ports also came with a healthy dose of patience and queuing — let’s just say I found myself reminiscing about the breezy “RockStar” priority perks on Virgin Voyages.
Because it was late in the season, Norwegian was offering some smokin’ deals, which made it a great value — but also shifted the vibe onboard a bit. Not bad, just… a different energy. If I sail NCL again, I’m definitely checking out The Haven. It’s a private, ship-within-a-ship enclave with its own restaurant, bar, pool, and sun deck, plus butler service and priority everything. Essentially, you get all the perks of a boutique luxury experience — without sacrificing the entertainment and amenities of a larger ship.
Need to Know Before You Sail
Best time to go:
June through early September is prime time for Alaska — long daylight hours, active wildlife, and every excursion in full swing. Think whales breaching, bears fishing, and landscapes so green it feels like someone turned up the saturation. You’ll also have the best shot at calm seas and clear skies for glacier viewing.
Late-season perks:
Sailing at the end of the season (late September into early October) comes with its own charm — cooler temps, snow-dusted peaks, and fewer crowds elbowing you for the same photo. The mood is cozy and cinematic, like an Alaskan version of sweater weather. Just pack layers (and maybe a hat that won’t blow off during deck selfies).
Pre-cruise plan:
If you’re sailing roundtrip from Seattle, add a night or two before embarkation. It’s an easy way to smooth travel stress and sneak in some sightseeing (or oysters and wine at Elliott’s).
🦚 Studio M Pro Tip: Pick up a bouquet from the flower stalls at Pike Place Market before boarding – they’re stunning, inexpensive (um, $25?), and instantly brighten your stateroom.
Book excursions early:
Whale watching in Juneau, the White Pass Railroad in Skagway, and seaplane tours in Ketchikan are the holy trinity of Alaska excursions and they sell out faster than you can say “glacier cocktail.” Reserve your top picks before embarkation to avoid heartbreak (and FOMO) once you’re onboard.
Spa secret:
The Mandara Spa pass is hands-down the best investment for your sanity. It’s your peaceful hideaway from 5,000 fellow passengers, complete with heated loungers, ocean views, and saunas that feel like heaven on a chilly day. Bonus: you can sip tea, watch the glaciers drift by, and pretend you’re starring in your own luxury wellness retreat. That’s what I did!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruising Alaska on Norwegian Encore
1. When is the best time to cruise Alaska with Norwegian?
June through early September offers the best weather, wildlife, and open excursions — but October brings quieter ports and cozy vibes if you’re okay with cooler days.
2. What’s special about the Mandara Spa on Norwegian Encore?
The thermal suite has heated loungers, ocean views, saunas, and hydrotherapy pools + the bragging rights of watching Glacier Bay in your robe.
3. Are the specialty restaurants worth it?
A thousand times, YES! The food, service, and ambiance – especially at Le Bistro – feel like dining in a chic Paris bistro that just happens to be gliding through the Inside Passage. Also, they cost $40-$60 per person. I’ve had Door Dash orders that cost less.
4. Should I spend time in Seattle before or after my cruise?
Absolutely. Seattle is half the fun. Think world-class coffee, glass art, glorious water views everywhere, and seafood so fresh it might wink at you.
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