I was on Encore July 2024 to Alaska. It was my first NCL cruise of 20+ cruises I’ve done but by the second day I had to comment that the food was the poorest quality of any ship I’ve been on. As the week went by, things got no better (either in the dining rooms or specialty restaurants) and in chatting with other passengers, I found everyone had pretty much the same impression as me. One lady summed it up well…..she said it’s what she would expect in a nursing home. I used the word institutional to describe the food, but you get the point. Sailing again soon on NCL and hope for a better experience. They could hardly do worse. Oh, there were a few decent items in the Garden Buffet that were OK. I’m not a food snob by any means, but something was not right with the onboard cooks that cruise. I noted this in my cruise review provided to NCL.
Thank you for sharing. My NCL Encore July 2023 cruise had fantastic food -- 7 layer cake at Cagney's, chocolate mouse in Manhattan Room, egg quiche in the Observation Lounge. Indian food in the Garden Cafe etc. Did you try any of these? Let me know how the next NCL cruise food experience is!
Check the Norwegian website for a list of complimentary restaurants. There are complimentary restaurants and then Specialty (extra fee) restaurants. Check out this video that explains complimentary versus specialty dining: th-cam.com/video/9uo4oA1OfIQ/w-d-xo.html
When will you be cruising to Alaska? Here are more helpful videos about the Norwegian Encore: th-cam.com/video/9uo4oA1OfIQ/w-d-xo.html
I was on Encore July 2024 to Alaska. It was my first NCL cruise of 20+ cruises I’ve done but by the second day I had to comment that the food was the poorest quality of any ship I’ve been on. As the week went by, things got no better (either in the dining rooms or specialty restaurants) and in chatting with other passengers, I found everyone had pretty much the same impression as me. One lady summed it up well…..she said it’s what she would expect in a nursing home. I used the word institutional to describe the food, but you get the point. Sailing again soon on NCL and hope for a better experience. They could hardly do worse. Oh, there were a few decent items in the Garden Buffet that were OK. I’m not a food snob by any means, but something was not right with the onboard cooks that cruise. I noted this in my cruise review provided to NCL.
Thank you for sharing. My NCL Encore July 2023 cruise had fantastic food -- 7 layer cake at Cagney's, chocolate mouse in Manhattan Room, egg quiche in the Observation Lounge. Indian food in the Garden Cafe etc. Did you try any of these? Let me know how the next NCL cruise food experience is!
Also, check out my NCL Encore dining tips video: th-cam.com/video/9uo4oA1OfIQ/w-d-xo.html
I will be on the NCL Encore to Alaska in September, thanks for your review on the food.
You're welcome. A new video, "Alaska Cruise: The Ultimate Packing Guide" will be posted very soon!
Which restaurants come with the cruise package?
Check the Norwegian website for a list of complimentary restaurants. There are complimentary restaurants and then Specialty (extra fee) restaurants.
Check out this video that explains complimentary versus specialty dining: th-cam.com/video/9uo4oA1OfIQ/w-d-xo.html
Just came off the Encore- Cribbean cruise- it was wonderful.
Glad to hear!