Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Norwegian Escape

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Norwegian Encore vs Norwegian Escape

    For a cutting-edge, high-thrill experience with sophisticated touches, Norwegian Encore shines, while Norwegian Escape offers a vibrant, classic NCL freestyle cruise with a robust entertainment and dining lineup.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape really comes down to your preference for newness and specific high-tech thrills versus a slightly more established, yet still incredibly lively, 'Freestyle' experience. Encore, being newer and recently refurbished, offers a more polished aesthetic and unique attractions like the virtual reality Galaxy Pavilion and an extended go-kart track. Its dining, particularly Onda by Scarpetta, is a standout. Escape, while a few years older, holds its own with an impressive array of dining and bar options and beloved entertainment like 'The Choir of Man'. Both ships deliver on the promise of a diverse, energetic cruise, but Encore leans into modern luxury and innovation, whereas Escape provides a slightly larger capacity and a proven track record for varied entertainment and dining. If you appreciate the latest features and refined spaces, Encore might be your pick. If a broad selection of tried-and-true Norwegian experiences and a bustling atmosphere are more your style, Escape will not disappoint.

    Choose Norwegian Encore if…

    Travelers seeking the newest innovations and high-tech thrills, luxury within a ship-within-a-ship concept, and a sophisticated, modern ambiance with diverse culinary options.

    Best for

    • Thrill-seekers who enjoy go-karts and virtual reality experiences
    • Couples and adults seeking sophisticated dining and nightlife
    • Guests desiring exclusive, luxury 'ship-within-a-ship' amenities in The Haven
    • Travelers interested in Alaskan cruises with modern ship features
    • Those who appreciate a recently refurbished vessel with updated aesthetics

    Avoid if

    • Strictly budget-conscious travelers due to many extra-fee activities and dining
    • Families with very young children, as primary focus is on teens and adults
    • Those sensitive to ship vibration, particularly in aft-facing balcony cabins
    • Guests preferring a quieter, less 'big city' atmosphere
    • Individuals who dislike navigating large ships with many distinct zones

    Choose Norwegian Escape if…

    Families and groups who enjoy an energetic, bustling atmosphere with plentiful dining and bar choices, a strong emphasis on live entertainment, and robust outdoor adventure activities.

    Best for

    • Families and groups seeking abundant activities and a lively atmosphere
    • Entertainment lovers prioritizing Broadway-quality shows and diverse live music
    • Foodies who want a wide variety of dining options, both complimentary and specialty
    • Active travelers keen on ropes courses and thrilling waterslides
    • Guests looking for Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries with a bustling ship experience

    Avoid if

    • Guests sensitive to crowds and noise, especially during peak times
    • Travelers seeking a tranquil or intimate cruise experience
    • Budget-focused cruisers, as many unique dining and activities incur extra costs
    • Those who prefer newer ships with the very latest technological innovations
    • Individuals who dislike extensive walking to navigate a large vessel

    Overall Vibe

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Encore, launched in 2019 and thoughtfully refurbished in 2024, presents a contemporary and sophisticated atmosphere across its 16 decks. The ship's overall design and public spaces offer a refined feel, reminiscent of luxury lines, while still embracing the lively 'Breakaway Plus' class spirit. Signature features like the adult-only Spice H2O, the exclusive Haven enclave, and the Broadway-caliber 'Choir of Man' show define its character. It's a vessel designed for extensive vacation choices, blending high-energy activities with comfortable, elegant spaces for relaxation, creating a dynamic yet polished onboard experience.

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Escape, launched in 2015, embodies a vibrant, energetic 'Freestyle' cruising experience across its 15 decks. The ship is a hub of activity, celebrated for its extensive array of 28 dining and bar options and stellar Broadway-quality entertainment. Notable features include the thrilling Aqua Park with its free-fall slides and a challenging ropes course. While it offers a wide range of choices for every guest, the ship maintains a bustling, often crowded, ambiance, particularly in its popular public areas. It's built for those who appreciate constant activity and a lively, engaging environment.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Encore cultivates a modern, sophisticated, and high-energy 'big city' atmosphere, catering particularly well to adults and teens. Carrying 3,998 passengers with a dedicated crew of 1,735, the ship offers diverse choices, though many of its premium experiences come with extra fees. While it provides ample entertainment, it’s noted for being less suited for very young children or those strictly adhering to a budget. The vibe is dynamic and engaging, attracting those who appreciate a blend of upscale environments with plenty of action, especially within its exclusive Haven enclave and active zones.

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Escape is characterized by a loud and energetic atmosphere, with its 4,200-passenger capacity and 1,742 crew members contributing to noticeable crowds, especially during peak times. It truly embraces the 'Freestyle' cruise experience, attracting a mix of couples, groups of friends, and families, particularly during holidays and summer breaks. While there's always something happening, the bustling nature means finding quiet moments can sometimes require seeking out specific areas. The ship is designed for those who thrive in a lively, vibrant environment with constant activity and social opportunities.

    Dining

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Encore offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences, blending complimentary options with a strong emphasis on specialty venues. Guests can enjoy diverse global flavors in the included Taste, Savour, and Manhattan Room main dining rooms, or opt for the expansive Garden Café buffet. For a step up, specialty restaurants like Onda by Scarpetta offer critically acclaimed Italian cuisine, while Teppanyaki provides interactive Asian dining. Q Texas Smokehouse delivers authentic BBQ with live country music, and Cagney's Steakhouse is a popular choice for an elegant evening. The ship truly excels in offering a breadth of culinary adventures, from Mediterranean seafood at Palomar to casual American fare at The Local.

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Escape boasts an exceptional variety of 28 dining and bar options, ensuring a culinary journey for every palate. Complimentary dining is abundant in Taste, Savour, The Manhattan Room, O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill (open 24 hours), and the extensive Garden Café buffet. For specialty experiences, guests can indulge in Japanese hibachi at Teppanyaki, traditional Italian at La Cucina, or Brazilian churrascaria at Moderno. Bayamo by Ocean Blue offers elegant seafood, while Pincho Tapas Bar provides Spanish small plates. The ship also features a first-at-sea Margaritaville, adding a unique, relaxed dining spot. This diverse lineup caters to every craving, though many of the standout venues come with an additional charge.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Encore offers a thrilling array of entertainment, from high-octane activities to Broadway-quality shows. The Encore Theatre hosts productions like 'The Choir of Man' and 'Kinky Boots', while the Social Comedy & Night Club provides laughs and late-night dancing. For active fun, the ship features the exhilarating Encore Speedway go-karts and the immersive virtual reality Galaxy Pavilion. The Aqua Park includes daring waterslides like Ocean Loops and Aqua Racer. Nightlife thrives with diverse bars such as Sugarcane Mojito Bar with Latin music, Maltings Whiskey Bar, and The District Brew House, ensuring there’s always a lively spot to gather.

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Escape is a powerhouse of entertainment, delivering stellar Broadway-quality shows like 'The Choir of Man' in the Escape Theater and live rock music at Syd Norman's Pour House. Adrenaline seekers will appreciate the Aqua Park with its Free Fall and Aqua Racer waterslides, and the expansive Ropes Course featuring sky rails and planks extending over the ship's side. Nightlife is vibrant with 28 bars and lounges, including the lively Spice H2O adult-only area, the dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon, and the craft beer selection at The District Brew House. The ship provides a dynamic blend of theatrical performances, active fun, and spirited social venues.

    Cabins & Suites

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Encore offers 2,040 cabins, with a wide range from cozy Insides (135 sq ft) to the sprawling Premier Owner's Suites (1,458 sq ft). Solo travelers are well catered for with 82 Studio cabins, complete with virtual windows and exclusive Studio Lounge access. Balcony staterooms (213-425 sq ft) and Club Balcony Suites (249-439 sq ft) provide comfortable ocean views, with the latter featuring enhanced bathrooms. The pinnacle of luxury is The Haven, a keycard-access enclave offering private amenities and personalized service across various suite categories, including Haven Spa Suites with in-room hot tubs and thermal suite access.

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Escape features 2,175 cabins, designed with a contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic. Standard options include Inside (135-201 sq ft), Ocean View (161-252 sq ft, some with bathtubs for families), and Balcony (207-239 sq ft with 43 sq ft balconies). Solo travelers also have dedicated Studio cabins (100 sq ft) with access to a private lounge. Mini-suites (239-513 sq ft) offer additional space, and Spa cabins provide tranquil decor with complimentary Thermal Spa Suite passes. The Haven, a private area with 55 suites, offers an exclusive experience with a private pool, sun deck, restaurant, and concierge service, elevating the onboard luxury.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Encore embraces the 'Freestyle Cruising' philosophy, offering a modern and sophisticated onboard style. The decor and public spaces are designed to rival luxury lines, providing an upscale ambiance throughout its 16 decks. With a crew of 1,735 serving 3,998 passengers, the ship maintains a high-energy environment while still aiming for attentive service. Guests can dress resort casual or smart casual for evenings, aligning with the flexible approach. The 'Free at Sea' package enhances the value by including premium beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursion credits, particularly benefiting Haven guests who receive personalized concierge and butler service.

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Escape also champions the 'Freestyle Cruising' ethos, characterized by a lively, energetic atmosphere and a wide array of choices. While its overall ambiance is bustling and dynamic, the ship's style is contemporary and engaging. With 1,742 crew members attending to 4,200 passengers, the service balances efficiency with a friendly, casual approach typical of a large contemporary vessel. The dress code is flexible, encouraging guests to be comfortable. The 'Free at Sea' package is a core offering, bundling perks like premium drinks and specialty dining. For Haven guests, a private enclave ensures a more personalized and exclusive service experience amidst the ship's vibrant energy.

    Best Itineraries

    Norwegian Encore

    Norwegian Encore is positioned for diverse and scenic voyages, offering routes that explore the sunny Caribbean departing from Miami. It also ventures to Mexico's vibrant coasts and provides opportunities to journey through the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. For those seeking cooler climates and breathtaking natural beauty, the ship sails to the wild landscapes of Alaska, typically embarking from Seattle. These itineraries cater to guests looking for a mix of tropical relaxation, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

    Norwegian Escape

    Norwegian Escape primarily focuses on warm-weather destinations, making it an excellent choice for sun-drenched getaways. The ship regularly cruises to the idyllic Bahamas and offers extensive itineraries across the beautiful Caribbean, with many departures from Miami. For guests looking for a European adventure, Norwegian Escape also sails the captivating Mediterranean, with embarkation options from Rome. These routes are ideal for travelers seeking island relaxation, vibrant cultural experiences, and picturesque coastal exploration.

    What reviewers say

    Norwegian Encore

    4.5/5

    Norwegian Encore is a sophisticated, high-energy ship offering a vast array of quality dining and entertainment options. While it provides choices for everyone, many premium experiences come with extra costs, requiring careful budgeting to fully enjoy its extensive offerings.

    Norwegian Escape

    4/5

    Norwegian Escape is ideal for people seeking stellar theater entertainment and a vast variety of dining and bar options. While it offers a 'freestyle' experience with something for everyone, be prepared for noticeable crowds and additional costs for many a la carte offerings.

    Itineraries to compare

    Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.

    Norwegian Encore

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Norwegian Escape

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Read our guides

    In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

    Compare different ships

    Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.

    Ship A

    Ship B

    More comparisons