Miami, Grand Cayman, Belize & Honduras

If you love the idea of turquoise seas, tropical islands and a ship that feels like a stylish floating resort, this itinerary could be perfect.

Recently I was lucky enough to travel with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) on board the beautiful Norwegian Encore, with an itinerary that took in Miami, Grand Cayman, Belize and Roatán in Honduras.

It was a brilliant blend of vibrant city, idyllic Caribbean beaches and Central American adventure, all with the ease of unpacking just once.

A stylish start: 2 nights in Miami

Because of the connections and time difference, we chose to spend two nights in Miami before the cruise, and I would highly recommend this to my clients. It was my first time in Miami and what a place it is:

• Amazing pastel-coloured Art Deco buildings
• Palm-lined streets
• That unmistakable buzz along Ocean Drive

Meandering along South Beach in the warm evening air, with Latin music drifting from the bars and the sea just a few steps away, felt like the perfect start to a week at sea. Those two nights gave us time to unwind after the flight, adjust to the time zone and really slip into holiday mode before boarding Norwegian Encore.

If you like the idea of shopping, people-watching, beach time and great food before you sail, Miami is a fantastic pre-cruise stay.

Life on board Norwegian Encore

I have cruised on other lines before, but this was my first time on an NCL ship. Norwegian Encore really impressed me and I would happily recommend it to:

• Families
• Multi-generational groups
• Couples and friends who enjoy plenty of choice

The ship feels like a modern, fun, floating resort, with so much to do.

Family-friendly fun

On board you will find:

• The Speedway: a go-kart track racing around the top of the ship. It looks dramatic and it is every bit as fun as it looks.
• Waterslides: perfect for kids, teens and any grown ups who are still big kids at heart.
• Children’s clubs and kids’ pool: giving younger guests their own spaces and giving parents some well-earned downtime.
• VR arcade: immersive and great for older kids, teens and plenty of adults too.

I was not sure if I would like such a family-orientated ship, but it has completely changed my mind. These areas are genuinely fun for all ages. There is always something to do, whether you have small children who want to splash in the pool or teens who need a bit of independent fun. And I can honestly say the Speedway and VR arcade were brilliant and I loved every minute.

Adult-friendly spaces, shows and spa

Although Norwegian Encore is excellent for families, it also works brilliantly if you want a bit of grown-up indulgence.

Evenings and entertainment

• Beer, wine and whisky tastings with the onboard experts are a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or early evening. You learn a bit, taste a lot, and it all feels very relaxed and sociable.
• There is world-class entertainment and shows. My favourite was The Choir of Man: a feel-good, high-energy show with incredible vocals and a brilliant atmosphere.

Relaxation and wellbeing

• A fabulous spa and fully equipped gym, ideal if you like to balance your holiday cocktails with a workout or a massage. The spa has a lovely, calm feel, which is a real contrast to the buzz elsewhere on the ship.
• Adults-only and adults-focused areas, such as dedicated sun decks and quieter lounges, where you can read, sunbathe or simply enjoy the sea views in peace.

What I loved most was the balance: you can have a high-energy, activity-packed day or a calm, restorative one, depending on how you feel.

NCL’s Free At Sea: why it works so well

For me, NCL’s Free At Sea package is a bit of a no-brainer and offers excellent value for money. Free At Sea bundles together many benefits that most guests would be paying for anyway. Depending on the offer at the time, this can include things like:

• A drinks package
• Speciality dining
• Wi-Fi
• Shore excursion credits

It makes budgeting easier, adds extra value, and allows you to relax and enjoy more once you are on board, without constantly thinking about additional costs.

The itinerary: a perfect taster of Central America and the Caribbean

This particular sailing called at three ports: Grand Cayman, Harvest Caye in Belize and Roatán in Honduras.

If you are new to Central America or the Caribbean, it is a great “taster” itinerary because each stop has a slightly different feel.

Roatán, Honduras

Roatán is a stunning Caribbean island, part of Honduras’ Bay Islands, famous for:

• World-class diving and snorkelling on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
• Pristine white-sand beaches such as West Bay
• Lush jungles and unique wildlife, including sloths and monkeys
• Pirate history and vibrant Garifuna culture

It is ideal if you want a tropical paradise that offers both relaxation and adventure. You can choose to lie on the sand with a cocktail, snorkel straight from the shore or head out on a reef or wildlife excursion.

Harvest Caye, Belize: NCL’s private island playground

Harvest Caye in Belize is NCL’s private island, and it really can be whatever you want it to be: an activity playground or a pure relaxation day.

You can opt for:

• Water sports and zip lines
• Excursions that showcase Belize’s natural beauty and wildlife

Or keep things wonderfully simple:

• Beautiful beaches
• A fantastic pool area with plenty of space to relax
• Beach bars and loungers where you can do very little except swim, sunbathe and recharge

It is very much a “choose your own adventure” stop.

Grand Cayman: Caribbean blue waters and easy beach days

Grand Cayman is the water of Caribbean dreams: clear, turquoise seas and soft, pale sand. The beaches are exactly what many people picture when they imagine a Caribbean escape. Your day here can be as relaxed or as active as you like.

You might:

• Spend the day simply relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm sea and enjoying a laid-back lunch
• Choose an excursion for snorkelling, visiting Stingray City or exploring a bit more of the island

If you want that classic “postcard” Caribbean day, Grand Cayman really delivers.

Who I would recommend this sailing for

I would particularly recommend this Norwegian Encore sailing for:

• Families and multi-generational groups who want plenty for all ages to do, both on board and in port.
• First-time cruisers who want a fun, relaxed introduction to cruising without anything feeling too formal.
• First-time visitors to Central America and the Caribbean who like the idea of sampling a few different destinations in one trip.
• Couples and friends who want a mix of lively activities and more peaceful, adult-only spaces.

Ready to start planning?

If this has sparked ideas for your next holiday, I would love to help you tailor it to you:

• Extend your stay in Miami
• Choose the right stateroom or suite
• Add private transfers and excursions in each port
• Build a package around your preferred dates and budget

Get in touch with me directly to start planning your own Central America and Caribbean adventure on Norwegian Encore, and I will create a personalised quote for you.