Sometimes the best trips don't start exactly as planned.

I flew to Miami a couple of days before my Norwegian Cruise Line Encore sailing with Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy, looking forward to spending a little time in one of my favourite US cities before embarking on our Western Caribbean adventure.

Mother Nature, however, had other ideas.

Storms over Miami meant our flight was diverted to Orlando.

Whilst many passengers understandably panicked, this is where being a travel agent came into its own.

As soon as we landed, I quickly realised flights into Miami weren't going to happen that evening, so I jumped online and booked one of the last remaining Brightline trains from Orlando to Miami. A few fellow passengers, who happened to be standing nearby, followed my lead and managed to secure seats too. Instead of spending the night in Orlando wondering what to do next, we arrived into Miami just after midnight.

It was a reminder that travel doesn't always go perfectly, but having experience, staying calm and thinking quickly can make all the difference.

With a couple of days before embarkation, I checked into one of my favourite Miami Beach hotels, Hotel Croydon. It's a brilliant little boutique hotel in a fantastic location and somewhere I always enjoy returning to.

Those extra days gave me chance to wander along Ocean Drive, soak up the Art Deco architecture, relax on Miami Beach and spend time exploring Downtown and Bayside.

If you're cruising from Miami, I'd always recommend arriving at least a couple of days early. Not only does it reduce the stress if flights are delayed, but Miami deserves to be enjoyed rather than simply passed through.

Boarding Norwegian Encore was incredibly straightforward and within minutes we were exploring what would be home for the next seven nights.

Encore is one of Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway Plus Class ships and she's packed with things to do. Even after several cruises, there were experiences I'd never tried before.

Our first sea day was dedicated to discovering the ship. The highlight?

Without question, the Encore Speedway. Racing electric go-karts around the top deck, several storeys above the ocean, is every bit as much fun as it sounds. It's fast, surprisingly competitive and completely different to anything you'll find on most cruise ships.

For those who prefer something a little more relaxing, the Observation Lounge quickly became one of my favourite places onboard. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular panoramic views, making it the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, read a book or simply watch the ocean drift by.

Entertainment is another area where Norwegian really shines. Every evening there was something happening, from live music in the bars to spectacular theatre productions, comedy shows and vibrant nightlife. Whether you wanted a lively evening or somewhere quieter to enjoy a cocktail, there was always plenty of choice.

Food is, of course, a huge part of any cruise and Norwegian certainly doesn't disappoint. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch in the Garden Café buffet, where the variety changed daily and there was something for every taste. For dinner we mixed things up between the elegant main dining rooms and several of the speciality restaurants.

One of my favourites was Cagney's Steakhouse, where the steaks were cooked perfectly and the service was excellent. We also loved Teppanyaki, which was as much about the entertainment as the food, with the chefs putting on a brilliant interactive show while preparing everything fresh in front of us. Onda by Scarpetta served beautiful Italian dishes in a much more intimate setting, while American Diner was perfect for burgers, milkshakes and comfort food during the day.

One thing I particularly like about Norwegian is the relaxed Freestyle Cruising concept.

There are no fixed dining times or assigned tables, so you simply eat when and where you choose. It makes the whole holiday feel much more flexible and laid back.

Our first port of call was Harvest Caye in Belize, Norwegian's private island. It was exactly what you'd imagine from the Caribbean – white sand, swaying palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise water. We spent time paddleboarding alongside gentle manatees, an experience I'll never forget. Seeing these enormous but incredibly peaceful creatures in their natural surroundings was something very special. We enjoyed a very relaxing beach day. 

Our next port was Roatan, which had been on my radar for quite some time and I think it is very under rated - it is not a very wealthy island but its so worth a visit 

We visited the most amazing   animal sanctuary. Meeting rescued sloths up close was incredible, but the real highlight was stepping inside the monkey enclosure, where curious monkeys climbed around us and happily posed for photos.

Afterwards we sampled freshly made pastelitos and homemade lemonade prepared by local people, giving us a genuine taste of Belizean hospitality. It was one of those experiences that felt authentic rather than touristy. Roatán completely stole my heart.

Instead of taking an organised excursion, we hired a private driver who spent the day showing us the real island. We travelled through small villages, along beautiful coastal roads and into communities that many cruise passengers never get to see.

One of the highlights was boarding a small speedboat that took us weaving through the island's mangrove forests. Quiet waterways, abundant wildlife and the peaceful surroundings offered a completely different perspective of Roatán. It wasn't polished or commercial; it was authentic, welcoming and unforgettable. By the end of the day I knew I'd love to return and spend much longer exploring this fascinating island.

After another relaxing sea day enjoying everything Encore had to offer, we arrived in George Town, Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman is every bit as beautiful as the postcards suggest, with impossibly clear water and immaculate streets. We spent the day exploring beyond the cruise port, discovering colourful local neighbourhoods, scenic coastal viewpoints and the relaxed island atmosphere that makes Cayman such a popular destination. It's easy to understand why so many people return here year after year.

Before long we were enjoying one final sea day, making the most of the sunshine, sampling a few more onboard restaurants, watching the sunset from the upper decks and squeezing in one last visit to our favourite bars before returning to Miami.

This cruise reminded me why the Western Caribbean remains one of my favourite cruise itineraries. Every destination offered something completely different, from wildlife encounters and hidden mangroves to pristine beaches and vibrant island culture, while Norwegian Encore provided the perfect base to come back to each evening.

Would I sail on Norwegian Encore again?Absolutely. Fantastic entertainment, excellent dining, outstanding facilities and an itinerary packed with unforgettable experiences made this one of the most enjoyable Caribbean cruises I've experienced. If you're looking for a ship that offers something for couples, families and groups of friends alike, Encore should definitely be on your shortlist.