Cruise the Western Caribbean with me!

Sailing into December: My Western Caribbean Adventure with NCL Encore

In December I was invited on a work trip hosted by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), combining a short city stay in Miami with a Western Caribbean cruise on board NCL Encore. It was a brilliant chance to properly “test drive” the ship, explore the ports and sample excursions, so I can share real, first-hand insight with you when planning your own holiday.

From rooftop pools in South Beach to the incredible howler monkeys in the jungle, and from high-speed go-karting at sea to slow-sipped mojitos in Little Havana, this trip packed in a little bit of everything!

Warming Up in Miami: Two Nights at The Tony Hotel

Before boarding the ship, we spent two nights in Miami, staying at The Tony Hotel on South Beach. I always recommend a pre-cruise stay where possible, and this was a perfect example of why.

• Location: Right in the heart of South Beach, with the ocean, Art Deco architecture and buzzing bars and cafés all just a stroll away. Ideal for stretching your legs after the flight.
• Look & feel: Boutique and design-led with a relaxed, beachy elegance. It feels special but not stuffy, which is perfect for shaking off the British winter.
• Rooftop pool: The rooftop pool quickly became a favourite spot: skyline views, a gentle sea breeze and the slightly smug feeling of knowing it is definitely not like this back home in December.

For my cruise clients, a couple of nights here pre-sailing would make a fantastic start, especially if you like style, walkable neighbourhoods and a bit of Miami glamour.

Boarding NCL Encore: Big-Ship Choice, Relaxed Atmosphere

From Miami we headed to the port to embark NCL Encore, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newer, resort-style ships.

Encore is a large ship, but very cleverly designed. You have:

• A wide range of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
• Plenty of deck space and quiet corners for reading, sunbathing or just watching the wake, including a top deck ‘adult only’ area called Spice H2O - perfect for couples!
• A modern, stylish interior that feels more “contemporary hotel” than “traditional ship 
  • A fabulous spa and fully equipped gym

In other words, you get all the fun and facilities of a big ship, but it does not feel overwhelming once you find your bearings.

Group Events On Board: Work, But Make It Fun

Since this was a hosted work trip, NCL had arranged a series of group activities and training for us. These are what help me bring back not just brochures, but real knowledge and personal experience to share with you.

Group Welcome Dinner

We kicked things off with a group welcome dinner. It was a lovely way to:

• Sample the food and see how different dietary needs are handled.
• Experience the atmosphere in the main dining restaurant in the evening.
• Meet colleagues and swap first impressions of the ship (and yes, compare who had packed the most shoes!)

Seminar at Sea

On our Seminar at Sea day we dove into the details:

• NCL’s wider fleet and different itineraries.
• Cabin categories and what type of client each suits best.
• On-board packages and inclusions, and where you can get the most value. Free at Sea is a complete no-brainer….it includes the Premium Beverage Package, 150 minutes Internet, $50 USD shore credit and 3-night speciality restaurant dining.

This is the kind of training that means when I recommend a particular ship or itinerary, I am doing it with a really solid understanding of what you will actually experience on board.

Choir of Man

One of the standout evenings was in the theatre watching “Choir of Man”, a high-energy musical show packed with live music, humour and a fantastic atmosphere. It felt more West End than “cruise show” and is a great example of how strong the entertainment can be at sea.

Speedway on the Top Deck

For something completely different, we had a private speedway session on the top-deck go-kart track. Yes, real go-karts, racing around above the ocean. It is one of those “only on a cruise ship” experiences and brilliant fun, whether you are secretly competitive or just happy to potter along and enjoy the views. No other cruise line has this extraordinary feature and it was great fun!

Beer Tasting & Galaxy Pavilion

We also enjoyed a beer tasting session, sampling a range of brews and learning a bit more about the flavours and pairings. Strictly educational, of course.

Then came a private session in the Galaxy Pavilion, the ship’s high-tech virtual reality and gaming area. Think immersive rides, VR experiences and interactive games that bring out everyone’s inner child. Great fun in a group, and a good option for families with teens looking for something a bit different on board.

Ports of Call: Belize, Honduras and Grand Cayman

The itinerary took us through some beautiful Western Caribbean ports, with a mix of beaches, culture and nature.

Harvest Caye, Belize: Private Island Paradise & Howler Monkeys

Our first key stop was Belize, where we docked at Harvest Caye, NCL’s private island. Think palm trees, loungers and bright turquoise water, all reserved for NCL guests.

From Harvest Caye I joined the Howler Monkey River Expedition:

• We travelled along a jungle-fringed river with knowledgeable local guides.
• The main stars were the howler monkeys, whose calls echo through the trees. Hearing them in the wild is quite an experience.
• We also spotted birdlife and other wildlife, and learned more about local ecosystems and conservation.

It was a brilliant balance to the beach time, and ideal for those who like to mix relaxation with a bit of soft adventure and wildlife.

Roatán, Honduras: Easy Pace Discovery

Next came Roatán, a lush, green island off the coast of Honduras. Here I opted for the “Easy Pace Discovery” excursion, which is just as gentle and pleasant as it sounds.

• A relaxed overview of the island, with scenic viewpoints and stops along the way.
• Time to appreciate Roatán’s natural beauty without anything too strenuous.
• Ideal if you want to see more of the destination but are not in the mood for jungle treks or zip lines before lunch.

This is a great choice for guests who like to explore at a comfortable pace, perhaps multi-generational families or anyone who simply wants to keep things laid-back.

Grand Cayman (George Town): Discover Cayman

Our final port of call was Grand Cayman, docking at George Town. Here I joined the “Discover Cayman” tour.

• We visited some of the island’s key sights and learned about local history and culture.
• It provided a lovely overview of the island beyond its beaches and shopping.
• If it is your first time in Grand Cayman, this type of tour is a great way to get your bearings and decide what you might come back for on a longer stay, or perhaps twin your stay with a few nights in Miami first.

Farewell Cocktail Reception

·         Our time on Encore wrapped up with a farewell cocktail reception: a chance to reflect on the trip, compare favourite ports and quietly wonder how we were going to return to normal life without a nightly turndown service and endless dessert options.

Back to Miami: Tastes of Little Havana

On our return to Miami, the tourist board treated us to a fabulous guided tour of the city, with a special focus on Little Havana near Calle Ocho.

This was a genuine highlight of the entire trip and would make a fantastic addition to a Miami stay:

• We visited a series of family-owned spots, each serving up a different taste of Cuban and local culture.
• Along the way we sampled:
• Plantain cups filled with chicken
• Picadillo empanadas
• Guava pastelito
• Cuban coffee
• Guarapo (fresh sugarcane) juice
• Croquetas
• Dulce de leche churros
• And of course, mojitos

We caught some Cuban rhythms, watched cigars being rolled, and learnt about local spiritual beliefs and practices. It was one of those experiences that combines food, history and people, and you walk away feeling like you have genuinely connected with the city rather than just ticked off a list of landmarks.

If you love food and culture, I would highly recommend building in a Little Havana food tour to your Miami stay. Your taste buds may never forgive you if you do not!

Who This Kind of Cruise Holiday Is Perfect For

From my December sailing, I would especially recommend this style of Western Caribbean itinerary on NCL Encore for:

• Couples and friends who enjoy good food, varied entertainment and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
• Families with teens or older children who will love the go-karts, VR experiences and big-ship facilities.
• First-time cruisers who want plenty of choice on board, combined with well-organised, easy days in port.
• Food and culture lovers who like to mix beach days with immersive local experiences, like wildlife excursions or food tours.

Let’s Design Your Own Caribbean Escape

Having experienced this itinerary and ship first-hand, I can help you:

• Choose the right cabin type and location on NCL Encore for your needs.
• Decide how many nights to spend in Miami before or after your cruise, and where to stay.
• Pick excursions that fit your interests and pace, whether that is wildlife, culture, easy sightseeing or pure beach time.
• Tailor the entire journey, from flights and transfers to private tours and pre- or post-cruise stays, so everything flows smoothly.

If this has sparked ideas for your own Caribbean adventure, I would love to help bring it to life.

Contact me to start planning your NCL cruise and Miami stay, personally designed around you.