Central Americal and the Caribbean on Norwegian Encore

A Night In Miami: Soaking Up South Beach

Before boarding the ship, we had a night in Miami to soak up the famous South Beach atmosphere. Think pastel‑coloured Art Deco buildings, palm‑lined streets, and that unmistakable buzz along Ocean Drive.

I love the idea of adding a pre‑cruise night or two in Miami. It gives you time to adjust to the time zone, enjoy the beach and nightlife, and start your holiday feeling relaxed rather than rushed. Wandering 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 prologue to a week at sea.

First Impressions Of NCL Encore: A Floating Resort

I have experienced a few different cruise lines, but NCL Encore really stands out to me as a fantastic option for families and multi‑generational groups. The ship feels like a floating resort: modern, fun and absolutely packed with choice. What surprised me, though, was how much the “family” spaces were just as big a hit with the adults in our group.

Family Fun (That Adults Loved Too!)

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.
• Water slides: 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, again, plenty of adults.

Seeing these areas in action really brought home how well NCL caters for families. 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 huge hits with the adults in our group as well.

Grown Up Spaces, Shows & Experiences

NCL Encore is not just about family fun though. There are plenty of grown up touches that make it equally appealing for couples, friends and parents who want some quieter time and a bit of evening glamour:

• Beer, wine and whisky tastings with the onboard experts, which 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.
• World class entertainment and shows. One of my personal highlights was Choir of Man: a feel good, high energy show with incredible vocals and a brilliant atmosphere. It genuinely felt West End or Broadway standard, but at sea.
• Spa and gym facilities, 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 the 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. That flexibility is a real selling point!

Why NCL’s Free At Sea Stands Out

One of the biggest things I came away with is a much clearer appreciation of NCL’s Free At Sea package and just how strong the value is.

For a relatively modest add on, Free At Sea bundles together benefits that many clients would be paying for anyway, often at a higher total cost if bought separately. Depending on the offer at the time, this can include things like a drinks package, speciality dining, Wi‑Fi or shore excursion credits.

From my perspective, it genuinely feels like a “no brainer” in many cases. Instead of having lots of little extras to think about, you can add Free At Sea and know that a big part of their onboard experience is covered. It makes budgeting easier, adds value, and allows you to relax and enjoy more once you are on board.

The Itinerary: Three Very Different Ports Of Call

This particular sailing called at three ports: Grand Cayman, Harvest Caye in Belize and Roatán in Honduras. It is a lovely “taster” style itinerary if you are new to Central America or the Caribbean, because each stop has a slightly different feel.

Grand Cayman: Caribbean‑Blue Waters & 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.

This can be as chilled or as active as you want it to be. You might spend the day simply relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm sea and enjoying a laid‑back lunch, or you could choose an excursion for snorkelling or exploring a bit more of the island. If you  want that classic “postcard” Caribbean day, Grand Cayman delivers.

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 paradise or a pure relaxation day.

For us, it was all about adventure. In one day we managed to:

• Paddleboard on a hunt for manatees
• Paddleboard through the mangroves
• Swim in the sea
• Zipline over the trees with a fantastic view of NCL Encore in the background

It felt like an outdoor playground with the added comfort of cruise‑style facilities close at hand. Yet if you prefer a slower pace, Harvest Caye is just as good for a lazy beach day. The beaches are beautiful, and the pool area is fantastic, with plenty of space to relax. It really is a “choose your own adventure” stop.

Roatán, Honduras: Snorkelling The Second Largest Barrier Reef

Roatán, in Honduras, was a real highlight for me. Not everyone realises that the region is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, and it is absolutely stunning.

We went snorkelling and were able to see vibrant coral, colourful fish and even a wreck, which added a sense of drama and history to the experience. For clients who love the water, wildlife and a bit of adventure, Roatán is a gem. It feels a little more off the standard tourist trail, which I really liked, yet you still have the security and ease of arriving by cruise.

Who This Cruise Is Perfect For

After experiencing it myself, I would particularly recommend this kind of NCL 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 Talk About Your Own NCL Adventure?

This  trip has really changed how I can talk about NCL with you. I now have first hand experience of the ship, the Free At Sea package and the ports of call, so I can help you decide if it is the right fit for you, and how best to tailor it with the right cabin type, add ons and pre‑ or post‑stay.

If you are curious about cruising with NCL, or you like the sound of Grand Cayman, Belize and Honduras in one easy itinerary, I would love to chat.

Contact me today and let’s start planning your own NCL Encore adventure!