Cruising the Caribbean on the NCL Encore

I was lucky enough to be invited on to a Norwegian Cruise Line ship called Encore and oh my goodness was she incredible!!

Setting Sail from Miami 

I couldn't believe I was in Miami, I've seen it on so many TV shows/films and Grand Theft Auto haha! We were only there for the night before we set sail, but walking around in the evening was such a vibe, the lights and the atmosphere, it was buzzing. I went to Miami beach the next morning and then had the most amazing American diner waffles, before saying goodbye to my husband and heading to the port to join some TC colleagues and friends for a cruise of a lifetime (my husband had surprised me in Miami, I thought I was seeing things :) but that's another story.)

The excitement hit me the moment I stepped onto Encore. The ship itself feels like a floating city, packed with restaurants, shows, a go-kart racetrack, and a mix of cozy corners and lively spaces. As we pulled away from Miami, we danced for hours and had so much fun at the sail away party.

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First Stop: Belize 

Our first destination was Belize, a country overflowing with culture, lush greenery, and underwater wonders. 

NCL have their own exclusive Island here called Harvest Caye and it was stunning. Designed exclusively for cruise guests. It features a stunning seven-acre white sand beach, a large lagoon-style pool with a swim-up bar, and lush natural spaces perfect for relaxation or adventure. You can snorkel vibrant reefs, zipline across the island, paddle through calm waters, or simply unwind in a private cabana - all while enjoying authentic Belizean food, culture, and wildlife encounters just steps from your ship. 

I chose to explore the area through a shore excursion, we saw a howler monkey, crocodiles, iguanas and lots of beautiful bird wildlife. 

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 Roatán, Honduras: An Island Paradise

 Next on the itinerary: Roatán, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras and an absolute gem for ocean lovers.

Roatán’s beaches look airbrushed - powdery sand, palm trees swaying, and water so blue it doesn’t seem real. From the moment I arrived, the vibe was relaxed and welcoming. Many visitors come for the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and it’s easy to see why: the snorkeling and diving here are incredible. Colorful coral, tropical fish, and warm waters made it one of the most memorable stops of the entire cruise. We chose to visit a local beach for some downtime, dip in the water and to enjoy it's beauty.

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Grand Cayman: Elegance Meets Island Bliss

Our final port of call was the famous Grand Cayman Islands, home to Seven Mile Beach and some of the clearest water in the Caribbean.

Grand Cayman feels polished and serene at the same time. I spent my day soaking in the sunshine, wandering through local shops, and enjoying the calmness of the island. If you’ve ever seen photos of those impossibly blue waters, they don’t lie - the clarity is unbelievable. We went to give the stingrays their breakfast in their natural environment and being in the ocean is not something I do alot, out of my comfort zone, but the memories I made with friends is priceless.

The ship

After days of exploring, sunbathing, and soaking in new experiences, the journey back to Miami was the perfect chance to enjoy the ship once more. Between evening shows, delicious dinners, and those peaceful moments on the deck under the stars, the Encore really felt like home at sea.

We experienced the race track on the top, which was such an incredible experience for everyone, so much fun and left us feeling an adrenaline rush. Beer tasting isn't my thing, but it was a laugh and fab group activity and the Galaxy Pavilion which is full of VR high-tech was hilarious, we were screaming, laughing and just having the best time. The food is unbelievable and really something for everyone, if you would like a gourmet restaurant or more relaxed dining. The packages on this ship mean you can really enjoy the food and speciality restaurants without spending extra.

There were slides onboard but I wasn't brave enough for those, would you be? 

There is the adults-only Vibe Beach Club and a luxurious Mandara Spa with thermal suite - which we made the most of and oh wow, what a treat!

Can I go back now please?!?!

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Final Thoughts

My cruise on the NCL Encore was the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and Caribbean beauty. Each destination had its own charm—Belize’s nature and culture, Roatán’s vibrant underwater world, and Grand Cayman’s elegance and beaches. If you’re dreaming of a getaway filled with turquoise waters, warm sunshine, and unforgettable island experiences, this itinerary is one I’d absolutely recommend. And ofcourse adding Miami on too, gives it an extra flair of excitement and mix of adventure.