We cruised to Alaska again on NCL Encore. Same number of days. Same itinerary. This time, we upgraded to The Haven. And, it was the best decision we made. Here’s our review.
The last time we sailed on Encore to Alaska, we fell hard for Alaska, but we got off the ship feeling a little overwhelmed. Not because the sailing itself was bad, but because it was packed. The common areas were always crowded, and it was hard to find a quiet spot to take it all in, unless you had a balcony. We weren’t sure we’d book a Breakaway Plus class ship for Alaska again. It was peak summer, and it felt like everyone was on vacation. We figured we’d try a smaller ship or a different cruise line next time.
Then we started planning a group cruise with family, including kids, and suddenly Encore was back on the table. Since it was a rare family vacation, we decided to go all out and book The Haven to share the experience. But the plans fell apart. With final payment approaching, we chose to go anyway—just the two of us—and stick to the original itinerary, even though we had already sailed Alaska on Encore before.
I’m so glad we did. It turned out to be one of the best cruise experiences we’ve ever had. In this post, I’m sharing what it was like to cruise to Alaska in The Haven on NCL Encore, along with what we enjoyed—and didn’t—throughout the rest of the ship.
7-Night Norwegian Encore Alaska Itinerary
Day 1 – Seattle, WA
Day 2- Sea Day
Day 3 – Juneau, AK
Day 4 – Skagway, AK
Day 5 – Cruising Glacier Bay
Day 6 – Ketchikan, AK
Day 7 – Victoria, Canada
DAY 8 – Seattle, WA
Norwegian Encore typically sails Alaska itineraries from April through October. During the winter months, it heads to the Caribbean before repositioning back to the West Coast for the Alaska season.
NCL Encore to Alaska: Our Experience with The Haven
The Haven Embarkation in Seattle and Muster Drill
Where does Norwegian Encore dock in Seattle?
Norwegian Encore uses Pier 66, right in the heart of Seattle’s waterfront.
Embarkation this time was night and day compared to our last Alaska sailing, which took us almost 2 hours of waiting in line. One of the Haven Perks is priority check-in. Depending on the port, a separate security line may be available; however, this is not always the case. In Seattle, we did have priority security, which made everything move quickly. We checked in, waited briefly in the lounge, and were then escorted onto the ship.
The muster drill was completed immediately after boarding. From there, we were escorted straight to The Haven via the elevators. Once inside The Haven complex, we were welcomed by the concierge—Dipti, during our sailing—who gave us a great introduction and asked us to let his team know which reservations we wanted help with.
Lunch wasn’t quite ready yet, so we sat in The Haven’s observation lounge for some light snacks and coffee before heading to our cabin to drop off our carry-on backpacks.
Read more: Your Guide to Seattle Cruise Port
Norwegian Encore: The Haven Proper
One thing Norwegian gets right with The Haven on its Breakaway Plus Class ships is the hotel-within-a-ship experience. Everything exclusive to Haven guests, including the bar, lounge, restaurant, sun deck, and many of the cabins, is located in one self-contained area. Some refer to this as “The Haven Proper,” and that’s exactly what it feels like—a private retreat away from the rest of the ship.
The Haven Bar
We didn’t spend a lot of time at The Haven Bar, but when we did, the difference in drink quality was noticeable. Order a cocktail here, and it’s carefully crafted. Order the same one elsewhere on the ship, and it’s just not the same. The bartenders in The Haven take more care, and it shows.
Read more: Cocktails NCL Guests Keep Ordering Again and Again
The Haven Courtyard
The Haven Courtyard is a covered pool area located inside the complex, featuring two levels of seating that surround it. It doesn’t have a large pool—just a small one and a single hot tub—but that setup works well for a sailing like this, where the weather can be unpredictable. We didn’t end up using the space ourselves, but it was never crowded. A few families came through, and every so often, someone would be relaxing in the hot tub.
The Haven Observation Lounge
One of the standout features of The Haven on Norwegian Encore is the private observation lounge. Since it’s located at the front of the ship, it’s ideal for scenic itineraries like Alaska. Only three Breakaway Plus class ships have a Haven observation lounge—Encore, Joy, and Bliss—and all three sail during the Alaska season.
It reminded us of the main observation lounge on Deck 15, but scaled down to fit The Haven. The space felt just right. There’s plenty of comfortable seating and a small area with rotating light snacks throughout the day. Our favorite part? The fancy coffee machine that made cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso drinks at the press of a button. There’s no need to spend extra at Starbucks, although we still made a few visits.
While we had some beautiful views from here during the cruise, I wouldn’t say this is where you’ll catch the best ones. Still, it was a peaceful place to relax, sip a coffee or cocktail (servers were almost always around), read, or take in the passing scenery. Every time we stopped in, it was quiet, and we never once had trouble finding a seat, even on Glacier Bay day.
The Haven Sundeck
The sundeck on the second level of The Haven was one of the best spots to watch for whales and glaciers, especially during our day cruising through Glacier Bay. It was the only time we saw a noticeable number of people out there, but still nothing close to the crowds on other parts of the ship. I’m guessing most guests chose to stay on their balconies to take it all in. The hot tubs on this deck were the most used during our sailing.
During Glacier Bay, the staff also served coffee, hot chocolate, and liqueurs to warm up the guests. Later in the afternoon, they brought out salmon chowder. The service felt thoughtful and timed perfectly for the kind of quiet, scenic experience Glacier Bay offers.
The Haven Restaurant
Another highlight of The Haven experience is the dedicated Haven restaurant. The one on Norwegian Encore was beautiful and well-designed. It’s located on the second level of the complex, port side, with a wide span of windows that make for some of the best dining views on the ship. The staff here was phenomenal, especially the assistant maître d’, who always stopped by to chat and check in on how we were doing.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, including port days. That came in handy when we needed a quick lunch between excursions in Skagway. While the menu doesn’t change, the quality of the food was consistently excellent, and the staff is flexible if you want to mix and match. I also thought the food here was better than what we had in The Haven on NCL Getaway, which we sailed earlier this year.
Some of our favorites on this sailing: avocado toast, almond croissants, French dip, mozzarella and prosciutto, shrimp scampi, chicken Milanese, cipollini onion consommé, ahi tuna tataki, porcini risotto, steak tartare, surf and turf, roasted prime rib, banana banoffee cream, decadent chocolate, and the outrageous caramel butterscotch cheesecake.
Our NCL Encore Haven Penthouse Cabin
Our cabin on Norwegian Encore was located inside The Haven and is officially listed as a Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Large Balcony, cabin 17112 on the port side. We were just steps from the concierge desk, The Haven bar, lounge, pool, and observation lounge—everything felt incredibly convenient.
This was one of the most beautiful NCL cabins we’ve stayed in. It was spacious and comfortable, featuring a king-size bed, a small dining table for two, and a lounge sofa that could be converted into a bed for a third guest if needed. And that bed, easily one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on at sea. The mattress and linens in The Haven on Encore were exceptional. I specifically say Encore because when we stayed in The Haven on Getaway, the bedding was just okay.
The cabin also had a small coffee bar area with a Nespresso machine and a mini fridge. Our butler kept it stocked with milk and pods throughout the sailing.
The bathroom featured a double sink, a bathtub and shower combination, and a toilet concealed behind a frosted glass door.
The closet gives off the illusion of a walk-in, but it’s not quite that. There’s enough hanging space for two people and some shelving for folded items. You’ll also find several drawers throughout the cabin, though opening and closing them can be oddly tricky. Just ask your cabin attendant to show you how—they’ll know exactly what you mean.
Points to Note About the Cabin
- Outlets: There are only two U.S. electrical outlets open (one by the vanity and another on one side of the bed). Unless you unplug the Nespresso machine, in which case you get a third. There’s also a European outlet, but it’s occupied by the cordless phone (which you can unplug if needed).
- USB Ports: Each side of the bed has two USB-A ports, but they charge painfully slow. I mostly used my portable fast charger or plugged into my USB charging station.
- Hair Dryer: Mounted under the vanity area.
- Luxury Toiletries: The bathroom is stocked with L’Occitane products—hand wash and moisturizer at the sink, plus body wash, shampoo, and conditioner in the shower.
- Turndown Service: In The Haven, your cabin is serviced twice a day—once in the morning and again in the evening for turndown.
Dining Outside The Haven
Le Bistro ($)
Le Bistro is always a highlight of our cruises on NCL. The food was phenomenal. I’m addicted to their coq au vin, and it was just as good as I remembered from our last NCL sailing. As always, I finished the meal with their Ile Flottante dessert. It never disappoints.
Unfortunately, Le Bistro is still located on Deck 15—right under the go-kart track and next to the American Diner. The entire space has a constant vibration running through it, which detracts from the otherwise elegant ambiance. At least this time, we didn’t hear the go-karts. Still, I wish they had relocated this restaurant next to Cagney’s during the refurbishment, rather than expanding what I now call Outback 2.0.
Onda by Scarpetta ($)
Just as good as we remembered. If you’re craving Italian and want to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth, book Onda. The food is generous, rich, and genuinely satisfying. Even if you try to keep it light, the waitstaff will gently insist otherwise.
My husband and I shared a pizza, a couple of appetizers, and each had a main course; of course, we ended with dessert. I love that their pizza crust is stuffed with ricotta—it’s delicious and a fun surprise. The pappardelle Bolognese is pure Italian comfort, and the butterscotch budino is a must. Also, I LOVE their vanilla old-fashioned—one of my favorite cocktails on the ship.
Food Republic ($)
Disappointing. This spot has gone downhill since we last ate here two years ago, and it genuinely bummed me out. I was excited to return, only to find that the menu had changed, some of my favorites were no longer available, and both the food and service were not as good as I remembered.
The best thing on the menu was still the Black Forest Cake. I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time, but this time around, it had less chocolate on top. Since this restaurant is no longer à la carte, I can’t just pop in for dessert, which is a shame, because I probably would have.
The Local
The Local is always hit or miss, and this time, it was a miss. The carrot cake is still my favorite on the ship, but the rest of the food was just okay. Service during this visit was also noticeably lacking.
Still, I like that The Local exists. Not every cruise line offers a casual sit-down option (that’s included) outside of the buffet and main dining room, and it’s something I’ve come to appreciate on NCL ships. Even when the food isn’t memorable, having the option makes a big difference.
Read more: Breaking Down NCL’s More at Sea Program
Service in The Haven
Haven Staff Overall
Excellent. The staff at The Haven truly goes above and beyond to make sure your cruise is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From the concierge to the crew assisting with priority embarkation, disembarkation at each port and getting around the ship, they were always on it. There’s also a level of personalized service that makes the experience feel more relaxed and attentive, without ever being overbearing. Yes, you’re paying for that kind of service, but that doesn’t always guarantee you’ll receive it. In this case, we did.
Butler
Our butler on this sailing was fantastic. We usually don’t ask for much, but she practically insisted that we reach out anytime we needed anything. If anything, she taught us what to expect from a butler in The Haven.
Every day, she brought us snacks, and if we wanted something specific, we’d ask and she’d deliver it with no hesitation. She kept our coffee bar fully stocked and brought us room service on the mornings we ordered it, setting it up on the table in our room. On our first sea day, when I wasn’t feeling well, she brought me toast, green apples, and chicken soup—precisely what I needed.
Cabin Attendant
Our cabin attendant did a fantastic job keeping the room clean and organized throughout the cruise. He always greeted us with a smile, stopped to chat, and was genuinely friendly. We asked for extra pillows and a throw blanket, and he brought them without hesitation.
Entertainment on NCL Encore
The Choir of Man
This is one of NCL’s best production shows. It was our second time seeing it, and even with a new cast, it was just as good as the first. It’s fun, witty, energetic, and you leave the theater feeling genuinely uplifted. This is a must-see if you’re on the ship.
The Beatles Invasion
If you’re a fan of the Beatles’ music, then you’ll enjoy The Beatles Invasion. They aren’t the best cover band we’ve seen on NCL, but for a night of entertainment, it was nice.
There were two comedians on board during our sailing. We first saw them perform together in the main theater on the first night, and then caught one of their adult-only sets in the comedy club later in the week. Since they were only on for this specific sailing, I won’t mention names, but we thought they were hilarious.
**We unfortunately missed ICONS (a new show on Encore) and Wheel of Fortune**
Other Observations of the NCL Encore
- Quieter Sailing in May: Compared to our mid-summer cruise, the ship felt noticeably less crowded. Walking around didn’t feel overwhelming, and I think sailing before school lets out made a huge difference.
- Shrunken Observation Lounge: The Deck 15 observation lounge has been reduced in size since 2023. It already had limited seating, and now it feels even more cramped. Every time we passed through, the vibe felt tense, like it was every person for themselves.
- Pool Deck Crowds Were Manageable: Thanks to the unpredictable weather, the main pool deck never got too busy. The jacuzzis, however, were almost always full.
- Long Reboarding Lines: After port days, the lines to reboard the ship were long. Thankfully, with The Haven, we bypassed them every time.
- Spice H2O Replaces Laser Tag: The laser tag area has been replaced with Spice H2O, providing guests with additional public outdoor space. The plunge pools weren’t open yet during our sailing.
- The Waterfront: Outside of The Haven, the waterfront remains my outdoor deck.
Read more: Major Changes to NCL Encore After Dry Dock
I wish this Alaska Itinerary were better
NCL’s Alaska itineraries are not the strongest out there. You do visit the key Alaskan cruise ports—Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway—but the time in port is limited. We had half days in Juneau and Ketchikan, and just a few hours in Victoria. It’s not enough. One of my top Alaska cruise tips is to choose an itinerary with longer days in port, and once again, I failed to do that.
Had we planned this trip initially just for the two of us, we probably would have sailed with another cruise line that gave us a longer time in port. But this started as a family cruise, and the Encore ended up making the most sense. Ultimately, everything happens for a reason. I’m honestly glad we had the chance to experience The Haven on this ship.
NCL also continues to dock farther from the main cruise areas. In Skagway, they were closer this time, but Ward Cove in Ketchikan is still a bit of a trek. With the amount NCL has invested there, that’s probably not changing ever.
The Haven to Alaska is worth it, at least once
Compared to our last sailing on the Encore, this experience was entirely different. And The Haven had a lot to do with that. We had originally hoped to try Alaska on a smaller ship for a more intimate experience. Instead, The Haven gave us that feeling while still letting us enjoy the perks of a larger ship.
It is a luxury experience. One that I think is worth paying for and experiencing at least once. If you’re planning a group cruise with family, this is absolutely the way to do it—especially if you book during one of NCL’s 3rd and 4th person free promos. It’s also a great option for celebrating a significant milestone.
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Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
