Norwegian Cruise Line·Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Encore - Panama Canal Repositioning

4.3(831 reviews)
via U.S. News · Jun 2026
|22 Nights|12 Ports|9 Sea Days

A 22-night one-way repositioning from Miami to Seattle that threads the full Panama Canal in daylight, then works up the entire Pacific coast of Central America, Mexico, and the U.S. West Coast. With calls in six countries and a two-day San Francisco stop, it's one of the longest and cheapest-per-night itineraries Encore sails all year.

SeniorsAdventure SeekersBudget Travelers

Price Range

$

Budget

DepartureMiami, Florida
Dress CodeCasual
MealsIncluded
WiFiPaid

*Prices vary by cabin type, sailing date, and availability. Confirm rates with Norwegian Cruise Line before booking.

Ship Details — Norwegian Encore

View full Norwegian Encore details

Year Built

2019

Tonnage

169,116 GT

Passengers

3,998

Crew

1,735

Decks

20

Class

Breakaway Plus

Itinerary & Route Map

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Onboard Amenities

Go-Kart Track
Laser Tag
Observation Lounge
Broadway Shows
Casino
Spa
Kids Club
Multiple Pools
Specialty Dining
Fitness Center
Virtual Reality Arcade
Waterfront Promenade
Speedway Go-Kart Track
Laser Tag Arena
Galaxy Pavilion VR
Mandara Spa
Aqua Park Water Slides
The Haven Suites
Water Slides
The Haven (Suite Complex)
Solo Studio Cabins
Theater

Cruise Highlights

Full daylight Panama Canal transit with scenic cruising through Gatun Lake
Cartagena's walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Two full days docked in San Francisco near Fisherman's Wharf
Mexican Riviera trio of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas

About the Ship

What Travelers Say About Norwegian Encore

Reviews of the ship itself — the same for every Norwegian Encore sailing. Based on 2,000 discussions.

Norwegian Encore is a 2019-built, 2024-refurbished Breakaway-Plus megaship for roughly 4,000 guests, with an energetic, activity-packed, slightly party-leaning vibe. Its calling card is the largest go-kart racetrack at sea, backed by two waterslides, open-air laser tag, and the Galaxy Pavilion VR arcade — there's always something to do regardless of weather. The 2024 refit gave it a modern, upscale look across cabins and public spaces.

What People Love

  • Largest go-kart track at sea (~1,100 ft, two levels) that extends over the ship's edge — the signature thrill draw
  • Broadway-caliber entertainment: Choir of Man and the Tony-winning Kinky Boots are rated among the best shows afloat
  • Huge all-weather activity lineup — two waterslides, open-air laser tag, and the Galaxy Pavilion VR/4D/escape-room complex

Common Complaints

  • Heavy nickel-and-diming: go-karts, escape room, specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi and spa all cost extra and add up fast
  • New $5-per-extra-entrée fee in the main dining rooms (one included entrée per person) drew widespread cruiser backlash
  • Feels crowded at ~4,000 guests, with ~10-minute waits for a buffet table on busy Caribbean sailings
See the full Norwegian Encore ship page — all 16 pros & cons, review & FAQs

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