Here’s what a week on the water looks like
I’m in Miami, staring out of my hotel window as the sun casts a golden glow over the city. It’s early. The odd car rolls past, palm trees sway lazily, and to the right, the ocean stretches endlessly toward the horizon. That’s going to be my view for the next seven days.
Now, full disclosure—cruising wasn’t exactly high on my travel bucket list. I’d always thought of it as something reserved for the retired and the very relaxed. But let’s be honest, getting to wake up in a new country every other day while travelling in comfort? That’s a setup worth testing out.
And so, I boarded Norwegian Encore, setting sail on a 7-day round-trip from Miami, stopping at Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands before heading back.
Where You Can Visit
One of the biggest perks of cruising is seeing multiple places in a short amount of time, without the hassle of airports, unpacking, or organising a new hotel every night.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
First stop, Puerto Plata, a vibrant town with colourful streets, a mix of colonial architecture, and plenty of life. Umbrella Street and Pink Street are just as they sound—one street lined with bright umbrellas floating above, another where everything, from the walls to the floor, is various shades of pink. Tourist-friendly? Absolutely. But fun to wander around? Definitely.
British Virgin Islands
Next up, the British Virgin Islands, where the beaches look exactly like the screensavers we all stared at during lockdown. Crystal-clear waters, white sand, and palm trees at just the right angle to provide a bit of shade.
I booked an excursion that took us from a quiet beach to a panoramic viewpoint, before ending with a zip line ride through the jungle. Flying through the air with the Caribbean stretching out below is a pretty unforgettable way to take in the scenery.
U.S. Virgin Islands
My final stop was the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the beach bars were lively, the rum punches were strong, and the water was perfect for a lazy swim. Sometimes the simplest things are the best—just pulling up a deckchair and taking in the view.
Life on Board: More Than Just a Floating Hotel
Forget any outdated cruise stereotypes—this ship is packed with things to do.
The Encore Speedway is a two-level go-kart track at sea, something I didn’t think I needed in my life until I tried it. Overtaking someone while sailing through the Caribbean is a bizarre but excellent experience. Then there are the two waterslides, including The Ocean Loops, a transparent tube slide that briefly hangs over the side of the ship before sending you rushing back down. If you have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out.
The spa quickly became part of my daily routine. The Thermal Suite, with its steam room, sauna, and hydrotherapy pool, was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. Massages and facials are available too, though they come with a price tag to match their luxuriousness.
For those worried about the cruise buffet effect (easy to overdo it), the gym is surprisingly well-equipped, with free weights, machines, and even a jogging track on the main outdoor deck. Whether I used it as much as I intended is another story.
Rooms with a View
My cabin had a balcony and that made all the difference. Waking up to endless ocean views, watching the sun dip below the horizon, or just enjoying a coffee while the world drifted by—these are the small things that make cruising feel special.
The Observation Lounge is another great spot—huge floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seating, and a bar right in the middle. In the evenings, there’s live music, adding to the laid-back, hotel-lobby-meets-luxury-lounge vibe.
A Foodie’s Perspective: Cruise Dining Done Right
Food is a big part of the cruise experience, and Norwegian Encore has plenty of options—ranging from casual buffets to high-end dining. The buffet isn’t just trays of food sitting under heat lamps; there’s fresh, made-to-order food, sushi, grilled meats, and a solid selection of healthy options.
Then there are the speciality restaurants, which cost extra unless you have the More at Sea package (worth it, by the way, as it covers premium drinks, speciality dining, and WiFi).
Standout meals onboard:
- Teppanyaki – A mix of dinner and performance, with chefs cooking right in front of you, flipping knives, cracking jokes, and generally putting on a show. It’s lighthearted, entertaining, and the food is excellent.
- Cagney’s Steakhouse – A proper steakhouse experience. The portions are huge, the steaks are cooked perfectly, and the service is top-notch.
- Onda by Scarpetta – Excellent pasta and a great wine list too.
Would I Do It Again?
Wake up in a different country while floating in luxury? You bet I would. Before this trip, I had some preconceived ideas about cruising—mainly that it wasn’t for me. But now? Now I get it. There’s something undeniably cool about moving between islands without any airport faff, having a different experience every day while knowing you’ll return to world-class food, entertainment, and comfort at night.
And let’s not forget the sheer scale of it all. Moving 4,000 passengers and over 1,000 crew across the ocean, while keeping everyone entertained, fed, and happy? It’s an impressive operation, and it works. Want a party? It’s there. Want peace and quiet? Plenty of it. I miss it already.
Top Cruise Tips
- Bring towel clips – The seasoned pros know. Sea breeze + loose towels = towel on the deck below.
- Get the More at Sea package – Includes premium drinks, speciality dining, and WiFi. Makes life easier and saves money.
- Don’t worry about cash – Everything runs through your cruise card—drinks, dinners, excursions. No need to carry anything extra.
- The elevators are always busy so take the stairs – Especially after three nights of unlimited steak.
If you’re looking for a fun, stress-free way to explore multiple destinations without compromising on luxury, cruising with NCL is the way to do it. Just be warned, life back on land suddenly feels a lot less exciting.
Cruises start from £1153
ncl.com