How Does Norwegian Encore Compare To Breakaway/getaway
Norwegian Encore is very similar to the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway. Norwegian Encore is breakaway plus class meaning that she is a bigger version of the ships within the breakaway class. Norwegian Encore has two sisters, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Escape, both of which are also breakaway plus class.
Many of the layout features and venues onboard are common across all ships. When walking around Norwegian Encore I definitely felt as though I knew my way around based on cruises on Getaway and Breakaway.
That said, Norwegian Encore isnt just a bigger version of Breakaway and Getaway. She also has extra attractions and venues onboard.
Do Some Shopping For Luxury Items
In the market for a new watch, jewelry, or a nice bottle of liquor? Norwegians ships can sell items tax and duty-free while at sea and there are a number of spots where you can get your fix. The shopping areas are always in the main walkways of the ship near the center so that you wont miss it during your cruise.
These Are The Ultimate Casino Cruise Ships
Gambling in the casino is a popular cruise ship activity, with many of the major ships and cruise lines having onboard games as part of their adult entertainment. The most luxurious ships have casinos that rival those on the land in style, sophistication, and even size. Not everyone goes on these cruises exclusively for gambling, but the option is there for those who love taking chances.
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Seek Out The Hidden Comfy Chairs
From the back of the ship, youll have an amazing view as you leave your troubles behind.
Located on Deck 13 just past the basketball courts youll find a group of five or six uber-comfortable loungers, each big enough to hold several people and all with killer views of the wake.
Its the perfect place to cuddle up with that special someone and contemplate just how lucky you are to be enjoying a trip on such an amazing ship!
Got a cruise vacation tip to share about the Norwegian Gem? Hit the comments and let everyone know!
Want to read more from our special guest columnist Lauren Rodgers? Visit her blog, Lauren of All Trades.
Count On A Bruising If You Gamble While Cruising
QUESTION: You’ve stated that casinos are regulated to make sure that slot machines are random and honest. Who regulates the casino slot machines on cruise ships? Phillip W.
ANSWER: Cruise ship gambling came about with the 1991 Cruise Ship Competitiveness Act, which gave U.S. ships the opportunity to offer games once they hit international waters.
The gambling laws for land-based casinos are clear. It is far more difficult to know who is setting and enforcing the laws at sea. There is an organization called the International Council of Cruise Lines that offers some regulatory control. Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near the level of the control exercised over U.S. land-based casinos. Cruise ships operate in international waters and are not bound by land-based casino regulations.
If you happen to have a dispute, you won’t likely find an ICCL agent on board. Your alternative is to speak to the casino manager, or, if you’re still not satisfied, bring your concern to the attention of the hotel manager. Those are pretty much your resolution options.
Regulations or not, lack of competition gives casinos little reason to cheat the captive masses. Competition is what raises slot payoffs. On the open water, cruise ships have no competition, just a confined audience. The casino knows you’re a one-timer on a holiday and that your pockets are full of cash. It isn’t looking for repeat business because you’re probably never coming back.
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Penny Slots And Regular Slots Are Very Common
Youll never find a casino cruise without hundreds of slot machines. Since slot machines, like Sweet Bonanza Slots, are easy to set up and maintain, they become big attractions on cruises. Penny slots are also available in the casino room, with bets starting as little as a penny and as high as $2. Penny slots are the perfect way to enjoy the rush of gambling without overspending.
Tips And Tricks From Millionaire Makerslearn How To Play The Game
While there are those who have already anticipated spending their days glued to the array of Casino games, there are many who come on board without much know-how or any idea of the fun that could be had. Here are our game recommendations for the Casino Beginners or for those who want to add a little more spice to their usual cruising experience.
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How Much Does A Norwegian Cruise Cost
Norwegian designs its ships to appeal to a broad mix of people, in part by offering a wide range of cabin types at varying price points. On a typical sailing, you might find an entry-level cabin for around $100 a night while a high-end suite is five to 10 times that amount.
The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite with Large Balcony on Norwegian Escape for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in April 2023, for example, was going for $8,392 per person, based on double occupancy more than eight times the cost of the least-expensive inside cabin . Balcony cabins on the same sailing started at around $1,392 per person, based on double occupancy.
Note the based on double occupancy caveat in the above paragraph. As is typical for cruise lines, Norwegian charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. It does offer some cabins for solo travelers on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy.
In general, Norwegians newer, bigger Breakaway and Breakaway Plus ships will be more expensive than the lines older, smaller vessels. But there are a lot of factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends.
As you might expect, pricing for all ships generally will be lower during off-season periods such as September and October.
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Take Your Lunch To La Cucina
LaCucina on Norwegian Gem
Like on pretty much any other ship, the buffet can be a bit of a madhouse come lunchtime . But never fear theres plenty of seating. If you cant find a table in the main buffet area , head into La Cuchina, which is conveniently located right next to the buffet. They open up that entire restaurants space specifically for when theres no seating in the buffet area.
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Which Cruise Lines Have The Best Offers
Good question. Like the great bonus and rewards programs youll find every day here at CoolCat Casino, cruise ship casinos offer their own player benefits. Here are a notable few. While this list is far from comprehensive, it does offer up some of the best value youll find when it comes to scratching your itch on the high seas and you left your mobile device or laptop behind so playing at CoolCat Casino isnt an option.
Ships Without Cruise Ship Casinos
Sorry, but if you are thinking about booking a sailing on Disney, Viking, or Voyages to Antiquity youll have to find other ways to keep yourself entertained at night since none of these lines ships have a casino . Some passengers enjoy escaping the clamor of slots and the buzz of voices as the roulette wheel spins and the dice roll, while others thrive on the nightly energy.
Would you book a trip on any of these cruise ship casinos? Let us know in the comments below!
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Casino Tips To Remember
Never bet more than you can afford to lose Cruises and casino gambling can be exciting. While its certainly great when you do win, it doesnt happen all of the time. Have a set budget for what you can gamble at the casino and stick to it.
Take advantage of the ships casino club You could get extra discounts and benefits for other services while onboard and at other businesses onshore long after your cruise vacation is over.
Dont leave money on the table Before leaving the ship, be sure to cash in all of the chips you may have purchased or won at the ships casino. Many cruise lines have the policy that once you leave the ship, you wont be able to cash them in. You can certainly keep a few as souvenirs, while youre on board, thats still money in your pocket. It might just come in handy the next time you want to take a cruise!
If you follow these tips and stick to one of the cruise ships on this list, you can enjoy your cruise casino dream to the fullest!
Norwegian Encore Doesnt Have A Spice H20
Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway both have an area at the back of the ship called Spice H20. This is an adults only area with lots of sun loungers and a bar where you can get a drink. They often play movies on the big screen at the back too.
Parties are often held here in the evenings and it is a really popular part of the ship.
Inspired by the renowned summer beach parties on the island of Ibiza, Spice H20 is an adult-only escape with contemporary Asian influences. By day, lounge beside hot tubs and a soothing waterfall by night, its a whole different beat. Let loose and dance beneath the stars as vibrant images display on the huge video screen. Spice H20 will add pizzazz to your palate too, with its unique offerings of snacks and appetizers. Source.
Norwegian Encore doesnt have a similar space which I think is a shame. In hot destinations finding a sun lounger on a cruise can be tricky and this area meant that there was more top deck real estate to fight for.
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Casinos Arent Open 24/7
It would be nice to enter the casino early in the morning, but most cruise ships have to close around 2 or 3 a.m. The casino may also close if the ship ports in a country where gambling is illegal. As long as youre out to see, the casino will maintain regular hours. Depending on the cruise ship, the casino may stay closed in the day to make room for other activities.
Can I Smoke In The Casino
Again, this depends on the cruise line. Most of the big ships allow smoking in the casino some, like Carnival, have smoke-free sections . Ships that do not permit smoking in the casino at all include Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar. Find out more about cruise ship smoking policies.
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Check Out The Production Shows In The Evening
On every cruise you sail, no matter the ship, there will be production shows put on by the entertainment staff. For instance, Norwegian offers Broadway-style shows of Footloose and Kinky Boots on ships. In other words, these arent some low-level productions with a few singers and dancers. They are adaptations of major Broadway shows for performance at sea. Its something you dont want to miss.
Norwegian Encore Has Go Karts And Laser Tag
Norwegian Encore has the biggest go kart track at sea, laser tag and also a VR area called Galaxy Pfavilion. These are all new additions that werent found on Norwegian Breakaway or Norwegian Getaway.
There is no denying that being able to go kart on a cruise ship is an exciting idea. The go karts, laser tag and VR games do all have an extra cost attached.
The go kart track and laser tag do take up quite a lot of the top deck. Only around 1/3rd of the top deck is available for free lounging which I think is a shame.
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Dont Be Afraid To Ask For Perks
Also keep in mind that not all information is made readily available, so it never hurts to ask about special promotions, especially if youre a high roller. And dont forget to read the fine print! There are loyalty clubs with benefits that are connected with the cruise line in general, but if youre part of a casino-specific program, the perks wont carry over to another ship from the same cruise line. If you do join a club, great. Just dont let the pursuit of rewards drive how much you spend you should be playing just for the pure fun of it.
Can You Smoke In The Casino On Virgin Voyages Cruises
Guests cannot smoke in the casino on Virgin Voyages cruises. Virgin Voyages have strict rules about where smoking is allowed and cruisers who break these rules will incur a fee and possible disembarkment.
From Virgin Voyages terms and conditions:
Smoking areas are provided around the vessel. A Guest found smoking anything, to include vapes, in their room or other non-designated areas onboard, agree to a $1,000 fee to be added to their onboard account, and may be disembarked from the voyage, which may be at a port of call.
If the above does happen you are responsible for all costs which might happen when you are getting home. If youre under 21 an adult would have to be disembarked with you too which could get seriously expensive.
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Head To Osheehans For Late
The Thai Chili Wings make a great late-night snack plus, theyre included!
Weve been on ships where once the buffet shuts down, your foot options are pretty limited and become non-existent after about midnight. But on the Norwegian Gem, you can grab a bite to eat 24 hours a day .
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And trust us when we say that the wings youve heard so much about are as good as youre hoping they are. They dont come with a lot of blue cheese or celery, so if thats important to you, make sure to ask for extra. Not into wings? No worries. Day or night, youll find something to chow down on here. And more important, itll be open.
Casino Offer From Royal Caribbean
“Having fun is a safe bet” is the motto of Royal Caribbean, the world’s second largest cruise operator. Under the catchy name Casino Royale the following casino activities are offered:
- Slot machine games
- Table games (roulette, baccarat, poker, blackjack
- Casino tournaments – The prizes are cruises or VIP status on board the ships
The Royal Caribbean Players Club holds tournaments aboard certain ships throughout the year. Accredited players are invited to the events. The actions listen to names such as “Superbowl” or “Halloween”
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Other Interior Attractions And Activities
In addition to entertainment spaces, the interior of Norwegian ships are loaded with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night.
All but one Norwegian ship has a casino, and on the lines bigger vessels, they are huge operations. The casino on Norwegian Encore has more than 300 slot machines and 26 table games , plus its own bar.
On the lines big Breakaway Class and Breakaway Plus Class ships, the casino along with a large proportion of all onboard restaurants, bars and clubs sprawls across three central decks connected by an atrium-like space known as 678 Ocean Place . At night, these three-deck complexes become lively places.
The Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class ships also have innovative outdoor promenades called The Waterfront lined with outdoor seating for many restaurants and bars. The Waterfront is located on Deck 8 of each of the ships, which is one of the main decks for restaurants on them all.
Two of the newest Norwegian vessels Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy have state-of-the-art gaming and virtual reality zones called Galaxy Pavilion.
Theres nothing quite like Galaxy Pavilion in the cruise world. The venue has an amazing array of super-high-tech virtual reality experiences, including incredibly realistic race car simulators , hang-gliding simulators, virtual mazes and a virtual reality Jurassic Park jeep ride.
Theres also the bowling alley youll find on Norwegian Epic.
Carnival Cruise Line Adds Separate Non
Carnival Cruise Line adds a separate non-smoking Casino venue on three cruise ships, which could be rolled out fleetwide.
Carnival Cruise Line is making some changes by introducing a new separate Casino which will be just for non-smoking guests. The new venue is now on three Carnival cruise ships and it could be rolled out to more.
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Visit The Waterpark On The Ship
Maybe not everyone is ready for the Ocean Loops waterslide. But what about just some fun in the waterpark? Smaller kids will love the play area complete with tons of spraying nozzles and things to play with. The most fun feature is a huge bucket that fills with water and every few minutes dumps out, completely dousing the entire area and all the kids playing.
The Norwegian Cruise Line Fleet
Norwegian is the worlds fourth-largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 17 ships that together offer 50,581 berths.
Smaller only than Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, the brand has become increasingly known for some of the biggest, most amenity-filled vessels at sea. But the line doesnt just operate giant ships. More than half its fleet comprises vessels that, by todays standards, are considered almost midsize.
Indeed, Norwegian essentially is two cruise lines in one. The lines seven newest ships are big, bustling floating megaresorts that can carry upwards of 4,000 passengers at double occupancy . At around 145,000 to nearly 170,000 tons, all seven currently rank among the 30 biggest cruise ships in the world .
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But Norwegians 10 older ships are much more modest in size, measuring around 75,000 to 94,000 tons and carrying closer to 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.
Norwegian thus appeals both to cruisers who like a giant resort vibe and those who prefer something more modest. The key, depending on your tastes, is getting on the right ship in the fleet.
Just unveiled in 2019, Norwegian Encore is, notably, the 13th biggest cruise ship in the world as of this storys publishing . At 169,116 tons, its bigger than all but one Carnival ship and all but three MSC Cruises ships. Only Royal Caribbean has a significant number of bigger vessels.
Related: Our take on the new Norwegian Encore
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