THROWBACK SERIES: NCL ENCORE WINTER CRUISE

WINTER CRUISE 2025: JANUARY 19TH TO JANUARY 26TH

Frontier Travel Club members gathered from around the county to meet in Miami excited to get on the Norwegian Cruise Line Encore. We boarded NCL Encore, eagerly anticipating the voyage ahead. As the ship departed the port at 5:00 p.m., we gathered on deck to witness the picturesque Miami skyline fading into the distance, waving to people on land our farewells. The first evening is an opportunity to us all to explore the ship’s extensive amenities, including fine dining restaurants, Broadway-style shows, and exhilarating activities like go-kart racing and the Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality experience. The energy onboard is palpable, setting the tone for an incredible adventure ahead.

Day 2: A Day at Sea

The following day was a day at sea, where our group immersed themselves in all the offerings of the NCL Encore. The day was perfect for anyone who wanted to relax, or for those who wanted to get down to business and dive into all the activities the ship had to offer. For the newcomers and old timers, this was the perfect day for everyone to get acquainted and start making life long friends. Each evening at 5:00pm, we would meet at a group at our known “meeting spot” in our best outfits to head off to dinner in the fine dining room. Each night for dinner was like having dinner with family. The structure of having dinner at the same time each night allows us all to know that the day was coming to an end, and the night was just beginning. 

Day 3: Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic

The next day, the ship arrived in Puerto Plata, at 7:00 a.m., welcoming passengers to the Dominican Republic’s north coast. Known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and colonial history, Puerto Plata offers a variety of excursions. We gathered at our meeting spot on the ship after breakfast, where we set off to explore the port of Puerto Plata. Our group sure loves to shop, so we took the time to pop into all the stores in port, drink fresh pineapple juice from the locals, and toured Umbrella Street. Later in the afternoon we headed back to return to the ship so everyone could freshen up before dinner. Dinner once again felt like a family dinner, where everyone reflected on their day at port and planned what they wanted to do for the evening’s activities. The group decided it was time for Karaoke! Nothing ends a day better than singing with your friends. After Karaoke, some opted for an early evening after having a full day out and about, and some opted for more fun at the casino. 

Day 4: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The following day we arrived in St. Thomas at 11:00 a.m., where we were greeted by the island’s stunning turquoise waters and beautiful green hills. Known as a premier shopping destination, our group walked along the shops and took in all that the port had to offer. A little while after arriving to port, we set off to take an island tour. As we returned from our fun day in port, we relaxed before our nightly group dinner. The ship set sail at 7:00pm from port and as we cruised the waters for our next destination in the night, we too cruised to our next nightly activity. Some of us went to the Silent Disco and some decided to be dare devils and go on the ship’s Go Karts and race one another. 

Day 5: Tortola, British Virgin Islands

The next morning we awoke to the shoreline of Tortola, allowing us to experience the unspoiled beauty of the British Virgin Islands. We met for breakfast to get us ready to see what Tortola had to offer. As we toured the port, many bought souvenirs for their loved ones at home and even some special treats for themselves. With excitement from port, we headed back to the ship to bid farewell to Tortola and prepared for another exciting evening ahead. After dinner we gathered in the ships lavish theater to watch the show “The Choir of Man.” If that wasn’t enough, we ventured on to a dance party in the ships night club to dance the night away. 

Day 6: Another Day at Sea

Leaving the British Virgin Islands, we had a day at sea which gave us the opportunity to unwind, relax and enjoy all the ship’s offerings. Nothing beats a sea day when you can sit with your friends on the top deck, soaking in the sun, relaxing in the pool and having a wild time sliding down the huge pool slides. Between lounging and swimming, we ventured to the ship’s diner for delicious milkshakes, burgers and fries. As night approached, we met at our meeting spot, sun kissed and ready for a delicious dinner with our gang. The night didn’t end here! We ventured off to the ship’s comedy show and then off to a game show. This day served as a perfect interlude before the final port of call. 

Day 7: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

The NCL Encore anchors at Great Stirrup Cay at 10:00am. This is NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. The seas were rough this day, so unfortunately we could not get off the boat but that certainly did not stop us from having a great time. We took this day to do more activities on the ship, more sun soaking, swimming, and hanging with new and old friends. Some of us even went to make cupcakes with the ship’s pastry chef. As we sadly geared up for the end of our wonderful trip at sea, we ended the week with our trip’s annual social hour before dinner. Staff and travelers were told to wear their best attire and meet promptly on the top deck under the stars so we could get together and tell stories from our week’s adventure and listen to our group leader, Scott, toast the group. A beautiful ending to a perfect trip. Until next year folks!