The cruise industry is experiencing record-breaking growth. And the momentum is expected to continue as AAA projects 19 million Americans will take ocean cruises this year. That’s a 4.5% increase over last year when 18.2 million Americans choose cruise vacations. This growing demand also means that cruise travelers are becoming more discerning in the amenities and experiences they want when they pick a ship. So, if you’re in the market for a cruise, don’t automatically book the newest ship in a cruise line’s fleet, consider opting for a ship that’s enhanced with a refurbishment. Here's what you need to know.
What exactly is an enhanced ship?
When a ship is taken for improvements and upgrades, it’s called a “dry dock.” Generally, dry docks are scheduled times when a cruise ship is removed from service, taken off the water, and parked at a shipyard or facility for refurbishment and maintenance. Some of the upgrades can include new carpets and furniture, refreshing of public spaces like dining rooms, theaters, restaurants and pool decks, while other areas of work can include reconfiguring deck plans, adding new venues and introducing new spaces on the ship. There are also upgrades that passengers likely won’t see first-hand but will benefit from improvements such as more fuel-efficient engines and upgrades to the ship’s kitchen, known as the galley.
Why should you book an enhanced cruise ship over a new one in the fleet?
This improved version of an amazing vessel allows you to capture the cool attractions, trendy spaces, and bougie experiences of a shiny-new ship, but you sail on a glorious beauty where the crew is ready for guests and doesn’t have to experience growing pains. These enhancements are at every turn, and it’s worth your vacation dollars to sail on an enhanced cruise ship. Cruise experts know this insider secret, and you know it now too. The cruise price could be lower on an enhanced ship, and the itinerary could offer islands or ports you haven’t visited.
Do travelers actually prefer an enhanced cruise ship?
I just returned from a seven-night sailing on the enhanced Norwegian Encore, which called on Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola; British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. The ship was at capacity, which means other discerning travelers were doing their own research and booking this amazing ship with new venues and elegant staterooms.
What should I expect when sailing on an enhanced cruise ship?
Norwegian Encore's revitalization debuted on the water in November 2024 and currently departs from Miami. The ship's refresh includes the addition of Spice H2O—an adults-only outdoor lounge—luxurious new suites in the Haven, NCL’s private enclave with a private restaurant, pool, deck, and lounge—and the introduction of the Mediterranean specialty restaurant Palomar, which was my favorite restaurant during my cruise.
The Encore is a very special ship, and I highly recommend booking a sailing. The crew is probably the best of any ship I’ve traveled on. Not one crew member made a fuss about any request I made. This level of service goes above and beyond any beauty of a ship, making your trip truly a vacation.
I also wanted to share another winning part of my latest cruise. If you want to lounge in the sun without children, and without having to wake up at dawn to reserve a chair, then book your spot in the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore. There is a cost to book the Vibe. This two-level private area perched high above the boisterous main pool deck is an oasis for guests with private hot tubs, panoramic ocean views, upgraded sun loungers, a private bar and a dedicated crew who will be there to make your time in Vibe worry-free. If you don’t want to splurge on the Vibe Beach Club, you can enjoy adults-only time in Spice H20, a cool spot for chilling.
Another of my favorite spots in Encore was the Observation Lounge, which offered floor-to-ceiling ocean views, chef-curated meal presentations, and a bar. I loved relaxing there in the afternoons.
I highly recommend the Norwegian Encore, and plan to sail this ship again. For summer 2025, Norwegian Encore will sail seven-day, round-trip cruises to Alaska from Seattle. To get the stateroom category and the sailing you want, it’s always best to book early so you can get your first choice.