Norwegian Encore

Ever wondered what keeps a ship this size ticking? This guided walking tour takes you into the working heart of Norwegian Encore, from the Bridge and Engine Control Room to the galley, laundry and theatre backstage.

You can see costumes and dressing rooms, watch food preparation and meet the officers on the Bridge. Places are limited, so book through MyNCL before sailing. You must be at least 8, with closed-toe shoes required.

The Jungle is an English pub with rather more foot-stomping than your local. Take your seat in the Encore Theater and watch nine men bring high-energy music, dance and live percussion to classic rock, pub tunes and sing-along favourites.

Raise a glass, join the chorus if the mood takes you, and check the NCL app for show times and reservations on your sailing.

It is not just a show, it is your chance to test those armchair game show instincts. Watch a randomly selected contestant weigh up sealed briefcases and decide whether to keep their case or take the Banker’s offer.

You can play along in real time from the audience, with play cards available to buy. Find it in the Encore Theatre across Decks 6 and 7, then check the Freestyle Daily for the exact time.

Start on Deck 6 with two stand-up comedians, then swap punchlines for playlists as the DJ takes over the dance floor. It is the sort of evening that requires very little planning and even less restraint.

Programming varies by sailing, with comedy appearing once or twice on some cruises. The venue also hosts Prohibition: The Musical, an adult-oriented interactive show with a separate charge.

Step into a recreation of the legendary 1960s Liverpool club on Deck 8, where brick walls, blue lighting and a stage set the scene. You can settle in for live Beatles tunes from the cover band, with shows spanning the early, middle and later years.

The music is included, while drinks such as the signature Scotch Sour are separate unless your booking says otherwise. Check the daily programme for that evening's showtimes.

Put your cornering nerve to the test at this outdoor, two-level go-kart track spanning Decks 18 and 19. You will race around hairpin turns on a course of more than 1,100 feet, including a section that reaches out over the side of the ship.

Not racing? Take the covered viewing area, then use a laser gun to give your chosen driver a turbo boost. There is no minimum age, but you must meet the applicable height and safety requirements.

Put everyone in the frame at Perspectives Studio on Deck 6. An onboard Portrait Artist can photograph you in the private studio or choose an on-location setting around the ship, with portraits centred on love, life and human connection.

Trying professional photography is free, then you can view your images at the Photo Gallery and decide what to take home. For a private session, book before you sail.

Put your best holiday face forward. Professional photographers set up in the Atrium and around the ship each evening, ready to help you relax, pose and build a digital portfolio. The listing is linked to Deck 6, though the cameras roam further afield.

It is free to try, then you decide whether any photographs or products deserve a place at home. View your snaps at the Deck 8 Photo Gallery, self-service kiosks or on your mobile during the cruise.

For a proper splash of high-seas mischief, head to Aqua Park for two multistorey waterslides, pools and room to lounge by the water. Race side by side on the tandem Aqua Racer, or take on Ocean Loops, whose double loop sends you over the side of the ship.

Prefer your thrills with a little less shrieking? Claim a poolside spot and cool down with a frozen drink. Ocean Loops is on Deck 17.

Galaxy Pavilion on Deck 17 is where you swap sea views for neon lit virtual worlds. Take on simulator rides, interactive games and VR adventures, from Formula One racing to a Jurassic inspired Jeep chase.

For a proper group challenge, Bamboozled lets up to six of you tackle holograms and enchanted artefact puzzles in 45 minutes. Hints are available, so no one need pretend they had it all along.

On Deck 16, beside the pools and sun deck, this interactive splash zone gives younger cruisers a tube slide, tipping buckets and water cannons. Expect soaking, squeals and a far better use of a warm afternoon than sitting still.

Children under 12 need an adult with them, and children in nappies or not toilet trained cannot use the aqua park. Leave snacks, drinks and glass outside, then follow the posted rules.

Feeling lucky, or just curious? Encore Casino on Deck 7 brings together reel and video slots with table games including blackjack and craps.

You will find it near the Encore Theater and Skyline Bar, so it is an easy stop when the evening is still young. You must be 18 or over to gamble and show valid ID.

Entourage is the supervised Deck 5 hangout for teens aged 13 to 17, with zones for games, dancing, parties and simply finding your people. Video games, movies, music, arts and sports keep the social calendar ticking over nicely.

Register as soon as you board, as places are first come, first served. Teens will need their Entourage wristband and key card to join in.

Guppies Open Play on Deck 5 gives you and your smallest cruiser time to play together, with toys, balls and sensory items for little hands and curious minds. It is designed for babies, infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years, including children in nappies.

This is parent supervised play, not a drop off programme, so settle in and enjoy the rare chance to join the fun. Check the onboard Freestyle Daily for session times, as they vary by sailing.

Splash Academy on Deck 5 is the supervised, drop-off club for children aged 3 to 12. While you enjoy some grown-up ship time, they can get stuck into creative play, sports competitions, themed adventures and parties.

Sessions use flexible stations such as Dynamic, Creative & Chill and Gaming, so there is plenty to keep busy minds busy. Register soon after boarding, as places are subject to availability. Regular sessions run while the ship is sailing; Late Night Fun Zone, from 10pm to midnight, costs extra.

On Deck 16, Pulse Fitness Center gives your workout a rather better view than the local gym, with 270 degree ocean vistas beyond the horizon. Lift weights, stretch or take to the mat for yoga while the ship does the scenery.

Fitness centre access is included in your cruise fare, while classes may cost extra. Guests under 16 cannot enter, so this is firmly a grown up workout zone.

Mandara Spa and Salon on Deck 16 is where sea days get properly unhurried. Choose from massages, facials, acupuncture, hair styling and beauty services, including the Zero Gravity Wellness Massage.

For adults, the aft Thermal Suite adds heated loungers, a Vitality Pool, Salt Room and Snow Room. Treatments and spa time can be booked through your NCL account before sailing, which is one less thing to arrange once you are in holiday mode.

Set at the aft of Deck 16 within Mandara Spa, this adults-only heat and relaxation space takes its cue from Turkish baths. Move between the Aromatic Steam Room, Salt Room, Dry Sauna and Snow Room, then settle onto a heated ceramic lounger with wide sea views.

A Thermal Suite pass is required for entry, even if you have booked a spa treatment. You must be 18 or over, so this is proper grown-up switch off time, with no small feet splashing nearby.

Put your reactions to the test at Norwegian Encore's Video Arcade on Deck 5. You can capture aliens, pilot a fighter jet or race for the finish, depending on which modern game catches your eye first.

It is a handy stop when you fancy a little friendly competition between bigger plans. Play carries an extra charge, so save room in the holiday budget for another round.

Park West Gallery on Deck 6 is your chance to browse modern favourites and timeless classics between everything else on board. Chat to the art experts, take in an art history seminar, or simply have a look at works from artists including Peter Max and Romero Britto.

Feeling competitive? Drop into a live auction and watch the bidding unfold. Browsing and activities are there to enjoy, while any artwork you choose to buy comes at an extra cost.

Need a holiday essential, or simply fancy a look at the latest fashion? Sandbar on Deck 8 is your onboard stop for fashion items and accessories.

You can also pick up toiletries and travel essentials if something stayed behind at home, plus retail bottles of liquor for later. Handy, stylish, and rather better than rummaging through your suitcase.

A little browse with big scent potential, The Beauty Shop on Deck 8 is your tax and duty free stop for beauty products and fragrances.

You can pick up names including Hermès, Tom Ford, Dior and Chanel, alongside Lancôme, Estée Lauder and Clinique. Handy for a treat for yourself, or a gift that does not involve a fridge magnet.

A browse through Treasures is an excellent excuse to add a little sparkle to your sea day. This fine-jewellery shop on Deck 8 aft brings together diamonds, gemstones and pieces from names including John Hardy, Kallati and Le Vian.

Whether you are marking an occasion or simply admiring the shiny things, you can browse at your own pace. Just remember, purchases are extra.