Fan-favorite Norwegian Cruise Line ship just got better
A top cruise ship for families just got a refresh to add new features that adults will like.
In today’s world, the best cruise ships for families are not all about the kids.
As cruises become more and more popular for multi-generational family vacations, cruise lines are becoming more thoughtful in the ways they design their ships to appeal to passengers of all ages.
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The best cruise ships for families make it easy to transition from family time to times when everyone does their own thing. Parents love that kids’ programs are included in most cruise fares and keep kids happy and entertained while parents enjoy some much-desired adult time during their vacations.
Parents today aren’t shy about revealing their desire for a balanced mix of family- and adult-focused fun, and that shows in a recent ranking of the best cruise ships for families.
Although many cruisers would probably expect Disney and Royal Caribbean cruise ships to top this traveler-voted list, newcomer Margaritaville at Sea Islander was named the No. 1 “Best Cruise Ship for Families” in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Disney and Royal Caribbean ships didn’t even make the top five. Following Margaritaville at Sea Islander on the list are three Norwegian Cruise Line ships – Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Viva, and Norwegian Prima.
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Norwegian Encore voted No. 2 ‘Best Cruise Ship for Families’
While Margaritaville at Sea Islander stood out for its kids’ programs and family-friendly games, shows, and other activities, Norwegian Encore was highlighted for its thrilling attractions popular with families with older kids, including its onboard go-kart track, multi-story waterslides, and virtual reality complex.
“From the cold waters of Alaska to the balmy beaches of Costa Rica and Colombia, the Norwegian Encore lets you explore the western hemisphere in style,” the readers’ choice list reads. “But you might be tempted to never leave this huge ship, where you and your older children can speed on the world's largest racetrack at sea, take a wild ride down multiple waterslides and try to break out of an immersive VR escape room.”
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The family cruise ships featured on the top 10 list were selected by Newsweek panelists and contributors and voted on by readers. The list also includes Carnival Mardi Gras, Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas, MSC Seaside and three Disney cruise ships.
Encore’s recent refurbishment just added new features for adults
This new recognition comes just as Norwegian Encore debuts new upgrades designed to enhance the onboard experience for adults with offerings that complement its existing family-friendly features. The ship underwent extensive refurbishment at the end of 2024 to refresh its design and provide more of what the cruise line’s adult passengers want, including more space to relax and elevated specialty dining venues.
Adults can now relax on board the ship at the all-new Spice H2O, an adults-only, complimentary outdoor area tucked away from the main pool deck. Featuring multiple hot tubs, large day beds, cooling pools, and a large bar serving a variety of cocktails, Spice H20 is an outdoor oasis for adults looking for a relaxing escape.
Norwegian Encore’s enhancements also include the expansion of two of the cruise line’s most popular specialty dining restaurants, Cagney’s Steakhouse and hibachi-style Teppanyaki, and the addition of Mediterranean restaurant Palomar, which replaced Ocean Blue.
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The ship also emerged from its dry dock refurbishment with redesigned suites in The Haven, Norwegian’s ship-with-in-a-ship private, luxury enclave, and 24 new balcony staterooms.
Norwegian Encore is currently sailing a season of seven-day Caribbean cruises with calls to 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. For summer 2025, Norwegian Encore will sail seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle.
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