I chose this cruise and the one the week before it , to get away from the Northern winter. The islands were familiar and I enjoyed them all. The ship itself was a lovely vacation zone for two weeks. I was in the studio cabin - for solo travelers. I loved it and was not sure I would as I am used to having a balcony. I am sold on the studio and the studio lounge. The studio lounge had coffee and snacks 24 hours a day. The lounge was a nice place to sit and read and meet up with the solo group before dinner every night. My favorite deck is "The Waterfront", deck 8. there are couches and seating arrangements on the deck and you can watch the world sail by or in port enjoy the island from a distance. Deck 8 has many of the best restaurants and bars such Maltings (yes I like my Smashberry drink, a bourbon sour) and Onda and Ocean Blu. My favorite restaurants are Cagney's and Le Bistro but the food was delightful in all restaurants. I favor the Manhattan room for dining and Savor or Taste for lunch. The Local is always available for a nibble or light lunch. I love the Observation Lounge, however, I wish passengers would respect keeping the noise levels down, and take your children to the pool deck to run around, scream and play. (This is why the ship did not get 5 stars). The officers, Deepak, General Manager, Igor, Beverage and Food manager and Luciano, Cruise Next Manager are just three of the officer staff would made my trip memorable. They are probably responsible for me booking three more cruises this year on NCL, although not on the Encore. My cabin steward, Benji, was wonderful in getting my room made up in a timely manner, even though I think the stewards are a bit overworked with so many cabins to clean every day. I hope to be back on the encore in 2024.