markloch

My wife and I are debating between the HAL and NCL cruises (in July).  This will be our first Alaska cruise.  Previous cruises were on RCCI Jewel and Serenade (Carib, Baltic).   

We're leaning towards HAL's itinerary.  ICP+Sitka vs Skagway - we're not really days-at-sea type so an extra port, even for a short time, is a positive.  We still need to weigh Sitka vs Skagway but in any case whichever we miss we'll hit the next time.   The impact of Encore's Ketchikan mooring location is a negative.  

That really leaves the ship - convince me why we should pick Encore over Eurodam if we favor HAL's itinerary?    

• My wife is concerned she'll get seasick, which tips the scales towards Encore (assuming larger=better).    Conversely, she's generally inclined towards a smaller ship.   The plan is to get a balcony stateroom amidships.   (Though anything special about the Eurodam's Spa Verandah rooms on the Observation and Panorama decks?)
• Which is the better ship for being outside, enjoying the sightseeing/scenery, moving from one side of the ship to the other, etc?
• Daytime activities - there's a lot of time at sea on these cruises.  (Our other 7-night cruises had five all-day ports of call).  While we wouldn't spend a lot of time doing go-kart laps, Encore looks to have a lot more going on.  That said, we'll be happy spending much of the day hanging out at a pool, presumably indoors.
• Nighttime entertainment -  listening/dancing to music (blues, R&B, rock/pop) more important that the shows.  Strolling around the ship. 
• Food, on-board expenses, etc - on HAL we'd take the "Have it All" deal with beverages,  excursion credit, 1x specialty restaurant (maybe buy a second).     Reviews suggest Encore will nickel-and-dime you (do they really up-charge for sundecks?). Otherwise I can't see dining a deciding factor one way or another.  

Decisions, decisions ...