Repositioning cruises are always a little different. They mark the end of one season and the beginning of another — often with unique ports and longer sea stretches.
But guests booked on Norwegian Encore for October 12, 2026, just learned their sailing will look slightly different from what they expected.
The 6-night West Coast repositioning cruise is still happening — but with a revised port lineup and a late-night embarkation twist in Vancouver.
Goodbye Astoria, Hello Overnight in San Francisco
The biggest change? Astoria, Oregon, has officially been removed from the itinerary.
Instead, Norwegian Cruise Line has extended the ship’s time in San Francisco — turning what was originally a daytime stop into a full overnight visit.
Here’s how the revised plan looks:
- October 12 – Late evening embarkation in Vancouver.
- October 13–14 – Sea days.
- October 15–16 – Overnight in San Francisco (departing 6 p.m.)
- October 18 – Arrival in Los Angeles.
Previously, the ship was scheduled to stop in Astoria on October 14 before heading to San Francisco.
Now, guests will enjoy more time docked in the Bay Area — including nighttime views of the city skyline.
Why Was Astoria Dropped?
Norwegian Cruise Line hasn’t cited a specific operational issue, but the company did point toward port availability challenges.
Cruise lines secure port space years in advance — but berth conflicts and logistical changes do happen.
When space disappears, ships must adjust. Unfortunately, for some travelers, Astoria was the highlight.
Mixed Reactions From Guests
As you’d expect, reactions have been split.
Some guests are excited about:
- More time in San Francisco.
- Experiencing the city after dark.
- Overnight photo opportunities.
Others are disappointed because:
- They booked specifically for Astoria.
- They feel there are now too many sea days.
- The sailing feels less port-focused than originally planned.
Repositioning cruises already feature extra time at sea — so losing a stop can amplify frustration.
Late-Night Embarkation in Vancouver
Another notable update is the embarkation timing.
Guests will now board in Vancouver starting at 8:00 p.m. on October 12, with departure scheduled just after midnight.
That means:
- Evening check-in.
- Late-night sailaway.
- Sparkling Vancouver skyline views.
This change appears more operational than controversial, though it does make for an unusual boarding experience.
No Compensation — Just Standard Refunds
As outlined in most cruise contracts, itinerary changes can happen without compensation.
For this sailing:
- Shore excursions booked for Astoria will be automatically refunded.
- No additional onboard credit has been announced.
- Guests still have time to cancel within the refundable window.
For many cruisers, that’s part of the risk when booking repositioning sailings.
The Bigger Picture: Seasonal Shift
This October cruise also marks the end of Norwegian Encore’s Alaska season.
After arriving in Los Angeles on October 18, the ship will begin:
- 7-night Mexican Riviera sailings.
- Departures from the World Cruise Center in San Pedro.
- Winter operations before returning to Alaska in 2027.
Repositioning voyages are transitional by nature — and sometimes that includes unexpected route adjustments.
Worth It or Not?
At the end of the day, guests now have:
- One less Pacific Northwest stop.
- One extended California overnight.
- A unique late-night embarkation experience.
For some, that’s an upgrade. For others, it’s a disappointment. But the sailing itself remains on track — just charting a slightly different course down the West Coast.
