My Two-Week Caribbean Glow-Up: The Skincare Routine That Saved My Cruise

By Community Member · Norwegian Encore (Norwegian Cruise Line)

I learned the hard way that Caribbean sun plus cruising equals skin disaster—until I developed a routine that kept my skin glowing the entire two weeks.

I'll be honest: I boarded the Norwegian Encore in Miami with zero skincare strategy beyond "sunscreen exists." My friend Sarah, who's cruised before, kept giving me these knowing looks when I stuffed exactly two products into my carry-on. I should have listened to her. By day three, I was the textbook definition of a lobster, and my skin was staging a rebellion that would have made dermatologists weep. The Caribbean sun is no joke, especially when you're on a ship where you're literally surrounded by water that reflects UV rays like some kind of natural magnifying glass. I spent that first afternoon at the Thermal Suite on Deck 17—one of my favorite features of the Encore—trying to soothe my skin with cool water while my face throbbed like a second heartbeat. That's when I finally admitted I had a problem and decided to completely overhaul my approach. I made a beeline for the Norwegian Encore's Spa & Fitness area the next morning, feeling absolutely ridiculous asking the spa attendant for skincare advice after my own negligence had left my face looking like a crime scene. But here's the thing: the staff there was genuinely helpful and non-judgmental. They recommended their medica…