Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), considered one of the world's most innovative cruise companies, has announced that its groundbreaking ship, Norwegian Encore, has successfully completed another major construction milestone, having left the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and sailed north up the Ems River. Last Monday, September 30, the Norwegian Encore sailed to Eemshaven, Netherlands, with the initial crew members on board, who are preparing to welcome their first guests in November. Measuring nearly 335 meters in length, with a gross tonnage of 170,000 and a capacity for 3,998 passengers, the ship will be delivered to the company on October 30, 2019. It will be christened by Grammy Award-winning superstar Kelly Clarkson in Miami on November 21 and will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning November 24.
Harry Sommer, President of the company, commented: “Today we celebrate a major milestone for our ship. Our partners at Meyer Werft have collaborated with us to bring the industry-leading experiences from the highly successful Breakaway Plus class ships to the Norwegian Encore, making it the best in its class.” Taking the brand’s most exclusive and outstanding attractions to the next level, the Norwegian Encore will feature the world’s longest go-kart track at sea, nearly 350 meters long with four points that rise more than 4 meters above the side of the ship, as well as the Galaxy Pavilion, a 900-square-meter indoor virtual reality complex with cutting-edge technology, interactive games, and an escape room that will allow guests to enjoy a labyrinth of adventures. In this space, all passengers of all ages will find something to enjoy.
In addition to the exciting new restaurants and lounges that have made Breakaway Plus one of the most innovative and successful classes in the company’s history, Norwegian Encore will introduce a new fine dining experience in Italy, Onda by Scarpetta, in collaboration with LDV Hospitality. The Tony Award-winning musical “Kinky Boots” will also headline the onboard entertainment offerings, along with guest favorites from “The Choir of Man,” “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical,” and the rock band The Cavern Club. As part of a recent agreement with JUST Goods, Inc., Norwegian Encore will be the company’s first ship to be free of plastic bottles. By January 1, 2020, Norwegian Cruise Line will be the first cruise line to eliminate plastic bottles across its entire fleet, a significant effort to offer guests more sustainable options onboard. Debuting this fall, Norwegian Encore will offer seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning November 24, 2019. Bermuda, Canada and New England from New York City starting April 22, 2020; to the Western Caribbean from Miami starting December 12, 2020; and in the spring of 2021 it will make its West Coast debut and sail to Alaska from Seattle.
