Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), considered one of the world's most innovative cruise companies, has taken delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, in Bremerhaven, Germany. To kick off this highly anticipated milestone, the cruise line will embark on a month-long voyage along with a series of events scheduled in Europe, New York, and Miami, including the ship's naming ceremony on November 21, which will be attended by executives from Norwegian Cruise Line and Meyer Werft.
The Norwegian Encore is 335 meters long, has a gross tonnage of 170,000, and a maximum capacity of 4,000 passengers. The ship is scheduled to set sail for the first time on October 31 from Bremerhaven, Germany, and arrive in Southampton, England, on November 2. During the two-day voyage, guests will enjoy exclusive new onboard features, including the industry's largest and most exciting racetrack, the new fine-dining Italian restaurant Onda by Scarpetta, the Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality experience, laser tag attractions, and the debut of Tony Award® winner Kinky Boots.
Andy Stuart, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, stated: “We celebrate the delivery of our 17th ship, the Norwegian Encore, and the completion of our historic Breakaway Plus class, thanks to our special collaboration with our partners at Meyer Werft. Our dedication and commitment to providing the best onboard experience will allow us to continue offering unique experiences for our guests in November, when the Norwegian Encore arrives in Miami.”.
Tim Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft, commented: “We are delighted to deliver another world-class ship to Norwegian Cruise Line and extremely proud of our collaboration of more than 16 years and honored to have been part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most successful class of ships. We are confident that the Norwegian Encore will continue the company’s legacy of exceeding guest expectations.”.
On November 2, the new ship will begin its transatlantic voyage to the U.S., arriving in New York on November 10 with a scheduled two-day itinerary (from the 11th to the 13th). It will then travel on November 13 to Miami for a series of events, concluding with the christening ceremony, starring Grammy-winning superstar Kelly Clarkson, which will take place in Miami on November 21.
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 ship's side. It will also host the Galaxy Pavilion, a 900-square-meter indoor virtual reality complex with cutting-edge technology, interactive games, and an escape room that offers a labyrinth of adventures. In this space, passengers of all ages will find something to enjoy. Furthermore, building on the exciting new restaurants and lounges that have made Breakaway Plus one of the most innovative and successful classes in the company's history, the 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 “The Choir of Man,” “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical,” and rock band The Cavern Club.
As part of a recent agreement with JUST Goods, Inc., the 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.
The Norwegian Encore, which will debut this fall, will offer seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami starting November 24, 2019; Bermuda, Canada, and New England from New York City starting April 22, 2020; the Western Caribbean from Miami starting December 12, 2020; and in spring 2021, it will make its West Coast debut, sailing to Alaska from Seattle.
