Norwegian Encore is a Breakaway Plus-class cruise vessel operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, a cruise company based in the US.
The first steel for the ship was cut in January 2018 while the keel-laying ceremony was held in November 2018. The ship was delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line in October 2019 and was christened at a ceremony held in Miami, US, in November 2019 before embarking on its maiden voyage in the same month.
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The cruise’s lines 17th vessel, Norwegian Encore is set to make its debut on the West Coast as services of the cruise line were suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will replace the previously announced Norwegian Bliss for the 2021 summer cruise season, sailing from Seattle to Alaska, including port calls at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point. The West Coast voyage will offer views of the Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier or Glacier Bay.
Norwegian Encore design and features
The 333m-long Norwegian Encore has a maximum beam width of 41m and weight of approximately 169,145t. The vessel can accommodate up to 3,998 passengers along with 1,735 crew. The hull artwork created by Spanish artist Eduardo Arranz-Bravo is inspired by his life by the sea in Barcelona.
The cruise ship has 20 decks featuring a host of attractions, including a go-cart track, which is the longest at sea. The ship’s pools include two slides across several decks and double ocean loops that stretch beyond the side of the ship.
Accommodation on board Norwegian Encore
The Haven suites located at the top of the ship feature luxurious accommodation with private sundecks and balconies, 24-hour butler service, and concierge service. The suites are available in nine different types ranging from spa suites to two-bedroom family villas.
Located on decks eight to deck 15, the Club balcony suites with space ranging from 23m² to 40m² offer accommodation for two or a family of four. The staterooms with balcony space ranging from 3m² to 13m² are spread across the forward, mid and aft sections of the ship.
The Spa staterooms located on deck 15 have easy access to the adjacent Mandara Spa and fitness centre.
Other staterooms include the Balcony suites with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies, Oceanview staterooms with large picture windows for a wide view of the ocean.
The Inside staterooms offer affordable suites that can accommodate up to four people while the Studio suites are designed and priced for solo travellers. The Studio rooms feature a full-size bed and have access to the private Studio Lounge.
Norwegian Encore bar and dining venues
The Norwegian Encore features 12 speciality dining venues with dining options such as the American Diner that offers burgers and crispy fried chicken and Onda by Scarpetta that offers authentic Italian cuisines. Q and Cagney’s provides a range of options including smoky Texas-style ribs or a filet mignon.
There are three main dining rooms on the ship. Savour, located on deck 6, offers a balance of classic favourites with innovative dishes. Dining room Taste, also located on deck six, has a daily changing menu and provides wine recommendations. The Manhattan Room on deck seven offers specially curated modern and classic dishes.
The Norwegian Encore offers a range of bars and beverage stores, including a Starbucks café on deck six and the Haven Lounge on deck 17. The Vibe Beach Club spanning from decks 19 to 20 is exclusive to passengers aged 18 and above. It is a two-storey private space that provides ocean views and features and a misting water feature.
Entertainment and retail offerings of Norwegian Encore
The Norwegian Encore features multiple entertainment venues, including Kinky Boots, The Choir of Man, and the Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical.
The Encore Speedway karting venue features more than 1,100ft of track suspended 13ft off the side of the ship on decks 18 and 19. The Aqua Park spanning decks 16 and 17 is equipped with two multi-storey waterslides and the Kids Aqua Park on deck 16. Other entertainment venues include the Encore Casino located on deck seven and the Entourage Teen Club on deck five. Spa facilities on deck 16 include the Pulse Fitness Centre.
The Norwegian Encore features a 10,000ft² outdoor laser tag arena equipped with augmented reality elements. Entertainment options also include an immersive escape room and interactive theatre experiences in the Galaxy Pavilion. The ship also offers retail shopping venues on deck eight with stores, including jewellery, boutique, beauty, and apparel shops.
Propulsion and performance
The ship is propelled by an electric pod propulsion drive that generates a power of 44MW. The total power provided by the engines is 76,800kW.
The Norwegian Encore features improved hydrodynamics and energy-saving systems. The exhaust gas from the engines is cleaned in a special scrubber system. The ship can cruise at a speed of 22.5k.
Contractors involved
The ship was constructed by shipbuilding company Meyer Werft at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Dutch furniture company Robos Contract Furniture was contracted to furnish the cruise ship.
