Norwegian Encore is a Breakaway Plus-class cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). She is the fourth Breakaway Plus-class ship in the fleet, following sister ships Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape, and Norwegian Joy, and debuted in November 2019.
Cutting-edge technology and daring new thrills take cruising to a whole new level. Watch the ocean blur by as you zoom around curves suspended 13 feet over the side of the ship on Norwegian Speedway, the largest race track at sea. Bring the secrets of the past to life in the lost city of Atlantis, where laser tag meets augmented reality. Ready for an immersive experience of a whole other level? Step into the high-tech, virtual world of the Galaxy Pavilion.
In many ways, Norwegian Encore is the “big city” of cruising. Its 20-plus restaurants let passengers dine in a different venue every night (though not without a cost) and its Deck 8 indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar area make an evening out feel more like a night on the town. The live entertainment is some of the best we’ve ever seen at sea — with Broadway-caliber performers in “Kinky Boots” and “Choir of Man” — and the bars mix it up with signature cocktails and unique vibes.
Thrilling activities run the gamut from freefall waterslides to go-karts, laser tag, and virtual-reality play spaces. Those looking to avoid the crowds can escape to the spa’s thermal suite or adults-only Vibe Beach Club, or cozy up with a book in the breathtaking Observation Lounge with two-deck-high windows at the front of the ship. And passengers who want the utmost in tranquility can book into the Haven suite complex, where they can luxuriate in exclusive enclaves including a pool, sun deck, restaurant, and lounge.
However, while Norwegian Encore is big enough to offer something for everyone, it clearly caters more to some people than others. Sun worshippers might be disappointed in the compressed pool and complimentary sun deck spaces, with outdoor thrill rides and extra-fee sun decks spanning a huge chunk of the ship’s top decks. Families with young children are stuck with windowless kids club areas in the bowels of the ship, a small water play area and restaurants and shows that are very much geared toward adults.
Travelers on a budget will find, even with promotional booking freebies, that there are a lot of surprise fees and pay-to-play areas; you definitely don’t get the full wow factor of this ship by keeping your onboard bill to a minimum.
Norwegian Encore cruise ship deck plan has a total of 2043 staterooms (15 types, 42 categories) for 3998 passengers (max capacity is 4903) served by 1735 crew-staff. The boat has 20 decks (16 passenger-accessible, 11 with cabins), 29 dining options (9 complimentary), 22 lounges and bars, 3 swimming pools, 9 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 5 waterslides, 16 elevators.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
Name | Norwegian Encore |
Owner | Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings |
Operator | Norwegian Cruise Line |
Port of registry | Nassau, Bahamas |
Ordered | 14 July 2014[4] |
Builder | |
Cost | US$1 billion[7] |
Yard number | S.708[2] |
Laid down | 28 November 2018[5] |
Launched | 17 August 2019[1] |
Christened |
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Completed | 30 October 2019 |
Acquired | 30 October 2019[3] |
Maiden voyage | 2 November 2019[3] |
In service | 2019–present |
Identification |
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Status | In Service |
General characteristics | |
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Class and type | Breakaway Plus-class cruise ship |
Tonnage | |
Length | 333.44 m (1,094.0 ft)[8] |
Beam | |
Draught | 8.7 m (29 ft)[8] |
Depth | 11.6 m (38 ft)[8] |
Decks |
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Installed power | |
Speed | 22.5 knots (42 km/h) (cruising) |
Capacity | 3,998 lower beds |
Crew | 2,100 |
Notes | Hull art designed by Eduardo Arranz-Bravo[9] |