Norwegian Encore

The 2019-built Norwegian Encore is the fourth and final Breakaway Plus-class vessel, joining sister ships Norwegian Escape (2015), Norwegian Joy (2017), and Norwegian Bliss (2018). Encore is NCL’s 13th ship built by Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany).

The vessel (IMO number 9751511) is Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000879) and registered in Nassau.

History – construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, is headquartered in Miami (Florida USA), and is a publicly traded company listed on the NYSE (NYC). NCLH’s major shareholders include Apollo Global Management (USA), Genting Group (Malaysia), and TPG Capital (USA). In 2017, NCL’s global cruise market share was 8.7% (passengers) and 8.4% (revenue). NCLH owns the brands NCL, Oceania and RSSC (Regent).

Compared to the Breakaway-class, the 4000-passenger Norwegian Encore features an expanded The Haven, NCL’s “ship-within-a-ship” luxury enclave. This keycard-access-only area offers an outdoor terrace, private restaurant, courtyard with retractable roof, swimming pool, whirlpools, spa treatment rooms, sauna, and a private sundeck. Other enhancements include more Haven Suites, Penthouses, Spa Suites, and Studios (solo cabins).

Decks and Cabins

Norwegian Encore staterooms (2043 total, in 42 grades) include 1587 outside cabins, 374 inside cabins, and 82 Studios (solo cabins). Most staterooms measure 160-170 ft² (15-16 m²). Balcony cabins number 1112, Oceanview cabins 111, and Inside cabins 374. There are 47 wheelchair-accessible staterooms. The largest accommodations are the Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites (970 ft² / 91 m²) with a 490 ft² / 46 m² wraparound terrace.

The 82 Studios designed for solo travelers feature virtual views and exclusive access to the Studio Lounge. The ship also offers numerous family staterooms (connecting cabins) across most categories.

The vessel has 20 decks, including 16 accessible to passengers and 11 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options – Food and Drinks

Norwegian Encore’s à la carte specialty dining at signature restaurants allows guests to enjoy gourmet dishes, diverse culinary styles and fully customize their dining experience. The ship offers 11 complimentary dining venues plus a selection of specialty restaurants including Le Bistro, La Onda, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Bayamo by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces. Enhanced menus showcase both guest-favorite dishes and new creations, from light appetizers to indulgent entrées such as Maine lobster.

The dining lineup includes a Texas-style barbecue venue (Q), offering brisket, chicken, ribs and sausages smoked over oak, pecan and hickory woods. A modern Mexican restaurant, Los Lobos (introduced in 2016 on Norwegian Dawn), is located adjacent to The A-List Bar, which serves handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits and wines.

Norwegian Encore also features a full-service Starbucks shop. The first Starbucks at sea debuted in 2010 on Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean). Another new concept for NCL is Coco’s, a chocolate-themed dessert venue offering handmade pralines, crepes, truffles and other treats paired with premium teas and coffees.

In June 2019, NCL announced a partnership with LDV Hospitality for Encore’s “Onda by Scarpetta,” a new Italian specialty dining concept to be introduced fleetwide.

• The restaurant joins Scarpetta’s land-based venues in New York City (Long Island’s Hamptons), Las Vegas, Miami FL, Newport RI, Philadelphia PA, and London UK. The name Scarpetta comes from the Italian expression “fare la scarpetta” (to savor a meal to the last bite).
• La Onda (“wave” in Italian) features popular dishes from the Scarpetta brand, including seafood specialties, Yellowtail Crudo, Branzino, homemade daily pasta and classic Italian desserts.
• The restaurant offers a stylish contemporary atmosphere with expansive sea views from its indoor seating and alfresco area on The Waterfront.

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Encore restaurants and food bars.

• Savor Restaurant (forward Main Dining Room / complimentary)
• The Manhattan Room (aft Main Dining Room / complimentary, Freestyle dining, dinner only) with a dance floor for evening shows
• Taste Restaurant (forward Main Dining Room / complimentary)
• Private Room at Taste (group dining venue; 100-seat capacity with separate lounge)
• The Local Bar & Grill (complimentary; updated version of O’Sheehan’s Pub; open 24 hours with rotating menus)
• Q Texas Smokehouse (Texas BBQ with live country music; smoked meats, brisket, ribs and sides)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese Hibachi; reservations only; surcharge US$29 pp; open for lunch and dinner; live cooking demonstrations; à la carte specialties, sushi, sashimi, Yakitori, sake menu)
• Food Republic (specialty dining via partnership with Pubbelly Restaurant Group; international cuisine; à la carte menu; iPad ordering)
• Onda by Scarpetta (Italian specialty restaurant; reservations only; cover charge; open 5:30–9:30 pm; large tables; outdoor seating on The Waterfront)
• Ocean Blue (seafood; reservations only; cover charge US$39 pp; curated by Michelin-star chef Geoffrey Zakarian; indoor and outdoor seating)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (dinner only; reservations; cover charge US$30 pp; Certified Angus Beef; suite-guest breakfast and lunch service)
• Le Bistro French Restaurant (dinner only; reservations; cover charge US$20 pp; upscale French cuisine; wine tastings during the day)
• American Diner (specialty outdoor American Bar & Grill; surcharge US$9 pp; offers fast food and live daytime music)

Shipboard entertainment options – Fun and Sport

Encore features an expanded 55-suite Haven complex with a spacious sundeck, two whirlpools, private dining, specialty venues, enlarged courtyard, outdoor terrace, Thermal Suite, 14 treatment rooms (Haven Spa) and a fitness center.

Norwegian Encore is the world’s third ship (alongside Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss) fitted with a Ferrari-branded racetrack (deck 19), built by RiMO Supply (RiMO Germany Group) and operated in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari Watches. This is the first ever Formula 1-themed racetrack at sea.

• The 2-level racetrack spans two decks and offers sea views from 60 m (200 ft). It accommodates up to 10 electric Ferrari-branded go-karts at a time.
• The go-karts can reach 40 mph (65 kph). Compared to Norwegian Joy’s track, Encore’s is 40% longer and features 10 turns (Joy has 8), including two cantilevered over the ship’s side.
• Guests in Concierge and Haven suites enjoy complimentary rides. RiMO’s technology ensures optimal performance under UV exposure and saltwater conditions.
• Encore’s racetrack extends 4 m (13 ft) over both sides of the ship and includes a covered open-air viewing platform where guests can tag passing karts with a laser beam to measure speed.

Additional attractions include an open-air laser tag course (deck 18), an Aqua Park with Double Aqua Loop slides (one hull-extending, one with a transparent loop), and two racing slides (over 110 m / 360 ft long) also featuring transparent sections.

Pool Deck 16 offers two swimming pools positioned away from midship and cantilevered whirlpools extending over the ship’s sides. A top-deck kids’ water zone includes splash pads, tipping buckets, water cannons and slides.

Entertainment also includes NCL’s FIREWORKS show (each voyage), “Rock of Ages,” “Cirque Dreams” and the “Illusionarium” magic show.

Below is the complete list of Norwegian Encore lounges, clubs and entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Encore Theater (900 seats; Broadway-style productions; two nightly shows). Signature programming includes the exclusive “Kinky Boots” (Tony Award-winning musical featuring original Cyndi Lauper songs) and “Four Seasons” (an NCL original production themed on Cuban culture).
• Atrium “678 Ocean Place” (three-deck midship open-floor atrium with live entertainment and a large LED screen; served by Atrium Bar)
• Coco’s dessert bar/patisserie (handmade pralines, crepes, truffles; premium teas and coffees)
• Chess & Card Room; Library; Internet Café (24 hours); Meeting Rooms; Photo Studio & Shop; Art Gallery
• Reception (Guest Services); Shore Excursions Desk
• Starbucks Coffee Shop (full Starbucks menu)
• Social Comedy and Night Club (103 seats; large dance floor; stand-up comedy and DJ entertainment)
• Maltings Whiskey Bar (56 seats; premium whiskies and beers; live music; doubles as Library with books and games)
• Mixx Bar (piano bar; pre-dinner gathering spot)
• Encore Casino (smoking and non-smoking areas; large LED screens; VIP high-stakes room; served by Skyline Bar)
• Skyline Bar (cocktails and bar-top poker screens)
• Promenade Deck featuring The Waterfront Promenade (1320 ft / 402 m outdoor walkway with alfresco dining, bars, shops and a boardwalk located 8 decks above the water)
• The District Brew House (50 bottled beers, 24 draft beers; partnership with Wynwood Brewing Company)
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge (smoking-allowed bar lounge)
• The Cellars Wine Bar (operated with Mondavi; premium wines, tapas; separate tasting room; outdoor seating on The Waterfront)
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar (live Latin music)

• Dolce Gelato (Italian ice cream bar, à la carte)
• Carlo's Bake Shop is a premium patisserie/bakery by “cake boss” Buddy Valastro.
• Tradewinds Tax & Duty-Free Shops offer duty-free retail selections including alcohol, tobacco, NCL-branded merchandise, jewelry, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion and accessories, and special-occasion gifts. The shopping complex includes Tides Boutique, Cartier, Omega, Bvlgari, Fine Watches, The Time Zone, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Bally, and Godiva (gourmet sweets such as truffles, premium chocolates, and soft-serve ice cream), as well as the Beauty Shop.
• The Cavern Club Lounge (a replica of Liverpool’s famous music club) presents Beatles music, tribute band performances and “The Choir of Man” crew show (dynamic performances featuring live percussion, high-energy music, dancing and foot-stomping by nine crew performers).
• Photo Gallery & Shop (photo and video services by professional onboard photographers)
• The A-List Bar serves handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits and wines.
• Observation Lounge & Bar (deck 15) is a VIP venue exclusive to Concierge-level guests, featuring a buffet with light breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks.
• Garden Cafe (708 indoor seats, 280 outdoor seats) is a complimentary buffet-style restaurant, plus an Open-Air Garden Cafe seating area. It offers traditional Asian cuisine alongside international specialties.
• Waves Pool Bar (15 seats) is a casual outdoor bar offering beverages including popular cocktails.
• Aqua Park (three decks high, with two pools; five multi-level waterslides including Ocean Loop; two racing slides; “Free Fall” drop slides; four whirlpools; a poolside bar; Sun Deck area); Kids’ Aqua Park
• Splash Academy (kids 3-12 years old; two-level facility) offers themed activities, an interactive light-up floor for dancing, circus school (with resident clown), Nintendo and PS3 games, kids-only cinema, crafts, arts and pirate parades. The area also hosts the Guppies Nursery (toddlers 6 months to 2 years old) and the Kids’ Aqua Park (splash pool and Nickelodeon-themed entertainment).
• NCL Encore’s Mandara Spa & Fitness (wellness complex) includes the Thermal Suite (heated loungers, sauna, steam rooms, solarium), Salt Room (halotherapy), Beauty Salon, Foot Clinic, Barber Shop, Medi Spa (teens), and Aerobics Studio (fitness classes).
• Entourage Teen Centre is a complimentary, supervised lounge for teens 13-17 years old. It features a Video Games Arcade, large TVs for movies, PlayStation 3 consoles, and gaming tables (pinball, foosball, air hockey). The venue hosts themed parties (dance, pool, pizza) and teen discos in the evenings.
• Galaxy Pavilion is an indoor virtual-world and multi-player gaming complex equipped with interactive video walls and virtual reality technology.
• “The Haven” complex is exclusive to Villa and Suite guests and includes The Haven Courtyard (with retractable roof, adults-only pool area, two whirlpools), spa, steam room, gym, The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Lounge & Bar (offering a limited buffet for breakfast and lunch featuring traditional Chinese and Western cuisine).
• Spice H2O (lower level 1 of 2) is an adults-only relaxation area with one pool, two whirlpools, a large outdoor LED screen, poolside bar and grill.
• Pulse Fitness Centre features Technogym equipment and a separate Aerobics Studio for classes including Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, boxing and TRX.
• Sports Complex includes a Bungee Trampoline, Spider Web (climbing wall with spiral slide), Mini Golf, Ropes Courses, Zip Line, The Plank (walk-the-plank platform), multi-sport court (basketball/volleyball), Race Track (Ferrari-branded go-karts), Rock Climbing Wall and Jogging Track.
• Race Track is operated with 10 electric karts and 5–6-minute racing sessions. The go-karts are decorated with various corporate logos.
• Laser Battle is an open-air laser tag course (deck 18) with obstacles and a large touch screen for kids.
• Vibe Beach Club (99 seats, deck 19) is an adults-only relaxation venue (daily surcharges apply) with cantilevered whirlpools, sun loungers, luxury chaise lounges, outdoor bar and private cabanas.

Next are the NCL Encore venues listed by deck location.

• Deck 20: Laser Tag Course, Ropes Course, Aqua Racer waterslide (entry-level), Vibe Beach Club (upper level).
• Deck 19: The Haven Courtyard (sundeck with two Jacuzzis), Vibe Beach Club (sundeck with two Jacuzzis), Encore Speedway (Race Track), Mini-Golf Course.
• Deck 18: Ocean Loops waterslide (entry-level), The Haven complex (Courtyard, Lounge, Restaurant, Outdoor Restaurant, Horizon Lounge), Encore Speedway, Laser Tag Course, Sports Complex (Bungee Trampoline, Spider Web, Zip Line, Rock Climbing Wall).
• Forward on decks 17–18: two two-level bar lounges exclusive to The Haven passengers – Horizon Lounge and The Haven Lounge.
• Deck 17: The Haven Courtyard (sundeck, Jacuzzi, swimming pool), Sundeck (with four Jacuzzis), Speedway Jogging Tracks, Le Bistro French Restaurant, American Diner, Galaxy Pavilion.
• Deck 16: Garden Cafe, swimming pools, Sundeck, Kids’ Aqua Park, wellness facilities (Fitness Center, Mandara Spa, Beauty Salon, Barber Shop).
• Forward on deck 15: Observation Lounge & Bar (444 seats; 2723 ft² / 253 m²) – VIP venue for Concierge passengers with buffet service for light meals and 270-degree ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows; full bar service.
• Deck 13: Infirmary / Medical Center.
• Deck 11: Studio Lounge (exclusive to Studio/single cabin passengers).
• Deck 8: Cellars Wine Bar, Maltings Whiskey Bar, Cavern Club, Humidor Lounge, Sugarcane Mojito Bar, The A-List Bar, Onda by Scarpetta Italian Restaurant, Ocean Blue, Los Lobos Cantina, Cagney’s Steakhouse, Food Republic, Maltings Whiskey Bar, Dolce Gelato, Carlo's Bake Shop, Tradewinds Shops.
• Deck 7: Box Office, The Local Bar & Grill, Encore Casino, Manhattan Restaurant.
• Deck 6: Shore Excursions, Internet Cafe–Library–Card Room, Perspective Photo Studio, Meeting Rooms, Reception/Guest Services, Art Gallery, Atrium Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse, Teppanyaki, Taste and Savor restaurants, Mixx Bar, Starbucks Bar, Social Comedy Nightclub, Coco's.
• Deck 5: Children’s venues (Splash Academy, Guppies, Video Arcade, Entourage).

Encore is NCL’s first ship to feature “Onda by Scarpetta,” a specialty restaurant offering premium Italian dining experiences (planned for fleetwide expansion). In June 2019, NCL announced an exclusive partnership with Scarpetta Restaurants via LDV Hospitality (USA-based boutique hospitality group). The new restaurant joins Scarpetta’s land-based venues in NYC, The Hamptons (Long Island NY), Miami FL, Philadelphia PA, Newport RI, Las Vegas NV, and London OH. “Onda by Scarpetta” showcases modern Italian cuisine with beautifully presented seafood, signature dishes, handmade daily pasta and classic gourmet desserts. The restaurant is designed similarly to its land-based counterparts, featuring walnut wood and Calacatta marble interiors.

Galaxy Pavilion (930 m² / 10,000 ft² gaming center) is equipped with interactive video walls and Oculus virtual reality systems. The venue includes three XD Dark Ride Motion simulators (3D real-time graphics, 3D Virtual Surround Sound, multi-sensory effects), six Xbox stations, a Star Wars Battle Pod arcade game and hovercraft bumper cars.

Itineraries

Norwegian Encore’s itinerary program is based on homeporting in Miami (Florida USA), with Sunday roundtrip departures. The 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruises visit Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas USVI), Road Town (Tortola BVI) and Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas). The 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries visit Belize (Harvest Caye), Honduras (Isla Roatan) and Mexico (Costa Maya and Cozumel).

During summer, the ship is deployed in Alaska, operating 7-day roundtrips from Seattle WA. The Alaska route includes Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay NP, Ketchikan and Victoria (BC Canada).

In 2017, NCL announced that Norwegian Encore would also be deployed in Asia and homeported in China.

On January 31, 2018, construction officially began with the steel-cutting ceremony held at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The event was attended by NCL executives in the yard’s laser-cutting hall.

On November 28, 2018, the vessel’s physical construction/assembly commenced with the keel-laying ceremony. The event included the traditional placement of a commemorative coin within the keel blocks and a surprise live performance of “Kinky Boots” by “The Choir of Man” (a nine-member cast).

The vessel was launched (floated out) from drydock on August 17, 2019, beginning at approximately 8 am. After exiting the drydock hall, she was berthed at the shipyard’s outfitting pier for funnel cladding and additional outfitting work. This was followed by her conveyance down the Ems River for North Sea trials (testing machinery and performance). Norwegian Encore’s crewed transfer to Eemshaven, Holland began on September 30 and concluded on October 1. The ship was officially delivered to NCL by Meyer Werft on October 30, 2019, in Bremerhaven, Germany. The ceremony was attended by Andy Stuart (NCL’s President and CEO) and Tim Meyer (Managing Director at Meyer Werft Papenburg).

Norwegian Encore’s hull artwork was created by the Spanish painter Eduardo Arranz-Bravo (born 1941 in Barcelona, first exhibition in 1961).

The ship’s namesakes include Seabourn Encore (2016) and American Encore (2026).

The christening ceremony was held on November 21, 2019, in New York City and was led by godmother Kelly Brianne Clarkson—born in 1982 in Burleson, Texas. She is a singer, actress, author and television personality who rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol (2002). Her best-selling song is “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (2011). Clarkson performed live during the naming ceremony in PortMiami. Attending the event were Frank Del Rio (NCLH’s CEO), Andy Stuart (outgoing NCL President and CEO), Harry Sommer (incoming NCL President and CEO) and more than 3500 VIP guests, including US officials, travel agents, media, investors and NCLH partners.

Norwegian Encore refurbishment 2024 review

On August 1, 2024, NCL announced that Norwegian Encore’s first drydock refurbishment would take place from November 18 to December 2 (2024).

The two-week project (conducted in France at Damen Shiprepair Brest) introduced several new features and major upgrades.

A new Spice H2O (an adults-only outdoor lounge on deck 18 aft) replaced the Laser Tag Arena. Designed by Studio Dado, the new Spice H2O combines signature elements from NCL’s Breakaway-Plus and Prima Class ships and features two hot tubs, an infinity pool, a sundeck with eight large daybeds and a cocktail bar.

Two specialty restaurants—Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki—were expanded, taking over the former Los Lobos (deck 8 Mexican cantina) and Coco’s (deck 6 patisserie). Ocean Blue (seafood restaurant) was transformed into Palomar, offering Mediterranean-style seafood cuisine.

The American Diner received updated décor, including new tiles and metallic ceilings.

A new counter was installed at Cruise Next (the onboard future-booking office).

The Photo Gallery shop was refurnished.

The Haven Suites were redesigned. The Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites (the two forward staterooms on deck 18) were recategorized as The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites and expanded from two to three bedrooms. Both suites received substantial upgrades, including four bathrooms (three full and one half), a fully renovated living room, a separate dining room and updated furnishings for the master bedroom and terrace.

Forty staterooms were reclassified as “Spa Balcony” cabins, granting guests complimentary, direct access to the Mandara Spa & Salon (deck 16), which now features a Thermal Suite. The Thermal Suite occupies the former VR complex (Galaxy Pavilion) and includes a Sauna Room, Ice Room, Aroma Steam Room, a Spa Lounge with tiled heated loungers and 4-senses loungers, a Biostation (IV therapy/body treatments) and new foot hydrotherapy stations by Kneipp GmbH.

The refurbishment also added 24 balcony cabins (converted from space within the Observation Lounge) and two Club Balcony staterooms (from space within the Observation Lounge & Bar on deck 15). Based on similar modifications on Norwegian Joy, NCL estimates that each additional balcony cabin will generate approximately USD 150,000 in annual revenue.

Drydock 2024 additionally included routine maintenance and classification work, machinery/system overhauls, hull cleaning and repainting and minor steel repairs.

Inaugural itineraries 2019

On March 22, 2018, NCL opened bookings for all Caribbean voyages scheduled for 2019.

The inaugural season (November 2019 through April 2020) featured Miami roundtrips (Sunday departures) on 7-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries calling at San Juan, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, USVI and Tortola, BVI.

The following tables show the ship’s “Inaugural Cruise” itineraries with port times and fares per person (USD, based on double-occupancy Inside Cabin rates).

An 11-day maiden voyage (Europe–USA repositioning from Southampton to Miami) was initially scheduled but later cancelled. The voyage (planned for departure on Nov 2) included a call at Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores (Nov 6, 9 am–6 pm) and arrival in Miami on Nov 13, with fares from USD 1200 pp.

Following her delivery on October 30, the ship operated a preview cruise (Oct 31–Nov 2) from Bremerhaven to Southampton. This voyage was not open for booking and was reserved for industry, media, travel agents and VIP guests. A second preview sailing (2-day) ran from November 11–13 roundtrip from NYC.

9-day “Inaugural Cruise” (Transatlantic repositioning from Southampton to NYC) – from USD 600 pp

7-day Inaugural Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami – from USD 900 pp

(Special) 4-day Inaugural Bermuda cruise from NYC – from USD 630 pp

The regularly scheduled 7-day roundtrip itinerary is priced from USD 880 pp and includes two overnights in King’s Wharf (Royal Naval Dockyard).

7-day Inaugural Western Caribbean cruise from Miami – from USD 650 pp

12-day Inaugural Panama Canal cruise from Miami – from USD 1600 pp

7-day Inaugural Alaskan cruise from Seattle – from USD 1050 pp

Godspeed!