Encore, do you want more? That seems to be Norwegian Cruise Line’s motto as the cruise line continues to push the envelope when it comes to onboard experiences.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest mega-ship, Norwegian Encore, keel laying ceremony occurred just yesterday. We were lucky enough to be invited to this event at Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany to get a first-hand look at this new ship. It was amazing to be a part of this tradition. Being live at the ceremony, we also got a sneak peek at some of the ship’s new features, including a live performance. If you are wondering what new and innovative features the ship will include, here are Five Things to Love About the New Norwegian Encore.
5 Things to Love About the New Norwegian Encore
More Exhilarating Race Track
How do you top the largest race track at sea? You make it bigger and add some new elements of course. On Norwegian Encore, the race track will extend to almost 1,150 feet. This new course will feature 10 turns including 4 points that extend up to 13 feet over the side of the ship. There will also be a covered viewing area where bystanders can watch the race. In addition, the crowd can provide drivers with some extra speed using a laser system to tag go-karts with a temporary speed boost.
Immersive Galaxy Pavilion
Norwegian Encore will offer one of the most interactive and technologically advanced spaces at sea, the Galaxy Pavilion. The Pavilion first debuted on Norwegian Joy, and the cruise line is re-envisioning the venue for Norwegian Encore. This family-friendly space will feature a variety of virtual reality experiences. Among the known attractions are a driving simulator, two dark ride simulators, and a virtual reality maze. With all of these new features, this indoor venue is sure to be popular with cruisers of all ages. We will be sure to update you as more details emerge about this 10,000 square foot space.
New Shows
Get ready to pull up a pair of bright red boots! Norwegian Encore will feature the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots. This Broadway production will feature original music from Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper and will be a 90-minute show in the main theater. Also featured in the main theater will be Choir of Man. This West End show recently debuted on Norwegian Escape and has been one of the best received shows on any Norwegian Cruise Line ship.
Along with these new productions, the ship will also feature Happy Hour Prohibition- The Musical which debuted on Norwegian Bliss, the popular Cavern Club with a Beatles cover band, and plenty of bars and lounges with live music.
Enhanced Laser Tag
One of the popular onboard activities on Norwegian Bliss is the laser tag. For Norwegian Encore, the cruise line has taken this concept and enhanced it with digital technology. This lost city of Atlantis themed outdoor arena will now include augmented reality as part of each game. Players will wear virtual reality headsets, so along with avoiding being targeted by opponents, cruisers will also have to be wary of “digital” obstacles which makes this game unlike anything else at sea.
Additional Value
Along with all these new features, Norwegian Encore will also be home to many of the popular venues and amenities found on earlier ships in the class. These include the Waterfront outdoor promenade, the Observation Lounge on Deck 15, the “ship within a ship” Haven area, and a variety of complimentary and specialty dining. Stay tuned for more details on dining as they emerge.
What is amazing is that this brand new ship will be offering Eastern Caribbean cruises that qualify for the company’s Free at Sea promotion, which now includes up to six perks. The newest addition to this line up is free flights. So, cruisers can now book an all-inclusive trip on this innovative ship with free Ultimate Beverage Packages, dining, internet, and more. Now that is something that deserves applause.
Comments
Are you planning to cruise on Norwegian Encore? What is your favorite new feature on this ship? Drop us an anchor below with your thoughts on this new vessel.
12 comments
Karrie M
We are scheduled to cruise on Encore the first week of January. It’s my family’s first cruise and my daughter’s 21st birthday. We are very excited and hope that it lives up to our dreams. Listening to Elvis Duran and the morning show right now as they get ready for the christening today by Kelly Clarkson. So exciting!!!
Elaine
Thinking of going to Bermuda June 2020 we are in our late 50s love kids but prefer mostly adults is that a good time to go
Shane Suzanne
The summer months will be packed with kids. My kids get out at the end of May and return the second week of August (in the midwest). You will also want to avoid winter and spring breaks.
For a “mostly” adult cruise, go when kids are in school, or pick a line that doesn’t attract kids as much, like Princess, Celebrity, or Holland America.
Emily
I am booked to sail on the Encore in February 2021. It will be my son & I first cruise. So excited!!
DB
We will be sailing on the christening mini-cruise this November, so be sure to follow along on social media and the blog!
Sue
I am booked for July 2020 on the Encore. Is there an extra charge for the virtual reality stuff and race track?
susan camerlengo
I am booked for July 2020 on the Encore and treating my 7 grandkids. need to know what the charge is for the racetrack, laser tag, etc, so I may budget my money to pay for these activities
susan camerlengo
my question was asked by someone else and not me. Please advise costs of activities on the Encore
Corrie
We cruised the Breakaway a few years ago and had a lot of issues with lines. We waited in lines to get food, we waited in lines to get on the elevators, we waited in lines at the bars. We did not even get a chance to get close to the pool because of how many people were packed onto the ship. My concern is that because the Encore has around the same passenger capacity as the Breakaway that we will be stuck waiting in lines the entire cruise again and spend our vacation fighting crowds like we did before.
Gerry G
We are scheduled for the first week of January this coming year. We did the Escape 2x and the Bliss once. Hopefully the Encore is as great of a experience
Andrew
We booked our December 2019 Encore cruise back in the Spring. Was a great deal, coming out cheaper than escape, bliss, and getaway, so too good to pass up. Glad details are starting to come out as hopefully that means things are progressing on time. There’s only two cruises in the US scheduled before ours so we have little room for errors in construction.
DB
Hi Andrew, glad to hear you will be cruising on Encore. We are scheduled for the first cruise in November. Fingers crossed the ship is delivered on time! Happy Cruising.