Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of final Breakaway-Plus ship Norwegian Encore

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, the last of the Breakaway-Plus class, Norwegian Encore, has been delivered to the cruise line and departed on her two-day shakedown cruise from Bremerhaven to Southampton.

At 170,000-gross tons, Norwegian Encore is the largest of her class, and it shows in the amenities and attractions on-board, which include the largest go-kart race track at sea, the largest observation lounge on any cruise ship, and several dozen bars and restaurants, many of which sit on a waterfront promenade.

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“Today we celebrate the delivery of our 17^th ship and the close of our history-making Breakaway Plus class – a feat that was made possible through a special collaboration with our partners at Meyer Werft,” said Andy Stuart, President & CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Our dedication to creating next-level offerings onboard, will allow us to continue to deliver meaningful experiences for our guests, when Norwegian Encore arrives home to Miami,” he added, in what will be his last ship commissioning event for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Stuart will step down as President & CEO at the end of this year, but will remain on in an advisory capacity, according to the company.

Norwegian Encore is now sailing the first of a series of preview cruises over the coming month in Europe, New York and Miami, including a naming ceremony on Nov. 21^st where she will be officially commissioned by godmother and Grammy Award-winning singer and television host Kelly Clarkson.

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The 4,000-guest cruise ship will arrive in Southampton on November 2^nd, giving media and travel agents a taste of what she has to offer, including the new Onda by Scarpetta, enhanced Galaxy Pavilion and open-air laser tag attractions, and the at-sea debut of Kinky Boots.

On November 2^nd, Encore will depart Southampton bound for New York, where she will arrive on November 10^th for preview events until the 13^th when she will reposition to Miami for another series of events culminating in the christening ceremony on November 21^st.

The delivery of Norwegian Encore on time was also a welcome achievement for Meyer Werft, whose Meyer Turku shipyard has faced a series of delays in the delivery of Costa Smeralda for Costa Cruises.

“We’re happy to deliver another world-class ship to Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Tim Meyer, Managing Partner of Meyer Werft. “We are extremely proud of our partnership of over 16 years and honored to have been part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s most successful class of ships.”