Whether in pursuit of action, relaxation, or indulgence, Norwegian’s newest ship has it all tucked away on board.
At first glance, it would seem Norwegian Encore is geared towards keeping the young — and young at heart — entertained. The vessel is home to the largest racetrack at sea, towering water slides that whoosh over the side of the ship and an outdoor laser tag venue. But a closer at this mammoth new ship reveals it packs in something for everyone, allowing guests the freedom to piece together their own ideal holiday, whilst keeping their travelling companions happy.
The high-octane, heart-thumping adventure on board Norwegian Encore roars into full speed at the Norwegian Encore Speedway. The go-kart track is a must-do for all revheads; be warned, the speed of the karts can be adjusted by staff, so if you think you’re not zipping around the track as fast as those spotted earlier, you’re probably not. The adventure continues in Galaxy Pavilion, a playground for VR-lovers. With immersive experiences, simulator rides and an escape room, it’s easy to see how passengers find themselves engrossed in the VR world for hours on end.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) prides itself on entertainment, and on Encore, it hasn’t dropped the ball. A crowd favourite, Choir Of Man brought guests to their feet for a standing ovation. The musical follows the stories of a group in an English pub, where the talented cast performs everything from classic rock hits and pub tunes to sing-along favourites. There’s also the feel-good story of Kinky Boots, a six-time Tony Award winner and exclusively at sea aboard Encore.
Norwegian Encore is the final ship in the Breakaway Plus class, and the cruise line has continued its tradition of each vessel offering something different to the last, with Encore‘s headliner the at-sea debut of fine dining Italian restaurant, Onda by Scarpetta. In keeping with the on-land iterations of the restaurant, the venue serves beautifully prepared seafood and signature dishes, with wine served elegantly in elaborate decanters.
The dining options on Norwegian Encore are plentiful and varied. The specialty dining ranges from all-American classics at the American Diner, fine French cuisine at Le Bistro to Japanese food with flair at Teppanyaki. However, it’s worth noting that the quality cuisine doesn’t stop at the specialty dining options, with the three main dining rooms — The Manhattan Room, Savor and Taste — all serving high-quality, delicious fare. Passengers can also get their fix of indulgence at Coco’s, serving over-the-top sundaes, milkshakes and gelato or French macarons and cupcakes at The Bake Shop.
Norwegian Encore isn’t short of a place to pull up a chair for a tipple, with many bars dedicated to different beverages. There are elaborate mojitos at Sugarcane Mojito Bar, over 34 wine varietals at The Cellars and more than 50 different bottled and 22 draft beers at The District Brewhouse. The Observation Lounge is deserving of a special mention, offering 180-degree expansive views, complemented by cosy nooks, comfortable lounges and a full-service bar.
The accommodation on board is as varied as the ship’s guests, ranging from studios for solo travellers, through to the luxurious suites of the ship-within-a-ship concept of The Haven.
NCL has brought it’s Breakaway Plus class — the most successful in the line’s history — to a fitting end with Encore and leaving guests asking what innovation the next class, Leonardo, will bring to the oceans from 2022.
