Norwegian Cruise Line has announced extensive updates to Norwegian Encore during a two-week dry dock as it aims to deliver a more elevated onboard guest experience.
The updates will include the new adults-only Spice H2O; the expansion of two popular dining venues, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki; redesigned suites in The Haven by Norwegian; and 24 new balcony staterooms.
The 3098-guest capacity 2019-launched Norwegian Encore will be dry docked from 18 November to 2 December 2024, with transformations to include a new adults-only Spice H2O, a complimentary outdoor area tucked away from the main pool deck that replaces the current laser tag arena.
The lounge will feature a new design and elevated layout from NCL’s longtime design partners, Studio Dado, by combining the guest-favourite amenities of Spice H2O from the Breakaway-Plus Class with those from Infinity Beach of the latest Prima Class vessels.
The area will be equipped with multiple hot tubs, eight large day beds surrounded by cooling pools and a large cocktail bar.
Enhancements will also include the expansion of two of NCLs most popular specialty dining restaurants, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, by taking over Los Lobos’ footprint on deck eight and Coco’s on deck six. In addition, Ocean Blue will be converted to the guest-favourite Palomar, featuring elevated Mediterranean seafood cuisine.
“Our guests’ wants and needs are at the forefront of every decision that we make, and enhancing Norwegian Encore with more of the experiences they value showcases our commitment to just that,” Norwegian Cruise Line president David J. Herrera said.
“From more space for adults to relax, to more opportunities to enjoy their favorite dining options and beyond, we are dedicated to providing our guests with an elevated onboard experience as part of their dream vacation.”
Norwegian Encore’s Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony in The Haven by Norwegian will also be expanded from two bedrooms to three, after a growing demand for three-bedroom suites aboard Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Joy.
Additionally, these two suites will include three and a half bathrooms; a fully renovated living room, master bedroom and outdoor balcony furniture; and a new separate dining room. The Haven by Norwegian is the company’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship, and keycard access only complex with dedicated experiences including concierge service, a private pool area, restaurant and bar.
Similar to the recent refurbishment on Norwegian Joy earlier this year, Norwegian Encore will also debut from its dry dock with an additional 24 new balcony staterooms and two club balcony staterooms by repurposing a portion of the ship’s Observation Lounge.
The enhancements will complement the ship’s existing family-friendly offerings such as the Norwegian Encore Speedway, the 335m-long racetrack; the Aqua Park with two multi-storey waterslides; and the Galaxy Pavilion, NCL’s virtual reality complex.
Once it completes the two-week dry dock, Norwegian Encore will embark on a 12-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton, UK to Miami, US, then offer seven-day, round-trip sailings to the Caribbean through March 2025 with calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola; British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
For the Northern Hemisphere summer of 2025, Norwegian Encore will sail seven-day, round-trip cruises to Alaska from Seattle, where guests can take in the lush landscape and vast wildlife of the Last Frontier.
