Norwegian Cruise Line to update popular Breakaway-class vessel

Mr Anslow says, “We’re proud to announce this refurbishment has been orchestrated by NCL’s longtime design partners, Studio DADO, who we have worked with us for over 10 years. There is a deep understanding from Studio DADO on the style, look, and level of service we want to offer to our NCL guests.”

He describes the interior design as warm, welcoming, light, sleek, modern, relaxed, open and spacious, and adds, “There are large open spaces and intimate nooks, and we are excited for return guests to fall back in love with Encore and new guests to discover its style.”

Norwegian Encore’s enhancements include introducing Mediterranean speciality restaurant Palomar and expanding NCL’s two most popular speciality venues; Cagney’s Steakhouse, which recently won the 2024 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its wine programme, and Teppanyaki, the hibachi-style restaurant where chefs cook food on an open grill in front of diners. 

Teppanyaki will offer greater capacity by taking over the footprint of Los Lobos Mexican restaurant and Coco’s milkshake, ice cream and crepe outlet. Additionally, the Ocean Blue seafood restaurant will make way for Palomar.

Mr Anslow says, “Teppanyaki is one of my favourite restaurant spaces on board. It’s intimate with a dark interior, paying homage to Japan’s rich history of craftsmanship through minimalist decor, handcrafted pottery and Japanese artwork by contemporary Japanese artists exquisitely displayed on floating, minimalist shelves. The venue is set among a whimsical Japanese backdrop, with walls lined with tatami mats, inspired by the restaurant’s menu items, including a marble sushi bar reflective of the marbling in the high-quality sashimi and subtle orange ambient lighting representing the colour of masago, or fish roe.

“Guests are always at the forefront of our mind when it comes to making decisions about our interior spaces, whether it be accommodation, entertainment venues or dining areas. We noted that Cagney’s and Teppanyaki were clear favourites of guests, and we decided to expand both of these spaces, which sadly means saying goodbye to Los Lobos and Coco’s for now.”

Turning to the staterooms, Mr Anslow says the changes have also been influenced by passenger feedback and demand.

“Similar to the recent refurbishment on Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore will also debut from its drydock with an additional 24 new balcony staterooms and two club balcony staterooms by repurposing a portion of the ship’s Observation Lounge,” he says. “Resulting in the growing demand for the three-bedroom suites aboard Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore’s Premier Owner’s Suites in The Haven by Norwegian will be expanded from two bedrooms to three.” These two suites will include three and a half bathrooms, a fully renovated living room, room and a new separate dining room.

Moving outside, another major change to Norwegian Encore is the introduction of Spice H2O, an adults-only area. Replacing the laser tag arena, the outdoor lounge has been designed by Studio DADO.

Mr Anslow says NCL has combined the amenities of Spice H2O from Breakaway-class vessels with those from Infinity Beach on the latest Prima-class ships.

“Laser tag has been fabulous fun for guests, but we felt this would be an opportunity to expand our adults-only offering Spice H20, which is so well received on our other ships, tucked away from the main pool deck to give an exclusive feel, despite being complimentary,” he says. “Eight large day beds are surrounded by pools and hot tubs, similar to an Ibiza beach club, without the hefty price tag.”

Summing up the forthcoming enhancements he says, “Norwegian Cruise Line is an upper contemporary cruise line, which has guests and crew hailing from all over the world, resulting in a welcoming, inclusive feel on board. NCL is relaxed yet we still appreciate the finer things in life, great food, art, wine, wowing entertainment, a luxurious spa, wide open and intimate spaces to relax and socialise with loved ones and new friends. Encore’s elevated and warm design reflects the feeling of NCL perfectly to our clientele. We can’t wait for guest feedback.”

Following the drydock, Norwegian Encore will embark on a transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Miami and then offer six-night round-trip sailings to the Caribbean through March 2025. Ports of call include Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola; British Virgin Islands; St Thomas; US Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private Bahamian island. For summer 2025, the ship will sail six-night round-trip cruises to Alaska from Seattle.

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