I was so excited to get to cruise the Norwegian Encore on it’s Inaugural Miami Sailing from November 17 through November 20, 2019. I thought I would put some notes and pictures together in a three part blog. Here’s the first of the three entries!
THE ACTION ABOUNDS ONBOARD!
Norwegian Encore Speedway. Zip along over hairpin turns with hair-raising thrills. The exhilarating speedway is the largest race track at sea – 350 meters long with 10 turns around the track covering two action-packed levels. For a special jolt of excitement, the track suspends 13 feet over the side of the ship, so racers will be swooping over open waters. A covered viewing area means spectators will not only observe the action but actively participate in it. Mounted laser guns allow viewers to blast passing cars and power them with a turbo boost for extra speed. Minimum height required is 55 inches, but there are no height requirements for the passenger in double cars. Guests must only fit inside the seat and fasten seatbelts properly. From start to finish line, the action is fast and furious.
Laser Tag. Covering the entire back of the ship, the resurrected lost city of Atlantis sets the stage for an epic battle of later tag. At 9,150 square feet, it’s the largest open-air laser arena at sea … providing ample room for hiding behind ancient ruins and dodging monstrous sea creatures. With the augmented reality component, you can even spot virtual artifacts and uncover hidden treasure. Unlock the mysteries of Atlantis. It’s a blast.
Video Arcade. All the popular games in one high-energy locale.
Galaxy Pavilion. Virtual reality meets cutting-edge technology for interactive gaming excitement and an otherworldly experience. The highlights include:
- Dark Ride. It’s a 7D multi-sensory experience. Players are armed with a “light blaster” to interact with the film, while competing with fellow participants for the highest score.
- Driving Simulators. Players navigate the twists and turns and view all the action on a colorful screen. Played with a VR headset, participants race one another as they speed toward the winner’s circle.
- Escape Room. High-tech holograms and projection mapping build to a crescendo of excitement. Guests work as a team to solve clues and find artifacts that help them make the escape.
- Super Keeper. The game is on as players attempt to kick a physical soccer ball past a robotic goalie. Settings can be adjusted to make it easy – or virtually impossible – to beat the goalie.
- VR Maze. Once you get in, how in the virtual world do you get out? Players wear VR headsets to transform a 10’ x 10’ space into a variety of vistas. Players get two or three minutes to find an exit.
MAKE A SPLASH!
Main Pool. Take a dip, swim some laps or float along and let your cares pass by. Two main pools to accommodate all who want to dive in.
Aqua Park. Fans of the wet and wild will plunge to their heart’s content. Then relax afterwards with a frozen drink by the pools and hot tubs.
- Aqua Racer. It’s a tandem water slide, so grab a partner and go for it. A transparent tube section adds to the thrills.
- Ocean Loops. For dare devils only. Start 16 decks above the ocean at a towering 159 feet. Speed over an exhilarating double loop. Accelerate 11 feet over the side of the ship. And stare through several sections of transparent tube. Those brave enough will relish the adventure. And perhaps return for an Encore?
Kids’ Aqua Park. It’s child’s play at its finest. The younger generation can shoot down an awesome water slide, get drenched by tipping buckets and do battle with water cannons. It’s so much fun, they’ll never want to dry off.
FAMILY PROGRAMMING!
Splash Academy brings big fun for little ones. It features supervised activities for kids age 3 to 12. The good times include games with the conservation-minded Officer Snook, a circus extravaganza, jungle-themed nights and more.
Entourage is the teen hangout with tons of stuff. It’s a dedicated space filled with video games, movies, art, music, sports and – best of all – people their own age to befriend throughout the cruise.
Guppies is like a giant play pen for the littlest youngsters. The Early Years Coordinator leads Guppies Hosted Activities for parents and their babies. Specially designed for the youngest of cruisers, it features messy play, exploration, music and movement.
SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES!
The only thing better than sailing under the stars is watching the stars on a dramatic stage. From Act One to curtain call, audiences will applaud these Encore productions.
Silas, the current cruise director for the Encore after the Kinky Boots performance:
Kinky Boots. Winner of six Tony Awards® this Broadway hit features music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. The musical tells the story of Charlie Price. After inheriting a down-at-the-heels shoe factory, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a cabaret performer and drag queen. The plot? To produce a line of high-heeled boots and save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover they are not so different after all. Audiences worldwide love it. And Kinky Boots is available exclusively at sea on board Norwegian Cruise Line.
Here’s a clip of Kinky Boots from the 2013 Tony Awards:
The Choir of Man. The party is on at this rollicking English pub. A multi-talented cast belts out everything from pub tunes and classic rock to theater and folk songs. All to the percussive energy of vigorous dancing. Audiences grab a pint, then sing and stomp along with the cast. It’s a special evening, not to be missed.
Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical. Defy Federal Agents and drop in at an infamous New Orleans speakeasy: the world-renowned Madam Lulu’s. Lulu and her charmingly naughty girls will regale you with fabulous tales of bootleggers. And some of the era’s most famous tunes will have you dancing away at this interactive show. Tasting some of Prohibition’s popular cocktails will add even more to this raucous party.
Here’s a short video of Happy Hour from the Norwegian Bliss:
NIGHTLIFE!
Comedy & Night Club. The laughs begin early and the music goes on into the night. The popular venue operates as a comedy club early in the evening, then turns into a night club with a DJ playing lively pop hits.
The Cavern Club. It’s modeled after the famous Liverpool night club where the Beatles began their electrifying career. A nightly Beatles cover band recreates the magic of those historic days.
PUBLIC SPACES…The CENTER OF IT ALL!
The Waterfront. On The Waterfront is the place to be. This outdoor promenade connects guests to the ocean like none before with al fresco dining, bars and lounges that teem with spectacular scenery. Venues with The Waterfront access includes Cagney’s Steakhouse, Los Lobos, La Cucina, The Cavern Club, Dolce Gelato, Sugarcane Mojito Bar and Ocean Blue.
678 Ocean Place. It’s a breathtaking venue, a three-deck central hub pulsating with action. 678 Ocean Place features restaurants, shops, entertainment and guest services all conveniently located in one dynamic area.
Casino. Get lucky at the 8,665-square-foot venue. All bets are on with 127 slot machines, a roulette table, 16 black jack tables, a Texas poker table and a craps table. Breathe easy at this non-smoking casino that also includes an enclosed smoking area.
Mandara Spa. Get the special treatment you’ve earned at this full-service salon and barbershop. From facials to massages to acupuncture and more, it’s the place for guests to relax, unwind and rejuvenate themselves for the active days ahead. It offers aft-facing views in the Thermal Suite, a Snow Room and a Salt Room. Mandara is 23,422 square feet of soothing refreshment from pampering professionals.
Pulse Fitness Center. What the spa does to the soul, Pulse does to the body. Guests can energize themselves with invigorating workouts. Or get the blood flowing at one of the Pulse-pounding classes that include indoor cycling, rowing, yoga, Pilates and more.
More to come about the Norwegian Encore!
TTFN!
Cleared For Take-Off! 