New vessel sails on open water for the first time after leaving Meyer Werft's yard in Germany
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Encore, has sailed on open water for the first time after departing Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Germany and heading to Eemshaven in the Netherlands for her sea trials.
Norwegian Encore, which is almost 1,100 feet long, began her conveyance down the Ems River on 30 September and arrived in Eemshaven on 2 October. Crew members sailed on the vessel to prepare her for welcoming her first cruise guests this November.
The 3,998-passnger vessel will now undergo sea trials in the North Sea, before returning to Meyer Werft’s yard ahead of her delivery to Norwegian on 30 October.
“Today we celebrate a huge milestone for our history-making ship,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian. “Now is when the anticipation truly begins to build. Our partners at Meyer Werft have collaborated with us to bring the industry-leading experiences from the successful Breakaway Plus class ships to Norwegian Encore, making her truly the best in class.”
Norwegian Encore will be christened by Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson in Miami, Florida on 21 November and will start sailing seven-day voyages from the port to destinations in the Caribbean on 24 November.