Norwegian Encore Set for Exciting Upgrades in Late 2024
Norwegian Encore is set to get an upgrade when it goes in for dry dock from November 18 to December 2, 2024. This two-week dry dock will see the ship get new venues and expanded dining options, as well as lose some spaces. See all about Encore’s changes below.
Encore’s New Adult-Only Area: Spice H2O
One of the most exciting changes is the addition of Spice H2O, an adult-only, complimentary outdoor area replacing the Laser Tag arena. Unlike the Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O is free for anyone 18 and over to access.
Studio Dado, who was behind many of the most well-designed spaces on the Norwegian Prima and Viva, is designing this new section. The space will feature multiple hot tubs, eight-day beds, a large bar, and a cooling pool. Norwegian describes it as a cross between the Breakaway Plus-class ship’s Spice H2O and the Infinity Beach area of the Prima Class.
Encore’s Revamped Dining Experiences
During the renovation, Norwegian will remove Los Lobos, its Mexican specialty restaurant, and Coco’s, its high-end dessert shop. They will use that space to expand Cagneys Steakhouse and their hibachi-style dining experience, Teppanyaki. Cagneys will double in size, taking up the entire aft of Deck 8.
In addition, Ocean Blue will be converted into Palomar, a Mediterranean-style specialty restaurant. Since Palomar first debuted on the Norwegian Prima, it has received rave reviews from guests.
Norwegian is Downsizing the Observation Lounge
As they did on the Joy earlier this year, Norwegian will remove part of the Observation Lounge to add 26 new balcony cabins. Norwegian has previously indicated that this part of the Observation Lounge was “underutilized.”
Haven Suite Upgrades on Encore
For guests who like the finer things in life, Norwegian is expanding the Owner’s Suites on the Encore. The two-bedroom suites will be turned into three bedrooms. These massive suites will include three and a half bathrooms, a fully renovated living room, and a separate dining room.
Encore’s Plans After Renovation
Once the ship completes its upgrades, it will head to Miami, where it will sail seven-day cruises through the Caribbean through March 2024. In the summer, the Encore will reposition to Seattle to offer amazing Alaska itineraries.
Our Take: A Nice, Unexpected Upgrade to a New Ship
The Encore’s dry dock is routine for a ship after five years of service. At that point, they usually overhaul the propulsion systems, touch up the paint, and make primarily cosmetic upgrades. However, this dry dock sees a lot more going on.
We’re happy to see Norwegian adding a free adult-only area onboard the ship. The space looks beautiful, and having both hot tubs and a pool is a great option. Nearly all of Norwegian Cruise Line’s competitors offer a space like this, and we assume they’ve heard a lot of negative feedback from adults during packed summer sailings.
The change in restaurants is also interesting. Coco’s wasn’t on Norwegian’s newest ship, the Viva, when it debuted this year, and now it’s being removed from the Encore. This shows that guests might be tired of paying extra for sweets while many great dessert options are already available on the ship. We’ve only heard good things about Palomar, so it’s not surprising to see that they’re changing Ocean Blue to this new venue that’s currently only on the Prima and Viva.
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