Breakaway Plus class · Norwegian · In service since 2019
Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is a Breakaway Plus class cruise ship operated by Norwegian, in service since 2019. At about 168,800 gross tons, it carries roughly 3,998 guests and ranks #1 by size in the 20-ship Norwegian fleet we cover.
- 168,800 gross tons
- 3,998 guests
Photo: Gordon Leggett, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ship facts
- Cruise line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship class
- Breakaway Plus class
- Entered service
- 2019 (7 years ago)
- Gross tonnage
- 168,800
- Guests
- 3,998
- Builder
- Meyer Werft
- Flag
- The Bahamas
- IMO number
- 9751511
About Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore, from 2019, is the last of the four Breakaway Plus ships and has the class’s longest race track, a two-level Speedway at the top of the ship. Galaxy Pavilion offers virtual-reality games, and open-air laser tag is set among the decks above. The Waterfront, an outdoor promenade of bars and restaurants on Deck 8, and the glass-walled Observation Lounge at the bow are other standouts. Encore has spent summers in Alaska from Seattle and winters in the Caribbean, so the lounge and its sea views earn their keep on both.
Best for: Families and friend groups who want lots of activities, especially on an Alaska or Caribbean week.
Norwegian Encore highlights
- Speedway, a two-level go-kart track
- Galaxy Pavilion virtual-reality arcade
- Open-air laser tag
- Observation Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows at the bow
- The Waterfront outdoor promenade
How Norwegian Encore compares in size
- Norwegian Encore168,800
- Norwegian Bliss168,028
- Norwegian Joy167,725
- Norwegian Escape165,157
- Norwegian Luna156,300
- Norwegian Epic155,873
- Norwegian Aqua154,140
- Norwegian Getaway145,655
- Norwegian Breakaway145,655
- Norwegian Viva143,535
- Norwegian Prima143,535
- Norwegian Jade93,558
- Norwegian Pearl93,530
- Norwegian Gem93,530
- Norwegian Jewel93,502
- Norwegian Dawn92,250
- Norwegian Star91,740
- Pride of America80,439
- Norwegian Sun78,309
- Norwegian Spirit75,904
Gross tonnage measures a ship's enclosed volume, not its weight. Source: Wikidata.
Breakaway Plus class sister ships
Sailing with Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) built its identity on Freestyle Cruising: no fixed dinner times, no formal nights and a long list of restaurants you choose from each evening. Its big, modern ships add go-kart tracks, Broadway-style shows and The Haven, a private suite enclave. It suits independent-minded couples, groups and families who like flexibility, less so budget purists who dislike add-on charges.
Read our full Norwegian guide: dining, drinks, tipping and who it suits →
Norwegian Encore FAQs
How big is Norwegian Encore?
Norwegian Encore measures about 168,800 gross tons. That makes it #1 of 20 Norwegian ships we cover by tonnage, and #33 among all 255 ocean cruise ships in our guide.
How many passengers does Norwegian Encore carry?
About 3,998 guests, according to Wikidata's record for the ship. Cruise lines usually quote capacity at two guests per cabin; with third and fourth berths filled, the maximum is higher.
When was Norwegian Encore built?
Norwegian Encore entered service in 2019 and was built by Meyer Werft.
What class of ship is Norwegian Encore?
Norwegian Encore belongs to Norwegian's Breakaway Plus class, alongside Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Escape. Ships in the same class share a layout and most signature features.
Is Norwegian Encore good for families?
Splash Academy offers free supervised programs for kids 3 to 12, grouped by age, while Entourage gives teens 13 to 17 their own space and activities. Guppies sessions invite parents with babies and toddlers to join in. Facilities vary by ship, so check what Norwegian Encore offers for your kids' ages.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikidata, Wikipedia, Norwegian official site.