Port of Southampton becomes first port of call for Norwegian Encore

Today (Saturday 2 November), Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) new ship Norwegian Encore was officially welcomed to the Port of Southampton on her maiden voyage from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

The traditional Plaque and Key ceremony took place on board following her arrival where crests were exchanged between the ship and the port, to welcome the ship on her first visit to Southampton. This was also the first opportunity for the travel trade industry professionals to experience life on board the ship.

NCL ships are well known for their unique hull artwork and the Norwegian Encore is no different with a bold design by Arranz-Bravo running the length of the cruise ship.

This vessel in the cruise line’s ‘Breakaway Plus Class’ has a capacity of nearly 4,000 passengers and made a striking entrance to the port. She took on passengers before leaving on her maiden cruise to New York.
The new cruise vessel will spend her first season cruising the Western Caribbean following her naming ceremony in Miami on 21 November where American singer Kelly Clarkson will be named as the ship’s official Godmother.

ABP Regional Director for Southampton Alastair Welch said: “We’re proud to have been the first port of call for this beautiful new ship. We have been welcoming Norwegian Cruise Line ships to the port for many years and are excited that the Port of Southampton is playing a significant part in the launch of Norwegian Encore.”

Norwegian Encore’s visit further strengthens the Port of Southampton’s position as Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port.