By the Caribbean Journal staff

Norwegian Cruise Line has completed the keel-laying ceremony for its new Norwegian Encore ship, slated to debut in the fall of 2019.

The new ship is part of Norwegian’s Breakaway-Plus class, with a planned capacity for up to 4,000 guests.

The ship will cruise out of Miami each Sunday, sailing seven-day itineraries to the Eastern Caribbean beginning Nov. 17, 2019.

Amenities on the new ship will include a two-level race track, a 10,000-square-foot “virtual reality complex,” an Aqua Park and a laser tag arena, among others.

“We are honored to celebrate the construction milestone and keel laying of Norwegian Encore, another ship of the brand’s fleet built by Meyer Werft during the long-term relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Stephan Schmees, project manager and member of the board for Meyer Werft.  “We look forward to delivering this incredible ship in the fall of 2019 and showcasing the technology and innovation made in Germany.”

— CJ