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Meyer Werft cuts steel for 2019's Norwegian Encore

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Let the steel-cutting begin - Andy Stuart, second from left, with Meyer's Tim Meyer, left, and, right, Meyer's Thorsten Kroes and Stephan Schmees. At far right, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' Harry Sommer
Meyer Werft began the construction of 2019's Breakaway Plus newbuild in Papenburg as Norwegian Cruise Line announced the ship will be called Norwegian Encore and sail Sundays from PortMiami.

It's apparently a change of plans. One year ago, Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, had indicated the ship would be designated for the China market as a sister of Norwegian Joy.

Norwegian executives including Andy Stuart, president and CEO, gathered at Meyer's laser center to signal the start of steel-cutting for the 167,800gt ship.

Norwegian Encore is the fourth and final newbuild in the Breakaway Plus class, following Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss.

Also on hand were executives from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Meyer Werft.

'We are excited to start production for Norwegian Encore and to create another floating destination for Norwegian Cruise Line,' said Stephan Schmees, executive board member, project management ships, Meyer Werft.

Delivery is set for Oct. 31 next year.