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Norwegian Encore keel-laying gets a 'Kinky Boots' kick

PHOTO: Norwegian Cruise Line
Andy Stuart with Lola and the angels, backed by Norwegian Encore's keel
During Wednesday's keel-laying for Norwegian Encore at Meyer Werft, attendees were treated to a surprise performance from 'Kinky Boots' that revealed the Tony Award-winning show will headline the new ship's entertainment.

Performers appeared in extravagant costume with Lola, the lead singer wearing the show’s iconic boots, and her dancing angels singing 'Land of Lola,' one of the 16 original songs by Grammy Award winner Cyndi Lauper.

First at sea

'We are very excited to be the first to feature this award-winning musical at sea,' said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line.

For his part, Stephan Schmees, project manager and member of the Meyer Werft board, called it an honor to celebrate the keel-laying for Norwegian Encore, another newbuild in the long-term relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line. Delivery is set for next fall.

The Broadway hit 'Kinky Boots' details the unlikely partnership between a fabulous entertainer and factory owner, who embrace their differences and work together to create something the world has never seen before.

'The Choir of Man,' 'Happy Hour Prohibition,' 'The Cavern Club'

Norwegian Encore's entertainment will also feature 'The Choir of Man,' which recently debuted on Norwegian Escape, combining high-energy music, dance, live percussion and foot stomping choreography by nine 'ordinary' guys who perform everything from sing-along anthems to classic rock.

Additional entertainment that made a debut on Norwegian Bliss and will be available on Norwegian Encore includes 'Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical,' an interactive cocktails and theater show, and 'The Cavern Club,' which transports audiences back to the legendary Liverpool club with live musical performances by a Beatles cover band.

Bigger racetrack with laser-beam boosts

Norwegian Encore will also have an expanded, two-level racetrack stretching nearly 1,150 feet, with 10 turns and four points that extend up to 13 feet over the side of the ship. Further upgrades include a covered viewing area in the center of the track where participants can provide passing go-karts with an additional turbo boost by tagging them with a laser beam.

Norwegian Encore will also feature the Galaxy Pavilion, a more than 10,000-square-foot indoor virtual reality complex that debuted on Norwegian Joy. It has cutting-edge technology and interactive gaming, with multisensory virtual experiences, simulators and an escape room.

Atlantis-themed open-air laser tag

Cruising's only open-air laser tag arena made popular by Norwegian Bliss will reappear on Norwegian Encore, but this time as the resurrected lost city of Atlantis, with new elements. The ship will also feature an Aqua Park with two multi-story waterslides, one that extends 11 feet over the edge of the ship and loops down to the deck below.

The 169,000gt Norwegian Encore is scheduled to sail its inaugural voyage from PortMiami Nov. 17, 2019. The ship will depart Sundays from Norwegian's new cruise terminal for the Eastern Caribbean, through April 12, 2020.