Kelly Clarkson has christened NCL’s new ship Norwegian Encore in Miami.

The event, hosted by parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, was attended by more than 3,500 guests, including travel partners, investors, government officials, media and family and friends of the cruise line.

Grammy award-winning US artist Kelly Clarkson, who is the ship’s godmother, officially christened Norwegian Encore by breaking a bottle of champagne across the ship’s hull.

She then performed some of her most famous songs to guests in attendance, alongside other entertainment acts from the ship, including the Choir of Man and Tony Award-winning Kinky Boots.

The celebrations took place pier-side at Port Miami, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s president and CEO Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of NCL Andy Stuart, and incoming president and CEO of NCL, Harry Sommer, all in attendance.

“Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing from Miami for over 50 years,” said Del Rio.

“We were the first to offer weekly cruises to the Caribbean from Miami, which shaped the city’s reputation as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World.’

“Five years ago, we launched our history-making Breakaway Plus class and today, we are proud to christen Norwegian Encore, the final ship of this class and a true representation of the evolution of the brand, right here in our hometown of Miami.”

Norwegian Encore recently completed her inaugural voyage, sailing from Southampton to New York.

With Miami as her homeport, she will offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean, and Canada and New England itineraries from New York City beginning 22 April 2020.

Western Caribbean sailings will start on 12 December 2020, and in spring 2021 the ship will make its debut West Coast and sail to Alaska from Seattle.

For more information, visit ncl.com.