By
Alex Smith |
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has ordered eight new cruise ships for three of its brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – and plans to expand its private island destination in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036. Following the previously planned delivery of four Prima-class ships from 2025-2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four vessels, each of approximately 200,000GT and with capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.
Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000GT ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests, in 2027 and 2029. Finally, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000GT ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.
The three cruise brands will design their new ship class in partnership with shipbuilder Fincantieri, with each intended to be the largest and most efficient vessels of their respective fleets.
"Over the years, our long-standing relationship with NCLH has been rooted in a shared vision for the future of maritime travel, consistently setting new standards for innovation, luxury, sustainability, and guest satisfaction in the cruise industry,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director at Fincantieri. “We are thrilled to work on these new build orders and deliver emblematic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come.”
NCLH also revealed that it will be constructing a new, multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay. The development is scheduled to break ground in summer 2024 and to be completed by late 2025, representing an investment of approximately $150 million. The new pier will be able to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of NCLH’s current and future ship classes.
Norwegian Cruise Line
NCLH's Great Stirrup Cay will be expanded with a new multi-ship pier
The expansion plans were revealed by the cruise company as part of a ten-year strategy, in which it aims to improve its product offering, guest experiences and operational infrastructure.
"This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet. We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round.”