Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has placed its largest new-build order ever with Fincantieri, eight ships for three brands, and has confirmed a two-berth pier at Great Stirrup Cay.
The order includes new classes of ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, adding nearly 25,000 berths. Deliveries are scheduled over a 10-year period, from 2026 to 2036.
Following the completion of four Prima-Plus vessels between 2025 and 2028, NCL is scheduled to receive four vessels of approximately 200,000 tonnes each, with a capacity for almost 5,000 passengers in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.
NCL's largest ship is the Norwegian Encore, at 169,000 tons.
Following the arrival of its latest Allura-class ship in 2025, Oceania Cruises plans to receive two more 86,000-ton ships with a capacity of 1,400 passengers each in 2027 and 2029.
The sister ships Vista and Allura scheduled for 2025, are currently Oceania's largest ships, at 67,000 GT and with a capacity for 1,200 passengers.
And, continuing with the Explorer class, Regent is scheduled to receive two 77,000 tonne ships, each with a capacity for 850 passengers, in 2026 and 2029.
The order for four ships for NCL replaces a previous order placed for Oceania Cruises to ensure shipyard availability. The new order for four NCL ships is still being finalized and is subject to financing.
The delivery of Oceania Cruises' second ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but could be delayed until 2029. All anticipated delivery dates are provisional and subject to change.
“This strategic order for new vessels for all three brands represents the continuous introduction of state-of-the-art vessels into our fleet and consolidates our long-term growth“.
“It also allows us to significantly leverage our operational scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, while providing opportunities to improve the efficiency of our fleet,” said Harry Sommer, President and CEO of NCLH.
“We are equally delighted with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple vessels calling at the island, enhancing our passengers’ experience and providing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer added.
Designs to move towards decarbonization
Each of NCLH's brands will design its new class in collaboration with Fincantieri, focusing on creating the largest, most efficient, and most innovative ships in their respective fleets. Furthermore, the designs of the new ships aim to advance the path toward decarbonization.
Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero stated : “ We are delighted to be working on these new build orders and delivering iconic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come .”
Pier on Great Stirrup Cay
The Great Stirrup Cay pier, approved by the Bahamas government last year, is scheduled to begin construction in the summer of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025.
The facility, valued at $150 million, will be able to accommodate two large ships of the company's current and future classes.
Harry Sommer is one of the cruise industry leaders who will be participating in the inaugural Seatrade Cruise Global session on the state of the industry this morning.
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