Norwegian Cruise Line group announces record 8-ship order and island upgrades

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, the parent company of flagship brand Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as Regent Seven Seas and Oceania, has placed the largest newbuild order in its history, with eight new ships planned across the fleet.

The eight new vessels represent a capacity increase of more than 25,000 berths and will include new design platforms for all three cruise lines, according to the company. 

Additional expansion plans unveiled include the construction of a US 150 million multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

The new ship orders will be delivered over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036, according to a press release.

Four new ships for NCL

Following the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028 (which were previously ordered from Fincantieri), Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships. 

Each of these vessels will have a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, and will be delivered in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

Two new ships for Oceania Cruises

Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, with the final one scheduled for delivery in 2025, Oceania Cruises is expected to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029.

Two new ships for Regent Seven Seas

Following the introduction of the Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

“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 chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“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,” he added.

Each of the company’s three cruise line brands will work with shipbuilder Fincantieri on the design their new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective 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,” said Sommer.

Construction of the new pier will begin in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025. It will be constructed to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of the company’s current and future ship classes, according to a press release.

“The pier development will enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay, and along with Harvest Caye, the Company’s private island in Belize, continue to provide guests with world-class destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean,” NCLH said in a statement.