Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has placed a build order for 8 new state-of-the-art ships; representing the group’s most comprehensive build order in its history.
The order represents nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of NCL’s award-winning brands—and the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its top-rated Caribbean port of call.
“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. 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,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“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.”
The expansion is in partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, and each NCL brand will design its new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective fleet. Aligning with the company’s sustainability efforts, the new ship designs are expected to advance NCL’s journey towards decarbonisation.
“Over the years, our long-standing relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings 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.”
