Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced its largest new-build order in its history, representing almost 25,000 additional berths across eight ships.
Each of NCLH’s brands – including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – will expand their fleets in partnership with Italian shipbuilding firm Fincantieri.
All of the vessels will be bigger than their respective brand’s current ships. The new ship orders are slated for delivery over a 10-year period between 2026 and 2036.
Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four 200,000-gross-ton ships, each capable of carrying up to 5,000 passengers, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.
The new NCL ships would launch after the completion of the four Prima-Plus ships between 2025 and 2028. NCL’s current largest ship is the 169,000-gross-ton Norwegian Encore.
Oceania, meanwhile, is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029, while Regent Seven Seas is scheduled to take delivery of two 850-passenger ships in 2026 and 2029.
NCLH said further details regarding onboard features and accommodation would be announced in “the coming months” and stated that the orders were subject to financing and other conditions.
Harry Sommer, NCLH president, said: "This strategic new-ship order across all three of our 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.”
In addition, NCLH will build a new multi-ship pier at its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay.
The new $150 million pier development at the company’s private island in the Bahamas will begin this summer and will be completed by late 2025. It will be able accommodate two “large” vessels of NCLH’s current and future ship classes, the cruise firm said.
“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,” Sommer added.
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