NCLH orders 8 cruise ships for 3 brands all new classes and bigger

The order spans new classes of ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, totalling nearly 25,000 additional berths.

Deliveries are scheduled over a 10-year period, between 2026 and 2036.

NCL goes bigger: approximately 200,000gt

Following the completion of four Prima-Plus ships from 2025 through 2028, NCL is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000gt ships, each with lower-berth capacity for nearly 5,000 passengers, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

NCL's current largest ship is the 169,000gt Norwegian Encore.

Building on its last Allura-class ship in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000gt vessels with capacity for 1,400 passengers each in 2027 and 2029.

Sisters Vista and 2025's Allura are currently Oceania's largest ships, measuring 67,000gt with capacity for 1,200 passengers.

And, following on the Explorer class, Regent is planned to take delivery of two 77,000gt ships, each with a capacity for 850 passengers, in 2026 and 2029.

This is larger than the Explorer trio at 55,000gt with capacity for 744 passengers each.

More about the delivery schedule

The four-ship order for NCL is expected to replace a separate, effective two-ship order for Oceania Cruises initially placed to secure shipyard availability. NCL's four-ship order is still being finalized and is subject to financing. Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually set for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029. All expected delivery dates are preliminary and subject to change.

'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,' NCLH President/CEO Harry Sommer said.

Great Stirrup Cay will be getting a $150m, two-berth pier

'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.

Designs to advance the parth to decarbonization

NCLH said each of its brands will design their new class in partnership with Fincantieri and focus on creating the largest, most efficient and innovative vessels of their respective fleet. The company added the new ship designs are intended to advance the journey toward decarbonization.

Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero said: 'We are thrilled to work on these newbuild orders and deliver emblematic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come.'

$150m two-berth pier at Great Stirrup Cay

The pier at Great Stirrup Cay, which was approved by the Bahamas government last year and had been expected, is scheduled to break ground in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025.

Thr $150m facility will be able to handle two large ships of the company's current and future classes.

Harry Sommer on Seatrade's State of the Industry panel Tuesday

Sommer is among the lineup of cruise leaders for Seatrade Cruise Global's State of the Industry keynote sesson on Tuesday morning.

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