NCLH Reveals Development Plans for Great Stirrup Cay

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has announced plans to build new amenities and enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay.

The company said in a press release that the enhancements include a new welcome center and pool area with a swim-up bar, family splash pad and poolside cabanas. An island-wide tram system will also be added. These will debut along with a multi-ship pier later this year.

During the company’s christening ceremony for the Norwegian Aqua in Miami, David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “We are unveiling that Great Stirrup Cay is getting even greater with more to do! Later this year, we will launch new experiences for our guests to enjoy on this already incredible private island.”

These, according to the company, include a relaxation area with hammocks and other Tiki-inspired amenities and experiences.

The company said in a press release that several onboard premium concepts featured on Norwegian Cruise Line ships will also come to the island, including the adults-only Vibe Beach Club and Horizon Park, a recreation and lawn games area.

“These newly announced enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay will further improve the guest experience on the island, which is already one of our top-rated destinations worldwide,” said Sommer.

“Along with completing a new multi-ship pier later this year, we’re improving both access and amenities on the island. As we anticipate annual guest visits to exceed one million by 2026, we are actively evaluating additional investments in the island to support that growth and expand the amenities our guests can enjoy,” added Sommer.

“Great Stirrup Cay has long been a guest favorite. These new additions will take the private island experience to the next level by offering our guests even more and the continued freedom and flexibility to design their best vacation,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“We look forward to adding more exciting and guest-centric experience on Great Stirrup Cay in the future,” added Herrera.

Video- Reindeer Sledge Ride with the Sami. 

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On a recent voyage on the Ambassador Ambission, we had an Amazing time visiting the Sami Tribe in 
Øvre Alta, its about 1 hour ride to thier campsite/village where we meet the local familys in the tribe and got a warm greating, kids were sledging down hill and with it being a Sunday the other members of the tribe went to a prity church just acrosss the road from where we were dropped off,

We were split into 3 groups because the reindeer were set up to pull 6 sleighs at a time, so we went into the traditional Lavvu tent with a large, warm fire with coffee pots heating up. Reindeer hides covered the floor to sit on, and benches were along the sides. After having been given some coffee/tea and a slice of homemade cake, we sampled Reindeer meat and got a brief culture talk about how the Sami Tribe roam the area with their herds and about the clothes they wear to keep themselves warm in the freezing cold, and it was cold on this day, minus 6 degrees with a windfactor dropping it even further.

Dawn and I getting photobombed by a Reindeer

After the visit to the Lavvu, it was our turn for the Reindeer Sledge ride. We climbed onto the sledge and had fabulous blankets covering our legs and chest, and the mandatory photo taken in the sledge, and getting photobombed by a cute Reindeer. The sledge ride started, and we were glad of the blanket as we went through the snow around the camp and the area adjacent. The lead Reindeer had a bell around its neck, and this made all the others follow that reindeer. It was quite a smooth ride with the odd bump and slide in the snow, but it was worth it to create this lifelong memory, and I loved every minute.

After that Amazing 

sledge ride, we were invited to try our luck doing a laso on some Reindeer antlers, and after the demo, it looked quite easy, but with everything, there’s a technique for throwing the laso. After a few attempts, some of which we will never mention,  we got the hang of the throw and distance, and we could laso the antlers quite consistently.
There are other facities avaiable such as a shop that sell hand made goods by the local Sami including bracelets, necklets and even Anter knifes. There are Toilets available 
The Sami are a wonderful tribe, and their outfits make any photo opportunity look a lot better. Add a reindeer, and it’s a perfect Kodak moment.
I have done a quick video of the ride, which shows the reindeer and the photobomber doing the same on the video, 

Click the image or follow this link to view the short video. Thank you.https://youtu.be/dQaqUuCUOrM?si=jDaGDOobJZrefeKj

Fincantieri and Accenture Launch Fincantieri Ingenium

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Fincantieri and Accenture have signed an agreement to establish Fincantieri Ingenium, a joint venture focused on accelerating digital transformation in the cruise, defense and port infrastructure sectors.

Fincantieri NexTech, a subsidiary of Fincantieri Group, will own 70 percent of the venture, with Accenture holding 30 percent.

This initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 and combines Fincantieri’s expertise in the naval sector with Accenture’s advanced digital capabilities, including digital engineering and manufacturing.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and general manager of Fincantieri, said: “With Fincantieri Ingenium, we strengthen our leadership position in technological innovation applied to shipbuilding and the naval engineering industry. This joint venture represents a strategic step forward in accelerating the digitalization of the sector, leveraging artificial intelligence and the most advanced technologies. Thanks to the synergy with Accenture, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that will make our ships and infrastructures increasingly connected, efficient and sustainable, consolidating Fincantieri’s role as a global leader in the sector.”

Fincantieri Ingenium’s first strategic initiative is the development of Navis Sapiens, a digital ecosystem for next-generation ships and fleet upgrades.

The project focuses on three key areas: a portfolio of application services to optimize ship and infrastructure management, a digital platform offering AI-driven functionalities with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, and a marketplace for exchanging solutions to create new business models in the maritime ecosystem.

The first vessel fitted with Navis Sapiens is expected to launch by the end of 2025. The joint venture will also enhance real-time data exchange and connectivity between ships and onshore systems, including ports and shipyards, through a sea-to-shore interoperability solution.

Fincantieri Ingenium will focus on sustainability in all initiatives. The systems will be designed to reduce environmental impact by leveraging data-driven energy optimization, helping shipowners lower fuel consumption.

Teodoro Lio, MU lead for ICEG and CEO of Accenture Italy, said: “We are excited about this joint venture with Fincantieri, which marks a significant step forward in maritime innovation and is a tangible example of collaboration between two organizations committed to transforming the market and creating new value. With Fincantieri Ingenium, we combine our strengths to shape new operating models that will transform maritime operations through innovative technologies.”