Norwegian to Stop Honouring Drink Packages on Great Stirrup Cay

Posted on 10 October, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian to Stop Honouring Drink Packages on Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be honoured for drinks on its private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas starting next March.

According to a statement sent to travel agents, the change is part of a major enhancement project for the destination announced earlier this year.

“As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies and made the decision that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be applicable for drinks on Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026,” Norwegian stated.

The company noted that complimentary beverages, including water, iced teas and juices, will continue to be readily available on the island.

For alcoholic beverages, guests will be able to purchase a new beverage package created exclusively for Great Stirrup Cay.

While further details will be released at a later date, the company noted that the change aims to provide guests with “the flexibility to curate how they experience” the destination.

“Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to providing the best vacation experiences, both onboard our ships and at the destinations we visit,” the statement added.

The company noted that Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing a major upgrade with the debut of a new pier, an expansive pool area featuring complimentary lounges, and a splash pad area for children.

In 2026, the destination will also be home to a large waterpark featuring 19 waterslides and a nearly 800-foot dynamic river.

A similar policy was introduced by Carnival Cruise Line earlier this year, which does not honour shipboard beverage packages at its new private destination of Celebration Key.

Instead, guests are asked to buy alcoholic and other beverages on an à la carte basis using either their shipboard cards or their regular credit cards.

In related news, Norwegian recently introduced charges for additional entrees at its main dining rooms, as well as no-show fees for speciality dining reservations.

The company also recently cancelled 55 cruises that were scheduled to take place on board four ships in 2026-27.

Norwegian Cruise Line: 16-Year-Old Fleet Average Age by 2030

Posted on 27 September, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line: 16-Year-Old Fleet Average Age by 2030

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet is undergoing significant changes over the next few years with the debut of a series of newbuilds and the withdrawal of some of its older vessels.

According to Cruise Industry News’ 2026 Global Cruise Ship Index, the changes will translate into a rejuvenation of the fleet.

Data from the exclusive report shows that the company’s current vessels have an average age of 15 years.

By 2030, Norwegian is expected to operate a 22-ship fleet, which will have an average age of roughly 16 years.

After announcing a record-breaking order in April 2024, Norwegian is set to welcome seven new ships to its fleet by 2036.

Four are scheduled to enter service between 2026 and 2030, including the new Norwegian Luna, which debuts next March.

The company is then set to welcome two additional Prima Class vessels in 2027 and 2028 before introducing a new ship class.

Significantly larger than the company’s current ships, the first vessel in the series is set to debut in 2030, boasting 225,000 tons and capacity for 5,100 guests.

Norwegian also announced plans to retire two ships from its fleet over the next couple of years: the Norwegian Sky and the Norwegian Sun.

Among the oldest vessels currently in service for the brand, the sister ships were built between 1999 and 2001.

Set for a future serving the Indian source market, the vessels will be delivered to Cordelia Cruises in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

The 2026 Global Cruise Ship Index by Cruise Industry News puts the world’s entire cruise fleet at the fingertips of readers with a comprehensive Excel file.

The database was just released and covers all key metrics, such as capacity, tonnage, age, width, draft and much more.

Saint John Welcomes Unscheduled Visit from Norwegian Aqua

Posted on 24 August, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Saint John Welcomes Unscheduled Visit from Norwegian Aqua

Saint John in Canada welcomed the new Norwegian Aqua for an unscheduled visit earlier this week.

Initially set to visit Bermuda, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was diverted to the port due to the impact of Hurricane Erin.

“It was a beautiful sunny day, and guests were in good spirits despite not being at the port they signed up for,” Natalie Allaby, Port Saint John’s director of cruise, marketing and engagement, told Cruise Industry News.

“Days like yesterday remind us of how our cruise sector was born back in September of 1989: a hurricane diversion from an NYC cruise destined for Bermuda that came our way instead,” she continued.

The first cruise ship to visit Saint John was the Cunard Princess, which arrived at the port in Canada’s Bay of Fundy due to a diversion caused by Hurricane Gabrielle.

“We hope we can be of assistance should any additional diversions need to occur during the 2025 hurricane season,” Allaby added.

The call also marked the first visit of a Prima-class ship to Saint John, she added, noting that the port is happy to accommodate unscheduled calls.

After departing from New York City, the Norwegian Aqua made its inaugural visit to Saint John on Aug. 20, 2025.

The visit was part of a four-night cruise that also marked the ship’s debut in NYC and the Canada and New England region.

Initially set to include an overnight call at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda, the itinerary was adjusted due to Hurricane Erin.

In a statement sent to guests onboard, Norwegian said that the change was necessary to allow the ship to “steer clear” of the storm and forecasted rough weather.

While the Norwegian Aqua is not scheduled to make additional visits to Saint John, the port is set to welcome other vessels from the company, including the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Gem.