NCLH Reveals Development Plans for Great Stirrup Cay

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.

Royal Caribbean and NCLH Announce Q1 Call Dates

Norwegian Bliss photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr

Royal Caribbean Group has scheduled a conference call for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to discuss the company’s first quarter 2025 financial results.

The call will be simultaneously webcast on the company’s investor relations website, rclinvestor.com.

In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will report its first quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

The conference call will be webcast via the Company’s Investor Relations website, https://www.nclhltd.com/investors.

Webcast replays of both calls will be available on the company websites for 30 days following the calls.

Cruise Orderbook Update: Two Ships Delivered in 40k Berth Year

Two large cruise ships were recently delivered as the Norwegian Aqua and the MSC World America were handed over to Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.

According to the latest edition of the cruise ship orderbook by Cruise Industry News, the vessels are part of a lineup of 15 ships that are scheduled to enter service for various brands this year.

The vessels will add roughly 40,000 berths to the cruise industry as part of a $12.1 billion investment.

After being built by Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, the Aqua was delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line on Mar. 13, 2025.

According to CIN’s independent research, the 3,570-guest ship is one of 13 that will enter service for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings by 2036.

Set to be built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the vessels will add over 40,000 berths to the company’s three brands.

The MSC World America was delivered to MSC Cruises by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard on Mar. 27, 2025.

As the second ship in MSC’s World Class series, the 205,800-ton vessel will increase the company’s berth count by 5,400.

According to Cruise Industry News data, MSC is set to add roughly 20,000 berths to its fleet by 2028. The company’s orderbook includes two World Class vessels and a series of luxury vessels for Explora Journeys.

The Norwegian Aqua and the MSC World America follow the Mein Schiff Relax, which was delivered to TUI Cruises in February.

Other ships set to enter service in 2025 include the Asuka III, which is expected to be delivered to Japan-based Asuka Cruise in the coming weeks.

Royal Caribbean is also taking delivery of an additional Icon-class ship during the second quarter, as the Star of the Seas is being delivered by the Meyer Turku shipyard.

Additional vessels being delivered in the coming months include the new Star Princess, the Viking Vesta, the Celebrity Xcel, and the Disney Adventure.