Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has announced a significant fleet expansion plan involving eight new vessels across its three brands, marking an unprecedented growth strategy over a decade.
- The expansion introduces new classes of ships for NCLH’s brands, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2036.
- Norwegian Cruise Line is set to receive four 200,000-ton ships, each capable of hosting nearly 5,000 passengers.
- Oceania Cruises will add two 86,000-ton ships, expanding its capacity by 1,450 passengers per vessel.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises plans to welcome two 77,000-ton ships, each accommodating 850 passengers.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has heralded a significant era of growth with the introduction of eight new ships across its trio of brands, setting a milestone in the cruise industry’s fleet expansion. This ambitious venture is slated to span a decade, from 2026 to 2036, and is poised to redefine the cruising experience with innovative classes of ships.
Within this expansion, Norwegian Cruise Line will be at the forefront, receiving four colossal 200,000-ton ships. These vessels, each capable of accommodating nearly 5,000 passengers, are due for delivery in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036. These deliveries will follow the Prima-Plus class ships scheduled between 2025 and 2028. A key feature of this plan is its reliance on favourable export credit financing, covering 80% of the contract price for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, although NCL’s deliveries remain contingent upon completed financing negotiations.
Oceania Cruises is strategically positioned to enhance its fleet with two 86,000-ton ships, each designed to host 1,450 passengers. These will arrive in 2027 and 2029, subsequent to the Allura class ship in 2025. Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will augment its luxury offerings with two 77,000-ton ships, accommodating 850 passengers each, with the first arrival in 2026 and another in 2029. This intricately timed schedule places a strong emphasis on efficiency and sustainability, with designs poised to advance NCLH’s decarbonisation objectives.
All of these vessels are a collaborative effort with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, ensuring the new constructions are the epitome of innovation, efficiency, and size within their respective fleets. This initiative signals NCLH’s intention to not only expand its capacity but also enhance guest experiences. This aim is further exemplified by the $150 million investment in a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, slated for completion by late 2025. This infrastructure development is set to accommodate two large vessels simultaneously, further supporting NCLH’s growing Caribbean operations.
Harry Sommer, NCLH’s president and chief executive, expressed profound optimism regarding the trajectory of this decade-long strategy, highlighting its potential to reshape the company’s operations and financial outlook significantly. “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,” Sommer stated. In line with Sommer’s vision, the new ships are anticipated to revolutionise operational scales while simultaneously fortifying NCLH’s commitment to sustainability and guest satisfaction.
This comprehensive fleet expansion underscores NCLH’s strategic commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhanced guest experiences, reinforcing its position as a leader in the cruise industry.
