8 new ships planned for NCLH fleets

In ‘unprecedented’ fleet expansion new ships are due for delivery between 2026 and 2036

New classes of ship for each Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands – Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line – are to be introduced as part of an “unprecedented” fleet expansion amounting to eight new ships.

The new ships represent 25,000 additional berths, are due for delivery over a 10-year period between 2026 and 2036. 

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is expected to take delivery of four 200,000-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 passengers, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, subject to financing. They are to follow the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships between 2025 and 2028. 

Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 passengers, in 2027 and 2029 after the latest Allura class vessel is delivered in 2025. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is to receive two 77,000-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 passengers, in 2026 and 2029. 

The cost of what was described as “the most comprehensive new build order in its history” was not disclosed by the company. However, NCLH said export credit financing with favourable terms had been obtained to fund 80% of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, subject to certain conditions. 

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The orders for NCL remain subject to financing, currently underway. The four-ship NCL order replaces a separate two-ship order for Oceania Cruises initially placed to secure availability with the shipyard. 

Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029. 

Each brand will design their new ship class in partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The new designs are expected to advance the group’s decarbonisation efforts.

“All expected delivery dates are preliminary and subject to change,” the company cautioned.

A US$150 million multi-ship pier at the company’s Great Stirrup Cay private island in the Bahamas is also to be built for completion by late 2025. The new pier will be constructed to simultaneously handle two large vessels of the company’s current and future ship classes.

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NCHL president and chief executive Harry Sommer said: “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. 

 “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.”

Chief financial officer Mark Kempa added: “We expect that these strategic investments will secure our growth trajectory, significantly boost our earnings profile, and enhance shareholder value well into the future.” 

Fincantieri chief executive and managing director Pierroberto Folgiero said: “Over the years, our long-standing relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been rooted in a shared vision for the future of maritime travel, consistently setting new standards for innovation, luxury, sustainability, and guest satisfaction in the cruise industry. 

“We are thrilled to work on these new build orders and deliver emblematic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come.”

To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, Mobile/Whatsapp: +447961 300 729; for more information, visit www.ncl.com