Norwegian Cruise Line Orders Its Largest Ships Yet

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is going big—really big. The company has placed an order with Fincantieri for four new mega ships, each coming in at approximately 226,000 gross tons. These ships will have over 5,100 cabins, accommodating more than 8,300 passengers and crew, making them the largest in Norwegian’s fleet. The first is set to debut in 2030, with the rest rolling out every two years until 2036.

This $9 billion investment follows the trend of cruise lines scaling up to compete with Royal Caribbean, which recently introduced the 250,800-ton Icon of the Seas. While Norwegian hasn’t revealed full details on onboard features, these ships are expected to push the boundaries of entertainment, dining, and amenities. If you’ve been cruising with Norwegian for a while, these ships might feel like a big jump from what you’re used to.

To prepare for the influx of passengers, Norwegian is also upgrading Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. While specific improvements haven’t been announced yet, the goal is to enhance the experience for the growing number of guests these massive ships will bring.

Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilder behind these vessels, has worked with Norwegian before on the Prima-class ships, known for their innovative design and upscale offerings. This continued partnership signals a major shift for Norwegian, which has traditionally favored mid-sized ships compared to competitors with ultra-large vessels.

Norwegian says that despite the sheer size of these new ships, the company remains committed to delivering a high-quality experience. As the cruise industry moves toward bigger and more feature-packed ships, it’ll be interesting to see how Norwegian balances scale with the personal touches that make cruising memorable.