Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announces a major fleet expansion, capturing industry attention.
- The company plans to add eight new vessels from 2026 to 2036 across its three brands.
- Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are set to benefit from this growth.
- Industry leaders praise the expansion, seeing it as a vote of confidence in cruising’s future.
- NCLH’s strategic move promises enhanced experiences and greater choice for global passengers.
In a significant announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has disclosed plans for a substantial expansion of its fleet, marking a noteworthy development in the cruise industry. This ambitious endeavour involves the addition of eight new vessels between 2026 and 2036, serving to enhance the offerings of the company’s three prominent brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
These new additions are expected to cumulatively provide 25,000 berths, manufactured at the esteemed Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. Norwegian Cruise Line will be the recipient of four new ships, each capable of accommodating nearly 5,000 passengers, with scheduled deliveries spanning the years 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036, contingent upon financing terms. This expansion is poised to follow the delivery of four Prima Plus-class ships anticipated between 2025 and 2028.
Harry Sommer, the president of NCLH, expressed enthusiasm about the new vessels, which aim to amalgamate the exemplary attributes of the Prima and Breakaway classes, thus creating a world-class fleet. Although specific deployment details were not revealed, Sommer hinted that the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions could be probable destinations, leveraging these areas’ popularity among cruise enthusiasts.
Oceania Cruises is set to receive two ships in 2027 and 2029, each designed to host 1,450 passengers. Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is slated for the inclusion of two vessels, designed for 850 passengers, arriving in 2026 and 2029. According to Sommer, these luxury additions will allow the brands to focus on their strengths—Oceania’s culinary offerings and Regent’s spaciousness, with the latter featuring 16% more space compared to its newest ships.
The announcement was met with commendation from various industry figures. Phil Nuttall, chief executive of Travel Village Group, lauded this as a ‘show of confidence’ in the cruise industry’s growth potential. He highlighted how this expansion could significantly bolster consumer interest in cruises as a mainstream holiday option.
Dave Mills, chief commercial officer at Iglu Cruise, highlighted the brands’ unique offerings as a major draw. He views the introduction of larger ships as a strategic move to attract new customers while providing existing clientele with novel experiences. Similarly, Emma Otter, a Travel Counsellors agent, welcomed the increase in luxury options, suggesting it bodes well for the market.
Furthermore, Robbie O’Grady, director of The Cruise Room, described the expansion as a significant statement of intent from NCLH, reflecting the industry’s robust demand and potential for growth. Stefan Shillito, managing director of Sovereign Cruise Club, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the new ships would enhance the itinerary and experience choices for Oceania and Regent guests, thus reinforcing NCLH’s commitment to its successful brands.
The expansion by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reinforces the cruising sector’s growth prospects, promising enriched travel experiences.
