Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) president David Herrera has hinted that further private islands might join the line’s current offerings in the future. The American cruise line—the fourth-largest in the world by passengers—currently offers trips to the islands of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, and Harvest Caye, Belize, exclusively to its passengers.
During a webcast interview with Travel Weekly, Herrera discussed makeover plans for Great Stirrup Cay and was asked about the potential for additional private islands. “We have a couple of other opportunities we’re considering,” he said. “We run a global business, so we have to have a global offering for our guests, and private islands are a key part of that.”
The president said he would potentially be able to provide further details “in the next few months”.
The 268-acre island, Great Stirrup Cay, is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Norwegian purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it for their passengers.
The island’s northern part has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkelling areas. The southern part features a helicopter airfield, with remnants of a previous US military installation and satellite tracking system.
The new planned additions to the island include a multi-ship pier, an oversized pool, an adult-only area, a kids’ area and a swim-up bar.
Meanwhile, Little Stirrup Cay, also known as CocoCay, adjacent to Great Stirrup Cay, is exclusively used for tourism by Royal Caribbean Group.
Harvest Caye, which opened in 2016, is a 75-acre resort-style destination in southern Belize. It already features an expansive pool with a swim-up bar, a salt-water lagoon for water sports, an exclusive seven-acre beach and shore excursions including zip lining and snorkelling, in the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
In 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line controls about 8.6% of the total worldwide share of the cruise market by passengers. In 2023, its revenue stood at an impressive £6.5 billion.
As of April 2024, the cruise line operates 19 cruise ships, with another eight on order. Its largest ship, Norwegian Escape, is capable of holding 4,266 passengers (double occupancy) and was last refurbished in 2022.
Its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, entered service this year, with a gross tonnage of 156,000 and capable of holding 3,571 passengers (double occupancy).