new cruise ship order book

Cruise Ship Orderbook: 56 New Vessels and $39 Billion

In the ever-expanding world of cruise ships, the orderbook is bursting with 56 new vessels and a staggering $39 billion in investments. These upcoming ships will bring over 129,400 berths to the market by 2028. The year 2023 alone will witness the delivery of 19 ships and 38,587 berths, with 2024 adding an additional 10 vessels and 25,450 berths. Offering a diverse range of sizes and styles, from small expedition ships to massive contemporary ones, the orderbook caters to various segments and niches. Exciting highlights include Royal Caribbean International’s upcoming Icon of the Seas, set to be the world’s largest cruise ship, and MSC Cruises’ World class series, featuring three 5,400-guest vessels. With multiple other brands contributing to this remarkable expansion, the future of cruising is full of anticipation.

Overview of the Global Cruise Ship Orderbook

The global cruise ship orderbook currently stands at an impressive 56 new vessels on order, representing a staggering $39 billion in investments. These new ships are expected to add more than 129,400 berths to the cruise industry by 2028. This influx of new ships demonstrates the continued growth and popularity of cruising as a vacation option.

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Delivery Timeline for New Ships

The delivery timeline for these new ships is as follows:

• In 2023, a total of 19 ships and 38,587 berths will be delivered, providing ample opportunities for travelers to experience the joys of cruising.
• The following year, 2024, will see an additional 10 vessels and 25,450 berths entering service, ensuring that the demand for cruising is met.
• Looking further ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for newbuilds, with 19 ships currently on order, potentially bringing 46,830 berths to the market.
• Between 2026 and 2028, an additional 20 ships and almost 35,000 berths are set to enter service, solidifying the industry’s commitment to expansion and growth.

These delivery timelines highlight the dedication of cruise lines to providing their guests with the latest and most innovative ships available.

Average Cost and Size of New Vessels

The average cost of these new vessels is nearly $685 million, reflecting the significant investment being made by cruise lines in their fleets. These new ships come in a range of sizes, from small expedition ships to huge contemporary ships, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of cruise passengers. The variety in ship sizes ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of their cruising preferences.

Noteworthy Ships in Order

Several ships stand out amongst the global cruise ship orderbook:

• The 250,800-ton Icon of the Seas, being built for Royal Caribbean International, is set to become the world’s largest cruise ship upon its delivery later this year. With a capacity of 5,610 guests, this ship promises to offer an unforgettable cruising experience.
• MSC Cruises is also constructing large vessels with its World-class series. Following the successful entry into service of the MSC World Europa in 2022, the company has three additional 5,400-guest cruise ships on order, scheduled for delivery by 2028. These ships will undoubtedly provide guests with a world-class cruising experience.
• The Adora Magic City is another exciting addition to the orderbook. This 135,500-ton vessel, built by a Chinese shipyard, will be the first large cruise ship of its kind. Set to enter service later this year, it signifies China’s growing presence in the cruise industry.

The inclusion of these noteworthy ships in the orderbook demonstrates the industry’s commitment to innovation and providing guests with unparalleled cruising experiences.

New Vessels for Specialty Market Segments

In addition to the mainstream cruise ships, the orderbook also includes new vessels for specialty market segments. These segments include expedition cruises, luxury cruises, and upscale vessels. Cruise lines such as Viking Ocean, Explora Journeys, Mystic Cruises, SunStone Ships, Princess Cruises, TUI Cruises, Cunard , Silversea Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line are all investing in new ships tailored to these specific market segments.

These specialty market segments cater to travelers looking for unique experiences, personalized service, and exceptional amenities. The inclusion of these new ships in the orderbook ensures that there are options available for every type of traveler.

Trends and Projections in Cruise Ship Construction

The cruise ship construction industry is experiencing several trends and projections that shape the orderbook:

• There is an increasing investment in newbuilds, indicating the industry’s confidence in future demand for cruising. The significant financial commitments made by cruise lines highlight their belief in the continued growth and profitability of the sector.
• There is a growing emphasis on luxury and comfort in cruise ship design. Cruise lines are investing in state-of-the-art amenities, spacious staterooms, and sophisticated onboard facilities to provide their guests with a premium experience.
• The rise in expedition ships signifies an increasing demand for specialty cruises that offer unique and immersive experiences. These ships are designed to visit remote and exotic destinations, catering to adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path itineraries.

These trends and projections reflect the evolving preferences of cruise passengers and the industry’s commitment to meeting their desires.

Implications for the Global Cruise Industry

The increasing number of ships in the orderbook has several implications for the global cruise industry:

• The upsurge in capacity will provide more options and availability for cruise travelers. With the addition of 129,400 berths through 2028, more people will have the opportunity to experience the joys of cruising.
• The potential for expansion into new markets is significant. As cruise lines continue to invest in new ships, they can explore untapped regions and cater to emerging markets.
• Stiffer competition among cruise lines is expected as the orderbook fills with new ships. Cruise lines will need to differentiate themselves through innovative itineraries, onboard experiences, and exceptional service to attract and retain passengers.

These implications highlight the industry’s continuous evolution and dedication to meeting the demands of an ever-growing market.

Challenges in Cruise Ship Construction

While the cruise ship construction industry is flourishing, it does face several challenges:

• Scaling up operations to meet the increasing demand presents logistical and operational challenges. Shipyards and suppliers must ramp up their production capabilities to accommodate the construction of multiple vessels simultaneously.
• Complying with environmental regulations and standards is crucial for the industry’s sustainability. Cruise lines are investing in technologies and practices that reduce their environmental footprint, ensuring that their new ships meet or exceed the highest environmental standards.
• Innovations and technological advances in cruise ship design and features require continuous research and development. Cruise lines must strike a balance between incorporating new technologies and maintaining the quality and safety of their ships.
• Balancing costs and quality in cruise ship construction is a constant challenge. While cruise lines strive to build innovative and luxurious ships, they must also manage costs to ensure a return on investment.

These challenges demonstrate the complexities involved in the construction of new cruise ships and the industry’s dedication to overcoming them.

Future Outlook for the Cruise Ship Orderbook

The future outlook for the cruise ship orderbook is influenced by several factors:

• Global economic trends will dictate the demand for cruising. As economies recover and travel resumes, the demand for cruise vacations is expected to rebound.
• Rising travel and tourism will have a positive impact on the cruise industry. As more people seek memorable travel experiences, the demand for cruises is likely to increase.
• Climate change and environmental concerns will shape the industry’s approach to ship design and operations. Cruise lines will continue to invest in sustainable practices and technologies to reduce their environmental impact.
• Expected innovations and developments in cruise ship architecture and design will create new possibilities for shipbuilders and cruise lines. Continuous advancements in technology will enhance the onboard experience and offer guests new and exciting features.

The cruise ship orderbook reflects the industry’s adaptability and commitment to providing a memorable and enjoyable vacation experience for travelers around the world. As cruise lines continue to invest in newbuilds, the future of cruising looks bright, promising exciting innovations, expanding market presence, and unforgettable journeys at sea.

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Newest Cruise Ships

Find here the answer to which is the newest cruise ships currently under construction or on order. You can jump directly to the lists of new vessels on order / under construction (2021-2028) , as well as new riverboats (2021-2026) and new cruiseferries (2021-2027).

Here you'll find them all - from small to big to the ever-largest passenger ships from the fleets of RCG-Royal Caribbean, Carnival Corporation, NCLH-Norwegian and MSC. We list also all the major cruise lines' orders for building new vessels (with GT/volume between ~2000 and ~240000 tons), with information on their design , building cost , passenger capacity , and builders/yards .

Newest cruise vessels on order (2021-2028 deliveries)

NEW companies and brands on the market are Resorts World Cruises (2022/Genting), Virgin Voyages (2017), Ritz-Carlton (2017), Norwegian Yacht Voyages (2017), Adora Cruises/CSSC Carnival China (2018), Alteza Cruises (2017), Anteros Cruises (2017), Zen Cruises (2018/Essel Group India), Abou Merhi Cruises Lebanon (2018), Well Star Travel Cruise China (2018), Blue World Voyages (2019), Mystic Cruises USA (2019), TUI River Cruises (2019), Cruise Retirement (2019), Style Cruise China (2019), Diamond Cruise China (2020), Ocean Residences (2020), Storylines Residences (2020), Arctic Cruise Line (2021), Aroya Cruise Saudi (2021), Selectum Blu Cruises (2021/ANEX Tours Turkey).

The largest "small ship" companies are Viking and Ponant .

The industry's estimated revenue for 2018 was USD 40 billion, with projected growth to USD 59 billion (2027). In terms of source passengers, the largest markets are North America (50+%) and Europe (30+%). The fastest-growing market is luxury cruising, with the largest companies being Viking Ocean, Viking Expeditions, Silversea, MSC Expeditions (separate fleet), Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, RSSC-Regent.

In 2022, the ship orders with deliveries planned in 2023-2028 were 72 (units) amounting to ~USD/EUR 46 billion.

In 2023, the number of cruise vessels (ordered and scheduled for launches in 2023-2028) was 56 (~USD/EUR 39 billion, average cost per unit ~USD/EUR 680M), including 19 (2023-inaugurated), 10 (2024/30,000+ berths), 19 (2025), and 20 (2026-2028).

By 2028, the new vessels (2023-28) add to the global fleet 129000+ berths.

New MSC ships 2017-2027

On March 20, 2014, MSC and STX France signed in Paris a letter of intent for building 2 new mega-liners with scheduled deliveries in 2017 (Meraviglia) and 2019 (Bellissima), each with GT 167,600 tons (slightly smaller than Quantum-class / 167,800 GT), but with bigger passenger capacity - 4500 (vs 4180).

In February 2016, MSC ordered two "Meraviglia Plus" liners with max capacity 6300 passengers (200 more cabins, 16 m longer compared to Meraviglia-Class). The order made MSC France's largest private foreign investor - with USD 8,6+ billion in export contracts over a 5-year period. On April 6, 2016, MSC signed with STX France for the construction of up to four World-Class vessels - LNG-powered , with GT tonnage 250,000 tons and max passenger capacity 6800.

In November 2017 MSC ordered 2x "Seaside EVO" class ships from Fincantieri (contract value EUR 1,8 billion). The new ships are bigger (16 m longer, 17,330 GT tons heavier, with 200 more cabins / 467 more passengers) in comparison to Seaview and Seaside. Newbuilds' deliveries were scheduled for 2021 (Seashore) and 2022 (Seascape). With Seaside EVO, MSC had a total investment of EUR 10,5 billion into 12 new vessels with scheduled deliveries by 2026. The first of four "World Class" vessels will be delivered in 2022.

In October 2018, MSC and Fincantieri signed an MoA for 4x ultra-luxury expedition (total value EUR 2+ billion). The newbuilds (EXPLORA-class/first unit delivery in 2023-Q3) have GT tonnage 64,000 and 500 cabins. The remaining 3 units are due to enter service one per year (2024-2025-2026).

In 2023, MSC's fleet had 21 liners.

New Carnival Corporation ships 2019-2024

In March 2015 Carnival Corporation ordered 9 vessels to be built by two different companies. Fincantieri SpA (Italy) constructs 5 units (at Monfalcone and Marghera yards), while Meyer Werft BmbH constructs the other 4 units in Germany (Papenburg) and Finland (Turku).

All new liners feature next-generation designs and marine architecture and technologies, each designed accordingly to the brand it serves (Costa, AIDA, Princess, Holland America, CCL-Carnival).

In 2019 was established CSSC Carnival China/ADORA CRUISES - a Chinese-American joint venture company with a separate fleet of 2x ex-Costa ships (Atlantica, Mediterranea) plus 2 newbuilds (2023, 2024).

The next video is about Ponant's new Explorer-Class ships.

New cruise ships (2021-2028) under construction and on order

New riverboats 2021-2026, new river cruise ships 2021-2026.

This survey shows the list of the newest river cruise ships and luxury boats. These are all newbuilds, so the list excludes boats that are chartered to other companies (thus only refurbished and renamed).

For all riverboats tracked at CruiseMapper, you can visit our River Cruises hub where are listed all river shipping companies and their fleets.

New cruiseferries (2021-2027)

Here are listed large-sized new cruise ferries built between 2010-2024. RoRo vessels as types can be ferries (car and passenger ships), cruise ferries (with passenger cabins), cargo ships and freight barges.

At the following taglink are listed all CruiseMapper's news related to new ships .

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Cruise Industry News Resource PDFs

*Note: These PDFs, as well as the content, data and graphics they are composed of, are intended for personal use only. They may not be re-published or reused in any way, shape or form without written permission from Cruise Industry News

Cruise Industry News has the following PDFs available for download:

2024 Cruise Ship Orderbook (April 2024)

2024 Cruise Ship Orderbook (March 2024)

2024 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Jan 2024)

2023 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Sept. 2023)

2023 Cruise Ship Orderbook (August 2023)

Queen Anne Cutaway

2023 Cruise Ship Orderbook (June 2023)

2023 Cruise Ship Orderbook (May 2023)

Luxury Cruise Infographic

2023 Cruise Ship Orderbook (April 2023)

2024 Guide to World Cruises

2023 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Feb. 2023)

2023 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Jan. 2023)

2022 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Nov 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (Nov 2022)

2022 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Oct 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (Oct 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (Sept 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (August 2022)

2022 Cruise Ship Orderbook (July 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (July 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (June 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (May 2022)

2022 Cruise Ship Orderbook (April 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (April 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (March 2022)

2022 Cruise Ship Orderbook (March 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (Feb 2022)

2022 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Feb 2022)

2022 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Jan 2022)

Cruise Ships in Service (Jan 2022)

Dec. 21 Cruise Restart Infographic

Cruise Ships in Service (Dec 2021)

2021 Cruise Ship Orderbook (Nov 2021)

Cruise Ships in Service (Nov 2021)

Cruise Ships in Service (Oct 2021)

Sustainable Sailing Special Report

Cruise Ships in Service (Sept 2021)

Cruise Ships in Service (August 2021)

Cruise Ships in Service (July 2021)

Pandemic Cruising Special Report

HVAC Solutions Special Report

Alternative Fuels Special Report

Current Cruise Ship Orderbook (Nov 2020)

Cruise Industry News Return to Service

MHA 35th Special Magazine

2020 Cruise Industry 101

2019 Cruise Lines Q4 Breakdown

Expedition Market Infographic

Riverboat Orderbook

Drydocking Infographic

Caribbean Cruise Trends

2019 Zero Emissions Target

2019 China Port Map

2019 Design Trends Report

2019 Australia Cruise Trends

2018 Cruise Industry Infographic

European Cruise Lines Infographic

Working at Sea

2018 Cruise Lines Q1 Breakdown

Seabourn - 30 Years

2017 Cruise Lines Financial Breakdown

2018 China Port Map

2018 Design Trends Report

2017 Cruise Industry News Infographic

Norwegian Cruise Line - 50 Years

2017 Cuba Deployment Guide

Legends + Leaders

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Cruise order book: Building new experiences

Alex Smith reports on a busy second half of 2022 for cruise shipbuilding

The second half of 2022 is set to be a busy period in the cruise shipbuilding industry, with a range of new and innovative vessels hitting the waves for the first time. Alex Smith reports

By Alex Smith | 31 August 2022

Shipbuilders are continuing to ramp up their operations as cruise lines introduce a flurry of new vessels in the second half of 2022. Both new entries into existing series of ships and vessels with entirely original designs make up the order book, providing a glimpse into the future ocean and river cruise experiences guests can expect to enjoy. 

Viking Group is one of the main drivers during this busy period, with three ships still scheduled to join its fleet this year following Viking Mars’ delivery in May. A second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, will enter service in August after delivery by VARD and will be identical to its sister ship Viking Octantis (which began sailing in January 2022), while Viking Neptune will be the eighth to join Viking’s series of identical ocean ships following completion of work at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard.  

However, the cruise line will be introducing a new design with river cruise ship Viking Mississippi, currently undergoing final construction at Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. While inspired by Viking’s river and ocean ships, the five-deck ship has been designed specifically for the Mississippi River, with expansive windows, private verandas or French balconies for all staterooms, and an Explorer’s Lounge, which previously only featured onboard Viking’s ocean fleet. 

Also making her debut on the Mississippi will be American Cruise Lines’ American Symphony, the fifth in the river cruise line’s modern riverboat series to be constructed by Chesapeake Shipbuilding. Like its sister American Melody, the ship will feature interiors designed by Studio DADO. A four-storey glass atrium will provide panoramic views of the river, as will the 91 staterooms, all of which will include a balcony. A sixth and final modern riverboat, American Serenade, will also be joining the fleet at the start of 2023. 

P&O Cruises will introduce the second of its Excel-class ships, Arvia, in December 2022 after delivery from Meyer Werft. The 16-deck ship will have capacity for 5,200 passengers and feature a new design for the Grand Atrium created by Jennifer de Vere-Hopkins of Jestico + Whiles design studio. The ship will also feature the first-ever rum distillery at sea, which will produce a unique blend developed by partners Tidal Rum. Another first will be the ship’s escape room experience, Mission Control, developed by German-based technology company Tennagels. Like its sister ship Iona, Arvia will be powered by LNG fuel. 

“Arvia will be our second ship to be powered by LNG as part of P&O Cruises ongoing commitment to sustainable travel,” said Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises. “Other world-class environmentally friendly innovations include shore power connectivity and the latest technology for its four main engines. Our guests will enjoy holidays on Arvia, as they have done and continue to do on Iona and on the other ships in the P&O Cruises fleet.” 

Carnival Cruise Line will also take delivery of the second of its series of LNG-powered cruise ships, Carnival Celebration, from Meyer Turku in November. Like her sister ship Mardi Gras, the vessel will feature six distinct zones, each of which will offer a selection of dining venues, bars and lounges. These will include The Gateway, a new area over two decks celebrating the excitement of travel, and Miami-themed zone 820 Biscayne. Staterooms have also been updated with a new look, while the ship’s three-deck-high atrium will feature a ceiling that appears as a burst of confetti made of around 1,400 colour-changing light fixtures.  

“From a design perspective, we are incorporating elements from our former ships, paying homage to the history of Carnival, and also showcasing Carnival Celebration as a modern, innovative and forward-looking vessel,” said Ben Clement, senior vice president of newbuilds, refurbishment and product innovation at Carnival. “While similar to Mardi Gras with a plethora of options for dining, entertainment and relaxation, Celebration will have her own personality, one that celebrates all things Carnival, intertwining where we have been with where we are going.” 

Looking forward to the start of next year, Seabourn’s Seabourn Pursuit will be the second of two new ships to join the luxury cruise line’s fleet when she enters operation in April 2023, following the delivery of Seabourn Venture in June 2022. Designed to Polar Class 6 standards and constructed by T. Mariotti, the two ships will be capable of travelling to a range of diverse environments, which guests can explore using two custom-built submarines, a complement of double sea kayaks, or one of the 24 Zodiacs kept onboard. Among the spaces featured onboard will be The Discovery Center, where natural history and cultural programming will be presented by a 26-person expedition team, and the Expedition Lounge, where guests can relax with a cocktail or glass of wine.  

Tags: Viking     Seabourn     Carnival Cruise Line     Meyer Turku     T. Mariotti     Viking Polaris     Carnival Celebration     Viking Mars     Seabourn Pursuit     P&O Crusies     Edison Chouest Offshore     Viking Mississippi

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NCL Orders Eight New Ships

April 8, 2024

© Erin Cadigan / Adobe Stock

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has ordered eight new ships, the most comprehensive newbuild order in its history.

The order represents nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of its three brands and the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

The new ships are scheduled for delivery over a 10-year period, between 2026 and 2036. Following the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, which are subject to financing.

Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, the last one being delivered in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029.

Following the Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.

In partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, each brand will design their new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective fleet. Aligning with the company’s sustainability efforts, the new ship designs are expected to advance the journey towards decarbonization.

The company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80% of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, subject to certain conditions. The ship orders for Norwegian Cruise Line remain subject to financing, currently underway.

The new pier development at the company’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, is slated to break ground in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of approximately $150 million. The new pier will be constructed to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of the company’s current and future ship classes.

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This cruise company just ordered 8 new ships — and thinks other lines will, too

Despite a recent surge in cruise popularity , the number of new cruise ships under construction is set to taper off after 2024. However, one company plans to keep building them and has indicated other lines will likely follow suit.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings — which operates Norwegian Cruise Line , Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises — has placed an order for eight new vessels across its three brands, all scheduled to begin sailing between 2026 and 2036. The ships will be part of brand-new ship classes for each of their respective lines. The ships will be built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

A competitive advantage

During a special call to announce the new ships, NCLH executives said they placed the orders early because it gives them plenty of time to plan and because they believe other cruise companies are also considering new ships.

"We see the future, we think this is the right strategic direction to go in, the spots are available, and obviously, we want to secure them before the competition does," Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCLH, said during the call. "We certainly believe that the competitive set will be ordering ships as well."

"Our friends at the other four companies that are regularly ordering ships, they are, to the best of our knowledge, all in advanced talks with shipyards to get ships," Sommer said.

He expressed the importance of being at "the front of the line" to provide the advantage of more time to design a quality product for cruise guests.

"There are only four shipyards in the world that can build ships of any consequential size," Mark Kempa, NCLH's executive vice president and chief financial officer, said. "As the industry continues to build, we have to be more strategic in nature and make sure we have the opportunity to build. It also gives us the time and ability to really design something that is new and innovative for the brand."

Larger ships mean larger profits — and more expenses

Norwegian Cruise Line will see four new ships, set to debut in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036. Each will carry about 5,000 passengers, making them the largest vessels in the line's fleet by nearly 20%. Details about onboard features have not yet been released. However, Sommer said the vessels will combine the best offerings from the line's Breakaway and Prima Class ships .

Ship sizes will also increase for upscale lines Regent and Oceania, which will see two new ships each. Regent will welcome two 850-passenger vessels in 2026 and 2029. Oceania will add two ships that can carry around 1,450 cruisers in 2027 and 2029. Oceania will continue to focus on serving excellent food, while Regent will focus on a higher level of luxury and even more onboard space per passenger.

The reason for NCLH's increase in ship sizes is simple: The larger the ship, the more cabin types it can offer and the more revenue it will generate.

"New ships always garner a premium," Kempa said. "A lot of it is dependent upon ... the premium cabin mix. As the ships get larger and technology improves, we are able to have a better overall cabin mix on each of the new vessels."

With larger ships also come larger costs, especially with the increase in the price of raw materials. Executives aren't worried, though; they cited being operationally strategic and optimistic that cruisers will continue to shell out for extras when they sail.

"It's not just about the cost of the ship; it's also about how we're operating it," Kempa said. "Yes, the cost of steel is more, but we can build the ship at a better cost in terms of value engineering, not necessarily having everything as fancy as maybe it needs to be but putting the value into the ship where it matters — where the customer is willing to pay and what the customer values."

Sommer shared the company's positivity about American consumers. "They value what we offer," Sommer said. "Our product is made to suit their needs and tastes, and they spend a lot of money on board the ships."

Norwegian Cruise Line's next decade in ships

Presently, Norwegian Cruise Line sails 19 ships. Nearly half of them — Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Spirit — will reach their 30th year in service within the decade it will take to debut the four newly ordered NCL vessels.

It may be easy to assume NCLH is simply looking ahead to what it might need in 10 years when several of its current vessels will be what is considered old for cruise ships. However, the company's executives said there are no current plans for vessels to leave the fleet. In fact, Kempa noted that they expect their vessels to have an operating life of up to 40 years.

"We're fortunate in the fact that we have a very young fleet, especially for the Norwegian brand," Kempa said. "As our fleets continue to age, we invest in them in a rational, disciplined manner to make sure that they stay relevant. As they age down the road, we will look at opportunities for redeploying those vessels to either other markets or other alternative players throughout the globe, but we have no near-term plans for any sort of disposals or any sort of retirements on that front."

Sommer shared his optimism about the path ahead. "We believe we are very well poised for continued growth in the next decade and beyond," he said.

Private island plans

In addition to building new ships, NCLH announced a $150 million plan to add a two-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, one of two private island destinations it operates. Construction is slated to begin this summer, with an estimated completion date of late 2025. The new facility would accommodate ships as large as NCL's aforementioned 5,000-passenger vessels.

Because the port doesn't currently have a pier, passengers must ferry ashore via tender boats. As such, calls on Great Stirrup Cay are often weather-dependent, and they're subject to cancellation if the wind is too strong or the waves too rough.

"We already have quite a bit built out — zip lines, cabanas, spa, private beach, all types of water sport activities ... people really enjoy that," Sommer shared. "I think when they have the confidence that we're going to go there 100% of the time, we will see a further improvement in the incremental yields that we get today."

Sommer said there are no immediate plans to add amenities to Great Stirrup Cay. Instead, the focus is on building the docking facilities, which are expected to increase the number of visitors to the island by 50% in the first year (from 400,000 passengers annually to 600,000). However, when additions are made, they will likely be amenities or experiences that will cost visitors extra.

"I don't think we're looking at substantial investments over the next few years," Sommer said. "I think there are things we can do that are very cost-effective and would be supported by guests paying additional money for them."

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New Cruise Ship Orderbook Data Report Now Available to Download

• January 16, 2024

The new Cruise Ship Orderbook Data Report presents a yearly account of ships on order listing all years from 1988 through 2024, giving an overview of ship ordering trends, supply growth, and the future as planned by cruise operators over the years.

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• Concise summaries: Navigate essential data easily with orderbook capacity summaries, yearly breakdowns, and cost analyses.
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This report is an essential guide to get a clear understanding of supply growth in the cruise industry, its historical trajectory and future potential.

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“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,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “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.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“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,” Sommer said.

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• Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book by region 2022

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Statistics on " Cruise shipbuilding worldwide "

• Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide 2015-2022
• Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide by region 2022
• Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide by region 2022
• Cruise sector: cost of ships built in Europe 2018-2021, by country of build
• Most expensive cruise ships worldwide by building cost 2022
• River cruise vessels worldwide by region 2018
• New river cruise vessels in Europe 2010-2021
• New river cruise capacities in Europe by region 2017-2020
• Number of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Passenger capacity of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Passenger capacity of expedition cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Cruise ships - market share by shipyard 2004-2018
• Global cruise ship order book by shipyard 2020-2027
• Revenue of the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri Group 2011-2020
• Meyer Turku Group's net sales 2016-2018
• Chantiers de l'Atlantique's revenue 2015-2019
• Genting Hong Kong's shipyard revenue 2017-2019
• Expected global passenger cruise capacity in operation by month 2020-2021

Other statistics that may interest you Cruise shipbuilding worldwide

• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of new cruise ship orders worldwide by region 2022
• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of cruise ship deliveries worldwide by region 2022
• Premium Statistic Gross tonnage of cruise ships in the global order book by region 2022
• Premium Statistic Cruise sector: cost of ships built in Europe 2018-2021, by country of build
• Basic Statistic Largest cruise ships worldwide 2023, by gross tonnage
• Premium Statistic Most expensive cruise ships worldwide by building cost 2022
• Premium Statistic Size of the river cruise ship market worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic River cruise vessels worldwide by region 2018
• Premium Statistic New river cruise vessels in Europe 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic New river cruise capacities in Europe by region 2017-2020
• Premium Statistic Number of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic Passenger capacity of luxury cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic Passenger capacity of expedition cruise ships worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic Cruise ships - market share by shipyard 2004-2018
• Premium Statistic Global cruise ship order book by shipyard 2020-2027
• Premium Statistic Revenue of the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri Group 2011-2020
• Premium Statistic Meyer Turku Group's net sales 2016-2018
• Premium Statistic Chantiers de l'Atlantique's revenue 2015-2019
• Premium Statistic Genting Hong Kong's shipyard revenue 2017-2019
• Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027
• Premium Statistic Average passenger capacity of ocean-going cruise vessels worldwide 2018-2026
• Basic Statistic Expected global passenger cruise capacity in operation by month 2020-2021

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• Premium Statistic Italy: number of cruise ship docks 2018, by port
• Basic Statistic Number of cruise calls at port of St. Petersburg 2000-2023
• Premium Statistic Industry revenue of “repair and maintenance of ships and boats“ in Belgium 2012-2025

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• Forecast of the global cruise fleet size by region 2020
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• New cruise ships planned worldwide from 2015 to 2017, by passenger capacity
• Number of Royal Caribbean Cruises ships 2011-2023, by brand
• Cruise sector: number of new ships planned in Europe 2018-2021, by country of build
• Nitrogen oxide emissions from cruise ship companies in Europe 2017
• Planned vessel additions to the North American cruise industry from 2013 to 2017
• Number of ships in the North American cruise industry from 2007 to 2013
• Number of cruise ship port calls in Norway 2010-2018
• European ports exposed to NOx air pollution from cruise ships in 2022
• European countries exposed to NOx air pollution from cruise ships in 2017
• Number of cruise ship vacation tourists in Germany 2012-2016
• Italy: cruise ship max. length 2018, by port
• SOx air pollution from cruise ships in Europe 2022, by country
• Italy: number of cruise ship docks 2018, by port
• Number of cruise calls at port of St. Petersburg 2000-2023
• Industry revenue of “repair and maintenance of ships and boats“ in Belgium 2012-2025