Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings agrees with Fincantieri for three new cruise ships

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a prominent global cruise operator managing Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, recently formalized an agreement with Fincantieri to construct three new cruise ships, marking a significant step in the company’s long-term fleet expansion strategy through 2037. This development underscores the commitment to enhancing fleet growth while adhering to brand strength and exceptional guest experiences.

The agreement outlines the construction of one vessel each for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The ships will be designed as sister vessels to existing models within the respective brands and are scheduled for delivery between 2036 and 2037 from Fincantieri’s shipyards in Italy. John W. Chidsey, President and CEO of NCLH, emphasized the collaboration with Fincantieri, a trusted partner, to sustain a disciplined approach towards fleet growth, shaping the future of cruising, and enriching guest experiences for years ahead.

The strategic ship order aligns with NCLH’s focus on building a sustainable growth pipeline and ensuring competitive positioning with minimal upfront financial commitments. This approach enables the company to concentrate on fortifying its financial standing and unwinding debt obligations while securing valuable shipyard capacity until 2037. The agreement’s financial impacts are expected to be negligible in the short term, and pre-delivery payments will remain inconsequential until the ships are ready for delivery. To support the majority of the vessels’ costs upon receipt, Export Credit Agency financing will likely be utilized, in keeping with past practices.

NCLH’s order for three new ships is part of a broader vision encompassing a total of 17 new builds, with eight allocated for Norwegian Cruise Line, five for Oceania Cruises, and four for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, to be delivered through 2037. This ambitious new build pipeline underscores a projected 4 percent compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2037. The company’s measured expansion efforts will involve cutting-edge vessel investments and next-generation ships to enhance the overall cruiser experience.

The detailed roster of new ships includes a variety of sizes and classes across the brands, with a focus on enhancing guest capacity, luxury amenities, and eco-friendly technologies. Designs for the upcoming ships have been tailored to accommodate future fuel alternatives like green methanol, highlighting NCLH’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonization efforts. Through strategic partnerships and forward-looking investments, NCLH is poised to redefine the cruise industry landscape, offering innovative ships, unparalleled guest experiences, and a sustainable cruise vacation option.