Key Features:
- The wave of enhancements for Nice Stirrup Cay, together with a brand new waterpark and pier, will probably be accomplished by the tip of 2026.
- Norwegian Cruise Line is now advising visitors visiting the non-public island in 2027 on what they should know to take advantage of their go to.
- This included clarifying details about the drink packages and the completion of the two-ship pier.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has invested at the least $150 million into Nice Stirrup Cay to enhance the visitor expertise on the island, and by the tip of 2026, all the brand new enhancements ought to formally be up and operating.
The cruise line is now waiting for its 2027 sailings to verify visitors have all the correct data to take advantage of their time on the non-public Bahamian vacation spot.
“As we proceed to refine and increase Nice Stirrup Cay, our focus stays on guaranteeing each visitor can totally take pleasure in all that the island has to supply…Your upcoming go to coincides with an thrilling new chapter for our non-public island,” Norwegian Cruise Line wrote in a letter to future visitors.
By the tip of this yr, NCL could have launched the 19-slide Nice Tides Waterpark and completed its new two-ship pier, placing an finish to tendering operations for good.
That is along with different current enhancements, together with improved eating and bar amenities and the addition of the Nice Life Lagoon (an enormous 1.4-acre pool) and the Vibe Shore Membership (an adults-only spot with premium day beds and bar service).
Cruise Hive beforehand reported that 15 NCL ships would start calling to the island in 2026 to benefit from the brand new enhancements, together with the most recent additions to the fleet, akin to Norwegian Luna (2026) and Norwegian Aqua (2025).15 ships are once more on the roster for 2027.
Beverage Bundle Clarification
Final yr, Norwegian Cruise Line acquired vital backlash after deciding to finish using the “Free at Sea” drink package deal on the island.
However as of March 2026, journey professionals have been notified that the controversial determination was placed on an indefinite pause. Based mostly on the letter to visitors booked on 2027 sailings, it’s now clear that the “Free at Sea” drink package deal isn’t going anyplace.
“After receiving suggestions from our visitors and journey companions, visitors with the Free at Sea or Extra at Sea beverage packages will proceed to take pleasure in the identical beverage package deal inclusions as they do on board. This implies your beverage expertise flows effortlessly from ship-to-shore,” NCL confirmed.
The Florida-based cruise line additionally clarified that the Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus packages may be bought previous to setting sail and may be modified as much as 24 hours upfront of embarkation day.
The packages can be bought in the course of the first two days of the cruise, however onboard pricing is often increased than shopping for upfront.
When Will the New Pier be Accomplished?
By the point visitors arrive at Nice Stirrup Cay in 2027, the brand-new two-ship pier will probably be full and in its prime.
The pier has been a very long time coming, with building kicking off originally of 2025, and is arguably one of many enhancements that visitors are most enthusiastic about with the comfort it can convey to their visits.
“Our new two-ship pier, a big enhancement designed to raise arrival and enhance entry, will probably be in place on your go to, providing a smoother transition from ship-to-shore,” the cruise line said.
Presently, the port is utilizing a short lived pier to permit visiting ships to keep away from tendering operations, which have a repute for getting cancelled because of inclement climate.
Nonetheless, the port will briefly revert to tendering operations to permit for the completion of the everlasting pier. The closure will start on April 1 and is anticipated to final by July or August.
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