NCLH orders up to eight next-generation cruise ships at Fincantieri

April 16, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

Cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has revealed a major fleet expansion program with the order for up to eight next-generation cruise ships to be built by Italian shipbuilding major Fincantieri.

As informed, the company placed an order for four new next-generation cruise ships, two for the Regent Seven Seas Cruises and two for the Oceania Cruises brands respectively.

The ships designated for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2029, will boast a gross tonnage of 77,000 tons and accommodate approximately 850 passengers.

Meanwhile, the vessels for Oceania Cruises, set for deliveries in 2027 and 2028, will feature a gross tonnage of 86,000 tons and accommodate around 1,450 passengers. The contract for these four new units is now in effect and has already been secured through financing.

Moreover, NCLH signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore the construction of four additional units. The four-ship order is expected to replace a separate, effective, two-ship order for Oceania Cruises initially placed to secure availability with the shipyard.

According to Fincantieri, the order for NCLH is still being finalized and is subject to financing. Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029, the shipbuilder noted.

These vessels, slated for delivery in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036, will be the largest ever built for the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, with a gross tonnage of approximately 200,000 tons and the capacity to accommodate around 5,000 passengers each.

“We are particularly proud of this impressive new agreement and the partnership with a historic and prestigious client like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, confirming a continuity of strategic relationships that we consider a great industrial value. An important milestone for our shipyards and a historic agreement for the Group, confirming the robust recovery of the market and the investments we had planned in our new industrial plan,” Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri stated.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Fincantieri on this strategic new-ship order for the future of our company. This will ensure the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidify our long-term growth,” said Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Each brand will design its new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective fleet. Aligning with the NCLH’s sustainability efforts, the new ship designs are expected to advance the journey toward decarbonization.