Norwegian Cruise Line unveils makeover plans for Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled plans for redesigning its private island Great Stirrup Cay, with a multi-ship pier among the features to be introduced later this year.

 

NCL president David Herrera said phase one of the plans would include the introduction of an oversized pool, a welcome centre, a tram service, an adult-only lounge, a kids’ area and a swim-up bar.

 

During a webcast interview with Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, he said: “A private island is all about the guest experience, and the feedback we receive from our guests is that they want something genuine and authentic. We’re enhancing that experience.”

More: Norwegian Cruise Line hints at addition of more private islands

 

He added that the Bahamian island was already one of the line’s top-rated ports of call.

 

The new pier will be a particularly important addition, he said, as it will remove the need for tendering.

 

“Tendering is not ideal, and tendering in the Caribbean can be a challenge in the winter months,” he said. “We’re fixing that and I can’t wait until we open up this pier in the next few months.”

 

When travellers step ashore, they will find a welcome centre and then a tram service that will transport them around the island.

 

Among the key attractions will be an oversized pool, Herrera said.

 

“It’s a huge pool – it’s tens of thousands of square feet. We’re building this island and this pool so that when our guests go to Grand Stirrup Cay, they have the opportunity to experience everything. We’re going to have a kids’ area, an adults’ area, a DJ in the middle, dozens of cabanas and countless loungers.”

 

He added: “We’re going to make this pool, which is heated, an all-round destination for our guests.”

 

Some popular onboard features will be introduced to the island, including adult-only area Vibe Beach Club and the Horizon Park recreation area that recently debuted on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway.

 

“When something works on the ship, we know it’s going to work on the island,” said Herrera, who confirmed there would be an upcharge for access to Vibe.

 

Passengers who have purchased the top-tier drinks package will be able to use it on the island, he added.

 

A new relaxation area will also be added, offering hammocks and other “Tiki-inspired amenities and experiences”.

 

Herrera said: “At the core, we remain the first company to buy a private island back in the 1970s and we have nurtured it and developed it.

 

“We’re sprinkling a lot more offerings, so our guests can have a genuine private island experience while still having these additional amenities. We listen to our guests.”

 

The makeover will be ready for passengers at the end of 2025, he added.

 

The plans were also described during the christening ceremony for Norwegian Aqua, which took place in Miami on Sunday, April 13.

Further upgrades to the island will be revealed in the next few months, Herrera said.