| NCL considers more islands

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) may not be done developing its archipelago of private islands, President David Herrera has revealed, following the delivery of yesterday’s details about the makeover of Great Stirrup Cay (CW yesterday).

Responding to a question from Cruise Weekly, Herrera said the success of NCL’s two current islands, The Bahamas’ Great Stirrup Cay and Belize’s Harvest Caye, has the cruise line investigating the possibility of adding more private destinations in the future.

“We have a couple of other opportunities that we’re looking at; I don’t have any breaking news, but I will tell you that our consumers have spoken,” Herrera said on a panel onboard the cruise line’s brand-new Norwegian Aqua (pictured).

“There might be a couple of other opportunities in the near future,” Herrera teased.

“I think we have an advantage, because we can leverage what we already know from Great Stirrup Cay, and we have the size, and the ability to expand and to do so much [more], so we’re going to focus on [it] for the moment.”

However, Herrera emphasised the development of a successful private island, such as Great Stirrup Cay, is far more than just the land grab.

“The idea of a ‘fun in the sun’ private island is not just about, ‘let’s make it a private island and start selling it’…you can’t just open up shop and people are going to love it,” he explained.

“Deliver the product that your guests want, give them more options, give them the opportunity to customise [with] freedom and flexibility to build what they want to do.”

Norwegian Cruise Line yesterday revealed a major redevelopment of Great Stirrup Cay, with capacity to be increased in line with the completion of a multi-ship pier.

“Along with the completion of a new multi-ship pier later this year, we’re improving both access and amenities on the island,” said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings President and Chief Executive Officer, Harry Sommer.

“As we anticipate annual guest visits to exceed one million by 2026, we are actively evaluating additional investments in the island to support that growth and expand the amenities our guests can enjoy,” Sommer said.

Among these will be a new welcome centre and a tram network to allow guests to explore more of the island.

The island will also see a major new pool area, family splash pad, poolside cabanas and a new adults-only Vibe Beach Club with lawn games area. MS