Cruise Passengers Get First-Ever Overnight Stay at...

Cruise passengers on NCL’s Norwegian Encore have been simply capable of take pleasure in one thing uncommon: an in a single day keep on the cruise line’s personal island at Nice Stirrup Cay. 

Though it was a change within the schedule that led to this additional day in port, passengers have been joyful to get some additional time at Norwegian Cruise Line’s personal vacation spot.

There’s nothing like an in a single day keep at a cruise line’s private island. There’s no rush to get again to the ship and passengers can take pleasure in back-to-back seashore days with out all of the fuss.

Traditionally, MSC Cruises has been the one cruise line to supply common in a single day stays at its personal island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. However due to an sudden port cancellation, Norwegian Cruise Line simply gave passengers one thing they could need once more sooner or later.

A First for Norwegian Cruise Line

When Norwegian Encore left PortMiami on January 17, 2026, the unique plan included a cease at Costa Maya, Mexico. However NCL knowledgeable company by way of a letter (posted online) that “circumstances past [their] management” pressured the ship to skip the Mexican port.

In a letter delivered to cabins, the cruise line stated the next:

“We’re thrilled to introduce a rare, first-of-its-kind expertise, an in a single day keep at our personal island within the Bahamas, Nice Stirrup Cay. It will mark the primary in a single day go to provided to Norwegian Cruise Line company.”

The letter went on to inform passengers that the change gave them the “uncommon alternative to be among the many first company to expertise Nice Stirrup Cay after darkish.”

The Medical Emergency

In line with company on social media, the ship needed to return to Miami for a essential medical emergency involving a passenger on life help.

One passenger shared that “it took nearly an hour for an ambulance to point out up” as soon as the ship arrived again in Miami.  The ship ultimately made its means again to the Bahamas, docking at Nice Stirrup Cay simply earlier than 7:00 PM on January 22.

The Costa Maya Swap

The choice to swap a vacation spot like Costa Maya (which some affectionately known as “Costa Possibly”) for an additional day at a personal island gave cruisers so much to speak about on-line. Most noticed the change as an enormous improve to the itinerary.

“Costa Maya is actually the worst cease in NCL’s repertoire,” one passenger stated. One other cruiser known as the in a single day keep a “nice change” and stated that “any in a single day, particularly of their personal island, is a win.”

Some stated they might miss the cultural expertise of Costa Maya, however it appeared that the general majority welcomed the change.

Below the Stars

Though the ship arrived late, the cruise line stored its promise within the letter that “because the solar units, the power shifts to an unforgettable night celebration.”

Passengers loved a Glow Celebration beneath the celebs from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM on the new Nice Life Lagoon on the island as an alternative of on the ship.  This new space has an enormous pool with swim-up bars, cabanas, and plush lounge chairs.

In line with reviews from passengers, company have been allowed to remain on the island for the Glow Celebration however got till midnight to be again on the ship.  Additionally, throughout this time seashore entry was restricted as a consequence of security considerations.

Right now is the second day for passengers to benefit from the island they usually have till 5:00 PM to be again on the ship.

A Glimpse into the Future?

Whereas this first-ever in a single day keep on Nice Stirrup Cay was an answer to a schedule challenge, some might argue it served as a “proof of idea” for NCL.  And with the new pier lastly completed and making nighttime entry straightforward, we are going to maintain our ears to the bottom to see if the cruise line will supply in a single day stays once more sooner or later.

Norwegian Encore is presently nonetheless docked at Nice Stirrup Cay and is scheduled to reach again in PortMiami on January 24 as she ready for an additional 7-day Caribbean crusing.