Big Change for Great Stirrup Cay as First Ship Fin...

On December 28, 2025, Norwegian Getaway made historical past as the primary NCL ship to dock on the newly accomplished multi-ship pier at Nice Stirrup Cay within the Bahamas.

The 268-acre resort, which is positioned within the Berry Islands, is the one and solely port name on a 3-night crusing from Miami that launched into December 26, 2025.

“At this time marks a historic second for Norwegian Getaway and within the historical past of Norwegian Cruise Line to be the primary ship to dock at Nice Stirrup Cay with the opening of our brand-new pier,” NCL wrote within the Freestyle Each day Publication, which was shared in Cruise Hive’s NCL Facebook group.

“Every one in every of our company this cruise will likely be making historical past alongside us on this important second by being the primary cruise passengers to stroll off a Norwegian Cruise Line ship onto the island of Nice Stirrup Cay,” the cruise line continued.

Learn Additionally: Great Stirrup Cay – A Full Overview of NCL’s Private Island

Norwegian Gem was additionally within the port concurrently Norwegian Getaway, however cruise monitoring information reveals that the Jewel-class ship anchored offshore and proceeded with the traditional tender operations.

Each vessels have been scheduled to be on the unique port from 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. native time.

Whereas the brand new pier is ready to accommodate as much as two massive ships without delay, it’s doable that the cruise line is within the ultimate phases of completion or just easing into utilizing the services to work out any kinks earlier than working at full capability.

Within the publication, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that every one ships underneath Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, together with Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, will have the ability to profit from the pier going ahead.

A Welcomed Change

Plans for the brand new pier have been first introduced in April of 2024, and construction began in January of 2025. The purpose was all the time to succeed in completion by the top of 2025.

Prior thus far, Norwegian Cruise Line’s personal vacation spot was solely a tender port, which means crew members needed to ferry company between the ship and the shore.

Contemplating the largest ships within the NCL fleet (together with Norwegian Getaway) can accommodate round 4,000 passengers without delay, it is a course of that might turn out to be relatively tedious.

“As an organization now we have made a transformational funding in Nice Stirrup Cay to supply an enhanced expertise; this now contains company not being required to tender from ship to shore,” NCL defined.

“As a substitute, company may have direct entry to the island upon arrival,” the model added.

This can even assist forestall cancellations on account of inclement climate, as tough seas are a a lot larger difficulty for tendering than docking at a pier. Through the years, Nice Stirrup Cay has turn out to be a bit infamous for cancellations on account of this motive.

Extra Enhancements Coming to the Island

Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t kidding once they say they’ve invested quite a bit into bettering their personal vacation spot. The model has already shelled out round $150 million into the island’s growth.

As of late 2025, NCL has launched a brand new island-wide tram service and a family-friendly splash pad.

The cruise line additionally launched a massive 28,000 sq. ft. heated pool known as the Nice Life Lagoon. It’s Norwegian Cruise Line’s greatest pool ever, and options swim-up bars, an on-site DJ, water toys for teenagers, and lounging.

In addition they added a shore-side model of the favored adults-only Vibe Seashore Membership, known as Vibe Shore Membership. That is an space for cruisers over 18 with premium drinks, snacks, and lounging.

For these seeking to unwind, Hammock Bay has additionally been added as a brand new, tranquil zone to get pleasure from some peace and island views. This space options over 50 hammocks for rest and beachside naps.

And maybe most anticipated is the brand new Nice Tides Waterpark coming to Nice Stirrup Cay in the summertime of 2026. The brand new waterpark will function 19 thrill-inducing slides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, kids’s play areas, and extra.

The brand new pier is a key element of creating positive company get to get pleasure from all that the revamped vacation spot has to supply.