Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) - Experts & Thought Leaders
Latest Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) news & announcements
Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the pioneer in innovative cruise travel, celebrated the delivery at the Marghera (Venice) shipyard of Norwegian Aqua, the first ship of the expanded Prima Plus Class that Fincantieri is building for the cruise line. The ceremony was attended by Biagio Mazzotta and Pierroberto Folgiero, respectively Chairman, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, and by Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. Norwegian Aqua features Norwegian Aqua features the most expansive 360-degree outdoor promenade to date Present for the shipowner were Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, and David J. Herrera, Brand President of Norwegian Cruise Line. At 156,300 gross tons and a length that spans 1,056 feet, Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger than the first two Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, which also feature the craftmanship of Fincantieri, providing guests with wide open space, thoughtful art and design and more unmatched experiences, including the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide; the Glow Court, a new high-tech digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor; as well as the Aqua Game Zone, a multi-faceted entertainment space filled with immersive and virtual reality games. Moreover, Norwegian Aqua features the most expansive 360-degree outdoor promenade to date, Ocean Boulevard. Fincantieri staff and partner companies Over the past few months, more than 4,000 people, including Fincantieri staff and partner companies, have worked tirelessly onboard this new ship. In addition to the delivery of Norwegian Aqua, the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera will experience another milestone, with the launching ceremony of Norwegian Luna, the sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, scheduled for delivery in spring 2026. A double event that further strengthens the close relationship between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, coming just weeks after the announcement of a landmark order for four approximately 226,000 tons cruise ships - the largest ever built for NCL by the Group.
Fincantieri is pleased to announce that the Letter of Intent signed with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) on April 8, 2024, has been successfully converted into a firm order for the construction of four new cruise ships for the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand. This significant agreement, subject to financing and other customary conditions, represents a contract valued at over €2 billion. Comfort, technology, and sustainability With a gross tonnage of approximately 226,000 tons, these vessels will be the largest ever built for NCL. They will be constructed at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, with deliveries scheduled for 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036. Each ship will feature over 5,100 berths, accommodating more than 8,300 people, including crew, while incorporating the latest standards in comfort, technology, and sustainability. New order This new order strengthens the long-standing partnership between Fincantieri and NCLH. Fincantieri has previously delivered two ships for the NCL brand—Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva with Norwegian Aqua, the first unit of the Prima Plus class, set for delivery in the coming months. Additionally, three other vessels are currently in various stages of design and construction.
In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has announced a total contribution of $80,000 to the American Red Cross to help those in affected communities. In addition to the $30,000 it previously donated to the Red Cross to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, it will match up to $50,000 more in public donations toward Hurricane Milton relief efforts. This contribution aims to provide immediate relief to the communities impacted by the storms. Hurricanes Milton and Helene relief efforts Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast, impacting major cities Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s Gulf Coast, impacting major cities like Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando. Strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges led to widespread flooding and power outages across Central Florida, with millions of residents affected. This followed Hurricane Helene’s destruction, which caused widespread devastation across the Florida’s Gulf Coast and several Southern states earlier this month. NCLH donates funds to American Red Cross "For decades, Florida has been home to NCLH, and we feel deeply connected to this community," said Harry Sommer, President and CEO at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, adding "Seeing the devastation in our own backyard and neighboring states has been heartbreaking." He continues, "’Strengthening Our Communities’ is a key pillar of our global Sail & Sustain program, and we are committed to helping those in need. Our donation to the American Red Cross is focused on providing direct relief, helping families rebuild their lives and regain a sense of stability and hope as they recover." NCLH and American Red Cross partnership For Hurricane Helene, disaster workers set up shelters, distributed food, and provided critical relief supplies The American Red Cross, working with partners, has been crucial in supporting communities affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For Hurricane Helene, disaster workers set up shelters, distributed food, and provided critical relief supplies. In preparation for Hurricane Milton, 83,000 people sought refuge in Red Cross shelters where they found a safe place to ride out the storm. "With Hurricane Milton following closely in Hurricane Helene’s wake, the American Red Cross is on the ground helping families recover from these vicious storms," said Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. NCLH’s vital support towards hurricane relief efforts Anne McKeough adds, "We’re thankful to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for standing with us to provide help and hope as communities begin to navigate the long road to recovery." To join Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) in supporting the Hurricane relief efforts by the Red Cross and donate towards the $50,000 match, please visit the American Red Cross’ official website.