BIG SHIP NEWS: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Signs Deal for Three New Builds

Agreements include one ship for each brand, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, strengthening long-term fleet growth through 2037.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH), a leading global cruise company operating Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Fincantieri for the design and construction of three new cruise ships, further advancing the company’s long-term fleet development strategy across its brands.

Three New Builds Ordered

The order includes one ship for each of the Company’s three award-winning brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—with one vessel to be built as a sister ship to Oceania Sonata, one as a sister ship to Seven Seas Prestige, and one as a sister ship to the previously announced Norwegian Cruise Line newbuild order. All three ships will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyards in Italy and delivered between 2036 and 2037.

“Together with Fincantieri, a trusted partner for decades, we continue to advance a disciplined approach to fleet growth that builds on the strength of our brands, defines the future of cruising and elevates the guest experience for years to come,” said John W. Chidsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCLH. “This agreement secures access to valuable shipyard capacity through the end of 2037, supporting our long-term growth while maintaining financial discipline and driving sustainable shareholder value.”

This new ship order supports the Company’s long‑term growth pipeline and competitive position with modest initial capital outlays, allowing it to remain focused on strengthening the balance sheet and reducing leverage. The agreement is not expected to have a material impact on near-term leverage or cash flow, as pre-delivery payment obligations are immaterial until the ship is delivered. Consistent with past practice, the Company expects to utilize Export Credit Agency financing to fund the majority of the vessels’ cost upon delivery.

A detailed summary of the Company’s newbuild pipeline is provided in the table below:

YEARBRANDDETAILGROSS TONS1BERTHS1 
Q1 2026Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Luna~156,000~3,565
Q4 2026Regent Seven SeasSeven Seas Prestige~77,000~822
2027Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Aura2~170,000~3,880
2027Oceania CruisesOceania Sonata~86,000~1,390
2028Norwegian Cruise LineNext Generation “Methanol-Ready” Norwegian Prima Class2~170,000~3,880
2029Oceania CruisesOceania Arietta~86,000~1,390
2030Norwegian Cruise LineNew Class 1~227,000~5,000
2030Regent Seven SeasSeven Seas Prestige Class 2~77,000~822
2032Oceania CruisesSonata Class 33~86,000~1,390
2032Norwegian Cruise LineNew Class 2~227,000~5,000
2033Regent Seven SeasSeven Seas Prestige Class 3~77,000~822
2034Norwegian Cruise LineNew Class 35~227,000~5,000
2035Oceania CruisesSonata Class 43~86,000~1,390
2036Norwegian Cruise LineNew Class 45~227,000~5,000
2036Regent Seven SeasSeven Seas Prestige Class 46~77,000~822
2037Norwegian Cruise LineNew Class 56~227,000~5,000
2037Oceania CruisesSonata Class 56~86,000~1,390

1.         Berths and gross tons are preliminary and subject to change as we approach delivery.

2.         Designs for the final two Prima Class ships have been lengthened and reconfigured to accommodate the use of green methanol as a future fuel source. Additional modifications will be needed to fully enable the use of green methanol.

3.         Contract is effective but not yet financed.

4.         Contract subject to financing.

5.         Contract is effective and financing is being negotiated.

6.         Binding memorandum of understanding subject to contract execution and financing.

John Shallo
John Shallohttp://www.cruiseaddicts.com
John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, one of the web’s longest-running cruise travel communities. Since 1999, Cruise Addicts has been a trusted destination for cruise travelers seeking the latest industry news, in-depth ship reviews, expert travel tips, and a passionate community of self-proclaimed cruise enthusiasts.

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