Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to design and construct three new cruise ships, expanding its fleet across all three of its brands through the end of the decade.
Each of the company's brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — will receive one vessel under the agreement. The new ships will function as sister vessels to existing or previously announced ships: one mirrors Oceania Sonata, one mirrors Seven Seas Prestige and the third aligns with a previously announced Norwegian Cruise Line newbuild order. All three will be constructed at Fincantieri's shipyards in Italy, with deliveries scheduled 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 CEO 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."
On the financial side, NCLH stated the deal is not expected to materially affect near-term leverage or cash flow, given that pre-delivery payment obligations remain minimal until each ship is handed over. The company intends to rely on Export Credit Agency financing to cover the bulk of vessel costs at delivery, in line with how it has structured past newbuild agreements.
The three ships bring NCLH's total newbuild count to 17 across its portfolio. Norwegian Cruise Line leads with eight ships on order through 2037, followed by five for Oceania Cruises through 2037 and four for Regent Seven Seas Cruises through 2036.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
