Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Getaway became the first ship to dock at Great Stirrup Cay’s new pier on December 28, 2025.
- Previously, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination had only been a tender port.
- All Norwegian Cruise Line ships will benefit going forward, including sister brands like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.
On December 28, 2025, Norwegian Getaway made history as the first NCL ship to dock at the newly completed multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
The 268-acre resort, which is located in the Berry Islands, is the one and only port call on a 3-night sailing from Miami that embarked on December 26, 2025.
“Today marks a historic moment for Norwegian Getaway and in the history of Norwegian Cruise Line to be the first ship to dock at Great Stirrup Cay with the opening of our brand-new pier,” NCL wrote in the Freestyle Daily Newsletter, which was shared in Cruise Hive’s NCL Facebook group.
“Each and every one of our guests this cruise will be making history alongside us in this significant moment by being the first cruise passengers to walk off a Norwegian Cruise Line ship onto the island of Great Stirrup Cay,” the cruise line continued.
Read Also: Great Stirrup Cay – A Full Overview of NCL’s Private Island
Norwegian Gem was also in the port at the same time as Norwegian Getaway, but cruise tracking data shows that the Jewel-class ship anchored offshore and proceeded with the normal tender operations.
Both vessels were scheduled to be at the exclusive port from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. local time.
While the new pier is able to accommodate up to two large ships at once, it’s possible that the cruise line is in the final stages of completion or simply easing into using the facilities to work out any kinks before operating at full capacity.
In the newsletter, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that all ships under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, will be able to benefit from the pier going forward.
A Welcomed Change
Plans for the new pier were first announced in April of 2024, and construction began in January of 2025. The goal was always to reach completion by the end of 2025.
Prior to this point, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination was solely a tender port, meaning crew members had to ferry guests between the ship and the shore.
Considering the biggest ships in the NCL fleet (including Norwegian Getaway) can accommodate around 4,000 passengers at once, this is a process that could become rather tedious.
“As a company we have made a transformational investment in Great Stirrup Cay to provide an enhanced experience; this now includes guests no longer being required to tender from ship to shore,” NCL explained.
“Instead, guests will have direct access to the island upon arrival,” the brand added.
This will also help prevent cancellations due to inclement weather, as rough seas are a much bigger issue for tendering than docking at a pier. Over the years, Great Stirrup Cay has become a bit notorious for cancellations due to this reason.
More Enhancements Coming to the Island
Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t kidding when they say they’ve invested a lot into improving their private destination. The brand has already shelled out around $150 million into the island’s expansion.
As of late 2025, NCL has launched a new island-wide tram service and a family-friendly splash pad.
The cruise line also introduced a massive 28,000 sq. ft. heated pool called the Great Life Lagoon. It is Norwegian Cruise Line’s biggest pool ever, and features swim-up bars, an on-site DJ, water toys for kids, and lounging.
They also added a shore-side version of the popular adults-only Vibe Beach Club, called Vibe Shore Club. This is an area for cruisers over 18 with premium drinks, snacks, and lounging.
For those looking to unwind, Hammock Bay has also been added as a new, tranquil zone to enjoy some peace and island views. This area features over 50 hammocks for relaxation and beachside naps.
And perhaps most anticipated is the new Great Tides Waterpark coming to Great Stirrup Cay in the summer of 2026. The new waterpark will feature 19 thrill-inducing slides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, children’s play areas, and more.
The new pier is a key component of making sure guests get to enjoy all that the revamped destination has to offer.
