Cruise passengers on NCL’s Norwegian Encore were just able to enjoy something rare: an overnight stay at the cruise line’s private island at Great Stirrup Cay.
Although it was a change in the schedule that led to this extra day in port, passengers were happy to get some extra time at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination.
There’s nothing like an overnight stay at a cruise line’s private island. There’s no rush to get back to the ship and passengers can enjoy back-to-back beach days without all the fuss.
Historically, MSC Cruises has been the only cruise line to offer regular overnight stays at its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. But thanks to an unexpected port cancellation, Norwegian Cruise Line just gave passengers something they may want again in the future.
A First for Norwegian Cruise Line
When Norwegian Encore left PortMiami on January 17, 2026, the original plan included a stop at Costa Maya, Mexico. But NCL informed guests through a letter (posted online) that “circumstances beyond [their] control” forced the ship to skip the Mexican port.
In a letter delivered to cabins, the cruise line said the following:
“We’re thrilled to introduce an extraordinary, first-of-its-kind experience, an overnight stay at our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. This will mark the first overnight visit offered to Norwegian Cruise Line guests.”
The letter went on to tell passengers that the change gave them the “rare opportunity to be among the first guests to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark.”
The Medical Emergency
According to guests on social media, the ship had to return to Miami for a critical medical emergency involving a passenger on life support.
One passenger shared that “it took almost an hour for an ambulance to show up” once the ship arrived back in Miami. The ship eventually made its way back to the Bahamas, docking at Great Stirrup Cay just before 7:00 PM on January 22.
The Costa Maya Swap
The decision to swap a destination like Costa Maya (which some affectionately called “Costa Maybe”) for an extra day at a private island gave cruisers a lot to talk about online. Most saw the change as a big upgrade to the itinerary.
“Costa Maya is literally the worst stop in NCL’s repertoire,” one passenger said. Another cruiser called the overnight stay a “great change” and said that “any overnight, especially in their private island, is a win.”
Some said they would miss the cultural experience of Costa Maya, but it seemed that the overall majority welcomed the change.
Under the Stars
Even though the ship arrived late, the cruise line kept its promise in the letter that “as the sun sets, the energy shifts to an unforgettable evening celebration.”
Passengers enjoyed a Glow Party under the stars from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the new Great Life Lagoon on the island instead of on the ship. This new area has a massive pool with swim-up bars, cabanas, and plush lounge chairs.
According to reports from passengers, guests were allowed to stay on the island for the Glow Party but were given until midnight to be back on the ship. Also, during this time beach access was restricted due to safety concerns.
Today is the second day for passengers to enjoy the island and they have until 5:00 PM to be back on the ship.
A Glimpse into the Future?
While this first-ever overnight stay on Great Stirrup Cay was a solution to a schedule issue, some could argue it served as a “proof of concept” for NCL. And with the new pier finally finished and making nighttime access easy, we will keep our ears to the ground to see if the cruise line will offer overnight stays again in the future.
Norwegian Encore is currently still docked at Great Stirrup Cay and is scheduled to arrive back in PortMiami on January 24 as she prepared for another 7-day Caribbean sailing.
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