Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is making significant waves in the industry with a historic new order. The cruise giant, in collaboration with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, has announced a deal for four brand-new cruise liners, a contract reportedly valued at around 9 billion euros ($9.34 billion). This marks the single largest order ever secured by Fincantieri, emphasizing the growing demand for next-generation cruise experiences.
Fincantieri, which has previously constructed two ships for NCL, will deliver a third vessel—the highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua—set to launch in the coming months. The newly commissioned ships will be constructed at the Monfalcone shipyard in northeastern Italy, with the first ship expected to set sail in 2030, followed by subsequent deliveries in 2032, 2034, and 2036.
Few details are available about the ships. Each of these forthcoming vessels will be approximately 226,000 gross tons and will accommodate more than 8,300 people, including crew, setting a new benchmark for Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. As cruise lines push the boundaries of ship design, these behemoth vessels highlight the industry’s commitment to larger, more innovative, and more immersive experiences for passengers worldwide.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International continues to dominate the world of mega cruise ships with its groundbreaking Icon Class. The first ship in this class, Icon of the Seas, currently holds the title of the world’s largest cruise ship, boasting a gross tonnage of approximately 250,800 and a maximum occupancy of around 7,600 passengers, including crew. This record will soon be joined by its sister ship, Star of the Seas, launching in August 2025, followed by a third Icon Class vessel set to debut in 2026.
