Norwegian Cruise Line has reworked its 2027 itineraries to bring an additional 200,000 guests to Great Stirrup Cay, the brand’s private island in the Bahamas.
John Chidsey, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said on the company’s third quarter earnings call Thursday that the island is now expected to see approximately 1.4 million guests next year, up from the 1.2 million the company had initially projected.
Chidsey said the increase came from changes to itinerary planning for 2027 and 2028, an area the company has focused on as part of its turnaround.
The added guest volume follows the Sept. 4 opening of Great Tides Water Park and a new two-berth pier at the island.
Chidsey, who attended the opening, said the pier makes access easier and more reliable, letting guests spend more of their day on the island.
According to the company, 90 percent of surveyed guests who visited Great Tides said they would recommend it, and the water park was receiving the highest ratings of any experience on the island. Approximately 100 social media creators attended the opening, and their content has generated more than 275 million views.
Asked what share of guests visiting the island buy a water park ticket, Mark Kempa, executive vice president and CFO, said the company had not disclosed exact figures.
“As we continue to get more and more exposure, especially into Q4, with more and more families sailing on those itineraries, we would expect that to continue to improve,” Kempa said.
In the near term, the company sees the opportunity primarily in onboard revenue. Over time, as awareness builds, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expects the island to support higher ticket pricing on sailings that call there.
“That’ll take time to build awareness,” Kempa said, adding that the on-island amenities were performing in line with expectations.
Chidsey said Great Stirrup Cay gives guests another compelling reason to choose Norwegian Cruise Line in the Caribbean and will be a cornerstone of the brand’s growth strategy. The island also features in the brand’s new marketing positioning, “cruise without compromise,” which launches with a new creative platform in January.
