Norwegian Cruise Line. Photo: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has announced plans to expand its fleet with three additional cruise ships, one for each of its brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri continues the company’s long-term strategy of carefully growing its fleet while keeping a focus on guest experience and sustainability.
The new vessels will be built at Fincantieri’s Italian shipyards and are expected to be delivered between 2036 and 2037. Each of the new ships will be a sister to existing vessels in the respective brand lines, one matching Oceania Sonata, one aligned with Seven Seas Prestige, and one following previously announced Norwegian Cruise Line newbuilds.
“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. The CEO further highlighted that the agreement secures shipyard capacity through 2037, supporting growth without putting near-term finances at risk.
The three new ships will be financed mainly through Export Credit Agency funding upon delivery. Pre-delivery payments are minimal, so the order is not expected to materially affect near-term cash flow or leverage.
With this announcement, NCLH now has 17 new ships on order across its three brands: eight for Norwegian Cruise Line, five for Oceania Cruises, and four for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The newbuilds are designed to support an expected 4 percent compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2037 while introducing next-generation amenities. Some of the Norwegian Prima Class ships are being lengthened and reconfigured to accommodate green methanol fuel, highlighting NCLH’s commitment to sustainability and future-focused cruising.
The company has steadily rolled out new vessels over the next decade, balancing innovation with measured growth. Each brand’s pipeline includes both midsize and large-scale ships, offering a mix of capacity and features.
This order reflects NCLH’s long-term strategy to grow its fleet in a controlled, financially disciplined way while preparing for future demand and environmental considerations. By securing additional ships now, the company ensures that its brands remain competitive and continue delivering elevated experiences to passengers well into the 2030s.