Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Bahamas officials gathered to mark the groundbreaking for a cruise pier at private destination Great Stirrup Cay.
The $150m project is underway and expected to be completed in late 2025. It will enable two large cruise ships to dock simultaneously.
Group CEO Harry Sommer and president of Norwegian Cruise Line David Herrera were joined by Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, and other industry stakeholders.
Great Stirrup Cay Pier Will Significantly Boost Cruise Ship Visitor Numbers
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings describes it as a “transformational investment.” Sommer recently said he expects visitor numbers to Great Stirrup Cay will almost double in 2026 thanks to the pier development driving increased deployment of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas ships.
Once operational, it will eliminate the need for ship tenders. The company is targeting up to 700,000 guest visits next year.
Work on the two-ship pier was initially scheduled to begin in summer 2024 although the company still expects to have it completed by the end of this year.
“The new pier will allow for greater guest throughput to the island and better monetization of this key asset,” Sommer said when announcing the development. It will “elevate our guest experience and strengthen our footprint in the Caribbean.”
Further enhancements planned for Great Stirrup Cay
Sommer said other guest facility upgrades are being panned at Great Stirrup Cay to support the increased guest visits but the per is the main priority. Currently, it is home to a range of dining venues and bars, beaches, zip lining, kayaking, snorkeling, jet skiing and more.
Part of the development includes more than $45,000 in funding for educational community programs, like scholarships and internships.
