Norwegian Cruise Line Finalizes €9 Billion Ship Deal

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has finalized an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of four new cruise ships, marking Fincantieri's largest order to date, valued at approximately €9 billion ($9.4 billion). These massive 226,000-gross-ton ships will each accommodate over 8,300 passengers and crew, with deliveries scheduled for 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036. The ships will be built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard in Italy, enhancing Norwegian's competitive position in the cruise industry with state-of-the-art and sustainable designs. This expansion aligns with the broader trend of post-pandemic recovery in the cruise sector, as companies seek to offer larger and more luxurious vessels. The deal, initially announced in April 2024, has now moved beyond a letter of intent to a firm order, subject to financing and other conditions. Fincantieri has previously built and is currently constructing other ships for Norwegian, including the upcoming Norwegian Aqua.