Norwegian Cruise Line Wins Third Straight World Cruise Award
The sixth annual ceremony was held at Princess Grand Jamaica on October 12, following online voting by industry professionals and the public from July 13 through August 21.
Norwegian Cruise Line won the “World’s Best Cruise Line 2026” award at the World Cruise Awards on Oct. 12, during the sixth annual ceremony at Princess Grand Jamaica.
The line also received the title in 2024 and 2025, making this its third consecutive win. This year’s nominees included MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea.
Cruise industry professionals and members of the public voted online from July 13 through Aug. 21. The nominee polling the most votes in each category won.
Norwegian Cruise Line President Marc Kazlauskas called the recognition “an incredible honor and a testament to our team members around the world who bring unforgettable vacations to life every day.” NCL’s announcement linked the award to a year that included substantial upgrades at Great Stirrup Cay and the arrival of Norwegian Luna.
Great Stirrup Cay adds attractions and access
At NCL’s 270-acre private island in The Bahamas, the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark opened to guests Sept. 4. Its attractions include 19 waterslides, cliff jumps, the Wandering River and a 9,000-square-foot children’s splash area.
The park follows other island additions, including the 28,000-square-foot heated Great Life Lagoon pool, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club and the complimentary Splash Harbor children’s area. A new tram system moves guests around the island.
NCL also completed a two-berth pier designed to replace tender transfers for most guests. Mark Kansley, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief experience officer, said the pier would reduce the effect of weather on scheduled calls.
The island is expected to receive more than 1 million visitors annually from 17 ships, including Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Aqua. Sailings calling at Great Stirrup Cay depart from homeports including New York, Jacksonville and Port Canaveral.
Waterpark admission is an additional-charge shore excursion. NCL Chief Sales Officer John Chernesky cited adult day passes of $99 for some sailings later in 2026, with children under 3 admitted free. Rates vary by sailing and season; NCL has not disclosed a complete pricing schedule or specified the price for older children.
Beaches, the lagoon pool, the adjacent children’s splash area and buffet dining remain included. Other paid options include Vibe Shore Club, Silver Cove, cabanas, villas and excursions.
Great Stirrup Cay separately received Expedia’s “Best Private Island for Cruises” designation in its 2026 Island Hot List. Expedia cited a 50% year-over-year increase in travel interest in the destination.
Fleet additions extend into 2027
Norwegian Luna joined the fleet in 2026, expanding NCL’s Prima Plus class. Built by Fincantieri at Marghera, Italy, the ship accommodates 3,565 guests at double occupancy and is a sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, which was delivered in March 2025.
The next addition, the approximately 170,000-gross-ton Norwegian Aura, is scheduled to become NCL’s largest ship, with capacity for 3,879 guests at double occupancy. It is due to welcome its first passengers on May 2, 2027, earlier than previously planned, operating initial Mediterranean voyages before beginning Caribbean sailings from Miami.
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