Norwegian Cruise Line Marks a Historic Tourism Milestone as Norwegian Getaway Becomes First Ship to Dock at Great Stirrup Cay Pier in the Bahamas and the United States

Published on December 29, 2025

A significant chapter in modern cruise tourism was marked when Norwegian Cruise Line, a major player in the United States-based cruise industry, achieved a long-anticipated milestone at its private island destination in the Bahamas. The Norwegian Getaway, a 2014-built vessel sailing under the company’s flagship brand, was welcomed as the first cruise ship to dock directly at the newly completed pier at Great Stirrup Cay. This achievement represented not only an operational breakthrough but also a symbolic moment in the evolution of private island experiences within the Caribbean cruise market. Previously dependent on tender operations, the island has now entered a new era defined by convenience, accessibility, and enhanced guest comfort. As part of a broader enhancement project, the pier has been designed to transform how visitors arrive and explore the destination. Guests onboard the Norwegian Getaway were informed of the occasion through onboard communications, ensuring the moment was recognized as historically significant. This development reinforces the growing focus on infrastructure investment in cruise tourism across the Bahamas, while strengthening travel connections between the Caribbean and the United States cruise market. The event underscored how modern port developments can redefine the guest journey and elevate destination appeal.

A Landmark Arrival at Great Stirrup Cay

The arrival of the Norwegian Getaway at the new pier was recognized as a defining milestone in the history of Great Stirrup Cay. For the first time since the island began welcoming cruise guests, direct docking was made possible, eliminating the long-standing reliance on tender boats. This change was made possible through a transformational infrastructure investment undertaken by Norwegian Cruise Line, aimed at improving both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

The moment was acknowledged onboard through the ship’s Freestyle Daily journal, ensuring guests were made aware that their visit coincided with a historic first. The docking represented a new standard for how cruise ships access the island, aligning Great Stirrup Cay more closely with other fully developed cruise destinations in the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean.

Enhancing the Guest Experience Through Infrastructure

For years, tendering had been an integral part of visiting Great Stirrup Cay. While functional, the process often depended on favorable weather and added time to the shore experience. With the opening of the new multi-berth pier, guests are now able to walk directly from ship to shore, creating a smoother and more accessible arrival.

This enhancement was positioned as a direct benefit to guests, allowing more time to be spent enjoying the island rather than waiting for transportation. From a tourism perspective, the pier represents a commitment to modernizing private destinations and aligning them with evolving traveler expectations within the Bahamas and the broader Caribbean region.

A Shared Benefit Across Cruise Brands

The new pier at Great Stirrup Cay was designed not only for Norwegian Cruise Line vessels but also to accommodate ships from sister brands Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This multi-brand approach ensures that a wider range of travelers will benefit from the upgraded facilities, further strengthening the island’s role as a premium cruise destination.

By enabling multiple ships to dock simultaneously, the pier supports increased operational flexibility and enhances itinerary planning. This development highlights how strategic investments can generate long-term value across an entire cruise portfolio while supporting tourism growth in the Bahamas.

Norwegian Getaway and the Bahamas Itinerary

Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami in the United States, the Norwegian Getaway visited Great Stirrup Cay as part of a three-night cruise itinerary focused entirely on the Bahamas. The private island served as the sole port of call, emphasizing its importance as a standalone destination rather than a supplementary stop.

The itinerary also included a day at sea, allowing guests to enjoy onboard amenities before returning to Florida. This structure showcased Great Stirrup Cay as a centerpiece experience, reflecting the increasing role of private islands in shaping cruise vacation offerings.

Ongoing Transformation of Great Stirrup Cay

The pier forms only one element of a much broader enhancement project currently underway at Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian Cruise Line has committed to a comprehensive redevelopment designed to elevate the island’s appeal and competitiveness within the Caribbean tourism landscape.

Among the planned additions is a large swimming pool intended to serve as a central gathering space for guests. This feature is expected to complement the island’s natural beaches while providing a resort-style environment that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

Introduction of a Major Water Park Attraction

Another key component of the enhancement project is the introduction of a nearly six-acre water park. This large-scale attraction has been designed to expand recreational options and appeal particularly to families and multigenerational travelers visiting the Bahamas.

The water park is expected to position Great Stirrup Cay as one of the most feature-rich private islands in the region. By offering a mix of relaxation and adventure, the destination is being reshaped to meet diverse traveler preferences while reinforcing its role within Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries.

Strengthening Tourism Ties Between the Bahamas and the United States

The successful docking of the Norwegian Getaway highlighted the close tourism relationship between the Bahamas and the United States. With PortMiami serving as a primary departure point, Great Stirrup Cay remains easily accessible to North American travelers seeking short cruise vacations.

Infrastructure investments such as the new pier support sustainable tourism growth by improving efficiency and reducing weather-related disruptions. These enhancements benefit not only cruise operators but also the broader Bahamian tourism economy, which relies heavily on consistent and high-quality visitor experiences.

A New Era for Private Island Destinations

The opening of the pier at Great Stirrup Cay reflects a broader trend within the cruise industry, where private island destinations are being developed into full-scale resort environments. By removing logistical barriers and adding high-capacity attractions, such destinations are increasingly positioned as highlights rather than secondary stops.

For Norwegian Cruise Line, this milestone reinforces its long-term vision for Great Stirrup Cay as a cornerstone of its Caribbean offerings. The successful docking of the Norwegian Getaway symbolized the beginning of a new operational phase, setting the stage for future visits by a wide range of vessels.

The first docking of the Norwegian Getaway at Great Stirrup Cay’s new pier marked a pivotal moment in cruise tourism for the Bahamas and the United States. Through thoughtful infrastructure investment and destination development, Norwegian Cruise Line has reshaped how guests experience its private island. As additional enhancements continue to unfold, Great Stirrup Cay is being positioned as a leading example of modern, guest-focused cruise tourism in the Caribbean, with long-term benefits for travelers and the region alike.