Norwegian Getaway Becomes First Ship to Dock at Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Pier at Great Stirrup Cay, Marking its New Era for the Private Island Destination

Published on December 29, 2025

The Norwegian Getaway has broken records to become the first cruise ship to ever dock at the newly-built pier at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, the Great Stirrup Cay. This historic event represents a huge milestone not only for Norwegian Cruise Lines but also signifies that the private island has experienced drastic improvements. Beforehand, the only means of reaching the island from the Norwegian Getaway ship involved the process of tendering.

Enhancing the Guest Experience at Great Stirrup Cay

As part of an ongoing enhancement project, Great Stirrup Cay, located in the Bahamas, has introduced the new multi-berth pier, which eliminates the need for passengers to transfer from ship to shore via smaller boats. With this new pier, passengers on future cruises, including those traveling aboard ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas, will have the convenience of directly docking on the island, enhancing the overall cruise experience.

This enhancement is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s broader strategy to invest in improving guest satisfaction and expanding its offerings. The private island is no longer just a beautiful stopover but a destination with amenities that cater to a variety of interests and preferences. As the cruise line continues to develop the island, guests can expect a richer, more immersive vacation experience.

A Grand Moment for the Norwegian Getaway and Its Passengers

Guests aboard the Norwegian Getaway were informed of this groundbreaking moment through the ship’s Freestyle Daily journal, adding to the excitement of being part of history. As the ship arrived at Great Stirrup Cay, the passengers were the first ever to disembark directly onto the island, marking a milestone in Norwegian Cruise Line’s history. The ship’s new direct access to the island is a moment to celebrate, both for the company and the travelers.

The introduction of the new pier will benefit all future visitors to Great Stirrup Cay, as it will provide easier and faster access to the island. This is particularly significant for those traveling on longer itineraries, as the upgraded infrastructure supports a smoother transition from the ship to the island.

New Pier: A Game-Changer for Cruise Operations

The new pier at Great Stirrup Cay is expected to accommodate more ships, furthering the island’s potential as a prime cruise destination. This new development is a vital part of the island’s ongoing transformation, enhancing port operations and reducing the time passengers spend on tenders. The pier will also allow for the simultaneous docking of multiple vessels, which is a major step forward in optimizing the destination for large volumes of visitors.

By investing in this transformative project, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that it can offer more direct and convenient services to travelers, furthering its reputation for offering quality vacations with seamless experiences. This move also enhances the island’s capacity to host more passengers, boosting the tourism value for the island and the entire Bahamas region.

What’s New at Great Stirrup Cay?

The new pier is just one part of a major renovation underway at Great Stirrup Cay. The private island is also adding exciting features such as a large swimming pool and an expansive nearly six-acre water park. These additions will provide guests with more opportunities for relaxation and recreation, further making the island a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts.

In addition to the new pier, Great Stirrup Cay is also focusing on upgraded dining options, enhanced shoreside experiences, and increased offerings for family-friendly activities. These upgrades reflect the cruise line’s commitment to ensuring that its guests have an unforgettable time both onboard and on land.

A Roundtrip Adventure to the Bahamas

For this special occasion, the Norwegian Getaway sailed a roundtrip itinerary from PortMiami, with Great Stirrup Cay as its sole port of call. This three-night cruise to the Bahamas gave passengers the chance to experience the new pier and facilities, while also enjoying a relaxing day at sea. The cruise marked an exceptional way for passengers to enjoy the best of both worlds: a comfortable journey aboard the ship and a seamless, direct connection to the tropical island paradise.

Looking to the Future: More Ships and More Access

Looking ahead, Norwegian Cruise Line plans to extend this upgrade to all ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay. With the ability to dock directly at the island, travelers will have a more enjoyable and convenient arrival, eliminating the hassle of tendering operations. The new pier will also allow for larger ships to dock, meaning that more guests will be able to enjoy all the island’s new features simultaneously.

This development has far-reaching implications for the future of cruise tourism. As the industry continues to rebound from past disruptions, the introduction of such modern infrastructure will appeal to a new generation of travelers seeking more convenient, enjoyable experiences. The trend of seamless disembarkation is likely to become a key selling point for many cruise lines in the years to come, with other cruise operators following suit to enhance their island offerings.

The introduction of this pier is also a critical element in Norwegian Cruise Line’s long-term vision to grow its private island destinations and cater to the increasing demand for luxury travel. As cruise tourism continues to expand, destinations like Great Stirrup Cay will serve as anchors for the industry, providing not only picturesque locales but also cutting-edge amenities that enrich the vacation experience.

A Bright Future for Great Stirrup Cay and Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Getaway’s arrival at the brand-new dock is a pivotal point in the development of Great Stirrup Cay as a premier cruise destination. The various improvements and renovations will definitely promote higher customer satisfaction and tourism for the island destination. As one of the most innovative companies within the cruise lines industry, Norwegian Cruise Line’s future ventures will undoubtedly feature this dock, which will be one of the signature cruise stops within their extensive list of first-class cruise points of call.

With increased access, greater amenities, and new developments on the horizon, Great Stirrup Cay is poised to become an even more desirable destination for cruise ships, ultimately providing a greater cruise experience for travelers from around the world. As the future of the cruise industry continues to propel itself forward, places like Great Stirrup Cay will serve an pivotal role in meeting the needs of the future cruise tourist, marking a new era in the cruise trade.