Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has firmed up its big order with shipbuilder Fincantieri reportedly worth around $9.4 billion. It finalized the initial letter of intent the companies signed back in April 2024 for four large cruise ships for the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet.

  Frank M

 

Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna (Photo via Norwegian Cruise Line)

The new ships will be the largest yet for the flagship brand Norwegian Cruise Line at around 266,000 tons, each accommodating more than 8,000 guests and crew members. They are set for construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, and NCL expects to take delivery of the first new ship in 2030.

Further deliveries are scheduled for 2032, 2034 and 2036. Fincantieri has completed and delivered two ships so far for NCL, the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. A third named Norwegian Aqua, the inaugural ship in the Prima Plus class, is due for delivery in the coming months.

Aqua is 10% larger in size and capacity than Norwegian Prima class ships and is notable for its newest thrill ride, the Aqua Slidecoaster, which Norwegian Cruise Line describes as the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide at sea,

 

Fincantieri’s Single Largest Ever Ship Order

(Photo courtesy of Fincantieri)

The new vessels will have a total of 5,100 berths and have various sustainability features, the shipbuilder said. “The value of this agreement, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered very important,” Fincantieri said in a statement.

It is the single largest order the Italian company has ever signed. Fincantieri recently raised its full-year revenue forecast to above $8 billion as it pursues diversification in the defense and underwater segments. Fincantieri stock price initially rose more than 5% on news of the big cruise ship order confirmation.

Additionally, NCLH has three other cruise ships in various stages of the design and construction process.