Norwegian Cruise Lines, one of the leaders in the recent-years rush into bigger and bigger cruise ships, is taking a step backward with an order for six ships that are, well, a little bit smaller—but not much.
The line’s new ships will be in the 3,300-passenger class, a bit down from the 4,000+ of its recent ships. The line’s new CEO, Harry Sommer, told The Points Guy that a line like Norwegian needs a range of ship sizes, because the huge megaships, while popular with passengers, are limited by bridges, channels and docks in where they can visits. Even space to turn around can be an issue.
He gave examples of cities such as Sydney, Australia and Tampa, Florida where bridges impose limits. But it’s also about scale on land as well. Sommer said “Some [destinations] are really excited about a 2,000- or 3,000-passenger ship… and they’re a little less excited about a 4,000-passenger ship. We’re really sensitive to it.” With the new ships, Norwegian will have six ships in the 2,000-passenger range, four in the 2,400-passenger class, the six new ships at 3,300 and the seven most recent ships, all in the 4,000+ class.
