Norwegian Cruise Line Named ‘World's Best Cruise Line for 2026’
Top Global Honor by the World Cruise Awards Recognizes NCL for the Sixth Consecutive Year
This Award Comes on the Heels of a Landmark Year for the Company Led by New Enhancements to Its Private Island, Great Stirrup Cay, the Launch of Norwegian Luna® and Upcoming Debut of Norwegian Aura™
Norwegian Cruise Line®(NCL) has been named the “World’s Best Cruise Line 2026” by the World Cruise Awards, the organization's highest global cruise line distinction. The honor follows a defining year led by the transformation of Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in The Bahamas; the arrival of Norwegian Luna®; and preparations for Norwegian Aura's™ debut in May of 2027.
The award was announced Oct. 12, 2026, during the sixth annual World Cruise Awards ceremony in Jamaica, where NCL was recognized among leading global cruise brands. Winners were determined by votes from cruise industry professionals and the public, with the winning nominees receiving the most votes in their respective categories.
A Landmark Year for Great Stirrup Cay
At the center of NCL’s evolution in 2026 is Great Stirrup Cay, the Company's 270-acre private island in The Bahamas. The destination underwent a significant transformation, including the September opening of the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark, featuring 19 waterslides, The Wandering River, cliff jumps and a dedicated kids splash zone.
The enhancements also earned recognition beyond the cruise industry. Expedia named Great Stirrup Cay "Best Private Island for Cruises" as part of its 2026 Island Hot List, citing its pristine beaches, crystal-clear Bahamian waters and diverse experiences. The destination also recorded a 50% year-over-year increase in travel interest, according to the data cited by Expedia.
"Being named the 'World's Best Cruise Line' by World Cruise Awards is an incredible honor and a testament to our team members around the world who bring unforgettable vacations to life every day," said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "This has been a defining year for NCL, especially as we transformed Great Stirrup Cay into an even more incredible destination for our guests with more experiences, so no one has to compromise on their vacation. Combined with welcoming Norwegian Luna to our fleet and looking ahead to Norwegian Aura in 2027, we're building incredible momentum and continuing to deliver more freedom, choice and unforgettable experiences for our guests."
Building on the Momentum
NCL also welcomed Norwegian Luna to its fleet in 2026, further expanding the cruise line’s next-generation Prima Plus Class. Looking ahead, Norwegian Aura, NCL’s newest and largest ship, is scheduled to welcome its first guests earlier than expected on May 2, 2027, with inaugural Mediterranean voyages before beginning Caribbean cruises from Miami.
Together, NCL’s expanding fleet and investment in Great Stirrup Cay reflect the brand’s continued focus on giving guests greater freedom and choice across their vacation, both at sea and ashore.
For more information about the Company's award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
