Norwegian Cruise Line has promised to invest in Bermuda as a destination, increasing cruise calls to the island in 2026.

The Ministry of Transport announced an expansion of the partnership between the ministry, the cruise line and the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, which will feature an extension of the King’s Wharf Pier in Dockyard.

Wayne Furbert, the transport minister, said that the company’s commitment to the island was “further underscored” by its collaboration with BLMC on the 2025-26 King’s Wharf development project.

He added: “This project will extend the pier to match the size of Heritage Wharf, enhancing the island's capacity to host the larger vessels that currently berth at Heritage Wharf comfortably.

“King’s Wharf will be under construction from October 2, 2025 to March 31, 2026. Extending the pier by 200 feet will greatly enhance the guest experience, allowing all NCLH [Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings] ships to berth primarily at a beautifully upgraded port in the Royal Naval Dockyard.”

Mr Furbert added that the NCLH cruise ship operating agreement with the Ministry of Transport was extended through 2037, demonstrating the liner’s commitment to Bermuda.

“The collaborative effort highlights Bermuda’s position as a premier global destination while supporting the Government's strategic initiatives to elevate the island's cruise tourism infrastructure and long-term economic impact,” he said.

“Moreover, NCLH works annually with the Bermuda Tourism Authority to sponsor product development experiences that delight visitors.”

Dan Farkas, an executive vice-president, general counsel and chief development officer for NCLH, added: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Bermuda and play a key role in the island’s growing appeal as a top-tier cruise destination

“The expansion of King’s Wharf pier to comfortably accommodate our larger vessels as Heritage Wharf does today is a major milestone in our shared vision to enhance the overall visitor experience.

“This long-term agreement not only underscores our commitment to the island but also supports sustainable growth for its cruise tourism industry for years to come.”

The ministry said that the Norwegian Prima is set to return to the island for a series of visits in April 2025.

The Norwegian Aqua, which is to “debut” next Spring, will make a series of voyages from New York to Bermuda from mid-August before returning in April 2026 for a full summer season.

The Oceana Allura, meanwhile, is to begin calls to Bermuda in 2026 after making its maiden voyage late next year.

A ministry spokeswoman added that across NCLH’s three brands — including Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — the cruise line has planned more than 350 calls to Bermuda between 2025 and 2025.

This year, the Norwegian Joy was scheduled to make 23 visits to the island, while the Norwegian Gem was scheduled to make 22 calls and the Norwegian Getaway was scheduled to make 13 stops.

Bermuda was also scheduled to receive visits from the Norwegian Breakaway, the Norwegian Escape, the Norwegian Pearl and the Norwegian Prima, along with Oceania branded vessels Vista, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena.