Instead of constructing luxury cruise ships at Fincantieri, NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled three new vessels that represent their smallest ships to date.
These are actually tenders, each measuring 82 ft (25 m) and designed by Incat Crowther. The naval architects at Incat Crowther highlight that this development showcases the adaptability of their well-established catamaran design.
The three tenders, named GSC 1, GSC 2, and GSC 3, have the capacity to transport up to 352 passengers between NCL's ships and NCLH's private island Great Stirrup Cay, located in the Berry Islands of the central Bahamas. As the ships anchor at sea in an exposed position, Incat emphasizes that the catamaran design and deep hull (~6 ft/1,8 m) contribute to providing optimal comfort for passengers during the shuttle journey to and from the island.
NCL originally introduced the concept of a private island port-of-call 46 years ago, which subsequently became a popular destination. Other major cruise shipping companies later adopted the concept and established their own private island destinations, including several on nearby Bahamian islands.