NYV Caroline

Scheduled for launch in 2026 and inauguration in 2027, the expedition megayacht MY Caroline is one of the Norwegian Yacht Voyages ships. The ultra-luxury, all-inclusive company—rebranded in 2017—plans to build a fleet of four expedition vessels, all ice-classed PC6 (Polar Class 6) cruise ships with ice-strengthened hulls. “MY” stands for “motor yacht.”

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Yacht Voyages (NYV) is the rebranded name of Nordic Cruise Company. The new company is owned by NYV Holdings Inc and operated through its subsidiary Norwegian Yacht Voyages AS (headquartered in Oslo Norway). In terms of fleet size, vessel capacity, and onboard amenities, there are no truly comparable cruise brands. However, the newbuildsScenic Eclipse (by Scenic Cruises) and Crystal Endeavor (by Crystal Cruises) are two megayachts considered comparable. NYV’s direct competitors in the superyacht cruising market include RSSC-Regent, Ritz-Carlton (main competitor), and SeaDream.

Following delivery, MY Caroline is expected to become the world’s first true hybrid expedition yacht and also the world’s largest megayacht (LOA length 188 m / 617 ft) available for private chartering. All four NYV cruise ships are planned to be built at the same shipyard. Initially, MetalShips & Docks (the company’s shipyard in Vigo Spain) was announced as the shipbuilder, although a shipbuilding contract has not yet been signed. Project partners include Deltamarin, DNV GL, David Morris International, CMI Leisure, and CMI Ship Management, among others. The first NYV yacht (CAROLINE) was initially scheduled for delivery in 2023, with sisterships (still unnamed) planned for delivery at approximately 18-month intervals.

The newbuilds will be capable of operating dual-fuel generators powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) and MDO (marine diesel oil). They will also feature battery banks for peak-shaving, reducing the need for additional diesel power during high-demand periods such as startup, as well as solar-powered hydrogen fuel cells. These environmentally friendly vessels will be able to operate fully on LNG for several days at a time, though not indefinitely, due to limited fuel availability in some global destinations.

Cruise itinerary program

MY Caroline’s cruise itinerary program is expected to include expeditions in Northern Europe and Arctic waters during the summer months, as well as South America and Antarctica during the winter season.

Decks and Cabins

MY Caroline has a passenger capacity of 222 guests accommodated in 111 staterooms, all classified as suite categories. A total of 204 crew members cater to guests onboard.

Passenger stateroom sizes range from 56 m2/603 ft2 (entry-level suites) to 175 m2/1884 ft2 (penthouses).

Each stateroom features a private step-out balcony, modern furnishings, premium hotel amenities, and large en-suite bathrooms with marble countertops.

Some cabins are interconnected, making them suitable for families and group travel.

Shipboard facilities

MY Caroline features an aft-located helideck with a helipad, a full marina with Zodiacs, a mini-submarine, aerial drones, scuba diving equipment (including a hyperbaric chamber and wetsuits), and a variety of water sports equipment such as sea kayaks and bicycles. The hull is ice-strengthened (certified for operation in up to 0.8 m / 2.6 ft of sea ice), allowing safe navigation in both polar regions (Arctic and Antarctica).

The newbuild vessels are designed to be more yacht-like than ever, with the smokestack fully integrated into the curvature of the superstructure and outlined by the aft windows. The stack blends seamlessly into the design, as does the ship’s single sphere housing the satellite antenna on the top deck. Forward design elements—from angular windows to the near-vertical bow—are notably edgier. Even the UFO-like observation lounge on the top deck is positioned further aft, closer to the stack, creating a more aerodynamic forecastle. The diamond-patterned atrium glass wall, however, remains a defining feature.