Work, which will be completed by the end of the year, will allow several ships to dock at once and include a tram service throughout the island. There will also be a new welcome centre, pool with swim-up bar, family splash pad and poolside cabanas.

Several onboard premium concepts featured on NCL ships will be adopted on the island, including the adults-only Vibe Beach Club and Horizon Park, a recreation and lawn games area.

“These newly announced enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay will further improve the guest experience on the island, which is already one of our top-rated destinations worldwide,” said Harry Sommer, NCL president and chief executive.

“As we anticipate annual guest visits to exceed one million by 2026, we are actively evaluating additional investments in the island to support that growth and expand the amenities our guests can enjoy.”

The announcement followed the official christening of Norwegian Aqua in Miami last weekend. The ceremony was marked by the appearance of actor Eric Stonestreet and the first performance of Revolution, a Celebration of Prince.

Norwegian Aqua will sail from Port Canaveral for a season of seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings until August 2025. From then until October 2025 the vessel will offer five and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York before returning to Miami.