Norwegian Encore Becomes First Ship Ever to Dock Overnight at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line just did something it’s never done before. The cruise line spent an entire night at Great Stirrup Cay with guests on board.

The Norwegian Encore made history on January 22, 2026. The ship became the first to dock overnight at the private island. This wasn’t part of the original plan, though.

Why the Schedule Changed

The overnight stay replaced a planned stop in Costa Maya, Mexico. The Mexican port wasn’t available for the scheduled visit. So Norwegian had to make a quick change to the itinerary.

The cruise line turned this challenge into something special. They created a brand-new experience for their guests.

What Norwegian Said About the Historic Visit

“We’re thrilled to introduce an extraordinary, first-of-a-kind experience: an overnight stay at our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay,” Norwegian said in its statement to guests.

The company was excited about the opportunity. “This will mark the first overnight visit offered to Norwegian Cruise Line guests. This moment gives you a rare opportunity to be among the first guests to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark, truly making cruise history,” they added.

The Timeline of Events

The ship was supposed to arrive at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. But a medical emergency delayed things. The Norwegian Encore didn’t dock until 8:00 p.m.

The 4,200-passenger ship stayed at the pier until 5:00 p.m. Friday. Then it headed back to Miami. Guests had to be back on board by midnight Thursday.

What Guests Could Do

The bars on the island opened soon after the ship arrived. Abaco Taco served light snacks and grab-and-go food. Guests could enjoy the island until midnight.

“As the sun sets, the energy shifts to an unforgettable evening celebration, with all nighttime activities focused on the vibrant Great Life Lagoon, the all-new pool area,” Norwegian explained.

The beach closed at sunset for safety reasons. But Norwegian offered a special “Glow Party under the Stars” from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

About the Full Cruise

This seven-night sailing included more than just Great Stirrup Cay. The Norwegian Encore also stopped in Roatán, Honduras. The ship visited Harvest Caye in Belize too.

The overnight island stay was just one part of the adventure. But it was definitely the most unique part of the trip.