Norwegian Encore is set to become the first Norwegian Cruise Line vessel to dock overnight at Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. The last-minute itinerary change was communicated to guests aboard Norwegian Encore’s January 17, 2025 sailing.
According to the letter distributed to passengers and shared widely online, Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer call at Costa Maya “due to port logistics,” and instead will feature an overnight visit at Great Stirrup Cay.
The cruise line stated:
“We’re thrilled to introduce an extraordinary, first-of-its-kind experience, an overnight stay at our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. This will mark the first overnight visit offered to Norwegian Cruise Line guests. This moment gives you the rare opportunity to be among the first guests to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark, truly making cruise history.”
Norwegian Encore will dock at 4:00 p.m. on January 22, 2026 with “the freedom to enjoy the island until midnight, which will serve as the all-aboard time.” Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line clarified the beach will be restricted at sundown for guest safety.
The communication also adds that “light bites and convenient grab-and-go favorites will be available at Abaco Taco, and bars will open shortly after arrival to the island.”
Norwegian Cruise Line will also host the brand’s signature “Glow Party” ashore from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
While most guests were excited about the adjusted itinerary, some cruisers expressed frustration with how the change was communicated. Multiple passengers said they were not notified until embarkation day or after boarding the ship.
“They did not communicate this in advance. I saw the change on my app the day we boarded and then we had communication in our room,” one passenger wrote, adding that the line was “framing this as a history making overnight!”
The overnight visit comes just weeks after Norwegian Cruise Line completed its long-awaited pier at Great Stirrup Cay. This milestone finally allows larger ships to dock directly rather at the island than relying on tender boats to ferry passengers ashore.
Previously, even sizable vessels like the Norwegian Getaway had to anchor offshore before tendering guests to the island. This created frequent cancellations for the cruise line, as tendering is subject to sea conditions for safety purposes.
Norwegian Encore is sailing a 7-night round-trip Caribbean cruise from Miami, departing January 17, 2026, and returning January 24, 2026. The itinerary includes stops in Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island; and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.
Passenger reaction is overwhelmingly positive
Reaction among Norwegian Encore passengers and future cruisers has been largely positive. Many travelers expressed excitement about the overnight call at Great Stirrup Cay, especially compared to a standard day stop in Costa Maya.
“I’m sailing 1/31. I would love this change!!” one passenger wrote, while another added, “Omg. I’d love to overnight and not worry about getting back in time.”
Many commenters expressed relief about avoiding Costa Maya altogether: “Better than a day in Costa Maya.”
Another wrote, “Definitely a better option to beat Great Stirrup Cay for 2 days than going to Costa Maya. I hated that stop.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, citing limited activities or lack of interest in the port. “Me too and there isn’t much to do in Costa Maya anyhow,” one passenger commented.
However, not everyone agreed. A handful of cruisers defended Costa Maya, noting that experiences can vary depending on excursions.
“I’m amazed at all the comments saying Costa Maya was a bad stop,” one traveler wrote. “I recall a great excursion to see Mayan ruins, beautiful forest and howler monkeys.”
Overall, it seems there is strong enthusiasm for overnight visits to Great Stirrup Cay, especially among cruisers who view it as an upgrade from Costa Maya.
Overnight visits to private islands are becoming more popular
Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t the first to offer overnight stays at their private island.
MSC Cruises routinely incorporates late-night and overnight ship calls at its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. MSC touts these extended calls as a way to give guests “more time to dive into turquoise waters, … or dance on the sand at sunset.”
In addition, itineraries are structured so ships sometimes remain docked into the evening or overnight on select sailings.
On the other hand, Royal Caribbean’s private island at Perfect Day at CocoCay has traditionally not included overnight or extended late-night stays. Most itineraries provide daytime access only, and the cruise line has said overnight visits aren’t currently feasible due to operational and logistical constraints.
Unfortunately, NCL is infamous for last-minute itinerary changes
The last-minute itinerary change for Norwegian Encore isn’t unusual for the cruise line. Sadly, Norwegian Cruise Line has developed a reputation among cruisers for making last-minute itinerary changes, even after guests have booked or even made final payments. This is pattern that has drawn attention and frustration across the travel community.
As we’ve reported extensively here at Candid Cruise & Travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has altered or swapped ports on multiple sailings with hardly any notice, often with little more explanation than a desire to “enhance the guest experience” or “strengthen partnerships.”
These shifts have included replacing well-anticipated Caribbean calls like Nassau or Bimini with different ports, prompting some passengers to complain that “this is not the cruise I booked.”
In other reports, Norwegian’s practice of making changes after final payment deadlines has left some travelers feeling blindsided. This is especially true when originally advertised destinations are removed or replaced without options for meaningful refunds or itinerary adjustments.
Many loyal cruisers have described the experience as a kind of bait-and-switch, arguing that the reasons given, such as “port congestion” or “fuel optimization”, can feel vague or self-serving rather than rooted in weather or emergencies.
While cruise lines generally retain the contractual right to modify itineraries if necessary, the frequency and timing of these changes at Norwegian Cruise Line has made the trend especially notable.
About Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore is a Breakaway Plus-class cruise ship operating for the cruise line. Launched in 2019 as the fourth ship in the Breakaway Plus series, NCL Encore carries approximately 4,000 passengers at double occupancy.
The vessel is one of the largest in Norwegian’s fleet and features a range of entertainment, dining, and onboard activities suited for families, couples, and multigenerational travelers.
Norwegian Encore’s onboard offerings include a two-level electric go-kart track, laser tag course, expansive waterpark, multiple specialty restaurants, Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, and a variety of bars and lounges.
The ship’s design emphasizes outdoor spaces and unique experiences, such as waterfront dining and panoramic views from The Haven, NCL’s suite complex with private amenities.
In terms of itineraries, Norwegian Encore primarily sails Caribbean routes from U.S. homeports, calling at a mix of traditional ports and private destinations.
NCL Encore’s sailings often include stops in the Bahamas, Mexico, and other Caribbean islands, with alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean schedules that appeal to both first-time cruisers and repeat guests.
