👉 Get the biggest stories delivered straight to your inbox !! Subscribe Here.
Cruise itinerary changes usually spark frustration — missed ports, reshuffled plans, and disappointed shore excursion bookings.
But for guests sailing aboard Norwegian Encore in January 2026, a last-minute cancellation turned into something entirely unexpected: a cruise first that has never happened before on Norwegian Cruise Line.
Instead of calling at Costa Maya, Mexico, passengers are now part of a milestone moment — the first-ever overnight stay at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.
Why Costa Maya Was Dropped From the Itinerary
Norwegian Encore was scheduled to dock in Costa Maya on January 21, but guests were notified onboard that the port call had been canceled due to circumstances outside the cruise line’s control.
While Norwegian Cruise Line didn’t give a detailed explanation, the timing strongly suggests the issue is related to ongoing construction in Costa Maya.
Here’s the context cruisers should know:
- Royal Caribbean officially took control of Costa Maya in 2025.
- The port is being redeveloped into Perfect Day Mexico, set to open in 2027.
- While the port remains technically open to all cruise lines, construction logistics can temporarily limit availability.
Rather than substituting another standard port, Norwegian Cruise Line took a very different approach.
A First in NCL History: Overnight at Great Stirrup Cay
Instead of a shortened or reshuffled day, Norwegian Encore will now dock overnight at Great Stirrup Cay, something NCL has never offered before.
This transforms what would normally be a daytime private-island visit into a two-day experience.
What makes this overnight special:
- First overnight call at Great Stirrup Cay in NCL history.
- Access to the island after dark is a rarity for private cruise destinations.
- Evening entertainment is planned directly on the island.
The ship will arrive at the newly completed pier at 4:00 p.m. on January 22, allowing guests to stay ashore until midnight — then return again the following day until departure at 5:00 p.m.
What Guests Can Expect During the Overnight Stay
This isn’t just extra daylight hours — Norwegian Cruise Line is actively turning the evening into an event.
Highlights include:
- Island access until midnight.
- A Glow Party under the stars from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Nighttime energy centered around the Great Life Lagoon, the island’s new pool complex.
The next day, guests will have nearly a full additional day to enjoy:
- Beaches
- Pools
- Loungers and bars
- Island activities without the usual rush back to the ship
For many cruisers, this removes one of the biggest private-island stress points: constantly watching the clock.
One Small Adjustment Elsewhere on the Route
To make the overnight visit possible, Norwegian Cruise Line slightly modified another stop on the itinerary.
The call at Harvest Caye, Belize, was shortened by about two hours:
- Original time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Updated time: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
While that change reduced time ashore in Belize, it allowed the ship to comfortably cover the 1,400 nautical miles required to reposition for the overnight Bahamas stop.
Guest Reactions: Overwhelmingly Positive
Cruisers onboard — and cruise fans watching online — reacted with excitement rather than disappointment.
Common reactions included:
- Relief about not rushing back to the ship.
- Preference for Great Stirrup Cay over Costa Maya.
- Excitement about a nighttime beach atmosphere.
Many pointed out that Costa Maya has become increasingly commercialized, while Great Stirrup Cay offers a more relaxed, cruise-controlled environment.
The idea of enjoying a beach party after sunset quickly became a highlight for many guests.
Why This Could Matter for the Future of NCL Itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line has invested around $150 million into upgrading Great Stirrup Cay, including:
- The Great Life Lagoon pool complex.
- A new pier allowing larger ships to dock.
- The upcoming Great Tides Waterpark.
If this overnight visit proves successful, it could signal a shift toward:
- More overnight private-island calls.
- Expanded evening programming ashore.
- Less reliance on crowded or construction-heavy ports.
For now, Norwegian Encore guests get the bragging rights — and the experience — of being first.
Bottom Line
What started as a canceled port turned into a cruise-industry milestone.
Instead of losing a destination, Norwegian Encore guests gained something far rarer: time — and a chance to experience a private island in a way few cruisers ever have.
If passenger feedback stays positive, this may not be the last overnight at Great Stirrup Cay.
