Key Aspects:
- An 83-year-old American man has died on NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay private island.
- The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, May 3, while he was snorkeling.
- The only cruise ship visiting that day was the Norwegian Getaway.
According to Eyewitness News Bahamas, an 83-year-old man from the United States has died at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island of Great Stirrup Cay. The destination, which is only visited by NCL cruise ships, is part of the Berry Islands, approximately 20 miles north of Nassau.
The tragic incident occurred between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 3, 2026. According to the man’s son, who was on the island, they had started snorkeling together at approximately 2:00 PM along the beach, but towards the end of their snorkeling session, the son spotted his father unresponsive, without a mask.
Local authorities reported that officers of Bullocks Harbor and a local doctor had been alerted shortly after 3:00 PM and confirmed the passing of the elderly man.
An investigation into the cause of death has been launched. His identity has not been released by authorities at this time.
The 3,903-passenger Norwegian Getaway was the only cruise ship visiting the private destination on May 3. The vessel was on a three-day voyage that departed Miami, Florida, on May 1.
The ship had already completed a port of call in Nassau the day before, on May 2, and as of press time, the 145,650 gross ton ship has already arrived back home to Miami on May 4.
This incident comes shortly after Norwegian Cruise Line recently settled a lawsuit with the Shin family in April 2026 after a cruise guest named Hyon Duk Shin drowned after rescuing a child during a visit to Horseshoe Bay in Bermuda in March 2024. This was also related to the Norwegian Getaway cruise ship.
Cruise Hive’s thoughts are with the 83-year-old’s family and friends during this very difficult time. Cruise Hive has reached out to the cruise line for a statement and will update this post with any new details.
