Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will no longer consider the development of a day destination in the Daniel’s Head area of western Bermuda.
- The company had a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, but it was announced on September 21, 2026, that exploratory discussions have ended.
- It is possible another cruise company may consider the area for development into a private destination, though no such plans have been confirmed or disclosed.
Following more than a year of discussions and evaluation, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) will no longer be considering development of the Daniel’s Head area of Bermuda into a tourist destination at this time.
According to Bernews, the announcement from the Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC) confirmed the cruise company’s withdrawal from the project consideration, though no formal agreement or lease had been reached.
The two entities had entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding in July 2025, which was to include assessments for potential investment into the 18-acre site as a “first class day tourism product.”
No details on what that product might have become, such as a new private destination, were ever disclosed, as the project did not pass beyond evaluation stages.
“The discussions were exploratory, with any potential development subject to further conceptual and financial evaluation, as well as stakeholder engagement,” BLMC clarified in a statement released on Monday, September 21, 2026, noting that NCLH had tendered their decision on August 17, 2026.
Likewise, no details or conclusions from those discussions have been released by either BLMC or NCLH.
“We appreciate the time and effort that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings invested in exploring the potential of Daniel’s Head with us. While we are naturally disappointed that they have decided not to pursue the opportunity at this time, we respect their decision and value our ongoing relationship with NCL,” said Andrew Dias, BLMC Chief Executive Officer.
This decision in no way impacts visits to Bermuda planned for NCLH’s ships. In fact, Norwegian Aqua will be at King’s Wharf for an overnight visit from 8 a.m. Friday, September 25 until 3 p.m. Saturday, September 26.
Will Another Cruise Line Develop Daniel’s Head?
Daniel’s Head is located west of Somerset Village on a spur of land on the western side of Bermuda, approximately a 15-20-minute drive from the King’s Wharf cruise terminal area. This could potentially be a highly desirable location for a private cruise line destination or beach club concept for use not only by cruise guests, but by local residents as well as other tourists.
Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?
While no other cruise line or corporation has yet stepped up to consider Daniel’s Head for development, BLMC notes that the location is still available and they are willing to pursue other discussions with interested parties.
“Daniel’s Head remains a significant and exciting opportunity for Bermuda. The property has been underutilised for many years, and we now have an opportunity to invite other experienced partners to put forward their vision for the site,” said Dias.
“Our objective is to identify a partner and a development proposal that is commercially sound, appropriate for the location and delivers meaningful benefits for Bermuda and the surrounding community. We look forward to seeing what opportunities the market can bring forward.”
Royal Caribbean Group could be such a partner, as the company has begun expanding its private “Royal Beach Club” properties in recent years, following the successful opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas in December 2025.
There are now Royal Beach Clubs open or in development in Santorini, Cozumel, and Lelepa (Vanuatu). Bermuda could be an interesting addition to that portfolio, though Royal Caribbean Group has not confirmed any such interest in the destination at this time.
Carnival Corporation & plc is another that might expand its private destination offerings following the great response to Celebration Key near Freeport, Bahamas, as well as the ongoing popularity of the corporation’s other private destinations, including RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
MSC Cruises is also expanding its private destination locations. Cruise Hive reported in April 2026 that the company is creating a luxury beach retreat, Sandy Cay, near Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. A new destination in Bermuda would be an intriguing offering for MSC Cruises to bridge the gap between the line’s European offerings and its expanding North American presence.
To be clear, no cruise line has yet confirmed any interest in Daniel’s Head, but the property will certainly be one to watch in years to come.
