Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan announced today at the annual Cruise Shipping Miami convention that the line would spend $20 million on the 250-acre island's first top-to-bottom overhaul in more than two decades.

"This is very, very significant investment for our company," Sheehan said, noting  the hefty cost of the project. But "this was critical to us to improve the customer experience."

Located 120 miles east of Ft. Lauderdale, the island getaway will be getting a new marina that will make it easier for tenders to land, an expanded beach front area, a new kids' area, additional dining facilities, private beach-side cabanas and more.

Norwegian President Roberto Martinoli, briefing cruise writers on the project early today, said the first phase of work already has begun with workers excavating and building a new entrance channel for tenders, marina basin and an arrival area with a welcome pavilion.

The addition of the new arrival area for tenders, located at the back side of the island's main beach, will free up prime beach space now being used for tender arrival that should be ready for use by later this year. 

A second phase of work scheduled to be finished by late 2011 will bring new landscaping and more new infrastructure including a band stand; cruise program activity area; straw market; and beach volleyball courts.

As part of the overhaul, several new island activities and shore excursions will be added as options at Great Stirrup Cay including wave runners, a floating Aqua Park with a variety of water toys, kayak tours through man-made rivers within the island, an eco-cruise, and a stingray encounter experience.  These are in addition to such current offerings as snorkeling, floats, an inflatable hippo slide and parasailing.

Norwegian has owned the island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line  to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its customers.

Martinoli says four ships will be calling regularly on the island in the coming year: Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Pearl. He noted that 30% of all Norwegian cruise customers visit the island.

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