NASSAU, BAHAMAS- In response to concerns over labor practices at its private island, Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings insists it has “taken clear actions to resolve labor concerns,” including settling “all outstanding salary and compensation obligations.”
A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said in a statement that “our people are a core pillar of our business, and we deeply value and respect their contributions every day.” The company added that recent management changes on the island were part of a “broader operational restructuring aligned with our long-term corporate strategy,” which also includes “ongoing infrastructure investments at Great Stirrup Cay that will further expand our guest-facing amenities and overall operations.”
The statement comes on the heels of an intervention by Bahamian Labour Director Howard Thompson, who traveled to the island last week following what he described as “very serious and alarming complaints” from employees. The complaints were tied to the abrupt dismissal of several senior, non-Bahamian managers.
NCL emphasized that it is “in ongoing communication with the Bahamian Director of Labour” and that a follow-up meeting has already been scheduled. “We take these matters seriously and are committed to maintaining open dialogue with all stakeholders,” the spokesperson said.
Thompson, meanwhile, has called for urgent mediation this week to investigate whether the dismissals were in retaliation for managers filing formal trade disputes—a situation he warned could warrant consequences “at the highest level” if confirmed.
