The pier at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, is in service.
On Dec. 28, the Norwegian Getaway became the first ship with passengers to dock at the pier.
Guests had previously only been able to reach the island via tender boat. When seas were too rough for tender operations, NCL had to cancel calls at Great Stirrup Cay, which is one of the line's top-rated destinations, according to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Harry Sommer.
Future plans call for additional berths on the pier.
The pier is part of a series of major upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay. A new pool area called Great Life Lagoon opened a week before Christmas. The pool has two swim-up bars -- the Reef Bar with a DJ and the Waves Bar. Plus, there's a kids area, loungers, cabanas and villas.
In the pipeline is an adults-only section called Vibe Shore Club and the 19-slide Great Tides waterpark, which is expected to open this coming summer.