NCL Posts Record Earnings, Ups Full Year Outlook

Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reported record revenue and earnings for the third quarter of 2018, and raised expectations for the full year.

The company’s net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 reached USD 470.4 million compared to USD 400.7 million reported in the same period a year earlier.

Total revenue increased 12.5% to USD 1.9 billion from USD 1.7 billion reported in the third quarter of 2017, primarily sue to strong organic pricing growth across all core markets along with an increase in capacity days due to the addition of Norwegian Bliss to the fleet in the second quarter of 2018.

“Our three brands fully benefited from strong demand for peak summer season sailings, with particular strength in premium-priced itineraries in Alaska and Europe, resulting in the highest quarterly revenue and earnings in our history,” said Mark A. Kempa, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

“As 2018 winds down, our earnings outlook improves as we increase our full year Adjusted EPS above the high-end of our previous guidance range.”

The company expects to generate record earnings in full year 2018 and has increased its outlook above the high-end of its previous guidance range. Adjusted EPS is now expected to be around USD 4.85, which is inclusive of the previously announced impact from itinerary optimization initiatives which will benefit future periods.

“The robust booking environment for cruise vacations is alive and well as evidenced by our stellar booked position for 2019, which continues to exceed this year’s record levels, with booking momentum accelerating for sailings throughout 2019 and extending into 2020,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.