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Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Rollercoasters, arcade games and giant slides — I've found the most fun-packed cruise ship
There's a knot in my stomach, the kind you get before a rollercoaster drops. But this is no amusement park ride. I'm rocketing skywards on the Aqua Slidecoaster, hands gripping an inflatable raft hurtling up a steep ramp 20 decks above the Atlantic. It's a ride that promises thrills and it delivers — just not the way I expected. Instead of a dramatic plunge, I'm launched into the gentlest, splashiest waterslide. Giggling and wet, I emerge moments later, ready to line up and do it all over again. The Aqua Slidecoaster is a rush — and unlike many activities on board, it's free — but everything about Norwegian Aqua screams 'fun'. This is a ship built for holidays in the sun, with up to 12-night itineraries in the Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda. I joined a round trip from Miami, Florida, with a stop at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas. It was jam-packed with high-octane rides and sun-soaked infinity pools, Broadway-worthy shows, buzzy bars and dining. Aqua is the first in Norwegian's new Prima Plus Class and its largest ship to date. At 1,056ft, it is longer than its older shipmates, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and carries up to 3,571 passengers. I'd expected mega-ship glitz, but Aqua is more boutique resort than floating city, with clean lines, designer touches and space to spare. It's also made for play. Glow Court, an interactive court with LED walls and floor that lights up feels just like stepping into a video game. One moment I'm shooting hoops to stop a virtual volcano from erupting and kicking balls into a honeycomb wall, exploding the tiles to win. Next, I'm stamping out glowing squares and dodging laser beams in a digital obstacle course. At night, the entire space transforms into a neon-lit lounge. Nearby, there's pickleball, a 12-hole mini-golf course, beer pong and a bar with interactive darts. Game Zone is a blast (£132pp for a seven-day pass). The arcade hall serves up fun nostalgia hits, with retro classics such as Donkey Kong and Ms Pac-Man alongside pinball machines, mini bowling lanes and VR rides. As it is right next to the Observatory Lounge, grown-ups can unwind over a cocktail while kids play just steps away. I had dance-offs with friends, raced V8 motorcars and strapped in for a VR rollercoaster ride through a dystopian city crawling with zombies. The graphics were simple but the thrill was real. The Drop, a slide that spirals down the outside of the ship sent me into a ten-deck freefall, where I landed, face up, laughing and dazed, outside the Local Bar & Grill. 'Fastest way to lunch,' one passenger quipped. Sure, but my stomach was still stuck where the trapdoor snapped open: four seconds of unadulterated terror before meeting up with the slide. Fortunately, you don't have to drop through a trapdoor to find good food. Aqua has 15 dining venues, nine of them speciality restaurants. I ate at Sukhothai (£38 supplement), a temple of spice new to Norwegian and its first Thai restaurant. It's the real deal, one that happily nails the Thai key flavours of salty, sour, sweet and spicy. I devoured plump salt and pepper prawns, a zingy green papaya salad and pad Thai. Curries, especially the duck curry, were a standout: rich and saucy, with depth and spice. The kitchen will also dial up the heat if you're feeling brave. • Read our full guide to Cruise holidays Hudson's, the main dining room, included in the cruise fare, is a showstopper, all chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted sea views. The menu is equally expansive, ranging from seared scallops to spaghetti pomodoro. Local Bar & Grill, another complimentary spot, became my breakfast go-to, with a full English breakfast, proper espresso and a laid-back vibe. Table service was a perk. It also shines late at night, with burgers and beer. Indulge Food Hall travels the globe with fast bites ordered via a menu board. The best of these included tostadas, smoky Texas barbecue, fragrant korma, bang bang noodles and salads from the new, plant-based stall, Planterie. At the heart of the ship is the Penrose Atrium, a sleek, multi-level space wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass that floods the decks with natural light and endless ocean views. It's the ideal perch for gazing out at the horizon, Starbucks in hand or a breezy daytime drink from the Penrose Bar, one of several lounges scattered across the ship. Down on deck six, there's the Whisky Bar, a buzzy spot most hours with a killer negroni. The new Swirl Wine Bar is steps away, but cosy and quiet, with a decent wine list. When the sun sets, Aqua comes to life with big-ticket shows. Its headline act, Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, is all velvet swagger, funk and falsetto — and excellent — with four powerhouse singers, a great band and high-voltage dancers. I boogied in the dance area in front of the stage, an experience not unlike the first Prince concert I saw back in 1994. Rumours, Norwegian's full-length tribute to Fleetwood Mac's iconic album, is another must-see, intimate and raw, blending music with the band's famously dramatic backstory. A late show at Improv at Sea proved a hoot, with American stand-up comedians delivering slick one-liners. • Quiz: what kind of cruise would you enjoy most? Mandara Spa was the antidote to all this action. A day pass to the Thermal Suite (£75) bought me restorative hours drifting between wet and dry saunas, a menthol-infused steam room, snow room, and others lined with pink salt, clay or detoxifying charcoal. Infinity Beach was another sanctuary. Toes in the water on an overwater daybed, there was only sea and sky ahead. Up on deck 17, the main pool was buzzier: with sunloungers, a bigger pool than earlier ships and a party vibe. Vibe Beach Club upped the ante, replete with infinity hot tubs, cabanas and sunloungers shaded by vermilion umbrellas, and DJs spinning ambient tunes (£202pp for a seven-day pass). I stayed in a Deluxe Balcony room, one of 1,037 in the category. It was spacious, with smart storage, a roomy bathroom and a clean, modern aesthetic. Solo travellers are well catered for too, with 37 Studio cabins and their own dedicated lounge. The Haven — Norwegian's ship-within-a-ship — is a step up, with its own restaurant, infinity pool, butler service, concierge and private lift. With 127 suites, it's Norwegian's biggest suite complex yet, and includes the first two-storey, three-bedroom duplex suites. It was quiet on our sailing, but no doubt will be a top pick for families and multigenerational travellers. • 19 of the best Caribbean cruise lines for 2025 At Great Stirrup Cay, our one beach day on this mini-cruise, there was no shortage of ways to while away the day — much like the cruise itself. Some guests snorkelled with schools of colourful fish while others paddled across turquoise shallows or ziplined high above the sea. Norwegian has big plans for the island, including a sprawling new pool, upgraded cabanas and a pier; as things stand, the ship anchors off the island and you're ferried ashore by tenders. But to me, it was close to perfect, with soft sand underfoot, palms swaying and a peaceful, unhurried vibe. I ended the day at Silver Cove, the island's luxe, resort-style sanctuary with private villas, a Moët & Chandon bar, a spa (all three at extra cost) and a serene infinity pool. I sat on a scoop of white sand, nothing but blue seas ahead, and drank it all in. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Belinda Luksic was a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line, which has seven nights' full board from £1,194pp, departing on November 30 ( Fly to Miami
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results
Company delivers solid first quarter performance Full year 2025 profitability guidance maintained MIAMI, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) (together with NCL Corporation Ltd. ('NCLC'), 'Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings', 'Norwegian', 'NCLH' or the 'Company') today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2025. Highlights 'We kicked off 2025 with solid first quarter results, demonstrating the continued momentum of our Charting the Course strategy in building a strong foundation for long-term success and delivering on our vision for guests to Vacation Better | Experience More,' said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We welcomed Norwegian Aqua—NCL's first Prima Plus Class vessel and completed impactful refurbishments on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway. In addition, our recently announced new amenities at Great Stirrup Cay will further enhance the guest experience on our Caribbean voyages, which continue to grow as we expand our fleet.' 'Looking ahead, our proven track record of long-term Net Yield growth, strong cost control, continued record guest satisfaction scores and guest repeat rates give us confidence about our future. Thus, as we remain mindful of the evolving macroeconomic environment and despite recent volatility, we are maintaining our full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS guidance. While we recognize there may be potential pressures on the top line, we believe these can be effectively offset by the continued execution of our cost savings initiatives. Our focus remains on managing the business for the long term - balancing disciplined pricing and cost control with guest experience and strategic investments for the future.' 1 See 'Terminology', 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures' and 'Outlook and Guidance' below for additional information about Adjusted EPS, Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP financial measures. First Quarter 2025 Highlights Recent Highlights 2025 Outlook The Company is updating its full year 2025 Net Yield and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel guidance to reflect recent booking trends and changes in the macroeconomic environment. While the Company expects some pressure on Net Yield, it plans to effectively offset this impact through additional cost savings measures. As a result, full year 2025 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS remains unchanged. A summary of the updated full year guidance is provided below: Booking Environment Update The Company has seen softening in its 12-month forward booked position but continues to remain within the optimal range, even amid ongoing macroeconomic volatility. Occupancy was 101.5% for the first quarter of 2025, in-line with guidance, and down year-over-year due to increased Dry-dock capacity and repositioning days on large vessels. The Company's advance ticket sales balance, including the long-term portion, ended the first quarter of 2025 at $3.9 billion, up 2.6% year-over-year. Liquidity and Financial Position The Company is committed to prioritizing efforts to optimize its balance sheet and reduce Net Leverage. As of March 31, 2025, the Company had total debt of $14.0 billion and Net Debt of $13.8 billion. Net Leverage increased, as expected, by approximately 0.4x compared to December 31, 2024, ending the quarter at 5.7x, due to the delivery of Norwegian Aqua in March 2025. At quarter-end, liquidity was $1.4 billion including approximately $184.4 million of cash and cash equivalents, $1.0 billion of availability under our Revolving Loan Facility, and other commitments. 'In April, we refinanced the majority of our 2025 Exchangeable Notes with new 2030 Exchangeable Notes in a shareholder-accretive transaction that reduced our diluted share count by approximately 15.5 million shares without increasing our Net Leverage,' said Mark A. Kempa, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'Reducing Net Leverage remains our top priority and we expect to end the year with Net Leverage at approximately 5x. Furthermore, our cost savings initiatives continue to deliver tangible results, positioning us well to cushion potential macroeconomic pressures.' Outlook and Guidance In addition to announcing the results for the first quarter 2025, the Company also provided guidance for the second quarter and full year 2025, along with accompanying sensitivities, subject to changes in the broad macroeconomic environment. The Company does not provide certain estimated future results on a GAAP basis because the Company is unable to predict, with reasonable certainty, the future movement of foreign exchange rates or the future impact of certain gains and charges. These items are uncertain and will depend on several factors, including industry conditions, and could be material to the Company's results computed in accordance with GAAP. The Company has not provided reconciliations between the Company's 2025 guidance and the most directly comparable GAAP measures because it would be too difficult to prepare a reliable U.S. GAAP quantitative reconciliation without unreasonable effort. ____________________ The following reflects the foreign currency exchange rates as of April 18, 2025 that the Company used in its second quarter and full year 2025 guidance. Fuel The Company reported fuel expense of $175 million in the quarter. Fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges, decreased to $687 from $735 in 2024. Fuel consumption of 255,000 metric tons was in-line with projections. The following reflects the Company's expectations regarding fuel consumption and pricing, along with accompanying sensitivities. ____________________ As of April 4, 2025, the Company had hedged approximately 61%, 46%, and 20% of its total projected metric tons of fuel consumption for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively. We primarily hedge heavy fuel oil ('HFO') and marine gas oil ('MGO'). Other fuel types are unhedged. The following table provides amounts hedged and price per metric ton of heavy fuel oil ('HFO') and marine gas oil ('MGO'). ____________________ Hedged derivatives include accounting hedges as well as economic hedges. Capital Expenditures The following table presents newbuild-and-growth capital expenditures, which mainly consists of capital expenditures related to the construction of new ships, private island developments and enhancements and other strategic growth initiatives: ____________________ The following table presents other capital expenditures, which mainly consists of investments related to maintenance, Dry-dock renovations, and technology and digital: Fleet and Brand Updates Conference Call The Company has scheduled a conference call for Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss first quarter 2025 results and provide a business update. A link to the live webcast along with a slide presentation can be found on the Company's Investor Relations website at A replay of the conference call will also be available on the website for 30 days after the call. About Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) is a leading global cruise company which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 33 ships and approximately 70,050 Berths, NCLH offers itineraries to approximately 700 destinations worldwide. NCLH expects to add 12 additional ships across its three brands through 2036, which will add approximately 37,500 Berths to its fleet. To learn more, visit Terminology 2025 Exchangeable Notes. On July 21, 2020, pursuant to an indenture among NCLC, as issuer, NCLH, as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, NCLC issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% exchangeable senior notes due 2025. 2030 Exchangeable Notes. On April 7, 2025, pursuant to an indenture among NCLC, as issuer, NCLH as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, NCLC issued $353.9 million in aggregate principal amount of 0.875% exchangeable senior notes due 2030. Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA adjusted for other income (expense), net and other supplemental adjustments. Adjusted EPS. Adjusted Net Income divided by the number of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. Adjusted Gross Margin. Gross margin adjusted for payroll and related, fuel, food, other and ship depreciation. Gross margin is calculated pursuant to GAAP as total revenue less total cruise operating expense and ship depreciation. Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel. Net Cruise Cost less fuel expense adjusted for supplemental adjustments. Adjusted Net Income. Net income (loss), adjusted for the effect of dilutive securities and other supplemental adjustments. Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin. Adjusted EBITDA divided by Adjusted Gross Margin. Adjusted ROIC. An amount expressed as a percentage equal to (i) Adjusted EBITDA less depreciation and amortization plus other supplemental adjustments, divided by (ii) the sum of total long-term debt and shareholders' equity as of the end of a respective quarter, averaged for the most recent five fiscal quarters ending with the last date of the applicable fiscal year. Berths. Double occupancy capacity per cabin (single occupancy per studio cabin) even though many cabins can accommodate three or more passengers. Capacity Days. Berths available for sale multiplied by the number of cruise days for the period for ships in service excluding Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Navigator when their charters begin in 2026 and Norwegian Sun and Insignia when their charters begin in 2027. Constant Currency. A calculation whereby foreign currency-denominated revenues and expenses in a period are converted at the U.S. dollar exchange rate of a comparable period in order to eliminate the effects of foreign exchange fluctuations. Dry-dock. A process whereby a ship is positioned in a large basin where all of the fresh/sea water is pumped out in order to carry out cleaning and repairs of those parts of a ship which are below the water line. EBITDA. Earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EPS. Diluted earnings (loss) per share. GAAP. Generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. Gross Cruise Cost. The sum of total cruise operating expense and marketing, general and administrative expense. Net Cruise Cost. Gross Cruise Cost less commissions, transportation and other expense and onboard and other expense. Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel. Net Cruise Cost less fuel expense. Net Debt. Long-term debt, including current portion, less cash and cash equivalents. Net Leverage. Net Debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the trailing twelve-months. Net Per Diem. Adjusted Gross Margin divided by Passenger Cruise Days. Net Yield. Adjusted Gross Margin per Capacity Day. Occupancy, Occupancy Percentage or Load Factor. The ratio of Passenger Cruise Days to Capacity Days. A percentage in excess of 100% indicates that three or more passengers occupied some cabins. Passenger Cruise Days. The number of passengers carried for the period, multiplied by the number of days in their respective cruises. Non-GAAP Financial Measures We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin, Net Yield, Net Cruise Cost, Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel, Adjusted EBITDA, Net Leverage, Net Debt, Adjusted Net Income (Loss), Adjusted EPS, Adjusted ROIC and Net Per Diem, to enable us to analyze our performance. See 'Terminology' for the definitions of these and other non-GAAP financial measures. Our management believes the presentation of Adjusted ROIC provides a useful performance metric to both management and investors for evaluating our effective use of capital and has used it as a performance measure for our incentive compensation. We utilize Adjusted Gross Margin, Net Yield, and Net Per Diem to manage our business on a day-to-day basis because they reflect revenue earned net of certain direct variable costs. We utilize Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin to assess operating performance. We also utilize Net Cruise Cost and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to manage our business on a day-to-day basis. In measuring our ability to control costs in a manner that positively impacts our net income (loss), we believe changes in Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin, Net Yield, Net Cruise Cost and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to be the most relevant indicators of our performance. As our business includes the sourcing of passengers and deployment of vessels outside of the U.S., a portion of our revenue and expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, particularly British pound, Canadian dollar, Euro and Australian dollar which are subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates versus our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. In order to monitor results excluding these fluctuations, we calculate certain non-GAAP measures on a Constant Currency basis, whereby current period revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates of the comparable period. We believe that presenting these non-GAAP measures on both a reported and Constant Currency basis is useful in providing a more comprehensive view of trends in our business. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate as a supplemental financial measure as it is used by management to assess operating performance. We also believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure in determining our performance as it reflects certain operating drivers of our business, such as sales growth, operating costs, marketing, general and administrative expense and other operating income and expense. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure for our incentive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA is not a defined term under GAAP nor is it intended to be a measure of liquidity or cash flows from operations or a measure comparable to net income (loss), as it does not take into account certain requirements such as capital expenditures and related depreciation, principal and interest payments and tax payments and it includes other supplemental adjustments. In addition, Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain amounts and are used to supplement GAAP net income (loss) and EPS. We use Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EPS as key performance measures of our earnings performance. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparison to our historical performance. In addition, management uses Adjusted EPS as a performance measure for our incentive compensation. The amounts excluded in the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures may vary from period to period; accordingly, our presentation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EPS may not be indicative of future adjustments or results. Net Leverage and Net Debt are performance measures that we believe provide management and investors a more complete understanding of our leverage position and borrowing capacity after factoring in cash and cash equivalents. You are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment used in calculating our non-GAAP financial measures and the reasons we consider our non-GAAP financial measures appropriate for supplemental analysis. In evaluating our non-GAAP financial measures, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in our presentation. Our non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Our presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other companies. Please see a historical reconciliation of these measures to the most comparable GAAP measure presented in our consolidated financial statements below. Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements, estimates or projections contained in this release are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained, or incorporated by reference, in this release, including, without limitation, our expectations regarding our results of operations, future financial position, including our liquidity requirements and future capital expenditures, plans, prospects, actions taken or strategies being considered with respect to our liquidity position, including with respect to refinancing, amending the terms of, or extending the maturity of our indebtedness, our ability to comply with covenants under our debt agreements, expectations regarding our exchangeable notes, valuation and appraisals of our assets, expectations regarding our deferred tax assets, and valuation allowances, expected fleet additions and cancellations, including expected timing thereof, our expectations regarding the impact of macroeconomic conditions and recent global events, and expectations relating to our sustainability program and decarbonization efforts may be forward-looking statements. Many, but not all, of these statements can be found by looking for words like 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'goal,' 'project,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'seek,' 'will,' 'may,' 'forecast,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'future' and similar words. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to the impact of: adverse general economic factors, such as fluctuating or increasing levels of interest rates, inflation, unemployment, underemployment and the volatility of fuel prices, declines in the securities and real estate markets, and perceptions of these conditions that decrease the level of disposable income of consumers or consumer confidence; our indebtedness and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness that require us to maintain minimum levels of liquidity and be in compliance with maintenance covenants and otherwise limit our flexibility in operating our business, including the significant portion of assets that are collateral under these agreements; our ability to work with lenders and others or otherwise pursue options to defer, renegotiate, refinance or restructure our existing debt profile, near-term debt amortization, newbuild related payments and other obligations and to work with credit card processors to satisfy current or potential future demands for collateral on cash advanced from customers relating to future cruises; our need for additional financing or financing to optimize our balance sheet, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all, and our outstanding exchangeable notes and any future financing which may be dilutive to existing shareholders; the unavailability of ports of call; future increases in the price of, or major changes, disruptions or reduction in, commercial airline services; changes involving the tax and environmental regulatory regimes in which we operate, including new and existing regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions; the accuracy of any appraisals of our assets; our success in controlling operating expenses and capital expenditures; adverse events impacting the security of travel, or customer perceptions of the security of travel, such as terrorist acts, armed conflict, or threats thereof, acts of piracy, and other international events; public health crises, and their effect on the ability or desire of people to travel (including on cruises); adverse incidents involving cruise ships; our ability to maintain and strengthen our brand; breaches in data security or other disturbances to our information technology systems and other networks or our actual or perceived failure to comply with requirements regarding data privacy and protection; changes in fuel prices and the type of fuel we are permitted to use and/or other cruise operating costs; mechanical malfunctions and repairs, delays in our shipbuilding program, maintenance and refurbishments and the consolidation of qualified shipyard facilities; the risks and increased costs associated with operating internationally; our inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel or the loss of key personnel or employee relations issues; impacts related to climate change and our ability to achieve our climate-related or other sustainability goals; our inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage; implementing precautions in coordination with regulators and global public health authorities to protect the health, safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit and to comply with related regulatory restrictions; pending or threatened litigation, investigations and enforcement actions; volatility and disruptions in the global credit and financial markets, which may adversely affect our ability to borrow and could increase our counterparty credit risks, including those under our credit facilities, derivatives, contingent obligations, insurance contracts and new ship progress payment guarantees; our reliance on third parties to provide hotel management services for certain ships and certain other services; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; our expansion into new markets and investments in new markets and land-based destination projects; overcapacity in key markets or globally; and other factors set forth under 'Risk Factors' in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The above examples are not exhaustive and new risks emerge from time to time. There may be additional risks that we currently consider immaterial or which are unknown. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections regarding our present and future business strategies and the environment in which we expect to operate in the future. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this release, which speak only as of the date made. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change of events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement was based, except as required by law. Investor Relations & Media Contacts Sarah Inmon (786) 812-3233 [email protected] The following table sets forth selected statistical information: Adjusted Gross Margin, Net Per Diem, and Net Yield were calculated as follows (in thousands, except Net Yield, Net Per Diem, Capacity Days, Passenger Cruise Days, per Passenger Cruise Day and Capacity Day data): Gross Cruise Cost, Net Cruise Cost, Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel were calculated as follows (in thousands, except Capacity Days and per Capacity Day data): ____________________ Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS were calculated as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data): ____________________ EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA were calculated as follows (in thousands): ____________________ Net Debt and Net Leverage were calculated as follows (in thousands):
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Don't fight over poolside space: Why Norwegian went bigger with its newest cruise ship
Don't fight over poolside space: Why Norwegian went bigger with its newest cruise ship Show Caption Hide Caption How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips. Problem Solved Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, is the first in the line's Prima Plus Class and is 10% larger than its predecessors, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Aqua features expanded public spaces, including a larger atrium, more outer deck space, and a bigger Vibe Beach Club. The ship also boasts new Haven suites, bringing the total number to 123, and a new lounge, Swirl Wine Bar. On a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line earlier this month, I watched the waves crash off the coast of Brest, France. Sitting in a plush chair in a corner of the Penrose Atrium on the line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, I snagged what felt like a prime spot even on a busy morning. That's not necessarily by chance. The atrium is one of several areas the cruise line expanded on Aqua, the first in the line's Prima Plus Class. Two 11-meter (36-foot) blocks were added to the ship to make it larger than Prima Class vessels Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, according to Mark Kansley, the line's senior vice president of Hotel Operations. 'We had some flexibility on where we would place those blocks, and I think we listened to our guests,' he told USA TODAY on board. 'It was very, very important that we gave them sufficient space throughout the ship.' Aqua, which welcomed its first passengers this month, is 10% bigger than its Prima Class predecessors – but that feels like more than it sounds. Here's what to know. How does Norwegian Aqua compare to Prima and Viva? While Aqua retains the aesthetic of Prima and Viva – an understated, modern look and a largely blue-and-beige color palette – there are several major distinctions. In addition to enlarging the atrium, which houses Starbucks and is a hub of activity, the cruise line removed a retail store from its seventh deck, which opened up much more seating in front of expansive windows. Norwegian also heard from guests on Prima and Viva that they wanted more outer deck space, including at the pool, according to Kansley. Aqua will sail in the Caribbean with 'more fun-in-the-sun' itineraries, he said. 'So, it made sense to increase the pool deck.' The pool area felt spacious during a March preview cruise, with room for rows of loungers, infinity hot tubs and large day beds. The adults-only Vibe Beach Club, also located on Deck 17, is about 45% bigger. The ship's increased size also enabled the cruise line to add more cabins, including its first Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites spanning two stories. The Haven, the line's upscale ship-within-a-ship concept, increased from 107 suites on Prima and Viva to 123 on Aqua amid 'extremely high' demand, Kansley said. In some cases, the updates are less quantifiable and more about how the ship feels. 'Just the flow of the vessel is so much more guest-centric,' Kansley said. 'It's intuitive.' By contrast, the flow of Prima and Viva 'could be challenging until you got to know your way around the ship.' I usually expect to get lost at some point when exploring a new cruise ship, but during my five-night stay on Aqua – which has 20 decks and can accommodate around 3,600 guests at double occupancy – I only got turned around once. And while Norwegian scaled up from Prima and Viva, the ship is still smaller than those in the line's Breakaway Plus Class. What else is new on Norwegian Aqua? Sukhothai: After the pad Thai at Nudls in Indulge Food Hall proved to be a best-seller on previous ships, Norwegian created an entire Thai specialty restaurant, Kansley said. Sukhothai, which costs $40 per guest, served the classic rice noodle dish alongside others like red curry with roasted duck, tom kha gai chicken soup and mango sticky rice. After the pad Thai at Nudls in Indulge Food Hall proved to be a best-seller on previous ships, Norwegian created an entire Thai specialty restaurant, Kansley said. Sukhothai, which costs $40 per guest, served the classic rice noodle dish alongside others like red curry with roasted duck, tom kha gai chicken soup and mango sticky rice. Planterie: Rather than just a few vegetarian or vegan dishes, Aqua has an entire plant-based eatery. Located inside Indulge, the complimentary venue's Hawaiian bowl with sweet potato glass noodles, grilled pineapple slaw, cucumber salad and a ginger tahini sauce was a highlight (guests can also add tempeh, falafel and more). Other menu items include lemon lentil soup and a Mediterranean Goddess bowl with quinoa and kale tabbouleh, hummus, kalamata olives, honey sweet potato and chickpeas. Rather than just a few vegetarian or vegan dishes, Aqua has an entire plant-based eatery. Located inside Indulge, the complimentary venue's Hawaiian bowl with sweet potato glass noodles, grilled pineapple slaw, cucumber salad and a ginger tahini sauce was a highlight (guests can also add tempeh, falafel and more). Other menu items include lemon lentil soup and a Mediterranean Goddess bowl with quinoa and kale tabbouleh, hummus, kalamata olives, honey sweet potato and chickpeas. Swirl Wine Bar: Guests might have to go looking for this lounge, tucked into a cozy space on Deck 6 near the ship's Whiskey Bar. The bar features wines by the glass, a menu that features rare and premium vintages and a sleek design inspired by Arizona's Antelope Canyon, from Miami firm Studio DADO. Read more about the new activities on board, like the Aqua Slidecoaster, by clicking here. Where will Norwegian Aqua sail? Following a transatlantic cruise that departed from Southampton, England, last week, the ship will sail on Bahamas, Bermuda and Caribbean itineraries with home ports in Miami, the Orlando-area Port Canaveral and New York through March 2027. Available cruises on Aqua currently start at $335 per person based on double occupancy, according to Norwegian's website. The fares include accommodations, many meals onboard, live entertainment and more. The reporter on this story received access to this event from Norwegian Cruise Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Goodbye go-karts: Norwegian's new ship has a water ride like nothing you've seen at sea
Goodbye go-karts: Norwegian's new ship has a water ride like nothing you've seen at sea Show Caption Hide Caption How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips. Problem Solved Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster is a new attraction that combines a roller coaster and a water slide. The ride is included in the cruise fare and is open to guests who meet the height and weight requirements. Other new activities on board Norwegian Aqua include a Prince tribute show, an interactive sports court, and a revamped arcade and virtual reality area. LISBON, Portugal —Sitting in a raft at the top of a cruise ship, I heard a mechanical trilling getting louder behind me. A mechanism that looked like robot arms got closer until they reached the back of my seat, pushing me upwards through rushing water until I reached a closed portion of the slide. Then, momentum took over. I twisted, turned and splashed for the next 40 seconds or so, gripping tight to the handles of the blue inflatable. I came out the other side wet, colder in the gusty spring weather and ready for another turn. I had stepped onto Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster – a combination roller coaster and water slide – and a conveyor belt delivered me to the bottom of a ramp with the Lisbon skyline to my left. The attraction aboard the line's newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, replaced the go-kart track found on others in the fleet, including Prima Class vessels Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. 'But we have them on five ships, and it was time to try something else,' Mark Kansley, Norwegian's Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, told USA TODAY. The line was also looking for a 'first,' he said. 'We wanted something that had never been done before on ships.' The ride is one of several new activities on board – the first in the line's Prima Plus Class – which sailed its maiden voyage earlier this month ahead of its first revenue sailing on March 28. Who can ride Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua Slidecoaster? Any guest who meets the height and weight requirements can ride (they must be at least 4 feet tall, for example). However, the attraction is not recommended for guests with pacemakers, defibrillators or certain other conditions. There are no age requirements. Passengers can ride solo or double-up in the same raft. How much does the Aqua Slidecoaster cost? The ride is included in the cruise fare. What other new activities does Norwegian Aqua have? Revolution: A Celebration of Prince: Set to Prince's music, the hour-long show is a spectacle of powerful vocals, choreography and moving stage pieces that puts guests on the dance floor. 'This isn't an impersonation show,' said Bryan Anthony White, Vice President of Entertainment Production at the line's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We are really doing a full theatrical tribute, which is something that NCL has wanted to do for a very long time.' The show was developed in partnership with Broadway choreographer and director Patricia Wilcox. Set to Prince's music, the hour-long show is a spectacle of powerful vocals, choreography and moving stage pieces that puts guests on the dance floor. 'This isn't an impersonation show,' said Bryan Anthony White, Vice President of Entertainment Production at the line's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 'We are really doing a full theatrical tribute, which is something that NCL has wanted to do for a very long time.' The show was developed in partnership with Broadway choreographer and director Patricia Wilcox. Glow Court: The multipurpose sports court features an interactive LED floor that allows guests to immerse themselves in games like Wall Ball, where players use soccer balls to destroy a digital wall, and Stomp, where they have to stomp on and eliminate colored markers in the given time. At night, the space transforms into a nightclub. The multipurpose sports court features an interactive LED floor that allows guests to immerse themselves in games like Wall Ball, where players use soccer balls to destroy a digital wall, and Stomp, where they have to stomp on and eliminate colored markers in the given time. At night, the space transforms into a nightclub. Aqua Game Zone: An evolution of the line's Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings, the new area near the top of the ship combines virtual reality offerings with old-school games. Take a simulated Space Walk and then play Mario Bros or the Bean Bag Toss. Some games are complimentary, while others cost extra. Guests can buy one-day or full-voyage passes for $25 per person each day (those are capped at $175 for itineraries of seven or more days). An evolution of the line's Galaxy Pavilion and arcade offerings, the new area near the top of the ship combines virtual reality offerings with old-school games. Take a simulated Space Walk and then play Mario Bros or the Bean Bag Toss. Some games are complimentary, while others cost extra. Guests can buy one-day or full-voyage passes for $25 per person each day (those are capped at $175 for itineraries of seven or more days). Elements: The World Expanded: A revamped version of one of the line's most popular shows is debuting on Aqua, as well. The production centers around earth, water, wind and fire, and was also crafted with Wilcox, a longtime Norwegian collaborator. 'I think certainly what I strive for in 'Elements' is to feel something, and the same thing in 'Revolution,' is that we give (the audience) a big spectacle, but we should also take away a kind of human connection,' she said. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter with USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Globe and Mail
24-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
NORWEGIAN AQUA™ MAKES GRAND DEBUT WITH INAUGURAL VOYAGE IN EUROPE
- Norwegian Cruise Line Welcomes First Guests Aboard Its Newest Vessel, Ushering in a New Era of Innovation and Elevated Guest Experiences – - The Cruise Line Releases the First Images and Videos of Norwegian Aqua – MIAMI , March 24, 2025 /CNW/ -- Norwegian Cruise Line ® (NCL), a global leader in innovative cruise travel, has welcomed the first guests aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua as she embarks on her maiden voyage from Lisbon to Southampton, England . Marking a new chapter in NCL's fleet evolution, Norwegian Aqua is hosting over 2,000 invited guests aboard to experience how the Brand is delivering MORE with its newest innovations and offerings. This is the first of a five-part inaugural series, before concluding in Miami with the official christening voyage in April. As the first vessel in the cutting-edge Prima Plus Class, Norwegian Aqua builds on the legacy of the award-winning Prima Class and introduces groundbreaking experiences allowing guests to enjoy MORE of what they love about cruising with NCL. As guests embark on this exclusive inaugural voyage, they will be among the first to experience the ship's industry-leading attractions and amenities. To celebrate the occasion, NCL releases a first look of its 20 th ship showcasing its upscale design and key innovations. "This is a milestone moment for Norwegian Cruise Line as we set sail aboard Norwegian Aqua, a ship designed to offer our guests MORE – more wide-open space, more thrills, more culinary experiences, and more immersive entertainment," said David J. Herrera , president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "During this inaugural season, we look forward to welcoming our travel partners from around the world and to give them the exclusivity of being the first to experience our newest product and to fully understand how guests can 'Experience More at Sea' with us." Norwegian Aqua brings to life an array of industry-first and brand-exclusive features designed to elevate the guest experience. Leading the way is the thrilling Aqua Slidecoaster – the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide – offering two exhilarating and unique ride experiences as the longest and fastest slides at sea. Guests can also enjoy the cutting-edge Glow Court, a next-generation digital sports complex featuring an interactive LED floor that seamlessly adapts for different games during the day and transforms to a club at night. Additionally, the Aqua Game Zone reimagines NCL's beloved Galaxy Pavilion, providing entertainment for all ages with a mix of retro arcade games, immersive virtual reality challenges, and interactive gaming experiences. There is no shortage of entertainment on board with Norwegian Aqua's lineup, which features world-class productions created in collaboration with top industry talent. "Revolution: A Celebration of Prince" headlines the roster, delivering an immersive theatrical concert experience that pays tribute to the legendary artist's greatest hits. Guests can also experience "Elements: The World Expanded", an enhanced version of NCL's top-rated show, blending acrobatics, magic, and stunning visuals inspired by the four elements. Moreover, guests can go on epicurean adventures in 17 new and returning guest-favorite restaurants as well as 18 bars and lounges. New dining experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua include Sukhothai, NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant offering a rich culinary journey inspired by Thailand's vibrant cuisine in an elegant, modern setting, and Planterie, the brand's debut plant-based eatery at Indulge Food Hall. Following her inaugural voyage, Norwegian Aqua will embark on a Transatlantic voyage to the United States , where she will be officially christened in Miami on April 13, 2025 , with Emmy ® Award-winning actor Eric Stonestreet serving as her godfather. She will then homeport in Miami , the Cruise Capital of the World, and Port Canaveral ( Orlando ), Fla., as well as New York City , offering Bahamas , Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries tailored to every type of traveler until March 2027 . For guests planning their next cruise vacation aboard Norwegian Aqua or any ship in NCL's fleet the Company's brand-new program, More At Sea™, provides travelers more value with unlimited open bar featuring premium beverage brands such as Casamigos Tequila, Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose Vodka and more; as well as specialty dining meals; high- speed Wi-Fi minutes; and $50 shore excursion credits at every port of call. More At Sea delivers guests an incredible value with savings of over 75%. The package also includes free airfare for the second guest and kids sail free on select sailings. For more details on NCL's new More At Sea offering, visit For more assets of Norwegian Aqua, please visit the press kit here. For more information about Norwegian Aqua, NCL's award-winning 20-ship fleet, and worldwide itineraries, please contact a travel professional or visit About Norwegian Cruise Line As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 58 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the opportunity to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, the company invites guests to 'Experience More at Sea' by providing them with more to see, more to do, more to enjoy, and more value on their vacation. To further deliver guests with more value, NCL's 'More At Sea™' package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; shore excursions credits; as well as free airfare and third and fourth guests sail free on select sailings. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to 450 of the world's most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize . Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveler staterooms, club balcony suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian. SOURCE Norwegian Cruise Line
