NCLH Announces Enhancements to its Norwegian Cruise Line Brand’s 2019 and 2020 Itinerary Deployments. Pulls Joy from China
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. today announced changes to its Norwegian Cruise Line brand’s 2019 and 2020 deployments to better monetize the strong global demand.
The Company also announced that it expects to raise its full year 2018 Adjusted EPS guidance despite headwinds from higher fuel prices, fluctuating foreign exchange rates and expected impacts associated with the announced deployments when it reports second quarter earnings on August 9, 2018.
“The booming demand environment in our core markets around the world, coupled with Norwegian Bliss’ record-breaking performance, continues to exceed our expectations,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As a result, we are leveraging the strategic benefits of our growing fleet to quickly seize sizeable opportunities in over performing, unserved and underserved markets to meet the demands of our global customer base and drive higher returns for our shareholders. The realignment and optimization of ship assets also allows us to rightsize our capacity in China while maintaining our commitment to this promising cruise market.”
Norwegian Joy to Sail Seasonally in Alaska, Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal
In April 2019, Norwegian Joy will redeploy from Shanghai to Seattle to sail 7-day voyages to Alaska, replacing Norwegian Pearl as Norwegian Cruise Line’s third ship in the region, joining Norwegian Bliss and Jewel. Prior to her arrival in Seattle, Norwegian Joy will undergo an approximately $50 million upgrade to enhance her already popular features and bring her designs and offerings to be virtually identical to those of her sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, the newest and most successful ship in the line’s 51 year history.
Following her inaugural Alaska season, Norwegian Joy will reposition to Los Angeles for a season of Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal voyages in winter 2019/2020. Her Mexican Riviera deployment will mark a turning point in the historically underserved winter cruise market from the West Coast of the United States with the arrival of a premier, state-of-the-art cruise ship.
Revitalized Norwegian Spirit to Serve China Market Seasonally Beginning Summer 2020
Norwegian Cruise Line remains committed to serving the Chinese cruise market by redeploying the 2,000 passenger Norwegian Spirit seasonally to the region beginning in summer 2020. Prior to her arrival, Norwegian Spirit will undergo a previously scheduled bow to stern revitalization as the final ship to undergo enhancements under the Norwegian Edge® refurbishment program.
Norwegian Pearl to Redeploy to Europe
As Norwegian Joy enters the Alaska market in summer 2019, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Pearl will redeploy to Europe offering varied itineraries throughout Northern Europe from Amsterdam, a new homeport for the line, to take full advantage of the growing Central European source market. Norwegian Pearl strengthens the line’s seasonal European deployment to six ships, where demand from both European and North American consumers remains at record levels.
Norwegian Jewel and Jade to Deploy to Australia and Asia
Norwegian Joy’s seasonal deployment to Los Angeles in winter 2019/2020 allows for the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Jewel to return to Australia for a third year of seasonal sailings from Sydney and new voyages departing from Auckland, New Zealand. Building even further on the line’s growing presence in the region, the 2,400 passenger Norwegian Jade will offer a season of sailings throughout Southeast Asia departing from Singapore and Hong Kong in winter 2019/2020. The deployment of Norwegian Jewel and Jade to the region is aimed to take full advantage of the flourishing Australian source market, which remains the world’s highest-penetrated and one of its fastest growing.
