NCL's Encore ship. Photo: PR International cruise giant Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has published its financial results for the third quarter of 2026, showing a higher net profit than that recorded in the same period last year, alongside billions of dollars in revenue and raising forecasts for the rest of the year.
The group, which owns three of the world's most prominent cruise brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, recorded revenue of approximately $2.95 billion and a net profit of approximately $491 million in the quarter.
For comparison, in the corresponding quarter in 2025, the company recorded a net profit of approximately $419 million. This is an increase of approximately 17% in net profit.
Earnings per share, according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, reached $1.07.
According to the report, the group's adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter amounted to $937 million, compared to a previous forecast of $874 million.
Adjusted net income amounted to $514 million, and adjusted earnings per share reached $1.12, above the company's forecast of $0.90.
Following the results, the group decided to raise its annual forecast for 2026.
The company now expects adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.55 billion for the full year, along with adjusted earnings of approximately $1.70 per share.
The company attributes the better-than-expected performance to, among other things, stronger-than-expected demand for bookings close to the sailing date, higher passenger spending during the cruise, and management of operating expenses.
However, alongside the positive financial data, the report also includes a significant update regarding international cruise activity.
The company confirms that certain sailings of the Seven Seas Voyager, a ship belonging to the luxury brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises, that were scheduled to pass through the Suez Canal have been canceled. At the same time, the delivery of the new luxury ship Seven Seas Prestige has been postponed to the end of December 2026.
The company did not specify in the announcement how many cruises were canceled, the exact dates, or how many passengers were affected. Accordingly, passengers with reservations for cruises in the region are asked to rely on the company's and agents' announcements regarding the specific itinerary they have booked.
As Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings continues to navigate market conditions, it is investing in its resort products. In September, Great Tides Waterpark opened on the private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s cruise destinations.
The park, which spans nearly six acres, features a variety of water features and family-friendly attractions. At the same time, the company has launched Norwegian Bella cruises, a new ship scheduled to join European operations in May 2028.
The Oceania Cruises brand is also continuing its expansion plan, with the Oceania Sonata ship scheduled to enter service in August 2027.
Along with raising the annual forecast, the company clarifies that the order situation for the next 12 months has improved moderately, but is still below the optimal level.
In 2027, it expects growth of 1% to 2% in the net revenue per unit capacity index (Net Yield), with a more significant improvement in the second half of the year.
The results illustrate the complex picture of the international cruise industry: significant demand for cruise vacations and continued investment in ships and resort complexes, alongside changes in itineraries, operating costs, and challenges affecting cruise planning.