| Norwegian profit up 9%

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has seen a strong
third quarter, overnight reporting an 8.8%
increase in operating income for the three
months to 30 Sep, to US$174.1 million.
The improvement was attributed to an
increase in net yield, with upticks in both ticket
prices as well as onboard and other revenue.
On the other side, net cruise cost per
capacity day declined because of reduced ship
operating expenses, timing of repair and
maintenance costs and “efficiencies from
business improvement initiatives”.
The result was particularly pleasing given the
13.5% increase in the cost of fuel compared to
the previous corresponding period.
“Posting these great results, despite the
challenging economic environment in Europe
where we had a record deployment, is a
testament to the discipline and rigour instilled
at Norwegian to continuously improve quarter
after quarter,” said ceo Kevin Sheehan.
Highlights of the quarter included the
announcement of enhancements to Pride of
America which operates in Hawai’i, with 24
new suites and four new studio staterooms to
be added, lifting capacity to about 2200.