Princess and Fincantieri Sign Contracts For Two Ships

Princess and Fincantieri Sign Contracts For Two Ships

Princess Cruises and Fincantieri announced today the signing of the final contracts for the construction of two next-generation LNG-fueled 175,000-ton cruise ships, which will be the largest ships ever built so far in Italy, with deliveries scheduled in Monfalcone in late 2023 and in spring 2025.

This announcement follows the initial signing of a memorandum of agreement between the two parties in July 2018.

The vessels will each accommodate approximately 4,300 guests and will be based on next-generation platform design, being the first Princess Cruises ships to be dual-fuel powered primarily by LNG, Princess said.

"Princess Cruises continues to grow globally -- adding new ships to our fleet built by our long-time trusted shipbuilding partner, Fincantieri, who brings decades of expertise to these next-generation cruise ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises President. "Even more exciting is that these two ships are being designed to include our MedallionClass platform, powered by OceanMedallion, the most advanced wearable device available within the global hospitality industry."

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, commented on the announcement: "This result proves, once again, the trust we receive from the market, which allows us to look to the future with ambition. It honours our great work focused on innovation thanks to which we have been able to offer to the client a record-breaking proposal not only in terms of size. Besides, we firmly believe that a new class of Princess Cruises' ships, one of Carnival Group's top brands, can stem from this promising project. In fact, for Princess Cruises, we have received orders for 21 ships, another unprecedented result in this industry."

Viking Sky suffered engine failure and rescue helicopters are evacuating people

Viking Sky suffered engine failure and rescue helicopters are evacuating people

Viking Sun's position on AIS Ship @18:25 today

A cruise ship with 1,300 passengers on board has sent out a mayday call after suffering an engine failure in heavy winds near Norway.  

The ship, named Viking Sky, was drifting towards land when it let out the distress signal.

Helicopters have been evacuating people from the vessel amid high waves and strong winds. 

It was later able to restart one engine, was anchored just over a mile from land and is no longer adrift.

The ship battled heavy winds and high waves in Hustadvika, an area of the Norwegian coastline known to be dangerous

Up to 90 passengers have been hoisted up one by one from the deck of the vessel and airlifted to a village located just north of the town of Molde on Norway's west coast. 

One woman messaged family to let them know she had to be stretchered off the ship after heavy waves battered the ship and left her 'submerged underwater'. 

The passenger said: 'A wave smashed a door open right behind us and we were submerged under water.

'We thought that was it and my knee has been damaged.

'I've been stretchered off which was just as scary.' 

One passenger messaged family to let them know she had to be stretchered off the ship after heavy waves battered the ship and left her 'submerged under water'

And rough seas have forced two rescue ships to turn back as even tugboats are not sure they will be able to reach the stricken cruise liner.

The stretch, named Hustadvika, is known as one of the most dangerous sections of the Norwegian coast with many shipwrecks in the region.

A spokesperson said: 'If we need to evacuate everyone, it will take a long time.'

The ship, built in 2017, belongs to Viking Ocean Cruises founded by Norwegian billionaire Torstein Hagen. 

According to the company website, its passenger capacity is 930.

Several boats and four helicopters took part in the rescue and facilities to receive passengers have been set up on land.

But only 10 to 15 people can be taken per flight on emergency helicopters sent to airlift passengers to safety.  

It is thought there are currently still more than 885 passengers on board. 

The wind was blowing at a speed of 38 knots, police told Norwegian newspaper VG.

All search and rescue teams in the region are mobilising, including 60 volunteers from the Norwegian Red Cross, a spokesman said.

Viking's operational headquarters, located in Basel, Switzerland, did not respond when contacted by telephone.

The Carnival Mardi Gras Will Feature New Stateroom Design

PHOTO: Agents can now book 2020 trips on Carnival's Mardi Gras. (Photo courtesy Carnival Cruise Line)

Cruise lovers who sail on Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, set to debut in late summer 2020, will enjoy an array of architectural features and designs that will enhance many aspects of its balcony, ocean view and interior staterooms.

The staterooms were developed in partnership with DCA Design International, a leading product design firm based in Warwick, England, that works across consumer goods, travel and transportation, commercial, and science and technology sectors. The staterooms will reflect new and innovative design practices that are ergonomically friendly and maximize visual space, clean lines, surfaces and storage.

“We took a unique approach to our stateroom design with Mardi Gras, utilizing DCA’s design experts who are well known for innovative product design and partnered them with Miami-based interior architect Studio Dado,” said Ben Clement, Carnival’s senior vice president of new builds. “DCA employed a thoughtful guest-centric approach gleaned from observations of how our guests use their space in conjunction with their vast experience in product design to make the staterooms as comfortable and functional as possible.”

Distinguished by muted turquoise hues, the staterooms’ are enhanced by design touches that include:

—Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on nearly all verandahs for easier balcony access;

—New sofas that “flip” into a bed and footstools that open up for storage;

—Clear glass doors on the in-room mini-refrigerators to see what’s inside;

—More 110V power outlets and USB connections both on the vanity and by the bed as well as more shelf space to accommodate electronic devices;

—Flexible bedside reading lamps that allow guests to read without disturbing others;

—A larger, customizable wardrobe with two pull-out bins, a sliding shoe rack, folding shelves and storage under the bed for luggage.

—Spacious bathrooms with glass shower doors, a first for the line, along with an in-shower shaving bar.

“We’ve taken the best practices in new interior design and hotel concepts and applied them to Mardi Gras to create guest-friendly staterooms designed to make guests feel at home,” said Dom Hargreaves, sector manager for DCA Design International. “It’s been an incredible opportunity to work with Carnival to enrich the stateroom experience by focusing on both design principles and small details, creating moments of delight for Mardi Gras guests.”

Mardi Gras will offer the widest variety of accommodations of any Carnival ship with more than 70 per cent of staterooms featuring an ocean view or balcony, along with 300 pairs of connecting staterooms, for large families or groups.

In addition to the newly redesigned staterooms with more balcony, ocean view and interior choices than ever before, Mardi Gras will offer favourites introduced on Carnival’s Vista-class including:

—The tropics-inspired Havana staterooms feature vibrant interiors and outdoor patio space. These staterooms have access to an exclusive open deck with sun loungers, Cuban-themed bar and a relaxation pool.

—Extra-roomy Family Harbor accommodations with their nautical decor are located near Camp Ocean, the children’s facility, and have access to the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive spot with breakfast and snacks throughout the day, plus board games, family movies, video games and more.

—Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive, soothing decor, spa bathrobes and slippers as well as Elemis toiletries. These accommodations offer privileges to the ship’s spa.

Mardi Gras will also offer the most suites of any Carnival ship, a total of more than 180 of varying size and locations. Exciting details on the ship’s suites and amenities will be announced in mid-April, including the premium-level Carnival Excel Suites, which will include a set of exclusive features and offerings.
The new accommodations are the perfect complement to Mardi Gras’ exciting activities and attractions, including BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and six distinct themed zones with popular dining, libation, entertainment and activity offerings.

Currently, under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe August 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round, seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in October 2020.

Norwegian Cruise Line Raising Automatic Gratuities

Norwegian Jade

Norwegian Cruise Line will be raising automatic gratuities added to the cost of a passenger’s ticket starting on April 1.

According to CruiseCritic.com, the daily service charges for passengers in standard cabins and mini-suites will be $14.99 per person, per day, an increase from the previous fee of $14.50. Travellers sailing in The Haven or other suites will see prices jump from $17.50 to $17.99.

For passengers sailing on the Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, the cruise line’s all-inclusive ships, they will now have to pay $20.49 instead of $19.99 when staying in standard cabins and mini-suites. Prices for customers in suites rose from $22.99 to $23.49.

Thankfully for passengers who booked their voyages before April 1, Norwegian will still honour the previous rate as long as the gratuities are paid before the sail date. The price increases come one year after the cruise line last raised gratuity rates.

CruiseCritic.com also noted Norwegian's Hawaii-based Pride of America ship would continue charging passengers an additional General Exercise Tax of 4.275 per cent.

Grand Tour - Clarkson Towing a 13 000 TONNE Ship.

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Vancouver Port Authority Joins SEA\LNG

Vancouver Port Authority Joins SEA\LNG

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has joined SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, according to a press release.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the fourth port member to join the coalition, alongside Port of Rotterdam, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP), and most recently the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). 

Peter Keller, SEA\LNG chairman, commented: “We are pleased to welcome the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to our growing coalition and look forward to leveraging their expertise to realise our vision of developing LNG infrastructure in ports around the globe to enable quick, safe, and cost-effective bunkering.”

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is working closely with the regional gas supplier, Fortis BC, and with industry, academia and government to advance LNG bunkering in the Port of Vancouver.

Duncan Wilson, Vice President, Environment, Community and Government Affairs of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, commented: “As part of our vision to be the world’s most sustainable port, we engage in a number of emissions management initiatives that help support a healthy environment. This partnership with SEA\LNG represents an opportunity for us to be part of a multi-sector group that is reducing marine shipping emissions and improving air quality.”

SEA\LNG said it advocates for collaboration, demonstration, and communication on key areas such as regulation, emissions, infrastructure, and the economic case, to provide the confidence and demand required for an effective and efficient global LNG value chain by 2020 and beyond.

Passengers Injured as Norwegian Escape Hit by ‘100 Knot Wind Gust’ Off U.S. East Coast

Several passengers aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Escape were reported injured after a freak gust of wind reportedly caused the ship to list as much of 45 degrees, causing chairs, tables and pretty much anything unsecured to go flying.

A statement from Norwegian posted to its Twitter account said the incident took place just before midnight on Sunday, March 3, when Norwegian Escape encountered what the cruise line said was an “unexpected weather in the form of a sudden, extreme gust of wind, estimated at 100 knots,” or 115 mph, as the ship was underway off the U.S. east coast.

“Several injuries were reported and those guests and crew received immediate attention or are being treated by the ship’s medical staff. There was no damage to the ship; she remains fully operational and continues her scheduled itinerary,” Norwegian Cruise Line said.

The Norwegian Escape is currently on a voyage from Port Elizabeth, New Jersey to the Bahamas with a stop over in Port Canaveral, Florida.

Media reports say at least eight passengers were treated for injuries when the ship arrived in Port Canaveral on Tuesday.

“Neither the current itinerary, nor the next sailing are expected to be impacted,” the cruise line said.

Meteorologists had forecasted some weather but nothing near the 100 knots that was reported by the cruise line.

Delivered in 2015, the 164,600 gross ton Norwegian Escape is the former flagship of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and the first of the company’s Breakaway Plus-class.

More from ABC News below: 

Cruise line promotions increase in number -- and complexity

Cruise line promotions increase in number -- and complexity

Norwegian Cruise latest offering

One of the virtues of "123Go!," which was rolled out by Celebrity Cruises for Wave season six years ago, was its simplicity.

The promotion was as breezy as it sounded. Passengers could pick one of three free promotions when they booked a cruise. If they were going to Europe, they could pick two. That was it.

Whether it was the simplicity of the concept, or the value locked into the choices, or the idea of choice itself, the promotion struck a nerve. Agents cited it as the most successful offer of the Wave season in 2013, and Celebrity extended it until it became part of the line's standard offering.

Six years later, the promotions of the sort started by "123Go!" are ubiquitous. Nearly every sizeable line has its version.

It started when Celebrity decided to evolve "123Go!" into its 2015 successor campaign "Go Big, Go Better, Go Best." With this one there were four amenities, not three. And the number of amenities that could be chosen depended on the fare. And third and fourth passengers in the cabin could get a limited amount of internet minutes for free.

Today, there are a bewildering number of promotional packages for agents to keep track of, all with different terms, expiration dates, geographic applications, exceptions and combinability options.

"The promotions are very complex," observed veteran agency executive Dwain Wall. "Agents find the consumers are very confused."

Wall said some cruise lines have taken to spelling out the value of the various terms in their promotion as a result.

Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, has its "Take Six Free" offer, which dangles not three but six different amenities. More choice, more value, right? To be sure. But also more complexity.

In many of its ads, Norwegian puts price tags on the various options as a consumer service. An open bar is valued at $1,400. Free shore excursions: $200. A speciality dining package: $160 in savings; free Internet, $130.

The biggest and latest amenity to be added to the package is airfare, which Norwegian says is worth $600 to $1,900 in savings, depending. Depending on what? Well, you have to dig into the fine print to find out.

In many ways, an advisor's job is better with these promotions. Free add-ons make closing easier, more amenities broaden the appeal, and preserving or even boosting the fare helps increase commissions. Not to mention that the complexity helps reinforce the concept of an advisor as an indispensable consultant: Who better to comb through the various deals and amenities, walk the client through the options and find them the best combination?

But it should not be lost that in the process the promotions are no longer as simple as "123Go!."

Marella Explorer 2 Exits Drydock with New Livery

The Marella Explorer 2 is fresh out of the drydock in Cadiz with her new Marella Cruises livery painted on the 1995-built ship's hull.

The ship is the sixth vessel in Marella's fleet and debuts this April for the TUI-owned British brand. 

After starting her career as the Celebrity Century, the vessel moved to China for startup SkySea Cruises and is now under the Marella banner.

Navigator of the Seas Arrives in Miami Following Huge Refit

Royal Caribbean International’s newly amplified Navigator of the Seas is in Miami following a $115 million refit aimed at the important short-cruise market.

Among the features are new waterslides, a new poolside area, new retail and restaurants and much more.

“We have really dialled up the adventure and Caribbean vibes in ways that will make Navigator of the Seas the ultimate getaway to take from Miami,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Independence and Mariner of the Seas, the first two modernized ships in our Royal Amplified program, have quickly become standout hits, and Navigator builds on this momentum with a combination of new, exciting features and signature Royal Caribbean offerings that will surprise and delight guests cruising with us for the first time and those who have vacationed with us before.”

The Navigator of the Seas is the third ship to be reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified modernization program, an investment of more than $1 billion in the cruise line’s fleet and part of the booming drydock market.

The effort spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience with the introduction of a wide range of new thrills and Royal Caribbean staples meant to appeal to every generation, the company said. 

Beginning Friday, March 1, Navigator will sail five- and 9-night Caribbean itineraries through May 2019.

The ship will then set course for The Bahamas with three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises, including visits to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Beginning May 2019, each sailing onboard Navigator of the Seas will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay

Norwegian CEO Del Rio enthused about return to Turkey

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio said the company's decision to return to the Eastern Mediterranean in 2019 is working out so far.

After pulling out of the region in 2016 because of terrorism fears and political instability in Turkey, NCLH has scheduled 12 sailings this year and has an additional 20 on the calendar for 2020.

"All 12 sailings in 2019 are better loaded and at higher pricing than the surrounding sailings that do not include Turkey," Del Rio said.

He told investors on a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and 2018 earnings that Turkey is the key to the itinerary.

"The fact that the North American consumer, who is the one booking most of these Eastern Mediterranean cruises, seem to want to come back to the eastern Med and is willing to pay a premium price bodes very well for 2020," Del Rio said.

The risk is that itineraries must be developed and sold 18 to 24 months in advance of sailing, he continued.

"So you test the waters, you see what happens, and it takes you a while to really ramp up. So at this point, assuming there are no other disruptions -- reasons to not go to the Eastern Med -- I expect that we along with the rest of the industry will probably increase the number of deployments to the Eastern Med beginning in 2020 and even more in 2021."

Del Rio, who has a hand in all itinerary planning at NCLH, said that when the eastern Med is good, "it's as good as any, if not the best, of all itineraries."

On the call, Del Rio said NCLH enters 2019 in the best-booked position in its history, giving yield managers more leeway to raise prices.

"We're pushing prices higher wherever we can," Del Rio said. "While we still have a lot of cabins to fill, the emphasis will be on raising prices -- on all three brands."

In addition to Norwegian Cruise Line, NCLH operates Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The company had net income of $954.8 million in 2018, up 25.6% from the $759.9 million recorded a year earlier. Revenue rose 13% to $6.1 billion.

Last year, NCLH decided to redeploy the Norwegian Joy from China to Alaska, where it will cruise starting in April alongside sister ship Norwegian Bliss. That will increase NCLH's presence in Alaska to 9% of total capacity, up from 7% last year.

Capacity in the Asia Pacific region will drop to 6% from 12% last year. NCLH will have six ships in Europe this summer and capacity there increases to 23% from 20% last year, while year-round capacity in the Caribbean is pegged at 36%.

Cunard unveils new ship design team

Cunard unveils new ship design team

A ‘world-class’ team of designers has been recruited by Cunard to create the interiors for its new ship.

Design details of the as yet unnamed vessel, due to join the fleet in 2022, are still under wraps.

However, award-winning designers Simon Rawlings, of David Collins Studio; Terry McGillicuddy, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie of Sybille de Margerie Paris are already working with the creative director, Adam D Tihany, on Cunard’s fourth ship.

The ship is Simon Rawlings’ first project at sea, with responsibility for the atrium, grand lobby, the Queens Grill suites and the main dining room. Past projects have included Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, Corinthia London and The Apartment at The Connaught.

French interior studio, Sybille de Margerie Paris, whose projects have included The Mandarin Oriental Paris and Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, will handle retail spaces, the spa and the flagship Queens Room in its first work on a ship interior.

Richmond International, which counts The Langham London and the award-winning Four Seasons Budapest among its clients, will be responsible for the theatre, new entertainment spaces and the outside deck area.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “The calibre of talent we have brought together for this project will bring to life our vision of creating a truly world-class ship.

“Working alongside the legendary Adam D Tihany, the team is working hard to ensure that every aspect of our new ship is exciting and forward-looking, yet unmistakably Cunard.”

Tihany added: “We have assembled a dynamic, passionate team of talented creatives whose unique design sensibilities and innate understanding of the Cunard brand will move the dial forward while recapturing the beloved spirit of Cunard travel in this next generation cruise liner.”

The new ship will be the 249th vessel to sail under the Cunard flag and will bring the luxury line’s fleet up to four vessels for the first time since the 1980s, joining flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

Two MSC Cruise Ships Collide

Two MSC Cruise Ships Collide

The MSC Orchestra (left) crashed into the stationary MSC Poesia(Image: Hernan Nunez/YouTube)

Click on the image above to witness the collision.

The MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia smashed into each other outside the port in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dramatic footage captured the moment two massive cruise ships smash into each other outside a busy port.

The MSC Orchestra, a 92,000-tonne ship, collided with MSC Poesia as it tried to leave Buenos Aires, Argentina.

One onlooker can be heard shouting "No, no, no" in the shocking footage which captured the prang on Wednesday afternoon.

The vessel crunched into sister ship MSC Poesia but somehow no one suffered serious injuries.

But debris can be seen crashing into the water at Buenos Aires in the video.

Both MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia are popular with Brits and have been deployed this summer take tourists on cruises around Northern Europe.

It's unclear though if any Brits were on board either vessel at the time of the crash.

• Each ship has a capacity of 2,500 passengers.
• The Orchestra suffered minor damage in the shunt.
• Following an investigation, the ship was cleared to sail.

But it was delayed as it set off on an eight-night South America cruise with stops in Brazil and Uruguay.

The investigation continues.

MSC Cruises, founded in Naples, Italy, but now based in Geneva, Switzerland, is the fourth largest cruise company in the world.

Fred. Olsen Launches 108-Night World Cruise for 2021

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is launching its new 108-night world cruise for 2021 aboard the Black Watch, sailing on Jan. 8, 2021 on the Boudicca.

Guests booking prior to May 31 can look forward to free gratuities and an onboard credit. 

Justin Stanton, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said:

“This exceptional 'Around the World’ sailing, aboard 880-guest Black Watch, will allow guests to explore and enjoy diverse landscapes, cultures and wildlife, right across our magnificent planet.

"And what's more, guests will be able to return to the ship and refresh themselves in the bar, unwind with a treatment in the Atlantis Spa, or enjoy an action-packed shore excursion, all on Fred. Olsen, with up to £600 per person free on board spend. We will even pay for your tips! This inspirational voyage – taken from Fred. Olsen's eagerly-awaited 2020/21 cruise program – is particularly exciting, as it is the first time that guests will have the option to set sail on such an epic exploration from Liverpool. 

"With scenic cruising, spectacular sights and culture a-plenty, this 'Around the World' voyage has all the makings of a truly sensational holiday, sure to create memories to last a lifetime."

Prices start from £10,799 per person. 

Ports of call: Southampton, UK – Oporto (from Leixões), Portugal – Funchal, Madeira – Santa Cruz, Tenerife – Santa Cruz, La Palma – Bridgetown, Barbados – St John's, Antigua – Road Town, Tortola – Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos – Havana, Cuba – Colón, Panama – Cruising Panama Canal – Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica – Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia – Fakarava, French Polynesia – Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia – Raiatea, French Polynesia – Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia – Crossing the International Date Line – Nuku'alofa, Tonga – Savusavu, Fiji – Mystery Island (Inyeug), Vanuatu – Noumea, New Caledonia – Sydney, Australia (two-night stay) – Burnie, Tasmania, Australia – Melbourne, Australia – Albany, Australia – Perth (from Fremantle), Australia – Surabaya, Java, Indonesia (overnight stay) – Singapore (overnight stay) – Sabang (Weh Island), Sumatra, Indonesia – Colombo, Sri Lanka – Kochi, Kerala, India – Mormugao, Goa, India – Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (overnight stay) – Aqaba, Jordan – Cruising Suez Canal – Haifa, Israel (overnight stay) – Limassol, Cyprus – Valletta, Malta – Malaga, Spain – Southampton, UK

This is the fourth itinerary to be teased from Fred. Olsen’s 2020-2021 cruise program, which will be launched in full in March 2019.

Carnival's Cvijetic Takes Top Honors at Bacardi Competition

Sanja Cvijetic from Carnival Cruise Line won the 2019 Bacardi Legacy Cruise Bartender of the Year competition with her own signature cocktail, the Purple Sunset.

She now goes on to the global finals in Amsterdam, where she will compete against 38 domestic market winners for the overall global title. 

Sanja scooped the ultimate prize from thousands of entries in the cruise sector, winning the Bacardi Legacy cruise final in Puerto Rico earlier this month. 

Zachary Sulkes International Key Account Manager (Cruise), Bacardi Global Travel Retail, commented: “Sanja has really impressed us all with her inspired creation.  Her understated professionalism, talent and hospitality skills demonstrated in the competition prove what a great example she sets for bartending leadership in the cruise industry – an increasingly important channel for the premium drinks industry.” 

Cvijetic said: “Winning the Bacardi Legacy Cruise Bartender of the Year 2019 is beyond everything I ever dreamed, especially as it’s the first bartender competition I have entered.  It’s been an amazing experience throughout and I’ve especially enjoyed spending time in Puerto Rico, visiting the Bacardi distillery and experiencing the story and heritage behind the iconic Bacardi brand.  The competition has shown me that I really can achieve anything I want to and I will be using my learnings from the cruise stage to focus on the global final in Amsterdam.”

Eddie Allen, Vice President of Beverage for Carnival Cruise Line, added: “Sanja is a fantastic role model for our team of bartenders across the fleet and she has made a very positive impression with our guests who respond to her warm hospitality and her amazing bartending skills.  We are very proud of her and look forward to supporting her at the global finals in Amsterdam.”

Purple SunsetIngredients:
60ml BACARDÍ Superior
22ml Monin® Lavender Syrup
15ml lemonade
15ml fresh lime juice
Splash of MARTINI Prosecco
Fresh rosemary bunch

Preparation Method: Gently muddle fresh rosemary bunch. Place all ingredients (except MARTINI Prosecco) into the shaker. Add ice and shake up to 10 seconds. Double strain into a chilled glass. Add a few more drops of lavender syrup and a splash of MARTINI Prosecco. Garnish with fresh rosemary.

NCLH Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018, as well as provided guidance for the first quarter and full year 2019.

“The team at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings delivered a breakout year in 2018, once again generating industry-leading record financial performance.  Strong global demand for our portfolio of brands, the successful, record-breaking introduction of Norwegian Bliss and the flawless execution of our demand creation strategies drove our fifth consecutive year of double-digit earnings per share growth," said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer.  “Building on this momentum, we entered 2019 in the best booked position in our Company’s history, with pricing above prior year’s record levels.  The strong start to this year’s WAVE season, coupled with our moderate in-year capacity growth and our solid booked position across our three brands, has us well-positioned to continue driving price throughout the year and into 2020, where we will also benefit from the first full year of sailings from Norwegian Encore and the addition of Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor.”

Highlights: 

• The company generated GAAP net income of $954.8 million or EPS of $4.25.  Adjusted Net Income was $1.1 billion or Adjusted EPS of $4.92.
• The company beat full-year Adjusted EPS expectations by $0.07, and surpassed the midpoint of its initial February 2018 Adjusted EPS guidance by $0.37, despite a $0.07 impact from unfavourable fuel prices.
• Total revenue increased 12.2% to $6.1 billion. Gross Yield increased by 3.4%. 
• Net Yield increased 3.5% on a Constant Currency basis, exceeding the Company’s initial February 2018 guidance by 150 basis points.
• Achieved record gross Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 31.3%.
• Adjusted ROIC increased to 11.0% from 10.1% the prior year.
• Reached year-end Net Leverage target of low three times.
• Authorized $1 billion, three-year share repurchase program and embarked on meaningful capital returns to shareholders by opportunistically repurchasing approximately $665 million shares under the previous and current program. Approximately $600 million remains available under the current authorization.
• Record-breaking introduction of Norwegian Bliss, the first cruise ship specifically designed with features and amenities for the ultimate Alaska cruising experience.
• Broke ground on new, state-of-the-art passenger terminal at PortMiami.

The full Year 2019 Highlights

• Company’s 2019 booked position at an all-time high entering the year and at higher pricing.
• Net Yield growth guidance on a Constant-Currency basis for full year and first quarter 2019 of 3.0% to 4.0% and approximately 2.5%, respectively.
• Norwegian Joy to join record-breaking sister ship, Norwegian Bliss, in Alaska in spring 2019.
• Norwegian Encore, the fourth and final ship in the tremendously successful Breakaway Plus Class, will join the fleet in the Caribbean in the fourth quarter.
• Company reaffirms expectations to achieve its Full Speed Ahead 2020 targets provided at its 2018 Investor Day. 

The full Year 2018 Results

GAAP net income was $954.8 million or EPS of $4.25 compared to $759.9 million or $3.31 in the prior year.  The Company generated Adjusted Net Income of $1.1 billion or Adjusted EPS of $4.92 compared to $907.7 million or $3.96 in the prior year.  Strong growth in 2018 including an increase in GAAP EPS of 28.4% and Adjusted EPS of 24.2% follows strong 2017 growth of 19.1% and 16.1%, respectively, further demonstrating the Company’s continued underlying earnings power.

Revenue increased by 12.2% to $6.1 billion compared to $5.4 billion in 2017. This increase was primarily attributed to an 8.5% increase in Capacity Days due to the delivery of Norwegian Bliss in April 2018 and Norwegian Joy in April 2017, as well as strong organic pricing growth across all core markets.  Gross Yield increased by 3.4%. Net Yield increased 3.5% on a Constant-Currency basis and 3.7% on an as reported basis.

Cruise operating expense increased by 10.2% in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to an increase in Capacity Days.  Gross Cruise Costs per Capacity Day increased by 2.7%.  Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Capacity Day increased 2.6% on a Constant-Currency basis and 2.9% on an as reported basis.

Fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges increased to $483 from $465 in 2017.  The Company reported a fuel expense of $392.7 million in the period. 

Interest expense, net was $270.4 million in 2018 compared to $267.8 million in 2017. The increase in interest expense primarily reflects additional debt incurred in connection with the delivery of Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy in the second quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, Project Leonardo financing costs, and higher interest rates due to LIBOR rate increases. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by the benefit from the October 2017 full redemption of the 4.625% Senior Notes due 2020 and the benefit from the partial redemption totalling $135 million of the 4.75% Senior Notes due 2021 in April. This year’s results included a non-recurring $6.3 million redemption premium and the write-off of fees in connection with the partial redemption. 2017 included losses on extinguishment of debt and debt modification costs of $23.9 million.

Other income (expense), net was income of $20.7 million in 2018 compared to an expense of $10.4 million in 2017. Other income in 2018 was primarily due to gains on foreign currency exchange.  Another expense in 2017 was primarily due to losses on foreign currency exchange.

Fourth Quarter 2018 Results

GAAP net income was $154.6 million or EPS of $0.70 compared to $98.8 million or $0.43 in the prior year.  The Company generated Adjusted Net Income of $188.8 million or Adjusted EPS of $0.85 compared to $156.8 million or $0.68 in the prior year.

Revenue increased 10.5% to $1.4 billion compared to $1.2 billion in 2017.  These increases were primarily attributed to the addition of Norwegian Bliss to the fleet, along with strong organic ticket pricing growth across all core markets and robust onboard spending.  Gross Yield increased by 3.0%. Net Yield increased 4.7% on a Constant-Currency basis and 4.2% on an as reported basis.

Total cruise operating expense increased by 8.5% in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to an increase in Capacity Days.  Gross Cruise Costs per Capacity Day increased by 1.8%.  Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Capacity Day increased 3.6% on a Constant-Currency basis and 3.4% on an as reported basis.

Fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges increased to $496 from $460 in 2017.  The Company reported a fuel expense of $104.4 million in the period. 

Interest expense, net decreased to $68.2 million in 2018 from $84.3 million in 2017. In connection with the redemption of senior notes and refinancing of certain credit facilities, interest expense, net included losses on extinguishment of debt and debt modification costs of $23.9 million in 2017.

2019 Outlook

“2018 marked a key inflexion point for the Company as we have made significant progress towards achieving our Full Speed Ahead 2020 Targets.  Our cash generation continues to accelerate and we remain keenly focused on returning meaningful capital to our shareholders, already returning approximately one-third of our three-year targeted capital distribution,” said Mark Kempa, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.  “We are confident in our outlook for 2019 and beyond, and have built upon our foundation for measured capacity growth by enhancing our growth profile through 2027, with announced orders for all three of our award-winning brands, now totaling eleven vessels, enabling us to expand our presence both globally and domestically and further diversify our product offerings to continue driving outsized shareholder returns.”

2019 Guidance and Sensitivities

In addition to announcing the results for the fourth quarter and full year 2018, the Company also provided guidance for the first quarter and full year 2019, along with accompanying sensitivities. The Company does not provide guidance 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 2019 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.