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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.: Q2 FY2026 earnings call

What management said about Q2 FY2026, from the documents filed with the SEC on 30 July 2026: press release. Guidance figures: 2 raised, 11 lowered, 17 new, 4 kept. The quarter’s numbers.

Key takeaways

  • Adjusted EBITDA above guidance: Adjusted EBITDA was $666 million, against guidance of $632 million. Adjusted EPS was $0.48, against guidance of $0.38. Total revenue rose 4.9% to $2.6 billion on more Capacity Days. Source
  • Full-year guidance lowered: Full-year Adjusted EPS is now about $1.50, against $1.45 to $1.79 in May. Adjusted EBITDA is about $2.5 billion, against $2.48 billion to $2.64 billion previously. Source
  • Net Yield fell less than guided: Net Yield fell about 2.1% as reported and 2.6% at constant currency, against guidance of a 3.6% decline. Gross margin per Capacity Day fell 11.6% as reported. Source
  • Booked position below target: Management says the company remains below its optimal booked position for the next 12 months, citing softer demand at Norwegian Cruise Line from company-specific execution challenges. Source
  • Another $100 million savings identified: Management identified about $100 million more in annualized savings, on top of the $125 million announced last quarter, with cost actions continuing across the business. Source
  • Exchangeable notes settled in cash: Before quarter-end the company settled the 2027 exchangeable notes in cash. This is expected to cut full-year 2026 diluted shares by 4 million against May guidance. Source
  • Leadership added in key areas: Key leaders were added in marketing, revenue management and other areas at Norwegian Cruise Line. The company says the benefits will have a limited effect on 2026 results. Source

“Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings delivered a solid second quarter with profitability ahead of guidance.”

John W. Chidsey, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Guidance

AreaPeriodFigureAgainst last quarter
Net Yield (constant currency) SourceFull year 2026down approximately 5%Lowered from down approximately 3% to 5%
Net Yield (constant currency) SourceThird quarter 2026decline 8.9%New
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day SourceFull year 2026down approximately 0.25% (constant currency)Lowered from approximately flat
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day SourceThird quarter 2026decline 0.9% (constant currency)New
Adjusted EBITDA SourceFull year 2026approximately $2.5 billionLowered from $2.48 billion to $2.64 billion
Adjusted EBITDA SourceThird quarter 2026$874 millionNew
Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin SourceFull year 202633.2%Lowered from 32.9% to 34.3%
Adjusted Operational EBITDA Margin SourceThird quarter 202641.2%New
Adjusted Net Income SourceFull year 2026approximately $700 millionLowered from $679 million to $838 million
Adjusted Net Income SourceThird quarter 2026$414 millionNew
Adjusted EPS SourceFull year 2026approximately $1.50Lowered from $1.45 to $1.79
Adjusted EPS SourceThird quarter 2026$0.90New
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding SourceFull year 2026approximately 464 millionLowered from approximately 468 million
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding SourceThird quarter 2026461 millionNew
Capacity Days SourceThird quarter 20266.8 millionNew
Capacity Days SourceFull year 2026approximately 26.25 millionKept
Occupancy SourceThird quarter and full year 2026104.0% and ~102.3%
Depreciation and amortization SourceThird quarter 2026$275 millionNew
Depreciation and amortization SourceFull year 2026approximately $1,085 millionKept
Interest expense, net SourceThird quarter 2026$180 millionNew
Interest expense, net SourceFull year 2026approximately $705 millionRaised from approximately $695 million
Adjusted EBITDA sensitivity to 1% change in Net Yield SourceThird quarter 2026$21 million (about $0.05 Adjusted EPS)New
Adjusted EBITDA sensitivity to 1% change in Net Yield SourceFull year 2026approximately $75 million (about $0.16 Adjusted EPS)Lowered from approximately $76 million
Fuel consumption SourceThird quarter 2026245,000 metric tonsNew
Fuel consumption SourceFull year 20261,010,000 metric tonsLowered from 1,020,000 metric tons
Fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges SourceThird quarter 2026$811New
Fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges SourceFull year 2026$780Lowered from $782
Fuel price sensitivity: Adjusted EPS per 10% change SourceThird quarter 2026$0.02New
Fuel price sensitivity: Adjusted EPS per 10% change SourceFull year 2026$0.05Lowered from $0.08
Newbuild-and-growth capital expenditures, gross SourceThird quarter 2026$313 millionNew
Newbuild-and-growth capital expenditures, gross SourceFull year 2026~$2.9 billionKept
Newbuild-and-growth capital expenditures, net of financing SourceThird quarter 2026$202 millionNew
Newbuild-and-growth capital expenditures, net of financing SourceFull year 2026~$1.4 billionRaised from ~$1.3 billion
Other capital expenditures SourceThird quarter 2026~$100 millionNew
Other capital expenditures SourceFull year 2026~$540 millionKept
Foreign exchange rates used in guidance SourceFull year 2026 and third quarter 2026Euro $1.14; British pound $1.33; Australian Dollar $0.69; Canadian Dollar $0.70

What changed from last quarter

  • Guidance lowered: Full-year 2026 guidance was updated, with Net Yield, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS guidance below the May ranges. Source
  • New guidance: Third-quarter 2026 guidance was provided for the first time, with Net Yield, cost, EBITDA and EPS figures. Source
  • New: Additional run-rate savings of about $100 million were identified, mainly from technology vendor consolidation and salary and benefit actions. Source
  • New: Norwegian Cruise Line appointed Lee Applbaum as Chief Marketing Officer. Source
  • New: Oceania Cruises agreed in July 2026 to sell Oceania Sirena. Source
  • New: The company elected to settle two exchangeable senior note series due 2027 in cash before quarter-end. Source

Second-quarter results and guidance

  • Adjusted EBITDA above guidance: Adjusted EBITDA was $666 million, against guidance of $632 million. Adjusted EPS was $0.48, against guidance of $0.38. Total revenue rose 4.9% to $2.6 billion on more Capacity Days. Source
  • Full-year guidance lowered: Full-year Adjusted EPS is now about $1.50, against $1.45 to $1.79 in May. Adjusted EBITDA is about $2.5 billion, against $2.48 billion to $2.64 billion previously. Source
  • GAAP net income rose: GAAP net income was $223 million, compared with $30 million a year earlier, with diluted EPS of $0.48. Source

Pricing, demand and bookings

  • Net Yield fell less than guided: Net Yield fell about 2.1% as reported and 2.6% at constant currency, against guidance of a 3.6% decline. Gross margin per Capacity Day fell 11.6% as reported. Source
  • Booked position below target: Management says the company remains below its optimal booked position for the next 12 months, citing softer demand at Norwegian Cruise Line from company-specific execution challenges. Source
  • Caribbean demand expected to improve: The full amenities at Great Stirrup Cay, including the pier, Great Life Lagoon and Splash Harbor, open to the public on September 4. Management expects them to lift demand to Caribbean itineraries over time. Source

“We are executing with urgency on our priorities including sharpening our brand positioning and marketing execution, strengthening our revenue management and pricing capabilities, driving meaningful cost efficiencies”

John W. Chidsey, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Costs and margins

  • Another $100 million savings identified: Management identified about $100 million more in annualized savings, on top of the $125 million announced last quarter, with cost actions continuing across the business. Source
  • Cost per Capacity Day flat: Adjusted Net Cruise Cost excluding Fuel per Capacity Day was about $164 as reported. On a constant-currency basis it fell 0.5%, ahead of the company's guidance. Source
  • Gross cruise cost per day slightly lower: Gross Cruise Costs per Capacity Day were about $304, against $306 in the prior year. Source
  • Payroll and fuel expense rose: Payroll and related expense rose to $394.6 million from $346.1 million. Fuel expense rose to $219.4 million from $157.4 million. Source

Capital, liquidity and debt

  • Net Leverage 5.3x at quarter-end: Liquidity was $1.5 billion, including about $218 million of cash and $1.3 billion of revolving facility availability. Net Leverage was 5.3x. Source
  • Exchangeable notes settled in cash: Before quarter-end the company settled the 2027 exchangeable notes in cash. This is expected to cut full-year 2026 diluted shares by 4 million against May guidance. Source
  • Balance sheet commitment restated: Management says it is committed to optimizing the balance sheet and reducing Net Leverage. Source

“We remain disciplined in managing our cost structure and over the past three years we have identified over $500 million in savings.”

Mark A. Kempa, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Newbuild and other capital spending

  • Export credit financing for newbuilds: Export credit financing for newbuilds is about $1.6 billion in 2026, after $883 million in the first quarter and $111 million in the third quarter. Source
  • Gross newbuild spend stays high: Gross newbuild-and-growth spending is about $2.9 billion in 2026 and 2027, and about $1.8 billion in 2028. Second-quarter spending was $328 million. Source
  • Other capex covers maintenance and technology: Other capital expenditures, for maintenance, dry-dock, technology and digital, are about $540 million for 2026. Second-quarter spending was $172 million. Source

Fuel cost and hedging

  • Fuel price guidance trimmed: Full-year fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges, is $780, against $782 previously. Third-quarter price is $811. Full-year consumption is 1,010,000 metric tons. Source
  • Majority of 2026 fuel hedged: The company had hedged about 52% of 2026 projected fuel consumption and 38% of 2027, at blended HFO and MGO prices of $533 and $549 per metric ton. Source
  • Other fuel types not hedged: Hedges cover mainly heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil. Other fuel types are not hedged. Source

Leadership and execution

  • New marketing chief named: Lee Applbaum was named Chief Marketing Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line and will lead the brand's global marketing organization. Source
  • Leadership added in key areas: Key leaders were added in marketing, revenue management and other areas at Norwegian Cruise Line. The company says the benefits will have a limited effect on 2026 results. Source
  • Turnaround described as early: The chief executive said the company is still early in its turnaround, with a team in place to rebuild commercial momentum over time. Source

Fleet, products and sustainability

  • Sustainability report released: A 2025 Sail & Sustain Report was released, covering the global sustainability strategy and five foundational pillars. Source
  • Oceania Sirena sale agreed: Oceania Cruises will keep operating the ship under a charter agreement through spring 2028, after the sale. Source
  • Sixteen ships to join through 2037: The company expects to add 16 ships across its three brands through 2037, adding about 43,000 Berths to a fleet of 35 ships. Source

Coming up, as management said on 30 July 2026

  • Great Tides Waterpark opens September 4: Great Tides Waterpark opens at Great Stirrup Cay on September 4, 2026, spanning nearly six acres. Source
  • Oceania Sirena sale expected to close: Closing of the Oceania Sirena sale is expected in the third quarter of 2026, with the charter continuing through spring 2028. Source

Figures management reported

FigureReported
Capacity Days Source6,589,740 (second quarter 2026)
Passengers carried Source906,689 (second quarter 2026)
Occupancy percentage Source102.4% (second quarter 2026)
Net Yield per Capacity Day Source$298.10 (second quarter 2026)
Fuel expense Source$219 million (second quarter 2026)
Fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges Source$888 (second quarter 2026)
Fuel consumption Source247,000 metric tons (second quarter 2026)
Fleet Source35 ships

Risks management discussed

  • Operational: Management says company-specific execution challenges are affecting demand generation and revenue, and the benefits of changes will take time. Source
  • Demand: Management cites the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, alongside execution issues, as a pressure on demand at Norwegian Cruise Line. Source
  • External: A 10% change in fuel prices, net of hedges, is expected to move full-year Adjusted EPS by about $0.05. Source
  • Financial: A one-point rise in SOFR would add about $15 million to annual interest expense, based on June 30, 2026 variable-rate debt. Source

Earlier plans management reported on

  • Ahead: Management says full-year cost per Capacity Day is now better than previously guided, driven by ongoing savings. Source
  • Ahead: Second-quarter Adjusted EBITDA came in above the approximately $632 million guided in May. Source
  • Not stated: Management says benefits of the changes are expected over time, with a limited impact on 2026 financial results. Source

Other quarters

Summarised with AI from the documents the company filed with the SEC. Every point is checked against the filing before it is shown: management’s own words word for word, figures against the line or table row they come from. A point that fails the check is left out. Source opens the filing at that line.