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Norwegian Cruise Line Lifts 2026 Outlook

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings beat third-quarter forecasts and lifted its 2026 outlook, sending the shares sharply higher on Thursday. Bookings still sit below the company's preferred level, and its finance chief is leaving.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NASDAQ: NCLH), the cruise operator, saw its shares surge 13% on Thursday after it beat third-quarter expectations and raised its 2026 outlook. The company also announced a change of chief financial officer.

The jump followed the earnings beat and the guidance raise, the company’s own forecast for results. Because the stock is priced in dollars, UK holders also carry exposure to GBP/USD alongside the share price.

NCLH.US

Third-quarter revenue came in at $2.95bn, ahead of the $2.88bn Wall Street consensus based on estimates compiled by data provider LSEG. Adjusted earnings per share of $1.12 beat the company’s own guidance of 90 cents and analysts’ expectations of 94 cents.

Adjusted EBITDA, a measure of operating profit before interest, tax and depreciation, was $937m against previous company guidance of $874m.

Citing that stronger quarter, Norwegian raised its full-year guidance to adjusted EBITDA of $2.55bn and adjusted EPS of about $1.70.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) share price, three months to 29 October 2026, with earnings day marked
NCLH shares over the three months to 29 October 2026, with the earnings-day jump marked.

The report was not all strength. Bookings, meaning future cruise reservations, have improved modestly since the last report but remain below the company’s optimal range.

To close that gap, Norwegian said it will emphasise new marketing strategies, including a new marketing platform launching in January 2027. It also expects new attractions, such as a waterpark at its private island Great Stirrup Cay, to support stronger demand.

Separately, chief financial officer Mark Kempa will step down after more than 25 years at the company. Chief Strategy Officer Meghan Montana takes over as CFO on 1 January 2027.

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