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Cruise company Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH) fell short of the market’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales falling 2.9% year on year to $2.13 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.07 per share was 23.8% below analysts’ consensus estimates.

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Q1 CY2025 Highlights:

• Revenue: $2.13 billion vs analyst estimates of $2.14 billion (2.9% year-on-year decline, 0.7% miss)

• Adjusted EPS: $0.07 vs analyst expectations of $0.09 (23.8% miss)

• Adjusted EBITDA: $453.1 million vs analyst estimates of $439.5 million (21.3% margin, 3.1% beat)

• Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $2.05 at the midpoint

• EBITDA guidance for the full year is $2.72 billion at the midpoint, in line with analyst expectations

• Operating Margin: 9.4%, in line with the same quarter last year

• Free Cash Flow was -$846 million, down from $548.3 million in the same quarter last year

• Passenger Cruise Days: 5.79 million, down 325,127 year on year

• Market Capitalization: $8.56 billion

StockStory’s Take

Norwegian Cruise Line’s first quarter performance reflected a mix of headwinds and operational discipline, as management navigated softer bookings in European itineraries and prioritized pricing over occupancy. CEO Harry Sommer cited “choppiness” in Q3 Europe bookings, attributing it to greater American hesitancy for long-haul travel and macroeconomic uncertainty, but emphasized continued strong spend from guests once on board and solid demand for close-to-home Caribbean cruises.

Looking ahead, management’s guidance is anchored in cost efficiency initiatives and a focus on margin protection. The leadership team reiterated full-year adjusted EPS and EBITDA guidance, highlighting the $300 million cost efficiency program and the flexibility to accelerate cost savings if revenue pressures persist. CFO Mark Kempa stated that Norwegian Cruise Line’s ability to “flex if there’s pressure on the top line” keeps the company on track for its long-term targets, even as the industry faces variable consumer sentiment.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Norwegian Cruise Line’s management provided detailed commentary on the primary factors impacting Q1 results and shared updates on strategic initiatives across the business.

• European Itinerary Weakness: Management identified a period of “choppiness” in Q3 Europe bookings, especially among American travelers, which led to lower occupancy and pressured yield expectations. This was described as a temporary issue, with improvement observed in more recent booking trends.

• Pricing Over Occupancy: The company maintained its strategy to protect pricing, even at the expense of filling every available cabin. Leadership stressed that disciplined revenue management, particularly for close-in Caribbean itineraries, helped sustain higher year-over-year pricing despite booking volatility.

• New Product Delivery: Norwegian Aqua, the first ship in the new Prima Plus class, was delivered on time and on budget. The ship features redesigned spaces and new amenities, such as the Aqua slide coaster, which management believes will enhance guest experience and increase stateroom capacity.

• Great Stirrup Cay Enhancements: Significant upgrades to the company’s private island in the Bahamas are underway, including a new pier, resort-style pool, and expanded family and adult zones. Management expects these investments to drive incremental on-board and destination revenue and improve the product’s competitiveness.

• Cost Efficiency Program: The $300 million-plus cost savings effort, led by the transformation office, is being accelerated. Management said these initiatives have not reduced guest experience, and that cost reductions are being achieved through operational efficiencies, technology investments, and supply chain improvements.