NCLH reports sharply lower final quarter and full year 2022 loss

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 28 February 2023 28 February 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH) has reported a sharp reduction in final quarter and full year 2022 loss compared to the previous year as the company gradually ramped up its operations, it said in a statement.

The third largest listed cruise shipping group reported net loss of $480.5 million in the final quarter f 2022 compared to a loss of $1,572.7 million in the same period a year earlier. Operating loss narrowed to $280.9 million from $686.8 million, while revenues rose to $1,519.1 million from $487.4 million.

For the full year, NCLH reported a net loss of 42,269.9 million compared to $4,506.6 million in 2021. Operating loss amounted to $1,551.7 million compared to $2,552.3 million in 2021 as revenues increased to $4,843.7 million from $647.8 million.

Strong ticket pricing and onboard revenue generation resulted in better-than-expected total revenue per Passenger Cruise Day which was up approximately 23% as-reported and approximately 24% in Constant Currency in the fourth quarter of 2022 versus 2019.

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $237 million and the company reached another financial inflection point by generating positive Adjusted Free Cash Flow of approximately $71 million for the fourth quarter of 2022, NCLH said in a statement.

Capacity to grow by 50% over 2019

“2022 was an eventful year, as we successfully completed our nearly yearlong Great Cruise Comeback, welcomed our newest ship Norwegian Prima to our world class fleet and achieved several key milestones on our post-pandemic financial recovery,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of NCLH in the statement.

“We are now squarely focused on the future and are taking deliberate and strategic actions to best position the Company for its next chapter, which includes an industry-leading growth profile representing approximately 50% capacity growth over 2019.”

NCLH continued its phased ramp-up in the fourth quarter achieving occupancy ratio of approximately 87%, consistent with previously outlined expectations and with the gap versus 2019 levels continuing to narrow sequentially. “Occupancy is expected to average approximately 100% for the first quarter of 2023 and reach historical occupancy levels for the second quarter of 2023. Full year 2023 Occupancy is expected to reach approximately 103.5%, partially impacted by a lower first quarter due to the phased voyage ramp up,” NCLH said.

 

 

With the phased Occupancy ramp up now nearly complete, the company is undertaking a broad and ongoing margin enhancement initiative, focused on both maximizing revenue opportunities and right sizing its cost base, in order to strengthen the foundation for sustained, profitable growth, it said.

AmaWaterways reports positive market signals

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 27 February 2023 27 February 2023

Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways today announced a record level of reservations taken during the month of January and reminds travel advisors of the new sales opportunities available as a result of the early start to the season in February 2024 with additional departure dates of its popular Rhine and Danube season. River cruising in February offers travelers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty of Europe during this romantic and less crowded time and also provides travel advisors with new river cruise options for clients looking to take advantage of lower airfares to Europe. 

“We are excited to see the demand for river cruising coming back so strong and are delighted to share that we will be launching our 2024 season in Europe with special cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers starting February 11, giving our guests the opportunity to enjoy Europe during the month of love,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “The end of winter is one of the most exquisite times to visit Europe. Airfares are lower and with fewer tourists, there is more space to truly embrace the magic of these regions that feature great museums and art galleries plus winter carnivals celebrated in many parts of Germany.”

On February 11, 2024, AmaWaterways’ flagship AmaMagna will set sail along the Danube River through the heart of the continent, cruising from Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany. Reminiscent of the romance of Old World Europe, the Magna on the Danube itinerary takes travelers through grand European cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest to indulge in seven nights of splendor. Guests can look forward to epicurean experiences with AmaMagna’s four restaurants as well as tasty events on shore like an apricot brandy and chocolate tasting in Dürnstein and an exclusive wine festival in Spitz. In addition, travelers celebrating the month of love will enjoy exploring less crowded cities and the opportunities to sneak away to Budapest’s thermal spas or Vienna’s beautiful ice-skating rinks. Onboard the state-of-the-art ship, guests can relax in the heated Sun Deck pool and whirlpool, participate in various exercise and relaxation classes led by AmaWaterways’ dedicated Wellness Host, play a round of pickleball at the ship’s new onboard court, enjoy a soothing onboard massage or salon service at the spacious Zen Wellness Studio, and much more. Travelers also have the opportunity to extend their river cruise experience with pre- or post-cruise land packages in Budapest or Prague fully escorted by AmaWaterways’ Cruise Managers.

Travelers dreaming of a romantic rendezvous on the Rhine River can enjoy a 7-night escape aboard AmaWaterways’ award-winning ship, AmaLucia, in February. The Captivating Rhine and Enchanting Rhine itineraries will sail between Amsterdam and Basel starting February 11, 2024. Throughout the picturesque voyage from Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, guests will be enamored by views of vineyard-clad hills, charming fabled towns and local flavors such as Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer. Both itineraries allow guests to extend their journeys through pre- and post-cruise land packages in Lake Lucerne, Zurich and Amsterdam.

“We introduced our first-ever Christmas Market River Cruises over 15 years ago and many had their doubts about Europe being an attractive winter river cruising destination for North Americans. However, our holiday itineraries have become some of our most sought out experiences,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “As a leading innovator in the river cruise industry, we are proud to offer travelers unexpected opportunities to fully immerse themselves in a destination and next February, we are pleased to present the chance to experience Europe in yet another unique way.”

With the extended 2024 season, travel advisors have additional opportunities to boost their earnings and when reserved by March 31, 2023, clients can take advantage of Early Booking Rewards with 5% cruise savings on balcony staterooms and suites on select 2024 Europe, Asia and Egypt sailings.

Swan Hellenic to name SH Diana in Amsterdam

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 24 February 2023 24 February 2023

Swan Hellenic has announced that the naming ceremony of its third and largest ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, will take place in Amsterdam on the 4th of May.

The SH Diana, a new purpose-designed vessel, will be named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world

Valerie’s key role in the naming ceremony underlines the strong relationships the renascent Swan Hellenic has already built across the United States. Renowned not only as the Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, Valerie is also Chairman Emeritus of the Global Member Advisory Board of the Virtuoso global network of luxury travel advisors, and Chairman Emeritus to the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Committee. Valerie has earned countless awards including “Lifetime Achievement” from Virtuoso and Travel Weekly. Valerie Wilson Travel is proud to be part of FROSCH, a Chase company.

With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry and serving on almost every travel related advisory board during her career, Valerie’s influence remains impactful around the globe and throughout her beloved travel community. Valerie is committed to her true belief that there is no greater power than providing first-hand knowledge and sharing experiences with clients and industry colleagues, while keeping the founding principles of integrity, trust and loyalty as the cornerstones of her business.

Following the high-profile events and entertainment after the naming ceremony, Valerie will remain on board as a VIP group host during SH Diana’s maiden cruise to Tromso, “Norway Explored,” sailing on the evening of May 4th.
Having visited Germany’s Heligoland archipelago, SH Diana will call at Mandal, the southernmost town in Norway, and start making its way up almost the entire Norwegian coast. Benefiting from expert insights throughout, her guests will explore its longest, deepest, and most dramatic fjords, remote lakes, historic stave churches and charismatic fishing ports on their way to Tromso, Gateway to the Arctic.

Dr Terje Leiren will be accompanying the maiden cultural expedition cruise throughout, sharing his expert knowledge, insights and company with the guests on board. Terje Leiren is Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Seattle, and was the University’s first holder of the Sverre Arestad Endowed Chair in Norwegian Studies (2007-2017). Terje gained his Ph.D. in history at the University of North Texas and taught at the University of Oslo before joining the University of Washington in 1977. He served as Co-General Editor of the University of Washington Press book series, “New Directions in Scandinavian Studies”, and is the author of four books and over 40 academic articles on Scandinavian history. He has also contributed to several television documentary programmes broadcast on PBS and the History Channel on topics ranging from the Vikings to World War II.

Having completed its Arctic Season of 7 cultural expedition cruises, SH Diana will make its way back down the western seaboard to the Mediterranean, marking Swan Hellenic’s historic return to the region for which the concept of cultural expedition cruising was originally created. Then it will go further, taking it worldwide as she continues through the Suez Canal to the Paradise Islands, Madagascar and Southern Africa on her way to Antarctica.

SH Diana is the third and largest in a series of three elegant, high ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels made for authentic discovery experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. SH Diana features a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC6 ice-strengthened hull with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 125 m, the 12,100 gross ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

SH Diana, like her sister ships SH Minerva and SH Vega, has been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations and is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles. Preparations have been made to implement zero-emission battery technology which would also make it possible to operate silently in port, marine reserves, and other sensitive natural areas. The vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas.

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana is operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide the highest levels of personal service.
Distinguished by the same elegant interior design as her acclaimed sister ships, with open-plan interiors, unobstructed sea views and extensive deck areas, there are nevertheless certain key differences, salient among them a dedicated presentation and lecture theatre overlooking the lounge and on-board tender boats to take guests ashore in addition to the customary expedition zodiacs. Like her siblings, SH Diana will feature a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and cellar, club room and swimming pool with poolside grill.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito commented: “We're truly honoured to have Valerie as Godmother to this very special new ship, considering her iconic status in the US travel industry and the importance of the US market for Swan Hellenic. SH Diana proudly takes us back to where our story began, while also opening a new chapter that takes cultural expedition cruising worldwide in exceptional comfort and style.”

MSC Cruises to name MSC Euribia in Copenhagen

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 23 February 2023 23 February 2023

The Naming Ceremony for MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC Euribia, will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 8, 2023, the company announced today. The ship symbolizes MSC Cruises’ commitment to protecting the oceans, which is why the cruise line selected the port of Copenhagen for the festivities. The port has a rich maritime heritage and Denmark is a country with a deep respect for the sea and commitment to sustainability.

MSC Euribia will be the cruise line’s second vessel powered by LNG, which is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale. The ship also features state-of-the-art environmental systems including a ‘Baltic Standard’ advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, waste management handling, energy efficiency measures, and shore power connectivity to enable zero emissions from the ship where onshore power is available.

This highly anticipated new ship will feature a striking mural painted on her exterior that represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to protect and preserve the marine environment. German graphic artist Alex Flaemig designed the artwork to convey the importance of protecting this delicate and complex ecosystem. MSC Euribia is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia, who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas—just as MSC Cruises envisioned the ship to master the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies and protect the precious marine ecosystem.

Starting her inaugural season in Northern Europe on June 10, 2023, MSC Euribia will offer 7-night sailings from Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark to the stunning Norwegian Fjords including Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flaam.