Norwegian Cruise CEO Says Cuba Sailings Are Selling Strong
Skift Take
Norwegian's results are more evidence that the cruise industry is booming despite the downturn in the up-and-coming China market. By using language like "the stars aligned," however, executives sound like they're trying to lower expectations that the good luck will stick around.
In a quarter where lots of things went right for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, one part of the business was a standout: Cuba cruises.
The cruise operator started sailing to the island in March and had 11 voyages that included Havana during the three-month stretch that ended June 30.
"In terms of benefitting the quarter, no new destination has had quite the impact of Cuba," president and CEO Frank Del Rio said during a call with analysts Tuesday. "Our voyages to Havana have been a home run."
The company owns three brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — and all have visited the island.
Cruises on Norwegian Sky, which started sailing regular four-night itineraries to the island in May, have fetched much higher prices than the Bahamas i
