Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings shares rose nearly 2% in pre-market trading on Wednesday after the cruise operator said it expects third-quarter results to exceed its previous forecast, supported by better-than-expected revenue performance.
The company had previously forecast third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $0.90 and adjusted EBITDA of $874 million when it provided guidance in July.
Norwegian Cruise Line did not provide specific updated earnings or EBITDA figures for the third quarter.
Full-Year 2026 Guidance Reaffirmed
Norwegian Cruise Line reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance alongside the update on third-quarter trading.
The company also provided an outlook for interest costs in 2027, forecasting full-year net interest expense of between $860 million and $880 million.
The expected improvement in third-quarter results reflects revenue performance above the assumptions incorporated into the company’s previous forecast.
2027 Occupancy and Pricing at Record Levels
Norwegian Cruise Line said booked occupancy and pricing for 2027 are both at record levels.
The company also reported that bookings for 2028 are “off to an excellent start,” with both occupancy and pricing ahead of levels recorded at the same point last year.
The booking update provides visibility into demand beyond the current financial year as the company continues to build its reservation base for 2027 and 2028.
Norwegian Cruise Line shares had already closed 3.4% higher in the previous trading session before adding nearly 2% in Wednesday’s pre-market trading.
Carnival Shares Rise After Earnings Forecast Increase
The update from Norwegian Cruise Line followed a move higher across cruise-related shares on Tuesday after Carnival raised its full-year adjusted earnings-per-share forecast.
Carnival shares gained as much as 13.4% during Tuesday’s session, representing their largest intraday increase since April 8.
Norwegian Cruise Line shares closed 3.4% higher on the same day before the company provided its latest third-quarter expectations.
The subsequent pre-market gain on Wednesday followed Norwegian Cruise Line’s statement that third-quarter results are expected to come in above its July forecast while its full-year 2026 guidance remains unchanged.