Norwegian Cruise Line Drops Vaccination Requirements and Bookings Accelerate

Posted on 12 August, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Dawn arriving at the Port of Liverpool, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced earlier this week it was dropping vaccination requirements on cruises from the U.S., as well as pre-cruise-related testing protocols for vaccinated guests. The result? Cruise bookings picked up.

“(The) announcement was an instant catalyst, resulting in one of our top three best booking days of the year,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO, speaking on the company’s second-quarter earnings call.

The company will no longer have a mandatory vaccination requirement on any of its ships, which include the Norwegian, Oceania and Regent brands.

Del Rio said the company had relaxed testing protocols, regardless of sailing length.

“To put it simply, vaccinated individuals, including those embarking on NCLH ship from U.S. ports will no longer have any pre-cruise related protocols, and those who are unvaccinated or choose not to provide proof of vaccination will be required to test negative within 72 hours prior to embarkation. In addition, all guests 11 years old and younger will be exempt from vaccination and testing requirements of any kind,” he said.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Maintaining Strong Pricing, Won’t Discount to Fill

Posted on 12 August, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings won’t be discounting ticket prices to chase short-term occupancy levels, said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, on the company’s second-quarter earnings call.

“We could, like others, chase short-term occupancy and sell cruises for crazy prices, but we don’t want to do that. We never have done that. That is not our strategy,” he said.

“I remind you what happened back in ’08 and ’09, when (during) the great recession, certain cruise companies did drop their prices to ridiculous levels. And it took them, in some cases, 10 plus years, and in some cases, they’ve not yet reached those pre-great recession yields. I’m not willing to mortgage the company for 10-plus years in order to window dress the next quarter or so. I just won’t do it. We’re here for the long term,” he said.

“We’re managing the business on a long-term basis. COVID had a major impact. We were shut down for 18 months or so, and the recovery is not instant mashed potatoes. If you want instant mashed potatoes, you got to go elsewhere because we’re here for the long run. And our pricing strategy, how disciplined it is, is proof of that.

“We simply don’t want to chase short-term occupancy at the expense of long-term pricing. Pricing has a long tail,” he added.

Del Rio said the company had 40% more ticket sales on the books right now compared to 2018 despite a 20% increase in capacity.

“And I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I’ve managed cruise companies in good times and in bad times, and I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that you don’t sacrifice the long-term pricing power of your brand in order to achieve short-term load factor gains,” Del Rio continued.

Norwegian Cruise Line to Debut The Evolution of Innovation Series

Posted on 11 August, 2022 by Spacejunkie2

Following the release of season two of Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Embark with NCL,” the company will now air “The Evolution of Innovation” on August 11, 2022, according to a press release.

The three-part series will highlight the history of cruising as well as the company’s legacy, according to a statement by the cruise company.

It will also chronicle the company’s most notable moments up until the launch of the new Prima Class of ships in August of this year.

“Since 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line has set industry-leading standards for the ultimate vacation experience. ‘The Evolution of Innovation’ documents the Company’s pioneering heritage and provides a look into the future, one built on creativity, style and an uncompromising commitment to our guests,” commented Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer, Norwegian Cruise Line.

The three episodes include “History of Innovation,” “The Evolution of Entertainment” and “The Future of the Cruise Experience.”

The first episode airs on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at 8 p.m. ET both on the company’s website and Facebook page.

Executives from the company will appear in all three episodes, assisting viewers in better understanding the company’s history and impact on the cruise industry. Viewers will also get a glimpse into the brand’s history, with never-before-seen interviews and archived footage, as well as an early look into the next generation of vessels that will define the company’s future.