Two major cruise operators saw their stocks hit 52-week lows on Thursday, as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings dipped as low as $14.48 and Carnival Corporation sank to $22.28.
Other cruise stocks were also down on Thursday, including Royal Caribbean, Lindblad and Viking, although those three were off their year-long lows.
Driving the dips were said to be concerns over fuel prices due to the ongoing Middle East situation, and a potential capacity and pricing situation in the Caribbean in the first quarter.
U.S. crude oil had topped $100 a barrel on Wednesday as strikes continue in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, multiple Wall Street analysts have pointed to the cruise industry’s 2027 first quarter Caribbean capacity and ticket pricing as a potential concern.
One note sent to investors this week had called out Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings specifically as a contributor to pricing pressure.
NCL reveals spa and dining offerings on newest ship
Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed details of the dining and spa facilities on its latest ship Norwegian Aura, which launches next May.
The Prima Plus Class vessel is the line’s largest ship and will be able to host 3,880 passengers in 1,970 cabins.
It boasts the industry’s “most expansive” thermal suite, featuring 15 wellness experiences, and NCL’s first specialty restaurant dedicated to Indian cuisine, called Tamara.
The Panorama Room on deck six features LED displays, synchronised lighting and visuals that evolve throughout the day and evening, “transporting guests through ever-changing landscapes, artwork and scenic environments as they dine”.
Other restaurants, bars and lounges have been redesigned and repositioned to create more space.
Gary Anslow, vice-president for the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “Norwegian Aura is all about giving guests more of what they love, with spaces and experiences that make vacations feel even easier.
“From Tamara, our new Indian specialty restaurant, which expands the already guest-favourite eatery in Indulge to an elevated culinary offering; to The Panorama Room’s immersive dining experience and our most expansive Thermal Suite to date, every addition has been purposefully designed to give guests more freedom, choice and opportunities to relax, recharge and enjoy their vacation their way, without compromise.”
The Mandara Spa, which includes the thermal suite, also offers a sensory rain pool, said to be the first of its kind at sea.
The 360-degree experience transforms from calm waters to a tropical rainfall and eventually a dramatic thunderstorm, with simulated lightning effects and the sounds of rolling thunder.
The culinary programme includes 22 food and beverage options spanning more than 10 distinct cuisines.
Norwegian Aura will also feature Ocean Heights, an activity zone for parents and kids.
It will offer six slides, the 82-foot Aura Ropes Course, a multi-level obstacle course, Moon Climber, and Aura Midway featuring carnival-style games and a nine-hole mini golf course.
The ship will first set sail in Europe with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste to Barcelona on May 21, 2027, followed by a 13-day transatlantic voyage to Miami.
In the summer of 2027 as well as the summer of 2028, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages. During winter 2027-28, Norwegian Aura will offer week-long Western Caribbean voyages.
Norwegian’s Pride of America Delays Return to Honolulu Due to Hurricane
The Pride of America had to delay its return to Honolulu due to Hurricane Lala, which impacted Hawaii over the weekend.
With the port closed due to adverse weather, the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was only able to dock one day later than planned on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to a text message sent to boarding guests, check-in at Honolulu Harbor was then open until 9:00 PM local time.
Initially set to depart from its homeport on August 15, 2026, the Pride of America was scheduled to offer a seven-night interisland cruise in Hawaii.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this weekend’s weather-related delays,” Norwegian stated.
“We are pleased to share that we have received the all-clear to begin embarkation and check-in,” the company continued.
“We are currently finalizing itinerary details and will communicate as soon as it becomes available,” Norwegian added.
The ship’s original itinerary included visits to Hilo and Kailua Kona, as well as overnight calls to Kahului and Nawiliwili.
In addition to the Pride of America, the Norwegian Spirit was also impacted by Hurricane Lala and had to delay a planned arrival to Honolulu.
Offering a series of cruises that connect the South Pacific and Hawaii to Alaska, the 1999-built vessel was scheduled to arrive at the port on August 16, 2026.
The adverse weather in the region forced Norwegian Cruise Line to move the planned call to August 17, 2026.
As a result, passengers who were set to board the ship’s upcoming cruise were asked to arrive at the Honolulu port one day later.
The Norwegian Spirit is scheduled to offer a 16-night cruise that will sail to destinations in Hawaii and Alaska before ending in Vancouver, Canada.
The itinerary originally included visits to Kailua Kona, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Icy Strait Point, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan.
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