EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1318742
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1318742_10-K_2024_0001558370-24-001937.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
History and Development of the Company
Norwegian commenced operations from Miami, Florida in 1966, launching the modern cruise industry by offering weekly departures from Miami, Florida to destinations in the Caribbean. In February 2011, NCLH, a Bermuda limited company, was formed. In January 2013, NCLH completed its IPO and the ordinary shares of NCLC were exchanged for the ordinary shares of NCLH, and NCLH became the owner of 100% of the ordinary shares and parent company of NCLC. In November 2014, we completed the Acquisition of Prestige.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, in response to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”)’s BEPS 2.0 Pillar 2 global tax reform, the Company restructured its organizational structure by realigning many of its operations across its three different brands into a single jurisdiction, Bermuda. In connection with the reorganization, among other steps, certain NCLH subsidiaries previously domiciled in the Isle of Man, the Cayman Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Panama and the state of Delaware, were redomiciled to Bermuda.
Our Company
Business Overview
We are a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.
Our brands offer itineraries to worldwide destinations including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii. Norwegian’s U.S.-flagged ship, Pride of America, provides the industry’s only entirely inter-island itinerary in Hawaii.
All of our brands offer an assortment of features, amenities and activities, including a variety of accommodations, multiple dining venues, bars and lounges, spa, casino and retail shopping areas and numerous entertainment choices. All brands also offer a selection of shore excursions at each port of call as well as hotel packages for stays before or after a voyage.
As of December 31, 2023, we had 32 ships with approximately 66,500 Berths. During 2023, we took delivery of three ships. In April 2023 we took delivery of Oceania Cruises’ Vista, in August 2023 we took delivery of Norwegian Viva, and in November 2023 we took delivery of Seven Seas Grandeur. We have orders for five additional ships to be delivered. For the Norwegian brand, we have four Prima Class Ships on order, with currently scheduled delivery dates from 2025 through 2028. For Oceania Cruises, we have one Allura Class Ship on order for delivery in 2025. These additions to our fleet are expected to increase our total Berths to approximately 82,500.
Corporate Information
Our registered offices are located at Walkers Corporate (Bermuda) Limited, Park Place, 55 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. Our principal executive offices are located at 7665 Corporate Center Drive, Miami, Florida 33126. Daniel S. Farkas, the Company’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Development Officer and Assistant Secretary, is our agent for service of process at our principal executive offices.
Near-Term Priorities
Capitalize on healthy demand environment
In 2023, we took delivery of three ships and absorbed the corresponding new capacity. We managed to maintain an optimal 12-month forward booked position while also increasing pricing. Additionally, we focused on maximizing onboard revenue generation by implementing bundling strategies to increase revenue generation prior to sailing. These efforts allowed us to leverage the healthy demand environment and drive overall profitability, and we expect to continue to take advantage of these market conditions in 2024.
Right-size cost base
We are currently undergoing a broad and ongoing effort to improve operating efficiencies, including cost minimization initiatives, to strengthen the foundation for sustained, profitable growth and mitigate the impact of inflation and supply chain disruptions. We have various planned initiatives both shoreside and shipboard, either already implemented or in process, which we expect will contribute to this broader efficiency improvement effort while continuing to provide value to our guests.
Strategic enhancements to guest experience
We are continually working on enhancements aimed at maximizing guest satisfaction and with a focus on efficient investments that prioritize returns. For example, in 2023 we announced that we would improve the connectivity for guests and crew at sea by offering Space X’s Starlink high-speed internet on our ships, which is expected to be completed for the entire fleet in 2024. By identifying and implementing these enhancements, we aim to provide an exceptional guest experience and further strengthen our market position.
Chart path to reduce leverage and lower the balance sheet risk
In 2023, we continued to take actions to bolster our financial condition as part of our long-term post-pandemic financial recovery strategy.
● Refinanced the Term Loan A Facility maturing in January 2024 and 2025 with two non-amortizing instruments: NCLC issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 8.375% senior secured notes due 2028 in February 2023 and $790 million aggregate principal amount of 8.125% senior secured notes due 2029 in October 2023.
● Amended and restated the Senior Secured Credit Facility (the “Sixth ARCA”) in October 2023, which among other things, increased the aggregate amount of the Revolving Loan Facility from $875 million to $1.2 billion and extended the maturity to October 2026.
● In February 2023, we entered into an amended and restated commitment letter for $650 million to provide additional liquidity to the Company through February 2024, with an option for NCLC to further extend the commitment through February 2025 at its election. In connection with the execution of the current commitment letter, NCLC issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 9.75% senior secured notes due 2028. In February 2024, we extended the $650 million undrawn commitment from February 2024 to March 2024 while maintaining our option to further extend the commitment. We are currently taking steps to refinance the commitment. As further described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources,” we expect the refinanced commitment to be extended for one year through March 2025, when effective. In connection with this refinancing, the $250 million 9.75% senior secured notes due 2028 are expected to be repurchased. This refinancing, which is expected to close in early March subject to approval by our Board of Directors, will reduce interest expense and leverage while also releasing all of the collateral securing the notes and commitment.
Refer to Note 8 - “Long-Term Debt” for further details about the above transactions.
Our Fleet
The following table presents information about our ships and their primary areas of operation based on current and future itineraries, which are subject to change.
Ship (1)
Year
Built
Primary Areas of Operation
Norwegian
Norwegian Aqua (2)
Europe, Caribbean
Norwegian Viva
The Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Prima
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Encore
Alaska, The Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico-Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Norwegian Bliss
Alaska, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico-Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Norwegian Joy
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico-Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Norwegian Escape
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Getaway
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Breakaway
Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Epic
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Gem
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe
Norwegian Jade
Africa, Alaska, Asia, The Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, U.S. West Coast
Norwegian Pearl
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe
Norwegian Jewel
Alaska, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico-Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Pride of America
Hawaii
Norwegian Dawn
Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe
Norwegian Star
Antarctica, Europe, South America
Norwegian Sun
Alaska, Asia, Central America, Mexico-Pacific, South America, South Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Norwegian Sky
Asia, The Bahamas, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe
Norwegian Spirit
Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Hawaii, South Pacific
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Allura (3)
The Bahamas, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe
Oceania Vista
Africa, Asia, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico-Pacific, South America, South Pacific
Oceania Riviera
Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Europe, South Pacific
Oceania Marina
Africa, Antarctica, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, South America
Oceania Nautica
Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Hawaii, South America, South Pacific
Oceania Sirena
Asia, Australia The Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Hawaii, South America, South Pacific
Oceania Regatta
Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Hawaii, Mexico-Pacific, South Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Oceania Insignia
Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico-Pacific, South America, South Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Regent
Seven Seas Grandeur
The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico-Pacific
Seven Seas Splendor
Africa, Antarctica, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico-Pacific, South America
Seven Seas Explorer
Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand
Seven Seas Voyager
Africa, Asia, Antarctica, Australia & New Zealand, Bermuda, Europe, South America, South Pacific
Seven Seas Mariner
Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico-Pacific, South America, South Pacific, U.S. West Coast
Seven Seas Navigator
Africa, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe, South America, South Pacific
(1) The table above does not include the three additional ships on order.
(2) The third of the Prima Class Ships, which is expected to be delivered in 2025.
(3) The second of the Allura Class Ships, which is expected to be delivered in 2025.
Our Mission, Competitive Strengths & Business Strategies
Our core mission is to provide exceptional vacation experiences delivered by passionate team members committed to world-class hospitality and innovation. We believe that the following business strengths support our overall strategy to deliver on our mission.
Enhanced Product Offering and Guest Experience
Our portfolio of three award-winning brands operates a combined 32 ships ranging in size from approximately 500 to over 4,000 Berths. Along with introducing new vessels to the fleet, we continually invest in revitalizations to existing ships to provide new and enhanced offerings that we believe deliver higher guest satisfaction and, in turn, higher pricing.
Norwegian’s ships cater to a variety of travelers with up to 20 dining options; various attractions, including the world’s only racetracks at sea; a wide array of entertainment options; full-service spas at sea; and a diverse range of accommodations including luxury suites in The Haven, studio staterooms designed and priced for the solo traveler and everything in between. Oceania Cruises’ award-winning onboard dining, with multiple open seating dining venues, is a central highlight of its cruise experience. Regent’s all-inclusive offering includes business class air on intercontinental flights, unlimited shore excursions, one-night pre-cruise hotel package in Concierge Suites and higher, specialty restaurants, unlimited beverages, including fine wines and spirits, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, transfers between airport and ship, valet laundry service and other amenities.
The Norwegian, Oceania Cruises and Regent brands all offer a high level of onboard service. The organizational structure of our operations promotes collaboration amongst our brands to exchange best practices that ultimately provide an enhanced guest experience. Norwegian offers guests high quality service and the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal cruise vacation on their schedule with no set dining times, a variety of activity options and no formal dress codes. Oceania Cruises and Regent are known for their high level of service, including some of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry with trained staff providing personalized service and world class cuisine.
Rich Stateroom Mix
The Norwegian, Oceania Cruises and Regent fleets offer an attractive mix of staterooms, suites and villas. Norwegian offers a variety of accommodations to meet the needs of all types of travelers, from inside, oceanview, balcony and connecting staterooms. For guests looking to spread out, Norwegian delivers a range of suites, from two-bedroom family suites to penthouses and owner suites, as well as three-bedroom Garden Villas measuring up to 6,694 square feet. In addition, 13 of Norwegian’s ships offer The Haven, a key-card access enclave on the upper decks with luxurious suite accommodations, exclusive amenities, and 24/7 butler and concierge service. The Haven guests also enjoy exclusive access to a dedicated pool, hot tubs, sundeck, fine-dining restaurant, bar lounge and other amenities. The Haven experience is available on Norwegian Epic, and the vessels of the Jewel, Breakaway, Breakaway Plus and Prima Class Ships. Norwegian’s accommodations also include studio staterooms designed for solo travelers centered around a key-
card access only Studio Lounge where single travelers can interact. Recently, Norwegian expanded its solo stateroom offerings across its entire fleet, offering more variety of staterooms priced for the solo traveler.
The spacious and elegant accommodations on Oceania Cruises’ seven award-winning ships range from 143-square foot inside staterooms to opulent 2,400 -square foot Owner Suites. The Regent fleet is comprised of six ships. Seven Seas Voyager, Mariner, Explorer, Splendor and Grandeur feature all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, and a majority of the accommodations on Seven Seas Navigator include balconies. The three newest ships in the Regent fleet, Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor and Explorer, also feature the Regent Suite, a 4,443 square-foot luxurious suite accommodation that includes an in-suite spa retreat, a 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda, and a glass-enclosed solarium sitting area.
Itinerary Optimization & Premium Itinerary Mix
We manage our ships’ deployments to promote a better breadth of itineraries, sell cruises further in advance and maximize profitability while also considering our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We offer a diverse selection of premium itineraries with worldwide deployment and voyages ranging from three days to a 180-day around-the-world cruise. Our vessels call on ports including Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Asia, Tahiti and the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, India, South America, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean. Our destination management team reviews deployments across the fleet, either repositioning ships to new destinations or fine-tuning itineraries, with the goal of diversifying our deployment and creating product scarcity which, in turn, leads to higher pricing.
We are also focused on destination development and have created two private destinations to enhance the shore experience for our guests. We were the first cruise line to develop a private island, Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas. This private island features over 1,500 feet of accessible beachfront with white sand beaches; over 50 cabana and villa options; an array of shore excursions including a new over water zipline experience that extends nearly 3,000 feet in length; and on-island food and beverage offerings. In 2019, we launched Silver Cove, the latest enhancement designed to elevate the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay. This exclusive oceanfront lagoon area includes private beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa with beachfront treatments as well as the exclusive Moët & Chandon Bar and upscale Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. The 38 luxury air-conditioned villas range from studios to larger one-and-two-bedroom villas, all of which include a private bathroom, daybed, club chairs, televisions with on-demand entertainment, outdoor patio and lounge seating, retractable glass walls providing unobstructed views and access to the private beachfront lagoon. In 2016, we introduced Harvest Caye, the Company’s private resort-style destination in Southern Belize. The 75-acre destination features Belize’s only cruise ship pier, an expansive seven-acre white sand beach, 15,000 sq. ft. pool with swim up bar, multiple dining options and a nature center with wildlife experiences plus adventure tours.
Disciplined Fleet Expansion
For the Norwegian brand, we have four Prima Class Ships on order with currently scheduled delivery dates from 2025 through 2028. The third and fourth Prima Class Ships will be approximately 156,300 Gross Tons with 3,550 Berths and the fifth and sixth Prima Class Ships will be approximately 169,000 Gross Tons with 3,850 Berths. For the Oceania Cruises brand, we have an order for one Allura Class Ship to be delivered in 2025, which will be approximately 67,800 Gross Tons and 1,250 Berths. The impacts of initiatives to improve environmental sustainability, modifications the Company has made to its newbuilds and/or other macroeconomic conditions and events have resulted in delays in expected ship deliveries in the past. These and other impacts could result in additional delays in ship deliveries in the future, which may be prolonged.
We believe these new ships will allow us to continue expanding the reach of our brands, position us for accelerated growth and provide an optimized return on invested capital. We have obtained fixed-rate export-credit backed financing which is expected to fund approximately 80% of the contract price of each ship currently scheduled to be delivered through 2028, subject to certain conditions.
Revenue Management and Promotional Construct Strategy
Our revenue management function performs extensive analyses in order to determine booking history and uses trends by itinerary, sailing, stateroom category, distribution channel and market segment to optimize cruise ticket revenue. Our revenue management strategies result in a longer booking window with enhanced predictability and the opportunity to increase prices through the booking curve.
Our promotional construct revolves around a value-add bundled product for all three brands which we believe leads to higher quality guest bookings. The Norwegian brand’s Free at Sea program offers guests the choice of a more inclusive, value-add experience that includes multiple amenities to customize their cruise experience, while driving higher pricing and enhanced guest satisfaction. Oceania Cruises’ simply MORE™ program offers a range of included amenities which can include roundtrip airfare, airport transfers and shore excursions. Regent offers an inclusive luxury experience with unlimited shore excursions and one-night pre-cruise hotel stay among other offerings.
These strategies are designed to maximize revenue while providing value to our guests. We believe these strategies and other initiatives executed through our distribution channels will drive sustainable growth in the number of guests carried and in revenues achieved.
Marketing Strategy
Our marketing teams work to enhance brand awareness and consideration of our products and services among consumers and travel partners with the ultimate goal of driving sales. We utilize a multi-channel marketing strategy that may include a combination of print, television, radio, digital, website/e-commerce, direct mail, social media and influencer marketing, mobile and e-mail campaigns, partnerships, customer loyalty initiatives, market research, public relations, consumer events and business-to-business events. We continue to test, enhance and expand our use of digital marketing, data and analytics and emerging marketing technology to drive cost efficiencies and maximize return.
Building customer loyalty among our past guests is an important element of our marketing strategy. Past guests create a cost-effective means of attracting business, particularly to our new ships and itineraries as they are familiar with our brands, products and services and often return to cruise with us. We will continue to optimize our customer databases and target marketing capabilities to further enhance our communications with our past guests who receive e-mail, direct mail and brochures with informative destination and product information and promotional amenities. Our marketing mix includes a balance of initiatives that both allow us to build our brand awareness to attract new-to-brand customers, while also focusing on more targeted marketing communications aimed at retaining our current loyal repeat guest base.
Continued investments in our websites and applications will be key not only to driving interest and bookings, but also to ensuring the optimal pre-cruise planning experience offering guests the ability to shop, reserve and purchase a breadth of onboard products and services. We have a strong communications stream that provides customized pre-cruise information to help guests maximize their cruise experience as well as a series of communications to welcome them home post cruise to engage them in booking their next cruise vacation with us.
Travel advisors are crucial to our marketing and distribution efforts. We provide robust marketing support and enhanced tools for our travel advisor partners through a variety of programs. Our travel partners can benefit from our online travel partner education programs that include a wide variety of courses about our products and experiences, itineraries and other best-selling practices. Advisors can also easily customize a multitude of consumer marketing materials for their use in promoting and marketing our products through our online platforms.
Guest feedback is also a critically important element in the development of our overall marketing and business strategies. We regularly initiate guest feedback studies among both travel partners and consumers to assess the impact of various programs and/or to solicit information that helps shape future direction of the experiences we provide.
Expand and Strengthen Our Product Distribution Channels
As part of our growth strategy, we continually look for ways to deepen and expand our sales channels.
We have strategic relationships with travel advisors and tour operators who recognize our brands as preferred partners and dedicate resources to sell our inventory with long lead times at the highest possible prices. The retail/travel advisor channel represents a significant portion of our ticket sales. Our travel partner base is comprised of an extensive network of independent travel advisors worldwide. We have made substantial investments with improvements in booking technologies, transparent pricing strategies, effective marketing tools, improved communication and cooperative marketing initiatives to enhance and facilitate the ability of travel advisors to market and sell our products. We have sales teams who work closely with our travel advisor partners on maximizing their marketing and sales effectiveness across all three of our brands. Our focused account management is designed to create solutions catered to the individual
retailer through product and sales training. This education process creates a deeper understanding of all our product offerings.
We have invested in our brands by enhancing websites, mobile applications and passenger services departments including our personal cruise consultants, who offer personalized service throughout the process of designing cruise vacations for our guests. We have also enhanced our capabilities to enable guests to customize their vacation experience with certain onboard product offerings. We also utilize our onboard cruise sales channel where guests can book their next cruise or purchase cruise certificates to apply to their next cruise while vacationing on our ships.
Our meetings, incentives and charters channel focuses on full ship charters as well as corporate meetings and incentive travel. These sales often have very long lead times and can fill a significant portion of the ship’s capacity, or even an entire sailing, in one transaction. Sixthman, a subsidiary company specializing in developing and delivering music and overall festival-focused charters, provides a market to sell high-quality music and festival-at-sea experiences to guests. To further grow and expand this channel, we introduced a new branded initiative “Experiences at Sea,” consisting of Sixthman and the Company’s Charters, Meetings & Incentives department. Experiences at Sea focuses on corporate, incentive and affinity-focused clients across all three of our brands.
Casino Player Strategy
We have non-exclusive arrangements with casino partners worldwide whereby loyal gaming guests are offered cruise reward certificates redeemable for cruises. Through property sponsored events and joint marketing programs, we have the opportunity to market cruises to these guests. These arrangements with casino partners have the dual benefit of filling open inventory and reaching guests expected to generate above-average onboard revenue through the casino and other onboard spending.
Strengthening Our Global Footprint
Our international efforts are aimed at strengthening our global footprint by increasing brand awareness across the globe which allows us to diversify our guest sourcing. We maintain numerous sales offices which support sales and marketing efforts in various markets outside of North America including the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Australia and Brazil.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
The continued success of our business is linked to our ability to operate and grow sustainably. We are committed to driving a positive impact on society and the environment through our global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain. The Sail & Sustain program is centered around five pillars: Reducing Environmental Impact, Sailing Safely, Empowering People, Strengthening Our Communities and Operating with Integrity and Accountability. NCLH’s Board of Directors is actively engaged in overseeing the Sail & Sustain program and Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) strategy and implementation through its Technology, Environmental, Safety & Security Committee.
Reducing our environmental impact is a key component of the Sail & Sustain program. All of our ships have environmental management systems that are certified under the International Organization for Standardization’s 14001 Standard. This voluntary standard sets requirements for the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive environmental management system.
As part of our environmental commitment, we are pursuing net zero greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by 2050 across our operations (Scopes 1 and 2) and value chain (Scope 3). We have set interim targets to guide us on our path to net zero and provide more details about them in our annual ESG Report.
The three components of our climate action strategy are Efficiency, Innovation and Collaboration. Each ship in our fleet has a Shipboard Energy Efficiency Management Plan with the objective to improve the overall operating efficiency of the ship by implementing methods for energy and fuel savings. We evaluate, monitor, and implement energy-savings projects on our existing ships including but not limited to HVAC system upgrades, LED lighting, hydrodynamic upgrades, and Waste Heat Recovery projects.
The path towards net zero is complex, and this effort will require significant technology advancements including commercially viable and scalable low or zero GHG emission fuels, but we are committed to doing our part to facilitate
this transition. For example, we have successfully tested the use of biofuel blends on over 20% of our fleet as a potential “drop-in” solution that does not require modifications to existing engines. We are also investing in shore power technology, which with the appropriate port infrastructure would allow us to connect to onshore electrical power grids to supply much of the power needed while docked. A total of 16 ships in our fleet, or 50%, are currently equipped with shore power technology, and we are targeting approximately 70% of our fleet to be equipped by year-end 2025. To prepare for a long-term transition towards net zero, we have lengthened and reconfigured the designs for the final two Prima Class ships, expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028, to accommodate the use of green methanol as a future fuel source. While additional modifications will be needed to fully enable the use of green methanol, these modifications represent an important step forward in the pursuit of net zero by 2050.
We also drive social impact through our philanthropy initiatives, partnerships and community engagement programs. As a travel company, our success is dependent on the wellbeing and vibrancy of the destinations we visit across the globe. We strive to be a great partner to each destination we visit, working together to find sustainable, long-term solutions for the communities, while at the same time allowing our guests to experience all that these incredible destinations have to offer.
We provide regular updates to our stakeholders on our sustainability efforts and promote awareness on important topics through our Sail & Sustain program, our annual ESG report and through various communications regarding important sustainability initiatives across distribution channels including but not limited to press releases, social media and our corporate website. We have published disclosures aligned with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board framework as well as the recommendations outlined in the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures framework to provide additional transparency to our stakeholders. Climate-related risks, greenhouse gas information and details of our climate action strategy are disclosed in our annual ESG report and annual submission to CDP, which can be found on our website. For additional information regarding our sustainability initiatives, please visit our website at www.nclhltd.com.
Highly Experienced Management Team
Our senior management team is comprised of executives with extensive experience in the cruise, travel, leisure and hospitality-related industries. See “Information about our Executive Officers” below for more information on our highly experienced management team.
Passenger Ticket Revenue
We offer our guests a wide variety of options when booking a cruise. Our cruise ticket prices generally include cruise fare and an array of onboard activities and amenities, meals, entertainment and government taxes, fees and port expenses. In some instances, cruise ticket prices include round-trip airfare to and from the port of embarkation, complimentary beverages, unlimited shore excursions, internet, valet laundry services, pre-cruise hotel packages, as well as pre- or post-cruise land packages at many destinations we sail to around the world. Prices vary depending on the particular cruise itinerary, voyage length, stateroom category selected, added inclusions and the time of year that the sailing takes place.
Onboard and Other Revenue
All three brands generate onboard and other revenue for additional products and services which are not included in the cruise fare, including casino operations, certain food and beverage, shore excursions, gift shop purchases, spa services, Wi-Fi services and other similar items. Food and beverage, casino operations and shore excursions are generally managed directly by us while retail shops, spa services, art auctions and internet services may be managed through contracts with third-party concessionaires. These contracts generally entitle us to a percentage of the gross sales derived from these concessions. Norwegian’s ticket prices typically include cruise accommodations, meals in certain dining facilities and many onboard activities such as entertainment, pool-side activities and various sports programs. To maximize onboard revenue, all three brands use various cross-marketing and promotional tools which are supported by point-of-sale systems permitting “cashless” transactions for the sale of these products and services. Oceania Cruises’ ticket prices may include air transportation and certain other amenities. Regent’s ticket prices typically include air transportation, unlimited shore excursions, a pre-cruise hotel night stay (for concierge level and above), premium wines and liquors, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi, valet laundry and gratuities.
Seasonality
Our operations are seasonal and results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. Historically, demand for cruises has been strongest during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months, which has resulted in fluctuations by quarter in our revenue and results of operations. The seasonality of our results is increased due to ships being taken out of service for regularly scheduled Dry-docks, which we typically schedule during non-peak demand periods.
Competition
Our primary competition includes operators such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean as well as other cruise lines such as MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Virgin Voyages. In addition, we compete with land-based vacation alternatives, such as hotels and resorts, vacation ownership properties, casinos, and tourist destinations throughout the world.
Ship Operations and Cruise Infrastructure
Ship Maintenance and Logistics
Sophisticated and efficient maintenance and operations systems support the technical capabilities and modern look of our fleet. In addition to routine repairs and maintenance performed on an ongoing basis and in accordance with applicable requirements, each of our ships is generally taken out of service, approximately every 24 to 60 months, for a period of one or more weeks for scheduled maintenance work, repairs and improvements performed in Dry-dock. Dry-dock interval is a statutory requirement controlled under IMO requirements reflected in chapters of the International Convention of the Safety of Life at Seas (“SOLAS”) and to some extent the International Load Lines Convention. Under these regulations, it is required that a passenger ship Dry-dock once in five years (depending on age of vessel) or twice in five years (depending on flag state and age of vessel) and the maximum interval between each Dry-dock cannot exceed three years (depending on flag state and age of vessel). However, most of our international ships qualify under a special exemption provided by The Bahamas and/or Marshall Islands (flag state), as applicable, after meeting certain criteria set forth by the ship’s flag state to Dry-dock once every five years. To the extent practical, each ship’s crew, catering and hotel staff remain with the ship during the Dry-dock period and assist in performing repair and maintenance work. Accordingly, Dry-dock work is typically performed during non-peak demand periods to minimize the adverse effect on revenue that results from ships being out of service. Dry-docks are typically scheduled in spring or autumn and depend on shipyard availability. We typically take this opportunity to upgrade the vessels in all areas of both guest-facing services and innovative compliance technology.
Suppliers
Our largest capital expenditures are for ship construction and acquisition. Our largest operating expenditures are for payroll and related (including our contract with a third party who provides certain crew services), fuel, airfare, food and beverage, advertising and marketing and travel advisor services. Most of the supplies that we require are available from numerous sources at competitive prices. In addition, due to the large quantities that we purchase, we can obtain favorable prices for many of our supplies. Our purchases for ship construction expenditures are generally denominated in euros and other purchases are denominated primarily in U.S. dollars. Payment terms granted by the suppliers are generally customary terms for the cruise industry.
Crew and Staff
Best-in-class guest service levels are paramount in the markets in which we operate, where travelers have discerning tastes and high expectations for quality service. We have dedicated resources to ensure that our service offerings on all of our ships meet the demands of our guests. Among other initiatives, we have implemented rigorous onboard training programs, with a focus on career development. We believe that our dedication to anticipating and meeting our guests’ every need differentiates our operations and fosters close relationships between our guests and crew, helping to build customer loyalty.
We place the utmost importance on the safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit. We operate all our vessels to meet and exceed the requirements of SOLAS and International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (“ISM Code”), the international safety standards which govern the cruise industry.
Crew members are trained in the Company’s stringent safety protocols, participating in regular safety trainings, exercises and drills onboard every one of our ships to familiarize themselves and become proficient with the safety equipment onboard. In order to expand our public health protocols, we have developed Infectious Disease Management Protocols that our crew members are trained on prior to returning to service. These policies and protocols were certified and audited to DNV’s Certification in Infection Prevention which further enhances our outbreak prevention and response to all types of infectious disease including, but not limited to COVID-19, norovirus, acute gastroenteritis, influenza and influenza-like illnesses.
Additional support to the above is provided to crew members with the NCLH Wellness at Sea initiative to create a wellness-conscious work environment on the vessels. We are committed to providing crew members with guidelines, resources, and activities for educational purposes and to guide them to achieve optimal wellness. Topics in this initiative address nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management and alcohol and tobacco awareness to name a few.
Our captains and chief engineers are experienced seafarers. Our bridge and technical officers regularly undergo rigorous operations training such as leadership, navigation, stability, statutory and environmental regulatory compliance. To support our deck and engine officers while at sea, we have bridge and engine protocols and support documentation in place, dictating specific standard operating procedures. Our bridge teams conduct a voyage planning process prior to sailing, where the upcoming itinerary is reviewed and discussed by the captain and bridge team prior to departure and in preparation for arrival. In addition, all of our ships employ state-of-the-art navigational equipment and technology to ensure that our bridge teams have accurate data regarding the planned itinerary.
Prior to every cruise setting sail, we show a safety video, which runs continuously on the stateroom televisions, and familiarize guests with their muster stations and important safety information. Our fleet is equipped with modern navigational control and fire prevention and control systems. We have developed a Safety Management System (“SMS”), which establishes policies, procedures, training, qualification, quality, compliance, audit and self-improvement standards. SMS also provides real-time reports and information to support the fleet and risk management decisions. Through these systems, our senior managers, as well as ship management, can focus on consistent, high-quality operation of the fleet. Our SMS is approved and audited regularly by our classification society, Lloyds Register, and it also undergoes regular internal audits as well as periodic inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard, flag state and other port and state authorities.
Insurance
We maintain insurance on the hull and machinery of our ships, which are maintained in amounts related to the estimated market value of each ship. The coverage for each of the hull and machinery policies is maintained with syndicates of insurance underwriters from the European and U.S. insurance markets.
In addition to the insurance coverage on the hull and machinery of our ships, we seek to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage and believe that our current coverage is at appropriate levels to protect against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business. The insurance we carry includes:
● Protection and indemnity insurance (coverage for passenger, crew and third-party liabilities), including insurance against risk of pollution liabilities;
● War risk insurance, including terrorist risk insurance. The terms of our war risk policies include provisions where underwriters can give seven days’ notice to the insured that the policies will be cancelled in the event of a change of risk which is typical for policies in the marine industry. Upon any proposed cancellation the insurer shall, before expiry of the seven-day period, submit new terms; and
● Insurance for our shoreside property, cybersecurity, directors and officers, general liability risks and other insurance coverages.
Our insurance coverage, including those noted above, is subject to certain limitations, exclusions and deductible levels.
Trademarks and Trade Names
Under the Norwegian brand, we own a number of registered trademarks relating to, among other things, the names “NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE” and “FEEL FREE,” the names of our ships (except where trademark applications for these have been filed and are pending), incentive programs and specialty services rendered on our ships and specialty accommodations such as “THE HAVEN BY NORWEGIAN.” In addition, we own registered trademarks relating to the “FREESTYLE” family of names, including, “FREESTYLE CRUISING,” “FREESTYLE DINING” and “FREESTYLE VACATION.” We believe that these trademarks are widely recognized throughout North America, Europe and other areas of the world and have considerable value.
Under the Oceania Cruises brand, we own a number of registered trademarks relating to, among other things, the names “OCEANIA CRUISES” and its logo, “REGATTA,” “INSIGNIA,” and “YOUR WORLD. YOUR WAY.”
Under the Regent brand, we own registered trademarks relating to, among other things, the names “SEVEN SEAS CRUISES” and “AN UNRIVALED EXPERIENCE” as well as the names of our ships (except where trademark applications have been filed and are pending).
We also claim common law rights in trademarks and trade names used in conjunction with our ships, incentive programs, customer loyalty program and specialty services rendered onboard our ships for each of our brands.
The Regent ships have been operating under the Regent brand since 2006. We entered into a trademark license agreement with Regent Hospitality Worldwide, Inc., which we amended in February 2011, granting us the right to use the “Regent” brand family of marks. The amended trademark license agreement allows Regent to use the Regent trade name, in conjunction with cruises, in perpetuity, subject to the terms and conditions in the agreement.
Regulatory Matters
Registration of Our Ships
Twenty-one of the ships that we currently operate are registered in The Bahamas. One of our ships, Pride of America, is a U.S.-flagged ship. Ten of our ships are registered in the Marshall Islands. Our ships registered in The Bahamas and the Marshall Islands are inspected at least annually pursuant to Bahamian and Marshall Islands requirements and are subject to International laws and regulations and to various U.S. federal regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Public Health Service and the U.S. Coast Guard. Our U.S.-registered ship is subject to laws and regulations of the U.S. federal government, including, but not limited to, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Department of Labor. The international, national, state and local laws, regulations, treaties and other legal requirements applicable to our operations change regularly, depending on the itineraries of our ships and the ports and countries visited.
Our ships are subject to inspection by the port regulatory authorities in the various countries that they visit. Such inspections include verification of compliance with the maritime safety, security, environmental, customs, immigration, health and labor regulations applicable to each port as well as with international requirements.
Economic Substance Requirements
NCLH and NCLC are exempted companies formed under the laws of Bermuda and some of their subsidiaries have been formed or continued in Bermuda, Guernsey, Isle of Man, British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia or The Bahamas. Pursuant to the legislation passed in each jurisdiction, entities subject to each jurisdiction’s laws that carry out relevant activities as specified in such laws, are required to demonstrate adequate economic substance in that jurisdiction. In general terms, adequate economic substance means: (i) the entity is actually directed and managed in the jurisdiction; (ii) core income-generating activities relating to the applicable relevant activity are performed in the jurisdiction; (iii) there are adequate employees in the jurisdiction; (iv) the entity maintains adequate physical presence in the jurisdiction; and (v) there is adequate operating expenditure in the jurisdiction. We have evaluated the activities of NCLH, NCLC and their subsidiaries and have concluded that in some cases, those activities are 'relevant activities' for the purposes of the applicable economic substance laws and that, consequently, certain entities within our organization will be required to demonstrate compliance with these economic substance requirements. We have in the past and may in the future be subject to increased costs and our management team may be required to devote significant time to satisfying economic
substance requirements in certain of these jurisdictions. If such entities cannot establish compliance with these requirements, we may be liable to pay additional penalties and fines in the applicable jurisdictions and/or required to re-domicile such entities to different jurisdictions. We are taking steps to meet Bermuda Economic Substance requirements and we expect to meet these requirements in 2024.
Environmental Protection
Our ships are subject to various international, national, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, including those that govern air emissions, waste discharge, wastewater management and disposal, and use and disposal of hazardous substances such as chemicals, solvents and paints. Under such laws and regulations, we are prohibited from discharging certain materials, such as petrochemicals and plastics, into waterways, and we must adhere to various water and air quality-related requirements. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“MARPOL”) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes, and currently contains six annexes, four of which are applicable to cruise ships.
With regard to air quality requirements, MARPOL Annex VI sets a global limit on fuel sulfur content of 0.5%. Various compliance methods, such as the use of alternative fuels, or exhaust gas cleaning systems that reduce an equivalent amount of sulfur oxide (“SOx”) emissions may be utilized. Annex VI also requires stricter limitations on sulfur emissions within designated Emission Control Areas (“ECAs”), which include the Baltic Sea, the North Sea/English Channel, North American waters and the U.S. Caribbean Sea. Ships operating in these waters are required to use fuel with a sulfur content of no more than 0.1% or use approved alternative emission reduction methods. ECAs have also been established to limit emissions of oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”) from newly built ships with keel lay dates after January 1, 2016. Under MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14, the Mediterranean Sea will become an ECA with new limits on SOx taking effect on May 1, 2025. Additional ECAs may also be established in the future, with areas around Norway and Japan being considered.
Ballast water discharges are governed by the MARPOL Ballast Water Management Convention, which came into force in 2017 (the “Convention”), and which governs the discharge of ballast water from ships. Ballast water, which is seawater held onboard ships and used for stabilization, may contain a variety of marine species. The Convention is designed to regulate the treatment and discharge of ballast water to avoid the transfer of marine species to new, different, or potentially unsuitable environments. Applicable vessels sailing in specific itineraries have also been upgraded with ballast water treatment systems to further prevent the spread of invasive species.
MARPOL also sets forth requirements for discharges of garbage, oil and sewage from ships, including regulations regarding the ships’ equipment and systems for the control of such discharges, and the provision of port reception facilities for sewage handling. Ships are generally prohibited from discharging sewage into the sea within a specified distance from the nearest land. Governments are required to ensure the provision of adequate reception facilities at ports and terminals for the reception of sewage, without causing delay to ships. Ships are required to be equipped with either approved sewage treatment plants, disinfecting systems or sewage holding tanks.
Amendments to MARPOL have made the Baltic Sea a MARPOL Annex IV “Special Area” where sewage discharges from passenger ships are prohibited unless they comply with Resolution MEPC 227(64) adopted by the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (“MEPC”) of the IMO. Stricter discharge restrictions went into effect for new passenger ships in 2019, and for existing passenger ships in 2021.
In the U.S., the Clean Water Act of 1972, and other laws and regulations, provide the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the U.S. Coast Guard with the authority to regulate commercial vessels’ incidental discharges of ballast water, bilge water, gray water, anti-fouling paints and other substances during normal operations while a vessel is in inland waters, within three nautical miles of land, and in designated federally-protected waters. The U.S. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) program, authorized by the Clean Water Act, was established to reduce pollution within U.S. territorial waters. For our affected ships, all of the NPDES requirements are set forth in the EPA’s Vessel General Permit (“VGP”). The VGP establishes effluent limits for 26 specific discharge streams incidental to the normal operation of a vessel. In addition to these discharge- and vessel-specific requirements, the VGP includes requirements for inspections, monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping. In 2018, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), which will eventually replace the VGP, was signed into law, and the EPA published a notice of proposed rulemaking in 2020 and a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking in 2023 to establish national standards of
performance under VIDA that would apply to 20 different types of vessel equipment and systems, as well as general discharge standards that would apply to all types of vessel incidental discharges within 12 nautical miles of the United States. The VGP has been administratively extended while standards under VIDA are being developed. With certain exceptions, VIDA requires that the new standards be at least as stringent as the VGP requirements. The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, which implements certain elements of MARPOL in the U.S., provides for potentially severe civil and criminal penalties related to ship-generated pollution for incidents in U.S. waters within three nautical miles of land and, in some cases, within the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (“EEZ”).
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA 90”) provides for strict liability for water pollution caused by the discharge of oil in the 200-nautical mile EEZ of the U.S., subject to defined monetary limits. OPA 90 requires that in order for us to operate in U.S. waters, we must have Certificates of Financial Responsibility (“COFR”) from the U.S. Coast Guard for each ship. Our continued OPA 90 certification signifies our ability to meet the requirements for related OPA 90 liability in the event of an oil spill or release of a hazardous substance.
Many coastal U.S. states have also enacted environmental regulations that impose strict liability for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance. These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law and, in some cases, the laws have no statutory limits of liability. Among the most stringent requirements are those set by the State of Alaska, which has enacted legislation that prohibits certain discharges in designated state waters and requires that certain discharges be monitored to verify compliance with the established standards. The legislation also provides that repeat violators of the regulations could be prohibited from operating in Alaskan waters.
The European Union (“E.U.”) has also adopted a substantial and diverse range of environmental measures aimed at improving the quality of the environment. To support the implementation and enforcement of European environmental legislation, the E.U. has adopted directives on environmental liability and enforcement as well as a recommendation providing for minimum criteria for environmental inspections.
With regard to air emissions from seagoing ships, the E.U. requires the use of low sulfur (less than 0.1%) marine gas oil in E.U. ports. All non-ECA waters have a 0.5% fuel sulfur limit.
The European Commission has also implemented regulations aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime shipping through a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (“MRV”) regulation, which requires ships over 5,000 Gross Tons to monitor and report carbon emissions on all voyages to, from and between E.U. ports as well as ports in the European Economic Area (“EEA”). As of January 1, 2024, the E.U. MRV regulation is requiring carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions to be reported.
As part of its Fit for 55 package, the E.U. is in the process of adopting several rules aimed at reducing GHG emissions. Two of the mechanisms that are being used to achieve emissions reductions are the Emissions Trading System (“ETS”) and the FuelEU Maritime Initiative. We expect to have increased costs associated with the Fit for 55 regulations but are not able to quantify the impact yet as the impact will depend on future market pricing. In addition, strategies to reduce GHG emissions as well as ship deployment modifications could mitigate the impact of these regulations.
● ETS: The maritime transport sector was approved to be included in the scope of the ETS. Effective January 2024, ships over 5,000 Gross Tons that transport passengers or cargo to or from E.U. or EEA ports are required to purchase and surrender emissions allowances equivalent to emissions for all or a half of a covered voyage, depending on whether the voyage was between two E.U. or EEA ports or an E.U. or EEA and a non-E.U. or EEA port. The requirements will be phased in from 2024 to 2026. Covered entities are required to procure and surrender allowances equivalent to 40% of their verified carbon emissions from 2024, with the amount increasing to 70% of carbon emissions from 2025 and 100% of GHG emissions from 2026, with allowances to be surrendered by September in the following year. The costs associated with the purchase of allowances are variable and depend on future market movements, and the number of allowances we will be required to purchase will be influenced by our decarbonization efforts; however, the costs are not expected to have a material impact on net income as a portion will be collected from passengers.
● FuelEU Maritime Initiative: Adopted in 2023, the FuelEU regulation sets a maximum limit on the annual average GHG intensity of onboard energy usage for ships over 5,000 Gross Tons arriving at, sailing in or departing from ports in the E.U. or EEA, based on 2020 reference levels. The reduction required will become progressively stricter over time starting with a 2% intensity reduction in 2025 to as much as 80% intensity
reduction by 2050. Other key components of the regulation include requirements for connecting to onshore power grids in Trans-European Transport Network ports by 2030 as well as targets for the use of renewable fuels of non-biological origin. The new rules will apply from January 1, 2025, and there are financial penalties for non-compliance.
The IMO implemented a variety of measures to support the targets of the initial 2018 GHG strategy. In 2021, the IMO adopted two new requirements, which went into effect in 2023, the Carbon Intensity Indicator (the “CII”) and Energy Efficiency Ship Index (the “EEXI”). The CII is an operational metric designed to measure how efficiently a ship transports goods or passengers by looking at carbon dioxide emissions per nautical mile. Ships are given an annual rating from A to E with a C or better required for compliance. For ships that receive a D rating for three consecutive years, or an E rating for one year, a corrective action plan will need to be developed and approved. Beginning in 2023, ships are now required to reduce carbon intensity by 5% from a 2019 baseline, with 2% incremental improvements each year thereafter until 2030. The enforcement mechanism for CII has not yet been defined. The EEXI is a one-time design re-certification requirement that updates energy efficiency requirements for existing ships and regulates carbon dioxide emissions related to installed engine power, transport capacity and ship speed. Ongoing compliance with the EEXI is not expected to have a material impact on our operations.
In 2023, the IMO revised its 2018 GHG strategy with three ambitions: a reduction in carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2008; an uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuel and/or energy sources to represent at least 5%, striving for 10%, of the energy used by 2030; and, GHG emissions from international shipping to reach net zero by or around 2050. The strategy also set out indicative checkpoints, both relative to 2008, including a reduction of the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, and by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040. The IMO also decided to develop a basket of measures to support the revised ambitions consisting of two parts: a technical element which will be a goal-based marine fuel standard regulating the phased reduction of marine fuel GHG intensity, and an economic element which may be some form of a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism. The IMO will continue to develop these measures and according to the agreed timeline, the measures are expected to be adopted in 2025 and enter into force in around mid-2027.
Compliance with such laws and regulations has resulted in increased costs to our Company and is expected to entail significant expenses for a combination of: ship modifications, purchases of emissions allowances, alternative fuels and higher-cost compliant newbuilds. Compliance is also expected to result in changes to our operating procedures, including limitations on our ability to operate in certain locations and slowing the speed of our ships, and may render some ships obsolete, which would adversely impact our operations. These issues are, and we believe will continue to be, areas of focus by the relevant authorities throughout the world. This could result in the enactment of more stringent regulation of cruise ships that would subject us to increasing compliance costs in the future. Some environmental groups continue to lobby for more stringent restrictions of cruise ships and have generated negative publicity about the cruise industry and its environmental impact.
If we violate or fail to comply with environmental laws, regulations or treaties, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. We have made, and will continue to make, capital and other expenditures to comply with changing environmental laws, regulations and treaties. Any fines or other sanctions for violation or failure to comply with environmental requirements or any expenditures required to comply with environmental requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations, cash flow or financial condition. We expect to make material investments in our business to comply with these laws and regulations; however, the total impact cannot be determined as we are evaluating our compliance plans.
We refer you to “-Our Mission, Competitive Strengths & Business Strategies - Our Commitment to Sustainability” for information related to our Environmental, Social and Governance strategy.
Permits for Glacier Bay, Alaska
In connection with certain Alaska cruise operations, we rely on concession permits from the U.S. National Park Service to operate our ships in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. We currently hold a concession permit allowing for 41 calls annually through September 30, 2029.
Passenger and Crew Well-Being
In the U.S., we must meet the U.S. Public Health Service’s requirements, which include vessel ratings by inspectors from the Vessel Sanitation Program of the CDC and the FDA. In addition, the cruise industry and the U.S. Public Health Service have agreed on regulations for food, water and hygiene, aimed at proactively protecting the health of travelers and preventing illness transmission to U.S. ports.
We continue to work directly with the CDC Maritime Unit as well as other health regulatory authorities, such as E.U. Healthy Gateways, to adjust our infectious disease (COVID-19, influenza, noro virus) response protocols.
Security and Safety
The IMO has adopted safety standards as part of the SOLAS convention, which apply to all our ships. SOLAS establishes requirements for vessel design, structural features, construction methods and materials, refurbishment standards, life-saving equipment, fire protection and detection, safe management and operation and security in order to help ensure the safety and security of our guests and crew. All our crew undergo regular security and safety training exercises pursuant to international and national maritime regulations.
SOLAS requires that all cruise ships are certified as having safety procedures that comply with the requirements of the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (“ISM Code”). All of our ships are certified as to compliance with the ISM Code. Each such certificate is granted for a five-year period and is subject to periodic verification.
The SOLAS requirements are amended and extended by the IMO from time to time. For example, the International Port and Ship Facility Code (“ISPS Code”) was adopted by the IMO in December 2002 with the goal of strengthening maritime security by placing new requirements on governments, port authorities and shipping companies.
Amendments to SOLAS required that ships constructed in accordance with pre-1974 SOLAS requirements install automatic sprinkler systems. IMO adopted an amendment to SOLAS which requires partial bulkheads on stateroom balconies to be of non-combustible construction. The SOLAS regulation implemented Long-Range Identification and Tracking. All our ships are in compliance with the requirements of SOLAS as amended and/or as applicable to the keel-laying date.
In addition to the requirements of the ISPS Code, the U.S. Congress enacted the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”) which implements a number of security measures at ports in the U.S. including measures that apply to ships registered outside the U.S. while docking at ports in the U.S. The U.S. Coast Guard has published MTSA regulations that require a security plan for every ship entering the territorial waters of the U.S., provide for identification requirements for ships entering such waters and establish various procedures for the identification of crew members on such ships. The Transportation Workers Identification Credential is a U.S. requirement for accessibility into and onto U.S. ports and U.S.-flagged ships.
Maritime-Labor
In 2006, the International Labor Organization (“ILO”), an agency of the United Nations that develops and oversees international labor standards, adopted a new Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention (“MLC 2006”). MLC 2006 contains a comprehensive set of global standards based on those that are already found in 68 maritime labor Conventions and Recommendations adopted by the ILO since 1920. MLC 2006 includes a broad range of requirements, such as a broader definition of a seafarer, minimum age of seafarers, medical certificates, recruitment practices, training, repatriation, food, recreational facilities, health and welfare, hours of work and rest, accommodations, wages and entitlements. MLC 2006 added requirements not previously in effect, in the areas of occupational safety and health. MLC 2006 became effective in certain countries commencing August 2013. The Standard of Training Certification and Watch Keeping for Seafarers, as amended (“STCW”), establishes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watch-keeping for our seafarers.
Financial Requirements
The Federal Maritime Commission (“FMC”) requires evidence of financial responsibility for those offering transportation on passenger ships operating out of U.S. ports to indemnify passengers in the event of non-performance of the transportation. Accordingly, each of our three brands is required to maintain a $32.0 million third-party performance guarantee in respect of liabilities for non-performance of transportation and other obligations to passengers. The guarantee requirements are subject to additional consumer price index-based adjustments.
In addition, our brands have a legal requirement to maintain security guarantees based on cruise business originated from the U.K., and certain jurisdictions require us to establish financial responsibility to meet liability in the event of non-performance of our obligations to passengers from those jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2023, we have in place approximately £62.4 million of security guarantees for our brands as well as a consumer protection policy covering up to £107.9 million. The Company has provided approximately $1.5 million in cash to secure all the financial security guarantees required.
Compliance with these regulations has had an impact on our financial condition. From time to time, various other regulatory and legislative changes have been or may in the future be proposed that may have an effect on our operations in the U.S. and the cruise industry in general. We cannot estimate the expenses we may incur to comply with potential new laws or changes to existing laws, or the other potential effects these laws may have on our business.
For information regarding risks associated with our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, see “Part I Item 1A - Risk Factors” in this Annual Report, including the risk factor titled “We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental, health and safety, labor, data privacy and protection and maritime laws and regulations, which could adversely affect our operations and certain recently introduced laws and regulations and future changes in laws and regulations could lead to increased costs and/or decreased revenue.”
Taxation
U.S. Income Taxation
The following discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below.
Exemption of International Shipping Income under Section 883 of the Code
Under Section 883 of the Code (“Section 883”) and the related regulations, a foreign corporation will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation on its U.S.-source income derived from the international operation of ships (“shipping income”) if: (a) it is organized in a qualified foreign country, which is one that grants an “equivalent exemption” from tax to corporations organized in the U.S. in respect of each category of shipping income for which exemption is being claimed under Section 883; and (b) either: (1) more than 50% of the value of its stock is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by qualified shareholders, which includes individuals who are “residents” of a qualified foreign country; (2) one or more classes of its stock representing, in the aggregate, more than 50% of the combined voting power and value of all classes of its stock are “primarily and regularly traded on one or more established securities markets” in a qualified foreign country or in the U.S. (the “publicly-traded test”); or (3) it is a “controlled foreign corporation” (a “CFC”) for more than half of the taxable year and more than 50% of its stock is owned by qualified U.S. persons for more than half of the taxable year (the “CFC test”). In addition, U.S. Treasury Regulations require a foreign corporation and certain of its direct and indirect shareholders to satisfy detailed substantiation and reporting requirements.
For the taxable years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, NCLC was classified as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. An entity that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not a taxable entity and incurs no U.S. federal income tax liability, as its activities are deemed to be that of its shareholder, NCLH. Therefore, NCLH is required to report NCLC’s items of income, gain, loss and deduction in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability.
NCLH is incorporated in Bermuda, which is a qualified foreign country that grants an equivalent exemption, and NCLH meets the publicly-traded test because its ordinary shares were primarily and regularly traded on the New York Stock
Exchange (“NYSE”). The NYSE is considered to be an established securities market in the United States. Therefore, we believe that NCLH qualifies for the benefits of Section 883.
We believe and have taken the position that substantially all of NCLH’s income, including the income of its ship-owning subsidiaries, is properly categorized as shipping income, and that we do not have a material amount of non-qualifying income. It is possible, however, that the IRS’ interpretation of shipping income could differ from ours and that a much larger percentage of our income does not qualify (or will not qualify) as shipping income. Moreover, the exemption for shipping income is only available for years in which we will satisfy complex tests under Section 883. There are factual circumstances beyond our control, including changes in the direct and indirect owners of NCLH’s ordinary shares, which could cause NCLH or its subsidiaries to lose the benefit of the exemption under Section 883. Further, any changes in our operations could significantly increase our exposure to taxation on shipping income, and we can give no assurances on this matter.
Under certain circumstances, changes in the identity, residence or holdings of NCLH’s direct or indirect shareholders could cause NCLH’s ordinary shares not to be regularly traded on an established securities market within the meaning of the regulations under Section 883. Therefore, as a precautionary matter, NCLH has provided protections in its bye-laws to reduce the risk of such changes impacting our ability to meet the publicly-traded test by prohibiting any person from owning, directly, indirectly or constructively, more than 4.9% of NCLH’s ordinary shares unless such ownership is approved by NCLH’s Board of Directors (the “4.9% limit”). Any outstanding shares held in excess of the 4.9% limit will be transferred to and held in a trust.
For 2023, 2022 and 2021, both Regent and Oceania Cruises relied on NCLH’s ability to meet the requirements necessary to qualify for the benefits of Section 883 as discussed above.
Taxation of International Shipping Income Where Section 883 of the Code is Inapplicable
Unless exempt from U.S. federal income taxation, a foreign corporation is subject to U.S. federal income tax in respect of its “shipping income” that is derived from sources within the United States. If we fail to qualify for the exemption under Section 883 in respect of our U.S.-sourced shipping income, or if the provision was repealed, then we will be subject to taxation in the U.S. on such income.
Generally, “shipping income” is any income that is derived from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis or from the performance of services directly related to those uses. For these purposes, shipping income attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States, which we refer to as “U.S.-source shipping income,” will be considered to be 50% derived from sources within the United States.
If we do not qualify for exemption under Section 883, or if the provision was repealed, then any U.S.-sourced shipping income or any other income that is considered to be effectively connected income would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxation on a net basis (generally at a 21% rate) and state and local taxes, and our effectively connected earnings and profits may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax and branch-level interest tax of 30%, unless a lower treaty rate applies (the “Net Tax Regime”). Our U.S.-source shipping income is considered effectively connected income if we have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of U.S.-source shipping income, and substantially all of our U.S.-source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.
If we do not have a fixed place of business in the U.S. or substantially all of our income is not derived from regularly scheduled transportation, the income will generally not be considered to be effectively connected income. In that case, we would be subject to a special 4% tax on our gross U.S.-source shipping income (the “4% Tax Regime”).
Other United States Taxation
U.S. Treasury Regulations list several items of income which are not considered to be incidental to the international operation of ships and, to the extent derived from U.S. sources, are subject to U.S. federal income taxes under the Net Tax Regime discussed above. Income items considered non-incidental to the international operation of ships include income from the sale of single-day cruises, shore excursions, air and other transportation, and pre- and post-cruise land packages. We believe that substantially all of our income currently derived from the international operation of ships is shipping income.
Income from U.S.-flagged Operations
Income derived from our U.S.-flagged operation generally will be subject to U.S. corporate income taxes both at the federal and state levels. In addition, any dividends paid by our U.S.-flagged operations to NCLC would be considered subject to a dividend withholding tax of 30%. In 2023, we expect that such income will not be subject to U.S. branch profits tax nor a U.S. dividend withholding tax under the U.S.-U.K. Income Tax Treaty.
Bermuda Income Taxation
Previously, NCLH, NCLC and their Bermuda subsidiaries obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation was enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax, including tax on profits or income among others, such tax would not be applicable to them until March 31, 2035. Such assurances were superseded by the passage of new legislation as described below.
On December 27, 2023, the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 (“the Bermuda Act”) was enacted in Bermuda. Under the Bermuda Act, the corporate income tax will be determined based on a statutory tax rate of 15% effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The corporate income tax will apply only to Bermuda tax resident businesses that are part of multinational enterprise groups with €750 million or more in annual revenues in at least two of the four fiscal years immediately preceding the year in question. Although the Government of Bermuda has already released limited guidance with respect to specific provisions of the Bermuda Act, it is anticipated that further administrative guidance as well as regulatory guidance will be released over the course of the 2024 calendar year and beyond.
As enacted, the Bermuda Act makes it clear that any corporate income tax liability is due regardless of the above assurances under the Exempted Undertakings Protection Act 1966. Therefore, NCLH, NCLC and their Bermuda subsidiaries will be subject to the Bermuda corporate income tax with effect from January 1, 2025.
The Bermuda Act provides for an international shipping income exclusion. In order for a Bermuda entity’s international shipping income to qualify for the exclusion, the entity must demonstrate that the strategic or commercial management of all ships concerned is effectively carried on from or within Bermuda. NCLH expects it will meet the necessary requirements to qualify for the international shipping income exclusion during 2024.
Additionally, the Bermuda Act provides for companies to be able to offset 80% of their Bermuda taxable income with any tax loss deductions available on an annual basis. The Bermuda Act provides for opening tax loss carryforwards based on the Bermuda taxable income (loss) results of the individual Bermuda entities in the five fiscal years prior to the enactment date, which includes 2020 through 2024 calendar years for Norwegian, which can be carried forward indefinitely. Refer to Note 12 - “Income Taxes” for more information.
U.K. Income Taxation
NCLH and NCLC migrated their tax residency from the United Kingdom to Bermuda on December 31, 2023. Therefore, NCLH and NCLC were subject to normal U.K. corporation tax through December 31, 2023.
Certain State, Local and Non-U.S. Tax Matters
We may be subject to state, local and non-U.S. income or non-income taxes in various jurisdictions, including those in which we transact business, own property or reside. We may be required to file tax returns in some or all of those jurisdictions. Our state, local or non-U.S. tax treatment may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax treatment discussed above. We may be required to pay non-U.S. taxes on dispositions of foreign property, or operations involving foreign property may give rise to non-U.S. income or other tax liabilities in amounts that could be substantial.
Changes in Tax Laws
The various tax regimes to which we are currently subject result in a relatively low effective tax rate on our worldwide income. These tax regimes, however, are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Legislation has been proposed in the past that would eliminate the benefits of the exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 and subject all or a portion of our shipping income to taxation in the U.S. Moreover, we may become subject to new tax regimes and may be unable to take advantage of favorable tax provisions afforded by current or future law including exemption of branch profits and dividend withholding taxes under the U.S.-U.K. Income Tax Treaty on income derived in respect of our U.S.-flagged operation. For example, the OECD and numerous jurisdictions have had an increased
focus on issues concerning the taxation of multinational businesses and have adopted several related reforms including the implementation of a global minimum tax rate of at least 15% for large multinational businesses starting January 1, 2024 or later, which could have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result of these developments in global tax reform, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company realigned its organizational structure in Bermuda due to the inclusion of the international shipping income exclusion in the Bermuda Act, which we believe provides an ability for the Company to exempt a significant amount of its income. We expect global tax reform will continue to evolve over the coming years, and we will continue to monitor any new developments and assess impacts to the Company.
Human Capital
Our people are the driving force of our past, current and future success. We aim to empower our team members worldwide, providing them opportunities to grow and develop and comprehensive benefits that support them to thrive both physically and mentally. We believe this commitment to empower people allows us to attract and retain top talent, while simultaneously providing robust career development opportunities that ultimately result in significant value to our Company. Reflecting this commitment, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. was recognized by Forbes with inclusion on its 2023 list of World’s Best Employers and by Newsweek with inclusion on its 2024 list of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.
In 2023, the company reinforced our commitment to culture by redefining our culture value anchors of Collaboration, Innovation, Transparency and Passion. We have prioritized developing and expanding the culture framework throughout the organization for 2024. We believe our culture and commitment to our team members attract and retain top talent, while simultaneously providing robust career development opportunities that ultimately results in significant value to our Company and its shareholders.
Demographics
As of December 31, 2023, we employed approximately 5,100 full-time employees worldwide in our shoreside operations and approximately 35,900 shipboard employees. Regent and Oceania Cruises’ ships use a third party to provide additional hotel and restaurant staffing onboard. We refer you to “Item 1A - Risk Factors-Our failure or inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel or the loss of key personnel or employee relations issues may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations” for more information regarding our relationships with union employees and our collective bargaining agreements that are currently in place.
Diverse and Inclusive Culture
Our Company is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce, where diverse backgrounds are represented, engaged and empowered to generate and execute on innovative ideas. This commitment is also demonstrated by our Board of Directors, which is 50% diverse with three female directors and one director from an under-represented minority community.
Our Company operates globally, with team members representing over 110 countries. To foster a diverse and inclusive culture, we seek to leverage the talents of all team members and commit to equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) as detailed in our Company’s EEO policy. We have long-term partnerships with the National Diversity Council, sponsoring the Florida Diversity Council and its South Florida local chapter. We have established shoreside employee resource groups, such as the Veterans Task Force, Elevate (Women in Leadership) and Embrace (Diversity in Leadership), to support our team members and to serve as a feedback channel for employees. In 2023, following listening sessions with team members, NCLH PRIDE was established as a new resource group for our LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
As of December 31, 2023, the composition of our workforce was as follows:
Gender diversity (1)
Male %
Female %
All shoreside team members
41%
59%
Shoreside Managers/above
52%
48%
All shipboard team members
79%
21%
3-stripe/above (equivalent to Manager level)
85%
15%
Ethnic diversity (2)
Non-URMs %
URMs %
All shoreside team members in the U.S. who have self-identified
33%
67%
Shoreside Managers/above in the U.S. who have self-identified
47%
53%
(1) While we present male and female, we acknowledge this is not fully encompassing of all gender identities.
(2) Under-represented minority (“URM”) is used to describe diverse populations, including Native American, Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Native Hawaiian team members in the U.S. We do not generally track ethnicity/race for our shipboard team members as the majority are URMs from a U.S. perspective.
Compensation and Benefits
Critical to our success is identifying, recruiting, retaining top talent and incentivizing existing and future team members. We attract and retain talented team members by offering competitive compensation and benefits. Our pay-for-performance compensation philosophy for our shoreside team is based on rewarding each team member’s individual contributions. We use a combination of fixed and variable pay components including base salary, bonus, equity, commissions and merit increases. We maintain a long-term incentive plan for our manager-level team members and above that allows us to provide share-based compensation to enhance our pay-for-performance culture and to support our attraction, retention and motivational goals. We have established an $18 per hour minimum wage for our non-commission U.S. based shoreside employees. We also issued an appreciation bonus of up to 10 days of pay to non-management employees not eligible under other bonus or incentive programs. The Company also consistently reviews salary levels in order to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining talent for shoreside and shipboard employees. We believe our compensation programs for our shipboard team are competitive and for the majority of this team, negotiated with various unions and documented in collective bargaining agreements.
The success of our Company is connected to the well-being of our team members, such that we offer a competitive benefits package including physical, financial and emotional well-being benefits. We offer our full-time U.S. shoreside team members a choice of Company-subsidized medical and dental programs to meet their needs and those of their families. In addition, we offer health savings and flexible spending accounts, vision cover, paid time off, employee assistance programs, short term disability and voluntary long-term disability insurance, term life and business travel insurance. We offer a 401(k) retirement savings plan and education assistance benefits. In 2023, we announced our reinstatement of 401(k) company matching and the student loan repayment program for 2024. Our benefits vary by location and are designed to meet or exceed local requirements and to be competitive in the marketplace. As we strive to be an employer of choice, the Company continues with a 4/1 flexible work model for shoreside team members globally. The flexible model allows most employees to work in-office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Friday.
We proudly offer Family Care Benefits to our eligible shoreside employees that includes paid leave at 100% of an employee’s salary, for maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves. Family planning assistance for fertility/surrogacy services and adoption support are also offered. In 2023, a new parent mentor group was established to offer further support to working parents returning to the workforce.
In May 2023, we introduced a new team member Norwegian Cruise Line cruise benefit to our full time shoreside team members which offers 95% off one cruise per year, along with substantial discounts for additional cruises. Our cruise benefit programs were further enhanced for team member’s friends and family across our brands.
In 2023, the NCLH Wellness at Sea initiative was introduced to shipboard team members to create a wellness-conscious work environment on the vessels. We are committed to providing crew members with guidelines, resources and activities for educational purposes and to guide them to achieve optimal wellness. Topics in this initiative address nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management and alcohol and tobacco awareness to name a few.
Training and Development
The opportunity to grow and develop skills and experience, regardless of job role, division or geographic location is critical to the success of the Company as a global organization. We actively foster a culture of learning and offer a variety of developmental courses for our team members. We provide a mentorship program where even our most senior leaders actively participate. Succession planning is part of our culture. We have a year-round focus on providing team members with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and add to our bench of talent through various training initiatives. Succession planning and talent review programs allow us to continuously calibrate and evaluate high potential talent, offering talent rotations and investing in development for long-term success.
Established in 2021, Rising Stars remains a key development program to identify high potential shoreside leaders at the Director and Senior Director level. The 6-month program is conducted with a human resources strategy firm and is focused on developing a growth mindset to refine leadership strengths, champion change and encourage innovation through assessment tools, one-on-one coaching and group learning. We have had successful rates of promotion and retention of Rising Stars graduates.
Shipboard team members have the opportunity to learn the skills and responsibilities of another position in a different department, either to increase their effectiveness in the Company, or to give them the opportunity to shift their career path.
Retention and Engagement
We have a history of strong retention rates across our shoreside and shipboard teams which we attribute to our culture that allows our team members to thrive and achieve their career goals. For the full year of 2023, the Company experienced its highest shoreside voluntary retention rate as compared to the prior four years.
With the launch of new vessels across all three brands, team members were provided opportunities to sail aboard our new ships throughout the inaugural seasons to experience and familiarize themselves with the product delivered to our guests.
Exceptional team members continue to be recognized by a robust annual Award of Excellence recognition program which acknowledges and rewards individual team members and teams for their demonstration of Company values. In 2023, the Award of Excellence winners were celebrated by the NCLH President & CEO and senior leadership team onboard Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. We have also continued the Kloster Visionary Award which honors the Company’s founder, Knut Kloster, by recognizing a shipboard or shoreside team member whose spirit of innovation follows in the footsteps of this visionary. Through the shipboard Vacation Hero Awards program, shipboard supervisors and management recognize select shipboard team members that have proven to be outstanding in selected categories. This award program is designed to provide recognition and promote total guest satisfaction by encouraging and rewarding team members for demonstrating excellence in service, teamwork, attitude and leadership.
Ports and Facilities
We own a private island in The Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which we utilize as a port-of-call on certain itineraries. We also own and operate a cruise destination in Belize, Harvest Caye, which we introduced in November 2016. We have developed, in conjunction with Port Miami, a new terminal, which is our primary facility at the port. In addition, we have entered into various agreements relating to port or berthing rights for our ships, which include the following:
● an agreement with the Government of Bermuda whereby we are permitted weekly calls in Bermuda through 2028 from Boston and New York.
● contracts with the Port of New Orleans, Port Miami, Port Canaveral, New York City Economic Development Corporation (Manhattan Cruise Terminal), A.J. Juneau Dock, Ogden Point Cruise Ship Terminal in Victoria, BC, Port of Southampton, ITM, and various Hawaiian ports pursuant to which we receive preferential berths to the exclusion of other vessels for certain specified days of the week at the terminals.
● a concession permit with the U.S. National Park Service whereby our ships are permitted to call on Glacier Bay during each summer cruise season through September 30, 2029.
● an agreement with the British Virgin Islands Port Authority granting priority berthing rights for a 15-year term through April 2030 with options to extend the agreement for two additional five-year terms.
● an agreement with the West Indian Company Limited granting priority berthing rights in St. Thomas for a 10-year term through September 2026 with an option to extend the agreement for an additional five years.
● an agreement with the Port of Seattle for a 15-year lease through October 2030 with an option to extend the agreement for an additional five years.
● an agreement with the Huna Totem Corporation that includes preferential berthing rights, for which a second pier in Icy Strait Point, Alaska has been developed.
● a 30-year preferential berthing agreement with Ward Cove Dock Group, LLC, who has constructed a new double ship pier in Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska. The pier has been built to simultaneously accommodate two of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 4,000 passenger Breakaway Plus Class Ships.
● An agreement with Glacier Creek Development, LLC for construction and operation of a cruise terminal and related berthing facilities in Whittier, Alaska, expected to be operational for the 2024 season.
● An agreement with AAK’W Landing LLC for the development of berthing facilities in Juneau Alaska, expected to be operational in 2026 or 2027.
Available Information
We file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
We also maintain an Internet site at https://www.nclhltd.com. We will, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, if applicable, make available such reports free of charge on our website. Our website also contains other items of interest to our investors, including, but not limited to, investor events, press and earnings releases and sustainability initiatives.
Information about our Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding NCLH’s executive officers as of February 16, 2024.
Name
Age
Position
Harry Sommer
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mark A. Kempa
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
David Herrera
President, Norwegian brand
Andrea DeMarco
President, Regent brand
Frank A. Del Rio
President, Oceania Cruises brand
Patrik Dahlgren
Executive Vice President, Vessel Operations
Daniel S. Farkas
Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Development Officer and Assistant Secretary
Faye L. Ashby
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
All the executive officers listed above hold their offices at the pleasure of our Board of Directors, subject to rights under any applicable employment agreements. There are no family relationships between or among any directors and executive officers.
Harry Sommer has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company since July 2023 and as President and Chief Executive Officer - Elect of the Company from April 2023 through June 2023. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line, from January 2020 through March 2023 and was President, International, from January 2019 to January 2020. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President, International Business Development from May 2015 to January 2019. From February 2015 until May 2015, he served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer for NCLH. Mr. Sommer previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Prestige from October 2013 until February 2015, Senior Vice President, Finance, and Chief Information Officer of Prestige from September 2011 until October 2013 and Senior Vice President, Accounting, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller of Prestige from August 2009 until August 2011. Prior to joining Prestige, Mr. Sommer was the co-founder and President of Luxury Cruise Center, a high-end travel agency from 2002 to 2008. Mr. Sommer also served as Vice President, Relationship Marketing for Norwegian Cruise Line from 2000 to 2001. Mr. Sommer holds an M.B.A. from Pace University and a B.B.A. from Baruch College and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive license).
Mark A. Kempa has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 2018. Prior to that, he served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from March 2018 to August 2018 and as NCLH’s Senior Vice President, Finance, from November 2014 to August 2018. From September 2008 to November 2014, he served as Vice President, Corporate and Capital Planning, and was an instrumental figure in the completion of NCLH’s IPO in 2013 and the Acquisition of Prestige in 2014. From January 2007 to August 2008, he served as Director, Corporate and Capital Planning. From January 2003 to December 2006, he served as Director, Newbuild Cost and Control. In this role, he spent almost three years representing the financial interests of the Company’s expansive newbuild program while positioned overseas in Germany. From May 1998 to December 2002, he served in various roles in accounting and internal audit. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kempa served as the Assistant Controller for International Voyager Media, a travel portfolio company. Mr. Kempa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Barry University.
David Herrera has served as President of Norwegian Cruise Line since April 2023. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Consumer Sales and Marketing Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line from October 2021 to March 2023. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Consumer Research for Norwegian Cruise Line from May 2020 to October 2021, Senior Vice President, Brand Finance and Strategy for Norwegian Cruise Line from August 2018 to October 2021, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development from February 2018 through July 2018, President of NCLH China, from November 2015 to February 2018 and Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development from May 2015 to November 2015. Prior to the acquisition of Prestige, Mr. Herrera served as a Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of Prestige from 2012 through 2014. Prior to that, he was the founder and managing partner of Eastside Financial Group, a private investment firm, where he invested in and advised private companies, a Vice President at Sanford C. Bernstein, where he advised high net worth families and endowments on financial matters, Vice President of Marketing, Finance and Reinsurance for Markel Corporation, and an investment banker at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in the Financial Institutions Group. Mr. Herrera proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard in Florida, Texas and New York. Mr. Herrera has a B.B.A. from Stetson University and an M.B.A. from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Andrea DeMarco has served as the President of the Regent brand since January 2023 and has strong knowledge of the cruise industry with over 20 years of diverse experience spanning multiple areas of the business. She served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises from September 2021 until January 2023 and as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications and Environmental, Social and Governance from January 2020 until August 2021. Prior to that, she served as Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications from October 2016 through December 2019, Senior Director, Investor Relations from June 2015 through October 2016 and Director, Investor Relations from November 2012 through June 2015. Prior to joining the Company, she worked in charter sales and corporate financial planning roles at Royal Caribbean Group. Ms. DeMarco has an M.B.A. in Finance from Florida International University and a B.S. in Finance from Florida State University.
Frank A. Del Rio has served as the President of the Oceania Cruises brand since January 2023 and is an industry veteran, having started his career in the cruise industry in 2003. He served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Oceania Cruises from March 2022 until January 2023 and as Senior Vice President, Port Destinations and Onboard Revenue from March 2015 through April 2017. From 2018 until March 2022, Mr. Frank A. Del Rio pursued entrepreneurial opportunities in the private equity, finance, and tech spaces, where he was involved across a wide spectrum of products and industries, including AI, telecommunications and 5G network solutions, medical, and real estate development, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of Divinus Life LLC, a specialty provider of skin and wellness products, from 2018 through 2020. Prior to the Company’s Acquisition of Prestige, Mr. Frank A. Del Rio served as Senior Vice President, Port and Destination Services at Prestige from 2008 until March 2015 and as Vice President, Destination Services and Product Development at Prestige from 2003 to 2008. Mr. Frank A. Del Rio has a B.S./B.A. in Finance and Economics from the University of Florida.
Patrik Dahlgren has served as the Executive Vice President, Vessel Operations for NCLH since June 2023. Prior to that, he held the following positions at Royal Caribbean Group: Senior Vice President, Global Marine Operations from May 2017 to June 2022, Vice President of Technical Operations from August 2013 to May 2017, Director of Newbuild and Innovation from June 2011 to August 2013 and Master, Captain of cruise ships from 1999 to June 2011. Mr. Dahlgren has a B.S. in Nautical Science, Master Mariner from Linnaeus University.
Daniel S. Farkas has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of NCLH since January 2019 and became Chief Development Officer of NCLH in April 2023. He has also served as Assistant Secretary of the Company since 2013. Since Mr. Farkas joined the Company in January 2004, he has held the positions of Secretary from 2010 to 2013, Senior Vice President and General Counsel from 2008 through 2018, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel from 2005 to 2008, and Assistant General Counsel from 2004 to 2005 and was instrumental in the Company’s IPO and the Acquisition of Prestige. Mr. Farkas was formerly a partner in the Miami offices of the law firm Mase and Gassenheimer specializing in maritime litigation. Before that he was an Assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida. Mr. Farkas currently serves as Chairman of the Operations Committee of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, Chairman of the board of directors of the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation and on the board of directors of the Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association Limited. Mr. Farkas earned a B.A., cum laude, in English and American Literature from Brandeis University and a J.D. from the University of Miami.
Faye L. Ashby has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of NCLH since February 2016. She joined NCLH as Controller in November 2014 after the Acquisition of Prestige and served in that position until February 2016. From January 2012 to November 2014, Ms. Ashby served as Controller for Prestige, where she managed and developed the Accounting and External Financial Reporting teams. From March 2010 to December 2011, Ms. Ashby held the position of Senior Director of Financial Reporting with Prestige, where she started the Financial Reporting Department and was responsible for the preparation of annual financial statements, coordination of external audits and researching technical accounting issues. Before joining Prestige, Ms. Ashby was a Senior Manager at the international public accounting firm of Deloitte. She has an M.B.A. and B.B.A. with concentrations in accounting from the University of Miami and is a Certified Public Accountant in Florida.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report, you should carefully consider the following risk factors in evaluating our business. If any of the risks discussed or additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. The ordering of the risk factors below is not intended to reflect an indication of priority or likelihood. In connection with the forward-looking statements that appear in this Annual Report, you should also carefully review the cautionary statement referred to under “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”
Debt/Liquidity Related Risk Factors
If our results of operations and financial performance do not recover as planned, we may not be in compliance with maintenance covenants in certain of our debt facilities.
Certain of our debt facilities include maintenance and financial covenants. For example, under the Sixth ARCA, we are required to maintain a loan to value ratio of less than 0.70 to 1.00. Financial covenants include free liquidity of no less than $250,000,000 at all times, a total net funded debt to total capitalization ratio and an EBITDA to consolidated debt service ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00 at the end of each fiscal quarter unless free liquidity is greater than or equal to $300,000,000 at that time. If we expect to not be in compliance, we would expect to seek waivers from the lenders under these facilities or renegotiate these facilities prior to any covenant violation.
Any covenant waiver or renegotiation of any of our debt facilities has led, and may in the future lead, to increased costs, increased interest rates, additional restrictive covenants and other available lender protections that would be applicable to us under these debt facilities, and such increased costs, restrictions and modifications may vary among debt facilities. Our ability to provide additional lender protections under these facilities will be limited by the restrictions in our indebtedness. There can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain waivers or renegotiate these facilities in a timely manner, on acceptable terms or at all. If we were not able to obtain a covenant waiver under any one or more of
these debt facilities or renegotiate such facilities, we would be in default of such agreements, which could result in cross defaults to our other debt agreements. As a consequence, we would need to refinance or repay the applicable debt facility or facilities, and would be required to raise additional debt or equity capital, or divest assets, to refinance or repay such facility or facilities. If we were to be unable to obtain a covenant waiver under any one or more of these debt facilities or renegotiate these facilities, there can be no assurance that we would be able to raise sufficient debt or equity capital, or divest assets, to refinance or repay such facility or facilities.
With respect to each of these debt facilities, if we were unable to or did not obtain a waiver, renegotiate or refinance or repay such debt facilities, it would lead to an event of default under such facilities, which could lead to an acceleration of the indebtedness under such debt facilities. In turn, this would lead to an event of default and potential acceleration of amounts due under all of our outstanding debt and derivative contract payables. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the holders of our secured indebtedness could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness, which includes a significant portion of our assets including our ships. Any such action would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As a result, the failure to obtain the covenant waivers or renegotiate our facilities as described above would have a material adverse effect on us and our ability to service our debt obligations.
We anticipate that we will need additional financing in the future, which may not be available on favorable terms, or at all, and our outstanding exchangeable notes and any future financing may be dilutive to existing shareholders.
We anticipate that we will need additional equity and/or debt financing in the future to refinance our existing debt and to fund our newbuild program. We may be unable to obtain any desired additional financing on terms favorable to us, or at all, depending on market and other conditions. The ability to raise additional financing depends on numerous factors that are outside of our control, including general economic and market conditions, the health of financial institutions, our credit ratings and investors’ and lenders’ assessments of our prospects and the prospects of the cruise industry in general. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we may be subject to limitations on our operations due to restrictive covenants, which may be more restrictive than the covenants in our existing debt agreements, and we may be required to further encumber our assets. We may not have sufficient available collateral to pledge to support additional financing. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be unable to fund our operations or respond to competitive pressures, which could negatively affect our business. Our credit ratings, which have been downgraded in the past, could be further downgraded, which could have an impact on the availability and/or cost of financing. In addition, we may conclude that there is a substantial doubt about our ability to operate as a going concern, which could have additional effects on our credit ratings and the availability and/or cost of financing. There can be no assurance that our ability to access the credit and/or capital markets will not be adversely affected by changes in the financial markets and the global economy. If we are not able to fulfill our liquidity needs through operating cash flows and/or borrowings under credit facilities or otherwise in the capital markets, our business and financial condition could be adversely affected and it may be necessary for us to reorganize our company in its entirety, including through bankruptcy proceedings, and our shareholders may lose their investment in our ordinary shares.
If we raise additional funds through equity and/or debt issuances, NCLH’s shareholders could experience dilution of their ownership interest, and these securities could have rights, preferences, and privileges that are superior to that of holders of NCLH’s ordinary shares. Further, the exchange of some or all of our outstanding exchangeable notes may dilute the ownership interests of NCLH’s shareholders. Upon exchange of any of the exchangeable notes, any sales in the public market of NCLH’s ordinary shares issuable upon such exchange could adversely affect prevailing market prices of NCLH’s ordinary shares. In addition, the existence of the exchangeable notes may encourage short selling by market participants that engage in hedging or arbitrage activity, and anticipated exchange of any of the exchangeable notes into NCLH ordinary shares could depress the price of NCLH’s ordinary shares.
Our indebtedness, and the agreements governing our indebtedness, may limit our flexibility in operating our business and a substantial majority of our assets are collateral under our debt agreements.
A substantial portion of our cash flow from operations is dedicated to the repayment of our indebtedness, which may limit our available funds for other business functions and strategic opportunities and may make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business, the economy and the industry in which we operate. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, including refinancing our indebtedness, which may not be successful. Any refinancing of our debt could
be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations.
In addition, the agreements governing our indebtedness contain, and any instruments governing future indebtedness of ours may contain, covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions or prohibitions on our ability to, among other things: incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preference shares; pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of our share capital or make other restricted payments, including the ability of NCLH’s subsidiaries, including NCLC, to pay dividends or make distributions to NCLH; repurchase or redeem capital stock or subordinated indebtedness; make certain investments or acquisitions; transfer, sell or create liens on certain assets; and consolidate or merge with, or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets to other companies. As a result of these covenants, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, and we may be unable to engage in favorable business activities or finance future operations or capital needs.
The impact of volatility and disruptions in the global credit and financial markets could increase our counterparty credit risks, including those under our credit facilities, derivatives, contingent obligations, insurance contracts and new ship progress payment guarantees.
Economic downturns, including failures of financial institutions and any related liquidity crisis, can disrupt the capital and credit markets. Such disruptions could cause counterparties under our credit facilities, derivatives, contingent obligations, insurance contracts and new ship progress payment guarantees to be unable to perform their obligations or to breach their obligations to us under our contracts with them, which could include failures of financial institutions to fund required borrowings under our loan agreements and to pay us amounts that may become due under our derivative contracts and other agreements. Also, we may be limited in obtaining funds to pay amounts due to our counterparties under our derivative contracts and to pay amounts that may become due under other agreements. If we were to elect to replace any counterparty for their failure to perform their obligations under such instruments, we would likely incur significant costs to replace the counterparty. Any failure to replace any counterparties under these circumstances may result in additional costs to us or an ineffective instrument.
Any further impairment of our trade names or goodwill could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
We evaluate trade names and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable. Several factors including a challenging operating environment impacts affecting consumer demand or spending, the deterioration of general macroeconomic conditions, or other factors could result in a change to the future cash flows we expect to derive from our operations. Reductions of the cash flows used in the impairment analyses may result in the recording of an impairment charge to a reporting unit’s trade name or goodwill. For example, we recognized significant impairment losses during 2020 related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that we have made reasonable estimates and judgments. However, a change in our estimated future operating cash flows may result in a decline in fair value in future periods, which may result in a need to recognize additional impairment charges.
Operational Related Risk Factors
Unavailability of ports of call may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We believe that attractive port destinations are a major reason why guests choose to go on a particular cruise or on a cruise vacation. The availability of ports is affected by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, health, safety, and environmental concerns, existing capacity constraints, security, adverse weather conditions and natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, typhoons and earthquakes, financial limitations on port development, political instability, armed conflicts, exclusivity arrangements that ports may have with our competitors, governmental regulations, including sanctions, and fees, local community concerns about port development and tourism. For example, currently and in the past, regulatory changes, disease outbreaks resulting in a global pandemic, armed conflicts and damages to ports from hurricanes have prohibited our cruise voyages from visiting certain regions, including Cuba, Russia, Japan and some ports in the Caribbean. There can be no assurance that our ports of call will not be similarly affected in the future. Due to environmental and over-crowding concerns, some local governments have begun to take measures to limit the number of cruise ships and passengers allowed at certain destinations. For example, Dubrovnik, Venice and Barcelona have either
implemented or considered implementing such limitations on cruise ships and passengers. Limitations on the availability of ports of call or on the availability of shore excursions and other service providers at such ports have adversely affected our business, financial condition and results of operations in the past and could do so in the future.
We rely on scheduled commercial airline services for passenger and crew connections. Increases in the price of, or major changes, significant delays and disruptions, or reduction in, commercial airline services has, and could in the future, disrupt our operations.
A number of our passengers and crew depend on scheduled commercial airline services to transport them to ports of embarkation for our cruises. Increases in the price of airfare due to increases in fuel prices, fuel surcharges, changes in commercial airline services as a result of health and safety events, strikes or other staffing shortages, weather or other events, or the lack of availability due to schedule changes or a high level of airline bookings has and could adversely affect our ability to transport guests and crew to or from our ships and thereby increase our cruise operating expenses which, in turn, has an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, many commercial airlines reduced services, experienced staffing shortages and suffered other disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other macroeconomic conditions. COVID-19 related regulations also prevented us from using commercial airline services to transport our crew members to and from our ships, which resulted in increased costs to our Company.
Global events and conditions, including terrorist acts, armed conflicts, acts of piracy, and other international events impacting the security of travel or the global economy, or threats thereof, could adversely affect our business.
Global events and conditions, including the threat or possibility of future terrorist acts, outbreaks of hostilities or armed conflict, political unrest and instability, the issuance of government travel advisories or elevated threat warnings, increases in the activity of pirates, and other geo-political uncertainties, or the possibility or fear of such events, have had in the past and may again in the future have an adverse impact on our business. Any of these events or conditions may adversely affect demand for, and by extension pricing of, our cruises. Such events or conditions may also have downstream effects on the global economic environment, including increased fuel and commodity pricing, supply chain shortages, labor shortages, volatility in the global capital markets, contraction of the global economy leading to decreased consumer discretionary spending, and other effects impossible to predict at this time.
Armed conflicts, including Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war, have also impacted, and could in the future impact, our profitability and product offering by limiting the destinations to which we can travel and our operations by making it more difficult to source crew members and third-party vendors from affected regions and making it more difficult or costly to source goods we need to run our operations or to build or maintain our ships. Further, armed conflicts have contributed to extreme volatility in the global financial markets and have had, and may continue to have, further global economic consequences, including disruptions of the global supply chain and energy markets and heightened volatility of commodity fuel prices. Such volatility or disruptions have had, and may continue to have, adverse consequences to our business, our suppliers and our customers. If the equity and credit markets deteriorate, including as a result of political unrest or war, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain in a timely manner or on favorable terms, more costly or more dilutive. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by any negative impact on the global economy, capital markets or commodity fuel prices resulting from armed conflicts and other geopolitical tensions.
Public health crises have had, and may in the future have, a significant impact on our financial condition, results, operations, outlook, plans, goals, growth, reputation, cash flows, liquidity, demand for voyages and share price.
Public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could have significant negative impacts on all aspects of our business. In March 2020, we implemented a voluntary suspension of all cruise voyages across our three brands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We began resuming cruise voyages in July 2021 in a phased manner and completed the phased relaunch of our entire fleet in early May 2022. This caused significant costs and lost revenue as a result of, among other things, the suspension of cruise voyages, implementation of additional health and safety measures, reduced demand for cruise vacations, guest compensation, itinerary modifications, redeployments and cancellations, travel restrictions and advisories, the unavailability of ports and/or destinations and protected commissions. We were also negatively impacted by adverse impacts to our travel agencies and suppliers due to COVID-19, and we may experience similar impacts in the event of a future pandemic or other public health crises.
We have been, and may in the future be, subject to heightened governmental regulations, travel advisories, travel bans and restrictions that have and could significantly impact our global guest sourcing and our access to various ports of call around the globe. We have had instances of disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, on our ships and there is no guarantee that the health and safety protocols we implement will be successful in preventing the spread of infectious disease onboard our ships and among our passengers and crew.
We have been and may in the future be the subject of lawsuits and investigations stemming from outbreaks of infectious disease. We cannot predict the number or outcome of any such proceedings and the impact that they will have on our financial results, but any such impact may be material.
Epidemics, pandemics and viral outbreaks or other wide-ranging public health crises in the future would likely also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Adverse incidents involving cruise ships may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The operation of cruise ships carries an inherent risk of loss caused by adverse weather conditions and maritime disasters, including, but not limited to, oil spills and other environmental mishaps, extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, floods and typhoons, fire, mechanical failure, collisions, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, political action, civil unrest and insurrection in various countries and other circumstances or events. Any such event may result in loss of life or property, loss of revenue or increased costs and the frequency and severity of natural disasters may increase due to climate change. The operation of cruise ships also involves the risk of other incidents at sea or while in port, including missing guests, inappropriate crew or passenger behavior and onboard crimes, which may bring into question passenger safety, may adversely affect future industry performance and may lead to litigation against us. We have experienced accidents and other incidents involving our cruise ships in the past and there can be no assurance that similar events will not occur in the future. It is possible that we could be forced to cancel a cruise or a series of cruises due to these factors or incur increased port-related and other costs resulting from such adverse events. Any such event involving our cruise ships or other passenger cruise ships may adversely affect guests’ perceptions of safety or result in increased governmental or other regulatory oversight. An adverse judgment or settlement in respect of any of the ongoing claims against us may also lead to negative publicity about us. The expanded use of social media has increased the speed that negative publicity spreads and makes it more difficult to mitigate reputational damage. Anything that damages our reputation (whether or not justified), could have an adverse impact on demand, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If there is a significant accident, mechanical failure or similar problem involving a ship, we may have to place a ship in an extended Dry-dock period for repairs. This could result in material lost revenue and/or increased expenditures.
Our business depends on maintaining and strengthening our brand to attract new customers and maintain ongoing demand for our offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand could harm our results of operations.
Our name and brand image are integral to the growth of our business, as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our business. Our ability to execute our marketing and growth strategy depends on many factors, including the perceived quality of our services, the impact of our communication activities, including advertising, social media, and public relations, and our management of the customer experience, including direct interfaces through customer service. Maintaining, promoting, and positioning our brand are important to expanding our customer base and will depend largely on the success of our marketing efforts and our ability to provide consistent, high-quality customer experiences.
We have used, and expect to continue to use, corporate partnerships, brand ambassadors, traditional, digital, and social media to promote our business. Marketing campaigns can be expensive and may not result in the cost-effective acquisition of customers. Ineffective marketing, ongoing and sustained promotional activities, negative publicity, unfair labor practices, and failure to protect the intellectual property rights in our brand are some of the potential threats to the strength of our brand, and those and other factors could rapidly and severely diminish customer confidence in us. Furthermore, actions taken by individuals that we partner with, such as brand ambassadors, influencers or our associates, that fail to represent our brand in a manner consistent with our brand image, whether through our social media platforms or their own, could also harm our brand reputation and materially impact our business. Future marketing campaigns may not attract new customers at the same rate as past campaigns. If we are unable to attract new customers, or fail to do so in a cost-effective manner, our growth could be slower than we expect and our business could be harmed.
The adverse impact of general economic and related factors, such as fluctuating or increasing levels of interest rates, unemployment, underemployment and the volatility of fuel prices, declines in the securities and real estate markets and perceptions of these conditions can decrease the level of disposable income of consumers or consumer confidence. The demand for cruises is affected by international, national and local economic conditions.
The demand for cruises is affected by international, national and local economic conditions. Adverse changes in the perceived or actual economic climate in North America or globally, such as the volatility of fuel prices, higher interest rates, stock and real estate market declines and/or volatility, more restrictive credit markets, higher unemployment or underemployment rates, inflation, higher taxes, changes in governmental policies and political developments impacting international trade, trade disputes and increased tariffs, could reduce the level of discretionary income or consumer confidence in the countries from which we source our guests. Consequently, this may negatively affect demand for cruise vacations in these countries, which are a discretionary purchase. Decreases in demand for cruise vacations could result in price discounting or lower Occupancy Percentages, which, in turn, could reduce the profitability of our business. In addition, these conditions could also impact our suppliers, which could result in disruptions in our suppliers’ services and financial losses for us.
Breaches in data security or other disturbances to our information systems and other networks or our actual or perceived failure to comply with requirements regarding data privacy and protection could impair our operations, subject us to significant fines, penalties and damages, and have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The integrity and reliability of our information systems and networks are crucial to our business operations and a breach, compromise, damage or other disruption to these systems or networks could impair our operations, have an adverse impact on our financial results and negatively affect our reputation and customer demand. In addition, certain networks are dependent on third-party technologies, systems and service providers for which there is no certainty of uninterrupted availability. Among other things, actual or threatened natural disasters, information systems failures, computer viruses, denial-of-service attacks and other cybersecurity incidents may cause disruptions to our information systems, telecommunications and other networks. Our business continuity, disaster recovery, data restoration plans and data and information system security may not prevent disruptions that could result in adverse effects on our operations and financial results. We carry limited business interruption insurance for certain shoreside operations, subject to limitations, exclusions and deductibles.
As part of our ordinary business operations, we and certain of our third-party service providers collect, process, transmit and store a large volume of personally identifiable information. The security of the systems and networks where we and our service providers store this data is a critical element of our business. We experience cybersecurity threats and incidents of varying degrees on our systems and networks and, as a result, unauthorized parties have obtained in the past, and may in the future obtain, access to our computer systems and networks, including cloud-based platforms. The technology infrastructure and systems of our suppliers, vendors, service providers and partners have in the past experienced and may in the future experience such attacks. Cybersecurity threats can include computer viruses, malware, worms, hackers and other malicious software programs or other attacks, including physical and electronic break-ins, router disruption, sabotage or espionage, disruptions from unauthorized access and tampering (including through social engineering such as phishing attacks), impersonation of authorized users and coordinated denial-of-service attacks. There can be no assurance that a breach or incident will not have a material impact on our operations and financial results in the future. In addition, we may not be in a position to promptly address security breaches, unauthorized access or other cybersecurity incidents or to implement adequate preventative measures if we are unable to immediately detect such incidents. Our failure to successfully prevent, mitigate or timely respond to such incidents could impair our ability to conduct business and damage our reputation.
We are also subject to laws in multiple jurisdictions relating to the privacy and protection of personal data. Noncompliance with these laws or the compromise of information systems used by us or our service providers resulting in the loss, disclosure, misappropriation of or access to the personally identifiable information of our guests, prospective guests, employees or vendors could result in governmental investigation, civil liability or regulatory penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information, any or all of which could disrupt our operations and materially adversely affect our business. Additionally, any material failure by us or our service providers to maintain compliance with the Payment Card Industry security requirements or to rectify a data security issue may result in fines and restrictions on our ability to accept credit cards as a form of payment. The regulatory framework for data privacy and protection is
uncertain for the foreseeable future, and it is possible that legal and regulatory obligations may continue to increase and may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent or possibly conflicting from one jurisdiction to another.
In the event of a data security breach of our systems and/or third-party systems or a cybersecurity incident, we may incur costs associated with the following: response, notification, forensics, regulatory investigations, public relations, consultants, credit identity monitoring, credit freezes, fraud alert, credit identity restoration, credit card cancellation, credit card reissuance or replacement, data restoration, regulatory fines and penalties, vendor fines and penalties, legal fees, damages and settlements. In addition, a data security breach or cybersecurity incident may cause business interruption, information system disruption, disruptions as a result of regulatory investigation or litigation, digital asset loss related to corrupted or destroyed data, loss of company assets, damage to our reputation, damages to intangible property and other intangible damages, such as loss of consumer confidence, all of which could impair our operations and have an adverse impact on our financial results.
Changes in fuel prices and the type of fuel we are permitted to use and/or other cruise operating costs would impact the cost of our cruise ship operations and our hedging strategies may not protect us from increased costs related to fuel prices.
Fuel expense is a significant cost for our Company. Future increases in the cost of fuel globally or regulatory requirements which require us to use more expensive types of fuel, including more costly alternate fuel sources, would increase the cost of our cruise ship operations. For example, as of January 2020, the IMO’s convention entitled Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) set a global limit on fuel sulfur content of 0.5% (reduced from the previous 3.5% global limit). Various compliance methods, such as the use of low-sulfur fuels or exhaust gas cleaning systems that reduce an equivalent amount of sulfur emissions, may be utilized. We have elected to install exhaust gas cleaning systems on some ships in our fleet, which will allow us to continue to use high-sulfur fuel on those ships in certain areas. However, the significant drop in demand for high-sulfur fuel due to the previous pandemic-related pause in operations has made it more difficult to source high-sulfur fuel going forward, which may increase our fuel costs. Ships in our fleet that do not have exhaust gas cleaning systems, and in specified areas even ships with exhaust gas cleaning systems, will be required to use low-sulfur fuels. Low-sulfur fuels may be costly due to increased demand and scarcity if suppliers are not able to produce sufficient quantities. We will also be required to use alternate fuel sources in the future as regulations aimed at reducing carbon intensity have been introduced and we may choose to use alternative fuels in order to achieve any emissions reduction targets we have and may in the future adopt. For example, the IMO adopted two requirements that went into effect in 2023, the Carbon Intensity Indicator and Energy Efficiency Ship Index, which each regulate carbon emissions for ships, and the E.U. has begun to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from passenger and cargo ships over 5,000 Gross Tons under its Emissions Trading System beginning in 2024. In addition, we could experience increases in other cruise operating costs due to market forces and economic or political instability resulting from increases or volatility in fuel expense. Our hedging program may not be successful in mitigating higher fuel costs, and any price protection provided may be limited due to market conditions, including choice of hedging instruments, breakdown of correlation between hedging instrument and market price of fuel and failure of hedge counterparties. To the extent that we use hedge contracts that have the potential to create an obligation to pay upon settlement if fuel prices decline significantly, such hedge contracts may limit our ability to benefit fully from lower fuel costs in the future. Additionally, deterioration in our financial condition could negatively affect our ability to enter into new hedge contracts in the future.
Mechanical malfunctions and repairs, delays in our shipbuilding program, maintenance and refurbishments and the consolidation of qualified shipyard facilities could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
The new construction, refurbishment, repair and maintenance of our ships are complex processes and involve risks similar to those encountered in other large and sophisticated equipment construction, refurbishment and repair projects. Our ships are subject to the risk of mechanical failure or accident, which we have occasionally experienced and have had to repair. For example, in the past we have had to delay or cancel cruises due to mechanical issues on our ships. There can be no assurance that we will not experience similar events in the future. If there is a mechanical failure or accident in the future, we may be unable to procure spare parts when needed or make repairs without incurring material expense or suspension of service, especially if a problem affects certain specialized maritime equipment, such as the radar, a pod propulsion unit, the electrical/power management system, the steering gear or the gyro system. Limited capacity and availability of shipyards and related subcontractors, including a lack of viable drydock facilities in the Western Hemisphere, could impact our ability to construct or repair ships as needed. Delays or mechanical faults may result in cancellation of cruises and/or necessitate unscheduled drydocks and repairs of ships.
In addition, availability, work stoppages, insolvency or financial problems in the shipyards’ construction, refurbishment or repair of our ships, other “force majeure” events that are beyond our control and the control of shipyards or subcontractors, or changes to technical specifications due to regulatory changes, sustainability initiatives or other strategic initiatives could also delay or prevent the newbuild delivery, refurbishment and repair and maintenance of our ships. Any termination or breach of contract following such an event may result in, among other things, the forfeiture of prior deposits or payments made by us, potential claims and impairment of losses. A significant delay in the delivery of a new ship, or a significant performance deficiency or mechanical failure of a new ship could also have an adverse effect on our business. The impacts of global events including armed or geopolitical conflicts and pandemics, a lack of viable drydock facilities, modifications the Company plans to make to its newbuilds, including initiatives to improve environmental sustainability, and other macroeconomic events have resulted in some delays in expected ship deliveries, and may result in additional delays in ship deliveries in the future, which may be prolonged. The consolidation of the control of certain European cruise shipyards could result in higher prices for the construction of new ships and refurbishments and could limit the availability of qualified shipyards to construct new ships. Also, the lack of qualified shipyard repair facilities could result in the inability to repair and maintain our ships on a timely basis. Additionally, we are reliant on a third party to oversee certain newbuild and Dry-dock projects. Any occurrence that prevented such third party from continuing to oversee such projects or substantially increased the costs related to such oversight could have an adverse effect on our operations. These potential events and the associated losses, to the extent that they are not adequately covered by contractual remedies or insurance, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Conducting business internationally may result in increased costs and risks.
We operate our business internationally and plan to continue to develop our international presence. Operating internationally exposes us to a number of risks, including political risks, risks of increases in duties and taxes, risks relating to anti-bribery laws, as well as risks that laws and policies affecting cruising, vacation or maritime businesses, or governing the operations of foreign-based companies may change. Additional risks include imposition of trade barriers, withholding and other taxes on remittances and other payments by subsidiaries and changes in and application of foreign taxation structures, including value added taxes. If we are unable to address these risks adequately, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Operating internationally also exposes us to numerous and sometimes conflicting legal and regulatory requirements. In many parts of the world, including countries in which we operate, practices in the local business communities might not conform to international business standards. We have implemented safeguards and policies to prevent violations of various anti-corruption laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business by our employees and agents. However, our existing safeguards and policies and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and our employees or agents may engage in conduct prohibited by our policies, but for which we nevertheless may be held responsible. If our employees or agents violate our policies, if we fail to maintain adequate record-keeping and internal accounting practices to accurately record our transactions or if we fail to implement or maintain other adequate safeguards, we may be subject to regulatory sanctions or severe criminal or civil sanctions and penalties.
Our failure or inability to recruit or retain qualified personnel or the loss of key personnel or employee relations issues may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We must continue to recruit, retain and motivate management and other employees in order to maintain our current business and support our projected growth. We need to hire and train a considerable number of qualified crew members to staff the ships that will be joining our fleet in the coming years. This may require significant efforts on the part of our management team, and our failure or inability to hire a sufficient number of qualified crew members would adversely affect our business. Currently, we are a party to collective bargaining agreements with certain crew members. Any future amendments to such collective bargaining agreements or inability to satisfactorily renegotiate such agreements may increase our labor costs and have a negative impact on our financial condition. In addition, although our collective bargaining agreements have a no-strike provision, they may not prevent a disruption in work on our ships in the future. Any such disruptions in work could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Our executive officers and other members of senior management have substantial experience and expertise in our business and have made significant contributions to our growth and success. The loss of services of one or more of these individuals could materially adversely affect us.
Negative perceptions about the cruise industry, carbon intensity, sustainability or otherwise may make it increasingly difficult to retain and hire additional crew members to staff our fleet and to recruit new employees generally.
Impacts related to climate change may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There has been an increased focus on GHG and other emissions from global regulators, consumers and other stakeholders. Regulations addressing climate change that have already been adopted or are being considered, as described under “Risks Related to the Regulatory Environment in Which We Operate,” may have significant adverse impacts to our profitability and operations. In addition, concern about climate change may cause consumers to avoid certain kinds of travel including cruise and air travel, which could impact our ability to source guests. Increasing concerns about GHG emissions may attract scrutiny from investors and may make it more difficult and/or costly for us to raise capital. Our ships, port facilities, corporate offices and island destinations have in the past and may again be adversely affected by an increase in the frequency and intensity of adverse weather conditions caused by climate change. For example, certain ports have become temporarily unavailable to us due to hurricane damage and other destinations have either considered or implemented restrictions on cruise operations due to environmental concerns. We expect to make significant investments in technology, equipment and alternative fuels in order to achieve any climate-related targets we may set and to comply with climate-related regulations, and our profitability and operations may be adversely impacted by such investments. These investments may have costs beyond our expectations and may not ultimately benefit us as expected. The actions we take to meet our emissions reduction goals and requirements are expected to result in delays to our shipbuilding program. Our ability to achieve our sustainability commitments and goals will depend on a number of variable factors, some of which are outside of our control. We may fall short of any sustainability goals we set, including those disclosed in this report, which may result in negative impacts to our reputation, financial condition and results of operations. Conversely, backlash against our sustainability initiatives and commitments may harm our reputation among other stakeholders and expose us to related liabilities.
Our inability to obtain adequate insurance coverage may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
There can be no assurance that our risks are fully insured against or that any particular claim will be fully paid by our insurance. Such losses, to the extent they are not adequately covered by contractual remedies or insurance, could affect our financial results. In addition, we have been and continue to be subject to calls, or premiums, in amounts based not only on our own claim records, but also the claim records of all other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive indemnity coverage for tort liability. Our payment of these calls and increased premiums could result in significant expenses to us. If we, or other members of our protection and indemnity associations, were to sustain significant losses in the future, our ability to obtain insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or at all could be materially adversely affected. For example, in the past our protection and indemnity associations have increased certain deductibles and determined not to cover certain categories of claims. Moreover, irrespective of the occurrence of such events, there can still be no assurance that we will be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or at all.
Litigation, enforcement actions, fines or penalties could adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations and damage our reputation.
Our business is subject to various U.S. and international laws and regulations that could lead to enforcement actions, fines, civil or criminal penalties or the assertion of litigation claims and damages. In addition, improper conduct by our employees or agents could damage our reputation and/or lead to litigation or legal proceedings that could result in civil or criminal penalties, including substantial monetary fines. In certain circumstances, it may not be economical to defend against such matters, and a legal strategy may not ultimately result in us prevailing in a matter. Such events could lead to an adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
As a result of any ship-related or other incidents, litigation claims, enforcement actions and regulatory actions and investigations, including, but not limited to, those arising from personal injury, loss of life, loss of or damage to personal property, business interruption losses or environmental damage to any affected coastal waters and the surrounding area,
may be asserted or brought against various parties, including us and/or our cruise brands. The time and attention of our management may also be diverted in defending such claims, actions and investigations. Subject to applicable insurance coverage, we may also incur costs both in defending against any claims, actions and investigations and for any judgments, fines, civil or criminal penalties if such claims, actions or investigations are adversely determined.
The U.S. Government announced that, effective May 2, 2019, it would no longer suspend the right of private parties to bring litigation under Title III of the Cuban Liberty and Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996, popularly known as the Helms-Burton Act, allowing certain individuals whose property was confiscated by the Cuban government beginning in 1959 to sue anyone who "traffics" in the property in question in U.S. courts. One such certified claim against us is pending and additional claims may be brought against us in the future. If this suit is successful after we have exhausted our ability to appeal, we may be required to pay substantial monetary damages. We cannot predict the number or outcome of any such proceedings and the impact that they will have on our financial results, but any such impact may be material.
We rely on third parties to provide hotel management services for certain ships and certain other services, and we are exposed to risks facing such providers. In certain circumstances, we may not be able to replace such third parties or we may be forced to replace them at an increased cost to us.
We rely on external third parties to provide hotel management services for certain ships and certain other services, such as technology and payment processing services, that are vital to our business. If these service providers suffer financial hardship or suffer disruptions or are unable to continue providing such services, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to replace such service providers in a timely manner, which may cause an interruption in our operations. To the extent that we are able to replace such service providers, we may be forced to pay an increased cost for equivalent services. Both the interruption of operations and the replacement of the third-party service providers at an increased cost could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely affect our financial results.
We earn revenues, pay expenses, purchase and own assets and incur liabilities in currencies other than the U.S. dollar; most significantly a portion of our revenue and expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, particularly British pound, Canadian dollar, euro and Australian dollar. Because our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, we must translate revenues and expenses, as well as assets and liabilities, into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect during or at the end of each reporting period. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar against our other major currencies may adversely affect our U.S. dollar financial results and will reduce the U.S. dollar amount received upon conversion of these currencies into U.S. dollars.
We have historically and may in the future enter into ship construction contracts denominated in euros or other foreign currencies. While we have entered into foreign currency derivatives to manage a portion of the currency risk associated with such contracts, we are exposed to fluctuations in the euro exchange rate for the portions of the ship construction contracts that have not been hedged. A weakening of the U.S. dollar against the euro would have a negative impact on our financial performance to the extent that these contracts have not been hedged. Additionally, if a shipyard is unable to perform under the related ship construction contract, any associated foreign currency hedges that were entered into to manage the currency risk would need to be terminated.
Our expansion into new markets and investments in new markets and land-based destination projects may not be successful.
We believe there remains significant opportunity to expand our passenger sourcing into major markets in the future, such as Europe and Australia, as well as into emerging markets and to expand our itineraries in new markets. Expansion into new markets requires significant levels of investment and attention from management. There can be no assurance that these markets will develop as anticipated or that we will have success in these markets, and if we do not, we may be unable to recover our investment spent to expand our business into these markets and may forgo opportunities in more lucrative markets, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have also made, and plan to continue to make, investments in land-based projects including port facilities and destination projects that are susceptible to impacts from, among other things, weather events, regulatory restrictions, labor risks, shortages of goods and materials and resistance from local populations. Any such impacts to our land-based projects could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Overcapacity in key markets or globally could adversely affect our operating results.
We continue to expand our fleet through our newbuild program and expect to add additional ships to our fleet. Our competitors have also announced similar expansions to their fleets. These increases in capacity in the cruise industry globally and potential overcapacity in certain key markets may cause us to lower pricing, which would reduce profitability and adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, older ships in our fleet may not be as competitive as new ships enter the market and we may not be able to sell such older ships at optimal prices.
Risks Related to the Regulatory Environment in Which We Operate
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental, health and safety, labor, data privacy and protection and maritime laws and regulations, which could adversely affect our operations and certain recently introduced laws and regulations and future changes in laws and regulations could lead to increased costs and/or decreased revenue.
Increasingly stringent and complex international, federal, state, and local laws and regulations addressing environmental protection and health and safety of workers could affect our operations. The IMO, a United Nations agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships, the Council of the European Union, individual countries, the United States, and individual states have implemented and are considering, new laws and rules to manage cruise ship operations. Many aspects of the cruise industry are subject to international treaties such as SOLAS, an international safety regulation, MARPOL, IMO’s requirements governing environmental protection, and STCW, an IMO regulation governing ship manning. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard both have regulations addressing cruise ship operations.
The U.S. and various state and foreign government and regulatory agencies have enacted or are considering new environmental regulations and policies aimed at restricting or taxing emissions, including those of greenhouse gases, requiring the use of low-sulfur fuels, requiring the use of shore power while in port, increasing fuel efficiency requirements, reducing the threat of invasive species in ballast water, and improving sewage and greywater-handling capabilities. For example, MARPOL regulations have established special Emission Control Areas (“ECAs”) with stringent limitations on sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions from fuel burning aboard ships. Ships operating in designated ECAs are generally expected to meet the new sulfur oxide emissions limits through the use of low-sulfur fuels or installation of exhaust gas cleaning systems. In 2021, the IMO adopted two requirements that went into effect in 2023, the Carbon Intensity Indicator (the “CII”) and Energy Efficiency Ship Index (the “EEXI”), which each regulate carbon emissions for ships. The CII is an operational metric designed to measure how efficiently a ship transports goods or passengers by looking at carbon dioxide emissions per nautical mile. Ships are given an annual rating from A to E with a C or better required for compliance. For ships that receive a D rating for three consecutive years, or an E rating for one year, a corrective action plan will need to be developed and approved. Beginning in 2023, ships are now required to reduce carbon intensity by 5% from a 2019 baseline, with 2% incremental improvements each year thereafter until 2030. The EEXI is a design re-certification requirement that updates energy efficiency requirements for existing ships and regulates carbon dioxide emissions related to installed engine power, transport capacity and ship speed. In addition, in December 2022, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission reached an agreement on including the maritime transport sector in the E.U.’s carbon dioxide Emissions Trading System. Under the directive ships over 5,000 Gross Tons that transport passengers or cargo to or from E.U. member state or EEA ports are required to purchase and surrender emissions allowances equivalent to emissions for all or a half of a covered voyage, depending on whether the voyage was between two E.U. or EEA ports or an E.U. or EEA and a non-E.U. or EEA port. The requirements are to be phased in from 2024 to 2026. Beginning in 2024, covered entities are required to procure and surrender allowances equivalent to 40% of their carbon emissions, with the amount increasing to 70% of carbon emissions in 2025 and 100% of GHG emissions in 2026.
Compliance with such laws and regulations have resulted in increased costs to our Company and are expected to entail significant expenses for a combination of: ship modifications, purchases of emissions allowances, alternative fuels and higher-cost compliant newbuilds. Compliance is also expected to result in changes to our operating procedures, including limitations on our ability to operate in certain locations and slowing the speed of our ships and may render some ships obsolete, which would adversely impact our operations. These issues are, and we believe will continue to be, areas of focus by the relevant authorities throughout the world. This could result in the enactment of more stringent regulation of cruise ships that would subject us to increasing compliance costs in the future. We may not be able to
comply with future and existing regulations and may be subject to fines, penalties and limitations on our ability to operate. Some environmental groups continue to lobby for more extensive oversight of cruise ships and have generated negative publicity about the cruise industry and its environmental impact.
Additionally, in the past, states have implemented taxes that impact the cruise industry. It is possible that other states, countries or ports of call that our ships regularly visit may also decide to assess new taxes or fees or change existing taxes or fees specifically applicable to the cruise industry and its employees and/or guests, which could increase our operating costs and/or could decrease the demand for cruises.
Changes in tax laws, or challenges to our tax positions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We believe and have taken the position that our income that is considered to be derived from the international operation of ships as well as certain income that is considered to be incidental to such income (“shipping income”), is exempt from U.S. federal income taxes under Section 883, based upon certain assumptions as to shareholdings and other information as more fully described in “Item 1 - Business-Taxation.” The provisions of Section 883 are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect.
We believe and have taken the position that substantially all of our income derived from the international operation of ships is properly categorized as shipping income and that we do not have a material amount of non-qualifying income. It is possible, however, that a much larger percentage of our income does not qualify (or will not qualify) as shipping income. Moreover, the exemption for shipping income is only available for years in which NCLH will satisfy complex stock ownership tests or the publicly-traded test under Section 883 as described in “Item 1 - Business-Taxation-Exemption of International Shipping Income under Section 883 of the Code.” There are factual circumstances beyond our control, including changes in the direct and indirect owners of NCLH’s ordinary shares, which could cause us or our subsidiaries to lose the benefit of this tax exemption. Finally, any changes in our operations could significantly increase our exposure to either the Net Tax Regime or the 4% Regime (each as defined in “Item 1 - Business-Taxation”), and we can give no assurances on this matter.
If we or any of our subsidiaries were not to qualify for the exemption under Section 883, our or such subsidiary’s U.S.-source income would be subject to either the Net Tax Regime or the 4% Regime (each as defined in “Item 1 - Business-Taxation”). As of the date of this filing, we believe that NCLH and its subsidiaries will satisfy the publicly-traded test imposed under Section 883 and therefore believe that NCLH will qualify for the exemption under Section 883. However, as discussed above, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause NCLH to not meet the stock ownership or publicly-traded tests. Therefore, we can give no assurances on this matter. We refer you to “Item 1 - Business-Taxation.”
We may be subject to state, local and non-U.S. income or non-income taxes in various jurisdictions, including those in which we transact business, own property or reside. We may be required to file tax returns in some or all of those jurisdictions. Our state, local or non-U.S. tax treatment may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax treatment discussed above. We may be required to pay non-U.S. taxes on dispositions of foreign property or operations involving foreign property that may give rise to non-U.S. income or other tax liabilities in amounts that could be substantial.
The various tax regimes to which we have historically been subject result in a relatively low effective tax rate on our worldwide income. These tax regimes, however, are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. For example, the OECD and numerous jurisdictions have had an increased focus on issues concerning the taxation of multinational businesses and have adopted several related reforms, including the implementation of a global minimum tax rate of at least 15% for large multinational businesses starting January 1, 2024 or later, which could have a material adverse effect on our aggregate tax liability and effective tax rate. During the fourth quarter of 2023, in response to the OECD’s BEPS 2.0 Pillar 2 global tax reform, the Company restructured its organizational structure by realigning many of its operations across its three different brands into a single jurisdiction, Bermuda. In connection with the reorganization, among other steps, certain NCLH subsidiaries were redomiciled to Bermuda. If our assumptions and interpretations regarding the global minimum tax rules or our efforts to reorganize prove to be incorrect for any reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. We expect global tax reform will continue to evolve over the coming years and will continue to monitor these developments.
Additionally, previously we obtained an assurance from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 that, in the event that any legislation is enacted in Bermuda imposing any tax, including tax on profits or income among others, such tax shall not be applicable to them until March 31, 2035. Such assurances were superseded by the passage of new legislation as described below.
On December 27, 2023, the Bermuda Act was enacted in Bermuda. Under the Bermuda Act, the corporate income tax will be determined based on a statutory tax rate of 15% effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The corporate income tax will apply only to Bermuda tax resident businesses that are part of multinational enterprise groups with €750 million or more in annual revenues in at least two of the four fiscal years immediately preceding the year in question. Although the Government of Bermuda has already released limited guidance with respect to specific provisions of the Bermuda Act, it is anticipated that further administrative guidance as well as regulatory guidance will be released over the course of the 2024 calendar year and beyond.
As enacted, the Bermuda Act makes it clear that any corporate income tax liability is due regardless of the above assurances under the Exempted Undertakings Protection Act 1966. Therefore, we expect to be subject to the Bermuda corporate income tax with effect from January 1, 2025. The Bermuda Act provides for an international shipping income exclusion. In order for a Bermuda entity’s international shipping income to qualify for the exclusion, the entity must demonstrate that the strategic or commercial management of all ships concerned is effectively carried on from or within Bermuda. We expect we will meet the necessary requirements to qualify for the international shipping income exclusion during 2024, but we cannot provide any assurances. Additionally, the Bermuda Act provides for companies to be able to offset 80% of their Bermuda taxable income with any tax loss deductions available on an annual basis. The Bermuda Act provides for opening tax loss carryforwards based on the Bermuda taxable income (loss) results of the individual Bermuda entities in the five fiscal years prior to the enactment date, which includes 2020 through 2024 calendar years for the Company. If our assumptions and interpretations regarding the Bermuda Act prove to be incorrect for any reason, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
In addition, there cannot be certainty that the relevant tax authorities are in agreement with our interpretation of applicable tax laws. If our tax positions are challenged by relevant tax authorities, the imposition of additional taxes could increase our effective tax rate and have a negative effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The occurrence of any of the foregoing tax risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to comply with economic substance requirements in certain jurisdictions and increased costs associated with our efforts to comply may have a negative impact on our operations.
Our Company and certain of its subsidiaries are or may be subject to economic substance requirements in their jurisdictions of formation or continuation, including, but not limited to, Bermuda, Guernsey, Isle of Man, British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and Saint Lucia. Pursuant to the legislation passed in each jurisdiction, entities subject to each jurisdiction’s laws that carry out relevant activities as specified in such laws, are required to demonstrate adequate economic substance in that jurisdiction. In general terms, adequate economic substance means: (i) the entity is actually directed and managed in the jurisdiction; (ii) core income-generating activities relating to the applicable relevant activity are performed in the jurisdiction; (iii) there are adequate employees in the jurisdiction; (iv) the entity maintains adequate physical presence in the jurisdiction; and (v) there is adequate operating expenditure in the jurisdiction. We have evaluated the activities of NCLH, NCLC and their subsidiaries and have concluded that in some cases, those activities are 'relevant activities' for the purposes of the applicable economic substance laws and that, consequently, certain entities within our organization will be required to demonstrate compliance with these economic substance requirements. We have in the past and may in the future be subject to increased costs and our management team may be required to devote significant time to satisfying economic substance requirements in certain of these jurisdictions. If such entities cannot establish compliance with these requirements, we may be liable to pay additional penalties and fines in the applicable jurisdictions and/or required to re-domicile such entities to different jurisdictions that may have tax regimes and other regulatory regimes which may be less favorable.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Information about our cruise ships may be found under “Item 1. Business-Our Fleet” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
NCLH’s principal executive offices are located in Miami, Florida where we lease approximately 393,571 square feet of facilities.
We lease a number of domestic and international offices throughout Europe, Asia, South America and Australia to administer our brand operations globally. Norwegian owns a private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, which we utilize as a port-of-call on some of our itineraries. We operate a private cruise destination in Belize, Harvest Caye.
We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current needs, and that we are capable of obtaining additional facilities as necessary.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Our threshold for disclosing material environmental legal proceedings involving a governmental authority where potential monetary sanctions are involved is $1 million.
See “Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-Note 13 Commitments and Contingencies” in Part II of this Annual Report for information about material legal proceedings.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
NCLH owns all the outstanding ordinary shares of NCLC. Therefore, there is no market for NCLC’s ordinary shares.
Holders
As of February 16, 2024, there is one record holder of NCLC’s ordinary shares, NCLH.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Financial Presentation
The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and should be read in conjunction with the disclosures we make concerning risks and other factors that may affect our business and operating results. You should read this information in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report. See also “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” immediately prior to Part I, Item 1 in this Annual Report.
We categorize revenue from our cruise and cruise-related activities as either “passenger ticket” revenue or “onboard and other” revenue. Passenger ticket revenue and onboard and other revenue vary according to product offering, the size of the ship in operation, the length of cruises operated and the markets in which the ship operates. Our revenue is seasonal based on demand for cruises, which has historically been strongest during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months; however, our cruise voyages were completely suspended from March 2020 until July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our resumption of cruise voyages was phased in gradually, with full operation of our fleet resumed in May 2022. Passenger ticket revenue primarily consists of revenue for accommodations, meals in certain restaurants on the ship, certain onboard entertainment, government taxes, fees and port expenses and includes revenue for service charges and air and land transportation to and from the ship to the extent guests purchase these items from us. Onboard and other revenue primarily consists of revenue from casino, beverage sales, shore excursions, specialty dining, retail sales, spa services and Wi-Fi services. Our onboard revenue is derived from onboard activities we perform directly or that are performed by independent concessionaires, from which we receive a share of their revenue.
Our cruise operating expense is classified as follows:
● Commissions, transportation and other primarily consists of direct costs associated with passenger ticket revenue. These costs include travel advisor commissions, air and land transportation expenses, related credit card fees, certain government taxes, fees and port expenses and the costs associated with shore excursions and hotel accommodations included as part of the overall cruise purchase price.
● Onboard and other primarily consists of direct costs incurred in connection with onboard and other revenue, including casino, beverage sales and shore excursions.
● Payroll and related consists of the cost of wages, benefits and logistics for shipboard employees and costs of certain inventory items, including food, for a third party that provides crew and other hotel services for certain ships.
● Fuel includes fuel costs, the impact of certain fuel hedges and fuel delivery costs.
● Food consists of food costs for passengers and crew on certain ships.
● Other consists of repairs and maintenance (including Dry-dock costs), ship insurance and other ship expenses.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. We rely on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances to make these estimates and judgments. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. We believe that the following critical accounting policies reflect the significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. These critical accounting policies, which are presented in detail in our notes to our audited consolidated financial statements, relate to ship accounting and asset impairment.
Ship Accounting
Ships represent our most significant assets, and we record them at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of ships is computed on a straight-line basis over the weighted average useful lives of primarily 30 years after a 15%
reduction for the estimated residual value of the ship. Our residual value is established based on our long-term estimates of the expected remaining future benefit at the end of the ships’ weighted average useful lives. In 2022 and 2023, the Company took delivery of Norwegian’s first Prima Class Ship and Oceania Cruises’ first Allura Class Ship, respectively. Based on the design, structure and technological advancements made to these new classes of ships and the analyses of their major components, which is generally performed upon the introduction of a new class of ship, we have assigned the Prima Class Ships and Allura Class Ships a weighted-average useful life of 35 years with a residual value of 10%. Ship improvement costs that we believe add value to our ships are capitalized to the ship and depreciated over the shorter of the improvements’ estimated useful lives or the remaining useful life of the ship. When we record the retirement of a ship component included within the ship’s cost basis, we estimate the net book value of the component being retired and remove it from the ship’s cost basis. Repairs and maintenance activities are charged to expense as incurred. We account for Dry-dock costs under the direct expense method which requires us to expense all Dry-dock costs as incurred.
We determine the weighted average useful lives of our ships based primarily on our estimates of the costs and useful lives of the ships’ major component systems on the date of acquisition, such as cabins, main diesels, main electric, superstructure and hull, and their related proportional weighting to the ship as a whole. The useful lives of components of new ships and ship improvements are estimated based on the economic lives of the new components. In addition, to determine the useful lives of the major components of new ships and ship improvements, we consider the impact of the historical useful lives of similar assets, manufacturer recommended lives, planned maintenance programs and anticipated changes in technological conditions. Given the large and complex nature of our ships, our accounting estimates related to ships and determinations of ship improvement costs to be capitalized require judgment and are uncertain. Should certain factors or circumstances cause us to revise our estimate of ship service lives or projected residual values, depreciation expense could be materially lower or higher.
If circumstances cause us to change our assumptions in making determinations as to whether ship improvements should be capitalized, the amounts we expense each year as repairs and maintenance costs could increase, partially offset by a decrease in depreciation expense. If we reduced our estimated weighted average ship service life by one year, depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 would have increased by $19.4 million. In addition, if our ships were estimated to have no residual value, depreciation expense for the same period would have increased by $84.4 million. We believe our estimates for ship accounting are reasonable and our methods are consistently applied. We believe that depreciation expense is based on a rational and systematic method to allocate our ships’ costs to the periods that benefit from the ships’ usage.
Asset Impairment
We review our long-lived assets, principally ships, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Assets are grouped and evaluated at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. For ship impairment analyses, the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of other assets and liabilities is each individual ship. We consider historical performance and future estimated results in our evaluation of potential impairment and then compare the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, we measure the amount of the impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. We estimate fair value based on the best information available utilizing estimates, judgments and projections as necessary. Our estimate of fair value is generally measured by discounting expected future cash flows at discount rates commensurate with the associated risk.
We evaluate goodwill and trade names for impairment annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates the carrying value of a reporting unit may not be recoverable. In 2023, we changed our annual evaluation date for impairment from December 31 to October 1. We believe this measurement date, which represents a change in the method of applying an accounting principle, is preferable because it better aligns with the timing of the Company’s financial planning process, which is a key component of the annual impairment tests. The change in the measurement date did not delay, accelerate or prevent an impairment charge. The accounting policy change is not material and will be applied prospectively. For our evaluation of goodwill, we use a qualitative assessment which allows us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (i.e., more than 50%) that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. For trade names we also provide a qualitative assessment to determine if there is any indication of impairment.
In order to make this evaluation, we consider whether any of the following factors or conditions exist:
● Changes in general macroeconomic conditions, such as a deterioration in general economic conditions; limitations on accessing capital; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; or other developments in equity and credit markets;
● Changes in industry and market conditions such as a deterioration in the environment in which an entity operates; an increased competitive environment; a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics (in both absolute terms and relative to peers); a change in the market for an entity’s products or services; or a regulatory or political development;
● Changes in cost factors that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows;
● Decline in overall financial performance (for both actual and expected performance);
● Entity and reporting unit specific negative events such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, or customers; litigation; or a change in the composition or carrying amount of net assets; and
● Decline in share price (in both absolute terms and relative to peers).
It is at our discretion whether to perform the qualitative test and we may bypass the qualitative test in any period and proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test. We may also, at our discretion, resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period.
We believe our estimates and judgments with respect to our long-lived assets, principally ships, goodwill, trade names and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are reasonable. Nonetheless, if there was a material change in assumptions used in the determination of such fair values or if there is a material change in the conditions or circumstances that influence such assets, we could be required to record an impairment charge. If a material change occurred or the result of the qualitative assessment indicated it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, we would conduct a quantitative assessment comparing the fair value to its carrying value.
We have concluded that our business has three reporting units. Each brand, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Norwegian, constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results and, therefore, each brand is considered an operating segment.
For our annual impairment evaluation, we performed a quantitative assessment for the Regent Seven Seas reporting unit and of each brand’s trade names. Based on the results of the assessment, we determined there was no impairment of goodwill because the fair value of the Regent Seven Seas reporting unit substantially exceeded its carrying value. As of December 31, 2023, there was $98.1 million of goodwill remaining for the Regent Seven Seas reporting unit. Trade names were $500.5 million as of December 31, 2023. As of October 1, 2023, our annual impairment reviews support the carrying values of these assets. See Note 2 - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for more information.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted Gross Margin, Net Yield, Net Cruise Cost, Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income (Loss) to enable us to analyze our performance. See “Terms Used in this Annual Report” for the definitions of these and other non-GAAP financial measures. We utilize Adjusted Gross Margin and Net Yield to manage our business on a day-to-day basis because it reflects revenue earned net of certain direct variable costs. We also utilize Net Cruise Cost and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to manage our business on a day-to-day basis. In measuring our ability to control costs in a manner that positively impacts our net income (loss), we believe changes in Adjusted Gross Margin, Net Yield, Net Cruise Cost and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to be the most relevant indicators of our performance. Per Capacity Day data is not presented for the year ended December 31, 2022 as we do not consider it meaningful for comparison purposes due to our phased restart of cruise operations, which was completed in May 2022.
We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate as a supplemental financial measure as it is used by management to assess operating performance. We also believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure in determining our
performance as it reflects certain operating drivers of our business, such as sales growth, operating costs, marketing, general and administrative expense and other operating income and expense. In addition, management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure for our incentive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA is not a defined term under GAAP nor is it intended to be a measure of liquidity or cash flows from operations or a measure comparable to net income, as it does not take into account certain requirements such as capital expenditures and related depreciation, principal and interest payments and tax payments and it includes other supplemental adjustments.
In addition, Adjusted Net Income (Loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes certain amounts and is used to supplement GAAP net loss. We use Adjusted Net Income (Loss) as a key performance measure of our earnings performance. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparison to our historical performance. The amounts excluded in the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures may vary from period to period; accordingly, our presentation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss) may not be indicative of future adjustments or results. For example, for the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred $12.1 million related to restructuring costs or charges. We included this as an adjustment in the reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss) since the expenses are not representative of our day-to-day operations; however, this adjustment did not occur and is not included in the comparative period presented within this Annual Report.
You are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment used in calculating our non-GAAP financial measures and the reasons we consider our non-GAAP financial measures appropriate for supplemental analysis. In evaluating our non-GAAP financial measures, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in our presentation. Our non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Our presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other companies. Please see a historical reconciliation of these measures to the most comparable GAAP measure presented in our consolidated financial statements below in the “Results of Operations” section.
Financing Transactions
In February 2023, NCLC issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 8.375% senior secured notes due 2028. The net proceeds from the notes were used to repay the loans outstanding under our Term Loan A Facility that otherwise would have become due in January 2024, including to pay any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, as well as related premiums, fees and expenses.
In February 2023, our $1 billion commitment letter was extended through February 2024, with an option for NCLC to further extend the commitments through February 2025 at its election. Simultaneously, the amount of the commitment was reduced to $650 million, which may be drawn in up to two draws, and in connection with the execution of the current commitment letter, NCLC issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 9.75% senior secured notes due 2028. NCLC used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes. In February 2024, we extended the $650 million undrawn commitment from February 2024 to March 2024 while maintaining our option to further extend the commitment. We are currently taking steps to refinance the commitment, which is subject to approval by our Board of Directors. We expect the refinanced commitment to be extended for one year through March 2025, when effective.
In October 2023, NCLC issued $790 million aggregate principal amount of 8.125% senior secured notes due 2029. The net proceeds from the notes, together with cash on hand, were used to repay the Term Loan A Facility, including to pay any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, as well as related premiums, fees and expenses. No term loans remain outstanding.
Also in October 2023, NCLC entered into the Sixth ARCA, an amendment and restatement of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, which among other things, increased the aggregate amount of the Revolving Loan Facility from $875 million to $1.2 billion.
See Note 8 - “Long-Term Debt” for more information.
Update on Bookings
The Company continues to experience healthy consumer demand and is at an all-time high booked position and with pricing reflective of some of the best booking weeks in the Company’s history beginning with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, because of our cancellation policies, bookings may not be representative of actual revenues. Additionally, onboard revenue remains robust, with broad-based strength across all revenue streams.
As a result of the ongoing conflict in Israel and the Red Sea, the Company cancelled and redirected all calls to Israel during the fourth quarter of 2023. Additionally, all calls to Israel and the Red Sea have been cancelled and redirected for the entirety of 2024. Prior to the conflict, approximately 7% of the capacity in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 4% of capacity for the full year 2024 expected to visit the Middle East, which includes Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Approximately 1% of second quarter 2024 capacity and 1% of 2024 capacity were expected to sail through the Red Sea.
Macroeconomic Trends and Uncertainties
As a result of conditions associated with global macroeconomic events, the global economy, including the financial and credit markets, has experienced volatility and disruptions, including impacts to inflation rates, fuel prices, foreign currencies and interest rates. Our costs have been, and are expected to continue to be, adversely impacted by these factors. We have used, and may continue to use, derivative instruments to attempt to mitigate the risk of volatility in fuel prices and interest rates. In an attempt to mitigate risks related to inflation, our supply chain department has negotiated contracts with varying terms, with a goal of providing us with the ability to take advantage of cost declines when they occur, and diversified our sourcing options. These strategies may not fully offset the impact of current macroeconomic conditions; however, during 2023, we continued to see progress from our ongoing margin enhancement initiative. The Company continues to prioritize identifying and evaluating a variety of initiatives to improve its cost structure and margin profile, while preserving its brand equity and optimal guest satisfaction levels. Furthermore, we are exposed to fluctuations in the euro exchange rate for certain portions of ship construction contracts that have not been hedged. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report for additional information.
Climate Change
We believe the increasing focus on climate change, including the Company’s recently established targets for greenhouse gas reductions, and evolving regulatory requirements will materially impact our future capital expenditures and results of operations. We have set interim targets to guide us on our path to net zero and provide more details about them in our annual ESG Report. We expect to incur significant expenses related to these regulatory requirements and commitments, which may include expenses related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction initiatives and the purchase of emissions allowances, among other things. We have and may continue to be required to change certain operating procedures, for example slowing the speed of our ships, to meet regulatory requirements, which could adversely impact our operations. We are evaluating the effects of global climate change related requirements, which are still evolving, including our ability to mitigate certain future expenses through initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; consequently, the full impact to the Company is not yet known. Additionally, our ships, port facilities, corporate offices and island destinations have in the past and may again be adversely affected by an increase in the frequency and intensity of adverse weather conditions caused by climate change. For example, certain ports have become temporarily unavailable to us due to hurricane damage and other destinations have either considered or implemented restrictions on cruise operations due to environmental concerns. Refer to “Impacts related to climate change may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations” in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for further information.
Pillar 2 and Income Tax Expense
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, in response to changes in the global tax landscape due to the implementation of the OECD’s Pillar 2 global tax reform initiative, the Company restructured its organizational footprint by realigning many of its operations across its three different brands into a single jurisdiction, Bermuda, and exited our U.K. tax residency status for NCLH and NCLC as of December 31, 2023. The Company continues to monitor further regulations related to the implementation of the Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act, and the forecast of the Company’s non-exempt taxable income in the Bermuda and U.S. jurisdictions, and the outlooks for the cruise industry and broader economy. As a result of the enactment of the Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act 2023, the Company recognized additional deferred tax assets and has a valuation allowance related to our Bermuda deferred tax assets of $532.4 million as of December 31, 2023. The Bermuda deferred tax assets amount will continue to be evaluated through the enactment
date, January 1, 2025, and is subject to material change as this is an estimated amount. Refer to Note 12 - “Income Taxes” for further information. Additionally, the Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance with respect to its U.S. net deferred tax assets, which has a balance of $103.0 million as of December 31, 2023. We will continue to evaluate all relevant positive and negative evidence in monitoring the realizability of our deferred tax assets and determining the appropriate timing for the recognition of any valuation allowance reversal. In the future, the Company may recognize a material reversal of its valuation allowance on both its U.S. and Bermuda deferred tax assets. The Company would not expect to have a material change in its income tax expense, with the exception of any potential impact from a release of the valuation allowance.
Executive Overview
Total revenue increased 76.5% to $8.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $4.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022. Capacity Days increased by 29.0%.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we had net loss of $(122.7) million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we had net loss of $(2.0) billion. Operating income increased to $932.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from an operating loss of $(1.6) billion for the year ended December 31, 2022.
We had Adjusted Net Income of $299.0 million, for the year ended December 31, 2023, including $421.8 million of adjustments primarily consisting of share-based compensation and debt conversion options and related expenses, compared to Adjusted Net Loss of $(2.0) billion for the year ended December 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $(672.7) million for the year ended December 31, 2022. We refer you to our “Results of Operations” below for a calculation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA.
Results of Operations
The discussion below compares the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 to the year ended December 31, 2022. You should read this discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report. For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 to the year ended December 31, 2021, see “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023.
We reported total revenue, total cruise operating expense, operating income (loss) and net loss as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Total revenue
$
8,549,924
$
4,843,760
Total cruise operating expense
$
5,468,587
$
4,267,086
Operating income (loss)
$
931,993
$
(1,550,495)
Net loss
$
(122,738)
$
(1,970,431)
The following table sets forth operating data as a percentage of total revenue:
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
Passenger ticket
67.3
%
67.2
%
Onboard and other
32.7
%
32.8
%
Total revenue
100.0
%
100.0
%
Cruise operating expense
Commissions, transportation and other
22.0
%
21.4
%
Onboard and other
7.0
%
7.4
%
Payroll and related
14.8
%
22.5
%
Fuel
8.4
%
14.2
%
Food
4.2
%
5.4
%
Other
7.6
%
17.2
%
Total cruise operating expense
64.0
%
88.1
%
Other operating expense
Marketing, general and administrative
15.7
%
28.4
%
Depreciation and amortization
9.4
%
15.5
%
Total other operating expense
25.1
%
43.9
%
Operating income (loss)
10.9
%
(32.0)
%
Non-operating income (expense)
Interest expense, net
(9.8)
%
(18.5)
%
Other income (expense), net
(2.6)
%
9.9
%
Total non-operating income (expense)
(12.4)
%
(8.6)
%
Net loss before income taxes
(1.5)
%
(40.6)
%
Income tax benefit (expense)
0.1
%
(0.1)
%
Net loss
(1.4)
%
(40.7)
%
The following table sets forth selected statistical information:
Year Ended December 31,
Passengers carried
2,716,546
1,663,275
Passenger Cruise Days
23,311,672
12,791,773
Capacity Days (1)
22,652,588
17,566,069
Occupancy Percentage
102.9
%
72.8
%
(1)Excludes certain capacity on Pride of America, which was temporarily unavailable in 2022.
Adjusted Gross Margin and Net Yield were calculated as follows (in thousands except Capacity Days and per Capacity Day data):
Year Ended December 31,
Total revenue
$
8,549,924
$
4,843,760
Less:
Total cruise operating expense
5,468,587
4,267,086
Ship depreciation
753,629
700,988
Gross Margin
2,327,708
(124,314)
Ship depreciation
753,629
700,988
Payroll and related
1,262,119
1,088,639
Fuel
716,833
686,825
Food
358,310
263,807
Other
648,142
835,254
Adjusted Gross Margin
$
6,066,741
$
3,451,199
Capacity Days
22,652,588
Gross Margin per Capacity Day
$
102.76
Net Yield
$
267.82
Gross Cruise Cost, Net Cruise Cost, Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel were calculated as follows (in thousands except Capacity Days and per Capacity Day data):
Year Ended December 31,
Total cruise operating expense
$
5,468,587
$
4,267,086
Marketing, general and administrative expense
1,340,776
1,377,843
Gross Cruise Cost
6,809,363
5,644,929
Less:
Commissions, transportation and other expense
1,883,279
1,034,629
Onboard and other expense
599,904
357,932
Net Cruise Cost
4,326,180
4,252,368
Less: Fuel expense
716,833
686,825
Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel
3,609,347
3,565,543
Less Other Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Non-cash deferred compensation (1)
2,312
2,797
Non-cash share-based compensation (2)
118,940
113,563
Restructuring costs (3)
-
12,140
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel
$
3,488,095
$
3,437,043
Capacity Days
22,652,588
Gross Cruise Cost per Capacity Day
$
300.60
Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day
$
190.98
Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Capacity Day
$
159.33
Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Capacity Day
$
153.98
(1) Non-cash deferred compensation expenses related to the crew pension plan and other crew expenses, which are included in payroll and related expense.
(2) Non-cash share-based compensation expenses related to equity awards, which are included in marketing, general and administrative expense and payroll and related expense.
(3) Restructuring costs related to the workforce reduction are included in marketing, general and administrative expense.
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) was calculated as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Net loss
$
(122,738)
$
(1,970,431)
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Non-cash deferred compensation (1)
4,039
4,048
Non-cash share-based compensation (2)
118,940
113,563
Restructuring costs (3)
-
12,140
Extinguishment and modification of debt (4)
8,823
193,374
Debt conversion option, discount and expenses (5)
289,948
(309,687)
Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
$
299,012
$
(1,956,993)
(1) Non-cash deferred compensation expenses related to the crew pension plan and other crew expenses are included in payroll and related expense and other income (expense), net.
(2) Non-cash share-based compensation expenses related to equity awards are included in marketing, general and administrative expense and payroll and related expense.
(3) Restructuring costs related to the workforce reduction are included in marketing, general and administrative expense.
(4) Losses on extinguishments and modifications of debt are primarily included in interest expense, net.
(5) Consists of non-cash gains and losses related to our debt conversion options as well as the associated financing costs, which are recognized in other income (expense), net. Also includes the related debt discount and additional payment-in-kind interest recognized upon transfer to the debt principal, which is recognized in interest expense, net.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA were calculated as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
Net loss
$
(122,738)
$
(1,970,431)
Interest expense, net
835,999
895,242
Income tax (benefit) expense
(2,877)
5,633
Depreciation and amortization expense
808,568
749,326
EBITDA
1,518,952
(320,230)
Other (income) expense, net (1)
221,609
(480,939)
Other Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Non-cash deferred compensation (2)
2,312
2,797
Non-cash share-based compensation (3)
118,940
113,563
Restructuring costs (4)
-
12,140
Adjusted EBITDA
$
1,861,813
$
(672,669)
(1) Primarily consists of gains and losses, net on debt conversion options.
(2) Non-cash deferred compensation expenses related to the crew pension plan and other crew expenses are included in payroll and related expense.
(3) Non-cash share-based compensation expenses related to equity awards are included in marketing, general and administrative expense and payroll and related expense.
(4) Restructuring costs related to the workforce reduction are included in marketing, general and administrative expense.
Year Ended December 31, 2023 (“2023”) Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 (“2022”)
Revenue
Total revenue increased 76.5% to $8.5 billion in 2023 compared to $4.8 billion in 2022. In 2023, revenue primarily increased as a result of increases in our Occupancy following our return to service with 23.3 million Passenger Cruise Days compared to 12.8 million in 2022.
Expense
Total cruise operating expense increased 28.2% in 2023 compared to 2022. In 2023, our cruise operating expenses increased due to the resumption of voyages, resulting in higher payroll, food and direct variable costs of fully operating ships. In 2022, the year started with 16 ships operating with guests onboard and ended with the full fleet in service, which was completed in May 2022. Gross Cruise Cost increased 20.6% in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily related to the change in costs described above.
Interest expense, net was $836.0 million in 2023 compared to $895.2 million in 2022. The decrease in 2023 primarily reflects lower losses from extinguishment of debt and debt modification costs, which were $8.8 million in 2023 and $193.4 million in 2022. Excluding these losses, interest expense increased primarily as a result of higher rates.
Other income (expense), net was expense of $221.6 million in 2023 compared to income of $480.9 million in 2022. Other expense in 2023 and income in 2022 was primarily due to net gains and losses from conversion options on our exchangeable notes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
General
As of December 31, 2023, our liquidity of $2.2 billion consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $396.5 million, borrowings available under our $1.2 billion fully undrawn Revolving Loan Facility and a $650 million undrawn commitment less related fees. Our primary ongoing liquidity requirements are to finance working capital, capital expenditures and debt service. As of December 31, 2023, we had a working capital deficit of $4.9 billion. This deficit included $3.1 billion of advance ticket sales, which represents the total revenue we collected in advance of sailing dates and accordingly are substantially more like deferred revenue balances rather than actual current cash liabilities. Our business model, along with our liquidity and undrawn export-credit backed facilities, allows us to operate with a working capital deficit and still meet our operating, investing and financing needs.
In February 2023, NCLC issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 8.375% senior secured notes due 2028. The net proceeds from the notes were used to repay the loans outstanding under our Term Loan A Facility that otherwise would have become due in January 2024, including to pay any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, as well as related premiums, fees and expenses.
In February 2023, our $1 billion commitment letter was extended through February 2024, with an option for NCLC to further extend the commitments through February 2025 at its election. Simultaneously, the amount of the commitment was reduced to $650 million, which may be drawn in up to two draws, and in connection with the execution of the current commitment letter, NCLC issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of 9.75% senior secured notes due 2028. NCLC used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes. In February 2024, we extended the $650 million undrawn commitment from February 2024 to March 2024 while maintaining our option to further extend the commitment.
In October 2023, NCLC issued $790 million aggregate principal amount of 8.125% senior secured notes due 2029. The net proceeds from the notes, together with cash on hand, were used to repay the Term Loan A Facility, including to pay any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, as well as related premiums, fees and expenses.
Also in October 2023, NCLC entered into the Sixth ARCA, an amendment and restatement of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, which among other things, increased the aggregate amount of the Revolving Loan Facility from $875 million to $1.2 billion. No term loans remain outstanding.
Refer to Note 8 - “Long-Term Debt” for further details about the above financing transactions.
Based on our liquidity estimates and our current resources, we have concluded we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our obligations for at least the next 12 months. There can be no assurance that the accuracy of the assumptions used to estimate our liquidity requirements will be correct, and our ability to be predictive is uncertain due to the dynamic nature of the current operating environment, including any current macroeconomic events and conditions such as inflation, rising fuel prices and higher interest rates.
As noted above, we extended the $650 million undrawn commitment from February 2024 to March 2024 while maintaining our option to further extend the commitment. In February 2024, the Commitment Parties (as defined in Note 8 - “Long-Term Debt”) entered into a third amended and restated commitment letter (the “third amended commitment letter”), which is expected to become effective in March 2024. The effectiveness is subject to approval by our Board of Directors. Upon effectiveness, the third amended commitment letter will amend and restate the current commitment letter and extend the commitments thereunder through March 2025. Pursuant to the third amended commitment letter, and subject to effectiveness thereof, the Commitment Parties have agreed to purchase from NCLC an aggregate principal amount of $650 million of senior unsecured notes due five years after the issue date (the “Commitment Notes”) at NCLC’s option. If drawn, the Commitment Notes will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (A) the greater of (i) the interest rate of the 7.750% senior notes due 2029 (“2029 Unsecured Notes”) and (ii) the then-current secondary trading yield applicable to the 2029 Unsecured Notes plus (B) 200 basis points. The Commitment Notes will be subject to a one-time structuring fee of 0.50% and a quarterly commitment fee of 0.75% for so long as the commitments with respect to the Commitment Notes are outstanding. If drawn, the Commitment Notes will be subject to an issue fee of 0.50%. In connection with the execution of the third amended commitment letter, and subject to effectiveness thereof, NCLC has agreed to repurchase all of the outstanding Class A Notes (as defined in Note 8 - “Long-Term Debt”) at a purchase price of 107% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
We also intend to refinance the $565.0 million 3.625% senior unsecured notes due in December 2024 prior to September 2024. Within the next twelve months, we may pursue other refinancings in order to reduce interest expense and/or extend debt maturities. There is no assurance that cash flows from operations and additional financings will be available in the future to fund our future obligations. Beyond the next 12 months, we will pursue refinancings and other balance sheet optimization transactions in order to reduce interest expense and/or extend debt maturities. Refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors” for further details regarding risks and uncertainties that may cause our results to differ from our expectations.
At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. If we do not continue to remain in compliance with our covenants, we would have to seek additional amendments to or waivers of the covenants. However, no assurances can be made that such amendments or waivers would be approved by our lenders. Generally, if an event of default under any debt agreement occurs, then pursuant to cross default and/or cross acceleration clauses, substantially all of our outstanding debt and derivative contract payables could become due, and all debt and derivative contracts could be terminated, which would have a material adverse impact to our operations and liquidity.
Our Moody’s long-term issuer rating is B2, our senior secured rating is B1 and our senior unsecured rating is Caa1. Our S&P Global issuer credit rating is B, our issue-level rating on our $1.2 billion Revolving Loan Facility, 2028 Senior Secured Notes and 2029 Senior Secured Notes is BB-, our issue-level rating on our other senior secured notes is B+ and our senior unsecured rating is CCC+. If our credit ratings were to be further downgraded, or general market conditions were to ascribe higher risk to our rating levels, our industry, or us, our access to capital and the cost of any debt or equity financing will be further negatively impacted. We also have capacity to incur additional indebtedness under our debt agreements and may issue additional ordinary shares from time to time, subject to our authorized number of ordinary shares. However, there is no guarantee that debt or equity financings will be available in the future to fund our obligations, or that they will be available on terms consistent with our expectations.
As of December 31, 2023, we had advance ticket sales of $3.2 billion, including the long-term portion, which included approximately $78.0 million of future cruise credits. We also have agreements with our credit card processors that, as of December 31, 2023, governed approximately $2.9 billion in advance ticket sales that had been received by the Company relating to future voyages. These agreements allow the credit card processors to require under certain circumstances, including the existence of a material adverse change, excessive chargebacks and other triggering events, that the Company maintain a reserve which would be satisfied by posting collateral. Although the agreements vary, these requirements may generally be satisfied either through a percentage of customer payments withheld or providing cash funds directly to the card processor. Any cash reserve or collateral requested could be increased or decreased. As of December 31, 2023, we had cash collateral reserves of approximately $51.6 million, which includes $20.1 million recognized in accounts receivable, net and $31.5 million recognized in other long-term assets. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company received a return of cash collateral from one credit card processor of $500 million, which was previously classified as other long-term assets. We may be required to pledge additional collateral and/or post additional cash reserves or take other actions in the future that may adversely affect our liquidity.
Sources and Uses of Cash
In this section, references to 2023 refer to the year ended December 31, 2023, references to 2022 refer to the year ended December 31, 2022.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.0 billion in 2023 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $199.8 million in 2022. Net cash provided by operating activities included net losses and the timing differences in cash receipts and payments relating to operating assets and liabilities. The net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 included net losses of $(122.7) million and an increase in advance ticket sales of $503.7 million. The net cash provided by operating activities in 2022 included net losses of $(2.0) billion, an increase in advance ticket sales of $928.9 million and loss on extinguishment of debt of $188.8 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $2.9 billion in 2023, primarily related to three new ship deliveries and newbuild payments. Net cash used in investing activities was $1.8 billion in 2022, primarily related to the delivery of Norwegian Prima.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $351.2 million in 2023, primarily due to newbuild loans and $1.6 billion from our various note offerings, partially offset by debt repayments and a net decrease in our Revolving Loan Facility balance. Net cash provided by financing activities was $996.7 million in 2022, primarily due to newbuild loans and the proceeds of $2.1 billion from our various note offerings partially offset by debt repayments and related redemption premiums associated with extinguishment of certain senior secured notes.
For the Company’s cash flow activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, see “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023.
Future Capital Commitments
Future capital commitments consist of contracted commitments, including ship construction contracts. Anticipated expenditures related to ship construction contracts are $0.4 billion, $2.1 billion and $1.4 billion for the years ending December 31, 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively. We have export-credit backed financing in place for the anticipated expenditures related to ship construction contracts of $0.2 billion, $1.5 billion and $0.8 billion for the years ending December 31, 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively. Anticipated non-newbuild capital expenditures are $475 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Future expected capital expenditures will significantly increase our depreciation and amortization expense.
For the Norwegian brand, we have four Prima Class Ships on order, each ranging from approximately 156,300 to 169,000 Gross Tons with 3,550 to 3,850 Berths, with currently scheduled delivery dates from 2025 through 2028. For the Oceania Cruises brand, we have an order for one Allura Class Ship to be delivered in 2025. The Allura Class Ship will be approximately 67,800 Gross Tons and 1,250 Berths.
As of December 31, 2023, the combined contract prices, including amendments and change orders, of the five ships on order for delivery was approximately €5.8 billion, or $6.4 billion based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of December 31, 2023. We have obtained fixed-rate export-credit backed financing which is expected to fund approximately 80% of the contract price of each ship on order, subject to certain conditions. We do not anticipate any contractual breaches or cancellations to occur. However, if any such events were to occur, it could result in, among other things, the forfeiture of prior deposits or payments made by us and potential claims and impairment losses which may materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Capitalized interest for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $56.4 million and $58.4 million, respectively, primarily associated with the construction of our newbuild ships.
Material Cash Requirements
As of December 31, 2023, our material cash requirements for debt and ship construction were as follows (in thousands):
Thereafter
Total
Long-term debt (1)
$
2,365,645
$
1,905,404
$
2,715,005
$
3,655,025
$
2,189,874
$
4,207,094
$
17,038,047
Ship construction contracts (2)
282,218
1,904,962
1,326,932
1,273,658
1,186,339
-
5,974,109
Total
$
2,647,863
$
3,810,366
$
4,041,937
$
4,928,683
$
3,376,213
$
4,207,094
$
23,012,156
(1)
Includes principal as well as estimated interest payments with Term SOFR held constant as of December 31, 2023. Includes exchangeable notes which can be settled in shares. Excludes the impact of any future possible refinancings and undrawn export-credit backed facilities.
(2)
Ship construction contracts are for our newbuild ships based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we have committed undrawn export-credit backed facilities of $5.4 billion which funds approximately 80% of our ship construction contracts. Excludes the impact of expected future ship construction contracts that are not effective noted above.
For other operational commitments for lease and port obligations we refer you to Note 5 - “Leases” and Note 13 - “Commitments and Contingencies,” respectively, for further information.
Funding Sources
Certain of our debt agreements contain covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain a minimum level of liquidity, as well as limit our net funded debt-to-capital ratio, and maintain certain other ratios. Approximately $16.2 billion of our assets are pledged as collateral for certain of our debt. We believe we were in compliance with our covenants as of December 31, 2023.
In addition, our existing debt agreements restrict, and any of our future debt arrangements may restrict, among other things, the ability of NCLC to make distributions and/or pay dividends to NCLH and NCLH’s ability to pay cash dividends to its shareholders. NCLH is a holding company and depends upon its subsidiaries for their ability to pay distributions to finance any dividend or pay any other obligations of NCLH. However, we do not believe that these restrictions have had or are expected to have an impact on our ability to meet any cash obligations.
We believe our cash on hand, the impact of the undrawn commitment less related fees, borrowings available under our $1.2 billion fully undrawn Revolving Loan Facility, expected future operating cash inflows, our ability to issue debt securities and NCLH’s ability to issue additional equity securities, will be sufficient to fund operations, debt payment requirements, capital expenditures and maintain compliance with covenants under our debt agreements over the next 12-month period. Refer to “-Liquidity and Capital Resources-General” for further information regarding the debt covenant waivers and liquidity requirements.
Other
Certain service providers may require collateral in the normal course of our business. The amount of collateral may change based on certain terms and conditions.
As a routine part of our business, depending on market conditions, exchange rates, pricing and our strategy for growth, we regularly consider opportunities to enter into contracts for the building of additional ships. We may also consider the sale of ships, potential acquisitions and strategic alliances. If any of these transactions were to occur, they may be financed through the incurrence of additional permitted indebtedness, through cash flows from operations, or through the issuance of debt, equity or equity-related securities.
We refer you to “-Liquidity and Capital Resources-General” for information regarding collateral provided to our credit card processors.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
General
We are exposed to market risk attributable to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and fuel prices. We attempt to minimize these risks through a combination of our normal operating and financing activities and through the use of derivatives. The financial impacts of these derivative instruments are primarily offset by corresponding changes in the underlying exposures being hedged. We achieve this by closely matching the notional, term and conditions of the derivatives with the underlying risk being hedged. We do not hold or issue derivatives for trading or other speculative purposes. Derivative positions are monitored using techniques including market valuations and sensitivity analyses.
Interest Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2023, 95% of our debt was fixed and 5% was variable. As of December 31, 2022, 75% of our debt was fixed and 25% was variable, which includes the effects of an interest rate swap that matured during the year ended December 31, 2022. The change in our fixed rate percentage from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 was primarily due to the addition of fixed rate debt and refinancing variable rate debt with fixed rate debt. Based on our December 31, 2023 outstanding variable rate debt balance, a one percentage point increase in annual Term SOFR interest rates would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $6.8 million excluding the effects of capitalization of interest.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
As of December 31, 2023, future ship construction obligations aggregate €5.4 billion, or $6.0 billion based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the ship construction obligations aggregated €4.5 billion, or $4.8 billion, based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of December 31, 2022. The change from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 was due to an increase in contract price for our newbuild agreements. We estimate that a 10% change in the euro as of December 31, 2023 would result in a $0.6 billion change in the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency denominated remaining payments.
Fuel Price Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in fuel prices relates to the forecasted purchases of fuel on our ships. Fuel expense, as a percentage of our total cruise operating expense, was 13.1% for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 16.1% for the year ended December 31, 2022. We use fuel derivative agreements to mitigate the financial impact of fluctuations in fuel prices and as of December 31, 2023, we had hedged approximately 53% and 21% of our 2024 and 2025 projected metric tons of fuel purchases, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, we had hedged none of our 2024 or 2025 projected metric tons of fuel purchases. Additional fuel swaps were executed between December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 to lower our fuel price risk.
We estimate that a 10% increase in our weighted-average fuel price would increase our anticipated 2024 fuel expense by $63.7 million. This increase would be partially offset by an increase in the fair value of our fuel swap agreements of $34.1 million. Fair value of our derivative contracts is derived using valuation models that utilize the income valuation approach. These valuation models take into account the contract terms such as maturity, as well as other inputs such as fuel types, fuel curves, creditworthiness of the counterparty and the Company, as well as other data points.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are included beginning on page of this report.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management has evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of December 31, 2023. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. Based upon management’s evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023, to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO Framework”). Based on this evaluation under the COSO Framework, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Annual Report, as stated in their report, which is included on page.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only the reasonable assurance that our controls will succeed in achieving their goals under all potential future conditions.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
Not applicable.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Total Fees
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)
Fees:
Audit
$
5,725
$
4,975
Audit-related
Tax
All other
Total
$
6,778
$
6,203
Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 related to the aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) in connection with the audit of our financial statements and related internal controls over financial reporting.
Audit-related fees for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 related to an issuance of comfort letters.
Tax fees for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 related to tax preparation and other tax services.
All other fees for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included the PwC annual on-line subscription research tool.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Pursuant to the terms of its charter, the audit committee approves all audit and non-audit services provided by PwC. Any services provided by PwC that are not specifically included within the scope of the audit must be pre-approved by the audit committee prior to any engagement. All such services provided by PwC have been pre-approved in accordance with these procedures. The audit committee has considered and determined that the services provided by PwC are compatible with maintaining PwC’s independence.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(1) Financial Statements
Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and are included beginning on page of this report.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the three years ended December 31, 2023 are included on page 76.
(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Annual Report.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibit
3.1
Memorandum of Association of NCL Corporation Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.(A) to NCL Corporation Ltd.’s filed on October 3, 2005 (File No. 333-128780))
3.2
Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of NCL Corporation Ltd., effective as of June 13, 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to NCL Corporation Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2019 (File No. 333-128780))
3.3
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Other Rights of Series A-1 Preference Shares of NCL Corporation Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to NCL Corporation Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 10, 2020 (File No. 333-128780))
3.4
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Other Rights of Series A-3 Preference Shares of NCL Corporation Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to NCL Corporation Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 10, 2020 (File No. 333-128780))
3.5
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Other Rights of Series A-4 Preference Shares of NCL Corporation Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to NCL Corporation Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2022 (File No. 333-128780))
3.6
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Other Rights of Series A-5 Preference Shares of NCL Corporation Ltd. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to NCL Corporation Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2022 (File No. 333-128780))
4.1
Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2019, between NCL Corporation Ltd. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, with respect to $565.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.625% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2019 (File No. 001-35784))
4.2
Indenture, dated May 8, 2020, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, with respect to the 6.00% exchangeable senior notes due 2024 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2020 (File No. 001-35784))
4.3
Indenture, dated July 21, 2020, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, with respect to the 5.375% exchangeable senior notes due 2025 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on July 21, 2020 (File No. 001-35784))
4.4
Indenture, dated December 18, 2020, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, principal paying agent, transfer agent and registrar, with respect to the 5.875% senior notes due 2026 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2020 (File No. 001-35784))
4.5
Indenture, dated March 3, 2021, by and among NCL Finance, Ltd., as issuer, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, the other guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, principal paying agent, transfer agent and registrar, with respect to the 6.125% senior notes due 2028 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2021 (File No. 001-35784))
4.6
Indenture, dated November 19, 2021, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, with respect to 1.125% exchangeable senior notes due 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2021 (File No. 001-35784))
4.7
Indenture, dated February 18, 2022, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, principal paying agent, transfer agent, registrar and security agent, with respect to 5.875% senior secured notes due 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))
4.8
Indenture, dated February 18, 2022, by and between NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, principal paying agent, transfer agent and registrar, with respect to 7.750% senior unsecured notes due 2029 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))
4.9
Indenture, dated February 15, 2022, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, with respect to 2.50% exchangeable senior notes due 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))
4.10
Indenture, dated February 2, 2023, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, principal paying agent, transfer agent and registrar, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as security agent, with respect to 8.375% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))
4.11
Indenture, dated February 22, 2023, by and among, inter alia, NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, principal paying agent, transfer agent, registrar and security agent, with respect to the First Lien Senior Secured Notes (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))
4.12**
First Supplemental Indenture, dated October 11, 2023, by and between NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee.
4.13**
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated December 18, 2023, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee.
4.14
Indenture, dated October 18, 2023, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, principal paying agent, transfer agent and registrar, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as security agent, with respect to 8.125% Senior Secured Notes Due 2029 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))
9.1
Deed of Trust, dated January 24, 2013, by and between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and State House Trust Company Limited (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on January 30, 2013 (File No. 001-35784))
10.1**
Fifth Amendment Agreement, dated June 15, 2023, to Breakaway One Credit Agreement, dated November 18, 2010, by and among Breakaway One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, the lenders party thereto, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, collateral agent and CIRR agent, Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge, as documentation agent, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, as Hermes agent, and the other parties thereto #†
10.2**
Sixth Amendment Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, to Breakaway One Credit Agreement, dated November 18, 2010, by and among Breakaway One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, collateral agent and CIRR agent, Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge, as documentation agent, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, as Hermes agent, and the other parties thereto #
10.3**
Seventh Amendment Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, to Breakaway One Credit Agreement, dated November 18, 2010, by and among Breakaway One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, collateral agent and CIRR agent, Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge, as documentation agent, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, as Hermes agent, and the other parties thereto #
10.4**
Sixth Amendment Agreement, dated June 15, 2023, to Breakaway Two Credit Agreement, dated November 18, 2010, by and among Breakaway Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, the lenders party thereto, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, collateral agent and CIRR agent, Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge, as documentation agent, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, as Hermes agent, and the other parties thereto #†
10.5**
Seventh Amendment Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, to Breakaway Two Credit Agreement, dated November 18, 2010, by and among Breakaway Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, collateral agent and CIRR agent, Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge, as documentation agent, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, as Hermes agent, and the other parties thereto #
10.6**
Eighth Amendment Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, to Breakaway Two Credit Agreement, dated November 18, 2010, by and among Breakaway Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, collateral agent and CIRR agent, Nordea Bank Abp, filial i Norge, as documentation agent, Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft, as Hermes agent, and the other parties thereto #
10.7**
Fourth Supplemental Agreement, dated June 15, 2023, to Breakaway Three Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2012, by and among Breakaway Three, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR agent #†
10.8**
Fifth Supplemental Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, to Breakaway Three Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2012, by and among Breakaway Three, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR agent #
10.9**
Sixth Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, to Breakaway Three Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2012, by and among Breakaway Three, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR agent #
10.10**
Fifth Supplemental Agreement, dated June 15, 2023, to Breakaway Four Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2012, by and among Breakaway Four, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR agent #†
10.11**
Sixth Supplemental Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, to Breakaway Four Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2012, by and among Breakaway Four, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR agent #
10.12**
Seventh Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, to Breakaway Four Credit Agreement, dated October 12, 2012, by and among Breakaway Four, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR agent #
10.13
Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 18, 2023, by and among NCL Corporation Ltd., as borrower, Voyager Vessel Company, LLC, as co-borrower, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and as collateral agent, and the joint bookrunners and arrangers and co-documentation agents named thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.14**
Fifth Supplemental Agreement, dated June 15, 2023, to Seahawk One Credit Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and among Seahawk One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR Agent #†
10.15**
Sixth Supplemental Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, to Seahawk One Credit Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and among Seahawk One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR Agent #
10.16**
Seventh Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, to Seahawk One Credit Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and among Seahawk One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR Agent #
10.17**
Sixth Supplemental Agreement, dated June 15, 2023, to Seahawk Two Credit Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and among Seahawk Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR Agent #†
10.18**
Seventh Supplemental Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, to Seahawk Two Credit Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and among Seahawk Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR Agent #
10.19**
Eighth Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, to Seahawk Two Credit Agreement, dated July 14, 2014, by and among Seahawk Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as facility agent, Hermes agent, bookrunner, initial mandated lead arranger, collateral agent and CIRR Agent #
10.20
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2023, among Riviera New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Société Générale, as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent and SACE agent, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of July 18, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.21**
Amendment Agreement, dated October 24, 2023 and effective as of November 9, 2023, among Riviera New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Société Générale, as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent and SACE agent
10.22**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Riviera New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises Ltd., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Société Générale, as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent and SACE agent #
10.23
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2023, among Marina New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Société Générale, as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent and SACE agent, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of July 18, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.24**
Amendment Agreement, dated October 24, 2023 and effective as of November 9, 2023, among Marina New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Société Générale, as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent and SACE agent
10.25**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Marina New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises Ltd., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Société Générale, as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent and SACE agent #
10.26
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2023, among Explorer New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale, and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of July 31, 2013 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.27**
Amendment Agreement, dated October 24, 2023 and effective as of November 9, 2023, among Explorer New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale, and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee
10.28**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Explorer New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises Ltd., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee #
10.29
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2023, among Explorer II New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale, HSBC Bank PLC, and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of March 30, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.30**
Amendment Agreement, dated October 24, 2023 and effective as of November 9, 2023, among Explorer II New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale, HSBC Bank PLC, and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee
10.31**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Explorer II New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises Ltd., as charterer and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Société Générale, HSBC Bank PLC, and KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee #
10.32
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2023, among Leonardo One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of April 12, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.33**
Supplemental Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, among Leonardo One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee
10.34**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Leonardo One, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee #
10.35
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2023, among Leonardo Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as joint mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of April 12, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.36**
Supplemental Agreement, dated October 23, 2023, among Leonardo Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee
10.37**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Leonardo Two, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., as charterer, the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as mandated lead arrangers, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, SACE agent and security trustee #
10.38
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2023 and effective as of April 28, 2023, among Leonardo Three, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, HSBC Bank PLC, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as joint mandated lead arrangers, and BNP Paribas S.A. as agent, SACE agent and security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of April 12, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.39**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Leonardo Three, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, HSBC Bank PLC, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as joint mandated lead arrangers, and BNP Paribas S.A., as agent, SACE agent and security trustee #
10.40
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2023 and effective as of April 28, 2023, among Leonardo Four, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as joint mandated lead arrangers, and BNP Paribas S.A. as agent, SACE agent and security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of April 12, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.41**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Leonardo Four, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, HSBC Bank PLC, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., as joint mandated lead arrangers, and BNP Paribas S.A., as agent, SACE agent and security trustee #
10.42
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2023 and effective as of April 28, 2023, among Leonardo Five, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa
Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas, as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of December 19, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.43**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Leonardo Five, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee #
10.44
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2023 and effective as of April 28, 2023, among Leonardo Six, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas, as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of December 19, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.45**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Leonardo Six, Ltd., as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, NCL International, Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee #
10.46
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2023 and effective as of April 28, 2023, among Explorer III New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale., as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas, as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of December 19, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.47**
Amendment Agreement, dated October 24, 2023 (as modified by a side letter dated November 9, 2023 and a side letter dated November 13, 2023, and as partially effective as of November 9, 2023 and fully effective as of November 16, 2023), among Explorer III New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises S. de R.L., as member and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee #
10.48**
Side Letter, dated November 9, 2023, by and between BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, and Explorer III New Build, LLC, as borrower
10.49**
Second Side Letter, dated November 13, 2023, by and between BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, and Explorer III New Build, LLC, as borrower
10.50**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among Explorer III New Build, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Seven Seas Cruises Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee #
10.51
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2023, among O Class Plus One, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale., as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas, as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of December 19, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.52**
Amendment Agreement, dated October 25, 2023 and effective as of November 9, 2023, among O Class Plus One, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as member and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee
10.53**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among O Class Plus One, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises Ltd., as shareholder and charterer, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee #
10.54
Amendment and Restatement Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2023 and effective as of April 28, 2023, among O Class Plus Two, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale., as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee, which amends and restates the Loan Agreement, originally dated as of December 19, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2023 (File No. 001-35784)) #†
10.55**
Amendment Agreement, dated October 24, 2023 and effective as of November 9, 2023, among O Class Plus Two, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises S. de R.L., as member and shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee #
10.56**
Supplemental Agreement, dated November 30, 2023, among O Class Plus Two, LLC, as borrower, NCL Corporation Ltd., as guarantor, Oceania Cruises Ltd., as shareholder, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., the lenders party thereto, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, BNP Paribas Fortis S.A./N.V., HSBC Bank PLC, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.P.A., Banco Santander, S.A. and Société Générale, as joint mandated lead arrangers, BNP Paribas S.A., as facility agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as SACE agent, and HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as security trustee #
10.57
Second Amended and Restated Commitment Letter, dated February 22, 2023, among NCL Corporation Ltd. and the purchasers named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on February 27, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))
10.58
Amended and Restated Regent Trademark License Agreement, dated February 21, 2011, by and between Regent Hospitality Worldwide, LLC and Seven Seas Cruises, S. DE R.L. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Prestige Cruises International, Inc.’s Amendment No. 1 to Form S-1 filed on March 24, 2014 (File No. 333-193479))
10.59
Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and T. Robin Lindsay, entered into on October 18, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2017 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.60
Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and T. Robin Lindsay, dated as of February 14, 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on February 18, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.61**
Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and T. Robin Lindsay, dated as of September 1, 2023*
10.62
Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and Mark Kempa, entered into on July 17, 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on July 21, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.63
Employment Agreement by and between Prestige Cruise Services LLC and Andrea DeMarco, effective as of July 17, 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.64
Employment Agreement by and between Prestige Cruise Services LLC and Frank A. Del Rio, effective as of July 17, 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.65
Transition, Release and Consulting Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and Frank J. Del Rio, entered into on March 15, 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.66
Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and Harry Sommer, entered into on March 15, 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.67
Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and David Herrera, entered into on March 15, 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on March 20, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.68**
Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and Daniel S. Farkas, effective as of July 17, 2023*
10.69**
Employment Agreement by and between NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. and Patrik Dahlgren, effective as of June 12, 2023*
10.70
Form of Indemnification Agreement by and between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and each of its directors, executive officers and certain other officers (effective July 14, 2020) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on August 10, 2020 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.71
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Amended and Restated 2013 Performance Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 8-K filed on June 20, 2023 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.72
Form of Notice of Grant of Option and Terms and Conditions of Option (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2013 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.73
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on July 31, 2014 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.74**
Directors’ Compensation Policy (effective January 1, 2024)*
10.75
Form of Director Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.62 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on February 29, 2016 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.76
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Time and Performance-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2015 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.77
Form of Notice of Grant of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Time and Performance-based Option and Terms and Conditions (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on November 4, 2015 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.78
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Time-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (2017) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2017 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.79
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Performance-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (2017) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2017 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.80
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Performance-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (August 2017) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2017 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.81
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Time-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (2020) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.77 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2020 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.82
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Performance-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (2020) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.78 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s annual report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2020 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.83
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Time-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (President and Chief Executive Officer 2022) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.57 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.84
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Performance-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (President and Chief Executive Officer 2022) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.58 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.85
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Performance-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (2022) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.59 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.86
Form of Restricted Cash Retention Agreement (2022) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.60 to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2022 (File No. 001-35784))*
10.87**
Form of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Performance-based Restricted Share Unit Award Agreement (2023)*
21.1**
List of Subsidiaries of NCL Corporation Ltd.
24.1**
Power of Attorney (included on Signatures page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K)
31.1**
Certification of the Annual Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the President and Chief Executive Officer
31.2**
Certification of the Annual Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
32.1***
Certification of the Annual Report Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
97.1**
Policy Regarding the Recovery of Certain Compensation Payments
101**
The following materials from NCL Corporation Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K formatted in Inline XBRL:
(i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations of NCLC for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021;
(ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss of NCLC for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021;
(iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets of NCLC as of December 31, 2023 and 2022;
(iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of NCLC for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021;
(v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity of NCLC for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021;
(vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements; and
(vii) Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
104**
The cover page from NCL Corporation Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL and included in the interactive data files submitted as Exhibit 101.
# Certain portions of this document that constitute confidential information have been redacted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10).
†
Agreement restates previous versions of agreement.
* Management contract or compensatory plan.
** Filed herewith.
*** Furnished herewith.