The line pointed to poorly timed capacity expansion and internal operational shortcomings rather than a broader weakness in demand.
The company’s new president and CEO John Chidsey has admitted that “execution and cross-functional alignment have fallen short”.
“Our priority is to act urgently to address these gaps by improving coordination, reinforcing accountability, and strengthening financial discipline across the organisation,” he said.
The comments follow the sudden departure of Chidsey’s predecessor, Harry Sommer, last month.
NCLH CFO Mark Kempa backed Chidsey’s statements, telling analysts on an earnings call that the company’s performance struggles are mostly “self-inflicted wounds”, acknowledging that the line’s 40% capacity increase into the Caribbean was “premature”.
Despite some missteps in strategy, NCLH still managed to post a strong fourth quarter and full-year result this week, with total revenue growing 3.7% to US$9.8 billion for 12 months ending 31 Dec 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA for the fullyear increased by 11% to US$2.73 billion, exceeding the guidance of US$2.72 billion. The company also saw strong results for the fourth quarter, with a 6% uplift in revenue compared to the prior corresponding period.
