Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which has a 6% increase in its shares on Thursday morning premarket trading after indicating a rebound in demand for its cruise holidays following sluggishness at the beginning of the year. The company also maintained its profit target.

Harry Sommer, the CEO, said that after a softening in early April, the company's 12-month booked position had risen above historical levels. On-board spending also remained strong.

The company's premium holidays were less popular at the beginning of the year due to geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and tariffs.

Peers Royal Carribean and Carnival increased their annual targets in the third quarter. They credited a strong demand, high ticket prices, and strong spending on board to offset the increase in fuel costs.

Norwegian Cruise Line's occupancy rate for the three months ending June 30 was 103.9% compared to 101.5% during the first quarter.

LSEG data shows that the company's annual adjusted earnings per shares forecast is a 16 percent increase to $2.05 compared to estimates of $2.02.

Norwegian Cruise Line and its competitors have expanded their fleets to meet the growing demand from affluent consumers.

The company's total revenue for the second quarter of $2.52 Billion missed expectations of $2.56 Billion, and adjusted earnings per share at 51 cents fell 1 cent short.

Norwegian Cruise Line expects current-quarter adjusted earnings of around $1.14 per share, which is below the average analyst expectation of $1.17. Reporting by Juveria tabassum from Bengaluru, editing by Devika Syamnath & Sriraj Kalluvila

(source: Reuters)