US operator Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCL) has pushed up fourth-quarter earnings while enjoying a record start to this year.
The company said net profit was $154.6m to 31 December, against $98.8m in 2017.
Revenue increased 10.5% to $1.4bn, compared with $1.2bn the year before, as it added another ship to the fleet.
There was also a growth in ticket prices and "robust onboard spending", it said.
Fuel price per tonne, net of hedges, increased to $496 from $460 in 2017.
Chief executive Frank Del Rio said: “The team at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings delivered a breakout year in 2018, once again generating industry-leading record financial performance.
"Strong global demand for our portfolio of brands, the successful, record-breaking introduction of Norwegian Bliss and the flawless execution of our demand creation strategies drove our fifth consecutive year of double-digit earnings per share growth."
Bookings at all-time high
The company has entered 2019 with bookings at an all-time high, with higher pricing as well.
Del Rio said NCL was "well-positioned to continue driving price throughout the year and into 2020, where we will also benefit from the first full year of sailings from Norwegian Encore and the addition of Regent’s Seven Seas Splendor.”
