Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is venturing further into the luxury market.
The New York-listed company has placed an order for a 750-berth passengership for its luxury brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises from Fincantieri.
The €475m ($542m) investment is set for delivery in late 2023 and will sail as a sister ship to 754-berth Seven Seas Explorer (built 2016) and 750-berth Seven Seas Splendor, to be delivered in 2020.
“We are excited to build on the spectacular success of Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor as we embark on bringing to life a new vessel that will set an even higher benchmark for elegance, luxury and style,” president and chief executive Frank Del Rio said.
“This new ship further strengthens our company’s robust yet measured growth profile with vessels now on order for all three of our award-winning brands, enabling us to expand our presence globally, further diversify our product offerings and continue to drive shareholder returns.”
Norwegian obtained export credit financing with favourable terms to fund 80% of the newbuild, subject to certain Italian government approvals.
Over the past year, Regent Seven Seas Cruises completed a $125m fleet renovation while beginning construction on Seven Seas Splendor, the company said.
Norwegian has 11 ships on order for delivery through 2027 -- seven for Norwegian Cruise Line, two for Oceania Cruises and two for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. It will take delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, in fall 2019.
Fincantieri said it has 10 ships on order for Norwegian in its order book, five of which have been secured in the last 5 months.
Norwegian's active fleet stands at 26 ships with 54,400 berths.
