NCL made a loss of $14.9 million in the second quarter ending June 30 on revenue of $477.9 million.
This is compared to a net profit of $15.4 million on revenue of $478.4 million in the same period last year.
The net loss in the quarter included a one-off charge of $33.1 million related to foreign exchange contracts associated with the financing of new mega ship Norwegian Epic.
Excluding this non-recurring charge, net income for the period was $18.2 million, the cruise line reported.
EBITDA for the three months improved by 12.6% to $94.7 million against $84.2 million for the same period in 2009.
The line, with 11 ships, saw an improvement in net yield of 6.6% in the quarter, resulting in revenue increasing to $364.7 million from $353.9 million, despite a 3.3% decrease in available capacity in the quarter due to the departure of Norwegian Majesty from the fleet in October 2009.
The rise in net yield came from both improved pricing and increased onboard revenue.
The second half of 2010 is showing “solid improvements” in pricing from last year’s levels with load factors consistent with prior year, the company said.
“Unlike this same time last year, the company has been successful at holding price while balancing load factor. The booking curve continues to be healthy, but has narrowed from the highest levels achieved in the first quarter of 2010,” a statement said.
Chief executive Kevin Sheehan said: “The results for the quarter demonstrate that we are continuing to build momentum.
“Our improved results over last year were achieved while absorbing a 43% increase in the price of fuel.”
Average fuel cost per metric ton in the period climbed to $508 from $356 last year.
Sheehan added: “Norwegian Epic has been booking extremely well, setting records week after week since her introduction in Europe and subsequent inaugural events in New York and Miami.
“We could not have asked for a better way to introduce Norwegian Epic to the world. From the delighted looks on guests’ faces and the tremendous positive feedback we’ve received from those who sailed on her, we know that all the hard work and dedication by all of Norwegian’s team members has created something truly special.”
Norwegian Epic is sailing alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries on Saturdays from Miami until April 2011, when it will reposition to start its summer Mediterranean season out of Barcelona.