November 2, 2026 — Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), parent of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is cutting back on cruise fares that bundle in airfare. Executives told investors that fewer guests will sail on air-inclusive deals as the company works to trim costs and raise revenue.
What changed
On its third-quarter earnings call last week, NCLH said changes to guest and crew air, plus tweaks to its promotions, are part of an extra $100 million in expected annual run-rate savings and benefits. CEO John Chidsey described the included-air program as “basically a marketing subsidy.”
- Guests: a smaller share of future guests will have airfare built into their cruise fare. NCLH did not say which of its three brands, which sailings, or which promotions are affected.
- Timing: CFO Mark Kempa said the promotional changes were already made earlier in 2026. The savings phase in through late 2026, 2027 and 2028, because guests who booked under the old air offers still have to sail first.
- Crew air: savings on flying crew to and from ships are expected mostly in 2027.
- Pricing: NCLH is also rolling out a “base loading” pricing strategy on most second-half 2027 sailings and all 2028 sailings, aimed at earlier bookings and less discounting.
More focus on onboard and pre-cruise spending
In a separate update, NCLH said all three brands are upgrading websites, apps and the reservation system to sell more upgrades and add-ons before and during cruises. The new Great Tides Water Park at Great Stirrup Cay is meeting the company’s expectations for take rate and pricing, and Norwegian’s Haven suite product will get renewed emphasis in a January marketing campaign. No figures were given for these items.
| Item | Timing |
|---|---|
| Fewer air-inclusive guest fares | Promotions changed earlier in 2026; effect phases in late 2026–2028 |
| Crew air savings | Mainly 2027 |
| Base loading pricing | Most 2H 2027 sailings; all 2028 sailings |
| Haven marketing push | January campaign (year TBA) |
What it means for airline travelers
- If you fly non-rev to embarkation, an air-inclusive fare was never much use to you. Watch for cruise-only pricing on Norwegian, Oceania and Regent and compare it with any air-inclusive offer before you book.
- If you already hold a booking with air included, the company says those guests sail under the old program first. Keep your confirmation and check that the air component is still shown.
- Booking your own flights means you carry the risk of delays. Fly in at least a day before embarkation, especially if you are on standby.
- NCLH’s push for earlier bookings on late-2027 and 2028 sailings suggests less last-minute discounting, so waiting may not pay off as it used to.
- Nothing was said about travel-industry or interline rates.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News — NCLH Scales Back Included Airfare in Cost and Yield Push
- Cruise Industry News — NCLH Targets Onboard and Pre-Cruise Revenue
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