In an update released with NCLH’s 2020 third-quarter results, president and chief executive Frank Del Rio said recently issued framework by the US CDC was “a step in the right direction” on the industry’s path to a safe resumption of operations.

“We will continue to collaborate with the CDC on next steps to relaunch operations with a shared goal of protecting the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.”

NCLH reported a net loss during the three months to 30 September of $677.4 million compared with a profit of $450.6 million year-on-year.

Revenue fell to $6.5 million, from $1.9 billion over the same period last year “due to the complete suspension of voyages in the quarter”.

NCLH added that it had a sustained monthly average cash burn of $150 million in the third quarter – which it expected to rise to $175 million a month in the current quarter.

Despite booking levels as a result of Covid-19 remaining “below historical levels”, NCLH said there “continues to be demand for future cruise vacations” particularly for sailings in the second half of 2021.

The group reported $1.2 billion of advance ticket sales at the end of September, including about $850 million of future cruise credits.

NCLH said pricing for 2021 “is in line with pre-pandemic levels”, even after including “the dilutive impact” of future cruise credits. 

The company emphasised its claims for “pent-up future demand” through recent booking records in September and October.

Successes included Oceania Cruises’ Labor Day upgrade sale which was the most successful holiday promotion in the line’s history, a new World Cruise opening day booking record for Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 2023 World Cruise and a new all-time largest single booking day in Regent’s history with the launch of its 2022-2023 Voyage Collection.