Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

OR

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-35784 

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

7665 Corporate Center Drive, Miami, Florida 33126

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

(305) 436-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

There were 229,468,539 ordinary shares outstanding as of October 29, 2015.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to (i) the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to NCLH (as defined below) and its subsidiaries (including Prestige (as defined below), except for periods prior to the consummation of the Acquisition of Prestige (as defined below)), (ii) “NCLC” refers to NCL Corporation Ltd., (iii) “NCLH” refers to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., (iv) “Norwegian” refers to the Norwegian Cruise Line brand and its predecessors, (v) “Prestige” refers to Prestige Cruises International, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, (vi) “PCH” refers to Prestige Cruise Holdings, Inc., Prestige’s direct wholly owned subsidiary, which in turn is the parent of Oceania Cruises, Inc. (“Oceania”) and Seven Seas Cruises S. DE R.L. (“Regent”) (Oceania also refers to the brand Oceania Cruises and Regent also refers to the brand Regent Seven Seas Cruises), (vii) “Apollo” refers to Apollo Global Management, LLC, its subsidiaries and the affiliated funds it manages and the “Apollo Holders” refers to one or more of AIF VI NCL (AIV), L.P., AIF VI NCL (AIV II), L.P., AIF VI NCL (AIV III), L.P., AIF VI NCL (AIV IV), L.P., AAA Guarantor — Co-Invest VI (B), L.P., Apollo Overseas Partners (Delaware) VI, L.P., Apollo Overseas Partners (Delaware 892) VI, L.P., Apollo Overseas Partners VI, L.P., Apollo Overseas Partners (Germany) VI, L.P., AAA Guarantor — Co-Invest VII, L.P., AIF VI Euro Holdings, L.P., AIF VII Euro Holdings, L.P., Apollo Alternative Assets, L.P., Apollo Management VI, L.P. and Apollo Management VII, L.P., (viii) “TPG Global” refers to TPG Global, LLC, “TPG” refers to TPG Global and its affiliates and the “TPG Viking Funds” refers to one or more of TPG Viking, L.P., TPG Viking AIV I, L.P., TPG Viking AIV II, L.P., and TPG Viking AIV-III, L.P. and/or certain other affiliated investment funds, each an affiliate of TPG, (ix) “Genting HK” refers to Genting Hong Kong Limited and/or its affiliates (formerly Star Cruises Limited and/or its affiliates) (Genting HK owns NCLH’s ordinary shares indirectly through Star NCLC Holdings Ltd., its wholly owned subsidiary (“Star NCLC”)), and (x) “Affiliate(s)” or “Sponsor(s)” refers to the Apollo Holders, Genting HK and/or the TPG Viking Funds.

In February 2011, NCLH, a Bermuda limited company, was formed with the issuance to the Sponsors of, in aggregate, 10,000 ordinary shares, with a par value of $.001 per share. On January 24, 2013, NCLH consummated its initial public offering (“IPO”). In connection with the consummation of the IPO, the Sponsors’ ordinary shares in NCLC were exchanged for the ordinary shares of NCLH at a share exchange ratio of 1.0 to 8.42565 and NCLH became the owner of 100% of the ordinary shares and parent company of NCLC (the “Corporate Reorganization”). Accordingly, NCLH contributed $460.0 million to NCLC and the historical financial statements of NCLC became those of NCLH. The Corporate Reorganization was effected solely for the purpose of reorganizing our corporate structure. NCLH had not prior to the completion of the Corporate Reorganization conducted any activities other than those incidental to its formation and to preparations for the Corporate Reorganization and IPO. The Corporate Reorganization resulted in all parties being in the same economic position as they were immediately prior to the IPO. As the economic position of the investors did not change as part of the Corporate Reorganization, the Corporate Reorganization was considered a nonsubstantive merger from an accounting perspective.

As a result of the Corporate Reorganization, NCLC was treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the terms of the partnership (including the economic rights with respect thereto) are set forth in an amended and restated tax agreement for NCLC. Economic interests in NCLC were represented by the partnership interests established under the tax agreement, which we refer to as “NCL Corporation Units.” The NCL Corporation Units held by NCLH (as a result of its ownership of 100% of the ordinary shares of NCLC) represented a 97.3% economic interest in NCLC as of the consummation of the IPO. The remaining 2.7% economic interest in NCLC as of the consummation of the IPO was in the form of Management NCL Corporation Units held by management (or former management).

In the fourth quarter of 2014, all Management NCL Corporation Units were exchanged for NCLH ordinary shares and restricted ordinary shares. NCLH became the sole member and 100% owner of the economic interests in NCLC and the non-controlling interest no longer exists. Accordingly, following the exchange of the Management NCL Corporation Units, NCLC is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. No new NCLC profits interests or Management NCL Corporation Units will be issued; however, NCLH has granted, and expects to continue to grant, equity to its employees and members of its Board of Directors under its long-term incentive plan.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited and, in our opinion, contain all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented.

Our operations are seasonal and results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. Historically, demand for cruises has been strongest during the summer months. The interim consolidated financial statements should

be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are included in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we revised the classification of goodwill and intangible assets to separately present goodwill and tradenames. Other intangible assets consisting of customer relationships and backlog are presented within other long-term assets. The revision was not deemed material to the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Shareholders’ Equity

In connection with the Corporate Reorganization, previously granted profits interests to employees were exchanged for Management NCL Corporation Units (“Units”), and the vested Unit holders gained proportionate rights to distributions of NCLC and were therefore allocated a proportionate share of NCLC’s equity. The effect of this change was a $20.2 million increase in the non-controlling interest.

During 2014, following the effectiveness of NCLH’s registration statement on Form S-3, additional performance-based Units became eligible to participate in the earnings of NCLC, and as a result, a proportionate amount of NCLC’s equity was allocated to the additional non-controlling interest.   Each Unit holder had the right, subject to the same time-based and performance-based vesting requirements of the profits interests, to exchange Units for NCLH’s ordinary shares at a rate equal to one ordinary share for every Unit. When such an exchange occurred, this resulted in the exchange of non-controlling interest to controlling interest.  Accordingly, upon the exchange of a Unit for an ordinary share of NCLH, a portion of the non-controlling interest balance was reclassified to additional paid-in capital. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there was $9.0 million transferred to non-controlling interest.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Management NCL Corporation Unit holders were distributed funds for partnership tax payments of $3.9 million. In the fourth quarter of 2014, all Management NCL Corporation Units were exchanged for NCLH ordinary shares and restricted ordinary shares. We refer you to Note 1— “Corporate Reorganization”.

On April 29, 2014, NCLH’s Board of Directors authorized, and NCLH announced, a three-year share repurchase program for up to $500.0 million. NCLH may make repurchases in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, in accelerated repurchase programs or in structured share repurchase programs, and any repurchases may be made pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, NCLH repurchased approximately 2.5 million ordinary shares under its share repurchase program for $82.0 million, these shares are reflected as treasury shares at cost on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014 included in NCLH’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on October 31, 2014. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, 46,225 ordinary shares were repurchased to cover tax withholding obligations for employees who received NCLH’s ordinary shares in connection with the Acquisition of Prestige. These shares were not purchased pursuant to any publicly announced share repurchase programs. In addition, 83,396 ordinary shares were repurchased as part of the publicly announced share repurchase program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2015, $413.3 million remained available for repurchases of our outstanding ordinary shares under the share repurchase program.

Earnings Per Share

A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share was as follows (in thousands, except share and per share data):

Revenue and Expense Recognition

Revenue and expense includes taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between a seller and a customer. The amounts included in revenue and expense on a gross basis were $70.0 million and $51.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $184.4 million and $134.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Guest cancellation penalties are recognized in passenger ticket revenue in the month of the cancellation.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

The amortization of deferred financing fees are included in depreciation and amortization expense in the statements of cash flows but are not included in the depreciation and amortization expense in the statements of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-15 to clarify presentation for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, as this was not addressed in ASU No. 2015-03. ASU No. 2015-15 provides that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We will consider this guidance upon adoption of ASU No. 2015-03.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 to simplify the measurement of inventory for all entities. This applies to all inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost. The guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The guidance must be applied prospectively and will be effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this newly issued guidance to our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05 to clarify a customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The amendments provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license or if the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance will impact the accounting of software licenses but will not change a customer’s accounting for service contracts. The guidance will be effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of this newly issued guidance to our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03 to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by these amendments. This guidance should be applied on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. The guidance will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. We will adopt this newly issued guidance in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2015.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 which requires entities to recognize revenue through the application of a five-step model, which includes identification of the contract, identification of the performance obligations, determination of the transaction price, allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligation and recognition of revenue as the entity satisfies the performance obligations. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 deferring the effective date for one year. We can elect to adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2014-09 for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 including interim periods within that reporting period or we can elect to early adopt the guidance as of the original effective date. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this newly issued guidance to our consolidated financial statements.

The gross carrying amounts of intangible assets included within other long-term assets, the related accumulated amortization, the net carrying amounts and the weighted-average amortization periods of the Company’s intangible assets are listed in the following table (in thousands, except amortization period):

The aggregate amortization expense is as follows (in thousands):

The following table sets forth the Company’s estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five years below (in thousands):

On November 19, 2014, we completed the Acquisition of Prestige. Consideration for the Acquisition of Prestige includes a cash payment of up to $50 million upon achievement of certain 2015 net revenue milestones. The contingent consideration is valued using various projected 2015 net revenue scenarios weighted by the likelihood of each scenario occurring. The probability-weighted payout is then discounted at an appropriate discount rate commensurate for the risk of meeting the probabilistic cash flows. As the fair value is measured based upon significant inputs that are unobservable in the market, it was classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 consists of significant unobservable inputs we believe market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s contingent consideration are the estimated annual net revenue and the probabilities associated with attaining the threshold and target net revenue as defined by the Merger Agreement. A significant increase in the estimated net revenue or an increase in the probability associated

with reaching the target would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement. The maximum fair value would not be able to exceed $50 million, while an amount of net revenue less than 98% of target would result in no payout. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the fair value of the contingent consideration was reduced to zero based upon updates to the probability-weighted assessment of various projected revenue scenarios. We do not believe that the net revenue target will be met, and accordingly, we recognized a $43.4 million fair value adjustment during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, which was included in marketing, general and administrative expense.

The following table summarizes the change in fair value of the contingent consideration liability (in thousands):

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows (in thousands):

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was as follows (in thousands):

In August and May 2015, the Selling Shareholders sold an aggregate of 40,000,000 ordinary shares of NCLH in Secondary Equity Offerings. In March 2015, Genting HK and the TPG Viking Funds sold 12,500,000 ordinary shares of NCLH in a Secondary Equity Offering. The Company did not receive any proceeds from these offerings. As of September 30, 2015, the approximate relative ownership percentages of NCLH’s ordinary shares were as follows: the Apollo Holders (18.0%), Genting HK (13.3%), the TPG Viking Funds (2.3%), and public shareholders (66.4%).

In March 2015, we entered into an agreement with SWB Yankees, LLC related to sponsorship of and advertising with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, a Minor League Baseball team. Pursuant to the agreement, we will pay an annual fee to SWB Yankees, LLC of $200,000. Mr. David M. Abrams, one of our directors, is the co-managing partner of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

NCLH is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we had an income tax expense of $3.5 million compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 we had an income tax expense of $6.9 million compared to an income tax benefit of $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The benefit for the nine month period of 2014 includes a $5.3 million non-recurring benefit associated with the election of a tax method to calculate deductible interest expense.

Fair value is defined as the price at which an orderly transaction to sell an asset or to transfer a liability would take place between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions (that is, an exit price at the measurement date from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability).

Fair Value Hierarchy

The following hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value should maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available:

Derivatives

We are exposed to market risk attributable to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and fuel prices. We attempt to minimize these risks through a combination of our normal operating and financing activities and through the use of derivatives. We assess whether derivatives used in hedging transactions are “highly effective” in offsetting changes in the cash flow of our hedged forecasted transactions. We use regression analysis for this hedge relationship and high effectiveness is achieved when a statistically valid relationship reflects a high degree of offset and correlation between the fair values of the derivative and the hedged forecasted transaction. Cash flows from the derivatives are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the underlying hedged transaction. The determination of ineffectiveness is based on the amount of dollar offset between the cumulative change in fair value of the derivative and the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged transaction at the end of the reporting period. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if the hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, then the amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is released to earnings. In addition, the ineffective portion of our highly effective hedges is recognized in earnings immediately and reported in other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations. There are no amounts excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and there are no credit-risk-related contingent features in our derivative agreements.

We monitor concentrations of credit risk associated with financial and other institutions with which we conduct significant business. Credit risk, including but not limited to counterparty non-performance under derivatives and our Revolving Loan Facility, is not considered significant, as we primarily conduct business with large, well-established financial institutions that we have established relationships with and that have credit risks acceptable to us or the credit risk is spread out among a large number of creditors. We do not anticipate non-performance by any of our significant counterparties.

The following table sets forth our derivatives measured at fair value and discloses the balance sheet location (in thousands):

The fair values of swap and forward contracts are determined based on inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. The Company determines the value of options and collars utilizing an option pricing model based on inputs that are either readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets. The option pricing model used by the Company is an industry standard model for valuing options and is used by the broker/dealer community. The inputs to this option pricing model are the option strike price, underlying price, risk free rate of interest, time to expiration, and volatility. The fair value of option contracts considers both the intrinsic value and any remaining time value associated with those derivatives that have not yet settled. The Company also considers counterparty credit risk and its own credit risk in its determination of all estimated fair values. Our derivatives and financial instruments were categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, and we had no derivatives or financial instruments categorized as Level 1 or Level 3 as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Our derivative contracts include rights of offset with our counterparties. We have elected to net certain assets and liabilities within counterparties. We are not required to post cash collateral related to our derivative instruments. The following table discloses the amounts recognized within the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):

Fuel Swaps

As of September 30, 2015, we had fuel swaps maturing through December 31, 2019 which are used to mitigate the financial impact of volatility in fuel prices pertaining to approximately 1.4 million metric tons of our projected fuel purchases.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the fuel swaps which were designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2015, we had bought fuel swaps pertaining to approximately 40,000 metric tons offset by sold fuel swaps which were not designated as cash flow hedges. The bought fuel swaps were previously designated as cash flow hedges and were dedesignated due to a change in our expected future fuel purchases mix.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the fuel swaps which were dedesignated and recognized into earnings were as follows (in thousands):

Fuel Collars and Options

We had fuel collars and fuel options maturing through December 2014, which were used to mitigate the financial impact of volatility in fuel prices of our fuel purchases.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the fuel collars which were designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in thousands):

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the fuel options which were not designated as hedging instruments were as follows (in thousands):

Foreign Currency Options

We had foreign currency options that matured through January 2014, which consisted of call options with deferred premiums. These options were used to mitigate the financial impact of volatility in foreign currency exchange rates related to our ship construction contracts denominated in euros. If the spot rate at the date the ships were delivered was less than the strike price under these option contracts, we would have paid the deferred premium and would not exercise the foreign currency options.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the foreign currency options which were designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in thousands):

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

As of September 30, 2015, we had foreign currency forward contracts which were used to mitigate the financial impact of volatility in foreign currency exchange rates related to our ship construction contracts and forecasted Dry-dock payments denominated in euros. The notional amount of our foreign currency forward contracts was €0.9 billion, or $1.0 billion based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of September 30, 2015.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the foreign currency forward contracts which were designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in thousands):

We had a foreign currency forward contract related to a foreign currency financial instrument denominated in Norwegian kroner that matured in July 2015.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the foreign currency forward contract which was not designated as a cash flow hedge was as follows (in thousands):

Foreign Currency Collar

We had a foreign currency collar that matured in January 2014, which was used to mitigate the volatility of foreign currency exchange rates related to our ship construction contracts denominated in euros.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the foreign currency collar which was designated as a cash flow hedge was as follows (in thousands):

As of September 30, 2015, we had a foreign currency collar which was used to mitigate the financial impact of volatility in foreign currency exchange rates related to a ship construction contract. The notional amount of our foreign currency collar was €274.4 million, or $306.7 million based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of September 30, 2015.

The effect on the consolidated financial statements of the foreign currency collar contract which was not designated as a cash flow hedge was as follows (in thousands):

Interest Rate Swaps

As of September 30, 2015, we had interest rate swap agreements to mitigate our exposure to interest rate movements and to manage our interest expense. The notional amount of outstanding debt associated with the interest rate swap agreements was $1.1 billion.

The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the interest rates swaps which were designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in thousands):

We had an interest rate swap that matured in January 2015, which was used to mitigate our exposure to interest rate movements and to manage our interest expense.

The effect on the consolidated financial statements of the interest rate swap which was not designated as a cash flow hedge was as follows (in thousands):

Long-Term Debt

As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of our long-term debt, including the current portion, was $5,765.7 million and $6,229.1 million, which was $82.6 million and $45.0 million higher, respectively, than the carrying values. The difference between the fair value and carrying value of our long-term debt is due to our fixed and variable rate debt obligations carrying interest rates that are above or below market rates at the measurement dates. The fair value of our long-term debt was calculated based on estimated rates for the same or similar instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities. The calculation of the fair value of our long-term debt is considered a Level 2 input.

Other

The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets of all financial assets and liabilities other than our long-term debt approximate fair value.

Share Option Awards

On July 1, 2015, we granted 3.5 million share option awards to our employees at an exercise price of $56.19 with a contractual term of ten years. The share options vest equally over three years.

On August 4, 2015, we granted 700,000 share option awards to our employees at an exercise price of $59.43 with a contractual term of ten years. The share options vest equally over three years. In addition, on August 4, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the employment agreement with our President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to which we awarded 625,000 time-based share option awards, 416,667 performance-based share option awards and 208,333 market-based share option awards at an exercise price of $59.43 and contractual term of ten years. The time-based share option awards vest 50% on June 30, 2017 and 50% on June 30, 2019. The performance-based and market-based share option awards vest upon the achievement of certain performance and market-related metrics.

The performance-based awards are subject to performance conditions such that the number of awards that ultimately vest depends on the adjusted earnings per share (“Adjusted EPS”) and adjusted return on invested capital (“Adjusted ROIC”) achieved by the Company during the performance period compared to targets established at the award date. Because the terms of the performance-based awards provide discretion to make certain adjustments to the performance calculation, the service inception date of these awards precedes the grant date. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation expense beginning on the service inception date and remeasures the fair value of the awards until a grant date occurs. The estimate of the awards’ fair value will be fixed in the period in which the grant date occurs, and cumulative compensation expense will be adjusted based on the fair value at the grant date.

The following is a summary of option activity under our share option plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (excludes the impact of 416,667 performance based awards as no grant date has been established):

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $14.6 million and $64.1 million, respectively, and total cash received by the Company from options exercised was $11.5 million and $66.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Share-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $13.7 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $27.8 million, which includes $8.2 million related to the acceleration of certain equity awards of the former President and Chief Executive Officer, and was recorded in marketing, general and administrative expense.

Restricted Ordinary Share Awards

The following is a summary of restricted ordinary share activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015:

Restricted Share Units

On August 4, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the employment agreement with our President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to which we awarded 150,000 time-based restricted share unit awards, 100,000 performance-based restricted share unit awards and 50,000 market-based restricted share unit awards. The time-based restricted share unit awards vest equally on June 30, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. The performance-based and market-based restricted share unit awards vest upon the achievement of certain performance and market-related metrics.

The performance-based awards are subject to performance conditions such that the number of awards that ultimately vest depends on the adjusted earnings per share (“Adjusted EPS”) and adjusted return on invested capital (“Adjusted ROIC”) achieved by the Company during the performance period compared to targets established at the award date. Because the terms of the performance-based awards provide discretion to make certain adjustments to the performance calculation, the service inception date of these awards precedes the grant date. Accordingly, the Company recognizes compensation expense beginning on the service inception date and remeasures the fair value of the awards until a grant date occurs. The estimate of the awards’ fair value will be fixed in the period in which the grant date occurs, and cumulative compensation expense will be adjusted based on the fair value at the grant date.

The following is a summary of restricted share unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (excludes the impact of 100,000 performance-based awards as no grant date was established):

Other Employee Matters

On January 8, 2015, Kevin M. Sheehan resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, together with all of his positions and offices with the Company and its subsidiaries or affiliates, effective immediately. In connection with Mr. Sheehan’s resignation from the Company, Mr. Sheehan and the Company entered into a Separation Agreement and Release (the “Separation Agreement”). The Separation Agreement sets forth the terms of Mr. Sheehan’s resignation from the Company, including, among other things, a general release of claims in favor of the Company and certain non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality and cooperation undertakings. The Separation Agreement also provides that Mr. Sheehan will receive (i) all of his accrued and unpaid base salary (and accrued and unpaid vacation time) through January 8, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), (ii) his previously approved bonus payment for fiscal year 2014 of $1,627,500, (iii) a one-time cash separation payment in an amount equal to his base salary and target bonus and (iv) vesting of a portion of his outstanding unvested equity-based awards as of the Effective Date, and all remaining unvested equity-based awards shall immediately terminate, expire and be forfeited as of the Effective Date. This resulted in a total severance expense of $13.4 million of which $8.2 million was due to the acceleration of the equity-based awards which was recorded in marketing, general and administrative expense in January 2015.

Frank J. Del Rio was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company as of January 8, 2015.

Ship Construction Contracts

Norwegian Escape was delivered in October 2015. We have three other Breakaway Plus Class Ships on order with Meyer Werft shipyard for delivery in the spring of 2017, spring of 2018 and fall of 2019. These ships will be the largest in our fleet, reaching approximately 164,600 Gross Tons and approximately 4,000 Berths each. The combined contract price of these three ships is approximately €2.5 billion, or $2.8 billion based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of September 30, 2015. We have export credit financing in place that provides financing for 80% of their contract prices. We also have a contract with Fincantieri shipyard to build a luxury cruise ship to be named Seven Seas Explorer. The contract price of the ship is approximately €367.2 million, or approximately $410.4 million based on the euro/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of September 30, 2015. We have export credit financing in place that provides financing for 80% of the ship’s contract price. Seven Seas Explorer is expected to be delivered in the summer of 2016.

In connection with the contracts to build these ships, we do not anticipate any contractual breaches or cancellation to occur. However, if any would occur, it could result in, among other things, the forfeiture of prior deposits or payments made by us, subject to certain refund guarantees, and potential claims and impairment losses which may materially impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Litigation

In 2015, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation issued Notices of Violations to major cruise lines that operated in the state of Alaska, including Norwegian, for alleged violations of the Alaska Marine Vessel Visible Emission Standards that occurred over the last several years. We are cooperating with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and conducting our own internal investigation into these matters. However, we do not believe the ultimate outcome will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In the normal course of our business, various claims and lawsuits have been filed or are pending against us. Most of these claims and lawsuits are covered by insurance and, accordingly, the maximum amount of our liability is typically limited to our deductible amount.

Nonetheless, the ultimate outcome of these claims and lawsuits that are not covered by insurance cannot be determined at this time. We have evaluated our overall exposure with respect to all of our threatened and pending litigation and, to the extent required, we have accrued amounts for all estimable probable losses associated with our deemed exposure. We are currently unable to estimate any other potential contingent losses beyond those accrued, as discovery is not complete nor is adequate information available to estimate such range of loss or potential recovery. We intend to vigorously defend our legal position on all claims and, to the extent necessary, seek recovery.

Due to the Acquisition of Prestige, a number of employee positions were consolidated. As of September 30, 2015, we had an accrued expense balance of $3.1 million for restructuring costs for severance and other employee-related costs. An additional expense of $11.6 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and is included in marketing, general and administrative expense.

The following table summarizes changes in the accrual for restructuring costs (in thousands):

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had non-cash investing activities in connection with capital leases of $28.5 million and capital expenditures of $6.5 million.

During the three months ended September 30, 2015, we determined that for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and six months ended June 30, 2015, cash payments related to property and equipment were reported as a decrease in cash flows from operating activities related to the change in accrued expenses and other liabilities and prepaid and other assets when it should have been reported as a decrease in cash flows from investing activities related to additions to property and equipment. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and six months ended June 30, 2015 will be revised in future Form 10-Q filings, to increase cash from operating activities related to the change in accrued expenses and other liabilities and prepaid and other assets and increase in investing cash outflow from additions to property and equipment by $14.6 million and 18.5 million, respectively. We have determined that the revision is not material to our consolidated financial statements individually and in the aggregate.

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, we determined that for the year ended December 31, 2014, non-cash transactions related to the financing of one of our ships was reported as cash used for additions to property and equipment and cash provided by proceeds from long-term debt. The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, for the year ended December 31, 2014, will be revised in our Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2015, by decreasing cash used for additions to property and equipment and cash provided by proceeds from long-term debt by $82.0 million. We have determined that the revision is not material to our consolidated financial statements.

Norwegian Escape was delivered in October 2015. This ship is approximately 164,600 Gross Tons with approximately 4,200 Berths.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained, or incorporated by reference, in this report, including, without limitation, those regarding our business strategy, financial position, results of operations, plans, prospects and objectives of management for future operations (including development plans and objectives relating to our activities), are forward-looking statements. Many, but not all, of these statements can be found by looking for words like “expect,” “anticipate,” “goal,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “will,” “may,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend” and “future” and similar words. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance and may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements. Examples of these risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to:

The above examples are not exhaustive and new risks emerge from time to time. Our forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections regarding our present and future business strategies and the environment in which we will operate in the future. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change of events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement was based, except as required by law.

The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are included in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Terminology

This report includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as Net Revenue, Net Yield, Net Cruise Cost, Adjusted Net Yield, Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures are included below. For further information about our non-GAAP financial measures including detailed adjustments made in calculating our non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, we refer you to “Results of Operations” below. Unless otherwise indicated in this report, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

• Acquisition of Prestige. In November 2014, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we acquired Prestige in a cash and stock transaction for total consideration of $3.025 billion, including the assumption of debt. The acquisition consideration is subject to an additional cash payment of up to $50.0 million upon achievement of certain 2015 revenue milestones.

• Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA adjusted for other income (expense) and other supplemental adjustments.

• Adjusted EPS. Adjusted Net Income divided by the number of diluted weighted-average shares.

• Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel. Net Cruise Cost less fuel expense adjusted for supplemental adjustments.

• Adjusted Net Income. Net income adjusted for supplemental adjustments.

• Adjusted Net Revenue. Net Revenue adjusted for supplemental adjustments.

• Adjusted Net Yield. Net Yield adjusted for supplemental adjustments.

• Berths. Double occupancy capacity per stateroom (single occupancy per studio stateroom) even though many staterooms can accommodate three or more passengers.

• Breakaway Class Ships. Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.

• Breakaway Plus Class Ships. The next generation of ships which are similar in design and innovation to Breakaway Class Ships.

• Breakaway Two Credit Facility. €529.8 million Breakaway Two Credit Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2010, by and among Breakaway Two, Ltd. and a syndicate of international banks and related Guarantee by NCL Corporation Ltd., as amended.

• Business Enhancement Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures other than those related to new ship construction and ROI Capital Expenditures.

• Capacity Days. Available Berths multiplied by the number of cruise days for the period.

• Charter. The hire of a ship for a specified period of time whereby no crew or provisions are provided by the Company.

• Constant Currency. A calculation whereby foreign currency-denominated revenue and expenses in a period are converted at the U.S. dollar exchange rate of a comparable period in order to eliminate the effects of the foreign exchange fluctuations.

• Dry-dock. A process whereby a ship is positioned in a large basin where all of the fresh/sea water is pumped out in order to carry out cleaning and repairs of those parts of a ship which are below the water line.

• Gross Tons. A unit of enclosed passenger space on a cruise ship, such that one gross ton = 100 cubic feet or 2.831 cubic meters.

• EBITDA. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

• EPS. Earnings per share.

• GAAP. Generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.

• Gross Cruise Cost. The sum of total cruise operating expense and marketing, general and administrative expense.

• Gross Yield. Total revenue per Capacity Day.

• IPO. The initial public offering of 27,058,824 ordinary shares, par value $.001 per share, of NCLH, which was consummated on January 24, 2013.

• Management NCL Corporation Units. NCLC’s previously outstanding profits interests issued to management (or former management) of NCLC which were converted into units in NCLC in connection with the Corporate Reorganization.

• Merger Agreement. Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 2, 2014, by and among Prestige, NCLH, Portland Merger Sub, Inc. and Apollo Management, L.P., as amended, for the Acquisition of Prestige.

• Net Cruise Cost. Gross Cruise Cost less commissions, transportation and other expense and onboard and other expense.

• Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel. Net Cruise Cost less fuel expense.

• Net Revenue. Total revenue less commissions, transportation and other expense and onboard and other expense.

• Net Yield. Net Revenue per Capacity Day.

• Occupancy Percentage. The ratio of Passenger Cruise Days to Capacity Days. A percentage in excess of 100% indicates that three or more passengers occupied some staterooms.

• Passenger Cruise Days. The number of passengers carried for the period, multiplied by the number of days in their respective cruises.

• Revolving Loan Facility. $625.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility maturing on May 24, 2018.

• Secondary Equity Offering(s). Secondary public offering(s) of NCLH’s ordinary shares in August 2015, May 2015, March 2015, March 2014, December 2013 and August 2013.

• Selling Shareholders. Apollo Holders, Star NCLC and the TPG Viking Funds.

• Shipboard Retirement Plan. An unfunded defined benefit pension plan for certain crew members which computes benefits based on years of service, subject to certain requirements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as Net Revenue, Adjusted Net Revenue, Net Yield, Adjusted Net Yield, Net Cruise Cost, Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS, to enable us to analyze our performance. See “Terminology” for the definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures. We utilize Net Revenue and Net Yield to manage our business on a day-to-day basis and believe that they are the most relevant measures of our revenue performance because they reflect the revenue earned by us net of significant variable costs. In measuring our ability to control costs in a manner that positively impacts net income, we believe changes in Net Cruise Cost and Adjusted Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel to be the most relevant indicators of our performance.

As our business includes the sourcing of passengers and deployment of vessels outside of North America, a portion of our revenue and expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, particularly British pound, Canadian dollar, euro and Australian dollar which are subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates versus our reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. In order to monitor results excluding these fluctuations, we calculate certain non-GAAP measures on a Constant Currency basis whereby current period revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates of the comparable period. We believe that presenting these non-GAAP measures on both a reported and Constant Currency basis is useful in providing a more comprehensive view of trends in our business.

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate as a supplemental financial measure as it is used by management to assess operating performance. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure in determining our performance as it reflects certain operating drivers of our business, such as sales growth, operating costs, marketing, general and administrative expense and other operating income and expense. Adjusted EBITDA is not a defined term under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a measure of liquidity or cash flows from operations or a measure comparable to net income as it does not take into account certain requirements such as capital expenditures and related depreciation, principal and interest payments and tax payments and it includes other supplemental adjustments.

In addition, Adjusted Net Revenue and Adjusted Net Yield, which excludes certain business combination accounting entries, are non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are useful as supplemental measures in evaluating the performance of our operating business and provide greater transparency into our results of operations. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude certain amounts and are used to supplement GAAP net income and EPS. We use Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS as key performance measures of our earnings performance. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparison to our historical performance. The amounts excluded in the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures may vary from period to period; accordingly, our presentation of Adjusted Net Revenue, Adjusted Net Yield, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS may not be indicative of future adjustments or results.

You are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment used in calculating our non-GAAP financial measures and the reasons we consider our non-GAAP financial measures appropriate for supplemental analysis. In evaluating our non-GAAP financial measures, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in our presentation. Our non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Our presentation of our non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to

other companies. Please see a historical reconciliation of these measures to the most comparable GAAP measure presented in our consolidated financial statements below in the “Results of Operations” section.

Financial Presentation

Revenue from our cruise and cruise-related activities are categorized by us as “passenger ticket revenue” and “onboard and other revenue.” Passenger ticket revenue and onboard and other revenue vary according to product offering, the size of the ship in operation, the length of cruises operated and the markets in which the ship operates. Our revenue is seasonal based on demand for cruises, which has historically been strongest during the summer months.

Passenger ticket revenue primarily consists of revenue for accommodations, meals in certain restaurants on the ship, certain onboard entertainment, and includes revenue for service charges and air and land transportation to and from the ship to the extent guests purchase these items from us. Onboard and other revenue primarily consists of revenue from gaming, beverage sales, shore excursions, specialty dining, retail sales, spa services, photo services as well as certain Charter revenue. We record onboard revenue from onboard activities we perform directly or that are performed by independent concessionaires, from which we receive a share of their revenue.

Our cruise operating expense is classified as follows:

Critical Accounting Policies

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, see “Critical Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We have made no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Quarterly Overview

For the third quarter of 2015, on a GAAP basis, net income and diluted earnings per share were $251.8 million and $1.09, respectively. We reported Adjusted Net Income of $311.1 million and Adjusted EPS of $1.35, which excludes $17.0 million of expenses related to non-cash compensation, $0.4 million related to Secondary Equity Offering expenses, $1.4 million of severance costs, $6.1 million of expenses related to the Acquisition of Prestige, $3.0 million of a deferred revenue adjustment, $20.9 million related to the amortization of intangible assets, $3.8 million related to derivative expense and $6.8 million related to contract termination expenses.

In August 2015, the Selling Shareholders sold 20,000,000 ordinary shares of NCLH in a Secondary Equity Offering. We did not receive any proceeds from this offering.

Norwegian Escape was delivered in October 2015. This ship is approximately 164,600 Gross Tons with approximately 4,200 Berths.

Three months ended September 30, 2015 (“2015”) compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 (“2014”)

Total revenue increased 41.7% to $1.3 billion in 2015 compared to $0.9 billion in 2014. Net Revenue in 2015 increased 40.4% to $975.2 million from $694.4 million in 2014 due to an increase in Capacity Days of 17.6% and an increase in Net Yield of 19.4%.The increase in Capacity Days was primarily due to the Acquisition of Prestige.

Operating income was $306.8 million in 2015 compared to $234.8 million in 2014 and Adjusted EBITDA improved 37.1% for the same period (we refer you to our “Results of Operations” below for a calculation of Adjusted EBITDA).

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth operating data as a percentage of total revenue:

The following table sets forth selected statistical information:

Net Revenue, Adjusted Net Revenue, Gross Yield, Net Yield and Adjusted Net Yield were calculated as follows (in thousands, except Capacity Days and Yield data):