Who owns Norwegian Cruise Line? Here’s who owns NCL and its two sister brands
With a fleet of 19 ships that offer great food, award-winning entertainment and top-deck jaw-droppers like laser tag, go-karts and waterslides, Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the cruise industry's most popular brands.
But who owns Norwegian Cruise Line?
NCL is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a publicly traded parent company that owns three total brands. And if you're wondering who owns Oceania Cruises or who owns Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the answer is the same – NCLH.
Below is the list of cruise lines owned by NCLH, along with a brief explanation of each and how it came to be under NCLH control.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Originally founded as Norwegian Caribbean Lines in 1966, Norwegian Cruise Line was officially born in 1987, four years after Norwegian Caribbean Lines purchased and merged with Royal Viking Line.
As a forerunner among cruise lines, NCL was the first to sail weekly cruises from Florida to the Caribbean and the first cruise line to have a private island destination. It pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising, which has no formal dress codes and no set dining times or tablemates — a departure from the classic cruise style of the early days.
In its most modern iterations, the line features astounding technology that ranges from a giant virtual-reality arcade and laser tag to nearly full-scale Broadway productions.
In 2013, the line went public under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. One year later, NCLH acquired Prestige Cruises International, Inc. — the former parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises — from a private equity firm and rolled all three brands under the NCLH umbrella.
Related: All you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Created in 2002 by Frank Del Rio, longtime president and CEO of NCLH, Oceania Cruises is a luxury line that's a bit more affordable than some of the other luxury brands because it doesn't have as many amenities included in its fares.
It has eight elegant midsize ships, carrying from 670 to 1,250 passengers each. One of the line's main focuses is food. Oceania's culinary offerings are second to none in the industry, but that's expected with an executive culinary director as prestigious as French chef Jacques Pepin.
Oceania joined NCLH when Norwegian acquired Prestige Cruises International, Inc., in 2014.
Related: All you need to know about Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
In 1992, two brands — Seven Seas Cruises and Radisson Cruises — combined to form Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. In 2006, its name was changed to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which is what it remains today.
When the line changed hands in 2008, Prestige Cruises International, Inc. was created as an umbrella company for Regent and Oceania. Prestige was eventually purchased by NCLH in 2014, which brought Regent into the Norwegian family of cruise lines.
Regent operates as an ultra-luxury, nearly all-inclusive brand — perhaps the most lavish and expensive of any cruise line. It features fine linens, fantastic food, cooking classes, extensive onboard art collections and marble bathrooms. Its fares include things like gratuities, alcohol, Wi-Fi and even some shore excursions.
The fleet's seven vessels are on the smaller side, with the largest carrying just 750 passengers. That makes for more intimate experiences and fewer onboard crowds.
Related: All you need to know about Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings FAQ
Who is the sister company of Norwegian Cruise Line?
NCL has two sister companies, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Is Royal Caribbean owned by Norwegian?
No. Royal Caribbean is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean Group.
Is Carnival Cruise Line owned by Norwegian Cruise Line?
No. Carnival Cruise Line is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC.
Is Princess Cruises owned by Norwegian?
No. Princess Cruises is owned and operated by Carnival Corp.
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