Elliott Investor Critiques Norwegian Cruise Management
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Should l Buy NCLH?
Source: stocktwits
- Stock Surge: Norwegian Cruise Line shares surged over 12% on Wednesday after Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake of over 10%, marking the best single-day gain in over 10 months, indicating a market reassessment of the company's potential value.
- Strategic Missteps: Elliott highlighted that Norwegian Cruise has been one of the worst performers in the S&P 500 over the past five years, with its stock failing to reflect its potential, particularly as private islands became a key driver of demand, which management inexplicably neglected.
- Call for Board Changes: Elliott is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the board at Norwegian Cruise, demanding the addition of truly independent directors with relevant industry and operational expertise to ensure the execution of an ambitious turnaround plan and improve corporate governance.
- Retail Sentiment Shift: According to Stocktwits data, retail sentiment on Norwegian Cruise shifted from 'bearish' to 'extremely bullish' within a week, with message volumes skyrocketing by 1,771%, reflecting a growing confidence among investors regarding the company's future prospects.
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Analyst Views on NCLH
Wall Street analysts forecast NCLH stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 21.490
Low
20.00
Averages
26.77
High
40.00
Current: 21.490
Low
20.00
Averages
26.77
High
40.00
About NCLH
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. is a global cruise company. The Company operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With a combined fleet of 32 ships and over 66,500 berths, it offers itineraries to over 700 destinations worldwide. Its brands offer itineraries to worldwide destinations, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, Canada, Bermuda, Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii. All its brands offer an assortment of features, amenities and activities, including a variety of accommodations, multiple dining venues, bars and lounges, spa, casino and retail shopping areas and numerous entertainment choices. All brands also offer a selection of shore excursions at each port of call, as well as air transportation and hotel packages for stays before or after a voyage. Norwegian’s ships cater to a variety of travelers with up to 20 dining options. Oceania Cruises offers onboard dining, with multiple open-seating dining venues.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Board Change Proposal: Elliott Management is advocating for a change in the board of directors to enhance governance and strategic direction.
New Business Plan: The firm is also pushing for the implementation of a new business plan aimed at improving operational efficiency and financial performance.
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- New Shipbuilding Agreement: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has signed an agreement with Fincantieri to construct one new cruise ship for each of its three brands, with deliveries scheduled between 2036 and 2037, further advancing the company's long-term fleet development strategy.
- Fleet Expansion Plan: This order adds a total of 17 newbuilds to NCLH's pipeline, expected to increase the fleet by approximately 46,600 berths by 2037, thereby enhancing the company's competitive position in the global cruise market.
- Financial Discipline Assurance: The initial capital outlay for the new ships is modest, and the agreement is not anticipated to materially impact near-term leverage or cash flow, ensuring the company maintains financial stability while expanding its fleet.
- Sustainability Commitment: The new ships are designed to accommodate green methanol as a future fuel source, reflecting the company's strategic direction towards environmental sustainability and aligning with industry trends.
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- Apple Product Launch Boost: Apple shares surged over 3% after announcing a product launch on March 4, with several new devices expected in the coming weeks, which not only boosted Apple's market performance but also generated positive sentiment across the tech sector.
- Airline Stocks Rally: Airline stocks showed strong performance on Tuesday, led by a 6% increase in Southwest Airlines after UBS upgraded its rating from neutral to buy with a price target of $73, which not only enhanced the overall performance of airline stocks but also contributed to a more optimistic market outlook.
- Mixed Economic Data: The U.S. February NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 5-month low of 36, below the expected 38, while the February Empire manufacturing survey slightly declined to 7.1, indicating uncertainty in economic recovery, as the market remains focused on upcoming corporate earnings and economic news.
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- Stock Surge: Norwegian Cruise Line shares surged over 12% on Wednesday after Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake of over 10%, marking the best single-day gain in over 10 months, indicating a market reassessment of the company's potential value.
- Strategic Missteps: Elliott highlighted that Norwegian Cruise has been one of the worst performers in the S&P 500 over the past five years, with its stock failing to reflect its potential, particularly as private islands became a key driver of demand, which management inexplicably neglected.
- Call for Board Changes: Elliott is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the board at Norwegian Cruise, demanding the addition of truly independent directors with relevant industry and operational expertise to ensure the execution of an ambitious turnaround plan and improve corporate governance.
- Retail Sentiment Shift: According to Stocktwits data, retail sentiment on Norwegian Cruise shifted from 'bearish' to 'extremely bullish' within a week, with message volumes skyrocketing by 1,771%, reflecting a growing confidence among investors regarding the company's future prospects.
See More
- Significant Stock Surge: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) shares rose 12.15% to $24.10 at Tuesday's close, primarily driven by Elliott Investment Management's disclosure of a stake exceeding 10%, indicating market anticipation for governance and strategic changes.
- Volume Spike: Trading volume reached 59.6 million shares, approximately 219% above the three-month average, reflecting strong investor interest in the company's future, which could lead to more aggressive market performance.
- Industry Comparison: Despite the cruise industry's recovery over the past three years, Norwegian has only achieved a 6% annualized total return, significantly lagging behind Carnival's 40% and Royal Caribbean's 64%, highlighting its competitive disadvantages and urgent need for cost structure improvements.
- Call for Governance Change: Elliott noted that NCL's SG&A expenses have grown nearly three times faster than its peers since 2013, emphasizing the necessity for a leadership and board shake-up to restore the company's competitive edge in the market.
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