With a fleet of 19 ships offering fine dining, award-winning entertainment and breathtaking top decks such as laser tag, go-karts and water slides, Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the most popular brands in the cruise industry.
But who owns Norwegian Cruise Line?
NCL is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, a publicly traded parent company that owns a total of three 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 they came to be under NCLH’s control.
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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.
A forerunner among cruise lines, NCL was the first to operate weekly cruises from Florida to the Caribbean and the first cruise line with a private island destination. It pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising, which has no formal dress codes and no set dinner times or table companions – a departure from the classic cruising style of the past.
In its most modern versions, the line features amazing technology that ranges from a massive virtual reality arcade and laser tag to near-full Broadway productions.
In 2013, the line went public under Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. A 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 brought all three brands under the NCLH umbrella.
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Related: Everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania cruises
Founded in 2002 by Frank Del Rio, former president and CEO of NCLH, Oceania Cruises is a luxury line that is a bit more affordable than some other luxury brands because it doesn’t include as many amenities in its fares.
It has seven (soon to be eight) elegant mid-sized ships, each carrying 670 to 1,250 passengers. One of the main focuses of the line is food. Oceania’s culinary offering is unmatched in the industry, but that’s expected with a culinary director as prestigious as French chef Jacques Pepin.
Oceania joined NCLH when Norwegian acquired Prestige Cruises International, Inc. in 2014. took over.
Related: Everything you need to know about Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
In 1992, two brands – Seven Seas Cruises and Radisson Cruises – merged to form Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. In 2006 the name was changed to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which remains the name today.
When the line changed hands in 2008, Prestige Cruises International, Inc. established as an umbrella company for Regent and Oceania. Prestige was eventually purchased by NCLH in 2014, bringing Regent into the Norwegian family of cruise lines.
Regent operates as an ultra-luxury, almost all-encompassing brand – perhaps the most luxurious and expensive of all cruise lines. It features fine linens, fantastic food, cooking classes, extensive onboard art collections and marble bathrooms. Rates include things like gratuities, alcohol, Wi-Fi and even some shore excursions.
The six ships in the fleet are on the small side, with the largest carrying only 750 passengers. This ensures more intimate experiences and less crowds on board.
Related: Everything you need to know about Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Frequently Asked Questions about Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
Who is Norwegian Cruise Line’s sister company?
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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