On 1st September it was announced that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has entered into an agreement to acquire Prestige Cruises International for $3.025 billion including the assumption of debt. Prestige is a very upscale operator that offers both the premium cruise brand of Oceania Cruises and the ultra-deluxe Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Negotiations were said to be at an advanced stage whilst Oceania was already looking to build two sisters to the Marina and Riviera plus Regent Seven Seas is awaiting the 2016 delivery of the Seven Seas Explorer. The deal will give NCL an extensive range of cruise products in the mainstream, premium and deluxe markets plus a fleet of 21 ships and at least five newbuilds. Prestige operates eight ships and approximately 6,500 berths under two segment-leading brands.

Oceania Cruises is the market leader in the upper-premium cruise segment with five ships offering destination-orientated cruise vacations to more than 330 ports around the globe, gourmet culinary experiences, elegant accommodations and personalised service. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the market leader in the luxury cruise segment and operates three award-winning, all-suite ships. Around 30 years ago the predecessor of NCL purchased Royal Viking Line and Royal Cruise Line with Orient Lines then being acquired in 1998. The company has gone from strength to strength off the back of the Jewel, Epic and Breakaway class ships so interesting times lay ahead.