Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, played down the significance of Donald Trump’s threatened cruise tax during the company’s year-end earnings call.
He indicated that changes to taxes would require legislative action and mentioned the complexities of the cruise business, particularly the limited time ships spend in U.S. waters.
Sommer noted positive developments from the Trump administration, such as efforts towards peace in the Middle East and between Ukraine and Russia, which could benefit the cruise industry in 2026.
He expressed that one third of Norwegian’s fleet will be positioned in Northern Europe next year, with potential for enhanced operations if Saint Petersburg becomes accessible in summer 2026.
Sommer reflected on the dual impact of these geopolitical changes, conveying a desire for humanitarian peace while recognising potential business advantages for Norwegian Cruise Line.
Mr Sommeer shared: “It’s really hard for us to speculate on what this would mean to us,” Sommer said. Sommer also pointed to what he called positive things coming out of the Trump Administration, including the push for sustained peace in the Middle East and potentially between Ukraine and Russia. That can be a significant tailwind for us in 2026. And that is all without being Saint Petersburg being available. If Saint Petersburg was to become available for the summer 2026 season, I think as a company with one third of our fleet based in that region of the world, we could disproportionately benefit.”
