The New York and Oslo-listed cruiseship owner reported net earningsof $76.2m, or $0.35 per share, for the three months to 31 March versus $47m, or$0.21 per share, in the first quarter of 2012.

The return also represents a significant turnaround from thelosses seen during the previous quarters.

Total revenue for the period came in slightly higher at$1.91bn versus $1.83bn a year earlier.

“It