Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd (NCLH), the world’s third largest cruise shipping group, has lowered its guidance for full year earnings and abandons.

The company cuts its earnings per share (EPS) forecast for this year to the range of $3.35 to $3.45 from a forecast of $3.65 to $3.85 in its first quarter interim report.

NCLH expects net yields to increase by 1.0% in as reported terms compared to a forecast of a 3.5% rise in the previous interim report.

“As a result of its revised expectations, the Company no longer expects to achieve its previously stated target of $5.00 Adjusted EPS in 2017,” NCLH said in a statement.

 "Although we experienced significant booking headwinds we delivered earnings consistent with expectations, generating Adjusted EPS growth of 20% for the first half of the year. As we enter the second half of the year, we are revising our earnings expectations primarily as a result of four factors: continued weak demand from our core North American consumer for European sailings at a time when half of our fleet is deployed in the region, including eight of our highest yielding ships; the effect of a weaker British pound post the Brexit vote; an adjustment to earlier pricing expectations for Miami-based Caribbean itineraries, which continue to outperform prior year despite a doubling of capacity in the low season months; and the impact from maintaining pricing discipline to minimize discounting," said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

 "With this revision to expectations, we are confident we will deliver strong earnings growth for full year 2016 and grow 2017 Adjusted EPS in the range of 15% to 25%," he said.